Category: EV vehicles

  • Electric Vehicles Power Homes During Cyclone Alfred Blackouts

    Electric Vehicles Power Homes During Cyclone Alfred Blackouts

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cyclone Alfred has caused serious blackouts in Queensland and New South Wales, leaving many without power.
    2. Electric vehicle (EV) owners are using vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology to power home appliances during outages.
    3. Stories from EV owners illustrate how their cars can keep essential items, like food and electronics, running during emergencies.
    4. Some EVs can be charged at functioning power grids and then used to provide power back home, acting as portable power sources.
    5. The experiences shared highlight the practical benefits of EVs beyond reducing transport emissions.

    Hundreds of thousands of people in Queensland and New South Wales are struggling with serious blackouts caused by Cyclone Alfred. In this tough time, some electric vehicle (EV) owners are relying on the large batteries in their cars to keep their homes running.

    EVs to the Rescue

    Social media is buzzing with stories of EVs equipped with vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology coming to the rescue by supplying power to home appliances during and after the cyclone. For instance, Chris Baker, a company director, posted on LinkedIn about how his Nissan Leaf managed to keep “food fresh, phones charged, and laptops going,” while only using about 10 percent of its battery each day.

    Neighbors Helping Neighbors

    Another EV owner in Australia shared that their car was able to power their fridge, freezer, microwave, kettle, lights, and phones for more than two days. They even mentioned providing their neighbors with fresh coffee while only draining 18 percent of their battery. This shows the real-life benefits of having an electric vehicle during emergencies.

    Power-on-Wheels

    In another instance, a driver went to an area where the power grid was functioning to charge their EV. They then brought it back home to use the stored energy, effectively turning their car into a portable power source.

    While not every EV comes with V2L features, these stories from Australia highlight the useful side of battery-powered vehicles, showing that they can do more than just reduce transport emissions.

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  • BYD Unveils Blade Battery: 50% More Energy Density, Safe Design

    BYD Unveils Blade Battery: 50% More Energy Density, Safe Design

    Key Takeaways

    1. 50% Boost in Energy Density: The new Blade Battery from BYD offers a significant increase in energy density while maintaining safety standards.

    2. Innovative Design: The battery features a unique cell arrangement that improves space utilization by over 50% compared to traditional lithium iron phosphate batteries.

    3. Impressive Safety Features: The Blade Battery passed rigorous safety tests without releasing smoke or flames, demonstrating a much lower risk of ignition.

    4. Extreme Conditions Testing: The battery showed resilience under extreme conditions, including crushing, bending, and high temperatures, with no signs of fire or explosions.

    5. Integration in New EV Model: Starting in June, the Blade Battery will be used in the Han EV sedan, which offers a range of 605 kilometers and rapid acceleration capabilities.

    After a long period of research and development, the Chinese firm BYD unveiled the new version of the Blade Battery, claiming a 50% boost in energy density while maintaining safety, as demonstrated in their tests.

    Innovative Design

    At a launch event, the company showcased the design, which features unique cells organized in a smart array, greatly enhancing the space usage inside the battery pack. When compared to traditional lithium iron phosphate block batteries, the Blade Battery’s design improves space utilization by more than 50%, signaling a major advancement in battery efficiency and compactness, according to the firm.

    Impressive Safety Features

    The battery also displayed impressive safety during tests like the nail penetration. In this test, the battery did not release any smoke or flames, with its surface temperature only increasing to a safe 30-60°C. These findings suggest that electric vehicles using this battery are less likely to ignite, even if they are severely harmed.

    Conversely, a ternary lithium battery that underwent the same test resulted in a violent fire, while a standard LiFePO4 battery reached hazardous surface temperatures of 200 to 400°C. The company has not revealed the battery that was used for comparison in these tests.

    Extreme Conditions Testing

    In additional extreme condition tests, such as crushing, bending, heating to 300°C in a furnace, and overcharging by 260%, there were still no signs of fire or explosions.

