Tag Archives: battery

News

First drive: Inverted Range Rover Classic

The Inverted Range Rover Classic has undergone several upgrades. The rear springs have been made stiffer to handle the battery’s weight, and adjustable dampers from Fox (known from the Ford Raptor) have been installed. While the rear brakes are standard, the front brakes now feature four-pot calipers and discs from Alcon.

Many components are sourced either from a donor Tesla (such as the brake booster) or from aftermarket suppliers (like the battery management system).

Despite being Inverted’s first project, the Inverted Range Rover Classic feels comfortable to drive, especially once you select the appropriate setting. The standard mode has a lot of dead travel at the top of the throttle pedal and no regenerative braking. However, if you switch to Off-Road mode, it functions similar to a Tesla: the dead spot is replaced by regenerative braking, although the brake pedal still only affects the friction brakes. Inverted offers customization options for the amount of regen based on customer preferences.

Unlike a Tesla, power delivery is not instant. You need to keep your foot on the pedal for a while as the power gradually increases. While this may sound inconvenient, the vehicle always has enough power, adding a sense of engagement. Just imagine the thrill of unleashing 450bhp on a 1970s off-roader. Sport mode provides a more direct response but is still gradual enough for a smooth driving experience.

Inverted claims that the motor has the potential to deliver 600bhp, although 200bhp would suffice. It is important to note that this is not a vehicle designed for high-speed driving. The grip levels are modest, there is significant body roll, and the steering is both slow and humorously vague, lacking self-centering.

News

Peugeot Inception: A 671bhp Super-GT to Preview New EVs

The Peugeot Inception is an impressive 671bhp super-GT designed to offer a glimpse into the future of electric vehicles (EVs). It boasts a powerful 100kWh battery, which provides a claimed range of 500 miles – far surpassing any current EVs produced by Stellantis, Peugeot’s parent company.

One of the standout features of the Inception is its 800V charging hardware, allowing it to recharge at a rate of nearly 19 miles per minute or more than 90 miles in just five minutes. Peugeot even claims that it can achieve this through induction technology, eliminating the need for a charging cable – although this particular feature has not yet been confirmed for production cars.

The Inception also delivers impressive performance, with its 671bhp motor providing power to each wheel, enabling four-wheel drive and an impressive 0-62mph time of under 3.0 seconds. This highlights Peugeot’s commitment to prioritizing engaging performance in its future flagship EVs.

Jérôme Micheron, Peugeot’s product boss, explains that the brand aims to meet the high expectations of customers for electric cars. With their new generation of EV platforms and a focus on delivering unrivaled driving sensations, Peugeot is confident in satisfying these expectations.

In addition to its technical advancements, the Inception showcases a fresh design direction for Peugeot. Departing from traditional saloon aesthetics, the Inception features a contemporary and sharp design, influenced by the digital world. It boasts crisp body lines, striking LED lighting, and an expansive greenhouse that optimizes cabin space, providing generous legroom and excellent visibility.

Peugeot inception concept hands on the wheel 0

Gaming, News, Technology

Valve Now Offers Affordable Certified Refurbished Steam Decks

One of the major criticisms of the Steam Deck is its limited battery capacity. Many reviewers and gamers have reported that the console can only last for around 90 minutes of gameplay (varies based on the game). With batteries being one of the first components to show aging, concerns arise about the battery life of a refurbished Steam Deck.

However, Valve assures that each device undergoes rigorous testing before being certified and put up for sale. This testing includes assessing battery health to ensure proper functionality and longevity. In addition, every refurbished device goes through a total factory reset and receives the latest operating system update.

Valve claims that each Steam Deck is subjected to over 100 tests at their facilities. These tests cover various aspects such as the screen, audio system, controller inputs, and other internal hardware. The company even states that refurbished units meet or exceed the performance standards of new retail units. Essentially, the only difference between a refurbished Steam Deck and a new one may be some light cosmetic wear-and-tear. Refurbished Steam Decks will also come with a carrying case and Quick Start guide.

Technology

Reason Behind Lithium Batteries Catching Fire: Explained

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries can catch fire due to a chemical process called thermal runaway. In simpler terms, thermal runaway happens when something causes a spark inside the battery’s casing, leading to a chain reaction that eventually causes the casing to explode. This explosion can start a fire, and if the battery is near flammable materials, the fire can spread rapidly.

