Schaeffler is expanding operations in the US with the addition of a new manufacturing facility focused on producing automotive electric mobility solutions. This announcement represents the company’s commitment to innovation and growth in the Americas region. Schaeffler is investing more than US$230 million in building the new greenfield manufacturing facility,... Read more →

Following a recent launch of the EV drive development center in Vienna, Austria in 2023, hofer powertrain has announced a forthcoming move to a larger facility due to a growing number of projects. This strategic decision to expand so rapidly in the Austrian capital underscores the imperative to develop advanced... Read more →

Point2 Technology, a provider of ultra-low-power, low-latency mixed-signal SoC solutions for multi-terabit interconnect, announced a $22.6-million Series B extension from Bosch Ventures and Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, with participation from other investors. The boost in funding comes at a time when the use of AI in... Read more →

As reported by the CO2 refrigeration marketplace R744, the Volkswagen Group plans to convert all mobile air conditioning heat pumps in its battery electric vehicles (BEV) models to CO2 (R744) by 2030. The Group made the statement in a public comment submitted regarding the European PFAS Restriction Proposal. In 2023,... Read more →

Westport Fuel Systems has been awarded a development program by a global heavy truck manufacturer to adapt Westport’s Next Generation LNG HPDI fuel system to meet the Euro 7 emissions requirements for heavy-duty vehicle applications. The value of the development program is estimated to be US$33 million and will be... Read more →

Lifezone Metals signed a term sheet with a subsidiary of Glencore plc for the two-phased implementation of a recycling joint venture to recover platinum, palladium and rhodium (collectively platinum group metals or PGMs) from spent automotive catalytic converters. The joint venture will be domiciled in the US. The goal of... Read more →

Rheinmetall has won a new order for several hundred thousand CWA 2000 high-voltage electric coolant pumps. The order is worth a figure in the mid-two-digit million-euro range. This is the first order for the manufacturer’s electric truck division, marking a successful widening of the Group’s relationship with the customer, with... Read more →

Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH has released a new photovoltaic output photocoupler with an enhanced open-circuit voltage. The new device is primarily intended for use within solid-state relay (SSR) applications in automotive. However, it can equally be used in industrial applications, such as renewable energy. In recent years, automotive applications have... Read more →

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have unveiled the Universal Wheel Drive System (Uni Wheel). Uni Wheel is a functionally integrated wheel drive system that improves available space inside an electric vehicle (EV) by moving the main drive system components to the vacant space within the wheel hub. In doing... Read more →

EPFL spin-off Qaptis has developed a mobile carbon capture system that can cut freight trucks’ carbon emissions by up to 90%. The company just installed a prototype of its technology at a freight carrier based in Tolochenaz in order to conduct pilot tests locally. Every year, trucks shipping goods across... Read more →

Vitesco Technologies has opened a new, 2,800 m2 manufacturing space at its Icheon electronics site for its EMR4 (Electronics Motor Reducer) electric axle drive. The first parts from the new line will serve to confirm the original sample products’ robustness by testing series parts. This phase will last for around... Read more →

At its Next Generation Mobility Day in Shanghai, ZF presented a new, purely electro-mechanical brake system for the first time. Braking force is generated at each wheel by an electric motor—i.e. without a hydraulic system and brake fluid. The brake system was developed at ZF’s development centers in China, the... Read more →

Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group’s (HMG) Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, Hyundai WIA, a global automotive and aerospace parts manufacturer and Mecaer Aviation Group, an Italy-based global aeronautical company, announced a partnership to design and manufacture landing gear systems for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. Hyundai WIA specializes in... Read more →

Rheinmetall has won another major e-mobility order from a European manufacturer of electric tractors. A plug-and-play solution, the component ordered is a new heat pump destined for electrically powered tractors. The order is worth a figure in the lower-two-digit million-euro range. For Rheinmetall, the new order represents a market breakthrough... Read more →

Continental has entered a strategic partnership with Munich-based high-tech company DeepDrive to develop core technologies for electric vehicles. As a first milestone, both companies will jointly develop a combined unit comprising drive and brake components for mounting directly on the vehicle wheel. DeepDrive is a specialist in the development of... Read more →

ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division will showcase its advanced new AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle for low-floor city buses at Busworld 2023, to be held in Brussels from 7 to 12 October. ZF’s new AxTrax 2 LF low-floor electric axle comes with two stand-alone silicon carbide (SiC) inverters... Read more →

RTX has successfully demonstrated the operation of a solid-state circuit breaker to support hybrid-electric propulsion systems in future aircraft, a key part of the aviation industry’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Much like a circuit breaker in a residential home, a circuit breaker on an aircraft helps... Read more →

