Researchers achieve a breakthrough in the development of lithium metal batteries


A team of researchers working in collaboration with the Nagoya Institute of Technology has discovered a new mechanism to stabilize the lithium metal electrode and electrolyte in lithium metal batteries. The researchers say the new mechanism, which does not depend on the traditional kinetic approach, has the potential to enhance the energy density of batteries…. Read more »

COMSOL’s Multiphysics software adds tools for vehicle electrification


Mathematical modeling software company COMSOL has released version 6.1 of its Multiphysics software, and the latest version includes modules that add analysis tools for vehicle electrification projects.  “In the AC/DC Module, new functionality for rapid layout of motor windings and magnet arrays ensures a smooth workflow for electric motor design and analysis,” says the company…. Read more »

Bosch begins motor production at Charleston plant, invests $260 million in expansion


Bosch has begun production of electric motors at its Charleston, South Carolina manufacturing facility. The company plans to invest an additional $260 million to further expand production of electrification products at the site. Bosch is producing rotors and stators, and assembling the motors, in a building where diesel powertrain components were once made. The company… Read more »

Everledger and Ford introduce battery passport pilot


Digital transparency company Everledger and Ford have launched a battery passport pilot for tracking EV batteries. “The battery passport concept was launched by the Global Battery Alliance (GBA), a multi-stakeholder alliance that brings together 110 leading international organizations,” says Everledger. “The battery passport is the digital identity of a battery which includes information about its… Read more »

PG&E to offer vehicle-to-grid export rate for commercial EVs


Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology promises to be a true win-win: a powerful grid balancing resource for utilities and a source of incremental income for EV owners (electric school buses seem to be an ideal use case). But before V2G can really take off, there needs to be a system for utilities to compensate EV fleet operators… Read more »

AM Batteries secures $25 million in Series A financing for its dry-electrode technology


AM Batteries (AMB), a pioneer in lithium-ion dry-electrode technology, has closed a $25-million Series A financing round led by Anzu Partners. Other investors include TDK Ventures, Foothill Ventures, Toyota Ventures, Zeon Ventures, SAIC Capital, VinFast, Doral Energy-Tech Ventures, and Creative Ventures. AMB will use the funding to expand its team and accelerate its commercialization efforts,… Read more »

ZF’s new e-axle for pickup trucks features 800 V SiC inverters


ZF has introduced an e-axle designed for Class 1-6 pickup trucks in the North American market. The eBeam Axle is composed of a motor, transmission, solid axle and the company’s 800 V SiC inverters. It is intended for 400 and 800 V systems, and is capable of supporting up to 350 kW and 16,000 Nm… Read more »

NAPA collaborates with Qmerit to offer EV charging solutions


Embargoed until 10:15 a.m. ET Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 The National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA), which operates 6,000 auto parts stores and over 17,000 service centers in the US, is collaborating with Qmerit, a provider of EV charging installation services. NAPA will offer Qmerit’s turnkey EVSE installation services to charger buyers on NAPAonline.com. Customers can… Read more »

DOE to offer funding opportunity for direct extraction of lithium from geothermal brines


The DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) plans to issue a funding opportunity for direct lithium extraction from geothermal brines around November of 2022. The funding is aimed at the domestic production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide from geothermal brines, the diversification of the US supply of lithium hydroxide, the validation and demonstration… Read more »

DOE awards grant to NCSU and ComEd for extreme fast charging research


The DOE has awarded a $200,000 grant to North Carolina State University’s (NCSU) FREEDM Systems Center and electric utility ComEd for a research project aimed at boosting the efficiency of—and decreasing the cost of—extreme fast charging (XFC). The total budget for the project is $5 million, which includes cost sharing from other collaborators. “The goal… Read more »