Why does thermal runaway occur? Li-ion battery casings are airtight and hold electro-conductive gases and chemicals. If the casing gets physically damaged or overheated from improper charging, the gases are vaporized, causing the case to expand. Once the case reaches a critical point, it ruptures and releases flammable fumes that can ignite violently. For example, if the battery is in a smartphone, the phone would likely explode.

Cars

The Challenges Ford Faces in Meeting Demand for the 2023 F-150 Lightning

When production of the 2023 F-150 Lightning began, there was an unexpected obstacle in February. A battery fire occurred at the Rawsonville Plant, the facility responsible for manufacturing the vehicle’s battery. As a result, production had to be put on hold while Ford investigated the cause of the fire. During this time, the executive overseeing battery production stepped down, although it is unclear if this decision was related to the incident.

But that wasn’t the only setback in the production of the F-150 Lightning. In June, production was once again paused, this time at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, where the vehicle itself is manufactured. Ford made this decision in order to expand and retool the production process to keep up with the high demand for the F-150 Lightning. This move was made with the hope of accelerating the release of the vehicle and remaining competitive in the market. Additionally, Ford made the decision to lower the price of the F-150 Lightning to under $50,000, in an effort to make it more affordable for customers.

Technology

Easy Steps for Maintaining Your MacBook Pro’s Battery

To extend the battery life of your MacBook Pro, it’s best to allow the MacBook to manage power consumption and distribution. Fortunately, newer versions of macOS have built-in features that can help optimize your battery’s performance.

  1. Click on the Apple icon located in the top-left corner of the screen, then open System Preferences (or System Settings in macOS 13 Ventura and newer).
  2. Scroll down the left-side menu of the Settings window and select Battery.
  3. In the Battery Health section, click on the Info (i) icon to access a pop-up menu.
  4. Enable the toggle switch next to Optimized Battery Charging.

When Optimized Battery Charging is activated, your MacBook will start learning your usage patterns, such as the times of day when you use it the most. Using this information, it will automatically regulate battery charging during specific periods to minimize strain and reduce chemical aging. It’s normal for your MacBook to occasionally pause charging at 80% because this indicates that the optimized charging feature is functioning as intended.

News

Gogoro and Muji Collaborate on Smart Scooters Made with Recycled Plastic Panels

Gogoro, a pioneer in electric mobility and battery swapping technology, has partnered with Japanese lifestyle brand Muji to develop special edition smart scooters and co-branded merchandise. This collaboration is part of the “Recycling for Good” initiative, which aims to recycle plastic waste.

The sustainability initiative focuses on reducing polypropylene plastic waste and incorporates recycled plastic body panels into the new electric scooters. The partnership between Gogoro and Muji has resulted in two new scooters: the Viva ME and the Viva Mix ME. Both scooters prioritize simplifying and electrifying urban mobility and were curated by Naoto Fukasawa, a renowned Japanese designer who has worked extensively with Muji. The scooters feature classic Muji design elements such as rustic colors, simple bodywork, and user-friendly design.

Gogoro and Muji Team Up On Smart Scooters With Recycled Plastic Panels

In the official press release, Naoto Fukasawa expressed that the most important aspect of design is maintaining integrity towards people, the environment, and life. He believes that the collaboration between Gogoro and Muji is a natural fit and brings about greater value than just the sum of its parts.

Gogoro, a Taiwanese electric mobility company, has a history of sustainability initiatives. In 2019, they introduced mass-produced recycled polypropylene plastics for their scooters’ body panels with the Gogoro 3 Smart Scooter. The entire range of Viva Smart Scooters also features these recycled body panels. It was this innovative manufacturing process that sparked the collaboration with Muji.

The “Recycling for Good” initiative aims to promote a lifestyle change that encourages people to be more aware of plastic waste. In Taiwan, the initiative encourages individuals to deposit their polypropylene waste at Muji and Gogoro outlets, where it will be processed and used in the production of these special edition scooters.

Gogoro and Muji Team Up On Smart Scooters With Recycled Plastic Panels
ToyotaUk

Toyota Scientist Dr. John Muldoon Recognized for Contributions to Battery Technology

Named Fellow of The Electrochemical Society

Receives prestigious 2023 Battery Division Technology Award

Recognitions honor significant advances in the ‘beyond lithium-ion’ battery field

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Aug. 2, 2023) – Dr. John Muldoon, senior principal scientist at the Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA), has been recognized by The Electrochemical Society (ECS) as a Fellow in its Class of 2023. He has also received the prestigious Battery Division Technology Award for 2023, making him the first representative of an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to receive this award in its 30-year history.

