Momentum Fleet Management orders 900 Lordstown Endurance electric pickup trucks

Lordstown Motors aims to transform its Northeast Ohio home into Voltage Valley, a center of modern EV manufacturing. Now the company has secured an order for 900 Endurance electric pickup trucks from Ohio-based fleet management specialist Momentum Groups.

Momentum specializes in corporate vehicles, from ordering to disposal, including purchase or lease financing options, fuel cards, maintenance programs, vehicle administrative services and driver compliance. The company’s letter of intent to purchase 900 vehicles ensures that Momentum will be among the first to receive delivery when full-scale production of the Endurance pickup begins in early 2021.

“This letter of intent demonstrates that our low total cost of ownership resonates with commercial fleet customers,” said Lordstown CEO Steve Burns. “The Endurance combines the functionality and performance expected from a pickup with the fewest moving parts of any EV.”

“We are thrilled to work with our neighbors at Lordstown Motors to offer this extremely efficient and powerful pickup truck to our customers, both small and large.” said Jack Pyros, Momentum’s President.  “Working together, we are able to offer purchase and lease options making this low-TCO vehicle even more affordable.”

Source: Lordstown Motors

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/momentum-fleet-management-orders-900-lordstown-endurance-electric-pickup-trucks/

Delta-Q’s new RQ350 EV battery charger

Delta-Q Technologies has introduced its latest charger: the RQ350 for EVs and industrial machines.

Building on its history of IC-series chargers rated from 650 to 1,200 watts, Delta-Q has set its sights on lower-power applications with its new 350-watt charger. The company says the new build was designed and tested to meet automotive levels of product reliability, improving machine runtimes.

“The RQ350 is a response to our customers’ needs in multiple application segments,” says Lloyd Gomm, VP of Business Development. “Our customers have asked us to bring our high-reliability charger design into both lower and higher capacity battery charging applications. The RQ350 solidly answers the former need with a well thought-out design offered at an OEM-affordable price.”

The RQ350 is designed for applications such as floor-care machines, pallet walkies, two-wheel e-mobility products, outdoor power equipment and mobile aerial work platforms. The charger, which is housed in an IP66-sealed die-cast enclosure, features an integrated CAN bus and over-voltage protection from the AC line. It is compliant with applicable worldwide regulations such as UL, FCC B/CISPR-14 and UNECE R10.

The RQ350 takes advantage of Delta-Q’s library of validated charge profiles, which can be specified for each charger. In addition, like the IC Series, charger cycle data can be downloaded, and new charging profiles can be updated by the OEM or end-use customer.

RQ350 charger evaluation samples are available for OEMs to order now..

Source: Delta-Q

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/delta-qs-new-rq350-ev-battery-charger/

DOE to award up to $30 million for critical materials technologies

The US DOE has announced up to $30 million in funding for R&D that focuses on extraction, separation, processing, validation and demonstration technologies for critical materials, including rare earth elements, which are essential to high-strength magnets used in EVs and wind turbines.

The DOE is working toward reducing both the costs of critical materials and the environmental impacts of production, in order to create a sustainable critical materials supply chain in the US.

“Through these investments, DOE is advancing research, development, and deployment across the entire critical materials supply chain to help strengthen America’s defense-industrial base,” said Undersecretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes. “With a new federal strategy in place and an increased commitment to collaboration across sectors, we are well on our way to securing the country’s supply of critical materials for generations to come.”

Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with the Critical Materials Institute (CMI), a DOE Energy Innovation Hub led by Ames National Laboratory. The DOE anticipates granting up to 10 awards. Application and submission requirements are on the EERE Exchange.

The DOE recently announced plans to provide up to $18 million for basic research to ensure the continued availability of rare earth elements—or effective substitutes—as part of a DOE-wide effort totaling more than $158 million in FY2020 funding.

Source: DOE  

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/doe-to-award-up-to-30-million-for-critical-materials-technologies/

UL certifies Lumen Group’s wireless charging system

Product safety watchdog UL has certified Lumen Group’s wireless EV power transfer system to the UL 2750 standard (Outline of Investigation for Wireless Power Transfer Equipment for Electric Vehicles).

The Lumen Freedom wireless power transfer system uses resonant inductive magnetic coupling between a ground-mounted transmitting pad and a vehicle-mounted receiving pad to charge with no wires, and no physical contact between the vehicle and the charger.

Lumen Group worked with UL’s engineers and lab technicians to test the safety and performance of its wireless charging equipment, including the power source, the ground pad assembly and the attached vehicle assembly.

“With EV sales expected to exceed gas powered vehicle sales by 2030, the demand for revolutionary technologies that can be used to recharge electric vehicle batteries, such as wireless power transfer systems, will continue to grow,” said Joseph Bablo, Principal Engineer Manager for Energy Systems and e-Mobility at UL.

“Innovative technological solutions are pushing EV infrastructure to do more and faster than before,” said Jeff Smidt, VP of Energy and Power Technologies at UL. “For UL, safety is the foundational element of any successful and sustainable technological deployment.”

Source: UL

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/ul-certifies-lumen-groups-wireless-charging-system/

Next EV hotspot: Alabama?

You may not think of Alabama as a center of the auto industry, but in fact, Mercedes-Benz opened an assembly plant in Tuscaloosa County back in 1993, and today Hyundai, Honda, Toyota and Mazda, as well as several Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, have operations in the Yellowhammer State.

You may also think a Republican Alabama State Senator an unlikely booster of electromobility, but Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) recently penned an op-ed in which he called for the state to “prepare for the electric vehicle wave that is coming.”

Senator Allen highlights the state’s leadership in the automotive sector (exports of Alabama-made vehicles and parts totaled $7.5 billion in 2018, making it the number-three auto exporting state in the US), and writes that “we have the opportunity to sustain that momentum for years to come through significant investments in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.”

The EV industry is already on its way to the Heart of Dixie. In 2018, Mercedes broke ground on a plant that will produce batteries for the upcoming EQ brand of Mercedes EVs. The new plant represents over a billion dollars of investment in Bibb County.

