FEV has announced a long-term agreement with Hyliion to support design, development, integration and validation of its Electric Range Extender (ERX) for Class 8 tractor-trailer applications. FEV will also develop the controls strategy for the propulsion system and provide vehicle integration for OEM driver-assistance features, controls and driver interfaces. Hyliion’s Hypertruck ERX powertrain combines a… Read more »
Tag: The Tech
Laser bonding can cut battery assembly costs by 50% (Whitepaper)
Sponsored by F&K Delvotec Battery packs for e-vehicles are dropping in cost faster than ever predicted – this is one reason why the e-mobility markets are still growing at an expected 25% annual rate even over the next ten years. What is behind this drop in cost? It is not just the cost of cells… Read more »
Using bacteria to recover precious metals from EV batteries
Researchers at Coventry University have developed a new solution for recycling EV batteries by recovering all metals in them using a process called bioleaching. Bioleaching, also known as biomining, employs microbes that can oxidize metals as part of their metabolism. The process has been widely used in the mining industry to extract valuable metals from… Read more »
Tesla signs deal with BHP to secure nickel for battery cells
Contrary to popular belief, the most important mineral in EV batteries may not be lithium, but nickel. According to the Nickel Institute, the metal, which gives cells higher energy density and greater storage capacity, is an essential component for Li-ion battery cathodes—in fact, it’s the most important metal by mass in the cathodes used in… Read more »
LG Chem to invest $5.3 billion in battery materials by 2025, aims to rule anode market
LG Chem plans to invest 6 trillion South Korean won ($5.3 billion) in battery materials by 2025, including efforts in anode materials, separation membranes, cathode binders, radiant adhesives and carbon nanotubes. LG Chem’s goal is to grow into the world’s largest comprehensive battery materials company, and to become the world’s number-one supplier of anodes. A… Read more »
Mercedes-Benz acquires motor technology firm YASA
Mercedes-Benz has announced the acquisition of YASA, a manufacturer of electric drive technology. YASA will operate as a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, but will continue to operate from its headquarters in Oxford, England. YASA will provide electric motors for Mercedes-Benz’s AMG.EA electric platform, while continuing to supply existing automotive supercar customers. YASA says its proprietary axial-flux… Read more »
Several battery suppliers are working on Tesla’s 4680 cells
Tesla says its new 4680 battery cell, unveiled at the 2020 Battery Day event, represents a “massive breakthrough” that could enable a new generation of cheaper EVs. However, some industry experts have predicted that mass-producing the new cells will not be easy. Concurrently with developing the new cells, Tesla has been broadening its battery supply… Read more »
BASF to build battery prototype recycling plant in Schwarzheide, Germany
BASF will build a prototype battery recycling plant in Schwarzheide, Germany, at the site of its existing cathode active materials plant. The prototype recycling plant will allow for the development of operational procedures and optimization of technology to extract lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries as well as off-spec material from cell… Read more »
UCAP Power acquires ultracapacitor-related assets from Maxwell Technologies
UCAP Power, a San Diego-based developer of ultracapacitor-based power solutions, has purchased the Korean-based ultracapacitor business of Maxwell Technologies, along with other related assets, including the Maxwell brand. Maxwell Technologies is probably best known for being acquired by Tesla in 2019, which many believed had less to do with its pioneering work with supercapacitors (aka… Read more »
New color-stable eOrange identifies high-voltage EV components for safety
High-voltage components in EVs can be dangerous, and that’s why automakers tend to sheathe them in high-visibility orange plastic. Brüggemann, a German supplier of polymer additives and industrial chemicals, has partnered with GRAFE to develop color-stable eOrange masterbatches designed for use in injection-molded and extruded polyamide components for e-mobility. The striking pastel orange RAL2003 is… Read more »