    Starting in June, this battery will be featured in the Han EV sedan model, which boasts a range of 605 kilometers and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

    BYD’s Commitment

    During an online launch event titled “The Blade Battery – Unsheathed to Safeguard the World,” Wang Chuanfu, the Chairman and President of BYD, expressed that the Blade Battery embodies BYD’s resolve to tackle battery safety issues while also setting new safety benchmarks for the industry as a whole.

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  • BYD Launches 1000V EV System for 10-Minute Charging and Superchargers

    BYD Launches 1000V EV System for 10-Minute Charging and Superchargers

    Key Takeaways

    1. BYD is introducing a 1000V powertrain system that allows high-end models to gain 200 miles of range in just 5 minutes.
    2. The company plans to develop a comprehensive network of charging stations similar to Tesla’s V4 Superchargers to support the new powertrain.
    3. Premium models in the Dynasty lineup will be the first to feature the 1000V architecture, surpassing competitors like Tesla and NIO.
    4. Upcoming models like the revamped Han sedan and Tang SUV will enable 300 kilometers (186 miles) of range in just 5 minutes of charging.
    5. BYD’s marketing strategy leverages the 1000V architecture to enhance their brand image and advertising ahead of a planned announcement.

    The largest electric vehicle manufacturer in the world is set to surpass its rivals by introducing a 1000V powertrain system. This new technology will enable its high-end models to gain an impressive 200 miles of range in just 5 minutes.

    Charging Infrastructure Development

    In addition to the powertrain, the company is also gearing up to establish a robust network of charging stations, akin to Tesla’s V4 Superchargers. This infrastructure will be designed to support the high demands of their new powertrain.

    Premium Model Advancements

    The first vehicles to feature this groundbreaking 1000V architecture will be the premium BYD models in the Dynasty lineup. This new system will outperform Tesla’s Cybertruck’s 800V architecture and the 900V systems offered by competitors like NIO and XPeng.

    The 1000V system will not only reduce heat generation from the battery, enabling quicker charging times, but it will also allow for more powerful electric motors to fit within the same design space. Each 100V increase allows for an extra 25 kW of faster charging compared to the Cybertruck’s 800V baseline.

    Future Model Expectations

    For upcoming BYD models equipped with the 1000V system, such as the revamped Han sedan and Tang SUV, which are set to launch later this month, drivers can expect to add an impressive 300 kilometers (186 miles) in just 5 minutes of charging.

    However, theoretical charging speeds are of little value without the necessary infrastructure to support them. Therefore, BYD plans to construct a significant number of charging stations, creating a network similar to Tesla’s Superchargers but with even more powerful charging stalls.

    Marketing Strategy Behind the Move

    The “above 5C” charging network will enable a full charge in as little as 10 minutes for compatible vehicles, and details about the dual-gun stalls have already been leaked.

    The reason BYD opted to outshine competitors like Tesla with its 1000V architecture seems to stem from a marketing strategy. It appears the team believes this advancement will not only provide engineering benefits but will also enhance their advertising, especially with an announcement planned for next week.

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  • Volkswagen Recalls 14,000 EVs in US for Power Loss Risk

    Volkswagen Recalls 14,000 EVs in US for Power Loss Risk

    Key Takeaways

    1. Volkswagen is recalling 13,769 electric vehicles in the US due to a 12-volt battery charger issue that may lead to loss of power.
    2. Affected models include the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 and 2024-2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 E-Tron Sportback.
    3. Approximately 10 percent of these vehicles may have the defect, with nearly 250 driver complaints reported.
    4. The safety concern is that vehicles may fail to start or could lose power while driving, risking crashes due to accessory and safety feature shutdowns.
    5. Owners should contact authorized dealers if they notice warning signs, and Volkswagen will replace the onboard charger at no cost.

    Volkswagen is recalling 13,769 electric vehicles in the US due to an issue with the 12-volt battery charger, which could lead to a loss of power.

    Affected Models

    This recall impacts several models, such as the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, along with the 2024 to 2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron and the 2024 to 2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron Sportback. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that around 10 percent of these vehicles might have this defect. Volkswagen has received complaints from nearly 250 drivers regarding this problem.

    Safety Concerns

    Cars affected by this issue may fail to start when parked. The situation becomes significantly more hazardous if the 12-volt battery stops working while driving. If this occurs, various accessories and safety features that rely on the battery might turn off, with the most severe danger being a complete loss of power, which could result in a crash.

