New study: EV fuel cost savings vary widely across the US

EV drivers can save as much as $14,500 on fuel costs over 15 years compared to driving a legacy vehicle. That’s the conclusion of a new analysis conducted by researchers at the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL).

The new report, Levelized Cost of Charging Electric Vehicles in the United States, published in the journal Joule, examines the cost of  EV charging in greater detail than previous studies. It provides a state-level assessment, taking into account the thousands of different retail electricity tariffs around the country, and considers when, where, and how a vehicle is charged. It also considers the real-world costs of charging equipment and installation.

“Finding out the purchase price of a vehicle is relatively simple, but the savings related to fuel aren’t readily available, especially since electricity cost varies greatly for different locations and charging options,” said co-author Matteo Muratori, a Senior Systems Engineer at NREL.

The cost to charge an EV varies widely. The key factors include differences in the price of electricity, the types of equipment used (slow or fast charging), the cost of installation, and vehicle use (miles driven). The researchers calculated that the national average cost to charge a battery EV ranges from 8 cents per kWh to 27 cents, with an average of 15 cents. This corresponds to an average lifetime fuel cost savings of $3,000 to $10,500.

However, in certain scenarios, the savings can be much lower or higher than the average. The researchers found that, in Washington state, an EV driver can save as much as $14,500. On the other hand, certain drivers in Alabama, Hawaii, Mississippi or Tennessee may fail to realize any savings compared to a legacy vehicle.

In calculating costs, the researchers also considered the nature of the charging stations. The average cost figure of 15 cents per kWh assumes 81% of charging is done at home, 14% at a workplace or public station, and 5% at a DC fast charger. Exclusively charging at DCFC stations increases the average cost to 18 cents per kWh, while charging exclusively at home brings it down to 11 cents. EV owners who can take advantage of time-of-use pricing can see costs as low as 8 cents per kWh.

Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/new-study-ev-fuel-cost-savings-vary-widely-across-the-us/

New Siemens charger interacts with building management systems and load management tools

Siemens eMobility has launched a new generation of its VersiCharge AC Series commercial and residential chargers. The VersiCharge AC Series can interact with building management systems, enabling operators to monitor and adjust the system in real time. It offers tools for adjusting power demand, accurate metering of energy usage, and expanded network connectivity.

These UL/cUL-certified chargers offer up to 11.5 kW of AC charging power, and come in multiple configurations tailored to multi-family residences, workplaces, and utility applications. It can be wall- or pedestal-mounted.

The VersiCharge AC Series is designed to facilitate smart load management. Its open protocols enable direct interaction with building management systems such as Siemens Desigo or similar third-party systems that control peak energy demand. It is designed to be comprehensively interoperable, and can work across all Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)-certified charging networks.

The home version features a mobile app and flexible Internet connectivity. The commercial version is designed to fit any commercial location, and offers several networking methods to ease connectivity to the grid, enable secure transaction management, and seamlessly tie into many network topologies.

“Modularity, scalability, and a focus on open standards are key requirements for EV charging infrastructure,” said John DeBoer, head of Siemens eMobility and Future Grid Business Unit. “Our next-generation product is designed to help both the commercial and residential sectors realize their carbon reduction goals with a solution that can effectively grow with them over time.”

Source: Siemens

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/new-siemens-charger-interacts-with-building-management-systems-and-load-management-tools/

Volkswagen increases stake in battery specialist QuantumScape

Volkswagen is increasing its stake in QuantumScape, making an additional investment of up to $200 million in the US battery specialist. “We are making technological progress with our partner QuantumScape. The additional investment will effectively strengthen and accelerate our joint development work,” said VW Chairman Thomas Schmall. Volkswagen and QuantumScape have been collaborating in a joint venture to enable industrial-level production of solid-state batteries since 2018.

“Volkswagen is taking e-mobility to the mainstream. A strong position in batteries is a decisive factor in this regard,” said Frank Blome, Head of VW’s Battery Cell business. “We are securing our global supply base with efficient producers, gradually building up manufacturing capacities and driving the development of cutting-edge solid-state battery technology. Our focus in this context is on long-term strategic partnerships.”

Source: Volkswagen

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/volkswagen-increases-stake-in-battery-specialist-quantumscape/

New study: EVs are cheaper than diesels for ride-sharing in many European capitals

As ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Lyft, Bolt and Kapten continue to explode in popularity, the environmental costs are becoming apparent. These services not only draw riders away from greener public transport options, but they result in more passenger-miles driven than when people drive themselves.

The need to electrify ride-hailing vehicles is obvious. The good news, according to a new study by Transport & Environment (T&E), is that converting to EVs is becoming an attractive financial proposition in key European capitals such as Paris, Berlin, Madrid and Lisbon.

The economics of EVs—more expensive to buy but cheaper to run—are a perfect match for high-mileage, low-margin businesses such as ride-hailing and taxis.

According to T&E, medium-sized BEVs are on average 14% cheaper to run than diesels today. For drivers in Paris, the savings can be as high as 24%, or as much as €3,000 per year. T&E estimates that today’s EVs cut CO₂ emissions by two thirds on average compared to diesel cars. Because of Uber drivers’ high mileage, the climate benefits of going electric are even greater.

For taxi and Uber drivers, EVs with the right charging infrastructure are already cheaper to run than diesel in the majority of cases #TrueCostOfUber https://t.co/0T20IWi3ey pic.twitter.com/uY0m4NRvKv

— Transport & Environment (@transenv) June 18, 2020

“This is a win-win-win situation for drivers, citizens and the planet,” said T&E New Mobility Expert Yoann Le Petit. “The sooner Uber and taxis go 100% electric, the sooner citizens will enjoy cleaner air and quieter neighborhoods, the planet will have less climate-wrecking emissions and drivers will earn more money.”

Charging is a major roadblock to EV adoption by professional drivers. T&E finds that drivers need Level 2 charging stations in residential areas where they live, as well as dedicated fast chargers that they can use to top up during the work day.

Yoann Le Petit continued, “In the fight against climate change and air pollution, city dwellers need to be able to commute less, cycle more and hop on the bus or metro more often. But to realize the goal of cleaner cities, authorities will also need to clean up the car fleet. It makes perfect economic and climate sense to fully electrify high-mileage vehicles like Ubers and taxis.”

