The DOE is soliciting applications (DE-FOA-0001542) for funding to form a consortium that will pursue R&D topics related to improving the efficiency of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. A total of $12.5 million in funding is available, as part of the US-China Clean Energy Research Center, a bilateral initiative to encourage R&D collaboration between the two countries…. Read more »
Search Results Found For: "VIA Motors"
Tesla finds short circuit caused Norway Model S fire, updates software to enhance safety
An investigation by Tesla has determined that the January fire that destroyed a Model S while it was charging at a Supercharger station in Norway was caused by a short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical distribution box, according to Norwegian news site VG. “The cause was a short circuit in the distribution box in the car,”… Read more »
Electrified supercars in Geneva
At the recent Geneva Auto Salon, a number of smaller automakers had electrified supercars on display. Few of these are likely to be seen on the world’s roads any time soon, but it’s interesting to see how designers are combining electric and legacy drives for maximum performance. The British firm Arash (via Green Car Reports) unveiled a… Read more »
February plug-in sales: Tesla and Chevy battle for the lead, Ford grabs third by a nose
US plug-in sales are on the rise again – February’s figure of 7,881 was the fourth consecutive monthly record, and an increase of 13% over last February’s 6,951. The Tesla Model S regained the lead that it briefly lost to the Volt in January – estimated sales were 1,550 units in the US (via InsideEVs). The… Read more »
DOE issues $25-million funding opportunity for next generation of electric machines
The DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy intends to issue a new $25-million Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0001467) entitled “Next Generation of Electric Machines: Enabling Technologies.” Goals for next-gen motors include high power density, high revolutions per minute and integrated power electronics. The FOA may include the following topic areas: High Performance Thermal and… Read more »
CPT invests £1 million in switched-reluctance 48 V hybrid vehicle powertrains
Controlled Power Technologies (CPT) specializes in the low-voltage application of switched-reluctance machines to vehicle powertrains, providing electrification of the propulsion system with near full hybrid capability. The UK-based company has invested £1 million in seven projects, including new durability test cells and a low-volume manufacturing facility. The new investment was partially funded by the UK’s Advanced Manufacturing… Read more »
The next nifty EV feature: perpendicular steering
Add another item to the list of neat tricks that cars will soon be learning: the ability to maneuver sideways in order to slip into tight parking spaces. The OmniSteer project, funded by Germany’s Ministry of Education and Research, aims to develop a vehicle with “a lateral and transverse guidance system capable of performing orthogonal,… Read more »
Québec government provides funding for new electric drivetrain project
The Canadian province of Québec has taken a forward-looking stance on EVs – electric utility HydroQuébec is deploying public fast charging stations, and the provincial government has funded the development of an electric school bus and research into V2G technology. Now Québec Premier Philippe Couillard has announced that the province will make 16 million Canadian… Read more »
DOE announces $58 million in funding for advanced vehicle technologies
The DOE has announced a Funding Opportunity Announcement that makes $58 million available for the development of various types of automotive technology advancements. The DOE will fund cost-shared projects with private industry, national laboratories, and university teams. “Our work refining cars that are efficient, affordable and can plug into the grid will help propel us… Read more »
Chrysler’s new hybrid minivan has a plug (but don’t tell anyone)
Chrysler holds an enviable position atop the popular minivan segment, and the less respectable distinction of being the leading electrification skeptic among major automakers. So the company’s new plug-in hybrid minivan, which is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in late 2016, is something of a milestone. The Pacifica Hybrid, which Chrysler calls the industry’s first… Read more »