electric cars – DesignApplause

nissan and nasa collaborate to build weak link in everything electric – the battery.

Apr 9, 2022

nissan is partnering with nasa on a computational approach to developing all-solid-state batteries that don’t rely on rare or expensive metals, the ap has reported.

to get there, the company said it’s opening a pilot solid-state battery plant in 2024. many of the battery concepts have been demonstrated in laboratories time and again, but making the leap to manufacturing often reveals unexpected problems.

building a pilot plant shows that nissan is confident enough in its current solid-state battery tech. the 2028 target for mass production is similar to competitors like solid power. that suggests the industry is feeling confident in the timeline for when all-solid-state batteries will be ready for automotive use at scale.

the nissan-nasa partnership, which also involves researchers from the university of california, san diego, is likely looking beyond those first cells. while today’s solid-state battery designs change some fundamental parts of lithium-ion batteries mostly by doing away with flammable liquid electrolytes—they largely leave others in place, including the use of rare or expensive metals like cobalt and nickel. by eliminating such metals, future batteries would not only be cheaper but also have potentially cleaner and more ethical supply chains. cobalt mining, for example, is rife with human rights abuses and environmental hazards.

according to the associated press, the partners said they’ll be creating an “original material informatics platform” consisting of a large database of materials that can be mixed and matched to determine their potential properties.

the all-solid-state battery is stable enough to be used in pacemakers. when finished it will be about half the size of the current battery and fully charge in 15 minutes instead of a few hours.

electric car charger evbox plugs into usa via chicago for long-distance solutions.

Feb 18, 2020

holding back the electric revolution in the u.s.has been driver concern of feeling confined within the city with no long-distance trips for fear of running out of juice. that could change rather quickly.

amsterdam-based evbox – part of the french energy company engie – promises to solve long-distance worries. the company has just announced the lease of a north american headquarters and production facility, taking over the former motorola site at the innovation park campus in libertyville, outside chicago. the company which currently is in new york city, san francisco, and los angeles, considered 33 locations across the country, including detroit and charleston, s.c.

with an impressive business model in the netherlands, evbox drives sustainable mobility by providing smart and scalable charging infrastructure and charging management software to electric vehicles around the world. powered by engie, evbox has placed over 115,000 charging points across more than 55 countries. with residential, commercial, public, and fast-charging solutions, evbox is helping to build a future where everyday transport is emission-free. and they plant trees.

the plan is to start operation this summer and prepare a production line for around 200 units of dc charging units per week in the initial phase. that would be up to 10,000 dc chargers annually. in anticipation, evbox has redesigned their charging station for use along highways and industrial areas to connect urban centers already flush with chargers.

the charging stations offer an elegant signature design and will simultaneously charges up to four vehicles. an intuitive display lets you charge and pay with any smart device. as technology changes to accommodate ever more advanced cars, the modular design of the station allows customizable installation and quick exchange of parts.

at ces 2020, evbox introduced two models below > left evbox troniq 100 / right evbox ultroniq

> fast charger evbox troniq 100 was developed with the end-user in mind, in order to provide 100 kw charging and to ensure high reliability. high performance components allow maximum power to be delivered at all times.
> ultra-fast charger ultroniq with the exponential increase of evs with higher charging capability and offers up to 350 kw. its modular configurations of different units assure compatibility for every use case across the world. the design will maintain optimal performance even in extreme weather conditions at any location, and the larger integrated touch screen makes it easy for the ev driver to interact with the station.

[ key features of evbox troniq 100 and evbox ultroniq ] > full power continuously, distributed efficiently – 200 a full power with evbox troniq 100 and 500 a full power with evbox ultroniq
> load balancing to make the most efficient use of available power
> training and certification to partners for installations
> support with on-site commissioning to ensure a smooth start
> auto-retractable cables to increase their longevity
> larger touch screen for easy use
> stations are designed to be accessible to everyone – wheelchair adapted

evbox troniq 100 (up to 100 kw) to be available globally from q2 2020
evbox ultroniq (up to 350 kw) to be available globally from q3 2020
note: the above rollout dates were mentioned at ces2020 which seems improbable and we’ll let’s wait and see.
note: also wondering how tesla coast-to-coast charging system is doing

above > evbox known for its elegant designs creates a next level charger for the u.s. market – evbox iqon is designed by dutch design firm [ vanberlo ] // the charger won the prestigious 2019 [ IF world design guide award ] [ evbox details ] [ vimeo ]

1920-21 mustang mach-e all-electric suv a hint of the past but mostly about the future.

