Tag Archives for: Electric Vehicles

TAPCO Partners with Industry Leader in Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations, Blink Charging

July 26, 2021

 

 

TAPCO Partners with Industry Leader in Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations, Blink Charging

 

 

Need for charging stations skyrockets alongside electric vehicle purchases

 

DALLAS, TX – Traffic and Parking Control Co., Inc. (TAPCO), manufacturer, distributor and service provider of traffic and parking control products, is proud to announce it is now a distributor of Blink Charging’s (Nasdaq: BLNK, BLNKW) electric vehicle charging stations, including installed and portable stations.

Blink Charging offers a large variety of uniquely designed electric vehicle (EV) equipment sold globally. They have deployed over 30,000 charging ports across 13 countries, many of which are networked EV charging stations, enabling EV drivers to easily charge at any of the Company’s charging locations worldwide. Global EV purchases are expected to reach 10 million in 2025 from roughly 2 million in 2019.

“Blink Charging is an innovative company in the world of electric vehicle equipment,” said TAPCO Managing Director Eric Stangel. “We’re excited to begin working with them as a distributor partner and enter the world of electric vehicles. Blink Charging’s mission to lower greenhouse emissions through their products and service is admirable and TAPCO is ready to join them in achieving it.”

TAPCO now sells several configurations of Blink Charging’s AC Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations, which offer multiple charging current options, a stylish appearance and the flexibility to be wall-mounted, pole mounted or pedestal-mounted. Their DC fast charging stations are available as well. Businesses can offer these charging stations to the growing population of electric vehicle owners, who can elect to pay with Google Wallet, Apple Pay, RFID and all major credit cards.

“We are excited to partner with TAPCO to bring Blink EV charging solutions to them and their customers. TAPCO has proven expertise and experience in the parking and traffic industries which are ideally suited and have a growing need for EV charging infrastructure,” said Mike Battaglia, Senior VP of Sales and Business Development for Blink Charging. “Companies like TAPCO are leading by example in their industry by taking this important step and we at Blink look forward to working with TAPCO for many years to enable full EV adoption.”

Blink Charging’s cable management systems are also available through TAPCO. These cable management systems keep the space around the charging station clean and safe with cords neatly contained and off the ground.

Blink Charging’s IQ 200-M portable electric vehicle charger is offered as well, a compact option designed with roadside service providers and last-mile roadside assistance in mind. To view the full offering, visit https://www.tapconet.com/blink/.

Want to learn more about TAPCO, Blink and this exciting new partnership, stop by booth #609 at the Parking Industry Expo in Dallas, TX. TAPCO representatives will be onsite to share details and answer your questions.

About TAPCO

As an industry-leading innovator, TAPCO manufactures, distributes and services a wide portfolio of traffic and parking safety solutions designed to increase safe travels for all. Since 1956, we have set the standard for delivering reliable, cutting-edge traffic safety enhancements. From our leading line of LED-enhanced BlinkerSign® solutions to our pedestrian crossing products, safety is at the heart of all TAPCO innovations. For more information, please visit www.tapconet.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Blink Charging

Blink Charging Co. (Nasdaq: BLNK, BLNKW) is a leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and has deployed over 30,000 charging ports across 13 countries, many of which are networked EV charging stations, enabling EV drivers to easily charge at any of the Company’s charging locations worldwide. Blink Charging’s principal line of products and services include its Blink EV charging network (“Blink Network”), EV charging equipment, and EV charging services. The Blink Network uses proprietary, cloud-based software that operates, maintains, and tracks the EV charging stations connected to the network and the associated charging data. With global EV purchases forecasted to rise to 10 million by 2025 from approximately 2 million in 2019, the Company has established key strategic partnerships for rolling out adoption across numerous location types, including parking facilities, multifamily residences and condos, workplace locations, health care/medical facilities, schools and universities, airports, auto dealers, hotels, mixed-use municipal locations, parks and recreation areas, religious institutions, restaurants, retailers, stadiums, supermarkets, and transportation hubs. For more information, please visit https://www.blinkcharging.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements, along with terms such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” and other comparable terms, involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations of Blink Charging and members of its management, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, including those described in Blink Charging’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Except as required by federal securities law, Blink Charging undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed conditions.

