CATL has presented a sodium-ion cell along with plans to start production in 2023. What are the advantages and disadvantages of replacing lithium? Christoph M. Schwarzer evaluated the technology by speaking to battery experts from P3 Automotive and Prof. Dr Markus Hölzle from ZSW. The potential is huge!
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In Germany, the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) in Ulm has broken ground for the HyFaB research factory, an open industry platform with a focus on fuel cell stacks. Commissioning is planned for the beginning of 2022.
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The ZellkoBatt project starting this month has the goal of optimising large-format lithium-ion cells for automotive applications while reducing the costs of components and production processes. The project will be undertaken by the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) in Germany.
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In 2019, the worldwide stock of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with battery-electric drives or with range extenders, as well as plug-in hybrid drives has increased to around 7.9 million, 2.3 million more than a year ago.
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The number of plug-in electric vehicles worldwide rose to 5.6 million worldwide at the beginning of 2019, which includes passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with battery-electric drive, range extender and plug-in hybrids. This is an increase of 64 per cent YOY.
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A new EU project called E-MAGIC (European Magnesium Interactive Battery Community) that was recently funded with 6.5 million euros, will focus on the development of a new type of magnesium-based battery for electrified vehicles, among other uses.
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By the start of 2018 the number of vehicles with electric motors, range extenders or plug-in hybrid systems have reached a global 3.2 million units, according to a ZSW survey. China is leading with around 1.2m NEVs driving around the country.
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ZSW is piloting a novel manufacturing method for Li-ion cells. A new line now opened in Ulm, Germany, enables the researchers to stack rather than wind the electrode strips in order to enhance cell properties.
Read moreA new Toyota for the track: Following Audi and Porsche’s lead, Toyota introduced a hybrid racer for the upcoming World Endurance Championship. The TS050 hybrid LMP1 combines a twin-turbo 2.4-litre V6 engine and 8 megajoule hybrid system. Moreover, the team switches from super capacitors to lithium-ion battery packs.
greencarcongress.com, autoblog.com
Funding FC research: The Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW) will receive 4.42m euros in funding from the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg. Especially in Ulm, the centre is developing, testing and working on the production of fuel cells, as well as new batteries for electric cars.
mfw.baden-wuerttemberg.de (in German)
eGearDrive included: BorgWarner is to equip the upcoming Geely EC7-EV sedan with its eGearDrive transmission. The efficient gear train allows for more range and quiet performance. Moreover, it is available for a wide range of different motor sizes.
greencarcongress.com
Electric tugboats: The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) has received the first of three hybrid tugboats from the international group Damen. Compared to older models, it uses 30 percent less fuel has more power. Currently used vessels are often not strong enough to tug some of the newer ships.
greencarcongress.com
Automated cell production in Germany: The Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg (ZSW) had built a pilot plant that now successfully manufactures automotive-grade lithium-ion cells. The PHEV 1 format standard cells were produced fully automatically at a high production rate. BASF, BMW, Daimler, Elring Klinger, Manz, Robert Bosch, Rockwood Lithium, SGL Carbon and Siemens are already pitching in to scale up the open technology.
solarserver.com
Red Bull Aston Martin racer: Both brands confirm they are working on the “next-gen hypercar” with the codename AM-RB 001. While famed F1 engineer Adrian Newey is involved in the project, nothing has been said about the drivetrain yet. Although a hybrid is more likely than an electric vehicle, Autocar suggests.
autocar.co.uk
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Electromobility powered by Siemens – Siemens is presenting its drivetrain solutions for hybrid and electric cars on the “Vehicle Show Electromobility” in Bad Neustadt a.d.S on 16th and 17th. Find Siemens at the fairground of the demo city for electromobility and take a glance on the latest innovations.
www.siemens.com/electriccar
Nissan & BMW to compete in Formula E? The two mayor manufacturers are in talks with existing teams to join the electric racing series as early as next season, Autosport has learned from inside sources. None would be directly involved in powertrain development at first, and Renault-Nissan has to approve.
autosport.com
16m pound for battery research: Dyson received a 16m GBP (23m USD) grant to develop new battery technology. The money is part of a fund earmarked to smarten up motorways and energy infrastructure. Founder Sir James Dyson intends to employ 5,000 researchers, engineers and designers on the Malmesbury site to invent new technologies.
techuk.org, westerndailypress.co.uk
Most clicked link on Thursday was the eMobility Advice Tool by fleet provider Alphabet, as advertised in yesterday’s newsletter.
alphabet.com/emobility-advice-tool
Cheaper Li-ion batteries: Researchers at the German ZSW (Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung) have developed a new cathode material for Li-ion batteries. The lithium nickel manganese oxide obtained up to 40 percent higher energy density than existing materials and is more cost-effective, according to ZSW.
zsw-bw.de (in German)
Berkeley Lab rewarded: Eight million dollars in funding habe been awarded to Berkeley Lab for two new research efforts by the Department of Energy. One is to find new materials for hydrogen storage and another for optimising fuel-cell performance and durability.
