Automotive
Ambulances and fire engines join road to net zero
In our home town of Coventry, the UK’s first all-electric ambulance has been launched by the West Midlands Ambulance Service. Here, Roger Brereton, Head of Sales at Pailton Engineering, highlights some of the recent progress toward low carbon emergency services vehicles and the engineering challenges that remain.
The evolving landscape of EV manufacturing
The competition to electrify vehicles is not simply the competition between rival manufacturers. What is now at stake is a competition between two rival, diametrically opposed manufacturing methods. While many persist with the mantra of bigger is better, others are heading in the opposite direction. Here, Roger Brereton, Head of Sales at Pailton Engineering, investigates the pros and cons of the microfactory in EV manufacturing.
Test system targets automotive radar sensors
Realistic tests on virtual roads. That scenario is now possible, says Rohde & Schwarz using a test solution consisting of the R&S AREG800A automotive radio echo generator and the R&S QAT100 antenna array.
Automotive current sensors introduced with overcurrent detection
Melexis has revealed next-generation current sensors for automotive power-conversion applications. The advantages they deliver include increased resolution, optional 3.3V or 5V operation, and integrated over-current detection circuitry.
Automotive software development focuses on electrification
Perforce Software has released the results of a global survey of automotive technology professionals today. Key findings suggest ongoing concerns with software safety, security, and quality; the growing effects of electric and autonomous/connected vehicles on development, and the continuing focus on standards compliance.
RingGo Park and Pay deployed in over 150,000 BMW cars
RingGo and BMW have announced an in-car payment solution, now available in over 150,000 BMW models throughout the UK. The RingGo application is accessed via the car’s on-board iDrive infotainment system, simplifying the process of making payment for parking.
Another leap in autonomous driving technology
Panasonic Industry and Sensible 4 have announced research and testing collaboration with a new IMU for full autonomous driving software.
Nissan accelerates assembly line with 3D printing solution
Having successfully integrated 3D printing into its production process in its Barcelona factory, automotive giant, Nissan now has the proven capability to expand its use of the technology in the UK.
Technology development to drive long-term EV adoption
The resilience of global Electric Vehicle (EV) sales during 2020 provided some optimism as to the maturing state of the electric vehicle market. However, sales are still primarily underpinned by government policy, and improvements in cost and performance to Li-ion cells and packs, not to forget other aspects of the vehicle or grid infrastructure, are needed for widespread adoption.
Less car charging beats fast charging any day
Imagine a few years from now. You can buy a car that often needs charging but it can be fast charging or you can choose the opposite. You only need to charge one-third of the number of times so you do that at home, at the hotel or supermarket, never in the street, once a month or less.