TAPCO Contact

Steve Paulus

Marketing Communications Manager

(262) 649-4459

steve.paulus@tapconet.com

tapconet.com

 

Commercial Electric Vehicle Company Endera Adds Joe Pritchard as a Member of The Board

July 14, 2021

Commercial Electric Vehicle Company Endera Adds Joe Pritchard as a Member of The Board

SAN DIEGO, CA    — Endera, a technology company specializing in all-electric commercial vehicles, charging infrastructure and software solutions, today announced the high caliber addition of Joe Pritchard as a member of the Endera Board.

 

As a board member, Pritchard will add industry knowledge and respected family heritage to Endera. As the largest distributor of Ford vehicles in the Midwest, Pritchard’s expertise in the auto industry will continue to strengthen Endera’s transportation sector.

Joe Pritchard, Member of the Endera Board

“Joe Pritchard is no stranger to the EV market. Pritchard has been a premiere national dealer for electric vehicles and equipment. Joe has helped to pave the way for vehicle electrification with a mission to deliver zero emissions to the next generation,” said John Walsh, Endera’s Chief Executive Officer. “The addition of such an influential figure in the industry and someone of Joe’s caliber to the board is a testament to the products that we are offering our customers. I am honored to be working with this experienced team and believe that together we will fuel the momentum we have built between partnerships and new product launches that are still to come,” added Walsh.

 

“It is quite an honor joining the Board of Endera with such talented members in such a fast-growing industry,” said Joe Pritchard. “ I am confident our shared experience will contribute to bringing cutting-edge EV products and services to the market while helping reinvent the commercial, automotive landscape with bold innovations in design, pioneering technologies,” added Pritchard.

 

Joe Pritchard joining the Endera board will establish multi-generational experience and connections across the entire transportation sector. Continuing to build on and develop Endera’s relationships will allow for the company to grow into additional market segments. The Pritchard family’s expansive industry knowledge over the past 100 years will be a valuable new asset to the Endera Board.

 

About Endera

Endera is a vertically integrated technology company specializing in commercial electric vehicles, charging stations and software solutions. We design American made electric vehicles and provide transportation and energy services that leverage leading technologies and American manufacturing. With one of the lowest total costs of ownership over other commercial electric vehicle offerings, Endera provides sustainable solutions that rival its fossil fuel counterparts in price, technology, longevity, profitability and service.

 

About Pritchard Companies
Established in 1913, Pritchard Companies is a national automotive enterprise providing fully integrated solutions to the commercial vehicle industry. The Company owns and operates locations across the United States, representing the world’s finest truck and bus manufacturers. They offer a full range of products, from sales of new and used vehicles to aftermarket parts and service to financing, insurance, telematics, leasing and rental. Additional information about Pritchard Companies products and services is available at www.pritchardco.com.

 

Media Contact:
Domenique Sciuto (307) 302-9110 or domenique@enderacorp.com

Endera Supplies SP+ With 8 Fully Electric Shuttle Buses, Fleet Swap at San Diego International Airport

June 22, 2021

 

 

Endera Supplies SP+ With 8 Fully Electric Shuttle Buses, Fleet Swap at San Diego International Airport

 

 

 

SAN DIEGO, CA – Endera, a technology company specializing in all-electric commercial vehicles, charging infrastructure and software solutions, announced its commitment to supply SP+ with 8 fully electric shuttle buses at the San Diego International Airport to replace an older LPG fleet.

 

 

“The clean transportation revolution is occurring in San Diego with Endera’s second-ever 100% fleet swap at the San Diego International Airport and the first for an off-airport client. This fleet swap will provide four 25kW chargers and four 50kW chargers along with customized shuttles. Endera will also be supplying SP+ with Endera Go and Endera Transit platforms for full access to ridership data, fleet performance, and reporting through the customer dashboard,” said John Walsh, Endera’s Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

Endera’s fully electric customized shuttles supplied to SP+ at the San Diego International Airport

 

“I am convinced electric vehicles are the way to go. Our employees will not be spending time at the gas station. After successfully testing the shuttle buses, the switch is a no-brainer,” said Richard Abdala, facility manager of Aladdin parking garage. “Endera provided the shuttles that worked for us. They’ve got a good product, they are road tested, and we are super excited to put Endera’s buses on the road.”