Source: Transport & Environment

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/new-study-evs-are-cheaper-than-diesels-for-ride-sharing-in-many-european-capitals/

Battery500 Consortium steadily increases energy density and cycle life of Li-metal cells

Launched in 2017, the Battery500 Consortium is a multi-institution program working to develop next-generation lithium metal anode cells delivering gravimetric energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg. The Battery500 team is composed of scientists and engineers from four national laboratories and five universities. Two of the researchers on the team, Professor Stanley Whittingham of Binghamton University and Professor John Goodenough of the University of Texas at Austin, received the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work on Li-ion batteries.

In the first two years of this program, the consortium has made significant progress in developing novel cell materials and integrating these materials into industry-relevant pouch cells. At the beginning of the program, a Li-metal pouch cell delivered 300 Wh/kg but only cycled approximately 10 times. The team has increased that energy density to 350 Wh/kg and extended the cycle life to more than 350 cycles. Specifically, they developed new electrolytes with enhanced stability against Li-metal, optimized the use of thick cathodes against a thin lithium foil, and applied cell-stack pressure to extend cycling life.

Recent research on even thicker cathodes and more stable electrolytes shows a path to a 500 Wh/kg cell. Current focuses include increasing rate capability and extending cycle life.

Source: DOE

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/battery500-consortium-steadily-increases-energy-density-and-cycle-life-of-li-metal-cells/

DOE solicits proposals for battery manufacturing innovations

The DOE is soliciting proposals from the national laboratories and industry partners to pursue radical innovations for American battery manufacturing leadership. The agency will directly fund the national labs to establish public-private partnerships that solve engineering challenges for advanced battery materials and devices, with a focus on de-risking, scaling and accelerating the adoption of new technologies.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office and Vehicles Technologies Office will jointly invest up to $12 million in projects that address capability gaps for next-generation lithium-based battery technologies through the following four areas:

• Materials processing and scale-up
• Innovative/advanced electrode and cell production
• Designer materials and electrodes
• Formation

Interested industry partners should contact the national laboratories directly about opportunities to collaborate. Full applications from the National Laboratories are due on July 17, 2020.

Individual project awards will range from $500,000 to $3 million over 24 to 36 months. A 50/50 cost share will be required between DOE and the private partner, which can include an in-kind contribution. Funds will be awarded directly to the national laboratories to support work with companies under Cooperative Research and Development Agreements.

This funding opportunity is a part of the Energy Storage Grand Challenge, a DOE effort to create and sustain global leadership in energy storage utilization and exports with a secure domestic manufacturing supply chain that does not depend on foreign sources of critical materials.

Source: DOE

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/doe-solicits-proposals-for-battery-manufacturing-innovations/

Peugeot reveals e-Expert electric commercial van

Peugeot’s new e-Expert is an electric version of the popular fossil-fueled Peugeot Expert commercial van. It will offer two different range options and three body lengths.

The new van will be available with a battery capacity of 50 kWh of 75 kWh, depending on the body size. The Compact and Standard variants come with a 50 kWh battery pack, which offers a range of up to 143 miles (WLTP); the Standard and Long variants can also be equipped with a 75 kWh pack, which offers a range of up to 205 miles.

The battery pack located under the floor, and Peugeot says it doesn’t cut into the amount of cargo space. Payloads are up to 1,275 kg, and towing capacity is up to 1,000 kg, both the same as those of the legacy Peugeot Expert.

The e-Expert can be converted by coach-builders to enable various configurations (refrigeration, for example).

The new e-van is based on PSA’s EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform). Its electric motor delivers maximum power of 100 kW and maximum torque of 260 Nm. Top speed is 80 mph, and 0-100 km acceleration is 13.1 seconds.

Two on-board charging options are on offer: the standard 7.4 kW single-phase charger, or an optional 11 kW three-phase charger. DC charging is also supported, at rates up to 100 kW, which is expected to deliver an 80% charge in 30 minutes.

There are three driving settings: Eco, Normal and Power; as well as two regenerative braking modes.

The Peugeot e-Expert will be produced at PSA’s plant near Valenciennes, France, and is expected to go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2020.

Source: Peugeot

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/peugeot-reveals-e-expert-electric-commercial-van/

Swiss highway charging stations to feature ABB energy storage and management

Swiss electric utilities Primeo Energie and Alpiq E-Mobility have opened a pair of highway charging stations in Switzerland that feature battery energy storage and an energy management solution from ABB.

Switzerland’s Federal Roads Office hopes to install chargers at approximately 100 motorway rest areas over the next few years. Many of these locations have little or no power supply, and as they may be served by different utilities, each can have its own specific cost structures and peak demand charges.

ABB’s “end-to-end solution” is designed to help operators manage costs in real time with intelligent energy management.

Each of the two new charging sites, which are located on the A2 motorway at the Inseli and Chilchbuehl rest stops, is equipped with an ABB Terra 54 charger, which provides one 50 kW DC fast charging point and one Level 2 charging point, as well as a 350 kW Terra DC fast charger with two additional charging points. ABB says dynamic power sharing between the charging posts will enable them to charge higher-power vehicles such as trucks or buses.

ABB also provided a 170 kWh battery energy storage system with power output of 330 kW to help reduce operating costs through peak shaving and to enhance system availability and reliability. Energy management is facilitated by ABB’s cloud-based Ability Optimax system. Thanks to the combination of storage and energy management, the local supply network does not have to directly cover the peak load during charging, which significantly reduces costs.  

“ABB’s complete solution helps shave peaks in demand and reduces the associated higher tariffs they incur, optimizing operating costs and maximizing return on investment,” said ABB’s Frank Muehlon. “For energy suppliers entering the e-mobility sector, ABB chargers provide all the flexibility, connectivity and features needed to enable such new business models to succeed.”

Primeo Energie plans to deploy three more similarly-equipped highway charging stations in 2020. 

Source: ABB

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/swiss-highway-charging-stations-to-feature-abb-energy-storage-and-management/

Québec transit operator orders 27 Lion electric school buses

Transdev Canada, a private operator of school buses, has ordered 27 new electric school buses from Québec firm Lion Electric, an investment of just under $4.5 million (Canadian).

The compay’s fleet of 31 e-buses will be gradually introduced on school transport networks in the Estrie and Montérégie regions of Québec, beginning with the start of the school year in September 2020. Transdev’s ambition is to electrify 100% of its Québec school bus fleet by 2025.