“We know that expanding EV sales and production in Alabama will require a number of investments from the industry, the legislature and eventually the consumers of this state,” writes Allen. “To cement our reputation as a forward-leaning automotive leader, we must prepare for the future of electric vehicles, production of electric vehicle parts, and ensure the necessary EV infrastructure is in place to be competitive for generations.”

In 2019, the state legislature approved the Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan, which includes an increase in the state gas tax, and a grant program to encourage the installation of new EV charging stations. This year’s state budget includes $2 million to educate the public about EVs. “These funds will go toward developing an EV industry educational website with mapping of charging stations and other useful resources, as well as funding to further build out Alabama’s EV charging infrastructure,” writes Senator Allen.

Source: AL.com
Image: Nicolas Raymond

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/next-ev-hotspot-alabama/

Designing silicon carbide solutions EV fast charging

EV fast chargers bypass the vehicle’s on-board chargers (OBCs) for rapid direct battery charging. This allows batteries to be charged in just 30 minutes versus 4+ hours from OBCs. But the demands of these systems are significant. Design goals for fast chargers call for highly efficient power electronics and very high power density that’s possible with the use of wide-bandgap materials.

Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide (SiC) solutions help create smaller, lower-cost, energy-efficient fast chargers. With higher power conversion capabilities, faster switching speeds, and improved thermal performance, SiC is an ideal material to meet the extreme power demands of modern fast-charging stations.

Tune in to this webinar presented by Wolfspeed and Richardson RFPD to learn more about designing SiC solutions EV fast-charging, including:

• Designing fast charging systems with simpler topologies utilizing Wolfspeed SiC MOSFETs, diodes, and power modules
• Optimizing your system to achieve up to 30% lower losses, 2-3x faster switching speeds, 65% increase in power density, 30% fewer components, and a lower overall cost
• Meeting fast-charging infrastructure requirements, including a 150 kW max for single-car charging, reliability for global environments, and ruggedness for weather conditions
• Addressing the diverse range of voltages and package sizes that EV platforms require
• Reducing time to market and R&D costs with scalable designs
• Achieving higher output power and higher output voltage required by today’s latest 800V and bidirectional battery systems

The webinar will be hosted by Charged on July 15, 2020, at 2:00pm EST, and will include a presentation and a live Q&A session.

Register now – IT’S FREE!

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/designing-silicon-carbide-solutions-ev-fast-charging/

Bloomberg’s new Electric Vehicle Outlook says sales of ICE vehicles peaked in 2017

BloombergNEF’s annual Electric Vehicle Outlook forecasts trends in electrification, shared mobility and autonomous driving. The 2020 edition predicts a promising long-term future for EVs, and makes a number of interesting predictions.

The authors see little danger that EV adoption will be derailed by the current health crisis, saying that ongoing cost and technology improvements will outweigh the temporary impacts of the pandemic. “Some near-term EV model launches will be delayed, but manufacturers so far are sticking to their long-term electrification commitments.”

ICE vehicles are definitely on their way out. “Sales of internal combustion passenger peaked in 2017 and are in permanent decline, but the fleet [will continue] growing until 2030,” say the authors.

Bloomberg’s analysts expect EVs to account for 10% of global passenger vehicle sales by 2025, 28% by 2030, and 58% by 2040. To EV boosters, these figures may sound overly conservative, but they make more sense when you remember that they refer to the entire world. “Some markets achieve much higher penetrations, but low adoption in emerging markets reduces the global average.”

Bloomberg expects price parity between EVs and legacy vehicles to be reached in the mid-2020s, but notes that the timing will vary widely across different regions and different vehicle classes. The first segment to reach the tipping point will be large cars in Europe, which will achieve price parity by 2022.

China and Europe will continue to be the leading EV markets, thanks to government policies—together they will represent 72% of passenger EV sales in 2030. Automakers will continue to focus their passenger EV efforts on these markets, and the US will fall further behind. (Bloomberg does see hope that the US will catch up in the 2030s.)

Vehicles other than passenger cars will continue rapidly electrifying in the decade ahead. Small vehicles such as scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, tuk-tuks and rickshaws are important parts of the vehicle market in developing countries. Bloomberg says 30% of global two- and three-wheeler sales and 20% of the existing fleet are already electric. China accounts for most of the action so far, but sales are ramping up in markets such as Taiwan, Vietnam and India.

Transit buses are slowly but steadily electrifying. Bloomberg expects e-buses to make up 67% of the global bus fleet in 2040, but it believes diesel and hydrogen fuel cell buses will hang on in areas where installing charging infrastructure is difficult, or where temperatures are extreme (BYD, which recently sold 13 e-buses to a town in far northern Sweden, might dispute that prediction).

Source: BloombergNEF

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/bloombergs-new-electric-vehicle-outlook-says-sales-of-ice-vehicles-peaked-in-2017/

OXIS Energy and Mercedes to build Li-S plant in Brazil

OXIS Energy and the Minas Gerais Development Company have signed a 15-year lease agreement with Mercedes Benz Brazil (MBB) to take possession of a plant located at the MBB manufacturing site in Juiz de Fora in southeast Brazil, to produce lithium-sulfur battery cells.

NORDIKA Pharmaceutical of Brazil will undertake the design, engineering and machinery layout. Upgrading the site will begin immediately, with the goal of having the fully digitalized plant operating by 2023.

Phase 1 will be to lease 20,000 square meters to enable the production of 5 million Li-S cells per year, with the option to extend and double the estate and cell capacity.

OXIS CEO Huw Hampson-Jones said, “Within five years, this factory will be a center of excellence producing world-class lithium-sulfur cells and battery systems. Exporting worldwide to a range of markets—aviation, defense, EVs, light commercial vehicles, and large marine vessels—our aim is to aid the Brazilian government to eliminate all ICE buses over a period of 25 years, equating to the production of over 4 billion cells.  Brazil has the third largest bus market in the world, with 700,000 ICE buses currently in circulation.”

