Author: David Smith

In the rapidly evolving landscape of solid-state battery research and development, SK On, the battery supplier for automotive giants Ford and Volkswagen, has made a significant stride. The South Korean company has revealed a stable solid electrolyte that promises to increase lithium-ion conductivity by a remarkable 70%. Similar to its South Korean counterpart, Samsung, SK On has employed a proprietary oxide formula for the electrolyte. This formulation, developed in collaboration with Dankook University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, is set to advance the state of solid-state battery technology. Notably, the increase in lithium-ion conductivity achieved by SK On’s unique…

Cologne’s regional transport company, RVK, has inked a significant deal with Polish manufacturer Solaris to acquire 18 articulated hydrogen buses, scheduled for deployment in the summer of 2024. These state-of-the-art vehicles will play a crucial role in expanding the presence of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) in the greater Cologne/Bonn area. This marks a milestone for RVK as it represents their first order of articulated buses from Solaris. The Urbino 18 Hydrogen, Solaris’ latest model unveiled in September 2022, has already undergone successful testing with RVK. See also: Solaris launches new hydrogen articulated bus with a length of 18 meters,…

Nissan has partnered with JVCKenwood Corp. and 4R Energy Corp. to create a portable power source. This innovative development utilizes modules sourced from aging Nissan Leaf electric hatchbacks, as reported by the Associated Press. Weighing in at a mere 32 pounds (14.4 kilograms), this portable generator features two modules salvaged from first-generation Nissan Leaf vehicles. It is currently available for purchase in Japan at a price of $1,170 (equivalent to 170,500 yen). Detailed information regarding its capacity has not been disclosed, and plans for international availability remain undisclosed at this time. Examining the unit’s specifications reveals two high-power outputs, along…

In a significant move to stay competitive in China’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market, Volkswagen’s joint venture with FAW, FAW-VW, has implemented substantial price reductions on the ID.4 electric SUV, marking a substantial price drop from its initial launch in January 2021. The ID.4, which initially hit the Chinese market with a price tag of 193,900 yuan ($26,700), now boasts a much more appealing starting price of 145,900 yuan ($20,060), following FAW-VW’s price adjustment strategy. Volkswagen operates in China through two prominent joint ventures, SAIC-VW and FAW-VW, both offering variations of Volkswagen’s popular ID.4 and ID.6 electric models. Typically, when…

Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car manufacturer, has unveiled its latest creation, the Polestar Synergy hypercar, at the IAA Mobility Show. The Synergy hypercar is the remarkable result of the 2022 Polestar Design Contest, where three winning entries were combined into a full-scale prototype. As part of a new collaboration with Mattel, the concept will also be immortalized as a scale model, offering enthusiasts the chance to own a piece of sustainable performance. The theme of the 2022 Polestar Design Contest was “sustainable performance,” and it drew over 600 entries, primarily focused on zero-emission sportscars, supercars, and hypercars. The winning…

Gotion High-tech, a prominent Chinese lithium battery manufacturer, has successfully acquired a substantial 25 percent stake in InoBat AS, a leading European battery company. The partnership, which was formalized through a memorandum of cooperation earlier this year, marks a pivotal step towards fostering research and development initiatives and establishing a large-scale localized battery value chain spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. InoBat, an innovative battery firm originating from Slovakia but incorporated in Norway, distinguishes itself by offering tailored, high-performance NMC batteries through its unique C2C circular value chain development platform, as highlighted in their press release. This strategic investment…

In a statement made at the IAA car show in Munich, BMW’s Chief Executive, Oliver Zipse, expressed confidence that the forthcoming “Neue Klasse” electric vehicle (EV) range will prove to be just as profitable as the existing battery-powered cars in the luxury automaker’s portfolio. The Neue Klasse, scheduled for launch in 2025, stands as a pivotal component of BMW’s strategy to emulate past achievements and compete with EV pioneer Tesla, who is also making a prominent appearance at this year’s IAA event. “We are very profitable with electric cars… already today,” Zipse emphasized during his interaction with reporters, highlighting that…

Audi has taken the stage at the Munich Motor Show to provide a sneak peek into the interior of its forthcoming Q6 e-tron. Building upon previous revelations regarding the crossover’s powertrain and exterior design, Audi has now offered an in-depth look at the technology-rich cabin that awaits future owners. At the heart of this high-tech interior is a panoramic display system. Comprising an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a substantial 14.5-inch infotainment screen, this setup is powered by Android Automotive. Beyond the basic functionalities, the infotainment system includes an app store and a digital assistant, represented by an avatar. See…

McLaren Applied has recently introduced the IPG5-x, an innovative 800-volt silicon carbide inverter. The company’s latest creation is aimed at catering to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), providing them with a cutting-edge solution for seamless integration into electric drive units (EDUs) for upcoming electric vehicles. Dubbed the IPG5-x, this forward-looking inverter has been meticulously designed in collaboration with Tier 1 suppliers and OEM partners. With versatility at its core, the IPG5-x is engineered to be compatible with a wide array of motors and transmissions. Notably, McLaren Applied is already in the midst of a collaboration with prominent transmission manufacturer Tremec. Together,…

Tesla has once again implemented significant price reductions on its brand-new Model 3 vehicles within its North American inventory. Coinciding with speculation surrounding the imminent unveiling of the Model 3 refresh, dubbed Project Highland, in China on September 1, the automaker aims to entice potential buyers with substantial savings. Having previously offered discounts of up to $2,500 on various Model 3 trims back in June, Tesla has now escalated the discounts to even greater heights. The Model 3 RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) sees a markdown exceeding $4,100, while the Model 3 Long Range boasts a price reduction surpassing $5,000. Notably, the…

In a bid to keep up with the electric vehicle revolution, South Korea is seeing a surge in the adoption of Chinese lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, sparking concerns about their environmental impact. While electric buses and scooters equipped with LFP batteries are gaining traction in the Korean market, recycling these batteries after their useful life remains a significant challenge. Experts argue that this trend could undermine the goal of creating a more eco-friendly electric ecosystem. Industry insiders report that sales of new electric vehicles featuring LFP batteries are set to kick off in earnest next month. Among the notable…

South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group has announced the successful spin-off of three internal startups, marking a significant step in its pursuit of innovation that transcends the traditional automotive sector. The startups – PIT IN, MADDE, and EVA CYCLE – have now transitioned into independent entities after a remarkable journey of technology development and commercialization spanning just nine months. Hyundai Motor Group’s proprietary startup incubation initiative, the ZERO1NE Company Builder, played a pivotal role in nurturing these enterprises to maturity. PIT IN, the brainchild of this program, presents a unique offering in the form of commercial electric vehicles, including taxis, powered…