News on Electric Vehicles, Batteries, and Charging: Rivian features, Electrify America updates, Quasar, Harbinger in spotlight, EV Connect advances, 24M developments, Trojan Battery insights, Boston and Transtex collaborations
A flurry of innovations in lithium battery technology is reshaping the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, with several notable developments making headlines.
Researchers at Florida International University (FIU) have made strides in the development of lithium-sulfur batteries, which could potentially improve EV range and convenience. The technical research, conducted in partnership with Lion, a battery technology initiative, could enhance the performance and cycle life of these batteries, impacting EV battery technology positively.
Meanwhile, TRANSTEX has unveiled the DClimate Lithium Pro™, a lithium-ion powered electric Auxiliary Power Unit (eAPU) designed to enhance reliability, reduce emissions, and lower operating costs for trucking fleets. Furthermore, the Trojan Battery Company has introduced the Trojan Lithium OnePack™ Extended Range (XR), a lithium-ion battery pack designed for low-speed recreational vehicles. The Trojan OnePack XR offers up to 75 miles per charge, features quick-charge capability, Bluetooth monitoring, and an 8-year warranty.
These advancements are expected to have significant impacts on electric vehicles in several ways:
- Enhanced Battery Performance: Lithium-sulfur batteries offer potentially higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries, which could lead to lighter, longer-range EVs.
- Cost Reduction: Sulfur is abundant and low-cost compared to cobalt or nickel used in traditional lithium-ion cathodes, which could reduce battery costs and thus EV prices.
- Sustainability: Li-S batteries can reduce reliance on critical metals and improve recycling prospects, aligning with global decarbonization goals supporting EV adoption.
- Market Growth: The growing sulfur-based battery market driven by governments' zero-carbon targets and renewable energy expansion will bolster EV battery supply chains, indirectly benefiting EV deployment.
In the golf cart market, Yamaha has introduced new electric models, the G30Es and G31EPs, powered by lithium-ion batteries using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) for enhanced reliability and longevity. The new carts also boast features like an electromagnetic guidance system and optimized regenerative braking systems that reduce power consumption by approximately 30%.
Boston has partnered with Brooklyn-based itselectric to unveil the nation's first behind-the-meter public curbside electric vehicle (EV) charger in Roslindale, supporting Boston's Climate Action Plan. EV Connect, a leader in EV charging management solutions, has secured OCPP 2.0.1 certification for both the Core and Advanced Security modules.
Wallbox has announced the pre-order availability of the Quasar 2 bi-directional charger, compatible with the Kia EV9. The Quasar 2 enables Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality for Kia EV9 owners, allowing them to use their vehicle as an energy storage system.
Eternalyte, when paired with 24M's Impervio™ separator, reduces lithium dendrite formation and prevents thermal runaway risks. Eternalyte enables EVs to add approximately 200 miles of range in under four minutes while maintaining strong performance in extreme cold, retaining over 80% capacity at -20°C. Adding a small amount of platinum nanoparticles to lithium-sulfur batteries stabilizes them, improving their lifespan and efficiency.
The DClimate Lithium Pro™ offers a 10-year lifespan with minimal maintenance, extended runtime, bidirectional charging, and is 150 lbs lighter for improved fuel efficiency and payload. Harbinger, a leading medium-duty EV company, introduced the IRA Risk-Free Guarantee to maintain price stability amid uncertainties surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) 45W tax credit.
In summary, these advancements in lithium battery technology, particularly lithium-sulfur batteries, are poised for major growth and technological progress, with FIU contributing through focused R&D within industry collaborations. These advancements are expected to improve EV battery performance and reduce costs, thereby supporting broader EV adoption and clean energy goals in the coming decade.
- The development of lithium-sulfur batteries at Florida International University is anticipated to positively impact the electric vehicles (EVs) landscape, contributing to enhanced EV range and convenience.
- In the realm of transportation, TRANSTEX has introduced the DClimate Lithium Pro™, an electric Auxiliary Power Unit (eAPU) powered by lithium-ion batteries, aimed at increasing reliability, lowering emissions, and reducing operating costs for trucking fleets.
- The growing market for sulfur-based batteries, driven by governmental initiatives, will bolster EV battery supply chains and indirectly help EV deployment, as mentioned in the context of market growth.
- Boston, in partnership with itselectric, launched the first behind-the-meter public curbside electric vehicle charger, aligning with the city's Climate Action Plan and the broader trend of electric vehicle (EV) adoption.
- The sport of golf has taken a step towards cleaner energy with the introduction of new electric models by Yamaha, featuring lithium-ion batteries and energy-saving features like an optimized regenerative braking system, contributing to the lifestyle and entertainment sectors' increasing focus on sustainability.