Transdev, which operates in 20 countries, says its worldwide fleet already includes 800 electric buses, and will include 1,200 electrified buses (battery-electric and fuel cell) by the end of the year.

Transdev has chosen to develop an energy transition plan for school transportation in Québec, because most of the local energy is produced from hydroelectric sources, and therefore among the cleanest in the world. The introduction of the e-buses promises to reduce pollution by 99% compared to fossil vehicles.

“We wanted to demonstrate a strong commitment regarding energy transition, and in particular to serve the younger generations who are the public transportation passengers of tomorrow,” said Arthur Nicolet, CEO of Transdev Canada. “We have done so with two key partners: the Québec government, whose support is crucial to our electrification strategy, and Lion, a local Québec company with which we have been working for a long time.”

“We have been happy to support Transdev in their commitment to sustainable mobility since 2016,” said Marc Bédard, President and founder of Lion Electric. With 31 100% electric LionC school buses in their fleet, Transdev’s green shift is certain to have a major impact on the environment and children’s health for years to come.”

Source: Transdev

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/quebec-transit-operator-orders-27-lion-electric-school-buses/

Battery modeling among new features in Ricardo Software’s new release

The second of Ricardo Software’s quarterly product releases for 2020 adds new capabilities in the area of EV powertrains. Both the Ricardo VECTIS CFD package and IGNITE complex systems modeling product now provide solutions for optimizing battery systems. These include modeling of the detailed heat exchange and cell degradation that occurs through use and storage.  

IGNITE also includes new models related to gearshift control which, combined with duty cycle customization and improvements related to modeling of driveline efficiency, enable engineers to optimize drivelines for both conventional and hybrid vehicles.

Ricardo says the 2020.2 release includes several improvements in the accuracy and usability of combustion modeling in VECTIS that will assist in the drive to reduce emissions across all ICE sectors. This includes improved accuracy of spark ignition modeling for large engines, faster simulations and new detailed kinetics tools.

The company asserts that improvements have been made to the WAVE 1D gas dynamics and performance simulation tool as well as its real-time equivalent WAVE-RT to enable advanced virtual calibration, including its use in software-in-the-loop (SiL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) environments. These include real-time NOx emissions prediction, a new knock detection model and improved sensing of the lambda response.

“I am pleased that we have been able to deliver the new 2020.2 release to Ricardo Software customers,” commented Ricardo MD Kimberly Matenchuk. “This new release brings fresh innovations in battery and hybrid vehicle powertrain optimization, together with significant improvements to our fluid simulation products.”

Source: Ricardo

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/battery-modeling-among-new-features-in-ricardo-softwares-new-release/

Wärtsilä to design and equip two battery-electric ferries

Norwegian ferry operator Boreal Sjö has ordered two custom-designed battery-electric ferries from technology group Wärtsilä. One is a 30-meter vessel capable of carrying 10 cars and approximately 100 passengers, while the other is a 50-meter vessel for 35 cars and 149 passengers and crew.

The two double-ended shuttle ferries are to be built at Holland Shipyards in the Netherlands, and will serve the Launes-Kvellandstrand and Abelnes-Andabeløy routes in Norway.

Wärtsilä will supply the thruster motors, batteries, onboard and shore-based battery charging equipment, back-up generators, and various electrical systems. The ships are expected to begin commercial operations in autumn 2021.

“This project is an excellent example of Wärtsilä’s extensive capabilities in delivering optimal design and integrated equipment solutions,” says Wärtsilä Account Manager René Zuidam. “These battery-powered ferries represent the future in environmental sustainability, and their design is the result of the years of R&D that Wärtsilä has invested in smart marine solutions to lower the carbon footprint of shipping.”

“Both Wärtsilä and Holland Shipyards Group have extensive experience in the electrification of vessels. The combined expertise of both organizations forms an excellent base for a successful cooperation,” says Marco Hoogendoorn, Director, Holland Shipyards.

Source: Wärtsilä

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/wartsila-to-design-and-equip-two-battery-electric-ferries/

Electrify America completes cross-country route from LA to DC

Electrify America has completed its first coast-to-coast route, from Los Angeles to Washington DC. The electrified highway spans 11 states and over 2,700 miles, running along Interstates 15 and 70. Electrify America charging stations, which feature DC fast chargers with speeds up to 350 kW, are on average about 70 miles apart, in metro areas and near highway routes located conveniently by shopping and dining amenities.

Electrify America plans to open a second cross-country route by the end of this summer, from Jacksonville to San Diego, starting near I-10 and finishing along I-8. The network already includes a route covering much of the East Coast via I-95 from Portland, Maine to Miami, and another that unites the West Coast along I-5 from Seattle to San Diego.

To date, Electrify America has more than 435 operational charging stations with over 1,900 DC fast chargers, and over 100 more sites in development. By the end of 2021, the network plans to install or have under development approximately 800 charging stations with about 3,500 DC fast chargers.

“Electrify America’s primary goal has always been to advance electric vehicle adoption in the US, and that starts by instilling feelings of confidence and freedom in consumers when it comes to EV ownership,” said Director of Operations Anthony Lambkin. “The completion of our first cross-country route is a significant step towards that goal—by making long-distance travel in an EV a reality, we hope to encourage more consumers to make the switch to electric.”

Source: Electrify America

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/electrify-america-completes-cross-country-route-from-la-to-dc/

Linear Labs to build new electric motor plant in Texas

The city of Fort Worth and electric motor company Linear Labs have signed a $68.9-million economic incentive package.

Linear Labs plans to secure a 500,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to support thousands of new, skilled jobs over the next 10 years. The research and production center will create electric motors for EVs, robotics, HVAC and last-mile micromobility, in addition to various industrial applications.

The new Linear Labs facility will serve as an R&D center as well as a manufacturing location to produce electric motors through advanced processes, including automation that will continuously evolve as manufacturing technology evolves. Dark Factory methodology will be implemented to allow for robotic automation with human oversight.

“Fort Worth is our home, and we can see the strategic moves the city is making to shape its infrastructure into the next major technology hub,” said Brad Hunstable, co-founder and CEO of Linear Labs. “The area offers a highly skilled talent pool with world-renowned universities and innovative companies including Lockheed Martin, Bell Flight and American Airlines. These resources, now combined with the city’s endorsement, shows us we have chosen the right place to build the foundation for our future.”

