Protecting a car’s sensitive electronics throughout its lifetime is a must, whether it’s a conventional ICE vehicle or an EV. However, the larger electronics in plug-in vehicles have more power, more heat and higher pressure differentials that present new technological challenges to OEMs and suppliers. Any power semiconductor inevitably generates heat while conducting current, due… Read more »
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Impregnating motors with thermal management materials to reduce hot spots
A doctoral candidate plucks a thermal management material out of LORD Corporation’s voluminous catalog, and one Ph.D. later, the EV world may have an exciting new boon for the efficiency of electric motors. Anyone working within the corporate world has probably been battered with the word “synergy” to the point of it being rendered meaningless…. Read more »
A closer look at how batteries fail
A lot of research has been done to improve lithium-ion battery safety, cycle life and power output over a range of high and low temperatures, yet understanding the fundamental processes and degradation mechanisms in Li-ion batteries remains a challenge. To understand the degradation processes of lithium-ion batteries, it is important to understand how they operate…. Read more »
Telefonix L2 PowerPost charging station uses low current for efficiency and lower cost
Telefonix, known for its rugged cord reels and its PowerPost Level 1 commercial charging stations (feature in Charged Issue 12), has entered the Level 2 EVSE market with UL approval of its L2 PowerPost EV charger. A low-current Level 2 charging station specifically designed for commercial outdoor use, the L2 PowerPost continues Telefonix’s focus on efficient,… Read more »
Audi’s 48-volt electrical system increases efficiency and reduces emissions
Yet another sign of how electrification technology is steadily creeping into legacy ICE vehicles: Audi plans to upgrade part of its vehicle electrical system from 12 to 48 volts. Current technology has taken 12‑volt electrical systems to their limits. Especially at low temperatures, the various static‑load consumers can account for the entire power generated by… Read more »
Musk: Highly satisfied Tesla owners’ suggestions will be implemented soon
Most folks who have comments about a product send an email to customer service. However, Model S owners are no ordinary consumers. A pair describing themselves as “two VERY highly satisfied Tesla owners from Southold, New York” took out a full-page ad in the Palo Alto Daily, thanking “automotive visionary” Elon Musk for building “the… Read more »
Infineon to acquire International Rectifier, pioneer in wide-bandgap semiconductors
Infineon Technologies (OTC: IFNNF), Germany’s largest chipmaker, will acquire California-based International Rectifier (NYSE: IRF) for $40 per share in a $3 billion deal. International Rectifier specializes in power-management semiconductors. Particularly attractive to Infineon is IRF’s expertise in gallium nitride on silicon (GaN) semiconductors. According to Bloomberg, the acquisition will solidify Infineon’s position in GaN discretes… Read more »
New study: Most drivers are better off with an under-100-mile EV range
Conventional EV wisdom is that it’s all about range. Most of the mainstream press seems to assume that EVs won’t be taken seriously until they have ranges comparable to legacy vehicles. Automakers are in “a race” to produce a 200-mile EV. However, a new study suggests that, as long as battery costs remain above $100/kWh,… Read more »
OXIS and Multi Source Power work together to develop marine lithium-sulfur batteries
UK-based battery maker OXIS and Multi Source Power (MSP), a manufacturer of hybrid and electric marine drivetrains, have formed a partnership to develop lithium-sulfur batteries for marine applications. The new product will be part of the Ghost Power Brand, and is scheduled for launch in the spring of 2015. It will be a versatile battery… Read more »
July plug-in sales: LEAF sets 17th straight monthly record
July plug-in sales were lower than in May or June, but 2014 is still on track to handily beat 2013’s figure. Sales of the industry-leading LEAF surged to 3,019 in July, the 17th consecutive monthly record, and just a little shy of May’s all-time monthly best. The 2015 LEAFs are now available for adoption –… Read more »