Charging

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First airfield-to-airfield eVTOL flight with recharging

Skyfly and AeroVolt are working on the first electric vehicle take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight in the UK between two airfields with electric charging points, writes Nick Flaherty. AeroVolt is installing a network of aircraft smart chargers around the UK at airports and aerodromes. It currently has five operational sites and aims to have 24 running by the time deliveries of the Skyfly Axe eVTOL begin in 2025, with plans in place for over 60 sites.

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Siemens enables simultaneous fast charging of four EVs

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has rolled out an additional variant of its SICHARGE D electric vehicle (EV) fast charger, with a maximum output of 400 kW. Designed for future-proof EV charging, the SICHARGE D dispenser enables up to four vehicles to be charged at the same time with only one grid connection, optimising times for customers, and delivering cost and space savings for charge point operators (CPOs).

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Volvo Cars partners with Breathe for next-gen fast-charging

Volvo Cars has partnered Breathe Battery Technologies (Breathe), becoming the first car company to gain access to the latest version of its patented, algorithm-enabled charging software. By integrating Breathe’s software into its in-house developed

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IoTecha and Software République fire up Mobilize Powerbox

IoTecha, a provider of smart charging solutions for electric vehicles, has developed the Mobilize Powerbox, a smart, secure, bidirectional AC EV charger, with Software République. IoTecha’s IoT.ON is an integrated platform consisting of software, hardware and cloud components for the smart charging infrastructure and power-grid integration of all kinds of EVs, including light-duty vehicles, trucks and school buses.

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Improving the accuracy of EV chargers

The technology behind EV charging is becoming increasingly complex, and as infrastructure manufacturers push the boundaries to develop next-generation solutions that deliver power faster and more efficiently, one of the crucial areas of focus is the method of power metering.

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New Renault Master E-Tech electric’s WLTP range – up to 460 km

Renault has chosen two batteries optimised for capacity, size and mass, combined with in-depth work on aerodynamics and a brand-new innovative platform. The van comes with a choice of two energy storage capacity ratings: 40 kWh and 87 kWh. These two packs are built into a single casing and designed for driving requirements in cities as much as in suburbs. And they do not hamper the vehicle’s payload capacity – which is an essential criterion in this segment.

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LFP cells charge in six minutes

DESTEN has developed the first Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cell that can charge in just six minutes at 6 C writes Nick Flaherty. The 160 Wh/kg pouch cell developed by DESTEN is capable of charging from 20% to 80% SOC in six minutes at a charging rate of 6 C. Moreover, the LFP chemistry means the cell is intrinsically safer than lithium ion cells.

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Schaeffler’s high-performance ball bearing offers better range

They literally move the world as no powertrain can do without bearings ─ be it electric cars, hybrid vehicles or internal combustion engines. Schaeffler has now developed a special high-performance ball bearing with an integrated centrifugal disc.

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Modular plug-and-play rectifier

OmniOn Power has developed a modular 30 kW rectifier in a 19 in rack format to build EV fast chargers (writes Nick Flaherty). The EV100H3NK and EV101H3N1K AC-DC variants of the rectifier design have efficiencies of up to 96% and integrate CAN automotive comms protocols. Up to 12 rectifiers can be used in parallel in a 19 in rack to build fast-charging 360 kW systems quickly and easily.

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Lotus launches EV charging solutions

Lotus has launched its own EV charging solutions including an ultra-fast DC charger, power cabinet and a modular unit for charging up to four vehicles at once. The EV charging solutions include a liquid-cooled all-in-one DC charger that offers charging of up to 450 kW. For example, with the Lotus Eletre R, it can add up to 88.5 miles or 142 km of range after about 5 minutes of charge. A 10-80% charge can be achieved in 20 minutes to give a range extension of 74 miles or 120 km from a 5 minute charge.