Source: City of Fort Worth

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/linear-labs-to-build-new-electric-motor-plant-in-texas/

Trojan Energy scores £4.1 million in funding for on-street charging solution

Scottish start-up Trojan Energy has secured a £4.1 million round of seed funding to support the roll-out of its on-street flat and flush EV charging points. Equity Gap led a £1 million funding round; other investors include SIS Ventures, Alba Equity and the Scottish Investment Bank. The equity funding unlocked an additional £3.1 million from Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency.

Trojan Energy’s mission is to solve the problem of charging for vehicle owners without access to off-street parking, which is emerging as a major roadblock to EV adoption in urban areas. Trojan estimates that 10 million people in the UK, and 100 million in Europe, park on the street. Local authorities are understandably reluctant to install large numbers of conventional charging stations, which take up valuable sidewalk space. Several UK companies have developed innovative solutions, such as char.gy’s lamp post charging stations, and Urban Electric’s pop-up chargers.

Trojan Energy’s solution uses a charging point that’s flat and flush to the pavement, eliminating the need to sacrifice pedestrian space. Users carry a charging “lance”—a sort of plunger-size cylinder with a handle—in their vehicles, and plug the lance into the connector point to start charging.

Trojan Energy will use the new funding to advance testing and certification of its product. The company aims to install the first 200 units in Brent and Camden Councils by early 2021. A similar driveway product for homeowners is in the pipeline.

The UK is Trojan Energy’s immediate focus, but longer-term, it hopes to export to Europe, India and China.

Trojan Energy CEO Ian Mackenzie said, “We want to ensure that the benefits of the low-carbon transition can be realized by everyone and not just those with a driveway. With this investment, our vision has moved a step closer.”

“We are pleased to back Trojan Energy and its strong Scottish team who have brought their expertise from the Oil & Gas sector to partner with industry, energy suppliers and councils to help accelerate the adoption of EV usage in dense urban areas where the technology is needed most,” said Equity Gap Director Fraser Lusty.

“Developing an innovative, non-invasive and cost-effective solution to the problem posed by on-street charging is essential. By drawing on years of engineering and commercial experience, we believe the Trojan Energy team can achieve that,” said Scottish Investment Bank Director Kerry Sharp.

Source: Trojan Energy

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/trojan-energy-scores-4-1-million-in-funding-for-on-street-charging-solution/

A sneak peek at VW’s ID.4 electric crossover

In Europe, the buzz is all about Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.3, but we Yanks are much more excited about the next vehicle in the pipeline, the ID.4, because, unlike so many of the current generation of EVs, it’s slated to be sold here in the US.

Few details of VW’s electric crossover have been released, beyond the basic specs and pricing. Now some photos that were submitted to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology have been revealed on the Chinese web site Autohome (via Motor Authority).

Now we know the dimensions of the new EV: approximately 181 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 64 inches high. By comparison, Tesla’s Model Y is 187 inches long.

At an expected price under $40,000, the ID.4 would be cheaper than Tesla’s current Model Y offerings, which start at $52,990, although Tesla may have a cheaper version of the Y available by the time the ID.4 hits the streets.

In May, a German auto blogger reported that he saw the ID.4 being produced at VW’s Zwickau factory. The company says it will also produce the ID.4 at at its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, starting in 2022.

Source: Motor Authority, Car and Driver

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/a-sneak-peek-at-vws-id-4-electric-crossover/

Hyundai/Kia’s new EV heat pump technology

Hyundai and Kia have revealed the details of their new heat pump system, which is designed to maximize EV driving range in low temperatures. The automakers say the heat pump maximizes the distance that EVs can travel on a single charge by scavenging waste heat to warm the cabin.

The original technology was introduced in 2014 on the first-generation Kia Soul EV. Comprising a compressor, evaporator and condenser, the heat pump captured waste heat given off by the vehicle’s electrical components, recycling this energy to heat the cabin. 

The new system scavenges waste heat from an increased number of sources, including drive motors, on-board chargers, inverters, battery packs and slow chargers. The heat generated by these components is used to vaporize refrigerant from liquid to gas form. High-pressure gas is discharged from the compressor and forced into a condenser, where it’s converted back into a liquid. This process generates additional heat energy that is recovered by the heat pump and used to warm the cabin, reducing the load on the battery system.

The Norwegian Automotive Federation (NAF) recently compared 20 EVs in cold and warm weather conditions to identify models with the most consistent driving range and charging performance. The test monitored the performance deviation of each vehicle in cold conditions compared to quoted manufacturer figures. The Hyundai Kona Electric, which uses the new heat pump technology, took first place, traveling 405 km in the cold, compared to the nominal 449 km under combined cycle testing conditions (23° C / 73° F). In severe cold weather, the Kona Electric delivered 91 percent of its nominal range.

Hyundai and Kia say their battery pack water-cooling system yields further increases in range without increasing physical dimensions.  EV battery cells can be packaged more tightly, as water-cooling channels take up less space than air-cooling channels, increasing battery density by up to 35 percent.

A study carried out by Korea’s Ministry of the Environment on the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV found that the heat pump significantly reduced battery consumption in cold conditions. When each car was driven in temperatures of -7° C (19° F) with the HVAC system activated, they were able to maintain 90 percent of their driving range compared to journeys undertaken at an ambient 26° C (79° F).

Source: Hyundai

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/hyundai-kias-new-ev-heat-pump-technology/

Battery Passport monitors battery usage to facilitate second-life applications and recycling

Electra Commercial Vehicles is the latest EV-builder to sign up to the Battery Passport service, which will roll out on all the company’s new vehicles.

Battery Passport is a real-time battery monitoring service that captures information on battery usage in real time, enabling alerts, reporting and a detailed history. It is designed to help vehicle owners extend the in-vehicle lifespan of their batteries, and to provide a pathway for those batteries to be sold into the second-life market when they reach the end of their in-vehicle lives.

The Battery Passport continually assesses and grades the future potential of the battery so that, when the battery nears the end of its vehicle life, the owner can share the Battery Passport with potential second-life buyers, who can use the grade to determine whether a particular battery can fulfil their energy storage requirements.

In the UK, the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations of 2009 make the vehicle manufacturer responsible for the collection and appropriate disposal of EV batteries. Giving a battery a secondary use, which can generate revenue for the vehicle owner, is usually a better option than recycling, which carries costs. Battery Passport allows the second-life market to purchase a battery knowing its full history and future potential.

