Renault has presented the third phase of its strategic plan “Renaulution”. In it, the car company not only specifies the electric roadmap for its brands, but also its plans for the future independent electric car division.
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Sony has surprisingly presented their very own prototype of an electric car at the CES, though the electronics giant has been keeping any production plans to themselves. Sony’s electric limousine named Vision-S is based on a specially developed electric car platform for which international suppliers were involved.
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WiTricity has acquired Qualcomm’s Halo technology platform and several patents in contactless power transmission. WiTricity says the acquisition will help accelerate the market introduction of inductive charging for electric vehicles.
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BMW is setting themselves a step ahead of the competition by selling a wireless inductive charging system as of July, called BMW Wireless Charging. While companies have been presenting wireless charging concepts for some time, this marks the first major serial production of the technology.
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Qualcomm got the green light from the EU Commission for the take over of NXP Semiconductors subject to a series of commitments. The Korea Fair Trade Commission also agreed so that Qualcomm now got permission from 8 of 9 antitrust regulators.
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Graeme Davison is the VP for Business Development & Marketing at Qualcomm and knows all about the state of wireless charging today. The technology is here, even for dynamic charging. The question is where to apply it first.
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Dynamic charging at 20 kW: Wireless charging of moving electric vehicles has just been demonstrated by Qualcomm as part of the EU backed FABRIC project. The company said its Halo technology delivered up 20 kW to two Renault Kangoo ZE on the 100m test track. They also managed to refuel both vehicles at the same time on the same stretch. Another partner of the 9m euro project, Vedecom, is now to perform further safety tests. FABRIC is to continue through December 2017 with 25 organisations from nine EU countries going d’accord.
qualcomm.com
Compact electric excavator: Volvo Construction Equipment presents the EX2 prototype, an electric excavator said to be ten times more efficient than its conventional equivalent. Plus, he emits only a tenth of the noise obviously but so far, the EX2 is just a concept machine.
lectura.press, forconstructionpros.com (video)
Next-gen steel: 1.8 million dollars have been awarded to AK Steel through the DOE to develop electrical steels for hybrid and electric vehicle motors. The three year project is part of the Next Generation Electric Machines (NGEM) programme and has motor maker Regal Beloit Corporation on board as well.
greencarcongress.com, aksteel.com
Twice the range for any EV is the aim of Swedish fuel cell maker myFC for its Lamina Range Extender. Commercial tests are scheduled for 2018 and myFC says the REx based on its own fuel cell and the patented JAQ fuel and hopes it will combine both worlds of hydrogen and batteries.
cision.com
Electric pickup in Morocco: Société nationale du transport et de la logistique (SNTL) presented the Aslan, an electric pickup at Cop22 in Marrakesh. It sits on a modular platform. The model shown at the UN Climate Conference features a 19 kWh battery pack that lasts for 180 km. It can carry up to 800 kilos. The prototype has been made in Morocco and is destined for the European market at a later date.
moroccoworldnews.com, osvehicle.com, lnt.ma (in French)
Rare earth market report: Neodymium will become even rarer as demand for neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets used in traction motors will grow rapidly, Roskill projects in its latest report. Overall, permanent magnet and catalyst sectors will remain the largest markets for rare earths until 2026.
roskill.com via greencarcongress.com
Looking for growth in China is fuel cell company Plug Power, who expect the Asian market to become the largest within this decade. According to CEO Andy Marsh, Plug Power is in talks with various business as well as public entities as it seeks partners for its eastward expansion.
bizjournals.com
Wireless agreement: Qualcomm and supplier Preh have entered into a Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) license agreement. The firm that is part of the Joyson Electronics Group will include Qualcomm’s inductive charging system in its portfolio and concentrate on commercialising the technology for hybrid and electric cars, also with its own developments.
greencarcongress.com, qualcomm.com
Qualcomm update: Qualcomm and Lumen Australia finalised a license agreement for wireless EV charging. Lumen will include Qualcomm technology in its portfolio and commercialise it. Furthermore, Qualcomm announced its takeover of Dutch competitor NXP Semiconductors.
greencarcongress.com (license), qualcomm.com (acquisition)
2nd phase of 2nd life project: EU project “Energy Local Storage Advanced system” (ELSA) that reutilises batteries from Nissan and Renault presented its mid-term insights in Paris. ELSA systems can be found at six European locations and the three-year project focuses on increasing local production of renewable energy and to accelerate the transition to smart grid.
