Tag Archives: stations

News

Stellantis to introduce battery swap stations from 2024

Stellantis will launch a community of battery swap stations that may match a totally charged battery to an EV “in less than five minutes”.

The expertise, developed by San Francisco-based Ample and backed by Vauxhall mum or dad Stellantis, will likely be rolled out on a subscription foundation and be launched in Madrid, Spain, subsequent yr. Further websites will comply with, though the model is remaining tight-lipped on places and timelines.

It will initially be accessible for less than the electrical Fiat 500 however the system will likely be expanded to accommodate each marque within the Stellantis secure, together with Citroën, Peugeot, Jeep and Maserati.

It has been conceived to make gaining a totally charged battery “as fast and convenient as refuelling with gas”, in keeping with Stellantis. Cars will likely be recognised on arrival, with drivers utilizing an app to provoke the swapping course of.

It follows an analogous set-up by Chinese EV model Nio, which has greater than 1300 of its Power Swap Stations in service throughout its house nation, with an additional 13 in a number of central European international locations. Plans for the UK have beforehand been mooted.

For Stellantis’s tech, the swappable modular batteries have been designed as “drop-in replacements” for present packs utilized by any electrical automotive. It permits Stellantis to combine its batteries with out re-engineering platforms, saving money. 

“Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution has the opportunity to offer our customers greater energy efficiency, outstanding performance and lower range anxiety. We are looking forward to executing the initial programme with our stellar Fiat 500e,” Stellantis senior vice chairman Ricardo Stamatti stated.

According to Stellantis, the swap stations might be constructed and totally operational in “as little as three days”.

Ample CEO Khaled Hassounah stated: “The combination of offering compelling electric vehicles that can also receive a full charge in less than five minutes will help remove the remaining impediments to electric vehicle adoption.”

Featured

New Google Maps Update Will Help You Plan Your Trips In A Better Way


One of the new features has been developed to help EV owners get more details of nearby charging stations including charging speeds, charger types, etc

Google Maps features update

Google has made navigating with smartphones easier through its Maps app, and it continues to update the app with new features to make traveling within and between cities more convenient. Google has recently announced some updates for the app:

Detailed Status Of Nearby EV Chargers

EV charging station

This update is beneficial for the growing number of electric car owners. Google Maps now provides detailed information about EV chargers, including compatibility, charging speed, and station availability. It can also indicate the last time a charger was used to counter the problem of non-functional stations. This feature is especially valuable for planning long electric vehicle road trips. Google utilized its knowledge from cars with Google built-in, such as Volvo models, to develop this update.

Immersive View

Google Maps' Immersive View for routes

In May 2023, Google announced the Immersive View for routes feature for its Maps app. By using AI technology to combine multiple perspectives from Google Street View and aerial images, Google has created an immersive, real-world view of its maps. This feature allows users to experience their routes from a live, on-the-ground perspective, including real-time information on traffic, weather, and roadblocks.

A More Detailed Map View

Google Maps detailed view

Google Maps will offer a more comprehensive map view for enhanced road navigation. This includes more realistic representations of buildings and roads, making it easier to reach your destination. It also provides a more detailed depiction of exits from expressways and highways. These subtle improvements aim to simplify your travel experience.

  • Check out the right car insurance plan for your vehicle here.

Find More With Google Lens

With this update, Google has integrated its Lens feature into Maps, making it easier to discover new locations. Powered by AI, Lens allows users to uncover both famous landmarks and hidden gems. This innovative tool provides comprehensive details about a place before you decide to visit, making it particularly valuable for travelers looking to explore new destinations.

These are some of the highlighted features that will be available on Google Maps first in international markets before reaching India. Which new or improved feature interests you the most, and which one would you like to see first on Google Maps in India? Share your answers in the comments section.

Also Read: Google Completes 25 Years: Here’s How It Shaped Modern Cars And Our Driving Experiences

News

First new UK hydrogen fuelling hub open in 2024

A plan to create a nationwide network of hydrogen refuelling stations is taking its first steps towards becoming a reality with the help of an £8 million UK government grant. The first station is expected to open early next year.

British start-up Element 2 will initially build four stations that will be publicly available to both HGV and car drivers. The government’s target for these stations is supermarket delivery trucks, but they will also be accessible to cars such as the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, and BMW iX5 Hydrogen.

The pumps will be located in the north-east of England as part of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub, which is being developed with the government funding. The first station will open at Teesside International Airport to support another funding recipient, Ulemco, in developing hydrogen-powered airport vehicles.

Element 2 CEO Tim Harper has confirmed that 30 additional pump locations will be identified and have plans in place by the end of the year. The company is working with various forecourt operators and vehicle manufacturers. Last July, they announced their first two sites with planning permission approved at Coneygarth on the A1 and on the M6 near Carlisle.

“The strategy is to have the infrastructure in place before these vehicles arrive in numbers,” said Harper. “With this funding, we now have the confidence and know when it will happen.”

Harper also mentioned that funding for other stations has already been secured. Additionally, £300,000 of funding will be allocated to local colleges to support workforce training and talent development, further establishing the Tees Valley as a hub for hydrogen technology.

“Hydrogen technology has great potential to decarbonise transport and boost the economy,” said Transport Secretary Mark Harper. “Today’s winners demonstrate the expertise of the Tees Valley in developing hydrogen tech, which will create skilled jobs and apprenticeships in the North East.”