“As a responsible vehicle manufacturer, Battery Passport enables Electra to meet its battery recycling responsibilities by diverting batteries away from disposal and into the second-life sector,” said Ben Smith, Managing Director of Electra Commercial Vehicles. “Our customers directly benefit from the Battery Passport as it secures the battery’s residual value, providing a better price to the vehicle owner when the battery is sold into the second-life market.”

Sources: Electra Commercial Vehicles, Battery Passport

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/battery-passport-monitors-battery-usage-to-facilitate-second-life-applications-and-recycling/

In Maine, electric refuse trucks will be powered by refuse

What could be more logical than running electric refuse trucks on power generated by a waste-to-energy plant? That’s just what Portland, Maine-based waste collection company Ecomaine plans to do, as Haley Rischar writes in Waste Today.

Ecomaine opened a waste-to-energy plant in 1989, but a decrease in the value of the energy produced caused the company’s revenue to dwindle. As Waste Today reports, Ecomaine decided to replace its two diesel trucks, which transport waste material from the plant to a landfill, with electric trucks powered by its operations.

A combined grant from the EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) covered 57.5 percent of Ecomaine’s capital investment. “The vehicles are [almost] two to three times more expensive than a traditional combustion engine vehicle,” says Ecomaine CEO Kevin Roche. “So, when we got the funding that would basically neutralize that investment for us, we went out to the market to find out who was offering these trucks.”

In March, Ecomaine bought two trucks from Canada-based Lion Electric, for delivery in January 2021. “The prototype [truck] they had was kind of off-the-shelf, so we needed some changes,” says Roche. “This is a heavy-duty application, so we needed the capacity to be there. Lion was very willing to work to make those changes for us and make sure that this was the solution that we needed.”

Lion Electric’s Class 8 truck consists of a Lion8 chassis and an electric side-loading hopper made by Boivin Evolution (BEV). It claims a range of up to 249 miles, and is compatible with Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations.

“Ecomaine has a situation that is actually pretty fantastic in that they have a waste-to-energy facility where they burn the waste in an environmentally friendly way and that creates steam, which powers a turbine that creates energy,” says Lion Sales Director Gary Lalonde. “For them, going electric was a really good solution—it’s almost 100 percent savings because they’re going to create their own energy.”

Electric trucks made more sense than compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, Lalonde told Waste Today. “If you take a look at the total cost of CNG versus electric, the infrastructure that you require for electric can be used in other applications and is significantly less than having to set up a CNG refill on-site.”

Ecomaine expects the vehicles to save some 75 percent on fuel costs over six years, compared to diesel trucks. The company is also forecasting “savings of $50,000 to $60,000 over six years on maintenance costs,” according to Shawn Rybski, Landfill Supervisor for Ecomaine. “Traditional diesel engines have a lot of moving parts. When looking at an electric truck, those moving parts are cut by more than half.”

Lion will train Ecomaine’s drivers on the new vehicles. So far, the response has been positive. “People have been able to come to our facility and go on a private track where they can actually drive the vehicle,” says Lalonde. “Everybody loves it—they’re all surprised at how much power it has straight out the gate.”

Source: Waste Today, Boivin Evolution

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/in-maine-electric-refuse-trucks-will-be-powered-by-refuse/

Designing silicon carbide solutions for EV fast charging: Webinar

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 for 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/

New highway charging station in Georgia has solar panels and 175 kW of power

The Ray, a nonprofit transportation lab, has overseen the opening of a solar-powered public fast charging station at the visitor information center on I-85 in West Point, Georgia. The station is strategically located to facilitate travel between the state capitals of Georgia and Alabama, and charging is free.

This charging location was originally opened in 2015 with a 50 kW charger. That has been upgraded to an ABB 175 kW Terra HP, a modular system that can be scaled up to 350 kW at a future date. The site features a grid-connected system with 12 solar panels.

“At The Ray, we want to demonstrate what’s next and showcase the electrification of transportation,” said John Picard, VP of The Ray. “With this new charger, we can show how easy it is to store energy and rapidly recharge.”

Cincinnati-based Donovan Energy served as the technology partner for the project. “We felt the flexible architecture of the ABB Terra HP high power solution was an ideal fit for what The Ray was looking to accomplish in this upgrade of their charging infrastructure,” said Jeff Martin, COO of Donovan Energy.

“Having EV chargers in convenient locations like rest stops are the next frontier for electric vehicle charging,” said Tim Echols of the Georgia Public Service Commission.

Source: The Ray

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/new-highway-charging-station-in-georgia-has-solar-panels-and-175-kw-of-power/

EV startup Arrival reveals new electric bus

The UK-based startup Arrival has garnered a lot of press interest for securing an order for 10,000 electric delivery vans from UPS, as well as €100 million in investment from Hyundai/Kia. Now the company has unveiled a new electric bus that boasts several innovative features.

There are video screens everywhere: a ring around the top of the exterior can be used to display boarding information; another ring around the top of the interior and a panel behind the driver can display information about upcoming stops, as well as advertising; and the driver has a Tesla-style screen that controls most of the vehicle functions.

Arrival says its bus will be far more connected than most current buses, providing passengers with better real-time information, and making it easier for operators to manage their fleets.

“Our buses are connected in ways that your typical bus is not connected,” Chief Experience Officer Kwame Nyanning told The Verge. “So from a fleet management standpoint, you’re able to deploy your inventory of buses in a much more intelligent way to forecast and meet and track demand based on data that we’re able to pull from the buses. I think a lot of other bus manufacturers are just making buses. They’re not making systems.”

Arrival has released few details of its electric powertrains, but it has said that its delivery vans will be built on a modular platform that can be scaled up or down for different vehicles. The company is also developing electric taxis and delivery robots. All of these will be built at “microfactories,” built near customers’ facilities.

Nyanning hinted at plans for a range of vehicles. “Yes, we want to make this bus, and this [is] the best bus anybody’s probably ever ridden on. But the more robust and expansive our ecosystem grows, the more relevant it becomes. We introduce a van, we introduce the bus, we introduce taxis, we introduce other shared mobility solutions or mobility-as-a-service solutions, and all of a sudden, the cumulative value of all these systems and platforms working together to form a single solution becomes quite compelling.”