Dec 2, 2019

if the new mustang mach-e doesn’t look like a duck nor walk like a duck why call it a duck? this new suv, though tagged with the past, hints of mustang in the head and taillights and ponies here and there. but this new all-electric suv is really built for an exciting future.

above > e-latch system – no door handles but when car recognizes you it will present door button

80% of electric vehicle charging happens at home. ford offers multiple home charging solutions to fit your needs a) the ford mobile charger comes standard – a slow but convenient charge using a standard (120v) electrical outlet. b) the ford connected charge station is an option that fully charges your vehicle overnight* in a 240V outlet.

above > massive 15.5-inch infotainment screen is standard / mobile phone as a key with fordpass – no more fumbling for a fob.

first edition / sold out!
$59,900 msrp (epa est. 270 miles, mid 5-second, awd, 19” wheels)
0-60 > mid-5 seconds
the first edition will be a limited run with an exclusive body color (grabber blue), red brake calipers, and unique stitching. available in late 2020

select (base model)
$43,895 msrp (epa est. 230 miles, awd or rwd, 18” wheels)
0-60 > mid-5 seconds
available in early 2021

premium
$50,600 msrp (epa est. 300 miles, awd or rwd, 19” wheels)
0-60 > mid-5 seconds
available in late 2020

california route 1
$52,400 (epa est. 300 miles, awd, 18” wheels)
0-60 > mid-6 seconds
available in early 2021

gt
$60,500 (epa est. 235 miles, awd, 20” wheels
0-60 > mid-3 seconds
available in early 2021

innovative features
phone as a key with fordpass – no more fumbling for a fob.
e-latch system – no door handles but when car recognizes you it will present door button

[ mach e ]

2020 zero emissions all-electrified minified mini cooper se.

Nov 15, 2019

above> 2020 mini copper se /

a heavier mini with a lighter carbon footprint, and maybe more nimble as her center of gravity is one inch lower. the mini se will start at $29,900 and be available spring 2020. also check out a mini history below.

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[ pros and cons }
power > front-wheel powered 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque / similar to bmw i3
battery > space saving integrated into floor 32.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion
charging > 50-kilowatt fast charge of 80% in 35 minutes
weight > 1,400 pounds – battery pack adds 319 pounds but lower center of gravity
one inch taller > blame it on the integrated battery
range > 150 miles for initial offering designed primarily for urban environments, not for road trips
0 to 60 mph in 7.3 secs

[ premium features that come standard }
advanced heat pump technology
comfort access keyless entry
connected navigation
dc charging capability
dual-zone automatic climate control
electric parking brake
heated exterior mirrors and washer jets
heated front seats
led headlamps
sport leather multifunction steering wheel
[ details ]

[ mini history ] launched in 1961 via british motor corporation (1959 – 1968) bmw acquired the mini franchise in 2000.

below left to right > 1960s mini cooper s / designed by alec issigonis & john cooper // 2019 john cooper works 2-door hardtop with spoiler option

enel x with koz susani design offers up an e-mobility revolution with juicepole public chargers for electric vehicles.

Oct 21, 2019

enel x, a leading european electric energy provider, launched in 2017 the campaign e-mobility revolution, to install thousands of public chargers to recharge electric vehicles.

chicago-based koz susani design was tasked with designing the entire portfolio of these electric vehicle chargers. this was a rare opportunity to design a product with no precedents, to create a new urban icon designed to look familiar in the city landscape while providing an innovative function.

electric cars promise to be respectful of the quality of life in a city. likewise, juicepole, is designed as a piece of urban furniture, with a design language that integrates perfectly with any street, whether in the historic center of a small italian town or in the parking lot of the most modern shopping center.

the iconic shape is a pure cylinder, a simple, familiar form. the size of the charging station is miniaturized, to allow its top to fit below the line-of-sight while reducing the visual presence on the street.

there’s a separation between the hi-tech ‘head’ where the high-resolution user interface is, and the ‘body’ that uses traditional architectural materials like stainless steel and a variety of stone finishings. these ‘open source’ materials enables every city to select the material that best mirrors its architectural landscape.

currently juicepole, is only available in european market, but the company itself, enel x, is active in the u.s.a. too, and they’ll have similar products for the u.s.a. market in upcoming months.

the enel x juicepole and juicebox, designed by koz susani design, have been selected for adi design index 2019, selection for compasso d’oro, the most prestigious design award in italy. juicepole also won the core77 design award 2019, notable, transportation design.

