HEADLINES ARCHIVE
Fill ‘er Up: Building the EV Recharge Infrastructure
It seems certain that electric vehicles (EVs) will become an increasingly common sight on the world’s highways. From a starting point of around 400,000 such vehicles worldwide at the beginning of 2014, the total figure looks set to double on an annual basis for the foreseeable future.
Global Platform Shift Creates Opportunity for Aftermarket, IHS Automotive Says
The continued trend toward a global platform strategy by automotive manufacturers presents new and unique challenges and opportunities for the automotive aftermarket, according to Mark Seng, global aftermarket practice leader for IHS Automotive, during a presentation to industry executives at the
Two Stroke Engine Makes for a Lighter, More Fuel Efficient Vehicle
A group of Spanish, French and Czech researchers have developed a two-stroke engine with a reduced weight, size, fuel consumption and emissions compared to the four stroke engine. The engine's reduced weight and size give it a high specific power, creating the need for only two cylinders.
Global Study on Automaker-Supplier Relations
Heightened friction between original equipment manufacturers and suppliers on cost reduction matters is the main factor behind the deterioration of relations between automakers and suppliers globally in 2014, according to suppliers who took part in the annual Global OEM-Supplier Relations Study.
ASTM Committee Approves Standard to Test for Glycols in Motor Oil
The presence of ethylene glycol in in-service motor oil indicates that antifreeze coolant has leaked into the crankcase of an internal combustion engine. Such leakage leads to engine wear problems.
Automakers, Utilities Test Cloud-based EV Charging Control
Eight automakers tested technology in October designed to allow utility companies to communicate with plug-in electric vehicles via the cloud, an advancement that would help manage energy use and improve the efficiency of the power grid.
Big Data Aims to Ease Electric Vehicle Driver Anxiety
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed software that estimates how much farther electric vehicles can drive before needing to recharge. The technique requires drivers to plug in their destination and pulls in data on a host of variables to predict energy use for the vehicle.
Is It a Car or an iPad? Tesla Model S Teardown
Everyone knows that Tesla Motors Inc. doesn’t do things the same way as other automakers. However, the company’s unique approach to automaking runs far deeper than the Model S’s electric drivetrain, battery packs and futuristic body.
Tesla Plans California Battery-swap Station
Tesla says the first of its battery-swapping stations will be erected by the end of 2014 at yet-to-be-determined location between Los Angeles and San Francisco. For at least $50, customers will be able to trade-in a drained or low-charged battery for a fully charged one.
In-Wheel Motors: The 19th Century Technology That's Thoroughly Modern
In-wheel motors are nothing new. The earliest U.S. patent dates back to 1884 and detailed an in-wheel electric motor for locomotives. The concept was further developed by Ferdinand Porsche in 1900 when he introduced a wheel hub motor for an electric car dubbed the Lohner Porsche.
Volvo Debuts 450-hp Four-cylinder Engine
Swedish automaker Volvo introduced its High Performance Drive-E concept powertrain on September 7. The small two-liter, four-cylinder engine produces 450 horsepower (hp) with the help of three turbochargers. The engine represents an improvement on the original Drive-E engine revealed last year,
Driving Toward Low-carbon, High-speed Vehicles
Over the next few months initial production is set to get under way as part of an unusual manufacturing venture in the UK that promises to benefit the automotive industry in its pursuit of low carbon-emission vehicles.
Ford Challenged as Aluminum Truck Heads to Market
Ford Motor Co. has announced a preview of its 2015 F-150, one of the first pickup trucks composed primarily of aluminum, as part of its Built Ford Tough Roundup marketing strategy.
ASTM B989 Specification for High Fluidity Zinc-Aluminum Alloy in Ingot Form for Thin Wall Die Castings
Thinner cell phone casings and business card holders are just two of the applications for a new high fluidity zinc die casting alloy. This casting is covered by a new ASTM standard, ASTM B989, “Specification for High Fluidity (HF) Zinc-Aluminum Alloy in Ingot Form for Thin Wall Die Castings."
Innovation Drives Autonomous Vehicle Development
They may not realize it, but drivers of many of the latest passenger cars are experiencing features that, with only some software additions, can provide autonomous driving, at least in select circumstances.