BASF is expanding its growing portfolio of 14C bio-based monomers with a proprietary process for production of 2-Octyl Acrylate (2-OA). The new product underlines BASF’s strong commitment to innovation for a sustainable future with 73% 14C-tracable bio-based content according to ISO 16620. Besides the regular 14C bio-based 2-Octyl Acrylate, BASF... Read more →

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is launching an impermeable rectangular busbar overmold that seals reliably and helps prevent damage to an electric vehicle’s power electronics. The solution also reduces assembly complexity by combining the busbars, seal and guide in one complete package that is ready for installation on the vehicle assembly line.... Read more →

Japan-based global automotive supplier AISIN said that it will invest ¥500 billion (US$3.4 billion) over the next three years to ramp up its product offerings for battery-electric vehicles and vehicle intelligence. The supplier intends to revamp its product portfolio, and will establish BEV products, safe and comfortable entry, and braking... Read more →

Vanner has begin serial production of its latest 17.1 kW, 600VDC to 24VDC liquid-cooled converter with Silicon Carbide Solid-State Switching (SiC) for ZEV and hybrid vehicles. This technology builds on the 300 ampere 600VDC to 24VDC air-cooled converter. Named the Hybrid Beltless Alternator (HBA), the 300-ampere air-cooled converter has been... Read more →

Vitesco Technologies, a leading international manufacturer of advanced powertrain technologies and electrification solutions and Cebi Group, a specialist in washer systems, are partnering to develop the Advanced Sensor Cleaning System (ASCS). ASCS is a highly integrated all-in-one solution that can keep more than 10 environmental sensors clean with water pressure... Read more →

Schaeffler has begun series production of a new mechatronic rear-wheel steering system, bringing enhanced agility on bends and superior inner-city maneuverability to the new electric SUV of a well-known vehicle manufacturer. Schaeffler comes of age as a provider of mechatronic steering systems with its first rear-wheel steering solution. Photo: Schaeffler... Read more →

DeepDrive, a Munich-based deep-tech company backed by BMW and Continental (earlier post), will unveil a new central drive unit for electric vehicles as a world premiere at the IAA Mobility 2023 (4 - 10 September). The company says it is actively working with several leading OEMs interested in the DeepDrive... Read more →

Rheinmetall has won a automobile industry order for structural parts worth a figure in the low three-digit million euro range. Cast in a complex process, the parts will be used in a fully electric vehicle made by a well-known premium automaker. Starting in 2026 and for a period of ten... Read more →

Eaton has renamed its Vehicle Group and eMobility businesses to the Mobility Group. The Mobility Group represents the company’s focus on providing solutions across the propulsion spectrum and meeting the evolving needs of its customers from internal combustion to electrified or a combination of both. Our new name, Mobility Group,... Read more →

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will be receiving more than 90 GILLIG electric hybrid buses equipped with Vanner’s Increase Accessory Power 2 (IAP2). IAP2 will provide total accessory electrification, powering air conditioning, air compressor, electric fans and all 12V/24V loads. Vanner’s IAP2 provides 100% of the accessory electrification for... Read more →

In June, BorgWarner announced the next phase of its “Charging Forward” strategy for advancing its position as a technology leader in e-Products, while maximizing its foundational portfolio. In its subsequent Q2 report, BorgWarner listed a number of e-Products wins, including: iDM for Chinese OEM. BorgWarner will supply a new integrated... Read more →

MAHLE engineers have developed a bio-inspired structure for cooling channels in a battery cooling plate that significantly improves the thermodynamic performance and structural-mechanical properties of the cooling plate. As a result, MAHLE was able to increase cooling performance by 10% and reduce pressure loss by 20%. The battery can be... Read more →

This month, Purem by Eberspaecher starts using Circle Green CO2-reduced stainless steel from partner Outokumpu to reduce emissions from the automotive industry. This sustainable stainless steel has an up to 92% lower carbon footprint compared to the industry average of 6.1 tons of CO2 per ton of stainless steel. The... Read more →

Westport Fuel Systems has been designated as the supplier of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) systems to a global original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This is in addition to the previously announced production supply agreement, adding new Euro 7 vehicle platforms planned for production by the OEM. This is forecasted to generate... Read more →

Vehicle occupant protection starts with the occupants in the correct seating position with a properly fitting seat belt. Using the vehicle’s sensors, ZF’s new, networked seat belt can actively shift occupants into a more optimal seating position prior to a potential collision. If the system is alerted to a potentially... Read more →

Magna announced the start of production of a first-to-market, modular eDecoupling unit to support multiple battery electric vehicle (BEV) programs for a German premium OEM. A bolt-on stand-alone solution for BEVs, Magna’s electro-magnetic eDecoupling is a robust, field-proven product technology that is integrated as a complete module. The eDecoupling is... Read more →