13 energizing all-electric vehicles for 2020 and 5 reasons why.

Oct 14, 2019

above > aston martin rapide e

the big automakers are eyeing electric because electric cars provide many benefits to drivers. here’s five:

1 > electric vehicles save you money
every electricity provider in the 50 largest us cities offers a rate plan that makes filling up on electricity cheaper than gasoline. view average savings in your city.

2 > electric vehicles cut your emissions
electric vehicles continue to get cleaner.

3 > electric vehicles offer a better driving experience
an electric engine provides a smooth instant torque with a responsive acceleration and deceleration and a low center of gravity. electric vehicles has been recognized in race series like formula e.

4 > electric vehicles cut your oil use
electric vehicles can cut u.s.a. oil use and offer a cleaner, better way to fuel transportation for everyone.

5 > electric vehicles are convenient
battery electric vehicles are mechanically much simpler than a conventional gasoline car.

we should see at least 15 new electric vehicles coming for the 2020 model year from both long-established automakers and high-tech start-up ventures:

aston martin rapide e < below >
a true exotic sports car. based on the low-slung rapide coupe, production will be limited to 155 units worldwide, with a sky-high sticker price. it’s expected to run for around 200 miles on a charge and register a 0-60 mph time of less than four seconds. all 155 units are already pre-sold.

audi volkswagen-based e-tron suv < below >
audi will borrow volkswagen’s meb electric platform for use in its own small suv. it will become the third e-tron model – following the 2019 e-tron suv and sportback variants. this yet-unnamed model is an affordable, high-volume baby e-tron. promising 220 miles on a single charge from a 95-kwh pack.

bmw ix3 < below >
an electric crossover is equipped with a 70-kwh battery pack providing about 220 miles of range on a single charge. a single electric motor produces 270 horsepower.

chevy bolt ev < below >
the 2020 ev delivers a 259-mile electric driving range* on a full charge, which is a 21-mile increase over the previous model. this 8.8% driving range increase comes with no physical changes to the battery pack. the 2020 chevy bolt ev will get two new exterior colors: cayenne orange metallic and oasis blue. $37,495.

ford’s mustang-inspired electric suv < below >
a 300-mile all-electric sporty five-seat crossover suv. the ev offers wireless home charging and over-the-air software updates.

kia soul ev < below >
a new 64 kwh liquid-cooled lithium ion polymer battery pack should deliver well in excess of 200 miles on a charge. power will be bumped up to 200 horsepower with 291 pound-feet of torque. it will come with four drive modes and four levels of regenerative braking, including a setting for one-pedal driving.

mercedes-benz eqa < below >
an electric version of the gla, the hatchback is inspired by the concept eqa shown at the 2017 frankfurt auto show, does 0-62mph figure in the region of five seconds, a proposed 60-kwh battery and up to 250 miles of driving range, based on european emissions tests.

mercedes-benz eqc < below >
an suv with two electric motors that combine for an output of 402 horsepower with 564 pound-feet of torque. all-wheel-drive will be standard, along with a long list of convenience, connectivity, and safety features. range projected at plus 250 miles. around $80,000.

polestar (volvo) 2 < below >
volvo is launching a new high-tech sub-brand this year called polestar. its first model, the polestar 1, will be a plug-in hybrid, but the polestar 2 is a full-electric luxury four-door hatchback. a targeted a range of 275 miles with two electric motors. all-wheel drive will come standard. a limited number at $155,000.

porsche taycan < below >
porsche’s first full-electric model will be an ultra-exotic battery-powered four-door sports car. listed at 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.5 seconds, with 300 miles of range with a full battery, with the ability to recharge about 60 miles worth of energy in just four minutes. from $103,800.

rivian r1t < below >
startup rivian plans to introduce a futuristic-looking pickup truck for 2020 to be built in the former mitsubishi factory in normal, il. the r1t eyes a 400-mile range, with a quad-motor system for off-road adventures and 0-60 mph in three seconds on paved roads. starting at $62,000.

volkswagen id.4 < below >
a yet to be named all-electric crossover with three battery pack sizes offering between about 180 and 250 miles. an all-wheel-drive variant will also reportedly be available. about $30,000.

volvo xc40 electric < below >
in 2020, the first pure electric volvo will arrive in the form of a battery-powered xc40 small crossover. volvo executives hinted that the xc40 will offer about 250 miles of range – and come with a price tag below $50,000.