Source: OXIS Energy

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/oxis-energy-and-mercedes-to-build-li-s-plant-in-brazil/

Pasadena’s Marengo Charging Plaza has 24 Tesla Superchargers and 20 Tritium 50 kW fast chargers

The city of Pasadena, California has unveiled what it claims is the largest public DC fast charging location in the US. The Marengo Charging Plaza, located on the rooftop level of a public parking garage, has 24 Tesla Superchargers and 20 Tritium 50 kW DC fast chargers.

Parking customers can pay for charging using the Greenlots charging network, a credit card, or a smartphone-based payment method. The new chargers have already logged more than 7,000 charging sessions.

The Tritium stations are owned and managed by Pasadena Water and Power (PWP). The utility relied on public-private partnerships to finance the charging plaza, including grants from the California Energy Commission and Southern California Air Quality Management District. No ratepayer dollars were used.

Tritium’s RT50 DC fast chargers fit into compact spaces typical of Level 2 chargers. They are designed to handle extreme environmental conditions, including a temperature range of -31 to 122° F, and offer IP65 NEMA 3R ingress protection. Liquid cooling reduces wear on internal components and delivers a longer system life.

“We believe that fast charging facilities like the Marengo Charging Plaza provide Pasadena residents and commuters with the confidence they need to drive electric,” says PWP Assistant General Manager Marvin Moon. “We appreciate Tritium’s staff for the support they have given PWP both during and after construction to help ensure a great customer experience.”

“DC applications are expanding well beyond corridor or city-to-city connections,” said Mike Calise, Tritium’s President of the Americas. “This location serves EV driver needs at a much higher energy level for a typical destination or dwell time stay. Installations like this are changing the way drivers think about dwell charging. It’s a super-fast dwell charger available on Main Street America.”

Source: Tritium

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/pasadenas-marengo-charging-plaza-has-24-tesla-superchargers-and-20-tritium-50-kw-fast-chargers/

Tesla cuts prices on most models—bad news or good news?

Tesla has slashed prices across most of its lineup. Model 3 got a $2,000 price cut across all powertrain options, bringing the base price of the Standard Range Plus down to $37,990. There’s no word yet on whether the price of the “off-menu” $35,000 version has been cut. The price of the Chinese-made Model 3, which got a price cut a few weeks ago to bring it into eligibility range for government subsidies, remains the same.

Models S and X got $5,000 price cuts across the board, and now start at $74,990 and $79,990, respectively.

Model Y is the only car in the stable that hasn’t gotten a price cut, which is understandable, as deliveries are just beginning, and Tesla says it has a large backlog of orders.

So, is this good news or bad news? The answer to that one depends on whether you consider Tesla an automaker or a tech company.

In the auto industry, price cuts (including backhanded ones, such as discounts, rebates or dealer incentives) are seen as bad news for a company, a sign of weak demand. Tesla has historically shunned any such measures, knowing that naysayers would pounce on any sign of softness. The company is said to enforce a strict policy—no discounts for anyone, ever. However, demand for new cars is expected to plummet across the board in the months ahead, and Tesla won’t be the only automaker easing its prices. In such unusual circumstances, a sign of weakness may not be a sign of weakness, if you will.

Furthermore, if you take the view that Tesla is a tech company, price cuts appear in quite a different light. Tech products are expected to become cheaper over time, as technology improves and volumes increase. The (correct) assumption that the costs of batteries and other components would steadily decline has been baked into Tesla’s strategy from the beginning. It’s also worth nothing that Tesla has several innovations in the pipeline that could substantially lower manufacturing costs (a rear underbody casting for Model Y, new battery form factors, no paint for Cybertruck, et al).

TSLA stock took a moderate hit the morning following the price cuts, but most analysts don’t seem to expect any long-term damage. “This is a smart strategic move…given the current macro and Covid environment,” Wedbush analyst Dan Ives told Barron’s. “The current cost structure gives Musk & Co. more flexibility to make these price cuts.”

Source: Barron’s, Electrek

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/tesla-cuts-prices-on-most-models-bad-news-or-good-news/

France’s 8-billion-euro auto industry bailout includes support for EVs

France has announced an auto industry bailout package worth some 8 billion euros ($8.8 billion), and it includes substantial support for electrification. The new funds are in addition to a 5-billion-euro loan guarantee being considered for struggling Renault, and the many millions already spent on temporary unemployment payments to auto workers.

According to Le Monde, the auto sector employs some 900,000 people in France, and the industry saw an 89% drop in sales in April.

Speaking at a factory owned by French automotive supplier Valeo, President Emmanuel Macron said he wants France to become the leading producer of clean cars in Europe. “Our country should embody this avant-garde. We need not only to save [the industry] but transform it.”

Last week, Minister of Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire said, “We are ready to support the demand for vehicles, but it will be support for clean vehicles that emit less CO₂, especially electric vehicles.”

Macron unveiled a plan with “three motors,” as Le Monde put it. The job of the first motor is to stimulate demand; the second is tasked with localizing production in France; and the third aims to boost the competitive advantage of French firms by investing in cutting-edge technology.

The purchase incentive for BEVs and FCVs will increase from 6,000 to 7,000 euros, as of June 1. For fleet buyers, (which accounted for over 50% of the French market in 2019), the bonus for buying a plug-in vehicle will rise from 3,000 to 5,000 euros. (EVs priced at over 45,000 euros will receive only a partial subsidy, and those priced at over 60,000 euros will receive none.)

A new bonus of 2,000 euros has been added for PHEVs that have an electric range over 50 km, and cost less than 50,000 euros.

Investment in public charging will be accelerated to the tune of “tens of millions more euros.” Some 35,000-40,000 charging stations are to be deployed by the end of this year, and the goal is to have 100,000 in operation in 2021.

A prime à la conversion—what the Brits would call a scrappage program, or what we Yanks might call “cash for clunkers,” will offer incentives to drivers who upgrade to newer, less-polluting vehicles: 3,000 euros for an ICE vehicle, or 5,000 euros for a new EV or a conversion. The income qualification for the program will be loosened, so that approximately 75% of French households will be eligible for the subsidies (an increase from the existing figure of 50%).

The French government, which is a major stockholder in the country’s two largest automakers, has conditioned aid for Renault and PSA on promises that future EV production will be concentrated in France. The goal is to produce one million electrified vehicles (hybrids, EVs, PHEVs, FCVs) in France in 2025.

