Category: Electric Vehicles

VonMercier’s ambitious mission to revolutionize exploration, recreation, and transportation has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of its electric hovercraft, the Arosa EV Hovercraft. While not the epitome of sleek design, this innovative vehicle is capturing attention and imagination alike.

Described by Electrek as the “platypus of the transportation world,” hovercrafts amalgamate diverse elements into functional yet unconventional forms. Despite its appearance, the Arosa holds promise for thrilling adventures across varied terrains.

In the fast-paced landscape of electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S., it’s easy to overlook the unique trends shaping the EV market in other corners of the world, such as India. While the U.S. experiences a surge in EV car adoption, India’s focus seems to be on the electric scooter sector. The Indian passenger EV space, predominantly led by domestic brands like Tata and Mahindra, presents a peculiar scenario with minimal presence from global giants like Tesla and Rivian.

In this distinctive environment, Chinese carmaker MG Motors (Morris Garages) has introduced the MG Comet, a peculiar EV that has not only stirred the Indian EV space but also raises questions about the absence of such cars in the U.S.

Civilized Cycles, known for innovative solutions in the electric bike realm, has unveiled the Semi-Trike, a robust cargo trike designed for heavy-duty hauling. Expanding on their previous two-wheeled electric bike innovations, the Semi-Trike brings a new level of strength and stability to the cargo bike landscape.

Described as providing “four-wheel safety to three-wheel vehicles,” the Semi-Trike actually boasts five wheels. The cargo box at the rear, available in varying sizes, rests on a platform supported by four wheels, enhancing overall stability. The smaller version offers 2,700 liters (96 cubic feet) of cargo space, while the larger variant boasts an impressive 5,600 liters (200 cubic feet), making it a versatile solution for transporting goods. With the addition of a bed and composting toilet, the Semi-Trike transforms into a pedal-powered bike camper.

The evolution of electric vehicle (EV) batteries has significantly enhanced their efficiency, increasing their range. However, one major challenge has persistently hindered their widespread adoption in cold climates—cold weather significantly limits their performance. Fortunately, a new breakthrough technology is set to enable certain EV batteries to operate effectively in temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit, opening the door for a broader user base in colder regions.

Current EV batteries generally function optimally in the temperature range of 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, as reported by IEEE Spectrum. The new battery technology, featuring a redesigned battery electrolyte, boasts a remarkable lifespan exceeding one year, equivalent to approximately 1,400 charging cycles. More excitingly, it propels researchers toward the goal of developing EV batteries capable of operating efficiently in extreme temperatures, ranging from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, in the near future.

Designing cold-tolerant batteries has been a longstanding challenge for EV developers. Traditionally, this necessitated the addition of insulation and heating elements, which increased bulk and ultimately reduced the driving range. Recent technical advancements, however, have offered potential solutions, including the incorporation of low-temperature solvents and chemical additives to enhance cold tolerance. The innovative technology, outlined in a publication in Matter, leverages key components such as ethyl acetate, a high concentration of lithium salts, fluoroethylene carbonate, and a high-energy cathode. Researchers have confirmed its practicality for large-scale production.

A team of experts hailing from South Korea’s esteemed Pohang University of Science and Technology has made an exciting claim – they have engineered a revolutionary battery anode capable of reducing electric vehicle (EV) recharge times to a mere six minutes. This breakthrough represents yet another stride in a global effort by researchers to transform EVs into dependable and cost-effective modes of transportation, regardless of geographic location.

The heart of Pohang’s innovation revolves around the replacement of the conventional graphite anode with a manganese ferrite variant. This manganese ferrite anode has proven to store an astonishing 1.5 times more lithium ions than the researchers initially anticipated, as reported by Freethink.

California has emerged as a leading indicator of the electric vehicle (EV) adoption rate in the United States. Over the past five years, the share of new EVs in the state’s car market has surged from 2% to a remarkable 22%.

