TLX Technologies is set to launch the first two components in its new family of modular valves at EV Tech Expo, held on October 8-10 in Detroit, US.
Uniting critical performance characteristics and flexibility, TLX’s new 4-Way and 3-Way Switching Valves give OEM and system design teams thermal-management controls that suit multiple vehicle platforms. Read more…

Vitesco Technologies has boosted the performance of its fifth generation automotive DC-DC converter, incorporating a move from liquid to air cooling, writes Nick Flaherty. This Vitesco Gen5+ DC-DC converter uses 650 V CoolGan transistors from Infineon Technologies to achieve an efficiency of over 96% by increasing the switching frequency from 100 kHz to 250 kHz with an energy density of 4.2 kW/l. Read more…

Toshiba has developed a new generation of its fast charging SCiB battery technology, which combines a lithium-ion cathode with a niobium titanate oxide (NTO) anode, writes Nick Flaherty. SCiB Nb has an energy density of 350 Wh/L at 2.3 V while the chemistry minimises the risk of fires and explosions, and it is being used for the first time in an electric bus in Brazil. The cells Read more…

Leclanché has developed XN50, a lithium-ion battery cell featuring Echion Technologies’ XNO, a niobium-based, active anode material.
The cell provides integrators and OEMs with a differentiated battery option that outperforms existing chemistries in heavy-duty e-mobility, rail and marine applications. Read more…

SSAB has reached an agreement with Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Kalmar to deliver fossil-free steel for use in the latter’s anti-squeal plates, which are shims for brake pads. Read more…

Tyto Robotics has developed a test system for the next generation of electric aircraft that are using distributed electric propulsion (DEP), writes Nick Flaherty. DEP describes a propulsion system whereby the thrust generation is distributed across three or more electrically-powered propulsors. Read more…

The electrification of commercial vehicles is starting to change the mobile work environment, with the increased use of onboard electric power take-offs (ePTOs) and electrical outlets for powering devices such as tools, battery chargers, coolers, heaters and lighting equipment, and even high-performance compressors. Read more…

Peter Donaldson examines the shifting demands on thermal interface materials and suppliers’ innovative responses.
Thermal interface materials (TIMs), including gap fillers, are crucial for managing heat in battery packs, sensors and electronics in e-mobility applications. Their developers have to meet changing demands from battery builders and vehicle OEMs as they implement novel architectures moving into cell-to-pack, cell-to-chassis and cell-to-body schemes. Read more…

Rory Jackson finds out how one company met the challenge of electrifying its mining excavators.
Despite being known for manufacturing huge, diesel-powered vehicles and industrial equipment, the Liebherr Group has a lengthier history in electrified powertrains than many realise. Read more…

Nick Flaherty reports on the latest innovations in bidirectional charging and their ageing effects on battery cells.
Bidirectional charging allows energy to flow back and forth between an e-mobility platform such as an EV and other systems, whether that is the electricity grid, other electric equipment or even other vehicles. Read more…

A company that aims to make its e-scooter a serious, roadgoing magic carpet explains
its vision to Peter Donaldson
With a side profile reminiscent of a boomerang and a sleek, unadorned, metallic finish, the ‘M’ stand-up electric scooter from Bo has a distinctive appearance that hints at a fresh approach to an increasingly popular category of minimalist, powered two-wheeler. Read more…

Peter Donaldson highlights some hot discoveries at Battery Show Europe.
In June, Stuttgart Messe played host to the Battery Show Europe, an event that highlighted advanced manufacturing and developments in easing the dismantling of battery packs at the end of their first life, as well as innovative battery architectures, vehicle designs and componentry. Read more…

Nick Flaherty reports on the various materials making batteries safer.
A new generation of materials is changing the way battery systems for e-mobility are designed. Pack architectures differ depending on the form factor of the cells, with various materials used for cylindrical cells compared with prismatic cells. Read more…

Various methods are used to produce stacks of laminations for electric motors from electrical sheets. Schuler has integrated its Backlack technology into a complete, fully automated turnkey system with a high-speed press, as well as stacking and baking stations. Read more…

Machine learning is being used to improve the quality of laser welding systems and powder metal 3D additive manufacturing, writes Nick Flaherty. Laser welding machine maker TRUMPF is working with software developer SiMa.ai to develop lasers with artificial intelligence (AI). Read more…

SiliconAuto has adopted Siemens Digital Industries Software’s PAVE360 software to help it reduce the development time of its range of semiconductors for the automotive industry.
SiliconAuto’s goal is to provide a virtual reference development environment for its forthcoming advanced driver assistance system prior to silicon hardware availability. Read more…

Equipmake has unveiled a heavy-duty electric motor with double the continuous power of its predecessor.
The HTM-3500 state-of-the-art e-motor boasts the same peak figures of 3500 Nm and 400 kW as before, but continuous power has been doubled from 100 kW to 200 kW at 2500 rpm. Read more…

Thermal management is a major issue in the development of new electronic architectures. Current state-of-the-art heat-exchanger designs are restricted by the use of classic aluminium manufacturing options such as extrusion, forming or roll-bonding, but a new approach from Quarder Group could be about to revolutionise things. Read more…