Draper is developing a family of electric motors and generators based on fundamentally different principles from common e-motors used today. Underpinning the initiative is a recent patent on aspects of the technology. Draper says its approach to electric motors has numerous advantages over conventional electric motors, including lower weight, higher efficiency, higher specific power and… Read more »
Author: Tom Lombardo
Volvo Penta and TICO partner to develop e-trucks
Volvo Penta has joined forces with terminal tractor manufacturer TICO to develop electric terminal truck prototypes. Terminal tractors, also known as yard goats, are used to move cargo in ports, distribution centers, and rail terminals. They are considered an ideal application for EVs. “TICO has always been at the forefront of bringing alternative powertrain solutions… Read more »
Evonik launches new silicon-carbon anode material
Evonik has introduced the silicon-carbon composite material Siridion Black as a new anode material for lithium-ion batteries, claiming that it increases energy density, and improves fast-charging capability and energy efficiency. “Until now, graphite has been used as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries, but batteries with a higher capacity need new materials that also allow… Read more »
MIT study details plunge in lithium-ion battery costs
MIT researchers analyzed three decades of studies that examined the decline in lithium-ion battery prices, and found that costs have dropped by 97 percent since they were first commercially introduced in 1991. This rate of improvement is much faster than many analysts had claimed, and is comparable to that of photovoltaic panels, which some had… Read more »
Nexperia and UAES partner on gallium nitride power systems
Semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia has announced a partnership with United Automotive Electronic Systems (UAES), a provider of automotive powertrain and body control systems. The program will focus on power systems for EVs, with the aim of jointly developing automotive applications using gallium nitride (GaN) technology. UAES is currently using Nexperia GaN FETs in EV projects such… Read more »
Unifrax introduces new Li-ion anode technology
Unifrax has announced that its new proprietary technology, SiFAB (Silicon Fiber Anode Battery Technology), which is currently in advanced testing after years of R&D, has shown promising performance in multiple battery systems, enables higher energy density, and has demonstrated incremental Si loadings of greater than 40 percent. “SiFAB is the latest development from our long-standing… Read more »
Freudenberg expands battery material testing facilities
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has expanded its material testing capabilities to include performance and compatibility evaluations of the rubber, elastomers and thermoplastics used to seal and safely maintain lithium-ion batteries. The company has installed equipment and adopted new testing protocols in its Plymouth, Michigan Central Laboratory that will provide data on which materials optimally resist breakdown… Read more »
Parker LORD earns UL certification for CoolTherm potting compounds
Parker LORD has received UL 1446 certification for several of its CoolTherm potting compounds for use in thermal management systems. The company says its thermally-conductive, low-viscosity materials optimize heat dissipation, protect components from dust and moisture, and help reduce vibration. These thermal management materials have now been tested and certified under the relevant UL standards… Read more »
dSPACE charging station emulation solution accelerates EV development
dSPACE has introduced its Smart Charging Station Emulator, which emulates charging stations with a power level of up to 85 kW. This enables EV and battery manufacturers to test their new products with different technical charging standards and protocols, simulate a large number of faults, and develop them in line with the requirements of international… Read more »
Ricardo opens Electrified Propulsion Research Centre
Ricardo has opened a new Electrified Propulsion Research Centre at its Shoreham Technical Centre in West Sussex. The £5.5-million research facility was designed to enable the development of the next generation of EVs, from component-level subsystems to fully integrated powertrains. Managing Director Steve Dyke said, “We continue to consolidate our position as a trusted engineering… Read more »
