Headlines and links from all the news, including things we didn’t cover in depth here on EVmeme.com this past week. Follow the links for more on each.
Manncorp, Alan Mann Racing Partner to Convert Classic Mustangs to EV
Electronics specialist Manncorp in Pennsylvania has partnered with Alan Mann Racing to create the Alan Mann Legacy Edition model ePower Mustang. The partnership plans to restore classic Ford Mustang models with electric drivetrains.
Hyundai Motor Unveils NPX1 Concept In Tokyo
Hyundai has created the N Performance Parts concept car model based on the IONIQ 5 N high-performance electric car. The concept was unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The concept showcases performance parts options for the IONIQ 5 N.
Daimler Truck Reports 277% Increase In Electric Truck Sales
Daimler Truck increased unit sales of battery-electric trucks globally to 3,443 units in 2023, a 277 percent increase over 2022. Most of these battery-electric trucks were sold in new markets. North American sales of BEV trucks increased by 4 percent, comprising more than half (195,014 units) of the global sales.
Researchers in Brazil Produce Hydrogen From Vine Shoots
University of Sao Paulo and Universidad de Jaen in Brazil have shown that hydrogen can be produced from vine shoots. Vine shoots are the main waste produced during pruning in viticulture with up to 2 tons generation per hectare every year.
Airbus Powers On First ZEROe Fuel Cell Aircraft Propulsion
Airbus has powered on its ZEROe hydrogen fuel cell electric “Iron Pod” aircraft propulsion system. The hydrogen fuel cell and electric motor system is designed for propeller-driven craft and marks a first major success for the system.
Amprius Introduces Silicon Anode Battery: SiCore
Amrprius Technologies has announced its SiCore silicon-anode batteries targeted for electric vehicle use. At 500 watt hours per kilogram and 1,300 watt hours per liter, the energy density of the SiCore design is competitive.
QuantumScape Introduces FlexFrame Cell Format
QuantumScape’s lithium-metal battery design with a solid-state core is made to “flex” as it charges and discharges. The center of the battery expands and contracts as energy enters and leaves, but without changing the footprint of the battery module itself.
Los Angeles USD Orders 180 Blue Bird Electric Buses
The Los Angeles Unified School District has ordered 180 battery-electric school buses from Blue Bird. The order includes 150 American and 30 Vision model school buses and is the largest order of EV school buses in Blue Bird’s history.
Mazda Adopts NACS for Battery-Electric Vehicles
Mazda joins other major automakers in switching to the North American Charging Standard, Tesla’s plug-in charging system. The switch will come with 2025 model year Mazda vehicles.
Neste Concludes 3-Year E-Fuel Research Project
The three-year long research project involved e-fuels being produced using renewable hydrogen. The project met its aim, which was to find solutions for segments of transportation that are difficult to electrify, such as aviation and marine applications.
Honda’s 2023 Sales Include 2 Top-Selling Hybrids in U.S.
Honda sold more hybrids in the small SUV and car segments than any other brand with the CR-V Hybrid (197,317 units) and the Accord Hybrid (96,323 units.
IVECO BUS Supplying 411 E-Buses to Rome
IVECO BUS has won a contract to supply 411 of its E-WAY bus units to Azienda per la Mobilita, the public transport company in Italy’s capital city of Rome.
OneD, Koch Partner for Large-Scale Production of Silicon-Graphic Anode Materials
OneD Battery Sciences and Koch Module Process Systems have partnered to enable the large-scale production of silicon-graphite anode materials for next-generation EV batteries.
Largest Lithium Supplier Albermarle Cutting Production Capex
The leading supplier of lithium and derivatives is cutting its planned production and commensurate jobs from a $2.1B total in 2023 to $1.6-1.8B at the start of 2024 as expected lithium demand drops. Most of the cuts are to expansions of existing or new lithium sources.
MIT Team Has Developed Layered Organic Electrode for Li-Ion Batteries
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a layered organic electrode material with high electrical conductivity, storage capacity, and insolubility. This enables reversible intercalation of lithium ions for long-lasting, fast-charging li-ion batteries.
GM, EV Connect Expand Collaboration for Plug and Charge
Expanding on a previous collaboration, General Motors and EV Connect have announced the availability of Plug and Charge on the EV Connect network via GM branded phone and vehicle apps. Which means charging via the app requires no card swipe or RFID scan.
Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Truck, PACCAR To Produce LFP Battery Cells in Mississippi
Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Trucks and Buses, and PACCAR have selected Marshall County, Mississippi as the future site of advanced battery cell manufacturing for the three companies’ joint venture. Plans are for a 21-gigawatt hour (GWh) factory with production beginning in 2027.
Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear Demonstrator To Be At King of Hammers
Ford will be showing its extreme off-road demonstration F-150 Lightning Switchgear at the King of Hammers event in California on January 25, 2024. “Switchgear specifically provides a testbed for pushing the boundaries of what’s expected from electric trucks,” says Ford.
Stellantis Unveils Large Vehicle Platform for New BEV Architecture
The STLA Large platform allows for 118kWh of batteries with a 4.5 kWh per minute charging efficiency. Both 400- and 800-volt BEV designs can be used on the platform. It is designed for trucks, vans, SUVs, etc.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.