It is time for automotive workshops to consider the effect that electric cars might have on their operations but fortunately there is already much in the way of support for workshops looking to increase their repertoire and prepare for the future. Many are thinking about investing in the training and equipment required to assess and … Continue reading How to get up to speed on EV repairs
Specialist title International Mining has reported that a Chinese manufacturer is working on a pure-electric haul truck for heavy-duty mining applications. International Mining, which covers news and developments related to global mining and minerals processing, says that the Xiangtan Electric Manufacturing Company (XEMC) is developing a lithium battery-powered version of its 108-tonne AC-drive rigid haul … Continue reading Pure electric for mine trucks
US-based waste disposal truck manufacturer Curbtender is partnering with electrification specialist XL Fleet to develop a new line of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. It is among the latest in an array of new environmentally friendly entries into the waste transport industry, which are being driven by an increasing interest in – and growing … Continue reading Waste disposal trucks go EV
Transitioning to electric transport solutions has its obvious benefits, ranging from reduced environmental impacts to lower operating costs. However, it is not an easy leap to make. The operator of an urban bus network converting to zero-emissions technology, for example, would have to consider factors such as vehicle acquisition and suitability, charging infrastructure, power supply, … Continue reading Uptake of electric bus uptake bolstered by turnkey electrification, lofty goals, fresh funding
The global market for electric cars is increasing at a rapid rate. Perceptions are changing, model ranges are growing, policies are shifting, vehicle capabilities are improving and the cars are becoming more accessible. For many buyers, however, charging and the associated range-related issues remain a stumbling block. A modern electric vehicle (EV) might be capable … Continue reading Faster 800-volt EV charging capability makes all-electric motoring more viable
For an electric car to deliver the best capabilities and comfort, the temperature of its components and cabin must be managed effectively. Batteries and control units that get too hot during operation, for example, can cause degraded performance, charging and range issues. Ineffective cabin heating and cooling solutions, similarly, can result in excessive power draw … Continue reading All-electric Audi Q4 e-tron features two cooling loops, R744-charged heat pump
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
Britain’s largest supermarket chain, Tesco, has added 30 all-electric electric refrigerated vans to its home delivery fleet. The 30 LDV EV80 vans are equipped with E-200 electric refrigeration units from Thermo King that feature patented power management that contributes to lower overall energy consumption, increased vehicle autonomy and higher efficiency and reliability. Using this combination … Continue reading Fleet of electric grocery delivery vans for Tesco
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
An all-electric Cessna Grand Caravan, developed by electric propulsion company magniX, has completed its first test flight. The “eCaravan,” which is reputedly the largest electric commercial plane, is powered by a 560kW magni500 electric motor and has a range of around 160km. The 30-minute flight at the AeroTEC test centre in Washington was a key … Continue reading Electric Cessna takes flight