    What Owners Should Do

    The NHTSA encourages owners to reach out to their authorized dealers right away if they experience signs like audible chimes, warning alerts appearing in the instrument cluster, or a clear decrease in certain electric vehicle capabilities. The solution involves replacing the onboard charger (OCDC), and Volkswagen will carry out this service at no cost to the owners.

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  • Farasis Energy Unveils Fast-Charging Battery Tech for EVs

    Farasis Energy Unveils Fast-Charging Battery Tech for EVs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Farasis Energy has developed a technology that allows EV batteries to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 8.55 minutes.
    2. The company achieved 6C ultra-fast charging, enabling batteries to absorb power six times faster than they discharge.
    3. The technology improves battery design for 6C lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and 5C lithium ternary battery systems.
    4. Enhanced heat management features increase heat dissipation areas by 4.8 times for LFP and 4.0 times for ternary batteries, keeping temperatures below 50°C during rapid charging.
    5. Farasis Energy currently holds a 0.48 percent share of the Chinese battery market.

    For a lot of people, one of the biggest hassles with owning an electric vehicle (EV) is how long it takes to charge. Unlike quickly filling up a gas tank in a traditional car, putting energy into an EV battery is a time-consuming process, especially on long road trips. However, Farasis Energy has introduced a new technology that enables batteries to charge from 10 to 80 percent in only 8.55 minutes.

    Fast Charging Breakthrough

    The Chinese firm asserts that it has reached 6C ultra-fast charging, which means its batteries can absorb power six times quicker than they discharge it. Jian Weiran, the VP of research and development at Farasis Energy, explained that their technology enhances the battery design for 6C lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and 5C lithium ternary battery systems.

    Enhanced Heat Management

    This innovative battery’s super pouch solution (SPS) improves the heat dissipation areas on the 6C LFP and 5C ternary batteries by 4.8 and 4.0 times, respectively. This enhancement allows the batteries to maintain temperatures below 50°C during rapid charging. The better heat management could help electric vehicle manufacturers reduce charging times.

    Farasis Energy holds a mere 0.48 percent share of the Chinese battery market.

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  • Tesla Expands Important Child Safety Feature to More Models

    Tesla Expands Important Child Safety Feature to More Models

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is adding a child presence detection feature to the updated Model Y to enhance child safety in vehicles.
    2. The feature uses cabin radar to identify passengers and can alert owners or emergency services if a child is detected inside a locked car.
    3. NHTSA reports that at least 37 children die from heat stroke each year in the U.S. after being left unattended in vehicles, underscoring the need for such safety features.
    4. Other Tesla models, including newer versions of the Model Y, Model 3, and Cybertruck, will also receive the child safety feature.
    5. The cabin radar will help determine passenger size for proper airbag deployment during accidents, improving overall safety in collisions.

    Children getting trapped in cars often make news, sadly with tragic outcomes. However, Tesla is taking steps to change this by adding a child presence detection feature to the updated Model Y. It’s exciting to note that more models will soon include this crucial safety feature.

    Advanced Detection System

    Tesla is implementing this by activating cabin radar, which is the core technology that helps identify passengers inside the vehicle. When a locked Tesla car detects a child inside, it can send alerts to the owner’s mobile app or turn on the HVAC system. Additionally, it has the ability to reach out to emergency services and share its location, aiding in swift rescues.

    Safety Statistics

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that at least 37 children die from heat stroke each year in the United States after being left unattended in vehicles. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of such features in modern cars.

    Expanded Model Safety

    Other Tesla models that will receive the child safety feature include newer versions of the Model Y, Model 3, and the Cybertruck. Some of these models have already been confirmed to have the necessary hardware to support this function.

    Moreover, the cabin radar will assist in identifying passengers by size, which is vital for determining how airbags should be deployed during accidents. This capability will significantly improve safety for everyone involved during collisions.

