Author: Casper Benedict

STMicroelectronics has released high-power modules for electric vehicles that boost performance and driving range. ST’s new silicon-carbide (SiC) power modules have been selected for Hyundai’s E-GMP electric-vehicle platform shared by KIA EV6 and several models. Five new SiC-MOSFET based power modules provide flexible choices for vehicle makers, covering a selection of power ratings and support for operating voltages commonly used in electric vehicle (EV) traction applications. Housed in ST’s ACEPACK DRIVE package optimized for traction applications, the power modules are reliable thanks to sintering technology, robust, and easy for manufacturers to integrate in EV drives. Internally, the main power semiconductors are ST’s…

Hyliko has chosen Forsee Power as its partner to equip its first hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles with the PULSE 2.5 intelligent battery system. Hyliko is the first hydrogen mobility platform dedicated to the decarbonisation of road freight transport, offering a turnkey service for the supply and maintenance of hydrogen heavy vehicles, the production and distribution of “super green” hydrogen via its network of refueling stations, and the management of carbon footprint. Hyliko is offering two hydrogen trucks: a 44t tractor and a 26t 6×2 and 6×4 rigid truck. Forsee Power batteries will be installed on Hyliko vehicles from the first deliveries…

Polestar released an affordable performance software upgrade for the Long range Dual motor Polestar 2 in North America, raising the vehicle’s power output by 68 horsepower to a total of 476 hp. This upgrade marks the first time that Polestar has applied its software tuning heritage to an electric car, which is available to customers in the United States and Canada via an Over-the-Air (OTA) download. The permanent upgrade is a one-time cost of $1,195, delivering exceptional value without the hassle of a subscription. The upgrade adds 68 horsepower and 15 lb.-ft of torque to the existing 408 hp and…

Volkswagen will invest 460 million euros in early 2025 in their factory in Wolfsburg. According to the head of the VW brand, Thomas Schaefer on Wednesday, December 7, most of the funds will be spent on the production of the ID.3. Once full production of the compact car is underway, which is expected in 2025, additional full-electric models in the SUV segment will be produced in Wolfsburg on the MEB platform, an all-electric platform used since 2019. According to VW, the electric drive kit, which combines vehicle structure and design, is now being adapted into a new version, which will…

Elon Musk has reportedly tapped Tesla China’s top executive Tom Zhu to help run and optimize Gigafactory Texas. Tom Zhu’s name was mentioned in a Bloomberg report which claimed he had been flown in from China to help oversee the Texas Giga upgrade. “We can’t know for sure which rumor is true, it could be both, but we tend to believe the latter. Maybe related to credibility because Tesla’s old executives also oversaw the construction of Giga Shanghai,” wrote the insideevs page on Thursday, December 8, 2022. Tom Zhu is reportedly in Austin this week. He also brought in some…

Rivian software version 2022.47 adds a snow mode for Rivian electric vehicles. This drive mode relaxes the throttle pedal response and reduces regenerative braking for better control. Other enhancements include TIDAL, a subscription-based music streaming service owned by US-based payment processing company Block, Inc. Here is the detail: Version 2022.47 New Snow Mode Snow mode maximizes comfort in snow, slush, or icy on-road conditions. A relaxed pedal response and reduced regenerative braking allow for more precise control on low-grip road surfaces. Also, the vehicle offers improved performance when it slows to a stop, Go to Drive Modes > Snow. Note: To go…

The NIO 333 Formula E team unveiled its Gen3 livery for the upcoming 2023 season. The launched livery comes with a dark blue background which is maintained with the addition of flashes of solid red, white and light blue. This will be the ninth season of Formula E with drivers Sergio Sette Camara and Dan Ticktum. Mallory Park, chief operating officer of NIO 333 is optimistic about her team’s chances, and hopes to become a top three team by the end of the Gen3 rule. Deputy principal O’Hagan expressed his pride at the team’s efforts to prepare for Gen3. “We…

Volkswagen (VW) is developing a new platform for electric cars called MEB+. The MEB platform dates back to Volkswagen’s early efforts in the era of the diesel crisis, when new, versatile platforms were quickly needed with a focus on creating as much room on the platform for the battery as possible. The MEB+ platform will be compatible with Volkswagen’s new generation of batteries—called unit cells or prismatic integrated cells—enabling a driving range of up to 700 kilometers (435 miles). The MEB+ will also improve charge times significantly, with VW saying 175-200 kW of speed will be possible in the future.…

Hyundai is expanding its partnership with quantum computing provider IonQ to develop autonomous driving technology using quantum computers. The new partnership allows Hyundai to use its IonQ quantum computer to develop machine vision algorithms capable of detecting objects in 3D data from autonomous vehicles. In addition, the new partnership will allow Hyundai to use the IonQ quantum computer to simulate the electrochemical reactions of various metal catalysts to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly electric vehicles (EV). The two companies first announced a partnership in April with a focus on using quantum computers for object detection. IonQ and Hyundai initially…

It’s been almost three years since Elon Musk announced the Tesla Cybertruck, but car enthusiasts still don’t give up on the continuation of this vehicle, even though until now it’s not clear when the Cybertruck will be released. According to a recent statement by Tesla, the number of people who pre-ordered the Cybertruck has reached 1.5 million. It seems the company is quite happy with the interest from auto enthusiasts and it looks like Tesla will be making a slightly different version of the Cybertruck to follow up on the interest from customers. The Tesla Exhibition Room at the Petersen…

BMW’s future Neue Klasse range of electric vehicles will feature new lithium battery cells. This battery is claimed to increase range by as much as 30 percent. “The energy density is much higher than before. Can fit more cells into the battery pack. With gen 6, we integrate cylindrical battery cells directly into the vehicle,” said BMW representative Simon Erhard quoted by Carscoops on Sunday, November 4, 2022. BMW is currently developing the 6th gen cylindrical battery at the BMW Group Battery Cell Center of Excellence in Munich, Germany. The cell shape will allow BMW to ditch the prismatic cells…

Toyota recently completed a long-distance test drive of the CaetanoBus public transport hydrogen bus in Germany. The hydrogen bus uses fuel cells from the Toyota Mirai sedan hydrogen car. A special test drive for the hydrogen bus runs the Hanover – Niebull route for about 349 km. “This bus is known as H2 City Gold, a public transportation that shows practicality and high efficiency on the Hanover – Niebull route during IAA Transportation 2022,” said Toyota, quoted from Carbuzz today, Monday, December 5, 2022. The H2 City Gold hydrogen bus in Germany produces extremely low energy consumption, in contrast to…