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Active Torque Vectoring

Alpine has developed a three-motor architecture that outperforms mechanical limited-slip differentials with extra-precise and quick torque control on each rear wheel, writes Nick Flaherty. The architecture has one motor at the front that powers the front axle and the two motors at the rear power one wheel each. Besides enabling all-wheel drive, this configuration allows the two rear motors to be controlled independently.

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EV charger security vulnerability

Researchers in the US have identified a security vulnerability in a standard protocol governing communications between electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging equipment, writes Nick Flaherty.

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5 A battery simulator

Pickering Interfaces has developed a simulation card that supplies up to 8 V and 5 A on each of four channels for testing battery management systems at the desktop, writes Nick Flaherty. The PXIe card, which handles up to four channels, each with a 5 A source or sink, is small enough to sit on an engineer’s bench rather than in a 19 in rack.

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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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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.