newscenter.lbl.gov
Light to hydrogen: German chemists have introduced a new class of porous organic materials that can be used for light-driven production of hydrogen gas. The so-called covalent organic frameworks (COFs) work well in molecular engineering.
nanowerk.com, nature.com
Kickstart the Bolt M-1 as it is asking for funding on Indiegogo. The electric two-wheeler hovers between a scooter and motorcycle (we reported) and it looks as if that mix appeals. Already, 160,000 dollars of the required 200,000 have been collected with another 20 days left.
indiegogo.com (campaign) via insideevs.com
Most clicked link on Thursday were three queens gathering in Oz for a drag race. Watch the Tesla Model S P85D, a Holden Commodore V8 and a Walkinshaw HSV GTS together in action – again.
youtube.com
Modular EV drivetrain system: In the next three years, research partners of the project HV-ModAL hope to create an electric drive train modular system toolbox, which is suitable for a wide range of electric cars from various manufacturers. The project consists of ten partners from the whole automotive value chain and the sciences in Germany, including BMW, Daimler, Bosch and others. The German government is funding the project with 7.5 million euros.
presseagentur.com, evertiq.com
Predicting the grid: A European consortium of German, Danish and Dutch researchers has presented the “NEMO Tool Suite,” a forward looking tool for planning power grids in which renewables are optimally integrated and controllable loads and storage are considered. It is part of the “Novel E-Mobility Grid Model” project aimed at supporting grid operators.
idw-online.de
High capacity cathode: U.S. company BioSolar and the University of California, Santa Barbara have filed a joint patent application for their newly developed high capacity cathode. It is said to make full use of anodes’ storage capacity, increasing the capacity and lifespan of li-ion batteries, while lowering costs. Researchers say the technology could potentially breach the 100 dollars per kWh cost barrier.
renewables.seenews.com, biosolar.com
P2G tender: In a soon to be launched public tendering procedure, German ZSW (Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung) and partners want to find the location and operator of a power-to-gas (P2G) facility, which could produce hydrogen for over 1,000 fuel-cell vehicles. The state government of Baden-Wuerttemberg is funding the flagship project with 4.5 million euros.
zsw-bw.de (in German)
Most clicked link on Wednesday were the spy shots showing Dongfeng´s all-electric Fengshen A60 EV for the Chinese market.
carnewschina.com
Air cooling for EVs: The German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) granted 6.5 million euros to the “Luftstrom” (air stream) project which is to develop new drivetrain and charging technologies for EVs that are cooled with air instead of water. The project is to run until 2018 with twelve partners, among them Siemens, Infineon as well as universities and research institutes.
idw-online.de (in German)
Battery scanner: The Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg (ZSW) now has a dual-source X-ray scanner that delivers high-definition images of the insides of batteries. The nano-focus tube makes smallest fractions visible in 3D, thus enabling researchers to assess damage and literally gain new insights.
solarserver.com
All-terrain EV: The Mattro Ardenner is essentially an electric snowmobile but more versatile than that. Three individually controlled electric in-wheel motors make it most agile. The Ardenner can get as fast as 80 kph and develops 1,400 Nm of torque.
autoevolution.com
EV fun: NASA developed the Modular Robotic Vehicle – an EV that can be remotely controlled, drift and even park itself. Another interesting piece is the Lane Splitter, which literally splits into two separate electric motorcycles.
youtube.com (NASA), motoroids.com (Lane Splitter)
Most clicked link on Thursday was the Renault Twizy Cargo Ambulance revealed at the CV Show in Birmingham.
electriccarsreport.com
Globally, 740,000 electric cars and plug-in hybrids are registered, a study by the German Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW) revealed. Almost half of the PEVs (320,000) were added in 2014.
pv-magazine.com
Li-Ion cells made in Germany: German ZSW, a research centre for solar and hydrogen energy, says it has produced Li-Ion cells close to serial production on its recently completed assembly line in the city of Ulm. According to the ZSW, 23 Ah capacity puts them at level with similar cells commercially produced in Asia and the research centre strives to increase this capacity even further in the future.
iwr.de (in German)
Hybrid tech for small cars: Maruti Suzuki engineers are working on a low cost hybrid technology aimed at small cars. Set to be ready by 2017, the technology is to first be utilised in the next generation Swift. Production will take place in India, which is seen as a key market.
business-standard.com, indianautosblog.com
Canada to fund clean tech: Natural Resources Canada and Sustainable Development Technology Canada will spend 29.5 million dollars to support 6 projects. Nemaska Lithium is to receive 12.87 million dollars to pilot production of lithium hydroxide and carbonate which could make for cheaper EV batteries. 3.7 million will go to TM4 to develop low-cost wheel motors for electric and hybrid vehicles.
labcanada.com
Ballard fuel cells for buses: Ballard Power Systems expects to supply 10 FCvelocity-HD6 fuel cell modules to power buses as part of two projects that were recently awarded funding by the U.S. Federal Transit Administration. BAE Systems and ElDorado National are project partners for Ballard.