Source: Arrival via The Verge

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/ev-startup-arrival-reveals-new-electric-bus/

ROHM introduces new 4th-generation SiC MOSFETs for EV powertrains

ROHM Semiconductor has announced its 4th-generation 1,200-volt SiC MOSFETs optimized for EV powertrain systems, including the main drive inverter, as well as power supplies for industrial equipment.

ROHM says that the new SiC MOSFETs deliver low ON resistance with high-speed switching performance, contributing to greater miniaturization and lower power consumption in a variety of applications, including automotive traction inverters and switching power supplies. 

Bare chip samples will be available starting in June 2020, and discrete packages will be offered in the future. 

Source: ROHM

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/rohm-introduces-new-4th-generation-sic-mosfets-for-ev-powertrains/

Groupe PSA and Punch Powertrain expand electrification partnership

Groupe PSA and Punch Powertrain have signed an agreement to expand their strategic partnership in the field of electrification.

Punch Powertrain holds majority control in the new Joint 61/39 Venture, which will design, manufacture and supply Punch Powertrain’s DT2 dual-clutch transmission for PSA’s next generation of hybrid EVs. The business will initially supply Groupe PSA’s global operations, and aims to eventually supply other vehicle manufacturers worldwide.

“Our clear manufacturing strategy is to have a vertical integration of components, particularly key technologies such as electrified powertrains. We have understood that the future is much more than reducing emissions. The challenge ahead of us is electrification at affordable cost,” said Groupe PSA Executive VP Olivier Bourges.

“We are delighted to launch this second Joint Venture Agreement with Groupe PSA, Europe’s second-largest car manufacturer,” said Punch Powertrain CEO Jorge Solis. “This new venture will spearhead the industrialization of our next generation of transmissions for hybrid EVs for Groupe PSA and other carmakers worldwide.”

Punch Powertrain will contribute its DT2-related business unit, including engineering, manufacturing and support functions, to the new entity, which is expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2020. Punch Powertrain will also transfer its current DT2-related facilities in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, and Eindhoven, the Netherlands. In turn, Groupe PSA will make a cash investment in the joint venture.

A high-voltage variant of the DT2 is designed for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and allows fully electric-powered driving.

Sources: Groupe PSA and Punch Powertrain

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/groupe-psa-and-punch-powertrain-expand-electrification-partnership/

West Coast utilities map out a possible electric truck charging network along I-5

A large group of electric utilities in the three West Coast states have announced the results of a study that examined the possibility of building charging infrastructure to facilitate freight transportation along the Pacific Coast’s main highway corridor.

The West Coast Clean Transit Corridor Initiative study recommends adding charging infrastructure for freight haulers and delivery trucks at 50-mile intervals along Interstate 5 and adjoining highways.

The study’s final report proposes a phased approach for electrifying the I-5 corridor. The first phase, to be completed by 2025, calls for 27 charging sites at 50-mile intervals along I-5 for medium-duty EVs such as delivery vans. By 2030, 14 of the 27 sites would be expanded to add charging for electric Class 8 trucks.

Of the 27 proposed sites, 16 are in California, 5 are in Oregon and 6 are in Washington. An additional 41 sites on other highways that connect to I-5 are also proposed.

The report recommends expanding state, federal and private programs that provide funding for electrification. Several California utilities already have programs aimed at supporting the adoption of electric trucks, but more support will be needed to meet state climate goals.

The report also found that most utilities in the three states have enough capacity in urban areas along I-5 to support interconnections with the medium-duty charging sites. In rural areas, however, the power capacity to support heavy-duty vehicles is lacking.

Fleet operators surveyed as part of the study said that access to public charging would accelerate their deployment of electric trucks.

“Electrifying transportation is a key component to reaching our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040,” said Bill Boyce, Manager of Electric Transportation for Sacramento-based SMUD, one of the utilities that commissioned the report. “As a transportation hub, reducing diesel emissions in long-haul transportation will further our goals of clean air and sustainable communities in our region and along the entire West Coast.”

Source: SMUD

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/west-coast-utilities-map-out-a-possible-electric-truck-charging-network-along-i-5/

Combining copper and aluminum: Longer module lifetime with Heraeus’ new bonding wire CucorAl Plus

Sponsored by Heraeus

The electrification of the powertrain requires the massive use of power electronics and places new demands on the power semiconductor industry. For electromobility to become established, it must be cost-effective and reliable – to achieve this, power semiconductors must have a higher power density, increased efficiency and improved temperature resistance. This requires connecting materials to withstand higher power densities, switching frequencies and temperatures and meet higher reliability requirements.

Because of the increasing operation temperature, conventional aluminum wires will usually be a limiting factor for power applications in EVs. Compared to aluminum, copper has a better thermal and electrical conductivity and a lower coefficient of electrical expansion. However, bonding copper on the semiconductor is not possible as the semiconductor usually breaks while bonding due to the hardness of copper.

To combine the advantages of aluminum and copper within one wire, Heraeus has developed a new composite bonding wire named CucorAl Plus. The wire consists of a copper core and an aluminum shell and is simple to integrate into existing power module design.

By replacing aluminum wire with CucorAl Plus, manufacturers can extend module lifetime by a factor of five without changing the module design. This specifically caters to the e-mobility industry needing new materials and components that function in demanding environments. CucorAl Plus enables higher power density within the module design by fusing current capabilities and providing a 20 percent higher ampacity. The wire is designed for operation temperatures of up to 200 °C. It also has better mechanical properties compared to aluminum wire.

Heraeus not only provides high-quality materials, but also makes its process knowledge available to customers. In its power electronics application centers, the company helps manufacturers to improve their processes by jointly simulating them and developing prototypes.

  Key benefits of CucorAl Plus:

• Enables power module operation temperature of up to 200 °C
• Up to 5x higher module lifetime compared to aluminum
• Enables higher power density within the module design, through 20% higher ampacity and fusing current capabilities
• Compatibility with standard bonding and standard chip technology
• Customer proofed

Learn more at Heraeus.com.

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/combining-copper-and-aluminum-longer-module-lifetime-with-heraeus-new-bonding-wire-cucoral-plus/

ClipperCreek’s new AmazingE FAST offers 7.7 kW Level 2 charging in a compact package

ClipperCreek offers a wide range of charging stations in many configurations and power levels, for residential and commercial applications.