 

SP+ is a technology driven mobility solutions company that sought a superior electrification partner to fit their needs in San Diego. Endera customized the shuttles to ensure a perfect fit into the Aladdin parking facility which has stringent height restrictions for its access gates. To accommodate these height restrictions, Endera commissioned a custom HVAC system to develop the exact shuttles needed. Endera partnered with SP+ throughout the entire vehicle specification process, from the design to the financing of their fleet.

 

“Having zero-emission shuttle buses picking up and dropping off customers at the airport will bring us one step closer to cleaner air and ultimately a healthier community. In addition to the custom built EV vehicles, Endera will be providing 24/7 connectivity, telematics and fleet management offerings that will help Aladdin know how the vehicles are performing, where they are located, and when they will next need a charge,” added Walsh.

 

By partnering with Endera, SP+ is forecasts savings on maintenance costs and a 60% reduction on fuel costs. SP+ will benefit from better service to their fleets with minimal downtime. The customized fleet along with ridership data and fleet performance will aid SP+ in continuing to uphold their goals by enhancing the consumer experience with superior electrification solutions. Click here to view the SP+ Testimonial Video

 

About Endera

Endera is a vertically integrated technology company specializing in commercial electric vehicles, charging stations and software solutions. We design American-made electric vehicles and provide transportation and energy services that leverage leading technologies and American manufacturing. With one of the lowest total costs of ownership over other commercial electric vehicle offerings, Endera provides sustainable solutions that rival its fossil fuel counterparts in price, technology, longevity, profitability and service. Additional information about Endera is available at www.enderamotors.com.

 

About SP+

SP+ facilitates the efficient movement of people, vehicles and personal belongings with the goal of enhancing the consumer experience while improving bottom line results for their clients. SP+ provides professional parking management, ground transportation, remote baggage check-in and handling, facility maintenance, security, event logistics, and other technology-driven mobility solutions to aviation, commercial, hospitality, healthcare and government clients across North America. For more information, visit www.spplus.com.

 

Westward Industries: Three reasons municipalities keep coming back to Parking Specific Vehicles

June 08, 2021

 

 

 

Westward Industries: Three reasons municipalities keep coming back to Parking Specific Vehicles.

 

Westward Industries continues to see a reordering trend among customers and a sudden spike in interest from new customers, keeping their production line busy.

 

 

Winnipeg, MB – Westward Industries, the North American manufacturers of the GO-4, just finished the first five months of 2021 with a busy production line, expecting to keep up the pace as Covid restrictions ease throughout the USA.

 

The most recent orders came from new customers like the city of Manassas, ordering a         GO-4 for their Parking management, as well as returning municipalities like the city of Sarasota, ordering another Electric GO-4 to add to their fleet of PSVs. Westward Industries is also shipping 4 Electric units of our GO-4 EV with Air Conditioning and Genetec Autovu factory mounted LPR to the famous campus Texas A&M.  New MAX-EV’s continue to ship to distributors across the country to create product awareness with Westward customers.

 

Chris Franz, an owner of Westward Industries, says: “The GO-4 EV is a smart asset for municipalities right now. Our studies have shown multiple benefits of investing in them: fuel savings, minimal maintenance, increased time efficiency and ROI are huge reasons our customers order and reorder our vehicles. It just makes sense to purchase or lease electric right now as we see the parking sector picking up its activities once again.  Electric allows for continued and significant fuel savings which is great to offset compromised revenues from 2020.”

 

Westward Industries continues to work towards an electric and green future and expects EV’s to become a majority of shipments over the next 12-24 months.   More EV’s shipping and more returning customers means the company is on the right track to make 2021 and 2022 excellent years, a refreshing change in a post pandemic world.

