Electric Vehicle Components

In this premium article, IDTechEx introduces the topic of power electronics in electric vehicles and explores why innovations in this field will be an important differentiator for automakers as the market matures.

High Power Charging/Charger (HPC) refers to level 3 DC fast charging at a rate of 50 kW or more. In an effort to bring charging times down to those of conventional refuelling, such technology will play a vital role. For new EV owners, this means remarkably faster charging times, often cutting down the time needed for nearly full recharge by 30% to even 70%. It is ideal for short-stop locations or fleet vehicle charging, ranging from passenger vehicles to buses and trucks. With the charging power of the HPC, chargers can deliver all the power the new vehicles of the market can utilize. HPC charging is also a real game-changer for long-distance driving, as it dramatically reduces the time needed for charging over the journey. This article provides information about this technology, drivers, specifications, players and markets for DC fast charging stations.

SSAB has now produced the world's first fossil-free steel and delivered it to a customer. The trial delivery is an important step on the way to a completely fossil-free value chain for iron- and steelmaking and a milestone in the HYBRIT partnership between SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall.

Carbon fibers are usually combined with other materials to form a composite. One such composite material is the carbon fiber reinforced plastic, which is well-known for its tensile strength, rigidity, and high strength-to-weight ratio.

IDTechEx explores the trend towards high voltage vehicles from premium carmakers, and how this compares with Tesla's strategy.

IDTechEx compares and contrasts learnings from first-hand interviews with Akasol, Leclanché, LithiumWerks, Foresee Power and more key battery suppliers emerging in the commercial and heavy-duty electric vehicle space.

IDTechEx expects electric motorcycle sales in Europe, the market with the most potential for high power electric two-wheelers, to grow at least 50% year-on-year in 2020, building on the momentum of recent years.

IDTechEx takes a look at Tesla's SiC inverter, and why it is ahead of the curve.

Lighter, more rigid, more compact: Porsche has produced its first complete housing for an electric drive using 3D printing. The engine-gearbox unit produced using the additive laser fusion process passed all the quality and stress tests without any problems.

General Motors announced the opening of a 15,000-square-foot Additive Industrialization Center, a ground-up facility exclusively dedicated to productionizing 3D printing technology in the automotive industry. The AIC is the capstone of GM's expertise and increased investment in 3D printing over the last several years.