Tesla is set to introduce a new large “tabless” battery cell that is said to offer significant improvements in efficiency, capacity and ease of production. Its new cell technology, which was previewed at the Tesla Battery Day event in September, will enable a greater vehicle range, easier production and reduced costs – all factors that … Continue reading Tesla’s innovative ‘tabless’ cell design reduces complexity and increases performance
One of the challenges faced by manufacturers looking to expedite the development and production of electric cars lies within the battery management system (BMS). To ensure the pack provides a good service life and power, the BMS must monitor the cells and use that information to optimise and protect the battery. However, in a centralised … Continue reading Wireless tech to speed EV R&D
The next generation of electric vehicles from General Motors (GM) is set to be propelled by a new family of electric powertrains called Ultium Drive. GM’s new concept consists of five interchangeable drive units and three motors, each of which is reputed to offer industry-leading power and torque density. The modular nature of Ultium Drive, … Continue reading New Ultium Drive powertrains destined for extensive range of GM EVs
The inverter is one of the main components of an electrified vehicle and responsible for converting the battery’s DC output to AC power that can be used by an electric motor. Given the rapid development of modern electric powertrains, manufacturers are taking different approaches to inverter design and production. This has led to a wide … Continue reading Munro & Associates report details the ins and outs of EV inverters
Honeywell has announced that industrial enclosure and air conditioning specialist Philip Doyle Manufacturing (PDM) will use its Solstice N15 refrigerant. Based in Ontario, Canada, PDM will employ the N15 refrigerant in industrial air-conditioning systems designed for applications such as overhead cranes. N15 is designed as a replacement for R134a, R227ea and R124 and an HFC/HFO … Continue reading Cranes cooled by N15
The European Commission (EC) has reputedly caused some confusion following the publication of a report that explores the adoption of hydrocarbon refrigerants in split air-conditioning systems as part of the European Union’s (EU) efforts to become climate-neutral by 2050. The EC concludes that, in sub-7kW split air conditioning systems, refrigerant-grade propane (R290) could be employed … Continue reading European report prompts propane puzzlement
Chemours has struck a deal to supply its Opteon-branded R1234yf refrigerant to the Chinese Delian Group. Delian, which specialises in automotive chemicals and lubricants, will use the new strategic agreement to capitalise on the increasingly widespread use of R1234yf in the Chinese automotive market. The refrigerant, which was introduced by DuPont and Honeywell in 2007, … Continue reading Chemours secures Chinese R1234yf supply deal
Latest Cold Hard Facts report shows slowly increasing OEM uptake of R1234yf in Australia THE latest Cold Hard Facts report into Australia’s air-conditioning and refrigeration industry reveals that R1234yf is finally gaining a foothold in the local automotive market. In other industry sectors, lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants including those based on or blended … Continue reading HFO still on the go-slow in Australia
Technology will help stem illegal sales, reduce influx of illicit refrigerants EFFORTS to counter the extensive illegal refrigerant trade in Europe are about to be bolstered by a new advanced software system from the United Kingdom. The system, which will be developed by online trading specialist Vistalworks, will be designed to automatically find and identify … Continue reading Refrigerant robocop
Californian heavy electric vehicle manufacturer Proterra has unveiled a new electric bus called the ZX5 that is claimed to be capable of a substantial 529km battery range between charges. The company says its fifth-generation electric bus has been specifically engineered to meet the increasingly demanding requirements of customers, with a design that maximises the amount … Continue reading Electric bus fleets continue to grow, spurred on by new models and ever-advancing tech
