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Robot charging for Rotterdam

Rocsys has demonstrated its robot self-charging system working with electric trucks in a port in the Netherlands, writes Nick Flaherty. The Rocsys platform includes the first interoperable robotic hands-free charging system for ports, logistics and robotaxi industries. The demonstration was part of the European Magpie project to automate activity at ports and logistics centres.

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Battery pack designed for second life

A European project has developed a battery prototype designed for ease of assembly and disassembly of battery components, writes Nick Flaherty. The battery pack developed as part of the MARBEL project with car maker Stellantis uses a wireless battery management system (BMS), artificial intelligence (AI) and a digital twin capable of predicting a battery’s remaining useful life, as well as its state of charge and health.

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Digital twin for material optimisation

Henkel is launching digital twin modelling and simulation capabilities combined with real-world validation of structural materials used in e-mobility designs, writes Nick Flaherty. Henkel is combining its expertise in material application with in-house testing and validation to close the loop between digital and real-world design and testing.

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Busbar connector alternative to electroplating

Penn Engineering has developed a new technique to reduce the cost of busbar connections in electric vehicles, writes Nick Flaherty. “The challenge is how to connect busbars,” says John O’Brien, global technologist at Penn Engineering. “One of the things we have seen is a move from cabling to busbars, driven by cost. Busbars are much cheaper for the same current than cables and more suited for automated assembly, which also gives lower cost.”

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Silicon nitrade ceramics help heat dissipation

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan is working with NGK Insulators to standardise evaluation methods for measuring thermal diffusivity of thin substrates, writes Nick Flaherty.

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Metal rupture discs offer robust relief

OsecoElfab has developed a family of pressure-relief systems for lithium ion battery applications for heavy-duty, offroad e-mobility applications, writes Nick Flaherty. The low-profile, specialised, metal rupture discs support custom battery design to improve safety. They provide robust emergency relief and pressure equalisation in a single device in the event of outgassing by the battery cells.

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Ilika develops a roll-to-roll production line for solid-state battery cells

Ilika in the UK is building a roll-to-roll production line for solid-state battery cells, writes Nick Flaherty. The company has been working with the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) to scale up the production equipment for the line, and with Mpac on the development of its solid-state battery cells.

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Hyundai Mobis develops pulsating heat pipes for ultrafast charging

Hyundai Mobis has developed a ‘pulsating’ heat-pipe (PHP) material to improve the thermal performance of battery packs during fast charging. It aims to prevent overheating during the ultra-fast charging of EVs, writes Nick Flaherty.

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Having a whale of a time in an offshore vessel

Corvus Energy is to supply a 25 MWh battery system for the world’s first fully-electric offshore sea vessel, writes Nick Flaherty. The vessel is an electric Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (eCSOV) that will be constructed by Armon shipyard in Spain for UK-based shipowner Bibby Marine. Corvus Energy will supply its Blue Whale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with 25 MWh of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

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Emulator charges big trucks and aircraft

Researchers in the US have developed an emulator for a 20 MW charging system for heavy-duty electric trucks and aircraft, writes Nick Flaherty. In 2024, US companies deployed more than 15,000 medium- and heavy-duty EVs, including battery-electric semi-trucks, passenger buses and delivery vans.