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Self-assembling solid-state battery materials

Researchers in the US have developed a self-assembling battery material that quickly breaks apart when submerged in a simple organic liquid, writes Nick Flaherty.

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Thermoplastic intrusion plate boosts EV battery safety and sustainability for major European platform

Röchling Automotive has strengthened its position in electric vehicle safety technology with a new contract to supply Intrusion Protection Plates for an entire vehicle platform developed by a major European OEM.

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Stellantis eliminates the EV inverter

Stellantis has designed a battery pack that can supply power directly to a motor, eliminating the need for a charger or inverter, writes Nick Flaherty. The Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS) has been in development at car maker Stellantis for the past six years as a drop-in replacement in existing electric vehicle platforms. The design allows AC power direct to the battery and DC power to the motor by scheduling the output of each cell to create an AC signal.

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CPCV algorithm reduces harmonics in EV charging

Researchers in China have developed a constant power, constant voltage (CPCV) algorithm that can reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) in EV charging networks, writes Nick Flaherty.

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Resin-insulated SiC module boosts power density

Effective thermal management of batteries is critical to maximise performance & durability. The first mass market HEVs and EV batteries used passive or forced air thermal management. As vehicle performance requirements have increased most current electric vehicles use a water glycol based thermal management system.

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In-wheel motor power boost

Orbis Electric has developed a modular in-wheel motor with the performance of a V8 engine, says Nick Flaherty. The HaloDrive is an axial motor that is designed to fit inside a wheel, reducing weight and improving range by up to 20%.

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Third-generation e-power powertrain boosts efficiency

Nissan has launched its third-generation hybrid electric powertrain, combining five functions in one unit, writes Nick Flaherty. The e-power platform uses a petrol engine as a generator for the electric motors with a 2.1 kWh battery.

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Study highlights issues with EV acoustic alerts for sound direction detection

Researchers in Sweden have found that the warning sounds used by EVs can be difficult to locate, writes Nick Flaherty. As electric cars become more common with silent operation, vulnerable road users are encountering more and more warning signals from them.

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Folding e-bike integrates with EVs

Lemmo in Germany has developed a folding e-bike that integrates with the systems in a Nio electric car, writes Nick Flaherty. The design of the Lemmo Zero separates the electronic components, including the battery, motor controller and communications functions, into a detachable unit that Lemmo calls the ‘Smartpac.’

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ZF unveils modular EV drive platform boosting efficiency and cutting weight

ZF has developed a modular drive system for EVs that boosts efficiency and reduces size, writes Nick Flaherty. The SELECT platform covers electric motors and transmission to the inverter and AI-enhanced control software. “If you just optimise one piece you miss out on the global optimisation and you have lower efficiency,” says Dr Otmar Scharrer, senior vice president r&d, electrified powertrain technology at ZF.