 

 

About Westward Industries

Built tough in North America. Westward Industries is a manufacture of long-lasting, task-specific utility vehicles. The well-known GO-4 series is the premier compact parking management vehicle used by fleets across the country. License plate recognition is now offered factory direct.  Our new MAX-EV line is designed to be robust, long-lasting, versatile, low-speed, street legal utility vehicles for various fleet utility applications such as; landscaping, delivery, vector control and more, with Lithium-Ion Technology. The complete portfolio includes the GO-4 Parking Vehicle SD, GO-4 XTF Flat Deck HD, GO-4 XTR Refuse Hauler, MAX-EV 4-wheel LSV and the NEW MAX-EV 3 – 3-wheel transporter.

westwardindustries.com

 

Contact: Chris Franz – chris@westwardindustries.com

 

 

 

VinFast Selects NVIDIA DRIVE to Power Next-generation Intelligent Autonomous Electric Vehicles

April 13, 2021

VinFast Selects NVIDIA DRIVE to Power Next-generation Intelligent Autonomous Electric Vehicles

 

 

HANOI, VIETNAM –  – VinFast Trading and Production LLC announced today that it has selected NVIDIA DRIVE Orin for its new generation of autonomous electric vehicles designed to deliver a superior driving experience to customers.

VinFast recently announced it is developing and preparing to start mass production of smart electric cars in all segments, including: the VF e34 mid-size SUV (Segment C), the VF e35 mid-size SUV (Segment D), and the VF e36 full-size SUV (Segment E). All three models have Level 2 – 3 autonomous capabilities, with 30 smart features.

VinFast EVs will first ship with the NVIDIA DRIVE Xavier system-on-a-chip (SoC) starting in 2022. The automaker will upgrade to NVIDIA DRIVE Orin across its entire range of upcoming premium EV models.

NVIDIA DRIVE Orin is the industry’s highest performing AV processor. Built with more than 21 billion transistors, it features the latest NVIDIA Ampere GPU architecture, 12 Cortex-A78 ARM64 CPUs​, along with programmable vision and deep learning accelerators. The SoC is capable of processing more than 254 trillion operations per second to handle the large number of applications and deep neural networks running simultaneously to support special vehicle features. This includes capabilities such as cruise planning, locating charging stations and dealerships, theft-risk warning, user habit preferences, self-driving on highways, parking and more.

As a result, VinFast’s electric cars will offer increased safety and enhanced autonomy to outperform existing models on the market; and deliver these safe, intelligent EVs at large scale. In addition, the NVIDIA DRIVE Orin system is designed to ISO 26262 ASIL-D safety standards to ensure the highest level of automotive electronics safety.

“VinFast’s strategy is focused on cooperating with global technology companies to pair their latest advancements with our products,” said Ms. Thai Thi Thanh Hai, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup and CEO of VinFast. “Enabled by NVIDIA, our new fleet of EVs will have the latest AI capabilities and features essential for safe self-driving and over-the-air software updates.”

“VinFast’s selection of NVIDIA DRIVE will accelerate development of the automaker’s intelligent EVs—delivering new levels of safety and convenience that will help shape the future of transportation in Vietnam, throughout Southeast Asia and the world,” said Rishi Dhall, Vice President of Autonomous Vehicles at NVIDIA

VinFast is the leading Vietnamese car manufacturer across every segment in terms of sales in Vietnam. In early 2021, VinFast announced three electric SUVs with autonomous features up to Level 3, in which, VF e34 is the first model to be launched in Vietnam first by the end of 2021. All three models are using artificial intelligence technology with many outstanding smart features and are expected to export to the US, Canada and Europe in the year 2022.

Contact Details
Vingroup
+84 24 3974 9999
v.chidqd@vingroup.net

Jeff Crockett Named As President Of Endera’s Shuttle Division

April 12, 2021

Jeff Crockett Named As President Of Endera’s Shuttle Division

 

SAN DIEGO, CA — Endera, a transportation technology company specializing in all-electric commercial vehicles, charging infrastructure and software solutions, today announced the addition of Jeff Crockett as President of Endera’s Shuttle Division.

As President, Crockett will be responsible for building and upgrading Endera’s dealer network across the nation, innovating the design of its shuttle bus body and scaling up Endera’s manufacturing operations to meet the growing demand for Endera’s all-electric shuttles.