automotive-business-review.com, elsa-h2020.eu (project website)
Anodes from algae: Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have developed a method to create silicon-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries from the fossilised remains of algae called diatoms. This may lead to producing ultra-high capacity batteries for electric vehicles.
phys.org, ucrtoday.ucr.edu
Hydrogen funding: The DOE will support the launch of the HydroGEN Consortium with 10m dollars. The consortium is tasked with combining the capabilities of national laboratories to speed up commercially viable hydrogen production from renewable energy sources.
environmental-expert.com
Future BMW motorbike: Following visions for BMW, as well as Mini and Rolls-Royce, the Bavarians introduced a futuristic motorbike concept with an electric drivetrain. The ‘Vision Next 100’ not only emits zero emissions, it has no bearings or joints and is self-balancing, meaning the driver does not have to wear a helmet or protective gear. Active assistance systems keep the bike upright at a standstill or while driving.
electriccarsreport.com (with video), bmwgroup.com
Digital e-drive shifts into gear: The project kicked off at the Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines Stuttgart (FKFS). Financed by Daimler and Bosch, ‘Digital e-drive’ will look at digital methods to examine operational strategies of electric drivetrains in automated and connected vehicles.
springerprofessional.de, fkfs.de (Articles in German)
S-Series charges wirelessly: Qualcomm presented its inductive charging technology that will be used in the Mercedes S550e plug-in hybrid starting next year. It is based on the Halo WEVC system, which was tested during the Formula E and will charge the PHEV with 3.6 kW. Efficiency is said to be similar to a conductive charging system.
qualcomm.com, greencarcongress.com
Fraunhofer ISE signs with NREL: The two biggest research institutions are joining forces. The German Fraunhofer ISE and U.S. Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) agreed to work together closely in the fields of hydrogen and fuel cell research.
ise.fraunhofer.de
LG Chem continues to grow: The Korean battery maker has bought the cathode material business from GS Energy – including all patents and production sites. According to LG Chem, the deal is part of its plan to become the leading supplier of EV batteries. The supplier already counts GM and Renault to its clients, and was now able to win the business of Faraday Future.
pulsenews.co.kr (GS EM), fortune.com (FF)
Qualcomm to acquire NXP: The world of semiconductors could see its next big takeover, as chip manufacturer Qualcomm has an eye on Dutch competitor NXP Semiconductors. The deal would be worth more than 30bn dollars. Talks, however, are still in the early stages.
forbes.com, wsj.com
Electrifying Norwegian ferries: Siemens will supply the drivetrains for two new battery-electric vessels that will commute on a 2.4 km long route along Norway’s west coast from January 2018. It will be able to transport 120 cars, 12 trailers and 349 passengers. Siemens will therefore claim the title of leading drivetrain supplier for electric ships.
siemens.com
New partners: Ricardo and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) have signed a MoU in the field of powertrain electrification. The two are also said to jointly develop motors, batteries and power electronics for the automotive industry.
greencarcongress.com, automotiveworld.com
ABT presents eCab: Car enhancer ABT Sportsline now dabbles in electric mobility. The eCab is a platform fit for various structures, is TÜV-approved and has a range of 120 km. Ten eCabs are already being tested under real life conditions by DHL.
abt-sportsline.de
Higher energy density: The U.S. consortium Battery500 wants to develop a battery pack with an energy density of 500 Wh/kg using a lithium-metal battery. The U.S. government is funding the five-year project with up to 10m dollars.
greencarcongress.com
Denmark tests Olli : The Danish community of Vesthimmerlands is looking to put in place driverless shuttle buses. From September, they will test Local Motors bus Olli which was partly 3D-printed and features IBM technology Watson to answer passengers’ questions.
cphpost.dk, lokaltindblik.dk (in Danish)
Electric ferries in Norway: Norway’s Fjord1 will put two all-electric ferries into service from January 2018, which will be charged through fully automatic charging stations at the dock. Construction of the vessels will begin in Turkey in October.
