In connected car news are Jolta, Volvo, Keysight Tech., Diodes Inc., ON Semi, VOLTA, Wejo, Pioneer, Cerence, Aptiv, TomTom, Wejo and Ideanomics.
Jolta To Service Faraday Future
The first EV dealership network of its kind, Jolta will offer a curation of electric vehicles, repair and maintenance services, and charging solutions.
Just a few weeks ago, the revolutionary concept officialized a partnership with Faraday Future that included distribution rights in 15 U.S. cities, making Jolta the first U.S. distributor for the California-based global shared intelligent mobility company.
Now, prior to opening its first showroom in Miami this year, Jolta is launching its highly anticipated e-commerce platform — the first ever to exclusively showcase all categories of electric vehicles including electric cars, bikes, scooters, mopeds, self-balancing EVs, and even karting cars.
Volvo Expands Hagerstown
During a groundbreaking ceremony the Volvo Group announced a $33 million expansion of its powertrain research and development site in Hagerstown, Maryland for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art Vehicle Propulsion Lab (VPL).
AmpUp announced the launch of its Low Income Assistance Program. Available across the United States, AmpUp will waive networking fees for charger site hosts and help deploy EV charging solutions to underserved communities.
Program participants will receive a charging management solution from AmpUp supported by their smart charging network which is integrated with over 50 Level 2 and DC Fast Charger models. For site hosts that want to install EV charging stations in low income areas AmpUp will waive fees where the average energy burden, as a percentage of income, is greater than 5%. The program is open to the first 100 applicants on a first-come first-serve basis and will also take advantage of charge station incentive and financing programs to help further reduce project cost.
Using the U.S. Department of Energy’s Low-income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) tool to determine eligibility, the goals of the Low Income Assistance Program is to incorporate marginalized communities who struggle with environmental injustices, lack of access to political participation, and other challenges to infrastructure and clean energy equality
Volvo’s VPL will be the first facility in North America to allow comprehensive testing of current and future products for Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks, Prevost and Volvo Bus to meet evolving government regulations and ensure high performance on the diverse North American roadways. Housed under one roof, the lab will consist of two environmental chambers. One chamber will have a chassis dyno capable of emissions measurements and simulating extreme-weather and altitude conditions. The second will offer testing of fully operative vehicles, including highway and vocational trucks, as well as coach buses, for starting in a variety of weather conditions.
Keysight Partners with UNH-IOL
Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS), a leading technology company that delivers advanced design and validation solutions to help accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world, announced that the University of New Hampshire’s InterOperability Lab (UNH-IOL) has partnered with Keysight for automotive Ethernet compliance solutions to establish an IEEE 802.3ch multigigabit automotive Ethernet compliance test, as well as other automotive Ethernet compliance tests in different speed grades.
Keysight’s automotive Ethernet compliance solutions provide the hardware, software, cables and accessories needed for compliance testing. It is built on functional and multipurpose hardware – trusted and repeatable measurement results from Keysight’s popular Infiniium UXR-Series Real-Time. In April 2021, Keysight expanded its automotive test solution portfolio with the Automotive Ethernet Transmit and Channel Test software solution for IEEE 802.3ch 2.5/5/10Gbps to quickly test, debug and easily characterize complex multi-gigabit automotive Ethernet designs.
Diodes Inc. New Switches
Diodes Incorporated (Nasdaq: DIOD) has added a new device to its range of passive multiplexer/demultiplexer (mux/demux) switches. Supporting data rates of up to 20Gbps, the PI2DBS16212A is a 4-to-2 differential channel switch IC, which offers bidirectional operation and is suited for use in high-performance IT equipment, including desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, and servers.
Thanks to the proprietary design approach employed, Diodes Incorporated has optimized the dynamic electrical characteristics of the PI2DBS16212A in relation to insertion loss, return loss, skew, and crosstalk. In addition to having a small footprint and low-profile, this device exhibits minimal attenuation across its 14GHz bandwidth. Insertion loss figures are kept to -1.25dB at 10GHz, while return loss is only -12dB at 10GHz. The device has a bit-to-bit skew of just 10ps (maximum), a 20ps (maximum) channel-to-channel skew, a 50ps (maximum) propagation delay, and a -40dB (typical) differential crosstalk (depending on frequency).
