Grid

Scalable approach speeds up capacitor design

TDK has developed a standardised, modular, DC link capacitor design for traction inverters, writes Nick Flaherty. The xEVCap is built from modules connected in parallel to provide specific capacitances for powertrain inverters in passenger cars, commercial and off-highway vehicles.

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Powering two- to three-wheelers in Asia

FRIWO has developed a motor control unit and software specifically for two- and three-wheel vehicles in Asia, writes Nick Flaherty. The MC1.5-55A-48V unit has a continuous power output of 1.5 kW for light EVs using permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), making it ideal for electric scooters, motorcycles and other vehicles, particularly in India, Vietnam and Indonesia, and generally in Southeast Asia.

Grid

Stackable connectors that simply snap in place

ENNOVI has developed a stackable, multi-row, board-to-board (BTB) automotive connector that snaps together without soldering, writes Nick FlahertyThe ENNOVI-MB2B system uses a proprietary ‘snap-in biscuit’ design, which allows multiple connector units to be stacked together without soldering, and it is reliable enough to use in EVs.

Grid

Memory device functions at 600 C

Researchers in the USA have developed a heat-resistant, non-volatile memory device able to withstand temperatures of over 600 C, writes Nick Flaherty. The ferroelectric aluminium scandium nitride (AlScN) device can be used in electric aircraft and motors to add machine-learning controls and sensors in harsh environments.

Grid

Testing gallium nitride power at high temperatures

Researchers in the USA are finding a way to use gallium nitride (GaN) power devices at high temperatures, writes Nick Flaherty. A team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is investigating the impact of temperature on ohmic contacts in a gallium nitride device.

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First showing of new eVTOL vehicle with US certification

Joby Aviation has shown its electric vehicle take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle in Europe for the first time as it receives US certification for its propulsion systems, writes Nick Flaherty. The certification plan, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is a critical step towards receiving type certification. The eVTOL was shown in Europe for the first time at the Mobile World Congress exhibition by partner SK Telecom.

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Propulsion module for take-off and landing aircraft

Greenjets and Ricardo have shown a fully operational, demonstration propulsion module for use in electric aircraft, writes Nick Flaherty. The InCEPTion module, the result of an 18-month project, is aimed at eVTOL aircraft weighing under 5 t.

Grid

Building lighter components with 3D printing

Researchers in France are developing a new way to use additive manufacturing (AM) for EVs, writes Nick Flaherty. Renault Group is working with French research group CEA-Liten on a complex mesh structure that can be produced in a single, 3D-printing AM stage to produce components with adaptive mechanical behaviour.

Grid

Electron beams offer faster, more precise welding

Cambridge Vacuum Engineering (CVE) is working with Ford on automating electron-beam welding, writes Nick Flaherty. The EB-eDrive project will examine how to scale up electron-beam welding for joining copper and aluminium components in electric motors.

Grid

New standard proposed for e-mobility power management

Intel is proposing a standard for power management across an e-mobility platform, based on its work in the computer sector, writes Nick Flaherty. It is taking a whole vehicle energy-management approach, inspired by PC equipment. It is looking to apply these concepts to an electric vehicle (EV) platform for the first time to provide a central energy management standard.