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  • Woman Receives EV After Racial Abuse from Car Dealership

    Woman Receives EV After Racial Abuse from Car Dealership

    Key Takeaways

    1. Makayla Starks found a racial slur on her oil change sticker after visiting Kunes Buick GMC, leading to frustration and social media exposure.
    2. The dealership quickly apologized and dismissed the employee responsible for the incident.
    3. Starks’ story sparked a protest outside the dealership, drawing community attention.
    4. Family Nissan in New York decided to support Starks by gifting her a Nissan Leaf, an electric car.
    5. The choice of an electric car was made to ensure Starks would never have to deal with oil changes again.

    After an unfortunate event at her car dealership, Makayla Starks from Milwaukee is now relieved from the hassle of changing oil. She had gone to Kunes Buick GMC in Oak Creek for service when an employee left a hurtful message on her oil change sticker.

    Uncovering the Upset
    Starks only discovered the racial slur affixed to her windshield later in the day, leading to her understandable frustration. She decided to voice her experience on social media, bringing attention to the incident.

    The dealership quickly issued an apology both in person and through their Instagram account. The employee responsible for the incident was also dismissed from their position.

    Community Response
    As Starks’ story resonated with many individuals, a protest emerged outside the dealership. It was during this time that Family Nissan in New York chose to help Starks by gifting her a Nissan Leaf, ensuring she would never have to deal with oil changes again.

    Family Nissan’s owner, Ramzey Rizk, shared how they came to this decision: “We saw people chanting outside and it really hit us. Then the conversation shifted to how can we support her? How can we amplify her voice?”

    A Unique Gift
    Someone suggested, ‘Let’s give her a free car.’ And then another person added, ‘Not just any car, an electric car.’ I asked, ‘Why an electric car?’ And they said, ‘Because she will never need to get an oil change again.’”

    Electric cars like the Nissan Leaf are well-known for not requiring oil changes, making them simpler to upkeep. They lack the traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) that need regular oiling to keep the moving parts lubricated.

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  • Tesla Launches Improved Model Y Deliveries in the US

    Tesla Launches Improved Model Y Deliveries in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla has begun delivering the new Model Y in the United States, celebrating the event at its Texas and Fremont factories.
    2. Key company representatives, including design head Franz von Holzhausen, were present for the first vehicle handovers.
    3. The updated Model Y is also being rolled out in Germany, with initial units likely delivered to workers at Giga Berlin.
    4. The refreshed Model Y was first introduced in China, with Launch Edition deliveries starting ahead of schedule in late February.
    5. The new Model Y signifies a significant step in Tesla’s growth and innovation across various markets.

    Tesla has begun the delivery of the new Model Y in the United States. The automaker celebrated the occasion by handing over the first vehicles to delighted owners at its production facilities in Texas and Fremont.

    Celebration at the Factories

    Company representatives were present to mark the event, taking photos in front of the new cars, including Franz von Holzhausen, the head of design. Tesla shared the moment on its official X account, congratulating everyone with a post that stated, “Celebrating first deliveries of the new Model Y at Giga Texas and Fremont Factory.”

    Global Rollout

    Earlier in the week, Tesla also started processing orders for the updated Model Y in Germany. However, as mentioned in their post on X, it seems that workers at Giga Berlin may have received the first units.

    The refreshed Model Y was initially introduced in China back in January, with the Launch Edition deliveries commencing ahead of schedule in late February. Tesla is now offering the standard version in the largest auto market globally at the same price but without perks such as an additional two-year or 40,000 km extended warranty.

    Exciting Times Ahead

    Tesla also took to X to share these updates, revealing that the Model Y is gaining traction across various markets. This new model represents an important step in the company’s ongoing growth and innovation.

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  • Tesla to Replace Superchargers Damaged by Protesters in 2 Days

    Tesla to Replace Superchargers Damaged by Protesters in 2 Days

    Key Takeaways

    1. Elon Musk reduced Tesla’s workforce by over 10% to manage costs, impacting the Supercharger network division significantly.
    2. After initially laying off the entire Supercharger team, Musk later decided to rehire many of its members.
    3. Tesla aims to expand the Supercharger network at a slower rate while focusing on ensuring 100% uptime and improving existing stations.
    4. The company introduced Prefabricated Supercharger Units (PSUs) to speed up installation and repair processes, allowing for quicker setup of new locations.
    5. Tesla faces increasing vandalism threats, prompting the need for rapid repairs and enhanced maintenance solutions for Supercharger stations.