The strong signal integrity capabilities of the PI2DBS16212A mean that it is well suited to processing high-speed data signals, such as those relating to PCIe® 4.0, USB 3.2 Gen1, USB 3.2 Gen2, 10GE, Thunderbolt 3, SAS3.0 and SATA3.0. The device therefore gives far greater signal integrity tolerances for engineers to integrate into designs.
ON Semi Intros New SiC Mods for EVs
ON Semiconductor®, driving energy efficient innovations, has announced a pair of 1200 V full silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET 2-PACK modules further enhancing their range of products suitable for the challenging electric vehicle (EV) market.
As sales of EV continue to grow, infrastructure must be rolled-out to meet the needs of drivers, providing a network of rapid charging stations that will allow them to complete their journeys quickly and without ‘range anxiety’. Requirements in this sector are rapidly evolving, requiring power levels in excess of 350 kW and efficiencies of 95% becoming the ‘norm’. Given the diverse environments and locations in which these chargers are deployed, compactness, robustness and enhanced reliability are all challenges that designers face.
The new 1200 V M1 full SiC MOSFET 2 pack modules, based upon planar technology and suited to a drive voltage in the range of 18-20 V, are simple to drive with negative gate voltages. The larger die reduces thermal resistance compared to trench MOSFETs, thereby reducing die temperature at the same operating temperature.
Configured as a 2-PACK half bridge, the NXH010P120MNF1 is a 10 mohm device housed in an F1 package while the NXH006P120MNF2 is a 6 mohm device in an F2 package. The packages feature press-fit pins making them ideal for industrial applications and an embedded negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor facilitates temperature monitoring.
As part of the ON Semiconductor EV charging ecosystem, the new SiC MOSFET modules have been designed to work alongside driver solutions such as the NCD5700x devices . The recently introduced NCD57252 dual channel isolated IGBT/MOSFET gate driver offers 5 kV of galvanic isolation and can be configured for dual low-side, dual high-side or half-bridge operation.
The NCD57252 is housed in a small SOIC-16 wide body package and accepts logic level inputs (3.3 V, 5 V & 15 V). The high current device (source 4.0 A / sink 6.0 A at Miller plateau voltage) is suitable for high-speed operation as typical propagation delays are 60ns.
Complementing the new modules and gate driver are the ON Semiconductor SiC MOSFETs that provide superior switching performance and enhanced thermals when compared to similar silicon devices. This results in improved efficiency, greater power density, improved electromagnetic interference (EMI) and reduced system size and weight.
The recently-announced 650 V SiC MOSFETs employ a novel active cell design combined with advanced thin wafer technology enabling a best-in-class figure of merit (FoM) for (RDS(on)*area). Devices in the series such as the NVBG015N065SC1, NTBG015N065SC1, NVH4L015N065SC1 and NTH4L015N065SC offer the lowest RDS(on) in the market for D2PAK7L / TO247 packaged MOSFETs.
The 1200 V and 900 V N-channel SiC MOSFETs feature a small chip size that reduces device capacitance and gate charge (Qg – as low as 220 nC), reducing switching losses when operating at the high frequencies demanded by EV chargers.
During APEC 2021, ON Semiconductor will showcase SiC solution for industrial applications as well as presenting exhibitor seminars about the company’s solutions for off-board EV-charging.
Volta Charging Works with Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Volta Industries, Inc. (“Volta Charging”), an industry leader in commerce-centric electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, is partnering with the Jeep® brand as it introduces the all new Jeep Wrangler 4xe to consumers.
This campaign is unique in that it will use Volta Charging’s dynamic weather-based ad capability to serve two different creative concepts from the Jeep brand. When it is sunny out, the creative will feature a Jeep Wrangler 4xe with the top down, going out and exploring, and the second creative emphasizes that even in the cloudiest of weather, the Jeep Wrangler is still your go-to vehicle. Created by Huge Inc., the ads feature the taglines “embracing nature has never felt more natural” for the sunny day version, and “charge ahead and take on the elements” for the bad weather version.