The latest addition to the ClipperCreek line is the humbly-named AmazingE FAST, a compact Level 2 residential charger.

The AmazingE FAST operates at 32 amps and delivers up to 7.7 kW of power. It features a rugged waterproof enclosure and a 25-foot cable with a lockable SAE J1772 connector. It is ENERGY STAR-certified, has been safety-tested and certified by ETL, and comes with a three-year warranty.

The AmazingE FAST comes standard as a hard-wired unit, but is also available with a NEMA 14-50 plug. Available accessories include a wall-mount cable wrap and wall-mount connector holster.

Source: ClipperCreek

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/clippercreeks-new-amazinge-fast-offers-7-7-kw-level-2-charging-in-a-compact-package/

Tesla used a variety of technical advances to increase Model S range to 400 miles

Tesla’s vehicles continue to get better. The company recently announced that all North American Model S Long Range Plus vehicles now have an official EPA-rated range of 402 miles—an increase of almost 20% compared to a 2019 model with the same battery pack design.

How did Tesla’s engineers achieve such a significant improvement? It was a combination of several technical advances.

New Tempest wheels have lower aerodynamic drag, and a new custom tire offers less rolling resistance—these two changes combined delivered a 2% range increase. The rear AC-induction drive unit features a new electric oil pump that optimizes lubrication and reduces friction compared to the previous mechanical oil pump. Improvements to the gearbox in the front permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor, which is shared with Models 3 and Y, resulted in another 2% increase in range. The upgraded Model S has a new drive feature called Hold, which blends regenerative braking with friction brakes, and returns more energy to the battery pack.

All these improvements delivered incremental increases in range, but it appears that the bulk of the gains came from significantly reducing the vehicle’s mass. “Mass is the enemy of both efficiency and performance, and minimizing the weight of every component is an ongoing goal for our design and engineering teams,” says Tesla. “Several lessons from the engineering design and manufacturing of Model 3 and Model Y have now been carried over to Model S and Model X. This has unlocked new areas of mass reduction while maintaining the premium feel and performance of both vehicles. Additional weight savings have also been achieved through the standardization of Tesla’s in-house seat manufacturing and lighter weight materials used in our battery pack and drive units.”

Oh, by the way, Tesla also recently reduced the price of the Model S Long Range Plus by $5,000.

Source: Tesla

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/tesla-used-a-variety-of-technical-advances-to-increase-model-s-range-to-400-miles/

AEM EV releases VCU200 Vehicle Control Unit

AEM EV has released a new addition to its line of vehicle control units. Built on OEM hardware, AEM’s VCUs are intended for high-performance EV street-conversion and motorsports applications. They are designed to allow the calibrator to create customized torque management strategies applicable to a range of EV systems. 

In its default configuration, the new VCU200 Vehicle Control Unit can manage a single inverter/motor system, communicate with up to four independent CAN bus networks, and be used on direct-drive and indirect-drive EV setups. Multiple motor control systems may be possible, depending on the application. 

Primary functions of the AEM VCU200 include:

• Input characterization, including accelerator pedal, brake switch, PRND switches, and other inputs
• Redundancy and arbitration features for all safety-critical inputs
• Startup and shutdown sequencing of high-voltage components, including independent contactor control
• CAN message translation for BMS, inverter, PDUs and other CAN accessories
• Motor torque management dependent on vehicle operating states and other driver-selectable modes
• Closed-loop motor speed regulation for indirect drive transmission applications
• Dynamic torque limits
• Accessory control of cooling pumps, cooling fans, lights and more
• Diagnostics and fault detection including CAN message timeouts, thermal limits, contactor and inverter enable cross-checks
• IP6K7-rated enclosure (dustproof and waterproof)

AEMcal software allows engineers to customize the power delivery strategies and control the ancillary subsystems of EVs through a graphical interface that combines tables and graphs for implementing strategies for torque delivery, launch control (stationary and dynamic), traction control, regenerative braking, speed limiting, map switching and more.

The VCU200 currently supports all Cascadia Motion PM Series inverters and compatible motors, the Orion BMS2 battery management system and the Isabellenhuett IVT-S Series Smart Shunt for battery management, and has an integrated current, voltage and temperature sensor in conjunction with a BMS. It can also control the EMP WP32 water pump through the CAN bus.

AEM EV says that it has validated Gigavac contactors and Gigavac and ARCOL pre-charge resistors. Switched control for fans, pumps, lights, etc, can be controlled by the VCU200 using AEM’s PDU-8 Power Distribution Unit(s). Eight units can be used for a total of up to 64 channels. The VCU200 currently supports up to 2 PDU-8 units.

Vehicle power, drive activation (PRND) and map switching can be controlled using AEM’s 8-Button CAN Keypad, and display and logging capability for all channels on the CAN network can be performed by AEM CD Carbon Digital Dash Displays.

A Plug & Pin Kit (PN 30-3709) is available for the VCU200. This kit includes a connector and all the necessary pins to create a bespoke wiring harness.

Source: AEM EV

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/aem-ev-releases-vcu200-vehicle-control-unit/

Formula E to resume live racing in August with six-race championship series

Formula E, which was forced to suspend its season due to the corona crisis, will resume racing in August, at Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport. A series of six races in nine days will decide the winner of the 2019/20 ABB FIA Formula E Championship. Each pair of races will use a different track configuration.

Strict safety measures will be taken, and unfortunately that seems to mean no live audience. Racing will take place behind closed doors—only competitors and essential staff will travel to the event. As per German government guidelines, there will be a maximum number of 1,000 people on site, including local suppliers, medical crews, and a staff of 20 for each Formula E team. Health precautions will include coronavirus testing prior to the races, as well as daily screening. Formula E will also enforce the use of face masks and social distancing.

Formula E had completed five races before the break. DS Techeetah driver Antonio Felix da Costa topped the standings, only 11 points ahead of Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s Mitch Evans. Da Costa will be looking to seal his first Formula E title, promoting him onto the champions’ roll of honor.

“Since taking action to suspend our season in March, we have emphasised a revised calendar which places the health and safety of our community first, represents Formula E’s distinct brand of city centre racing and offers an exciting conclusion to the compelling season of racing we had seen so far,” said Formula E CEO Jamie Reigle. “We’re heading to Berlin Tempelhof, a venue that our teams, drivers and fans love. The nine-day festival will feature three track layouts, presenting a new challenge and creating the conditions for an unpredictable and drama-filled climax to our season.”