“Jeff Crockett’s ability to lead and his decades of experience as an industry staple in the bus manufacturing industry will be crucial for Endera during this rapid growth period we’re experiencing,” said John Walsh, CEO of Endera. “Jeff grew Diamond’s sales volume by 133 percent in four years and redesigned their products to improve aesthetics of the vehicle, giving the driver better visibility and a more aerodynamic design. He thinks with a dealer perspective, has the client in mind every step of the way, and has proven success in growing bus manufacturing companies to be the leader in their space. Our team members and clients will benefit immensely from his industry expertise, dedication to quality, and innovative approach.”

Crockett brings over 34 years of experience both with dealers and manufacturers. Most recently, Crockett was the President of Diamond Coach, where he upgraded and grew their dealer network by 75 percent and focused on engaging with dealers who provided a quality experience and maintenance facilities to best serve their customers. He also focused on growing the business and establishing Diamond’s reputation with the Department of Transportation as a valid paratransit bus builder.

Crockett started at El Dorado Motor Corporation in 1987 as an account manager, working with dealers across the Northwest region of the US. He became general manager in 1989 and took over El Dorado’s bus sales. Five years later he moved to Washington and became the owner of EK Coaches. After selling his company in 2016, Crockett joined Diamond Coach as President.

“Building a strong company is reliant on the strength of the teams we build internally and the partnerships we build externally with vendors and dealer networks,” said Jeff Crockett, President of Shuttles. “I believe in Endera’s vision and values. I am excited to see what the future holds for Endera and to be a continued part of their success in delivering a stellar line of electric vehicles.”

About Endera
Endera is a vertically integrated transportation technology company specializing in commercial electric vehicles, charging stations and software solutions. We design American made electric vehicles and provide transportation and energy services that leverage leading technologies and American manufacturing. With one of the lowest total costs of ownership over other commercial electric vehicle offerings, Endera provides sustainable solutions that rival its fossil fuel counterparts in price, technology, longevity, profitability and service.

Beam Global Awarded Florida Statewide Purchasing Contract for Rapidly Deployed Sustainable EV Charging Products

February 18, 2021

 

Beam Global Awarded Florida Statewide Purchasing Contract for Rapidly Deployed Sustainable EV Charging Products

 

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 18, 2021  — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM, BEEMW), the leading provider of innovative sustainable technology for electric vehicle (EV) charging, outdoor media and energy security, announced that the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) in partnership with the Florida Association of Counties awarded Beam Global statewide contract number FSA20-EQU18.0 Heavy Equipment. The contract includes the flagship EV ARC™ 2020 and EV ARC™ DCFC sustainable EV charging infrastructure systems under the category Power Charging, with a contract term through September 30, 2023. This is the premier contract in the state for police, fire, municipalities and universities.

Beam was awarded the contract after qualification through a bidding process and review by the FSA and the FSA Fleet Advisory Committee. FSA contract prices are extended and guaranteed to any local government or political subdivision of the state, public educational institutions and other public agencies or authorities within the State of Florida. The EV ARC™ system continues to provide EV charging and emergency power during blackouts and is flood proof to 9.5 feet; factors which are particularly important in Florida and other locations which are at risk from rising sea levels and other flooding risks.

“We are seeing increased interest from states to provide EV charging infrastructure to government agencies, businesses, residents, employees and visitors and it makes perfect sense for the Sunshine State to drive on sunshine,” said Beam Global CEO, Desmond Wheatley. “To keep up with increased state requirements, rapid and scalable deployment is crucial. The EV ARC™ is the only rapidly deployed, sustainable EV charging solution on the market that is off-grid, transportable and can be deployed in minutes instead of months. It requires no permitting, no electrical work, no construction and generates no utility bill. Florida can now buy the EV ARC with pre-negotiated pricing, which will make the procurement process much easier.”

As of June 2020, Florida is No. 2 in the nation in passenger EV sales with roughly 64,500 EVs on Florida’s roads. With the signing of the  into law, the Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis took the first step in activating state and utility engagement. The state law tasks the Public Service Commission (PSC), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the state energy office to lead the creation of an EV master plan. This state-level planning process places Florida in an elite class of states thinking strategically about the future of mobility.

President Joe Biden has announced a plan that represents the most ambitious clean energy vision by any U.S. president in history with billions planned for EV charging infrastructure and $4 trillion sought for green jobs and infrastructure spending. Beam Global currently has additional contracts in place with the Federal General Services Administration (GSA), the states of California and Massachusetts and the City of New York.

