Early hybrid cars first started using DC-DC converters to take power from the traction battery pack and convert run 12-volt components such as lights, infotainment and control electronics while the internal combustion engine is off, while also keeping the 12-volt battery charged, in some cases when the vehicle is parked and not in use. Now … Continue reading Liquid-cooled 4kW DC-DC converter launched
Ford announced at the recent ATMOsphere MAC Summit in Berlin that it aims to tackle the challenge of electric vehicle thermal management with the use of R290-based full secondary loop heat pumps. Developed with Denso, the technology uses propane as a refrigerant and is said to surpass traditional direct expansion systems by demonstrating significant efficiency … Continue reading Ford and Denso explore hydrocarbon refrigerant for EV thermal management
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association government relations and advocacy director Lesley Yates returned to this year’s Wire & Gas to deliver a wide-ranging and incisive presentation that addressed the challenges and opportunities facing the independent automotive repair sector. Yates offered an unflinching look at the realities of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), … Continue reading Embrace the change: Lesley Yates at Wire & Gas 2024
InfinitEV business development manager Oscar Vall delivered an insightful Wire & Gas presentation that explored the rapidly evolving field of hybrid and electric vehicle battery repair, refurbishment, repurposing and recycling. As part of the pioneering InfinitEV team, Vall’s seminar focused on the challenges and opportunities wrought by the increase in vehicles requiring battery pack replacement … Continue reading The circle of battery life: Oscar Vall at Wire & Gas 2024
Lancia, the iconic Italian car-maker known for its rich rallying history, is making a significant return to motorsport with the introduction of the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF. This marks the first factory-built Lancia rally car in 32 years and includes the brand’s legendary Martini livery as per the 037 and Delta Integrale models from the … Continue reading Lancia to go rallying (and electric)
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
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
