Virtual Content Has No Border

Tag: electric

Nyobolt’s Fast-Charging Battery: A Game Changer for Electric Vehicles

The world of electric vehicles (EVs) might be on the brink of a dramatic shift thanks to a recent discovery from Nyobolt, a promising British startup focused on batteries. Nyobolt has recently made headlines with their novel 35kWh lithium-ion battery. The first live demonstration indicated that it could charge from 10% to 80% in just over four and a half minutes.

This innovation could make the inconvenience of extensive battery-charging durations and bringing electric vehicle convenience closer to that of traditional gas-powered cars. Headquartered in Cambridge, This is a significant leap from the usual 20 odd minutes spent on fast chargers like Tesla’s Supercharger, and it’s well on the way to the average gasoline fill-up time of two minutes.

“Our extensive research here in the UK and US has unlocked a novel battery technology that is ready and scalable right now. We are enabling the electrification of new products and services currently considered inviable or impossible,” said Nyobolt CEO Sai Shivareddy.

This extraordinary technology is not an overnight success, but the culmination of a decade of research steered by scientists from the University of Cambridge. Its unique design minimizes heat generation during charging, reducing overheating risks that could lead to battery fires and explosions.

Moreover, the materials used in the battery’s anodes enhance electron transfer speed, contributing to faster charging times. Currently, Nyobolt is engaging with eight electric car manufacturers to potentially integrate their batteries into future vehicles.

Long charging times have been a persistent drawback of EVs, often hindering their adoption by many potential users. For those unable to charge their vehicles at home, the time taken for charging can also disrupt their daily routines. This innovation from Nyobolt, tested in the firm’s sports car prototype, offers great prospects especially for drivers who rely on electric cars for their work and commercial EV fleets, notes Paul Marchment of Arval.

July 9, 2024
Revolutionary ‘Electric Vampire’ Drones Developed by Danish Engineers
Engineers at the University of Southern Denmark have made a groundbreaking advancement in drone technology, creating a system that allows drones to remain airborne indefinitely. This innovative design employs a docking mechanism and artificial intelligence to enable the drone to perch on power lines and recharge, much like an “electric vampire.”

Key Features of the Autonomous Charging Drone:

Self-Sustaining Flight: The drone can fly for extended periods without needing to land for a recharge.

Innovative Docking System: When the battery runs low, the drone autonomously locates and clamps onto power lines to draw electricity.

Gripping Mechanism: Equipped with specialized grippers, the drone can securely attach to power lines for safe charging.

Charging Duration: Depending on the battery status, the drone can fully recharge within 30 minutes to 6 hours.

Ongoing Research: Engineers are optimizing the system and studying the drone’s performance in various weather conditions.

The concept, which originated in 2017, has the potential to revolutionize the way drones are utilized for public service. The researchers are dedicated to ensuring the safety and reliability of the connection to power lines, with skilled pilots overseeing the initial tests.

This technology signifies a significant step forward in drone capabilities, offering a sustainable solution that aligns with the global power network’s reach and efficiency. The ‘vampire drone’ stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the potential for technology to serve humanity in novel ways.
May 17, 2024
Elon Musk’s Tesla Struggles with Lower Sales: What’s Next?

Elon Musk’s Tesla company has been reducing the prices of its electric cars multiple times. Actually they are trying to get more people to buy their electric car. He really wants Tesla cars to be popular and well-liked. But it seems like Tesla is having some problems with this right now.

In the first three months of 2024, Tesla sold almost 386,000 cars in the market. That’s a lot of cars, but it’s actually less than they sold during the same time last year. This is bad news for Elon Musk and his popular Tesla Company. He wanted to selle more cars.

Tesla sold the fewest cars since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. In fact, they sold 20 percent fewer cars than they did in the last three months of 2023. During that time, they sold 484,560 cars. But Tesla had target to sell more electric car in the market.

Because of this news, the value of Tesla’s company went down by 5.2 percent in the stock market. That means the company lost about 30 billion USD in value. And this year, the value of Tesla’s shares has gone down by almost 33 percent.

Elon Musk often goes on TV or the internet to talk about Tesla’s new electric cars. He tells everyone about all the cool things the cars can do. But even with all this, Tesla is still having trouble selling as many cars as they hoped. We’ll have to wait and see what happens next for Tesla.

