Australian auto workshops are actively preparing for the future of electric vehicles (EVs), with 50 per cent already EV-ready or investing in skills and equipment, according to the Australia-First 2023 Future Readiness Index research. The national survey, conducted by Fifth Quadrant for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) aimed to determine the readiness of local … Continue reading Workshops already EV ready – or getting there: AAAA
The bankruptcies of Proterra and Volta Trucks highlighted the obstacles encountered by electric vehicle manufacturers still in their infancy. Nevertheless, despite these setbacks, continued interest and investment in the industry, as evidenced by acquisitions, demonstrates a promising electric future. How these events unfolded, starting with Proterra: On August 7, 2023, Proterra, an American manufacturer with … Continue reading Proterra bankruptcy drags down Volta but both companies live on under new ownership
The Winnebago eRV2 electric motorhome prototype brings fully electrified camping a step closer to reality with a focus on sustainability in the design of onboard amenities, although long-distance touring remains a challenge due to the extra weight and drag from making a Ford E-Transit liveable. An evolution of Winnebago’s previous e-RV electric motorhome concept, this … Continue reading Is an EV RV the next big thing? Winnebago thinks so
The Ioniq 5 N is Hyundai’s first performance electric vehicle (EV). As anticipated, this game-changer offers a range of enhancements over the regular model, not least its industry-leading thermal management system, a crucial consideration during development and specifically aimed at combating power degradation caused by excessive heat during demanding track driving conditions. The Ioniq 5 … Continue reading Ioniq 5 N: Sophisticated thermal management unlocks performance of hottest Hyundai
British temperature-controlled vehicle conversion specialist Coolkit has created a novel refrigerated electric van for London-based Lola’s Cupcakes, designed to display the bakery’s mouth-watering wares while on the move while complying with low-emission zones. “Lola’s transport manager finds that people are always asking if we have cupcakes on board our vans, so we thought that finding … Continue reading Coolkit creates electric van-based mobile refrigerated cupcake cabinet
British electro-mod specialist Lunaz has diversified from classic cars to the conversion of industrial vehicles under its Lunaz Applied Technologies (LAT) division. This new venture by the company – founded in 2018 by entrepreneur David Lorenz and engineer Jon Hilton, with investment from former soccer star David Beckham – focuses on transforming diesel garbage trucks … Continue reading High-end UK EV conversion shop Lunaz gets into garbage trucks
German automotive supplier ZF has achieved significant advancements in electric motor technology with its magnet-free In-Rotor Inductive-Excited Synchronous Motor (I2SM) that integrates an inductive exciter within the rotor shaft, enabling the generation of a magnetic field. This groundbreaking approach is claimed to deliver exceptional power and torque density, making it a promising alternative to the … Continue reading ZF magnet-free motor: Smaller, less expensive, lower carbon footprint, fewer rare earth minerals
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has adopted requirements that bring electric vehicle diagnostic standardisation into line with internal combustion engine models, potentially setting a benchmark for the global automotive industry. Because mandatory requirements for standardised diagnostic outputs were originally linked to tailpipe emissions control regulations they were never mandated for ZEVs. Starting from the … Continue reading California mandates standard diagnostic system for electric vehicles from MY26
British Off Road, which apart from being one of Australia’s most respected Land Rover specialists is moving into electric vehicle conversions, has taken out the Innovation Award art this year’s MTAQ Industry Awards Gala. In a celebratory social media post the VASA member said: “We are very proud to have won the 2023 Motor Trades … Continue reading VASA member British Off Road wins MTAQ Innovation Award
Toyota has partnered with Idemitsu to develop solid-state batteries with a focus on advancing mass production technology for sulphur-solid electrolytes as a promising solution for the future of electric vehicles due to their remarkable energy capacity and power output. Solid-state batteries, utilising a ceramic-like electrolyte, offer numerous advantages over liquid-electrolyte lithium-ion batteries, including higher energy … Continue reading Toyota and Idemitsu ink solid-state battery partnership
