Tag: plug-in hybrid

In electric and hybrid vehicles, frequent battery charging and continuous thermal management mean components such as pumps and valves in cooling systems must operate for 45,000 to 55,000 hours at operating temperature, compared with roughly 5000 hours for typical petrol or diesel cars. These extended duty cycles present new challenges for engineering plastics, particularly those … Continue reading BASF develops durable plastic for EV cooling systems

After showcasing its retrofittable Future Hybrid Concept at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show (as reported in SightGlass issue 37, Horse Powertrain has now revealed a global plug-and-play hybrid system for multiple vehicle types. The UK-headquartered joint venture between Renault Group and Geely backed by energy giant Aramco was founded in May 2024, combines Geely subsidiary … Continue reading Horse launches ‘plug-and-play’ hybrid system to help auto-makers cut CO2

Although an earlier transition to BEVs would accelerate reductions in transport emissions, BMW head of portfolio management for electrified powertrains Michael Hoffmann considers hybrids a smart and scalable way to cut CO2 in the short term as manufacturers face tightening regulations and uncertainty around charging infrastructure. “If you glanced at September’s European Automobile Manufacturers Association … Continue reading BMW exec spruiks hybrid tech as market resists fast BEV uptake

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

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

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

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