Renault is expected to build a new electric motor, to be used in EVs from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, at its motor plant in Cléon, and aims to quadruple the number of EVs assembled in France in 2024. PSA is being asked to localize its electric powertrain production in France, and to quintuple its local plug-in production. The company has promised to build an electric version of the Peugeot 3008 at its plant in Sochaux, beginning in 2022 or 2023.

Both automakers will invest in a Franco-German partnership to produce batteries in Europe.

According to Le Monde, the new bailout package includes one billion euros to stimulate domestic supply, including 200 million to help smaller suppliers automate and modernize their production, and 150 million for research.

Sources: Le Monde, AP, Electrek
Image: Nicolas Raymond

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/frances-8-billion-euro-auto-industry-bailout-includes-support-for-evs/

Electric powertrain provider IRP Systems raises $17 million in Series B funding

IRP Systems, a provider of electric powertrain products, has raised $17 million in Series B funding. The round was led by Chinese venture capital firm Fosun RZ Capital. Other investors include JAL ventures, Entrée Capital, Tal Capital, Union Tech Ventures, Cendana Capital and Champion Motors.

IRP Systems was originally founded as an aerospace powertrain company, and recently made the strategic decision to redirect its products and software to address the rapidly growing demand in the automotive sector.

IRP Systems’ TrueDrive portfolio of electric motors and controllers is designed to offer powertrain efficiency, range and performance while minimizing total powertrain costs. The company’s global customer base includes automotive and micro-mobility manufacturers.

“We are confident that our technology will enable the electric vehicle market to overcome its biggest hurdle: cost,” said Moran Price, CEO and co-founder of IRP Systems. “Using innovative techniques rooted in the aerospace industry, we’ve developed electric powertrain products that are truly high-performance and cost-effective so they can be scaled quickly to accelerate mass-market adoption of EVs of all kinds.”

“We were deeply impressed by IRP’s team and technology and we believe that their ability to reduce cost and significantly improve efficiency in a fast-growing industry will enable them to become a very large company. We are proud to partner with them and help increase their footprint in the Chinese market,” said Danny Hadar, Israel Managing Director at Fosun RZ Capital.

Source: IRP Systems

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/electric-powertrain-provider-irp-systems-raises-17-million-in-series-b-funding/

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 that is coming down, but also the cost of battery pack assembly. Today’s prevailing cell type is the 21700 cylindrical cell, which offers an attractive combination of power, capacity, form factor flexibility, easy thermal management, safety, cost and – not least of all – availability. The most widely used assembly technology is wire bonding to connect the cells. It is extremely flexible and easy to automate, has very high yields and good repairability, and it is very economical: wire bonding makes up as little as around 1% of the total cost of a typical 75 kWh battery pack.

F&K Delvotec is proposing to push this even further down by its Laser Bonding process which combines the best features of conventional laser welding, such as tolerances to surface quality, with the superior robustness and handling advantages of ultrasonic bonding. One crucial advantage over conventional laser welding is, for instance, the guarantee for zero welding gaps and hence superior control of welding depth. In all, Laser Bonding has the potential to cut assembly cost by another 50%.

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/laser-bonding-can-cut-battery-assembly-cost-by-50-whitepaper/

UK water utility Severn Trent to install 176 EVBox dual charging stations

Severn Trent, a provider of water for around 8 million people in the Midlands of England and part of Wales, is working toward electrifying its entire vehicle fleet by 2030. It has selected Amsterdam-based EVBox to provide 352 charging points at operational sites, offices and transport workshops throughout its service area.

EVBox has installed over 100,000 charging points across more than 55 countries, including residential, commercial, public and fast charging products.

EVBox will provide Severn Trent with 176 double EVBox BusinessLine Level 2 charging stations, and will facilitate the installation process through online training.

Severn Trent chose EVBox as an EVSE provider because of its support for the Open Charge Point Protocol, and because the company offers customized branding on its hardware. Severn Trent was able to select a customized design for its charging stations.

“This partnership with EVBox is a major milestone in our bid to have a fleet of vehicles that are entirely electric by 2030,” said Helen Miles, Capital Delivery and Commercial Director of Severn Trent. “They’re experts in their industry and we’ll no doubt benefit from all of their experience and passion for delivering cleaner and greener ways to travel.”

“Workplace charging plays a crucial role when it comes to the transition to eMobility, and we’re proud to help Severn Trent to realize its goal of electrifying its fleet entirely within the next 10 years,” said Jonathan Goose, UK & Ireland Regional Director of EVBox.

Source: EVBox

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/uk-water-utility-severn-trent-to-install-176-evbox-dual-charging-stations/

Graphene battery pioneer Nanotech Energy raises $27.5 million in Series C funding

Los Angeles-based Nanotech Energy, a major supplier of graphene, has raised $27.5 million in a Series C funding round.

The company’s US-made Nanotech Energy Graphene Super Battery is designed to be non-flammable, and Nanotech claims it will deliver better longevity and much faster charging than current batteries.

“We are confident that we have a one-of-a-kind, industry-changing product that will impact the technologies and bottom lines of multiple end-user markets,” said Chairman and CEO Dr. Jack Kavanaugh. “This round of funding allows us to dramatically expand our production of graphene batteries, as well as our production of conductive epoxies, conductive inks and electromagnetic interference shielding spray paints and films.”

“We perfected the battery by utilizing the extraordinary electronic and mechanical properties of graphene to increase the battery capacity,” said co-founder and CTO Dr. Maher El-Kady. “To further increase the safety of a lithium-ion battery, we took a step further by designing a non-flammable electrolyte that can withstand operation at high temperatures without catching fire.”

“Graphene is one of the strongest known materials, is completely flexible, and an excellent conductor of electricity—thus preventing the battery from overheating,” said UCLA Professor Dr. Richard Kaner. “More importantly, graphene can withstand the volume changes of the battery electrodes during charge and discharge, reducing the chances of an internal short circuit; leading to a safer and more powerful battery.”

