Category: Electric Vehicles

Telo, an innovative company, has unveiled its mini electric pickup truck, finally offering a refreshing alternative to the dominating presence of hulking electric trucks on the road. Combining the functionality of a Toyota Tacoma with the compact footprint of a Mini Cooper, Telo’s design presents the best of both worlds, surpassing the massive size of current and upcoming EV pickups such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, and Rivian R1T. Despite its compact nature, the Telo truck delivers an impressive range and is equally at ease maneuvering into tight city parking spaces or venturing out on exciting weekend adventures.

In terms of interior space, the Telo truck matches the Toyota Tacoma, comfortably accommodating up to five passengers in its default configuration. The exterior features a 60-inch bed, mirroring the truck bed length of the Tacoma. However, the entire Telo truck measures a mere 152 inches in length, 73 inches in width, and 66 inches in height—similar to the dimensions of a Mini Cooper.

Continue reading… “Telo Unveils Game-Changing Mini Electric Pickup Truck”

In a bid to enhance the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK, SolarBotanic Trees, a British startup, has designed metal trees equipped with a seven-meter canopy of solar panels that generate electricity. These innovative structures feature nano photovoltaic “leaves” that capture solar energy and may store it in a battery placed within the tree trunk. The company has successfully completed a half-scale prototype and aims to build and test a full-size version before commencing commercial production by the end of the year.

While the UK has seen rapid growth in EV charging infrastructure, with over 40,000 public charging points installed by April 2023, according to ZapMap, the demand still outpaces supply. The Climate Change Committee estimates that by 2032, 325,000 charging points will be required to support the expanding electric fleet. To address this shortfall, SolarBotanic Trees aims to collaborate with EV infrastructure providers. The company has already received its first order of 200 trees from Raw Charging Group, a leading supplier of EV charging infrastructure, for incorporation into their charging sites across the UK and Europe.

Solar trees offer an aesthetically pleasing solution compared to conventional solar-powered carports. While solar carports consist of solar panels mounted on structures resembling bus shelters, SolarBotanic Trees provide an attractive alternative. These trees have been featured in notable developments like Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay and the Sustainability Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Continue reading… “SolarBotanic Trees: Metal Canopies with Solar “Leaves” to Power EV Charging”

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) marks the future of the automobile industry, driven by a shift towards emissions-free transportation. However, one significant challenge in this EV revolution is sourcing the rare earth metals needed for the magnetic motors powering these vehicles. The financial and political implications of obtaining these metals pose a considerable obstacle.

Neodymium, for instance, when combined with elements like iron and boron, creates a magnetic field crucial for the efficient operation of EV motors. Tesla, a prominent player in the EV market, recently announced its intention to develop a motor that eliminates the use of rare earth metals. While earlier Tesla models employed AC induction motors that did not require these metals, the introduction of the Model 3 with its always-on magnetic motor changed the scenario. Despite reducing the need for rare earth metals by 25% since 2017, the Model Y still relies on approximately 520 grams of these materials.

Continue reading… “The Complex Challenge of Sourcing Rare Earth Metals for Electric Vehicles”

As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to soar, the need for advanced charging technology becomes paramount. To address this, Ziggy, the portable robotic EV charger previously covered by Interesting Engineering, is soon to be installed at a U.S. airport. The deployment aims to cater to the growing number of travelers who own EVs, providing them with convenient charging options while they fly.

The first-of-its-kind installation will take place at the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport in Texas, where Ziggy, developed by EV Safe Charge, will undergo a series of EV charging demonstrations from May through August. This partnership between DFW and EV Safe Charge will evaluate cutting-edge approaches to EV charging.

Continue reading… “Portable Robotic EV Charger “Ziggy” to Meet Growing Demand at U.S. Airport”

While electric trains have become a common sight in commuter rail systems, the freight shipping industry has yet to embrace this eco-friendly technology. However, the tide is turning as Intramotev, a St. Louis-based company, aims to revolutionize the locomotive landscape with its fleet of battery-electric autonomous rail cars, eliminating the need for diesel fuel.

The Evolution of Diesel-Electric Trains:

Diesel-electric locomotives emerged in the 1920s as a more efficient alternative to steam-driven trains. They offered labor-saving capabilities and cost-cutting advantages. Unlike steam locomotives that required multiple crews, diesel-electric trains could be operated by a single locomotive coupled with others.

The Need for Further Improvement:

While diesel-electric trains represented an improvement over their steam-driven predecessors, there is still room for enhancement. A 2021 study published in Nature Energy highlights the current state of affairs, noting that diesel-electric drives in US locomotives emit 35 million tonnes of CO2 annually, leading to approximately 1,000 premature deaths and $6.5 billion in health damage costs.

Continue reading… “Intramotev Paves the Way for Electric Freight Trains with Battery-Electric Autonomous Rail Cars”

Electric vehicles are widely regarded as the future of zero-emissions transportation. However, researchers have now introduced a groundbreaking innovation—an “artificial leaf” that harnesses sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into low-emission fuels, such as ethanol and propanol. This revolutionary technology mimics the process of photosynthesis used by plants to generate energy. By submerging the leaf in CO2-infused water and exposing it to light, the reaction occurs, resulting in the creation of green fuels. This remarkable breakthrough has the potential to enable cars of the future to produce fuels on-the-go using surrounding sunlight, CO2, and water vapor from the air.

Continue reading… “Harnessing Sunlight: Artificial Leaf Converts CO2 to Eco-Friendly Fuels”

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is set to test a cutting-edge robotic EV charger in an upcoming pilot program aimed at exploring innovative charging solutions. Developed by EV Charge Safe, the robot charger, named Ziggy, will autonomously navigate to vehicles in need of charging and return to a designated area for recharging itself. Notably, this mobile unit can also serve as an advertising platform, generating additional revenue.

DFW plans to showcase mobile robotic charging, along with other demonstrations focusing on apps and on-demand charging, in five public showcases at airport parking lots from May to August. However, specific timelines for implementing these technologies on a regular basis at the airport were not disclosed in the press release.

Continue reading… “DFW Airport to Test Innovative Robotic EV Charger for Mobile Charging Solutions”

Autev, a Seattle-based startup, has launched its mobile charging robots that can convert parking spots into autonomous charging spaces, providing on-demand autonomous EV charging services that are more convenient and reduce the need for fixed charging infrastructure.

These intelligent massive battery packs on wheels can be summoned through an app and autonomously make their way to the desired location, where users can plug in their vehicles and leave them to charge. The firm hopes the service will ensure a seamless and convenient charging experience, improving EV owners’ overall satisfaction with electric transportation.

Continue reading… “Autev’s Mobile Charging Robots to Revolutionize EV Charging”

Lightship’s L1 travel trailer.

Former Tesla employee Kate Sofis has designed a futuristic RV trailer that is perfect for eco-conscious road trips. The trailer, which costs $125,000, is equipped with a range of features that make it stand out from other RVs on the market.

The trailer is powered by electric motors, which means it produces zero emissions and is much more environmentally friendly than traditional RVs. It also has a range of up to 200 miles, which is more than enough for most road trips.

Inside the trailer, there is a spacious living area with a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable bed, and a bathroom with a shower. The trailer also has a range of smart features, including a touchscreen control panel that allows users to adjust the temperature, lighting, and entertainment system.

Continue reading… “Tesla alums have created a futuristic $125,000 electric RV trailer that’ll save your EV’s range during road trips”