This accelerated adoption in California gained significant momentum once EVs reached a 5% share of new-car sales—a tipping point that shifts preferences among mainstream car buyers, according to an analysis by Bloomberg Green. In 2018, California became one of the first major car markets to reach this critical threshold, and since then, 23 more countries have followed suit.

In a surprising revelation that challenges prevailing assumptions, researchers have uncovered a counterintuitive phenomenon in electric vehicle (EV) batteries – cracks in the cathodes may actually enhance charging speeds. This discovery challenges the approach of many EV manufacturers who aim to minimize cracks in batteries to extend their lifespan.

Yiyang Li, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Michigan and the corresponding author of the study published in the journal Energy and Environmental Sciences, explains, “Many companies are interested in making ‘million-mile’ batteries using particles that do not crack. Unfortunately, if the cracks are removed, the battery particles won’t be able to charge quickly without the extra surface area from those cracks.”

Electric vehicles (EVs) are known for their battery cells that power the car’s motors, propelling it forward. However, with the right equipment, these battery systems can have an additional function beyond just powering the vehicle – they can also provide energy to homes during blackouts.

General Motors (GM) recently announced an expansion of its EV lineup’s capabilities in this regard. While initially limited to the Silverado EV RST pickup, GM has now revealed that other EVs in its portfolio, such as the Chevy Equinox, Chevy Blazer, and Cadillac Lyriq, will also be equipped to supply power to homes. This advancement is set to be integrated into GM’s retail lineup of Ultium-based electric vehicles by the model year 2026.

As electric vehicles (EVs) gain traction in the mainstream market, the need for faster and more convenient charging solutions has become increasingly evident. While advancements in battery technology are promising, Dutch startup Rocsys believes that automation can significantly enhance the charging process. Rocsys has developed an AI-powered robotic arm that can convert any charger into an autonomous one, making charging easier and more efficient for both drivers and the upcoming generation of driverless vehicles.

The robotic arm, equipped with AI-powered computer vision technology, acts as a replacement for the human hand during the charging process. Once an EV pulls up, the robot’s “eyes” locate the vehicle, move the plug toward the socket, and initiate the charging process. This technology not only streamlines the charging experience for drivers but also caters to the future of driverless vehicles, eliminating the need for a human babysitter to handle the charging process.

China is on track to overtake Japan as the world’s largest car exporter in 2023, driven by a surge in electric vehicle (EV) shipments, according to research firm Canalys. The anticipated growth in Chinese EV exports is projected to reach 1.3 million in 2023, nearly double the 679,000 EVs exported in 2022, as reported by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). Overall vehicle exports from China are expected to reach 4.4 million in 2023, up from 3.1 million in 2022.

While Japan’s car exports were estimated at 3.8 million in 2022, official data suggests the figure is closer to 3.5 million, according to the South China Morning Post. Nevertheless, China’s booming EV exports, accounting for 30% of all exports, will propel the country to surpass Japan and secure the top spot this year, following its overtaking of Germany in 2022. Mainland Chinese automakers are targeting key markets in Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, India, and Latin America, with a well-established automotive supply chain at home enhancing their global competitiveness.

As the world eagerly anticipates the arrival of flying taxis in cities, concerns regarding the potential noise they would generate are being raised by urban residents. However, Tennessee-based startup Whisper Aero has recently revealed its electric propulsion technology, offering a solution for noiseless aerial transportation in the future.

Drones and vertical take-off and landing vehicles (VTOLs) have the potential to alleviate road congestion and revolutionize urban travel. Nevertheless, the noise emissions associated with these systems have been a source of frustration. After years of efforts to relocate airports away from cities, we find ourselves on the cusp of a future where noise pollution from above may become a concern, potentially hindering the prospects of air taxis within city limits.

In 2021, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, former colleagues at Uber Elevate, co-founded Whisper Aero with the aim of spearheading a silent revolution in electric propulsion and transforming noiseless flight into a reality. After eight months of development, the startup successfully flew a drone powered by its noiseless technology and has now unveiled the groundbreaking technology behind it.