How installing a few charging stations is more of a long-term solution than meets the eye. We often hear about the need for smart cities, smart grids, and sustainability in general, but what does it really mean? How can we ever hope to build a smart and sustainable global ecosystem, considering the energy-consuming path that… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "Xcel Energy"
Multiphase cooling: CapTherm’s technology takes the heat off
Canada’s CapTherm Systems’ multiphase cooling technology could take the heat off of EV batteries and charging stations more efficiently, taking up less space using fewer materials while improving longevity and performance. Charged takes an early peek at this innovation before it goes commercial next year. If you’ve never dropped your smartphone 10 feet onto pavement,… Read more »
BMW i3: The launch of many firsts
When you’re writing about the dawn of a new industry, “firsts” and “milestones” come along so often that they may start to lose their novelty. However, the BMW i3, which was officially “launched” in July, and is scheduled to go on sale next year, boasts an impressive number of innovations that has the EV press… Read more »
Australian researchers announce supercapacitor breakthrough
Researchers at Australia’s Monash University have developed a compact graphene-based supercapacitor device that lasts as long as a conventional battery, an advance with the potential to bring next-generation energy storage a step closer. Professor Dan Li of the Department of Materials Engineering and his team published their work this week in Science. Supercapacitors (SCs) are… Read more »
Land Rover’s Electric Defender begins real-world trials at the Eden Project in Cornwall
The first Electric Defender has started real-world trials at the Eden Project, a sort of environmental theme park near St Austell in Cornwall, UK. Land Rover calls the Electric Defender “a rolling laboratory to develop new ideas and investigate electrification in a real-world environment.” A fleet of six vehicles will be placed with various organizations… Read more »
Ultracap manufacturer raises $15 million in funding
Ioxus, a manufacturer of ultracapacitor technology, has raised $15 million in Series C funding from investors. The Westly Group, a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, led the financing. The company plans to use the funds to further research and development, expand manufacturing capabilities and increase sales and marketing operations. Ultracapacitors (aka ultracaps… Read more »
3M licenses NMC cathode technology to Chinese firm Reshine
3M has agreed to license several of its patents for nickel, manganese and cobalt (NMC) cathode technology to China-based Hunan Reshine New Material Company. 3M’s NMC cathode technology uses proprietary layered mixed metal oxide formulations of nickel, manganese and cobalt. By changing the composition and morphology, the balance of power, energy, and safety characteristics can… Read more »
Wildcat Discovery Technologies’ new cathode materials
We first told you about Wildcat Discovery Technologies back in the October/November 2012 issue of Charged. It is a venture-backed start-up in Southern California that has developed proprietary methods for rapidly synthesizing energy-storage materials. The company boasts that one of its busy scientists can produce 400 to 500 different battery materials at the same time… Read more »
Cadillac releases details of ELR suspension and steering systems
Cadillac’s new ELR electrified luxury coupe is built around the same basic powertrain as the popular Chevy Volt, but is designed to deliver a much more exciting driving experience. This week, Cadillac released some details of ELR’s advanced suspension and steering systems. “ELR’s methodical use of advanced suspension and steering technologies front and rear has… Read more »
Consumer Reports: Tesla Model S is the best car since 2007 (VIDEO)
Tired of hearing about a certain California carmaker? Well, sorry. Tesla’s name is all over the press this week, from gushers about stock market success to sour-grapes hit pieces about ZEV credits to tantalizing hints of next-gen batteries and self-driving sedans. However, this is the most important news of all for a prospective Model S buyer: Consumer… Read more »