Australian manufacturer Lumen Freedom has supplied its first wireless charging system to McLaren Automotive, which will use the inductive charger for its hybrid Speedtail hypercar. The wireless electric vehicle charging (WEVC) system means that the car can be charged without requiring any cabled connection, making it easy and unobtrusive to use. The car simply needs … Continue reading McLaren adopts Australian wireless charging tech for Speedtail hypercar
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) predict that the global ocean could become a measurable source of ozone-depleting CFC-11 in the future. Commonly used as a refrigerant, propellant and foam blowing agent, CFC-12 was phased out in 2010 – although there has been some illegal use since. Nevertheless, atmospheric levels of CFC-11 are … Continue reading Warming oceans could start emitting absorbed CFCs
It’s official: Mercedes-Benz has confirmed to SightGlass News that it is no longer pursuing carbon dioxide as an automotive refrigerant. The experience of CoolCar Hamilton with grey import R744 Mercedes models, as featured in Issue 23 of SightGlass News, suggests the systems are problematic. An inability to cool effectively in hot climates, as experienced by … Continue reading Mercedes-Benz dumps R744
By Craig Van Batenburg (Article reproduced by permission of SAE International) The Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC) that I founded over 20 years ago provides training and tech support to the world’s independent electric-vehicle (EV and hybrid) technicians, who will be asked to fix and maintain the systems as they age. Our facility in central … Continue reading Heat pump technology a game changer for widespread electric vehicle adoption
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new legislation that will start the nation’s phase-down of environmentally harmful HFCs. Its first step in the proposal will be to establish baseline HFC manufacturing and consumption levels, enabling proper reduction targets to be developed. The EPA’s proposed plans further involve assessing and deploying ways to … Continue reading EPA moves to phase down HFCs In United States
I don’t know about you, but the last place I expected to see R1234yf show up was under the bonnet of a Chinese-made electric van. The Skywell EC11, imported by Brisbane-based EV Automotive, is a medium wheelbase mid-roof van with a design that has shades of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Renault Master and Ford Transit. Unlike those … Continue reading Brisbane truck show debuts Include several electrified trucks, vans, minibuses and R1234yf
Pandemic-busting vaccines need those working in temperature controlled transport and cold chain to bring their A-game In 2020 the word ‘unprecedented’ has been used with unprecedented frequency and now we have the unprecedented challenge of distributing vast volumes of COVID-19 vaccines around the world at strictly controlled temperatures of less than -70°C. As a result, … Continue reading COVID cold chain
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association’s long-running Choice of Repairer campaign seeking to mandate information sharing between car manufacturers and independent repairers is on the home straight. On November 2, Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar announced draft “Right to Repair” legislation that will compel car manufacturers to share their information on “fair and reasonable commercial terms”. This, … Continue reading 10-year Choice of Repairer campaign set to pay off
Zero-emissions transport company Nexport has announced it will build an electric vehicle plant in the South Highlands of New South Wales (NSW). The $A700 million facility will be built on a 51-hectare site in the town of Moss Vale. The construction work alone is expected to employ 700 people and, once operational, Nexport expects the … Continue reading NSW to get electric bus factory
Australia’s federal government has launched a $A1.2 billion apprentice and trainee subsidy scheme that is designed help counter the economic impacts of COVID-19. A total of 100,000 new apprentices and trainees will be supported by the scheme, which will initially create much-needed avenues for those looking to establish a new career – which, on its … Continue reading Fresh apprentice funding to aid post-COVID comeback