The demand for safer batteries is real, and understandable. However, some may find some of Nanotech’s marketing messages a bit too inflammatory (figuratively and literally). A press release and video make much of the fire hazards associated with current Li-ion batteries, in a manner reminiscent of the sort of material churned out by anti-EV campaigners.

In preparation for its graphene battery launch, Nanotech has been working on the development of a non-flammable battery for Daimler. “Three years ago, we challenged Nanotech Energy to provide us with the safest non-flammable battery chemistry,” said Andreas Hintennach, Daimler’s Global Head of Battery Research. “Nanotech Energy exceeded our challenge. Usually you sacrifice performance once you develop extremely safe chemistry. Now, for the first time, we have access to extremely safe chemistry that provides high performance and we are very pleased.”

Source: Nanotech Energy

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/graphene-battery-pioneer-nanotech-energy-raises-27-5-million-in-series-c-funding/

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source https://chargedevs.com/uncategorized/covid-19-vs-evs-what-happens/

VisIC partners with ZF to develop next-gen EV inverters

ZF Friedrichshafen and VisIC Technologies have announced a partnership to create a new generation of EV drivelines. The focus of the joint effort will be on 400-volt driveline applications, covering the largest segment of the EV market.

ZF specializes in wide-band-gap semiconductor technology, such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride. Gallium nitride semiconductors are thought to offer significant improvements in switching speed, as well as smaller and lighter package sizes. 

“Our partnership with ZF for the development of gallium nitride-based power inverters in electric vehicles illustrates the breakthrough of gallium nitride technology in the automotive industry,” said VisIC CEO Tamara Baksht. 

“We are pleased about the cooperation with VisIC, and are convinced that together we can further improve future electric drive systems based on gallium nitride technology,” says Dr. Dirk Walliser, Senior VP of R&D at ZF Friedrichshafen.

Source: VisIC Technologies

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/visic-partners-with-zf-to-develop-next-gen-ev-inverters/

Lordstown announces exclusive licensing agreement with Elaphe for in-wheel hub motors

Lordstown Motors has announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Elaphe Propulsion Technologies. Elaphe will develop the in-wheel motor that will be used in Lordstown’s upcoming Endurance pickup truck—the motors will be built by Lordstown employees at the company’s Ohio headquarters.

Initial setup of the 20,000-square-foot production line has already begun. Lordstown will begin using the new lines for beta testing and pre-production vehicles within the next six months, and expects to get to full production capacity in about nine months. Elaphe will provide engineering support, technical assistance and consulting services throughout the project.

“Our relationship with Elaphe goes back over a decade, and their commitment to Lordstown Motors and passion for the Lordstown Endurance is stronger than ever,” said Steve Burns, Lordstown Motors CEO. “The caliber of work they’ve produced is some of the best and most innovative in the industry.”

“While most vehicle manufacturers are focusing merely on catching up and competing with legacy electric powertrain technologies pioneered decades ago by pure-EV OEMs, Lordstown is making a giant leap forward by building its vehicles around the needs of their users and not around the traditional powertrain-integration-imposed tradeoffs,” says Gorazd Lampič, Elaphe CEO. “We strongly believe that the packaging, modularity, redundancy and advanced functions of vehicle control that Elaphe hub motors enable are key to delivering torque in the way a true 4WD should be done.”

SEE ALSO: Retooling a shuttered factory to build electric trucks: Q&A with Lordstown Motors CEO Steve Burns

Source: Lordstown Motors

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/lordstown-announces-exclusive-licensing-agreement-with-elaphe-for-in-wheel-hub-motors/

New Chinese wireless charging standard incorporates WiTricity’s technology

After years of development, China recently announced a new national standard for wireless EV charging. Wireless charging is expected to be an important enabler for autonomous vehicles, and standardization is critical to ensure that wireless charging is interoperable across different vehicles and charging equipment.

The new GuoBiao (GB) standard relies on technology developed by WiTricity, an MIT spin-out that was founded in 2007. WiTricity has been actively involved in the Chinese EV wireless charging standardization process for the past four years, working closely with the GB standard committee on several technical matters, including efforts to harmonize the Chinese standard with other international standards (SAE J2954, ISO 19363, IEC 61980) that will be published in 2020 and 2021.

WiTricity claims that its magnetic resonance technology delivers the same power, efficiency and charging rates as conventional plug-in charging methods.

“It’s a significant milestone for WiTricity to have our patented wireless charging technology embraced in the Chinese GB national standard,” said Alex Gruzen, WiTricity CEO. “China is the world’s largest EV market, the global EV trend setter, and a key market for WiTricity.”

Source: WiTricity

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/new-chinese-wireless-charging-standard-incorporates-witricitys-technology/

Sygic navigation solution integrates payment for charging

Slovakian mobile navigation vendor Sygic has added an EV Mode to its flagship Sygic GPS Navigation product. The new mode, which is available for free, allows users to plan routes with compatible charging points, get real-time data from charging stations, and process payments without the need for additional applications.

Sygic’s EV Mode allows EV drivers to choose their car model from a database of plug-in vehicles with predefined specifications, including charging capacity, average consumption and connector type.

Sygic is a member of the CharIN Association, a consortium of EV industry stakeholders that developed the CCS fast charging standard.

Sygic recently announced a partnership with charging network Plugsurfing, which includes over 150,000 charging points in 38 countries.

Later this year, Sygic plans to announce another feature based on cooperation with selected car manufacturers, which will offer advanced routing algorithms tailored specifically for electromobility.

In the future, Sygic plans to add more dedicated features for EVs, including a virtual driving assistant that will help drivers estimate available range by taking into account factors such as driving style, weather conditions and traffic.

“Our objective was to introduce a hassle-free and convenient charging experience for any type of driver using an electric car. Just activate the EV Mode and we do all the planning for you,” said Sygic VP for Electromobility Petr Fuzek. “Drivers add the charging point as a waypoint to the navigation, check if it has a free spot, select payment method and charge. While enjoying a coffee, they will receive a push notification that the battery charging has reached a certain level and can pay for the service right away.”

Source: Sygic

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/sygic-navigation-solution-integrates-payment-for-charging/

Are Tesla’s Models 3 and Y already capable of bidirectional charging?

