Since Tesla’s 2003 founding, there’s been a steady stream of articles explaining why it would soon go belly-up. The latest comes from a seemingly unlikely source: Bob Lutz, the “father of the Chevrolet Volt.” Back in the day, Lutz and Musk seemed like fellow travelers – the former GM exec said he would always be… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "US Hybrid"
BMW CEO: New EV planned, but diesel still rules in Europe
Instant replay department: An auto exec makes a passing comment about future electrification plans; the pro-EV press hears what it wants to hear, and reports that the company is making a major new push to get charged. A couple of weeks ago, VW announced that it would continue several EV development programs – most of… Read more »
Toshiba’s new motor control IC
Toshiba has begun mass production of a system regulator IC with monitoring function for motor control systems in electric and hybrid vehicles. The new IC (TB9042FTG) has a strengthened monitoring function to reduce potential system failures. TB9042FTG provides a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication function to avoid microcontroller (MCU) failures. The system regulator IC and… Read more »
Volvo to produce an EV by 2019
Volvo has announced a major expansion of its electrification plans. The company says it will introduce PHEVs across its entire range, and bring a pure EV to market by 2019. In the first phase of the new strategy, Volvo will introduce plug-in hybrid versions of its 90 series and 60 series larger cars, based on… Read more »
PG&E exportable power truck saves the day in California wildfire evacuation
The latest spate of California wildfires has driven thousands from their homes. In September, several hundred Calaveras County residents had taken shelter in a local church when the only generator went down, leaving the evacuees with no power to refrigerate their food or charge their phones. Electric vehicles to the rescue! Pacific Gas and Electric… Read more »
How much of a change is VW’s promised pivot to plug-ins?
Demoralized by its diesel deception, will Volkswagen now get serious about EVs? “Arguably, no major OEM is better positioned than VW to decisively accelerate the push towards plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles,” Lux Research recently noted, “[However], they will most likely carry on as usual after some apologies.” This week, VW’s board of directors released… Read more »
NOHMs wins $1.64-million contract to develop ionic liquid-based electrolytes
The United States Advanced Battery Consortium has awarded a $1.64-million contract to Rochester-based NOHMs (Nano Organic Hybrid Materials) Technologies for the development of electrolytes for lithium-ion battery applications. The 18-month program will focus on ionic liquid-based electrolyte and co-solvent combinations that exhibit high ionic conductivity and stability for application in 4.6-5.0-volt lithium-ion batteries. Founded in… Read more »
Karma is Fisker is Karma: The Luxury PHEV company rebrands and continues hiring
Fisker Automotive, the maker of the star-crossed plug-in hybrid sports car called the Karma, has now changed its name to Karma Automotive. The Fisker story has been colorful, and mostly tragic, since renowned designer Henrik Fisker co-founded the company in 2007. It was involved in a lawsuit with Tesla, became an issue in the 2012… Read more »
Slow sales for Tesla in Germany. Are more EV incentives on the way? (UPDATED)
Last month’s Frankfurt auto show was positively crackling with EV news, as Audi, BMW and Porsche presented concept EVs, Mitsubishi showed its 2016 Outlander PHEV, and several suppliers touted tech advances. However, the comparatively low-key presence of electric trendsetter Tesla – which was showing red, white and blue Model S but no Model X –… Read more »
BASF expands range of high-voltage plastics for color-coded connectors
BASF is expanding its range of engineering plastics for electric and hybrid vehicles. Tailor-made Ultramid and Ultradur materials are now available for equipping vehicle-interior and -exterior high-voltage plug-in connectors with precisely fitting characteristics. Plastics used for connectors in vehicles must meet stringent requirements regarding flame retardancy, color stability and electrical isolation. High-voltage connectors are typically… Read more »