About Beam Global
Beam Global is a CleanTech leader that produces innovative, sustainable technology for electric vehicle (EV) charging, outdoor media, and energy security, without the construction, disruption, risks and costs of grid-tied solutions. Products include the patented EV ARC™ and Solar Tree® lines with BeamTrak™ patented solar tracking, and ARC Technology™ energy storage, along with EV charging, outdoor media and disaster preparedness packages.

The company develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced renewably energized products that save customers time and money, help the environment, empower communities and keep people moving. Based in San Diego, the company produces Made in America products. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbols BEEM and BEEMW (formerly Envision Solar, EVSI, EVSIW). For more information visit https://BeamForAll.com/, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter.

 

Westward’s GO-4 Vehicles Enhance Purdue University Parking Efficiencies While Reducing Fuel Costs by 65%

June 16, 2020

 

 

 

 

Westward’s GO-4 Vehicles Enhance Purdue University Parking Efficiencies While Reducing Fuel Costs by 65%

 

 

 

Purdue University recently obtained two GO-4 parking specific vehicles from Westward Industries. The GO-4 vehicles will support the university’s efforts to expand their mobility, transportation, and parking management operations, elevating their on-street and lot presence while increasing mobile reads within their mobile LPR systems.

 

 

Purdue University sought a solution to their parking enforcement needs as they continue to experience significant growth on campus. The University’s goals for introducing the vehicles to their fleet were efficiency, safety, and reliability, while achieving a return on investment not typically experienced with standard fleet vehicles. The GO-4’s unique design makes them highly maneuverable making them essential for patrolling beyond the pylons and in the parking decks.

According to Andy Pruitt, Purdue’s Parking Facilities Coordinator, “We recently added two GO-4s and have already recognized exceptional gains for our department. Apart from the approachable aspect, these GO-4 vehicles are highly efficient, saving our university 65% in fuel costs per month as compared to our other enforcement vehicles. The GO-4’s design aids in creating the desired environment; efficient, maneuverable, safe and different. I would highly recommend any of my colleagues to look into how these vehicles can fit into your operation”

He continued, “Purdue University strives to have its PEO’s be ambassadors for the University, exemplifying the Boiler Maker way. Westward’s GO-4 vehicles have been a valuable complement to the University’s parking operation and will continue to help its parking operation exceed its goals”.

 

About Westward Industries

Westward has a strong history of designing and manufacturing task-specific vehicles for use across cities, colleges and universities, healthcare campuses, corporate parking facilities, and more. Their GO-4 series of parking enforcement vehicles adapt to many environments, offering a cost-effective and functional solution to parking management department needs through license plate recognition and digital chalking, while offering flexibility and efficiency not offered with standard vehicles.

As one of the largest manufacturers of task-specific on road vehicles in North America, Westward is leading the industry with smart enforcement vehicle technology that will propel parking enforcement solutions into the future.

For more information, visit https://westwardindustries.com

Electric Vehicle Motors: Next Big Thing say New IDTechEx Research Report

January 22, 2019

 

 

Electric Vehicle Motors: Next Big Thing say New IDTechEx Research Report

 

 

 

EV motors have lasted for over 100 years on boats and their design changed slowly. Now some last only a few years and they are subject to rapid technology change and an acquisition frenzy. What is going on? The new IDTechEx report, “Electric Motors for Electric Vehicles: Land, Water, Air 2019-2029” explains and – in over 30 ten-year forecasts and roadmaps – predicts.

 

 

 

Firstly, the numbers are awesome. The electric vehicle business is entering the rapid growth part of the sigmoid growth curve of most major new technologies. It is headed to create a $100+ billion traction motor business in 2029. Make it double that if you include the units in which the motors are increasingly integrated, such as wheels, axles or transmission.

 

Premium pricing is increasingly possible because the motors not only become motor generators much of the time – they make new things possible. For example, going beyond four-wheel drive to vectored steering stops construction and agricultural vehicles ripping up roads and makes them smaller, lower cost and more capable, increasing sales.

