In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss Tesla being in the crosshairs of the Musk/Trump divorce, EV sales in Europe, a new Hyundai electric minivan, and more. Read more…
Fixing The Old Tesla Model 3’s Biggest Flaw: ‘It Feels Amazing’
Retrofitting parts from the updated Model 3 makes a world of difference. Read more…
TDK’s new embedded gate driver powers efficiency in EV thermal systems
Japanese manufacturer TDK Electronics has extended the power capability of its Micronas high-voltage microcontrollers (HVC) 5x embedded motor controller family with its new HVC 5481G for automotive applications. The chips are designed for local interconnect network (LIN)-controlled automotive blowers, pumps and fans in thermal systems. They can also power smart brushless DC motor (BLDC) actuators… Read more…
Clearing the electrical service bottleneck for EV charger installation
Power Innovations International’s new line of DC fast chargers can accept a wide range of input voltages. There are three things everyone in the EV industry seems to agree on: (1) we need more charging infrastructure; (2) it needs to be more reliable; and (3) installation often takes much too long. Project delays very often… Read more…
A closer look at inductors and chokes In EVs
Traction motors and transformers are the magnetic components that seem to get all the attention, but the humble inductor/choke is just as critical a component in modern power converters, and it has surprisingly profound effects on performance, reliability and cost. Another temptation for the bewildered design engineer (or one that is just short on time—but… Read more…
Two Years Later, Tesla’s Superchargers Are No Magic Bullet
Public EV charging is still a confusing mess in the U.S. But it won’t be like that forever. Read more…
How Rivian Developed Its Zonal Architecture In Just Two Years
Rivian cut 1.6 miles of wiring from its EVs and reduced the number of computers significantly. This is what it looks like in real life. Read more…
BMW bets big on America, will build electric iX5 and iX7 SUVs in South Carolina
In a major strategic shift for its electric vehicle ambitions, BMW is pouring €1.53 billion into its American operations. The German automaker confirmed plans to manufacture the next generation of its popular SUVs as all-electric models in the United States. The sprawling South Carolina facility, already the largest US automotive exporter by value, is preparing for a major overhaul. BMW… Read more…
Wheel-E Podcast: SONDORS returns, Trek adds throttles, more
This week on Electrek’s Wheel-E podcast, we discuss the most popular news stories from the world of electric bikes and other nontraditional electric vehicles. This time, that includes Trek’s first throttle e-bike, NYC imposing a 15 MPH speed limit for e-bikes, MeetOne Tour electric trike review, why your e-bike frame number is important, NIU’s stock is soaring, and more. Read more…
Toyota is about to launch another electric SUV in China for under $20,000
When will Toyota launch an electric SUV for under $20,000 in the US or Europe? We’ll keep dreaming. Toyota is launching the new bZ5 electric SUV next week in China amid an intensifying EV price war. The new SUV will draw power from BYD’s batteries and EV powertrain as Toyota looks to get a leg up on the competition. Read more…
BYD’s latest EV price cuts trigger ‘war panic’ as China warns it’s now out of control
Following another round of price cuts last month, BYD is now facing backlash from top Chinese officials and regulators. China warned BYD’s latest cuts are triggering “price war panic,” and that it’s now getting out of hand. Read more…
Porsche pilots high-voltage battery recycling
German automaker Porsche has launched a pilot project that aims to recover valuable raw materials from high-voltage batteries after their use in vehicles and to test a potential closed-loop raw material cycle. For the long term, the automaker plans to establish a recycling network for high-voltage batteries in collaboration with external partners. The pilot project… Read more…
Barnet Council rolls out 1,000 on-street EV charge points in partnership with char.gy
The Council for the London Borough of Barnet has partnered with local charging provider char.gy to install up to 1,000 new on-street public chargers. The first 500 will be installed over the next three months, and the remaining 500 will be installed within three years, bringing the total number of EV charge points in Barnet… Read more…
Rivian R2 ‘Will Underpin All Future EV Projects’ At Volkswagen
Rivian exec confirms its upcoming R2 will be the techno grandfather of all future EVs produced by VW. Read more…
For Tesla, The Musk-Trump Divorce Comes At The Worst Time
We also discuss why automakers are not blaming tariffs for price increases and the impact of China’s export restrictions on rare earth materials. Read more…
Elon Musk Could’ve Saved EVs From Donald Trump. That’s Not What Happened
EV tax credits are reportedly part of the spat between the president and the world’s richest man. Why didn’t Musk speak up before? Read more…
Fraunhofer IVI starts testing truck undercarriage charging systems in Dresden
The Fraunhofer IVI and Dresden’s municipal cleaning service are beginning practical testing of an underfloor charging system developed by the Fraunhofer Institute. The conductive charging technology has been integrated into a 15-tonne truck, which is now available for testing by Dresden’s municipal cleaning service. Read more…
Kia America reveals pricing for the 2026 EV9
Kia has just revealed the pricing for its latest model year of the EV9 three-row SUV. The all-electric SUV will see a number of design and performance tweaks over the previous year. Read more…
Engie Vianeo to build charging parks at 12 shopping centres
The French retail network operator Engie Vianeo has announced a partnership with shopping centre company Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW). The partnership will see twelve URW shopping centres in France equipped with EV charging parks this year. Read more…
Toshiba delivers first battery samples with niobium-titanium oxide anode
Toshiba is developing a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a niobium-titanium oxide anode and has now started to deliver cell samples to manufacturers. The ‘SCiB Nb’ is said to be similar to LFP cells in terms of volumetric energy density, but has clear advantages in terms of fast charging and service life. Read more…
