Batteries

Formula One’s Handkammer Technology Inspires Tesla Battery Leap

Graphene-based supercapacitors, developed with input from F1’s energy storage expertise, promise faster charging and lighter batteries for future Tesla electric cars.

VW and New Flyer Expand Electric Bus Offerings as Segment Grows

VW Truck & Bus and New Flyer are intensifying competition in the electric bus market, with new models and major investments targeting both European and North American operators.

Samsung SDI Unveils Modular EV Batteries at Frankfurt, Eyes Tesla

Samsung SDI introduced a modular battery pack and a new 21700 cell at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, aiming to challenge Tesla’s lead in EV battery technology.

Supervolcanoes Identified as Potential Lithium Sources for EV Batteries

Stanford research highlights dormant supervolcanoes as promising sites for lithium extraction, offering a possible answer to rising demand from electric vehicle manufacturers.

Fisker EMotion to launch with 145 kWh lithium-ion battery

Henrik Fisker confirms the EMotion electric saloon will use a 145 kWh NCM lithium-ion pack from LG Chem, targeting over 400 miles of range and 800-volt rapid charging.

Ford Focus Electric for Europe gains bigger battery and 225km range

Ford’s 2017 Focus Electric arrives in Europe with a new 33.5kWh battery, faster charging, and a claimed range of 225km, but retains its previous price in Germany.

Volvo to Launch First Pure Electric Car in 2019 with 100kWh Battery

Volvo has confirmed its first all-electric model will arrive in 2019, targeting a 100kWh battery and a range of power outputs on its new platforms.

2017 Nissan Leaf price rises to $30,680 as 30kWh battery becomes standard

Nissan has dropped the smaller 24kWh battery for the 2017 Leaf, raising the entry price by $1,670 but increasing range to 107 miles on all models.

Workhorse W-15 Concept Reveals Ambitious Electric Pickup Plans

Workhorse has unveiled the W-15, a concept for an all-electric pickup with a range extender, targeting commercial fleets with Panasonic battery tech and dual-motor all-wheel drive.

Samsung SDI to Supply Batteries for Tesla Model 3

Samsung SDI has begun supplying battery cells to Tesla for Model 3 testing, as Tesla seeks additional suppliers to meet production targets for its most affordable electric car.

Volkswagen plans its own battery plant for electric future

Volkswagen is preparing to build a dedicated battery factory, aiming to bring cell production in-house as it accelerates its electric vehicle strategy.

Dyson awarded £16m government grant for UK electric car project

Dyson will use £16 million in government funding to develop a battery electric vehicle at its Malmesbury headquarters, aiming to create over 500 engineering jobs.

Swiss Researchers Trial 15-Minute EV Charging Station

EPFL engineers have demonstrated a prototype charging station using buffer battery storage to deliver a 4.5MW charge, allowing an electric car to recharge in just 15 minutes.

Nissan invests £26.5m in Sunderland battery plant to secure UK EV supply

Nissan’s £26.5 million investment in its Sunderland battery facility will safeguard 300 jobs and underpin local production of batteries for the Leaf and e-NV200.

Japan and China take rival paths in alternative fuel race

China is backing battery-electric vehicles while Japan invests in hydrogen, as the two Asian auto giants pursue competing visions for the future of alternative power.

2016 Nissan Leaf gets 30kWh battery and longer range

Nissan has launched the 2016 Leaf with a 30kWh battery, increasing its range to 155 miles and offering the upgrade on Acenta and Tekna trims in the UK.

Samsung SDI: Low Oil Prices Unlikely to Derail Electric Vehicle Growth

Samsung SDI maintains that falling oil prices will not slow the global shift to electric vehicles, citing regulatory pressure as the key driver through 2020.

Renault-Nissan Looks Beyond In-House Batteries for EV Expansion

Renault-Nissan is reconsidering its battery sourcing strategy, opening the door to external suppliers such as LG Chem as it aims to scale up electric vehicle production.

Tesla selects Nevada for $5bn battery gigafactory

The electric carmaker has confirmed Storey County, Nevada as the site for its $5 billion battery plant, securing over $1 billion in state tax incentives over 20 years.

Tesla weighs US sites for $5bn battery gigafactory

Tesla is assessing locations in five US states for a massive battery factory, with Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and California all under consideration.

EVs Close the Cost Gap With Petrol Cars as Battery Prices Fall

Analysis shows plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles are now rivalling petrol models on total ownership cost, with battery prices dropping and sales rising through mid-2013.

A123 Systems wins court approval for bankruptcy plan

A123 Systems has secured final court approval for its bankruptcy reorganisation, clearing the way for Wanxiang’s acquisition and creditor repayments after months of uncertainty.

Mitsubishi urges EV and hybrid owners to halt charging after battery incidents

Mitsubishi has asked 4,000 owners of its electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to stop charging their cars while it investigates two battery overheating incidents linked to its supplier.

Wanxiang Proposes New Trust Structure to Secure A123 Civilian Unit Purchase

Chinese automotive supplier Wanxiang aims to acquire A123 Systems’ civilian battery business using an independent trust, seeking to address US national security concerns and close the deal by February 2013.