Dr. Muldoon’s groundbreaking research has greatly contributed to Toyota’s ‘beyond lithium-ion’ battery research programs. His work has influenced global research trends in multivalent ion, lithium sulfur, and solid-state lithium metal batteries. Dr. Muldoon will be officially recognized for these achievements in October at the 244th ECS Meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Battery Technology Award and to be named a Fellow of the ECS, Class of 2023. I am deeply appreciative of all the strong support of my colleagues,” said Dr. Muldoon. “I am confident that Toyota will continue to push the boundaries of beyond lithium-ion and lithium-ion technologies to pave the way for the next generation of batteries.”

The ECS Fellow designation, established in 1989, is reserved for individuals who have made significant technological contributions in the field of electrochemical and solid-state science and technology and have provided service to the Society. The Battery Division Technology Award, created in 1993, recognizes notable achievements in battery and fuel cell technology development.

“These recognitions are among the highest levels of recognition from the world’s scientific community, and Toyota joins a small handful of organizations with significant contributions to the battery field,” said Kristen Tabar, group vice president of Advanced Mobility Research and Development at Toyota Motor North America. “It is a testament to our commitment to innovation with superior research expertise that Toyota has in-house.”

Dr. Muldoon is an elected member of the ECS Battery Division committee and has played a crucial role in the establishment of ECS symposiums on ‘beyond Li-ion’ battery technologies. He also advocates for bridging fundamental research to application and supports younger scientists. His efforts in fostering a relationship between ECS and Toyota led to the establishment of the ECS Toyota Young Investigator Fellowship in 2016. This award supports young professors and scholars pursuing innovative electrochemical research in green energy technology.

In addition to his technical contributions and involvement in ECS activities, Dr. Muldoon is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Chemistry and an active member of the American Chemical Society and Material Research Society.

News

Prime minister expresses doubts about ban on combustion cars by 2030

READ MORE: JLR owner to build £4bn battery factory in UK by 2026

UK sales ban remains government’s commitment

After the prime minister’s comments raised the possibility of a policy change, the prime minister’s official spokesman was asked to confirm that the ban would still be implemented in 2030.

He told The Telegraph: “That remains our commitment. As you heard from the prime minister this morning, we want to ensure that this approach is fair and practical without unduly affecting the public.

“I think that is what the public and businesses would expect. But the 2030 approach remains our commitment.”

He added that the government wanted to ensure that all net zero policies were “fair and practical,” and that’s what they are working on now.

“Aston Martin exemption” to 2030 ban

The government is also considering an “Aston Martin exemption” to the car sales deadline, according toreports from the Times. This would give low-volume car manufacturers more time to transition to electric vehicles.

This follows a report from Autocar in February, stating that European Union lawmakers confirmed that “niche” manufacturers may continue selling internal combustion engine cars in the EU after the 2035 ban (when Europe will also be EV-only).

READ MORE: EU’s 2035 ban exemption gives small UK sports car makers lifeline

Manufacturers who register fewer than 1000 cars annually will be exempt from the ban.

This is also being considered by the UK government. In February, a spokesperson for the Department for Transport told Autocar that they didn’t rule out the possibility of including this exemption.

Rishi Sunak’s car ban comments criticized

The prime minister’s comments have garnered criticism from members of the automotive industry.

One of those critics is ChargeUK, the body representing the UK’s electric charge point operators.

ChargeUK stated that its members have invested “over £6 billion to roll out EV infrastructure” across the UK and that if the government doesn’t uphold its commitments, this investment and the supply of EVs will be at risk.

Instavolt also heavily criticized the comments, calling them “completely unacceptable.”

CEO Adrian Keen expressed concern about the timing of the remarks and emphasized the importance of government support in delivering sustainable transport.

He said, “Without government advocacy and support, consumer confidence will continue to dwindle when we need it the most.”

Motorsport

Stellantis and Samsung SDI to Construct Second Battery Plant in the US

Stellantis and Samsung SDI recently announced their plans to build a second battery plant in the United States. This comes just four months after the groundbreaking ceremony for their first facility. Although the exact location of the second plant is currently unknown, production is not expected to commence until 2027.

The companies have formally agreed to construct the plant as part of the StarPlus Energy joint venture. This initiative, announced in May 2022, involves investing $2.5 billion to produce lithium-ion batteries at a new facility in Kokomo, Indiana. The second plant aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 34 gigawatt-hours (GWh), slightly higher than the initially planned capacity of 23 GWh for the Kokomo facility, which has since been increased to 33 GWh.