As EV adoption increases, we’re hearing a lot of news about bidirectional charging, which supports vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications and other nifty stuff. In January, Wallbox announced what appears to be the first bidirectional charger for the home market. Fermata Energy has several V2X projects in the works, including a partnership with Nissan. And ORNL recently demonstrated bi-directional wireless charging, using a UPS delivery van.

Oddly, EV trendsetter Tesla has been mostly silent about V2G and its relatives, perhaps because of concerns about battery degradation, or because the company has been more interested in pushing its Powerwall stationary storage products.

In a recent filing with the Texas electric utility commission, Tesla seemed to relegate V2G to the list of future projects, implying that EV adoption had not yet reached the necessary scale, and that vehicle owners might not buy in to the technology.

However, Tesla does have a history of building in future-oriented hardware features, and keeping mum about them until it’s ready to implement them. Now Electrek reports that Tesla has quietly made Model 3, and presumably Model Y, ready for bidirectional charging.

Electrical engineer Marco Gaxiola reverse-engineered a Model 3’s onboard charger, and believes it to be bi-capable. “The design is fully bidirectional,” he told Electrek. “This means power can be converted from AC to DC…but also power can flow in reverse direction, coming from the battery and ending up on the AC side.”

“The bidirectional design is replicated 3 times across the same PCB on the Model 3 charger,” Gaxiola added. “Another example of redundant design that assures a working process even if one of the circuits fails. Additionally, it is 3-phase design, so it can be used worldwide.”

Viewers of EVTV may recall a similar revelation made by show host Jack Rickard back in December. After examining Model 3’s onboard charger hardware, Rickard said: “Now I’m not saying [Tesla is] going to do this without any changes to the hardware, but with enough time and a good compiler, I can make this thing take 400 V [DC] and put 240 V [AC] out the opposite end.” 

(Bidirectional charging discussion begins around 16:30.)

Mr. Gaxiola believes that Tesla could enable Model 3’s V2G capability via an over-the-air software update. The necessary hardware seems to be contained within the vehicle, so bidirectional charging would not require a separate inverter such as Wallbox’s product.

As Electrek’s Fred Lambert notes, the implications are profound. Bidirectional charging offers not only the features associated with storage devices such as Tesla’s Powerwall (backup power for emergencies, storing power from solar panels to be used at night, etc). In the near future, it could allow EV owners to earn money by providing grid services to their local utilities (with Tesla taking a cut via its Autobidder software, of course). JB Straubel has previously pointed out that the million or so Teslas already on the road represent some 10 GW worth of storage capacity—in some regions, at least, that may be enough to attract the attention of utilities looking for storage assets.

Source: EVTV, Marco Gaxiola via Electrek

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/are-teslas-models-3-and-y-already-capable-of-bidirectional-charging/

LG Chem deployed more battery capacity than Panasonic in Q1 2020

In the first quarter of 2020, EV battery suppliers deployed 20.5 GWh of capacity globally, down from 26.5 GWh in the fourth quarter, and 20.9 GWh during the first quarter of 2019, according to data from Adamas Intelligence’s EV Battery Capacity and Battery Metals Tracker.

After losing the top spot to LG Chem in January and February of 2020, Panasonic bounced back in March, deploying 3.8 GWh globally, compared to LG Chem’s 2.2 GWh. Nonetheless, LG Chem’s performance through the first three months of this year was enough to keep it ahead of Panasonic globally, if only by a thin margin.

The report shows that LG Chem deployed 6.07 GWh in the first quarter of 2020 while Panasonic deployed 6.05 GWh over the same period. Collectively, the pair was responsible for 60% of all passenger EV battery capacity deployed in the quarter.

By cathode chemistry, NCM 6-Series was the most widely used variety by GWh deployed, followed closely by Tesla/Panasonic’s third-generation NCA and NCM 5-Series. In fourth place, high-nickel NCM 811 captured 9% of global market share and 32% of the market in China.

Source: Adamas Intelligence

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/lg-chem-deployed-more-battery-capacity-than-panasonic-in-q1-2020/

BYD to launch Tang electric SUV in Norway, sets out EV expansion strategy for Europe

Chinese EV powerhouse BYD has big plans to sell EVs in Europe. The first move will be the introduction of the second-generation Tang electric compact SUV to the Norwegian market.

The BYD Tang EV600 features permanent all-wheel drive, and a 373-mile NEDC range. Pricing will be announced later this year.

BYD is already selling electric buses in European markets. The company plans to bring a full range of commercial EVs to Europe later this year, including a panel van, 7.5-ton and 19-ton distribution trucks, and a yard tractor.

“The Norwegian market is the natural choice for BYD to start this trial as we look to expand our EV presence in Europe,” said Isbrand Ho, Managing Director, BYD Europe. “Norway is the most advanced market in Europe when it comes to the widespread adoption and usage of electric vehicles, as well as possessing a comprehensive charging network. We will closely evaluate how the market performs, but, in the longer term, it is our aim to expand passenger car sales beyond Norway.”

Source: BYD

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/byd-to-launch-tang-electric-suv-in-norway-sets-out-ev-expansion-strategy-for-europe/

Volkswagen invests €450 million in Northvolt battery operations at Salzgitter

Volkswagen recently announced that it will erect buildings and infrastructure for a new factory in Salzgitter, under its joint venture with Swedish battery producer Northvolt AB.

Volkswagen will invest €450 million in the new Northvolt Zwei facility, which will produce lithium-ion battery cells. Construction is scheduled to commence before the end of this year, and production is expected to start in early 2024 at an initial annual production capacity of 16 GWh. 

“Battery cell production in Salzgitter is an important step for the transformation to e-mobility,” said Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components. “We are pooling expertise at the Salzgitter site with production capabilities and the Center of Excellence for Battery Cells, and are therefore driving battery cell development further forward, developing new standards and transferring them directly to the manufacturing process.”