April 7, 2024
Electric Revolution: Xiaomi’s SU7 Sedan Takes on Tesla in China!

China’s Xiaomi has officially published its highly anticipated electric car; the new Speed Ultra 7 (SU7) sedan, in Beijing on Thursday night. Lei Jun is the founder and CEO of the popular Chinese smartphone brand and she announced that the company’s first electric vehicle would be priced between 215,900 yuan ($29,874) and 299,900 yuan ($41,497) in China.

The starting price undercuts Tesla’s Model 3 sedan by about $4,000,with the Model 3 beginning at 245,900 yuan in China. Lei had hinted at the launch by expressing his desire for the SU7 to be the “best-looking, easiest to drive, and smartest car” priced below 500,000 yuan ($69,180).

Xiaomi aims to create a “dream car” on par with Porsche and Tesla, Lei stated on Weibo Wednesday and she is emphasizing the need to learn from these renowned car manufacturers to build quality vehicles. Targeting premium consumers, Xiaomi’s new car is competitively priced against foreign rivals. For instance, the imported Porsche Taycan starts at 898,000 yuan ($124,248), while Tesla’s Model S begins at 698,900 yuan ($96,700) in China.

In China, electric vehicles (EVs) are notably cheaper compared to other regions. BYD’s entry-level model, the Seagull hatchback, is priced at just 69,800 yuan ($9,658). The standard version of Xiaomi’s SU7 boasts a starting range of 700 kilometers (435 miles), surpassing the long-range version of Tesla’s Model 3, according to Lei.

Within 27 minutes of sales commencement at 10 p.m. Beijing time on Thursday, orders for the car surpassed 50,000 units, as announced by Xiaomi. Lei expressed his immense excitement during the launch event on Thursday night, which was attended by founders and CEOs of several Chinese EV makers.

Xiaomi’s foray into the automotive industry comes amid fierce competition in China’s EV market which has become oversaturated with over 200 major manufacturers. Facing a price war and weaker consumer demand, average profit margins dwindled to 5% in 2023, with BYD reporting its slowest quarterly profit growth in two years earlier this week.

Xiaomi’s SU7 has been showcased in showrooms across 29 cities in mainland China since Monday. Renowned for its smartphones and consumer electronics, Xiaomi captured 13% of global and Chinese smartphone sales in the final quarter of 2023. It ranked fifth in China for the full year.

March 29, 2024
EVs: Towards Equitable and Sustainable Transportation Solutions

Tech companies believe that electric vehicles (EVs) are the solution to climate change, but author Paris Marx disagrees. Transportation is crucial in the fight against climate change. Governments encourage people to buy cleaner EVs to reduce the environmental impact of travel. Car manufacturers are promoting new electric models to attract customers.

Marx argues that the focus on technology is misguided. Transportation shapes our cities and affects our daily lives. EVs emit fewer emissions than traditional cars, but they still have a carbon footprint due to the minerals used in their batteries.

Mining for these minerals in the global south has severe environmental and health consequences. Marx believes change should be fair and benefit society as a whole. Improving transportation should consider equity and not just benefit the wealthy.

We must understand that transforming mobility is just one part of necessary changes for a better future. Marx argues that the focus on technology is misguided. Transportation shapes our cities and affects our daily lives. EVs emit fewer emissions than traditional cars, but they still have a carbon footprint due to the minerals used in their batteries.

Mining for these minerals in the global south has severe environmental and health consequences. Marx believes change should be fair and benefit society as a whole. Improving transportation should consider equity and not just benefit the wealthy. People must understand that transforming mobility is just one part of necessary changes for a better future.

March 9, 2024
2024 Nissan Leaf: Affordable Electric Car with Very Good Price

Nissan is making its electric car called 2024 Nissan Leaf and the car is more affordable. Now, you can buy this compact electric hatchback for less than $26,000 thanks to a federal tax credit. The starting price for the 2024 Nissan Leaf was $29,280, but with the tax credit, it can now cost under $26,000. This makes it the cheapest new electric vehicle (EV) in the United States.

