The inside story Nick Flaherty explains the various non-invasive methods of analysing the workings of battery cells and their materials Testing battery cells, modules and packs presents a series of challenges. First of these is that taking measurements of the current and voltage changes the state of charge (SoC) of the cell and has an […] More…
Author: E-Mobility Engineering
Three-wheeler given new design
White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC) has started production of a new design of its electric-hybrid three-wheel scooter (writes Nick Flaherty). The WMC300FR uses a patented Venturi duct technology added to a Yamaha Tricity 300 platform with a 292 cc single-cylinder four-stroke motor. The hybrid power-assist unit consists of two 56 V, 12 Ah detachable lithium-ion rechargeable […] More…
Polymers confer safety and comfort
Ascend Performance Materials has developed two materials for EVs that improve safety and passenger comfort (writes Nick Flaherty). The Starflam X-Protect and Vydyne AVS tackle two key challenges automakers face when developing EV platforms. Starflam X-Protect is a flame-retardant nylon 66 that withstands exposure to 1 100 ºC direct flame for 15 minutes, surpassing standard flame-retardant materials and aluminium […] More…
ZF heated seat belt offers improved EV energy efficiency in cold weather
ZF has developed a heated seat belt option for EVs, which it says allows drivers to reduce the energy used to heat the vehicle. In combination with other contact heaters such as a seat heater, the system could increase an EV’s range by up to 15% by reducing the energy required to heat the interior […] More…
High-power modular EV cell cycler
NI has launched a battery cycler that supports testing packs with a power of up to 150 kW (writes Nick Flaherty). The High Power System (HPS) 17000, NI’s highest voltage cycler at 1500 V, is modular to support existing EV architectures while leaving room for future higher-voltage variants. It is used to analyse battery function […] More…
Cathode materials
Positive steps Researchers have been announcing advances in lithium-ion cathode materials and their manufacture, as Nick Flaherty reports There are three main types lithium-ion batteries for e-mobility, all with different balances of energy capacity, charging rate and long-term stability. There are however also many different approaches to constructing cathodes, using different chemical compositions, crystal structures […] More…
Everrati adds Range Rover Classic and Land Rover Defender to its line-up
EV conversion specialist Everrati has expanded its line-up with zero-emissions versions of the Range Rover Classic and Land Rover Defender. They follow the successful launch of its electric Land Rover Series. The Range Rover Classic transformed the automotive 4×4 sector when it was launched in 1970, while the iconic Land Rover Defender remains one of […] More…
Ariel Hipercar
Fast forward There’s more to this e-sportscar than its blistering acceleration, writes Peter Donaldson, it is also designed to advance EV technology “High performance carbon reduction” is a statement of intent for niche sportscar manufacturer Ariel Motor. Contraction of the phrase yields Hipercar, the name of Ariel’s road-focused, track-capable EV designed to reach 60 mph […] More…
Hall effect sensors include simulator
Melexis has launched two types of Hall current sensor for e-mobility power systems, along with an online simulation tool (writes Nick Flaherty). The MLX91230 is a conventional magnetic Hall sensor with a sensitivity drift of less than 1% and 100 mA offset over temperature, and operational lifespan for current monitoring in BMSs, battery disconnect units […] More…
Vibracoustic develops battery pack isolator for large EVs
NVH solutions supplier Vibracoustic has developed a battery pack isolation system for body-on-frame vehicles such as pick-ups, off-road vehicles, large SUVs and light commercial vehicles. The company says the system addresses some of the challenges with heavy battery packs in these vehicle classes. Unlike most existing unibody battery EVs, larger vehicles tend to use body-on-frame […] More…
McLaren Applied subsidiary unveils electric scooter
Micro-mobility company Lavoie, a subsidiary of McLaren Applied, has announced its debut product, the Series 1 electric scooter. The scooter features Lavoie’s patented one-touch Flowfold system, in which a single press of a button folds the front and rear wheel hinges and collapses the stem. A 2-hour charge on a domestic three-pin plug provides up […] More…
Cloud twin helps to extend EV range
NXP has connected a battery management system (BMS) through its cloud computing gateway to create a digital twin of a vehicle battery (writes Nick Flaherty). This enables machine learning on the data in the digital twin models in the cloud to improve the battery range by as much as 12%, as well as improving the […] More…
ECE electric Doosan DX165W and DX300LC
Digging deep Rory Jackson provides an in-depth report on how these heavy-duty excavators were converted to electric operation The construction industry is a major focus for many parties intent on fighting pollution and climate change, and with good reason: studies over the past few years estimate that construction contributes just shy of 40% of the […] More…
Toyota to develop hydrogen-powered Hilux in the UK
Toyota has won a £11.3 million grant to produce a hydrogen version of its Hilux pick-up truck in the UK (writes Nick Flaherty). Toyota Motors UK (TMUK) is working with Ricardo, ETL, D2H and Thatcham Research on the project, which will use of the 650 V second-generation fuel cell developed for Toyota’s Mirai, launched in […] More…
ABT e-Line converts vans to fuel cell power
ABT e-Line has converted two series-produced e-transporters to fuel cell power as demonstrator vehicles, which it unveiled at the IAA Transportation trade fair in Hanover at the end of September. As part of setting up the demonstrators, the company integrated the fuel cell system, the complete manufacturing process and the road approval. It also integrated […] More…
Everrati’s GT40 and Land Rover pass R100.01 electrical safety testing
Everrati has announced that its electric GT40 and Land Rover Series have passed EV safety testing for their electric powertrains. The test standard, UNECE R100.01, is to ensure EV powertrains are safe for use. It involves assessing the electrical safety of the HV components in a vehicle, and includes protection against electric shock, protection against […] More…
Liqui Moly discusses its new EV-specific brake fluid
Liqui Moly has developed a brake fluid formulated for the unique requirements of EVs (writes Rory Jackson). While it might be assumed that the brake system at the wheels is one component that remains the same between EVs and IC engine-powered vehicles, the only significant similarity is that the brake fluid needs to be changed […] More…
Vibracoustic introduces modular mounts for electric motors
NVH products supplier Vibracoustic has unveiled a modular thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) bushing and a polymer beam mount for electric motors in battery EVs. The company says they reduce weight and simplify assembly while also meeting OEM requirements for stiffness and isolation performance. Their integration ranges from bushings to a more sophisticated beam mount. The motor […] More…
Munro Vehicles gears up for launch of first 4×4
Munro Vehicles, a manufacturer of all-electric 4x4s, has released further details of the technical specification of its Munro Mk 1, which will be unveiled on 5 December. Its powertrain features a single, centrally mounted axial flux electric motor that delivers 700 Nm of torque. It also has a 480 mm ground clearance and 800 mm […] More…
Software predicts future cell health
A machine learning algorithm could help reduce charging times and prolong battery life in EVs by predicting how different driving patterns affect battery performance (writes Nick Flaherty). Researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK developed a non-invasive impedance-based approach to get accurate data on the state of health (SOH) of a battery. The […] More…
