SightGlass

Mercedes-Benz CTO Markus Schäfer with the CLA concept

Mercedes-Benz CTO Markus Schäfer says developments in lithium-ion batteries could potentially mean that solid-state batteries “may not be necessary” because “so many people have worked on the conventional cells, making them so much better”.  While the majority of electric vehicles currently utilise lithium-ion batteries with a liquid electrolyte, the industry has been shifting its focus Continue reading Solid state batteries? No need: Mercedes

German compressor manufacturer Secop has unveiled the BD Nano, a cutting-edge silent compressor designed for battery-driven applications such as motorhomes and electric vehicles. Secop anticipates that the BD Nano will boost the performance of in-car compressor refrigerators, such as those found in electric vehicles like the Kia EV5, which has a four-litre capacity, and the Continue reading New onboard fridge compressor for EVs

Nanofilm membrane technology could significantly reduce the energy required for automotive window demisting if proven successful in commercial and residential air-conditioning and dehumidification systems. Evelyn Allen, co-founder and CEO of Evercloak, a Canadian spin-out company from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, says the firm’s nanofilms “disrupt traditional energy cooling systems by dehumidifying air more Continue reading Innovation reduces AC energy consumption

Researchers at the University of Birmingham in the UK are working on a patent-pending microwave-based thermochemical HVAC system that could enhance the battery range of electric vehicles by up to 70 per cent. Conceived by research lead Professor Yongliang Li in pursuit of zero-carbon technologies, the e-Thermal bank system combines a chemical heat pump with Continue reading Uni claims microwave HVAC tech can boost EV range

The 2025 Ramcharger represents the first series hybrid from Stellantis or, as the global automotive conglomerate dubs it, a Range-Extended Electric Truck. It is designed to addresses three major concerns among electric ute owners: Range anxiety, towing and hauling practicality, and charging when away from base. Continue reading Is Ram’s 2025 Ramcharger the revol-ute-ion we’ve been waiting for?

In the rapidly evolving world of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the need for innovative materials is growing due to the unique challenges faced in thermal, electromagnetic and acoustic shielding. Chemical companies are busy developing new grades of specialised plastics to capture these opportunities. Continue reading Advancements in plastics pivotal to transport electrification

Australia is gearing up for a significant shift towards electrified vehicles and it’s not just about swapping out petrol and diesel for batteries – it’s about ensuring the workforce is ready for the changes ahead.  The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) – the peak body representing independent skills training, higher education, and international education Continue reading Transport electrification needs workforce reskilling, and fast

Just before Human Horizons ran into financial difficulties, paused production for six months and approached Changan Automobile about a potential rescue bid, its HiPhi Z model emerged as the winter efficiency champion among electric vehicles at the world’s largest electric car test, the biannual “El Prix” in Norway, due to its impressive thermal management system. Continue reading Thermal management wins the day in Norwegian El Prix

DuPont has made significant advancements in glycol purification, ensuring that the coolant in lithium-ion batteries and fuel cell electric vehicles remains contamination-free, bolstering their efficient and reliable operation. According to DuPont marketing manager for e-mobility solutions Noel Carr, pressure on EV thermal management systems is increased by “consumer demand for increased range, faster charging, larger Continue reading DuPont claims EV thermal management breakthrough

In response to mounting pressure, the Australian Government has broadened the requirements to make it easier for apprentice mechanics to work on electric vehicles (EVs), along with offering an incentive to attract them – a move welcomed by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), and the Australian Automotive Continue reading Industry welcomes New Energy Apprenticeships payment broadening for EV technicians