Category: Electric Automobile

Japanese automaker Toyota is on the verge of achieving mass production capabilities for solid-state batteries, putting it on track to match the pace of existing batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), as reported by the Financial Times (FT) on Monday. The FT suggests that mass production of these innovative batteries may commence by 2027 or 2028.

Toyota recently announced a breakthrough that has the potential to halve the cost and size of solid-state batteries. In the event of success, the automaker anticipates doubling the range of EVs up to an impressive 1,200 kilometers, with charging times reduced to 10 minutes or less. To advance this ambitious goal, Toyota has partnered with Idemitsu, a major Japanese oil company, to collaborate on the technology for mass-producing solid-state batteries.

Continue reading… “Toyota’s Breakthrough: Paving the Way for Mass Production of Solid-State Batteries”

In a forward-looking initiative aimed at reducing risks for soldiers, American military personnel deployed in Kuwait have embarked on a series of tests involving semi-autonomous cargo trucks. These cutting-edge vehicles are being evaluated for their potential to revolutionize convoy operations in hazardous war zones by minimizing the exposure of drivers to potential harm. Army officials have revealed that the ultimate goal is to establish safer and more efficient military convoys.

A groundbreaking demonstration of this novel technology took place at Camp Buehring, marking the first utilization of semi-autonomous cargo trucks in the Middle East. The initiative involves a lead vehicle operated by human drivers, which utilizes a sophisticated network of sensors and cameras to establish a connection with as many as nine driverless trucks trailing behind. This interconnected system ensures that the autonomous trucks mirror the movements of the lead vehicle, thereby streamlining convoy operations.

Continue reading… “Semi-Autonomous Cargo Trucks Tested by U.S. Soldiers in Kuwait for Safer Convoys”

Sweden has announced plans to build the world’s first electrified motorway, which will allow electric cars to charge themselves as they pass along its surface. The e-motorway, which is set to be completed in about two years, is part of wider efforts by Sweden to decarbonize the transport sector in response to a new European Union law that requires new cars to have zero CO2 emissions from 2035.

A major benefit of the road could be sparing electric vehicle users the annoyance of having to find and wait at charging stations, as in theory, the road can provide all the required power. The announcement was first reported by the Euronews website, which noted that Sweden has piloted similar schemes before, though this one appears to be the most ambitious so far. Sweden’s transport administration plans to convert the E20 motorway, which is in the middle of three major Swedish cities: Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.

“We think the electrification solution is the way forward for decarbonizing the transport sector and we are working with a number of solutions,” Jan Pettersson, a director at the Swedish transport administration, told Euronews.

Continue reading… “Electric Dreams: Sweden to Build World’s First Electrified Motorway by 2025”

With tiny EV, City Transformer takes aim at Europe’s urban markets  

By Nick Carey

– Israeli electric vehicle (EV) startup City Transformer aims to launch production of its small urban CT-2 model in Western Europe by the end of 2024 and will soon launch a Series B funding round to raise $50 million, the company said on Monday.

Chief Executive Asaf Formoza told Reuters the company, which has so far raised $20 million, has selected a factory in Western Europe where it will have initial annual production of 15,000 vehicles, but cannot disclose its location yet.

The additional funds the startup is raising should help speed up series production, Formoza added.

The CT-2, which is already approved for use in the European Union and Britain, has a range of 180 kilometers (112 miles) and is 1 meter (3.28 ft) wide in “city mode.” This makes it narrow enough for four of them to fit into a conventional car’s parking spot, Formoza said.

Continue reading… “With tiny EV, City Transformer takes aim at Europe’s urban markets”

BY DAVID MCCOWEN

It sounds too good to be true. A car that can drive for free, powered by the sun.

But that’s what Aptera Motors promises, thanks to an enormous array of solar cells embedded within the carbon fibre body of its Launch Edition electric car.

The brand unveiled the production version of its breakthrough machine in January, pitching it to investors as a car that could change the way people drive.

More than 700 watts of solar cells energise a floor-mounted battery that promises to deliver more than 600 kilometres of range.

Solar panels draw in about 60 kilometres of range per day that can be stored in the battery, or augmented by public fast chargers on road trips.

Continue reading… “This solar-powered car promises free driving”

An electric car (EV) charging at an power pole in a London street.

By Mathew Dickerson

A friend visited me from Canberra recently. Several years earlier he had purchased a new AMG CLA45 compact performance car. 

Inline-4 turbo engine. Dual-clutch 8-speed automatic transmission. 4 seconds to 100km/h. And the exhaust was tuned so it sang beautifully. 

In sports mode when braking for a corner it did an automatic double-clutch that would have made Peter Brock proud. 