 

Up to 20 motor-propellers on aircraft wings exploits the new principle of “distributed thrust” so the wing can be half the size or take off using half the distance. Multicopters planned for air taxis are notoriously inefficient and flying ones with only 30 minutes’ endurance over a city is just plain irresponsible, but large numbers of thrusters close together reduces the deficit against a helicopter. The Nikola fuel cell truck has six in-wheel motors, so it has superb traction and does not rip the tires off when accelerating – similar logic to the Tesla S adding a second motor.

 

Yes, the proliferation of motors, including in military boats and off-road transport for attack survival, means the motor market is growing even faster than the EV market.

 

Secondly, prices are often rising. You cannot buy a starter-motor-generator for the 17 million unitmarket for 48V mild hybrid trucks and cars in 2029 for the same price as a simple single motor.Indeed, some of these vehicles will have two! You cannot buy four in-wheel motors for the cars recently announced if you want to pay the price of one inboard motor.

 

Thirdly, there is an acquisition frenzy and it has a pattern. With many vehicle makers, from Toyota to the small Zero Motorcycles, making their own motor-generators as key enabling technology, the Tier One component suppliers are often faced with stark consequences from their inadequate R&D. From buying broad range motor makers such as Remy, they are now targetingspecific up and coming technologies. What do acquisitions SR Drives, CPT and Visedo have in common with Tesla making its own motor for the Tesla 3? They all involve switched reluctance, potentially the lowest cost, most rugged motor-with-control. It has size and performance advantages over other ways of avoiding permanent magnet price hikes and temperature limitations. Yes, some have some small magnets for now, but the point is made.

 

So why do motors die so soon in many applications compared to those 100 year old electric boats? Tough duty cycles and they are getting tougher. For example, huge drones up for ten years beaming the internet will not only need 20kW/kg motors as the report details, they will need incredibly reliable motors as will tethered drones generating megawatts from high level winds. Billions of dollars of investment is going in: premium pricing awaits. Just the same as the monster unmanned trucks in totally automated deep mines this year. The new IDTechEx report, “Electric Motors for Electric Vehicles: Land, Water, Air 2019-2029” reveals which motor technology innovators will be the next targets of those urgently seeking to catch up and why.

For more contact the IDTechEx Research team on research@IDTechEx.com or visitwww.IDTechEx.com/motors.

Electric Vehicles Do Not Need to be Poisonous By Dr Peter Harrop, Chairman, IDTechEx

April 06, 2018

 

 

Electric Vehicles Do Not Need to be Poisonous
By Dr Peter Harrop, Chairman, IDTechEx

 

 

Diesel vehicles land, water and air, are on the way out because they emit poisons – antimony, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, cyanide, dioxin, lead, nickel, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and sulfur compounds and carcinogenic submicron particulates, organics and more. The brew has a lot in common with the poisons inhaled from smoking tobacco. However, the new electronics and electrics in and on vehicles appearing over the next ten years will contain most those poisons and add more. Yes, most may be no threat for one reason or another but much of it is questionable particularly since alternatives exist or are emerging. Indeed a large number of devices per vehicle each with minimal toxicant materials may still add up to something damaging at some stage aselectric vehicle sales grow rapidly – land, water and air. Those alternatives are mostly little known and they are rarely a priority in funding for optimisation or adoption.

 

 

The new IDTechEx report, “Toxicant Materials and Alternatives in Electronics/ Electrics 2018-2028” reveals many of those safer alternatives and research to produce them. It also identifies where affordable alternatives with adequate electrical performance do not exist. These are gaps in the market, opportunities for someone and deserving of redirected research funding. Although many of the forms of poison in new electronics and electrics are relatively safe because of small volumes, encapsulation and other factors, the report concludes that the rapid proliferation of poisons in a widening variety of applications requires better monitoring and control.

Specifically, one carcinogen associated with birth defects should have a date set for a global ban, since alternatives are already successful in the marketplace in these devices in vehicles. A date is proposed.

So what else needs watching? Though not always, antimony is used in some thermoelectrics and batteries, flame retardant and asdopant in microchips. Arsenic is in planned gallium arsenide solar bodywork and is also a microchip dopant. See the IDTechExreport, “Energy Independent Electric Vehicles Land, Water, Air 2018-2028”. However, that toxic gallium arsenide will be at a level ofonly ten grams or less per car. One manufacturer says it is acceptable in landfill. Nonetheless, care will be needed if millions of cars adopt it. Controlled disposal may be prudent by then – a date is proposed. A business opportunity exists for an equally efficient,equally flexible alternative: researchers are on the job.