To get the discount, you must buy a 2024 Nissan Leaf built after March 6 and meet certain requirements set by the Inflation Reduction Act. Previously, the Leaf was only eligible for half of the $7,500 federal tax credit, but now it’s back to the full amount. This makes it one of only 10 electric 2024 models in the U.S. eligible for any federal credit, and one of seven that can get the full $7,500 credit.

With the tax credit applied, a new 2024 Nissan Leaf can cost as little as $25,530. This is much cheaper than other electric cars like the 2024 Mini Cooper SE, which starts at $31,895 but isn’t eligible for federal tax credits. Other electric cars like the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV are no longer available, so there’s not much competition for the Leaf.

The next cheapest new EV after the Mini is the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric, which starts at $34,050 but doesn’t qualify for federal incentives. The new Fiat 500e is also an option, priced at $34,095, but its tax-credit eligibility is unknown. The Tesla Model 3, starting at $41,000, is only eligible for the federal tax credit if you buy the more expensive Performance model, which costs around $55,000. The 2024 Nissan Leaf is now even more affordable for those looking to switch to electric vehicles.

March 7, 2024
Project Titan: The Rise and Fall of Apple’s Electric Car Ambitions

Apple’s foray into the electric car market, once shrouded in secrecy and speculation, has now come to a halt, marking the end of a decade-long endeavor that captivated the tech world. Reports from U.S. media outlets on Tuesday revealed that Apple has abandoned its ambitious plans to produce an electric car, signaling a significant shift in its long-term strategy.

According to Bloomberg, Apple’s electric car project, internally known as “Project Titan,” had engaged nearly 2,000 employees over the years, with the goal of developing a fully autonomous vehicle. However, faced with intensifying competition in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, Apple ultimately decided to pull the plug on the project.

The decision to discontinue the car project was reportedly communicated internally on Tuesday, as disclosed by sources cited by Bloomberg and The New York Times. Despite investing billions of dollars in the endeavor, Apple has now redirected its focus away from electric cars towards generative artificial intelligence (AI) projects, according to reports.

The demise of Apple’s electric car ambitions comes after years of speculation and anticipation surrounding the company’s secretive efforts in the automotive industry. While Apple never publicly confirmed its EV plans, media leaks and occasional glimpses into the project fueled speculation about its progress and objectives.

In recent years, Apple’s electric car project encountered numerous challenges and setbacks, including the departure of key executives and internal disagreements over the project’s direction. The difficulties faced by the project were highlighted in a report by The Information in 2022, shedding light on the internal turmoil and lack of support from leadership.

Apple’s decision to shift its focus from electric cars to AI reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. With the transfer of employees from the car division to AI projects, Apple aims to accelerate its efforts in developing innovative AI solutions.

Generative AI, a field propelled by advancements like ChatGPT from OpenAI, enables the creation of text, images, and other content through natural language requests. By harnessing the power of AI, Apple seeks to enhance its ecosystem and deliver cutting-edge experiences to users.

While the end of Apple’s electric car project may disappoint some observers, analysts see it as a strategic pivot towards AI, a technology with vast potential for innovation and growth. Dan Ives from Wedbush commented on the shift, noting both the disappointment over the abandoned car project and the optimism surrounding Apple’s renewed focus on AI.

March 2, 2024
Light Pollution: Shedding Light on the Dark Side of Electric Bulbs

On January 17, 1994, Los Angeles experienced a powerful earthquake that caused widespread damage. Critical infrastructure collapsed, leaving much of the city without electricity. The darkness scared many people, but some were amazed to see the Milky Way for the first time.

Electric bulbs, a great invention, have advanced civilization, but their overuse now leads to problems like light pollution. This harms both people and the environment, disrupting natural habitats and affecting human health.

Light pollution became a global concern in 2016 when satellite images showed the Earth illuminated at night. Artificial light affects hormone levels, blood pressure, and sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, depression, and obesity.

Excess light also affects wildlife, confusing nocturnal animals and disturbing their habitats. Birds and other creatures struggle to distinguish between day and night, impacting their behavior and survival. Reducing unnecessary light can prevent these negative effects and help restore balance to both human lives and the natural world.

To address these issues, efforts are being made to promote responsible lighting practices. This includes using energy-efficient bulbs, directing light downwards to minimize skyglow, and implementing regulations to control outdoor lighting.