FREYR Potential Developing US Battery Production
FREYR AS (FREYR), the Norway-based developer of clean, next-generation battery cell production capacity, and Alussa Energy Acquisition Corp. (Alussa Energy), disclosed that FREYR is in negotiations with a major multinational industrial conglomerate (the JV Partner) to potentially develop battery production facilities in North America. This development was noted by FREYR Battery in its 9 June 2021 filing of a third amendment to the registration statement on Form S-4 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
FREYR and the JV Partner have entered negotiations regarding a draft non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a potential joint venture to be formed with the purpose of preparing a project to build battery production and potentially related facilities in North America at a targeted scale at least 50 GWh in annualized battery cell production by 2030 (the Venture).
ParkMobile Working with City of Atlanta
ParkMobile, the leading provider of smart parking and mobility solutions in the U.S., today announced a new way for people to pay for parking around the City of Atlanta directly from the Google Pay app. Starting this month, all Google Pay users will be able to start a parking session anywhere ParkMobile is accepted in the city.
Ideanomics
deanomics announced it has completed its previously reported May 12, 2021, definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of privately held US Hybrid, a manufacturer and distributor of electric powertrain components and fuel cell engines for medium and heavy-duty commercial fleet applications. The material details of the terms are disclosed in the Company’s related 8-K filing. The completed acquisition is another critical milestone in Ideanomics’ mission to reduce commercial fleet greenhouse gas emissions through advanced EV technologies and forward-thinking partnerships.
Wejo & Waycare Partner
Wejo, the leader in connected vehicle data, and Waycare, a cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) solution for traffic management, today announced they will deliver a joint offering to 20 geographies across the United States. Wejo’s data will supplement Waycare’s existing traffic data sources, providing the myriad agencies responsible for the safety of U.S. roadways with a comprehensive understanding of conditions and the ability to not only detect and predict incidents, but also respond faster and more effectively based on real-world, near real-time data in a single platform from which they can all collaborate.
QAD for Volta Trucks
-QAD Inc. (Nasdaq: QADA) (Nasdaq: QADB), a leading provider of next-generation manufacturing and supply chain solutions in the cloud, announced that full-electric commercial vehicle manufacturer, Volta Trucks will implement QAD Adaptive ERP and other QAD Adaptive Applications solutions, including QAD EQMS (Enterprise Quality Management System), QAD DynaSys DSCP (Digital Supply Chain Management), QAD Sourcing and QAD Supplier Management.
Pioneer and Cerence Partner
Pioneer Corporation and Cerence Inc. announced that the companies have reached an agreement for a strategic partnership to develop scalable, secure, AI-powered products and services for the mobility world. The intent of the agreement is to combine the leading-edge technologies of Pioneer, which provides in-car equipment and mobility services, and Cerence, which provides conversational AI to mobility OEMs and automakers, to utilize the companies’ respective knowledge and technologies to accelerate innovation and develop products and services that enhance mobility experiences for drivers and passengers globally.
Together, the companies will jointly develop an integrated hardware and software product based upon Pioneer’s industry-leading technological capabilities and solution services, globally deployed in more than 10 million in-car infotainment systems annually, and Cerence’s AI-powered automotive assistant platform that leverages cloud-based conversational AI to deliver an intuitive, intelligent in-car experience that makes travel safer, smarter and more comfortable.
Aptiv Joins eSync Alliance
The eSync Alliance announces that Aptiv has become its latest member, joining existing Alliance members to build an industry-wide bi-directional pipeline to electronic devices in the automotive market.
Aptiv’s software and vehicle architecture expertise enables the advanced safety, automated driving, user experience, and connected services that are making the future of mobility work.
The eSync Alliance is an industry initiative established to build a high-confidence, multi-vendor path for end-to-end secure over-the-air (OTA) and data services for the connected car, through a global network of co-operating suppliers. Members of the eSync Alliance include AlpsAlpine, Excelfore, HELLA, Molex and ZF, amongst others.