    When Elon Musk encountered a drop in demand and increasing expenses at Tesla last spring, he reduced the workforce by over 10% to manage costs effectively.

    This move affected individuals in the Supercharger network division, which is tasked with both the installation of new stations and the maintenance of existing ones. However, Musk felt dissatisfied with the extent of the layoffs in that area, and after receiving resistance from department head Rebecca Tinucci, he dismissed the entire Supercharger team of 500 employees.

    “Tesla still aims to expand the Supercharger network, albeit at a slower rate for new sites, focusing more on ensuring 100% uptime and enhancing current locations,” Musk remarked at that moment.

    Rehiring and Changes

    As is often the case, Musk later decided to rehire many members of the Supercharger team, although Rebecca eventually took a position at Uber.

    It appears that Tesla may require all the maintenance personnel for the Supercharger network, especially since Elon Musk’s political actions have led to numerous vandalism incidents at Tesla charging stations and showrooms.

    Tesla has now committed to replacing any damaged Superchargers within 48 hours, and for more extensive damages, the prefabricated design developed by the Tesla Giga New York team in Buffalo will be useful. Known as Prefabricated Supercharger Units (PSUs), these include multiple piles already mounted on a shared concrete foundation, with all necessary electrical wiring completed and ready to connect to the power grid.

    Faster Repair Solutions

    “This enables us to set up new locations significantly quicker – allowing construction to wrap up in days instead of weeks,” stated Tesla at the time. The PSU method is particularly beneficial now, as Tesla faces an uptick in vandalism threats.

    Previously, Tesla dealt with issues of Supercharger cables being frequently cut, either as a form of protest against electric vehicles or simply to harvest the copper for sale. To combat the cable-cutting problem, Tesla branded its cables with a logo to prevent resale, but with activists now directly vandalizing Supercharger stations, they need to replace more than just the cables.

    For example, when the first Tesla Supercharger station caught fire in Littleton, Massachusetts, on the night of March 3, Tesla had the damaged piles replaced by March 5, allowing owners to charge their vehicles as usual.

    Thus, the same PSU production strategy that enables Tesla to expand its Supercharger network much more rapidly and at up to 70% lower costs than competitors might now prove advantageous in maintaining operational Supercharger stations amid current vandalism issues.

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  • Volkswagen ID.2 to Reintroduce Physical Dashboard Buttons

    Volkswagen ID.2 to Reintroduce Physical Dashboard Buttons

    Key Takeaways

    1. Capacitive controls on car screens are less effective for drivers reaching without looking.
    2. Criticism of capacitive controls has affected acceptance of electric vehicles, especially among traditional car users.
    3. Volkswagen’s head of design, Andreas Mindt, admitted that in-car capacitive controls were a “mistake.”
    4. Volkswagen plans to reinstate physical controls for five key functions, including fan speed and media volume.
    5. The ID. 2all, Volkswagen’s upcoming electric vehicle, will feature the new user interface with physical controls.

    Capacitive controls can work well when they are on a smartphone screen that you can see, but they are not as effective when they are on a car’s main screen and you are reaching for them without looking while driving.

    These controls have received a lot of criticism for several Volkswagen models in recent years, and this could hinder the acceptance of the electric vehicles, especially for those who are not ready to leave their traditional gas-powered cars behind.

    Acknowledging the Issue

    Andreas Mindt, the head of design at Volkswagen, has recently confessed that having those in-car controls was a “mistake” and that they will “never, ever” do it again.

    Mindt says the company plans to bring back physical controls for five key functions in cars: fan speed, heating for both the driver and front seat passenger, media volume, and hazard lights. These will be located on the steering wheel and at the bottom of the main display.

    The Future of Volkswagen’s EVs

    The first vehicle to feature this new user interface will be the ID. 2all, which is Volkswagen’s upcoming electric vehicle that is expected to cost around $30,000. Consequently, its more affordable successor, the ID. Every1, may also adopt this change when it launches.

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