TLX Technologies is set to launch the first two components in its new family of modular valves at EV Tech Expo, held on October 8-10 in Detroit, US.
Uniting critical performance characteristics and flexibility, TLX’s new 4-Way and 3-Way Switching Valves give OEM and system design teams thermal-management controls that suit multiple vehicle platforms.
Machine learning is being used to improve the quality of laser welding systems and powder metal 3D additive manufacturing, writes Nick Flaherty. Laser welding machine maker TRUMPF is working with software developer SiMa.ai to develop lasers with artificial intelligence (AI).
Vitesco Technologies has boosted the performance of its fifth generation automotive DC-DC converter, incorporating a move from liquid to air cooling, writes Nick Flaherty. This Vitesco Gen5+ DC-DC converter uses 650 V CoolGan transistors from Infineon Technologies to achieve an efficiency of over 96% by increasing the switching frequency from 100 kHz to 250 kHz with an energy density of 4.2 kW/l.
Toshiba has developed a new generation of its fast charging SCiB battery technology, which combines a lithium-ion cathode with a niobium titanate oxide (NTO) anode, writes Nick Flaherty. SCiB Nb has an energy density of 350 Wh/L at 2.3 V while the chemistry minimises the risk of fires and explosions, and it is being used for the first time in an electric bus in Brazil. The cells
Leclanché has developed XN50, a lithium-ion battery cell featuring Echion Technologies’ XNO, a niobium-based, active anode material.
The cell provides integrators and OEMs with a differentiated battery option that outperforms existing chemistries in heavy-duty e-mobility, rail and marine applications.
SSAB has reached an agreement with Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Kalmar to deliver fossil-free steel for use in the latter’s anti-squeal plates, which are shims for brake pads.
Tyto Robotics has developed a test system for the next generation of electric aircraft that are using distributed electric propulsion (DEP), writes Nick Flaherty. DEP describes a propulsion system whereby the thrust generation is distributed across three or more electrically-powered propulsors.
The electrification of commercial vehicles is starting to change the mobile work environment, with the increased use of onboard electric power take-offs (ePTOs) and electrical outlets for powering devices such as tools, battery chargers, coolers, heaters and lighting equipment, and even high-performance compressors.
The first version of Q5D’s robot for automating the assembly of wiring harnesses for electric vehicles (EVs) is being shipped, writes Nick Flaherty.
Q5D is using its CY1000 system to assemble the wiring harness in the roof lining of a prototype SUV being tested in the UK.
One of the signs of maturity we should look for in BEV technology is the existence of a robust market in used cars, writes Peter Donaldson. Evidence of this would include a good choice of makes and models with prices that, while strong, are significantly lower than new prices, and they reflect age, mileage, service history and overall condition.