Too much light disrupts wildlife, making it hard for nocturnal animals to know when it’s night or day. This confuses them and messes up their homes. Birds and other creatures get mixed up and it messes with how they act and stay alive. If we use less light, we can stop these bad things from happening and make things right for both people and nature.

Education plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving the night sky. By understanding the impact of light pollution, individuals and communities can take steps to minimize their contribution and protect the environment.

February 22, 2024
Future of Driving: A Closer Look at the Mercedes EQS Electric Vehicle

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a brand-new electric car from Mercedes. It’s different from previous electric cars from Mercedes because it’s not based on an existing car. Instead, it’s been made from scratch. This car is big, like the Mercedes S-Class. It’s got a huge battery that can last for a long time. You can drive it for up to 484 miles before needing to recharge and That’s a lot.

The EQS comes in different versions. Some have rear-wheel drive, while others have all-wheel drive. There’s even a super-fast one with more than 700 horsepower! It’s like a race car. One cool thing about the EQS is that it can steer its back wheels. This helps it turn better, like a small car. Plus, it’s really comfy to ride in. It’s like sitting in a cozy living room.

The design of the EQS is super sleek. It’s very aerodynamic, which means it can move through the air easily. And get this: the doors can open and close all by themselves. How cool is that? Inside, the EQS feels like a fancy hotel. It’s got leather seats and wooden trim. And if you get the fancy version, you’ll have a huge screen that controls everything. It’s like something from the future.

Charging the EQS is easy. You can plug it in at a special charging station and it will fill up in no time. But be careful: if you drive too fast, you might run out of battery quicker. The EQS is a fantastic car. It’s luxurious, fast, and eco-friendly. Plus, it’s made by Mercedes-Benz, so you know it’s top-notch. If you’re in the market for a new electric car, you should definitely check out the EQS.

February 7, 2024
Driving into the Future: The 2024 Audi e-tron GT Electric Sedan

The 2024 Audi e-tron GT, an electric sedan, promises an exciting driving experience with its powerful performance and sleek design. Sharing its platform with the Porsche Taycan, this Audi delivers rapid acceleration and comes with standard all-wheel drive. The base model generates 522 horsepower, while the sportier RS e-tron GT boasts an impressive 637 horsepower. Despite achieving 240 miles of range in testing, it falls slightly behind competitors like the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S in this regard. However, Audi ensures convenience with its 270-kW DC fast charging capability.

In terms of design, the e-tron GT’s interior is compact, and entry and exit might pose challenges for some. Once inside, users are treated to a range of tech features, high-quality materials, and a stylish ambiance. While it excels in delivering an exhilarating driving experience and aesthetic appeal, other electric vehicles with more extended ranges may present stronger arguments for those considering an all-electric lifestyle.

The 2024 model sees minimal changes, with the Prestige and RS trims receiving new matrix LED headlights featuring laser high beams. These headlights utilize technology similar to video projectors, creating precise LED illumination. Both trims also get a faux-suede headliner, along with LED interior lighting and illuminated doorsill inlays. A new power steering system, varying steering assist based on speed, is now standard across all trims.

Starting at $107,995 and reaching up to $148,595 based on trim and options, the e-tron GT offers different variants. With its sportier intentions and up to 637 horsepower, the RS version is tempting but comes with a higher price tag. The recommendation leans towards the mid-level e-tron GT Prestige, providing an optimal mix of features and value.

Featuring a pair of electric motors creating an all-wheel-drive system, the e-tron GT generates up to 522 horsepower, while the RS version peaks at 637. Both models utilize a two-speed rear transmission, ensuring exhilarating acceleration. The innovative cooling system enables the battery pack to handle repeated runs without typical heat-related degradation. Unlike traditional one-pedal driving, Audi opts for a more natural feel.

Equipped with an 83.7-kWh lithium-ion battery, the regular model achieves an EPA-estimated 238 miles of range, with the RS model slightly lower at 232 miles. Both models offer impressive recharging capability, reaching 5 to 80 percent battery capacity in a claimed 23 minutes with the standard 270-kW DC fast charger. In testing, both models exceeded their range estimates, achieving 240 miles.

January 18, 2024