Source: Volkswagen

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/volkswagen-invests-e450-million-in-northvolt-battery-operations-at-salzgitter/

DC fast charging is a thermal challenge: Webinar on the vehicle-side thermal equation

OEMs have made remarkable improvements to the EV powertrain over recent years to extend range, reduce costs, and improve the driving experience. Another key item that will help drive greater consumer acceptance of full-electric vehicles is faster charging times.

Progress in achieving 400 A+ and less than 30-minute charging has been slow due to limitations in the current standardization of the infrastructure and vehicle interface, thermal management, and battery reliability.

This 60-minute Webinar will focus on the vehicle-side thermal equation in relation to DC fast charging and looks at the basic elements of the typical thermal interfaces that link the DC fast charging inlet to the vehicle battery – presented by Jeremy C. Patterson, Director Engineering, Hybrid & Electric Mobility Solutions, Automotive, TE Connectivity.

The webinar will be hosted by Charged on June 16, 2020, at 2:00pm EST, and will include a presentation and a live Q&A session.

Register now – IT’S FREE!

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/dc-fast-charging-a-thermal-challenge-new-webinar/

Tesla exec electrifies his sailboat with Torqeedo hybrid drive

A Tesla boat? Not yet, but marine electric drive maker Torqeedo has won a Tesla exec as a customer.

Dr. Charles Kuehmann is Head of Materials Engineering for Tesla and its sister company Space X. He recently bought a new Elan GT5 43-foot sailboat, and had it fitted with a Torqeedo Deep Blue 25 kW electric saildrive system.

The system is powered by two 10 kWh Deep Blue batteries, which also supply the boat’s AC load through a 15 kW inverter, backed up by a small diesel generator.

“Before ordering the Elan GT5, I did a lot of research into the state of the technology and high-power electric drives available in the marine market,” said Dr. Kuehmann. “I was convinced that it was not only possible, but that converting to electric could bring a lot of advantages. I wanted to prove it.”

As are most vehicle owners who go electric, Dr. Kuehmann is quite happy with the electric powertrain’s performance.  “I use it when I’m in the marina, where I need a lot of control. Maneuvering the boat with electric is so much smoother than a diesel. The instant torque and immediate power delivery make the boat very easy to handle.”

“It’s not just about sustainability,” the good doctor continues. “It’s also more convenient. No more visits to the fuel dock. I show up at the dock, and the ‘tank’ is full. Now that I’m cruising and doing overnights, I’ve found I have more power available on the boat than I do when I’m plugged in at the dock. I can run the air conditioner and all the electrical appliances on the boat without ever worrying that I’ll run out of power. The generator runs a half-hour or an hour per day, and I can schedule it.”

“Electric and hybrid propulsion for sailboats makes sense,” concludes Dr. Kuehmann. “It works very well, and it makes spending time on the boat much more enjoyable.”

Source: Torqeedo

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/tesla-exec-electrifies-his-sailboat-with-torqeedo-hybrid-drive/

Stanford researchers demonstrate major advance in dynamic charging

Stanford engineers say they have taken a big step toward a practical system for dynamic charging, which would allow EVs to recharge while hurtling down the highway.

Stanford Professor Shanhui Fan has been working on dynamic charging for some time. In 2012, he and his team published a description of a dynamic system, which they tested using computer models. In 2017, Fan and graduate student Sid Assawaworrarit built a working prototype. However, it was too inefficient to be useful outside the lab.

Now, in Nature Electronics, the two engineers have demonstrated a system that could be scaled up to enable highway dynamic charging, and that could see a practical application in the nearer term, wirelessly recharging robots as they move around warehouses and factory floors.

“This is a significant step toward a practical and efficient system for wirelessly recharging automobiles and robots, even when they are moving at high speeds,” Fan said. “We would have to scale up the power to recharge a moving car, but I don’t think that’s a serious roadblock. For recharging robots, we’re already within the range of practical usefulness.”

As Stanford Engineering explains, “wireless chargers transmit electricity by creating a magnetic field that oscillates at a frequency that creates a resonating vibration in magnetic coils on the receiving device. The problem is that the resonant frequency changes if the distance between the source and receiver changes by even a small amount.”

“In their first breakthrough three years ago, the researchers developed a wireless charger that could transmit electricity even as the distance to the receiver changes. They did this by incorporating an amplifier and feedback resistor that allowed the system to automatically adjust its operating frequency as the distance between the charger and the moving object changed.”

However, that system achieved an efficiency level of only 90%. In their new paper, the researchers claim to have increased efficiency to 92%. The key, Assawaworrarit explained, was to replace the original amplifier with a far more efficient switch mode amplifier. It took years of painstaking theoretical and practical work to design a circuit that worked.

The new prototype can wirelessly transmit 10 watts over a distance of two or three feet, and Fan says there are no fundamental obstacles to scaling up the system to the tens or hundreds of kilowatts that would be needed to charge an automobile on the highway. A system that could recharge robots or aerial drones would be much cheaper, and could be implemented much sooner.

Source: Stanford Engineering

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/stanford-researchers-demonstrate-major-advance-in-dynamic-charging/

ABB to supply EVSE for Norwegian grocery wholesaler’s electric fleet

ABB has agreed to supply charging infrastructure for Norwegian grocery wholesaler ASKO’s growing fleet of electric trucks. ASKO operates a fleet of 600 trucks, and hopes to achieve zero-emission distribution of groceries by 2026.

ABB will provide charging infrastructure for ASKO’s distribution centers throughout Norway. The first ABB HVC 150C (150 kW) chargers are already in operation at ASKO’s Oslo facility, where the company operates two Scania electric trucks, each with a payload of 10 metric tons and a range of up to 120 km. ASKO has ordered 55 such Scania e-trucks, as well as 10 Tesla Semis.

“ASKO has an ambition to be sustainable and climate-neutral,” said Transport Director Svein Sollie. “Our ambition requires large investments, especially in energy and transport…and we must be willing to pay beyond what is the requirement for a normal business return. ABB was chosen as the supplier for truck charging due to its global expertise, breadth of user cases and technical solutions.”

“We focus on solutions that take into account other activities such as charging electric pallet trucks, refrigeration systems and solar cells at the distribution centers in order to avoid power peaks, prediction of charging needs and optimization of the charging processes,” added Chief Technical Officer Marius Aarset.