greencarcongress.com, ballard.com
Most clicked link on Wednesday was the NanoFlowcell Quantino, which is said to offer a range of more than 1,000 kilometres.
performancedrive.com.au
FedEx powered by Wrightspeed: Recently, the logistics giant tried electric drives by Wrightspeed Power. The trial went well, as FedEx now ordered another 25 electric drivetrains for its pilot programme that sees Wrightspeed convert its trucks. The system comes with an on-board diesel-turbine to generate extra electricity.
sfgate.com, wired.com
Nissan got a taste for electric racing and will unveil its hybrid racer GT-R LM Nismo in Florida soon, sportscar365.com reports. The sports car is destined to battle at next year’s Le Mans where it will meet the hybrid racers of Audi, Porsche and Toyota on the course. The hunt for drivers is on.
sportscar365.com
Battery research centre: The ZSW Laboratory for Battery Technology (eLaB) has been opened in the German city of Ulm (we reported). Here, companies will have the chance to develop new manufacturing methods for large Li-ion batteries to be used in EVs.
solarserver.com
Electric racing history: The FIA is to appear at the Paris Motor Show. Side by side on display will be two electric racers with more than a century between them. The ‘Jamais Contente’ was the first car to go over 100 kph in 1899 while the Spark-Renault SRT_01E is setting records in the Formula E.
fia.com, electricautosport.co
Most clicked link on Wednesday was the invention from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and German Aerospace Centre (DLR), which combines EV’s electric motor with the compressor of the air conditioning.
phys.org
Norway loves Tesla: For the second time, the Model S has become Norway’s bestselling car, accounting for 10.8% of all car sales last month! Tesla sold 1,493 units here in March, even more than in the U.S. in the same month (estimated 1,300).
insideevs.com (Norway), hybridcars.com (USA)
Passat spy shots: 2015 will see the new generation of Volkswagen’s classic hitting the market also as plug-in hybrid (we reported). Now, new spy shots of the Passat have emerged but they don’t really tell much with all that camouflage applied.
motorvision.de (in German)
Tax break for EVs in China? The Chinese government might exempt electric cars from the 10% vehicle purchase tax. More details will follow soon.
chinacartimes.com
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Electromobility powered by Siemens – Siemens is presenting its drivetrain solutions for electric and hybrid cars on Hannover Messe 2014 from April 7th – 11th – Automation & IT Tour. Follow the red carpet and find Siemens’ solutions for electric cars in entrance area south. Visit also Siemens in hall 9, booth D35. www.siemens.com/hannovermesse
Price-gouging: Some BMW dealers in the U.S. are apparently trying to take advantage of the high demand for the i3. While the electric car is not yet fully available or only after a long wait, dealers are asking higher prices or include optional extras as “standard.”
transportevolved.com
E-Motorcycle from Austria: Johann Hammerschmid is the inventor of the Johammer. His rather interestingly looking electric motorcycle has a 12.7 kWh battery getting its energy from 1,200 Panasonic cells. The first seven units have now been build and sold for 25,000 euros (34.500 dollars). For the start, 50 Johammer will be build a year while 300 would be necessary to make a profit.
nachrichten.at (in German)
In English, please: On Tuesday, we reported about the German ZSW study currently counting 405,000 EVs worldwide. Now, the story has made it into English-speaking media, so if you want to catch up on all details, just click below.
greencarcongress.com, green.autoblog.com, greencarreports.com
Daimler to double production in China: The German carmaker plans to invest a total of four billion euros (5.5bn dollars) in its Chinese joint venture Beijing Benz (BBAC) with one billion being reserved for the expansion of local car and engine production alone until 2015.
just-auto.com
BMW strengthened the China-German relations too when signing a declaration of intent with its Chinese partner Brilliance Automotive to continue and deepen the cooperation. Last year, the BMW-Brilliance JV sold 206,729 BMW vehicles, an increase of 28.5%.
rttnews.com, automobil-industrie.vogel.de (in German)
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Electromobility powered by Siemens – Siemens is presenting its drivetrain solutions for electric and hybrid cars on Hannover Messe 2014 from April 7th – 11th – Automation & IT Tour. Follow the red carpet and find Siemens’ solutions for electric cars in entrance area south. Visit also Siemens in hall 9, booth D35.
www.siemens.com/hannovermesse
One year with a Leaf: Lou Grinzo delivers some insights about his life with an electric Nissan. To cut a long story short: he loves the car but would love it even more with some more range even though he does not mind the daily plugging at all. His only worry left is which plug-in to lease next…
theenergycollective.com
405,000 EVs worldwide: According to the German research centre ZSW, the number of electric vehicles, including range extended EVs and plug-in hybrids, has doubled since last year. Leading EV nation is the U.S. with 174,000 vehicles followed by Japan with 68,000 and China with 45,000. Germany only took seventh place with 17,500 electric cars counted.
emobilserver.de (in German), zsw-bw.de (in German)
