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‘Hairpin’ ambition for motors

Researchers in Germany are developing new automated production techniques for electric motors for cars, whether they are powered by batteries or fuel cells (writes Nick Flaherty). The €1.2 million Plant Engineering for the Production of Stators by Hairpin Technology project brings together teams from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the Fraunhofer Project Group for...

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Silicon anode breakthrough

Battery manufacturer Amprius claims it has perfected the application of silicon for lithium-ion anodes (writes Lawrence Butcher). Based on its proprietary silicon nanowire technology, it says it has demonstrated breakthrough performance in energy density and cycle life. Silicon anodes have much higher...

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Hybrid drive combo

KEB Automation has launched a modular, scalable combined drive and controller system for hybrid and electric vehicles (writes Lawrence Butcher). The Combivert T6 APD (Auxiliary Power Drives) can interface with any main power source, be that a diesel generator, fuel cells, battery packs or ...

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New-gen composites on show

Lightweight materials are a key element of the integrated engineering approach needed for EV vehicle development, as engineers strive to reduce vehicle weight in order to increase the effectiveness of the battery energy available (writes Lawrence Butcher). A new generation of materials developed by UK-based Alvant provide an interesting option for engineers...

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Bell flags up electric air cab

Bell Helicopter, part of Textron, has unveiled its design for an air taxi using a hybrid electric propulsion unit (writes Nick Flaherty). The Nexus, launched at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in January, uses six, 8 ft diameter ‘e-propellers’ that can be directed vertically or horizontally. It is based on Bell’s experience with...

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R-R saves battery life at sea

In the course of developing electric propulsion systems for a range of marine vehicles, Rolls-Royce has produced a new lithium-ion energy storage system called SAVe Energy (writes Rory Jackson). It was in development for 18 months before commencing certification by...

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Bus is on route to the future

Daimler has developed an electric bus platform that will accommodate the next generation of batteries and fuel cells (writes Nick Flaherty). The powertrain of the eCitaro bus is based on the proven ZF AVE 130 electric axle, with 125 kW electric motors at the wheel hubs providing...

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Testing facility for e-motors

New testing laboratory for E-mobility drives The Von Roll institute in Breitenbach, Switzerland, recently expanded the capabilities of its already comprehensive test facilities with the addition of a new lab, dedicated to the testing of e-motors specifically for...

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Diesel digger goes electric

US motor maker Dana has developed a custom electric drivetrain for compact excavators (writes Nick Flaherty). The drive for Mecalac’s e12 electric compact wheeled excavator uses Dana’s Spicer 112 axles and a Spicer 367 shift-on-fly transmission. The 146 kWh LiFePO4 batteries in the area previously occupied by...

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eVTOLs distribution deal

VerdeGo Aero, a US company with the goal of producing an eight-rotor eVTOL air taxi – and headed up by Erik Lindbergh, great-grandson of aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh – is developing a distributed power system that could be marketed to other eVTOL aircraft developers (writes Lawrence Butcher). The company’s design, referred to as...