Source: ABB

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/abb-to-supply-evse-for-norwegian-grocery-wholesalers-electric-fleet/

First Cobalt performs feasibility study for Canadian cobalt refinery expansion

First Cobalt has announced positive results from an independent feasibility study conducted on its permitted cobalt refinery in Ontario, Canada. The study contemplates expanding the existing facility and adapting it to be North America’s first producer of cobalt sulfate, an essential component in the manufacturing of EV batteries.

Study highlights:

• Annual production of 25,000 tons of battery-grade cobalt sulfate from third-party feed, representing 5% of the total global refined cobalt market and 100% of North American cobalt sulfate supply
• An initial capital estimate of $56 million and an operating cost estimate of $2.72/lb of cobalt produced, which would be competitive on global markets
• $37 million in free cash flow forecasted during the first full year of production
• Payback period of 1.8 years

Discussions are underway with Glencore on commercial arrangements, financing, and allocation of project economics.

Several EV manufacturers have expressed an interest in purchasing North American cobalt sulfate.

The company is evaluating several other plans that could enhance project economics further, including alternative approaches to managing elevated sodium concentrations prior to returning process water to the environment.

“This is an important milestone in our efforts to disrupt the existing cobalt supply chain,” said First Cobalt CEO Trent Mell. “With most of the world’s cobalt refining capacity located in China, there is strong demand for a North American alternative. Our focus will now turn to working with Glencore, our strategic partner, on implementing a new, ethical, and transparent supply chain.”

First Cobalt Refinery in Ontario, Canada

Current flow sheet configuration of the First Cobalt Refinery

Source: First Cobalt

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/first-cobalt-performs-feasibility-study-for-canadian-cobalt-refinery-expansion/

Has Lexus seen the electric light? New UX 300e electric crossover to debut in selected markets this year

Many auto brands can be described as EV laggards, but Lexus has gone beyond that, and positioned itself as an active EV opponent. Although Lexus has been producing a wide range of hybrids for years, it has aired not one, but at least two ad campaigns that ridicule plug-in vehicles. A third campaign made such outrageous claims that it was banned by Norway’s consumer protection agency.

Now the Japanese luxury brand has announced a baby step towards electrification with the UX 300e, an electric crossover that “will be introduced to selected markets in Europe by the end of the year.”

The UX 300e is powered by a newly developed 54.3 kWh battery, located under the cabin floor and rear seat. Lexus says the range will be 400 km on the (notoriously inaccurate) NEDC cycle, or 300 km on the (newer and more accurate) WLTP cycle.

Sensors monitor the voltage and temperature of each of the 288 battery cells. Lexus has developed a battery cell air-cooling system which it says is safer and lighter than water-cooled systems. Heating elements under each battery module are designed to minimize the impact of cold weather on driving range.

The UX 300e’s all-new drivetrain includes a 150 kW (204 DIN hp) electric motor driving the front wheels. Top speed is expected to be 160 km/h, and 0-100 km acceleration is quoted at 7.5 seconds.

Source: Lexus

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/has-lexus-seen-the-electric-light-new-ux-300e-electric-crossover-to-debut-in-selected-markets-this-year/

Karma Automotive showcases E-Flex EV platform

Karma Automotive has announced a new modular platform that features a flat floor EV architecture. The new E-Flex platform is one of five demonstration projects designed to illustrate Karma’s technical direction and capabilities.

Karma’s Everyday BEV E-Flex is a single-motor, flat battery pack, front-wheel-drive platform that includes an 80 kWh battery and Karma’s new Silicon Carbide (SiC) inverter e-drive system. The platform is designed to be used for everyday sedans, as well as commercial vehicles.

“Karma’s goal in creating the Everyday BEV platform was to offer an economic solution for service vehicles, ridesharing vehicles, and last-mile delivery vehicles that can benefit from low cost of ownership and sustainable transportation,” said Mike Jones, Karma Automotive’s Director of Chassis Engineering. “The Everyday BEV platform provides a host of benefits over traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, including adherence to clean air zones for city driving and quieter transport for passengers.”

Source: Karma Automotive

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/karma-automotive-showcases-e-flex-ev-platform/

HUBER+SUHNER’s new cooled charging cable system enables continuous charging at 500 A

HUBER+SUHNER, a global supplier of electrical and optical connectivity solutions, has launched a new addition to its RADOX high-power charging line.

The RADOX HPC500 is a cooled charging cable system that allows continuous charging at 500 Amperes, even in high-temperature environments.

Other improvements and new features include an IP67 connector protection rating, an optional ready-to-use metering system, and replaceable contacts for longer service life.

Alongside the cooled cable system, HUBER+SUHNER has also developed a new 24 V cooling unit to increase cooling capacity and reduce operational temperatures of the power lines, enabling continuous 500 A charging at environmental temperatures of up to 50° C.

The new plug-and-play cooling unit is pre-filled with coolant, and is designed to fit into existing charging stations, reducing installation time. The speeds of both the heat exchanger ventilators and the coolant pump are automatically adjusted to achieve the most efficient performance. At normal operating levels, lower speeds result in lower noise levels.

“The improvements we have made to the complete HPC system make this a truly ground-breaking product which enables continuous charging at 500 A for the first time,” said Max Göldi, Market Manager Industry at HUBER+SUHNER. “This helps charging station operators prepare for the future with an improved return on investment.”

Source: HUBER+SUHNER

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/hubersuhners-new-cooled-charging-cable-system-enables-continuous-charging-at-500-a/

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology to develop agile electric motor production system

The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economics will invest €1 million to fund the AgiloDrive research project at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The project is aimed at developing a novel, agile electric motor production system based on modular product- and production-specific technologies. 

Professor Jürgen Fleischer, Head of the wbk Institute of Production Science, stated, “In this way, we will enable future flexible, but still economically efficient production of various models and numbers of electric motors based on various technologies. This will allow cost-reducing scaling effects to be used for various product series and manufacturing technologies.”

Source: KIT
Image: Schaeffler

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/karlsruhe-institute-of-technology-to-develop-agile-electric-motor-production-system/