He was interested in comparing the driving experience of this zenith of internal combustion cars versus this idea of a golf-buggy – an electric vehicle (EV)!

After five seconds behind the wheel of an EV, his eyes had been opened. He was convinced this was the future. 

Continue reading… “Exploring on-street EV car charging using power poles and streetlights”

General Motors is working on a radical plan to use portable hydrogen-powered generators to charge electric vehicles in remote areas.

By Trent Nikolic

US car giant General Motors is considering a radical plan to develop portable hydrogen generators to charge electric cars in remote areas.

It’s another technology option being considered as the world’s auto makers grapple with how low-emissions and zero-emissions cars could be used in remote areas.

Most electric cars on sale today have a driving range of between 200km and 400km, which is less than most petrol or diesel vehicles.

While hydrogen-powered vehicles are also in development – experimental fleets of Toyota Mirai (pictured below) and Hyundai Nexo hydrogen cars are already on Australian roads – they are reliant on limited refuelling points. 

Continue reading… “Portable hydrogen generators to charge electric cars in remote areas”

by Chris Katje

ZINGER KEY POINTS

The upcoming Aptera solar-powered electric vehicle is estimated to get between 250 and 1,000 miles of range.

As consumers adapt to electric vehicles, the use of solar power for charging could help differentiate Aptera.

A solar vehicle startup continues to see strong anticipation for its vehicle. Here’s a look at how the company’s reservations are shaping up.

What Happened: Aptera has more than 22,000 reservations for its solar electric vehicles, according to a report from InsideEVs.

The upcoming Aptera solar-powered electric vehicle is estimated to get between 250 and 1,000 miles of range.

Deliveries of the vehicle are expected to happen later this year with a cost ranging from $25,900 to $44,900.

The company sees building 10,000 vehicles by the end of 2022 with an eventual goal of production of 600,000 vehicles annually. Aptera believes demand could support the six-figure production target.

Continue reading… “This Solar Electric Vehicle Company That Beat Tesla In A Drag Race Has Over 22,000 Reservations”

The new electric Transit Custom will go 263 miles between charges

By Rory White

FORD has revealed its fully electric E-Transit Custom as part of plans to have five electric vans by 2024.

The vans are part of a wider promise to do away with engines on all its European models by 2035. 

Ford has already shown off its larger electric E-Transit van, and we’ve already driven it.

The Custom features many of the same impressive features, but betters the larger, heavier E-Transit’s range by 40 miles. Here, a 236-mile drive is possible.

Ford has launched what it’s calling Ford Pro at the same time.

It’s the name of a new dedicated service for Transit customers covering sales, conversions, financing, servicing, smart charging and software.

Continue reading… “FORD REVEALS ITS ELECTRIC TRANSIT VAN OF THE FUTURE – AND WHY IT’LL CHANGE YOUR MIND ABOUT EVS”

ABB and Eviny have collaborated on the first installations of ABB’s Terra 360. ABB’s Terra 360 is now available for use by the country’s growing community of EV drivers at the Oasen Shopping Centre, Bergen and in the Norwegian ski resort of Geilo.

The pilot installations, which will be followed by more widespread roll out across Norway and Sweden, serve as a further demonstration of the ability of ABB charging technology to perform in extreme weather conditions and enable sustainable transport solutions in the widest range of locations.

The charging stations can simultaneously charge up to two vehicles with dynamic power distribution. With a maximum output of 360kW, the Terra 360 is a future proof solution capable of fully charging an electric car in 15 minutes or less.

Frank Muehlon, CEO of ABB E-mobility explains: “Having recently unveiled the Terra 360 to the world, these are truly landmark launches which we are delighted to partner with Eviny on. Norway is setting the global standard when it comes to the e-mobility transition, and we are excited to hear the reaction of EV drivers in one of the most advanced nations for EV adoption.”

Continue reading… “World’s fastest electric car charger in Norway”

Hydrotec fuel cells can be used for electric vehicles and the equipment to charge them

By Gary Gastelu

General Motors believes in an ‘all-electric’ future: CEO Mary Barra

GM CEO Mary Barra reveals the automakers plan to phase out internal combustion vehicles on ‘The Claman Countdown.’

General Motors is getting into the gas station business, so to speak.

The Hydrotec charging station can be installed in places that don’t have the electrical infrastructure required. (GM)

The automaker has started developing variety of fixed and mobile charging stations powered by its Hydrotec hydrogen fuel cell technology, which generates electricity without any emissions aside from water vapor.

Continue reading… “General Motors developing hydrogen-powered generators for electric car chargers and military”