2019 ford mustang bullitt: it’s like you’re in a movie.

Jan 2, 2019

in 2018, ford gifts us with a special edition mustang commemorating the 50th anniversary of the film bullitt starring steve mcqueen and an iconic 1968 dark highland green mustang fastback. the new special version is a superbly tweaked premium gt model mustang.

with movies in mind, we agree there are certain movies best seen via imax. i’d love to see the following clip then test drive this car.

the special edition bullitt is conceived to capture what the movie audience experienced from arguably the best cinema car chase – full=screen mode and volume up please…

bullitt is old school – v-8, front engine, rear-wheel drive, manual transmission sports car / but curated with today’s tech – improved engine air-flow, tricked out 6-speed manual transmission with rev matching, and customizable lcd instrumentation. and there’s the price difference of bullitt and a performance packaged gt. it’s made clear if you yearn to flirt with red-lining the bullitt the extra cost is worth it.

it’s also worth mentioning DesignApplause in 2018 made a point to shout only eco-minded, electric or hybrid, efforts. bullitt represents an exception to that mindset. bullitt also re-inspires another always fun talking point – that of the varooomm variety – under-the-hood or muffler pipe melodies versus today’s all-electric stealth.

below’s gallery features highlights and at the end we have a treat – a photo of mcqueen and a friend, found on our 2016 los angeles to san fransicso drive along the pacific coast highway in a rental white mustang convertible, of course.

[ vitals ]
model: ford mustang bullitt
price: starting at 46,595
engine: 5.0-litre v8
power/torque: 480bhp/529nm
transmission: six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
0-62mph/155mph: 4.6s/155mph
top end: 163mph
on sale: now

model: ford premium gt mustang
price: starting at $39,355
engine: 5.0-litre v8
power: 460bhp – performance package
transmission: six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive / or 10-speed selectshift® automatic
top end: 158mph
on sale: now

[ ford mustang(s) ] [ bullitt vs gt ]

energy winners and losers in proposed republican tax plan.

Nov 6, 2017

losers are clean energy industries as the tax credits get blown away. think wind, solar, renewable biomass, geothermal, hydropower, and eliminate a $7,500 per electric vehicle tax credit. winners are extending credits in nuclear and continued intangible drilling cost deductions that allows producers to recover investment costs quickly in oil and gas sector. [rk] washington examiner

update (photos) on tesla’s first battery swap station.

Jan 29, 2015

update (photos) on tesla’s first battery swap station. three hours southeast of san francisco close to being finished. via gigaom [RK]

renewables that are not new. solar energy and the electric car.

Sep 17, 2014

On 6 August 1882 this printing press produced copies of Le Chaleur Solaire (Solar Heat) by Augustin Mouchot, a newspaper that he created in the Tuileries Gardens, Paris, for the festival of L’Union Francaises de la Jeuenesse. It printed 500 copies an hour, using solar thermal technology.

Solar power and the electric car are not new. Designers and engineers, as early as 1870, were creating working prototypes from Cairo to Boston. Over 500 electric cars were registered in Boston in 1902. In Paris in 1870, a solar powered printing press printed over 500 newspapers an hour.

What stopped this innovation? At that time, new technology driven by oil and war. Large ships, planes, and tanks were developed to be powered by oil. According to author David Thorpe, “around 1900 there were three types of powered vehicles on the street, each with a third of the market: steam-powered, electric and gasoline.” In 1900, early champions of the electric car argued that it was safer (gasoline engines at the time risked explosion) cleaner, noiseless, and unlikely to cause environmental problems. Much has changed in the past 100 years, and this storyline has sustained.

1900 columbia electric omnibus