TomTom Partners with GreenMile
TomTom, the location technology specialist, and GreenMile, a logistics software company specializing in last mile transportation, announced a new multiyear agreement. TomTom Maps APIs will be integrated into GreenMile’s solutions, enhancing its customers’ vehicle monitoring and real-time route planning.
TomTom’s Routing API will enable GreenMile’s customers to find optimal routes for their fleets based on real-time traffic conditions, tolls, vehicle restrictions and other variables. Combined with TomTom’s Search API, clients will have the ability to recreate routes driven to better understand driver behavior and compliance, such as obeying speed limits.
“TomTom is the obvious choice for fleet management software providers because of our reliable APIs, which include advanced logistics data and extensive traffic information,” said Anders Truelsen, Managing Director, TomTom Enterprise. “We are delighted that GreenMile is one of the latest companies in this industry to select TomTom as their location technology supplier.
FEV Intro Cell-to-Module
FEV, a leading global service provider in vehicle and powertrain development for hardware and software, introduces a novel, high-performance battery system for hybrid vehicles using the “cell-to-module” approach. In addition to the cost- and package-optimized T-bone design, the modular, highly integrated concept features innovative, active busbar cooling for the highest power densities.
The battery system features a particularly high power density of 2 kW/kg, enabling 100 kW of power with just 2 kWh of energy and a weight of only 50 kg. This allows power hybrids to be optimally supported.
The battery concept, whose feasibility FEV has demonstrated and validated together with Volvo Car Corporation, is based on a central, function-integrating T-bone element for the mechanical structure of the battery with integrated cooling function, providing a cost-, weight- and package-optimized modular design.
Bidgely EV Report Published
Bidgely and leading energy industry outlet Utility Dive have released a new report, What Utilities Know (And Don’t Know) About EV Drivers and How Better Customer Insights Can Maximize Utility Investments in Electric Vehicles, which includes survey results from around 150 leading mostly North American utility professionals. The report underscores the EV momentum underway at their organizations while also highlighting the benefits improved EV customer insights could provide in guiding utility incentives, outreach, resource planning, education and ratemaking.
Key findings include that nine out of 10 utility executives surveyed reported their companies plan to increase investments in customer programs and infrastructure to support EV ownership over the next two to three years. By large majorities, survey respondents said that their EV investments and programs were being driven by customer demand (61 percent) and revenue opportunities (57 percent), although corporate sustainability goals (46 percent) and company carbon reduction commitments (32 percent) were also cited.
Importantly, only 13 percent of utility executives said the quality of their companies’ insights into both the charging behavior of their current EV customers and the likelihood that other customers would buy an EV in the future was excellent. The report concluded that precise, house-level data insights derived from smart meters can identify EV charging patterns, Level 1 or Level 2 chargers in the home and even customers’ propensity to buy an EV without installation of additional equipment by the utility.
“Historically speaking, utilities have relied on Department of Motor Vehicles data in order to understand where EVs are registered. But that data is really difficult to obtain in a timely manner, it doesn’t update on an ongoing basis and it doesn’t provide any insight into the charging behaviors or driving patterns of the EV owners,” says Heather Williams, director of strategy and growth for Bidgely in North America. “Lack of EV insights can impact where and how many charging stations are installed. You can end up putting in either the wrong number of chargers or chargers in the wrong locations because the decisions are based on an incomplete understanding of driving patterns.”
Other notable findings from the survey included:
- 61 percent of utilities have already installed company-owned chargers to support EV ownership
- 51 percent offer financial incentives to encourage purchases of EVs
- 42 percent have made investments to raise awareness about EV benefits
- 37 percent offer special EV charging rates
To access the full report, visit: go.bidgely.com/UtilityDive-EV-Whitepaper
Join the upcoming Bidgely and Utility Dive webinar How to Use Data to Drive Your EV Investment Plans on Thursday, June 17 at 2:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time for a deep dive into the results of the survey and insights that can guide utilities’ incentives, outreach, resource planning, ratemaking and more.