Nissan has collaborated with British camper trailer manufacturer Opus to create a “smart camping concept” that uses second-life batteries from Nissan’s first-generation Leaf electric car to power “off-grid adventures”. The concept integrates a portable, self-contained and weatherproof ‘Roam’ powerpack produced by Nissan Energy that can power 230v and 12v appliances. Nissan Energy claims the Roam’s … Continue reading EV batteries go camping
What’s wrong with this picture? The Australian flag and Australia Post logo on a one-shot DIY can of R134a for a start. This is just a selection of illegal R134a found on Australian eBay during a quick search by SightGlass News. And they seem to be selling rather successfully! We found more of the same … Continue reading Illegal refrigerant trade Down Under?
Expert committee denounces lack of EC response to illegal, hazardous refrigerant import A new committee established to tackle the challenges of fluorinated greenhouse gas (F-gas) regulations has slated the European Commission’s handling of illegal refrigerants. The ‘Initiative Coolektiv’, which is led by experts from companies such as Honeywell, Chemours and Westfalen, states that refrigerants equivalent … Continue reading Illegal refrigerant trade soldiers on
Chemours Corpus Christi plant comes online The world’s biggest R1234yf factory is now operational at Ingleside in Texas, tripling YF production capacity for Chemours, which co-developed the HFO refrigerant with Honeywell. Resulting from a $US300 million ($A425m) upgrade of the Chemours Corpus Christi plant that began in 2016, this YF production boost will help the … Continue reading R1234yf production capacity triples
Oddball concepts striving to improve every facet of motoring Trawl through automotive news websites and you’ll no doubt read myriad stories detailing the latest in powertrain, chassis and infotainment technology. As is ever the case, however, there are countless other areas where innovative designs and technologies are helping solve long-standing issues in the motoring world. … Continue reading Quirky tech that’s making a difference
Ports of Auckland will build a hydrogen production and refuelling facility at its Waitematā port in a joint project with Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and KiwiRail to also invest in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles including port equipment, buses and cars. Electrolysis will be used to extract hydrogen from tap water on site, which is then … Continue reading NZ to get hydrogen fuel station and vehicles
Ever dreamed about launching your own vehicle brand? Well, the coming electrification revolution promises to make the process a whole lot easier. For some time, automotive industry commentators have predicted that the ‘skateboard’ architecture on which many electric vehicles are based would provide a blank canvas for coachbuilders. Early this year, Volkswagen Group announced that … Continue reading Coachbuilding to return as VW Group licenses electric MEB platform
By Brett Meads VASA VP Hi, my name is Brett. Thanks for taking the time to read my column – I really appreciate it. I hope you find it useful. Let me be clear on two things. Firstly, on a bang-for-your-buck scale, nothing beats introducing yourself. Secondly, most people just won’t do it. Specifically, I … Continue reading Introduce yourself
The next-generation Macan, due in 2021, will be the first all-electric SUV manufactured by Porsche. Based on the Porsche’s ‘Premium Platform Electric’ (PPE) architecture, co-developed with Audi, the second-generation Macan will deploy 800V rapid-charging technology. Porsche intends that by 2025, some 50 per cent of its vehicles will be equipped with an electric drive system. … Continue reading Next Porsche Macan to be an EV
Audi’s first series-production electric vehicle, the e-tron, is due to arrive in Australia and New Zealand later this year. Expected to cost around $140,000, the e-tron has a claimed range of up to 417km on a single charge. While this luxury electric SUV will remain out of reach for many, Audi does like to brag … Continue reading VASA members best placed to benefit from convergence of electrical and thermal systems as transport electrifies