passengership.info
Inductive commercialisation : Qualcomm has signed a license agreement with Lear. The supplier will add Qualcomm’s Halo technology for inductive charging in its product portfolio for manufactures of electric and plug-in hybrid cars, as well as charging infrastructure.
elektroniknet.de, greencarcongress.com
Inductive fast-charging: The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory achieved 90 percent efficiency with its newly developed 20 kW wireless charging system. Researchers used a Toyota RAV4 as demonstration vehicle and are now en route to inductive charging at 50 kW.
greencarcongress.com, youtube.com
Inductive partners: Qualcomm grants Ricardo the license to develop, make and supply wireless charging systems for carmakers. Qualcomm subsidiaries will support the effort with technical know-how and engineering. The system provides for charging with 3.3 kW, 6.6 kW or 20 kW.
greencarcongress.com
Nano One cobalt-free batteries: Nano One says it developed high-voltage cobalt-free lithium ion battery cathode material. In tests, the material called spinel exhibits high stability and up to 50 per cent more energy at high rates of discharge while being more cost efficient. Nano One is about to set up a pilot scale plant.
nanoone.ca
Remote servicing: German evinci Mobility is developing a remote maintenance system for light electric vehicles, which will work via smartphone and cloud. The company that is backed by LSP Innovative Automotive Systems received about a quarter of a million euros from the Bavarian government.
pedelec-elektro-fahrrad.de (in German)
Always connected: BMW will premiere its newest feature at the consumer electronics show IFA in Berlin today. Apps from Deutsche Telekom and Samsung designed to operate functions inside a connected home can be operated directly from the BMW i3. The carmaker will also present a new BMW i Remote app for the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 smartwatch and visitors can ‘experience’ the i3 and i8 sing a Samsung data glasses.
automotiveworld.com, bmwgroup.com
E(asy) rider from Switzerland: Sine Cycles presents its electric chopper, featuring a powertrain form Zero Motorcycles. The customised bike reaches a top speed of 120 kph (74.5 mph). Because of its 2.8 kWh battery, maximum range is estimated 55 km (34 mi).
technologicvehicles.com, gizmag.com
Film-based panel heater for more range: Fraunhofer IPA will show a particularly efficient heating system for electric cars at the IAA. The concept is based on a film that is coated with conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs), radiating heat and conserving energy for longer range in winter.
greencarcongress.com, phys.org
Charging inductively: The safety-car for season two of the Formula E will feature a prototype of Qualcomm’s inductive charging technology Halo. The 7.2kW wireless charging system can fully charge the BMW i8 in one hour, while the PHEV remains ready to hit the track at all times.
electricautosport.com, trustedreviews.com (photos)
Inductive charging collaboration: Until now it seemed that Daimler and BMW were working together with Brusa to develop inductive charging technology. But now Daimler announced that it will team up with Qualcomm to develop wireless charging solutions based on the latter’s Halo WEVC technology.
telegraph.co.uk, daimler.com
Wireless in-wheel motor: Japanese researchers say they have successfully developed the world’s first in-wheel motor system for electric cars that transfers electricity from the battery to the in-wheel motor wirelessly. It features a transmitting and a receiving coil located ten centimeters apart.
electric-vehiclenews.com, ajw.asahi.com
Schaeffler joins Formula E: As the exclusive technology partner of Team ABT Sportsline, Schaeffler is already developing an electric motor of its own for the second Formula E season and will be shaping the entire powertrain system of the motor and transmission for the race car. The first components will already be tested in the next few weeks.
prnewswire.com
New solid-state electrolyte: Researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory say they have developed a promising new solid-state electrolyte for rechargeable batteries with lithium-metal anodes. The material (Li7P2S8I) stands out due to its high ionic conductivity and chemical stability.
greencarcongress.com
LG Chem is to “change the future” by pouring considerate resources into research and development of new materials for EV batteries, LG Chem vice chairman and CEO Park Jin-soo announced. He continued saying the company already had technology that would enable electric cars to go for 400 to 500 kilometres and that it would “not take long” for these products to be market-ready.
asiaone.com
New industry leader: NXP Semiconductors is to merge with Freescale Semiconductor in a deal worth 11.8 billion dollars. Both companies offer several components for hybrid and electric vehicles. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2015. NFX and Freescale will then become the market leader in automotive semiconductors with a combined revenue of more than 10 billion dollars.
