Tag: SightGlass News Issue 33

Just before Human Horizons ran into financial difficulties, paused production for six months and approached Changan Automobile about a potential rescue bid, its HiPhi Z model emerged as the winter efficiency champion among electric vehicles at the world’s largest electric car test, the biannual “El Prix” in Norway, due to its impressive thermal management system. … Continue reading Thermal management wins the day in Norwegian El Prix

DuPont has made significant advancements in glycol purification, ensuring that the coolant in lithium-ion batteries and fuel cell electric vehicles remains contamination-free, bolstering their efficient and reliable operation. According to DuPont marketing manager for e-mobility solutions Noel Carr, pressure on EV thermal management systems is increased by “consumer demand for increased range, faster charging, larger … Continue reading DuPont claims EV thermal management breakthrough

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

On May 14, Australian federal treasurer Jim Chalmers unveiled the 2024-25 Federal Budget, introducing a variety of new spending initiatives in line with the principles from the previous year’s Infrastructure Policy Statement, where the government prioritised investments to enhance productivity, improve liveability and promote sustainability.  These measures aim to address and support industry demand while … Continue reading Federal budget presents skills opportunities

Leaders from Toyota, Mazda and Subaru announcing their commitment to internal combustion drivetrains

Boldly committing to internal combustion engine technology, three prominent Japanese car-makers known for their cautious approach to electric vehicles – Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru – jointly announced a bold initiative to continue manufacturing petrol engines. This decision underscores their belief in the ongoing importance of conventional powertrains, backed by strong sales of hybrid vehicles, seemingly … Continue reading Toyota, Mazda and Subaru commit to combustion

Thermo King has announced production of its flagship electrical refrigeration unit, the E-500e, designed specifically to appeal to cold chain logistics operators of electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs), particularly those operating in urban areas.  A standout feature of the E-500e is its direct power supply from the vehicle’s battery, eliminating the need for additional batteries … Continue reading Thermo King launches refrigeration unit for electric light commercial vehicles

Ocean Network Express (ONE), operator of the world’s sixth-largest container ship fleet, has introduced the first dual-temperature reefer. A collaborative effort between ONE, time-critical cargo specialist NAX Japan and international discount retail chain Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH) is trailing the reefers in Japan with the aim of addressing challenges faced in maintaining freshness during … Continue reading ONE launches world’s first dual-temperature ocean reefer

Britain’s biggest supermarket chain has adopted cutting-edge transport refrigeration technology with the addition of two trucks to the Tesco fleet equipped with propylene (R1270) and CO2 (R744) refrigeration units from German  manufacturer EcoolTec Tesco becomes the first in the UK to embrace EcoolTec’s all-electric TM182 units, which stand out in the heavy commercial transportation sector … Continue reading EcoolTec reefer with dual-circuit system uses both R1270 HC and R744 CO2 refrigerants

Insuring EV risks

The latest report from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), titled Charging Ahead: Electric Vehicles & Insurance, emphasises a crucial ten-year period for the insurance industry to support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The report delves into key issues, including battery fires, safety regulations, and challenges faced by insurers in covering EVs. It also … Continue reading Insuring EV risks

The surge in global demand for batteries, fuelled by the rapid electrification of vehicles and the demands to store renewable energy, has brought attention to the environmental drawbacks of lithium extraction methods.  For instance, the evaporation ponds in Chile, where lithium-rich brine is concentrated, use 682 times more water than sodium extraction methods, leading to … Continue reading Life after lithium: Future battery technologies