Vitesco Technologies, a leading international supplier of modern drive technologies and electrification solutions, is delivering its integrated axle drive EMR3 (3rd generation, Electronics Motor Reducer) to Honda for its new B-segment all-electric SUV. In Europe this vehicle, based on Honda’s new e:N Architecture F, will be marketed under the name... Read more →

Israel-based Weebit Nano Limited, a developer of advanced memory technologies for the global semiconductor industry, has fully qualified its Resistive Random-Access Memory (ReRAM) module up to 125 ˚C, the temperature specified for automotive grade 1 Non-Volatile Memories (NVMs). This achievement demonstrates the suitability of Weebit ReRAM for use in microcontrollers... Read more →

Dymag, a designer and manufacturer of lightweight wheels for the automotive industry, and its strategic partner, composites material specialists Hankuk Carbon, are working with Hyundai on the development of advanced new carbon hybrid wheel technology for the carmaker’s N Performance products. A prototype of a new jointly-developed N Performance carbon... Read more →

MAHLE and the Taiwan-based battery manufacturer ProLogium have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for developing and evaluating thermal management solutions for next generation solid-state batteries. Solid-state cells are expected to have significant advantages in the future in terms of safety and energy density, which contribute to higher driving ranges and... Read more →

ZF Friedrichshafen AG (ZF Group), one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, and Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) (TWSE:2317), the world’s largest electronics manufacturer, announced a 50-50 partnership in passenger car chassis systems, a key move aimed at accelerating and expanding automotive and supply chain opportunities with top-tier customers. In... Read more →

Volvo Group and Westport Fuel Systems signed a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) to establish a joint venture to accelerate the commercialization and global adoption of Westport’s HPDI (High Pressure Direct Injection) fuel system technology for long-haul and off-road applications. Westport’s HPDI fuel system is a high-performance solution supporting significant... Read more →

MAHLE presented a new technology kit for electric motors that combines the advantages of its benchmark SCT (Superior Continuous Torque, earlier post) and MCT (Magnet-free Contactless Transmitter) electric motors. The Superior Continuous Torque (SCT) electric motor is the only electric traction motor available on the market to date which can... Read more →

ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division presented its latest eMobility kit, which now includes all-electric central drives, axle drives and eComponents. Suitable for light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and trailers, the integrated, modular e-driveline systems enable quiet and emission-free operation. AxTrax 2, AxTrax 2 dual and the previously launched CeTrax... Read more →

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has provided its Thermal Interface Material (TIM) elastomer for use in high-quantity series production of a EV charging port for a well-known car manufacturer. The elastomer, which is heat conductive and electrically insulating at the same time, was first introduced in 2020 with an eye toward applications... Read more →

TTTech Auto, a leader in automotive safety software, and ZettaScale Technology, a developer of communication technologies and protocols, have launched Zetta Auto. Zetta Auto is a data-centric communication solution focusing on safe, performant, and predictable Serviced-Oriented Architecture (SOA) communication. Extending the scope of the collaboration, Zetta Auto is also paving... Read more →

Volta Trucks announced a long-term agreement with ZF for some of the core systems and components in the all-electric Volta Zero. ZF technologies fitted to the Volta Zero have been designed and configured specifically for commercial vehicle use and form part of the key systems. These systems include the OnGuardACTIVE... Read more →

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. has developed an oil that can be used with e-Axle drive units, electronics and battery systems in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs): E AXLE and Electric Parts Cooling Oil. Including this newly developed oil, Idemitsu now offers a lineup of products in six... Read more →

General Motors has acquired substantially all the assets of Israel-based battery software startup ALGOLiON Ltd. for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition was led by the newly formed Technology Acceleration and Commercialization (TAC) organization, a group within GM that works to identify emerging technology that can support GM’s leadership position in... Read more →

At its Global Technology Day in Friedrichshafen, ZF presented the electric concept vehicle EVbeat, which is designed for maximum compactness, low weight, and maximum efficiency in real operation. In this ZF electric vehicle, the components of an e-driveline have been optimized and combined into a holistic system. These include the... Read more →

Rheinmetall has received two more orders for fuel cell components. Together, the orders (for cathode flaps and shut-off valves) are worth a figure in the mid-two-digit million-euro range. Placed by customers in North America, the orders were booked last month. They bring the aggregate value of Rheinmetall cathode flap orders... Read more →

Rheinmetall now offers a new heat pump as a plug-and-play solution. This compact component comes completely preassembled and filled. Using intelligent thermal management, the new coolant system can increase the range of vehicles and lifespan of materials while simultaneously enhancing passenger comfort. It was developed specifically to enable precision climate... Read more →

British electric vehicle manufacturer Tevva has successfully completed development of the regenerative braking system on its 7.5t battery-electric truck. Part of this involved working with global Tier 1 supplier ZF to integrate its Electronic Brake System (EBS) for use in zero-emission Tevva electric trucks. The implementation of EBS (Electronic Brake... Read more →