When some future author writes a book about the most influential cars in automotive history, the Nissan LEAF will be right up there with the Model T, the VW Beetle and the Tesla Model S. The LEAF was the first EV aimed at the mass market, and as of this writing, it remains the best-selling… Read more »
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From rapid prototyping to EV production with Pi Innovo’s M560 OpenECU
When you see the name Pi Innovo, your first thought might be of the famous mathematical constant that begins with 3.14. If you read it too quickly, you might be reminded of Pinocchio, the delightful tale of a physically deformed puppet. But from now on, when you see Pi Innovo, here’s what you should think… Read more »
TIMs can account for up to 50% of thermal resistance in IGBT stacks: WEBINAR
Thermal interface materials (TIMs) serve as the thermal path between a device and a heat sink. In automotive environments, extreme thermal stability is required to support the long product lives and warranties. So TIMs are critical to the thermal design of EV and HEV power modules where the material can account for up to 50% of… Read more »
Skeleton and Sumitomo partner to distribute graphene-based ultracapacitors
Ultracapacitor manufacturer Skeleton Technologies has signed a distribution agreement with Sumitomo Europe to provide energy storage solutions for the EV industry. Skeleton’s graphene-based ultracapacitors boast high power density, a recharge time of 2-3 seconds and more than one million life cycles. In EVs, ultracapacitors can be used in tandem with lithium-ion batteries, an arrangement that… Read more »
California report finds EVs are not crashing the grid just yet
It’s a legitimate worry: Will charging hundreds of thousands – and eventually, millions – of EVs overwhelm existing electric grids? A new analysis of real-world data from California brings good news: So far, EVs are not anywhere near crashing the grid. Since 2012, California regulators have required the state’s three investor-owned utilities (Pacific Gas and… Read more »
175 kW charging station opens in Germany, 350 kW coming soon
Charging network operator Allego has deployed what it calls Europe’s first “ultra-fast” charging station, at Kleinostheim near Frankfurt, Germany. The station includes four charging points, each with a capacity of 175 kW using the CCS standard. The company told Charged that the CCS chargers are backwards compatible and there’s also a charger available that is suitable for… Read more »
Fisker files patents on solid-state battery tech
Reborn automaker Fisker has filed patents for a new type of solid-state battery technology that it says could lead to much greater energy density and faster charging times. According to Fisker, current limitations of solid-state technology include low electrode current density, limited temperature ranges and non-scalable manufacturing processes. Other drawbacks include: low power and low… Read more »
The new LightningElectric conversion package for the Ford Transit
Loveland, Colorado-based Lightning Systems is accepting pre-orders for its new LightningElectric conversion package for the Ford Transit. Deliveries will begin in early 2018. The product will be available first on heavy-duty Transits with a 10,360-pound gross vehicle weight rating. Conversions and service are performed by Ford QVM-certified upfitters and dealers. Installation can be completed in… Read more »
Efficient Drivetrains reveals PHEV cement mixer truck for China
Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI), in partnership with truck manufacturer Shaanxi Automotive, is introducing a PHEV cement mixer truck to the Chinese market. The vehicle integrates EDI’s PowerDrive 8000 PHEV drivetrain and PowerSuite vehicle control software into a Shaanxi Class 8, 32-ton mixer truck. It is currently in the final stages of integration and testing, and… Read more »
Former Tesla production head offers insourcing insights
For years, automakers have been steadily outsourcing more and more of their manufacturing. Modern vehicles are assembled from parts made by suppliers all over the world, and in some cases, even the final assembly is done under contract by companies such as Magna and Valmet. Tesla has reversed this trend to a certain extent –… Read more »