greencarcongress.com
Qualcomm enters Formula 1: The company has now been named as official technology partner for the Mercedes AMG Petronas team. According to the press release, the introduction of inductive charging technology is among joint development plans for the future of the racing series.
prnewswire.com
Hero Electric motorcycle: The Indian manufacturer has developed a prototype electric bike that features a 2000-Watt electric motor and a 48V lead acid battery. It has a maximum speed of 60 kph and a said range of 50 kilometres. A possible launch is at leat 8 to 12 months away.
autocarpro.in, zigwheels.com
Most clicked link on Tuesday was Norwegian Tesla driver Bjørn Nyland’s CHAdeMO adapter video.
youtube.com
New fast chargers: ABB is to deliver another 100 fast chargers to Danish e-mobility service provider Clever. The latter will erect the ‘Terra 53 DC’ not only in its home country but in neighbouring countries, too. It is very likely that these chargers will become part of the planned European charge network ‘Central European Green Corridors’ (we reported).
abb.com
More chargers for France: Just after Bolloré promoted its plan to build 16,000 charge points, Électricité de France (EDF) announced it will start to erect 200 fast chargers along French motorways starting in January 2015. The project is backed by Renault, BMW and VW, while the EU promised 4.5 million euros (5.5m USD). Most stations will be located close to the borders to Germany, Belgium and Italy.
leparisien.fr, automobile-propre.com (both in French)
European H2 infrastructure: 3.5 million euros are to be invested in studies preparing a European network of hydrogen infrastructure for transport. The money comes from the European Union´s TEN-T program and is intended for national implementation plans for Belgium, Finland, Poland and Riga, Latvia as well as three hydrogen refuelling stations with “specific innovative elements” in Finland and Sweden.
europa.eu
Wireless charging: Qualcomm is to invest in the British EV infrastructure provider Chargemaster that operates the Polar network in the UK. Its charging stations are planned to be retrofitted with Qualcomm’s inductive charging technology bit by bit although a detailed schedule has not been issued yet.
greencarcongress.com, electriccarsreport.com
Electric buses for Louisville: The city’s public transport TARC has introduced the ZeroBus, which will replace gas-powered trolleys when being phased into daily operation early next year. 10 electric buses for about 11 million dollars have been purchased with the help of the state and federal funds.
wfpl.org
Electric christmas: To help Romans leave their car at home during the festive season, the Italian capital has introduced five new electric mini-buses. The buses serve the main shopping districts while stopping at major car parks, metro stations and bus terminals along the way.
wantedinrome.com
Bi-national research: The energy ministries of both the U.S. and Israel will fund five Israeli projects with 4 million dollars in a bi-national effort. Among the supported companies are Fridenson Logistics and ChargePoint to jointly develop a smart grid capable, cloud-connected EV charging station.
jewishbusinessnews.com
Under normal circumstances, Qualcomm engineers have no problem to explain their technology. However, being questioned in a BMW i8, featuring these very same technologies, that is driven and drifted by race driver Nelson Piquet Jr. is a whole different matter.
youtube.com
Formula wireless: The Formula E safety car, the BMW i8, will be equipped with Qualcomm’s inductive charging system (we reported). The system will transmit with a power of 20 kilowatts at a efficiency of 92% if the charging pads are not further apart than 150 mm. Starting next year, the Formula E race cars will also be charged inductively.
motortorque.com, elektroniknet.de (in German)
Three-cylinders to bridge the gap: Volvo confirmed it will introduce three-cylinder engines to better meet future emission regulations. In combination with hybrid drives, they will be help Volvo to postpone the need for mass-electrification of its vehicles for another decade.
autocar.co.uk
Ford recalls C-Max Hybrids and some Focus of the 2014 model year, due to incomplete ball bearings in the steering gear. In total, 616 vehicles are affected, 32 of which were delivered to dealers but not yet to customers. For the C-Max Hybrid its already the third recall this year.
greencarreports.com
Low-voltage electrolyser: Scientists at Stanford University developed a device which produces hydrogen by water electrolysis, using an ordinary 1.5-volt AAA battery. No precious material like platinum or iridium is necessary, according to the researchers. Because the device only runs for a couple of days, the next goal is to improve its durability.
news.stanford.edu, sciencedaily.com
