Renewables
Electric trucks to bolster commercial fleet
One of the largest commercial trucking fleet operators in the world has has placed a reservation for 125 of Tesla’s new fully electric semi tractors. The new tractors will join UPS’s alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle fleet, comprised of trucks and tractors propelled by electricity, natural gas, propane and other non-traditional fuels.
Brazil launches Center for Research in Genomics Applied to Climate Change
FAPESP and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) are partners in the Center for Research in Genomics Applied to Climate Change, hosted by the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and formally established on December 13, 2017, during an event held at FAPESP's headquarters, in São Paulo. The research center’s mission is to create biotechnological assets that increase plant resistance to drought and heat, and to tra...
Artificial photosynthesis for greener ethylene production
A team of scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has developed a prototype device that mimics natural photosynthesis to produce ethylene gas using only sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. The novel method, which produces ethylene at room temperature and pressure using benign chemicals, could be scaled up to provide a more eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to the current method of ethylene production.
Taking a different approach to a flat battery
A Swedish start-up has revealed a radical solution for charging Electric Vehicles. Instead of connecting the cord and waiting for the car to be charged, the battery is replaced with the help of a robotic device in three minutes. “Our solution is in many ways revolutionary and will change the way we think about EV charging,” said Sten Corfitsen, Founder of Powerswap.
The good, the bad and the ugly: EVs and off grid forecasting
When the Mayor of London plans a ban on parking in all new apartment blocks, it is best not to assume, that car sales will go on up forever. Factor in trials of autonomous taxi-buses from Switzerland to New Zealand and the rise in internet shopping using electric delivery vans. They are all going to hit car sales, including taxis. Bill Gates’ Belmont new city in Arizona is being based on more space-efficient, safer, less expensive alternati...
Energy storage solutions for hybrid electric vehicles
A distribution agreement has been signed between Skeleton Technologies and Sumitomo Corporation Europe with the aim of providing energy storage solutions for the rapidly growing hybrid electric and electric vehicle industry.
Beep beep! The smart city autonomous vehicle is coming through
Manufacturer of the electric vehicles, Fisker, is entering an alliance with prominent China-based conglomerate, Hakim Unique Group, to develop what the company claims to be the world’s most appealing autonomous shuttle for smart cities across the globe. The partnership is reflective of both firms shared vision in new mobility trends and the elevation of integrated smart city concepts - bringing them to life with a powerful combination ...
Electrically smart roads supercharge safety and speed
An independent, technical and market appraisal of electrically smart roads and their allied infrastructure such as electrical road furniture and parking areas has been released by IDTechEx, entitled Electrically Smart Roads 2018-2028. It embraces such things as solar roads driving integral lighting today and the research to add harvesting of heat and movement by roads and electricity from roadside wind turbines, sensing, and structural ...
3D visual survey solution comes to Gwynt y Môr windfarm
In order to support one of the world’s largest offshore windfarms, Gwynt y Môr, UK subsea company Rovco has been awarded a three year contract. Gwynt y Môr lies eight miles off the coast of North Wales. Rovco will be providing its underwater ROV 3D visual survey solution, alongside traditional video, blueview sonar and cathodic protection analysis techniques.
Fully integrated powered wheel drives with steering for EVs
Allied Motion Technologies has introduced the WheelMax Steering Series wheel drive assemblies. The steering Drives are fully-integrated, electrically powered traction wheels with on-board steering systems for electric vehicles.