Source: Formula E

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/formula-e-to-resume-live-racing-in-august-with-six-race-championship-series/

WAVE deploys wireless charging system at Oregon bus depot

Wireless charging pioneer Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification (WAVE) has deployed its wireless charging system at a bus maintenance depot operated by Josephine Community Transit, which serves Josephine County, Oregon. The system will wirelessly charge two remanufactured Zero Emission Propulsion System (ZEPS) buses from Complete Coach Works. An additional two vehicles are scheduled to go into service later this year.

Traditionally, electric buses return to a maintenance depot, where they are charged overnight by overhead infrastructure or plug-in chargers. According to WAVE, these chargers require frequent maintenance, as well as space for electrical equipment. The company’s wireless system takes up much less space—it consists of a charging pad embedded in the pavement, which transfers power through the air to a receiving pad mounted on the vehicle’s undercarriage. The system requires no cables or connectors, and has no moving parts.

“Offering the WAVE system at a maintenance garage, in addition to its typical en route use, is a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with Josephine and advance the industry,” said WAVE CEO Michael Masquelier.

Source: WAVE

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/wave-deploys-wireless-charging-system-at-oregon-bus-depot/

Tesla and Panasonic sign new three-year battery supply deal

Lately it’s seemed that the relationship between Tesla and Panasonic might have hit a rocky patch. The two companies have been partners at Tesla’s Nevada Gigafactory since the beginning, but more recently, they’ve been seeing other people.

Last year, Tesla said Panasonic’s battery cell production was constraining Model 3 production. In February, the carmaker announced a battery supply agreement with the Chinese firm CATL. Tesla has also been making noises about producing its own battery cells.

However, Reuters reports that the two firms have signed a new three-year pricing deal, and are talking about expanding battery capacity at the Gigafactory.

In May, Panasonic hinted that it was working with Tesla to develop new and improved batteries. CFO Hirokazu Umeda also announced that his company’s battery production at Gigafactory Nevada had finally reached profitability (of course, this was before the pandemic-induced production pause).

At a recent earnings briefing, Mr. Umeda said, “We are seeing strong demand from Tesla beyond the Nevada plant’s current capacity of 35 gigawatt-hours per year,” and added that the two companies were in discussions about expanding the plant’s capacity. The figure of 54 GWh per year was tossed around in some recent talks.

For its part, Tesla said the new deal relates to “specific terms between the parties with respect to pricing, planned investments and new technology, as well as production capacity commitments by Panasonic and purchase volume commitments by Tesla over the first two years of the Agreement.”

It’s pretty vague stuff, but Electrek’s Fred Lambert speculated that Panasonic has agreed to increase its investment in Gigafactory Nevada, and that both increased volume and collaboration on new and improved batteries are in the offing. Will we learn more at Tesla’s Battery Day event, whenever it finally occurs?

Source: Reuters via Electrek

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/tesla-and-panasonic-sign-new-three-year-battery-supply-deal/

Watch out Europe, the Chinese are coming—and they’re driving EVs

China’s formidable auto industry has so far failed to find a foothold in the North American or European markets. Many industry observers believe that the country’s prominent push for electrification has little to do with concern about climate change, and much to do with the country’s quest for a seat at the top table of the global auto industry.

Now we’re seeing signs that China’s “electrify and conquer” strategy is paying off—Chinese EVs are beginning to go on sale in Europe, and at least one brand is already seeing strong sales.

MG, the iconic British brand now owned by the Chinese firm SAIC Motor, accounted for almost 2 percent of Europe’s EV market in the first quarter. MG’s ZS EV, a small SUV, is available in Norway, the Netherlands, Italy, France and the UK. In the latter, it garnered 10 percent of the EV market, making it the UK’s third-best-selling BEV, behind the Tesla Model 3 and the Nissan LEAF.

MG is not an electric-only brand—EVs represented only 39 percent of its 2,300 first-quarter sales. However, its electric model has been an important contributor to its European success, MG UK Sales and Marketing Manager Daniel Gregorious told Automotive News Europe: “If it wasn’t for electric it would be much, much tougher to [achieve such strong sales].”

Chinese automakers have been storming the walls of Europe for several years, and some have been forced to sound the retreat. Jiangling and Brilliance withdrew from the European market in 2005 and 2007, respectively, after their vehicles performed poorly in crash tests. Great Wall Motor and Qoros Auto also were worsted and retired from the field.

BYD has become one of the leaders of the global electric bus market, but it has had less success with efforts to sell its e6 electric taxi in Europe and the US. The company is pushing ahead in Europe with due caution. “I’m very careful about launching a model,” BYD Auto Europe Managing Director Isbrand Ho told Automotive News Europe. “If you launch successfully, you can rely on that success for many years to come. If you launch improperly it will take many years to fix that. [Great Wall] was the wrong market, the product was not right, the image was not right, the aftersales and spare parts were not in place, and it failed miserably.”

BYD’s return to the European EV market will be led by the Tang SUV, followed by an electric sedan called the Han. The company will focus first on e-mobility leader Norway, and will work with a local importer, RSA. “I believe you need bricks and mortar to service the vehicle, especially when these vehicles are new and the brand is unknown,” Ho said.

More Chinese EVs are on the way. Volvo’s Polestar brand plans to begin deliveries of its Polestar 2 EV in seven European markets in August. Other brands planning European EV launches include JAC EVs, Aiways, Byton, BAIC and Nio.

By trying to hold back electrification as long as possible, European automakers have given their Chinese rivals a priceless gift, says Berlin-based analyst Matthias Schmidt. However, he believes the opportunity comes with a time limit: in 2025, the next round of EU carbon-reduction targets will kick in, forcing the Europeans to get serious about EVs. The Chinese have “a five-year window to break into the market before it effectively becomes closed,” says Schmidt.

If one or more of the upstarts are able to seize the moment, China’s long-cherished dream of global automotive glory might be within reach. “While the established brands are marketing EVs with the handbrake still partially engaged, this is the one big chance for the Chinese to enter the market,” said Schmidt. “They could be a force to be reckoned with.”

Source: Automotive News Europe

source https://chargedevs.com/newswire/watch-out-europe-the-chinese-are-coming-and-theyre-driving-evs/