Cadmium is in some quantum dot displays and researcher’s photovoltaics, cobalt in lithium-ion batteries, thermoelectrics and motor magnets. Beryllium is in some vehicle parts. Dioxins are emitted by inappropriate burning of PVC: manganese is in lithium-ion batteries, electroluminescent displays and thermoelectrics. Lead in a whole panoply of existing and planned electronics and electrics such as the new perovskite photovoltaics, some quantum dot displays such as QLED television, sensors, piezoelectric transducers, actuators and energy harvesters. Indeed, the authors believe that it is time for developed countries to set a date for banning lead acid batteries. They suggest what that date should be. Many vehicles have abandoned lead acid batteries from the Porsche Spyder hybrid to many pure electric vehicles and planned 48V mild hybrids. See the IDTechEx report, “Mild Hybrid 48V Vehicles 2017-2027”, with a new version of the report coming very soon.

Of the other poisons declining from the diesel collapse, nickel returns in motor magnets and lithium-ion batteries but is not a major threat. Selenium appears in photovoltaics and sensors. Sulfur compounds are found in sensors, electroluminescent displays, photodetectors, planned photovoltaics and QLEDs. Those diesel nanoparticles associated with breast and lung cancer, asthma, heart disease, depression, triggering uncontrolled coughing and so on? Well something similar is used to make supercapacitor electrodes and many new forms of electronics though mercifully not as inhalable powder under normal operating conditions. There may be a disposal problem.

This is only a sample of diesel poisons returning or back already. Although most are low threat at present, indeed QLEDs andthermoelectrics have yet to appear in a car near you and quantum dots and microchip doping represent tiny volumes however,there is a prospect of some of the new poison-based devices selling in huge numbers. Think sensing, actuating and energy harvesting leading to up to 40 lead-based piezoelectrics per vehicle, one billion vehicles. Many such as those piezoelectrics can be a threat on abuse or disposal but no problem in normal use. Other examples, including ones of concern in use, are being announced all the time.

With some admirable exceptions, research laboratories and their funding typically chase performance before safety. That impedes development of non-toxicant products. Identifying and testing these new devices and electrical materials would be very demanding. Policing laws restricting their use or their toxicant content may become near impossible in some cases. Toxicity reference works are mostly badly out of date, repeating nostalgia like the contents of a cathode ray tube.

Beyond the automotive industry there are similar reasons for concern, often involving other chemistries and nanostructures. Some researchers believe that “surface irritants” such as carbon allotropes initiating pathologies leading to cancer can magnify the effects of chemical poisons so it is not simply a matter of saying that little material is involved in some cases.

It is unfortunate that lead acid batteries are being replaced by lithium ion batteries with toxicant electrolytes and poisons of concern such as phosphorus, cobalt, manganese, nickel and carbon allotropes. Indeed, putative replacements for lithium-ion often involve sulfur and other poisons though solid state electrolytes are likely to be non-toxicant and non-flammable. Battery elimination is therefore gaining attention as discussed in the report but without seriously impacting lithium-ion batteries for at least a decade.  That elimination varies from vehicles that only move in daylight to buses and cars powered by supercapacitors, some of which are non-toxicant.

The new IDTechEx report, “Toxicant Materials and Alternatives in Electronics/ Electrics 2018-2028” even has a timeline of planned introduction of “poisons of concern” into everyday life over the next ten years. However, there is a note of optimism as it observes the huge effort to develop lead free perovskite photovoltaics and some other alternatives for these worrisome poisons. Priorities are recommended and a large number of alternative non-toxicant devices in research or on sale are identified. The views of those in the value chain are reported and assessed.

Many alternatives to poisons in electronics and electrical engineering will also be presented at the “IDTechEx Show!” in Berlin April 11-12 with over 2000 paying delegates, 220 exhibitors – many offering or researching non-toxicant alternatives. There are 250 presentations in 9 conferences and on April 10 and 13, 30 masterclasses.  Fraunhofer and other research institutes will present development programs on other non-toxicant materials and devices.