BMW

Structural super capacitors prepare for take off

As their name suggests, such multifunctional structural materials simultaneously carry out two or more functions that would normally have to be addressed separately. For example, a structural role might combine with optical, electrical, magnetic or thermal properties. In some cases, entire complex devices can be built either within or from the primary structural material.

Consortium develops prototype of new heating concept for EVs

In the consortium project Printed Electronics, the BMW Group, Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG and Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH under the direction of KEX Knowledge Exchange AG have recently developed a prototype of a new heating concept for electric cars.

World's first hydrogen electric vehicle charger

AFC Energy announced the successful deployment of CH2ARGETM, the world's first electric vehicle charger based on hydrogen fuel-cell technology. The breakthrough could enable 100% clean electricity for future EV charging.

Auto industry reacts to deal on CO2 targets for cars and vans

The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association takes note of the final deal on the CO2 regulation for cars and vans, setting targets for the years 2025 and 2030, which was struck by the EU member states and the European Parliament.

Cross-industry project to enhance sustainable cobalt mining

BMW Group, BASF SE, Samsung SDI and Samsung Electronics launch cross-industry project to enhance sustainable cobalt mining. As part of a cross-industry initiative, the companies have launched a joint cobalt pilot project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

BMW: A million printed components in just ten years

At the BMW Group, the use of 3D-printed components is on the rise. Over the last decade alone, the company produced a million parts by this innovative method, and this year output from the BMW Group Additive Manufacturing Center is expected to reach over 200,000 components — a 42 percent increase on last year's total.

Anisoprint

Anisoprint has developed a continuous fiber 3D Printing process. Dr Fedor Antonov (CEO) spoke with technology analyst Dr Richard Collins.

BMW sets out electric vehicle plan

By 2021, the BMW Group will have five all-electric models: the BMW i3, the MINI Electric, the BMW iX3, the BMW i4 and the BMW iNEXT. By 2025, that number is set to grow to at least twelve models. Including plug-in hybrids - whose electrically powered range will increase significantly in the coming year - the BMW Group's electrified product portfolio will then comprise at least 25 models.

BMW to develop sustainable life cycle loop for batteries

The BMW Group, Northvolt and Umicore have formed a joint technology consortium in order to work closely together on the continued development of a complete and sustainable value chain for battery cells for electrified vehicles in Europe.

Tritium announces Gilbarco Veeder-Root makes minority investment

Tritium Pty Ltd, the Australian DC electric vehicle charging infrastructure solutions specialists, has announced that Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a Fortive Corporation business, has taken a minority investment in the company.

VDL FLOW

VDL provides contract manufacturing - from cars and electric buses to manufacturing machines for flexible electronics. This profile focuses on their work with flexible/printed electronics.

Will battery second life have an impact on recycling?

2018 is regarded as the beginning year for battery recycling as the first batch of batteries are gradually coming out of electric vehicles. Umicore has recently announced their investment plan in ramping up battery recycling capacity in preparation for the boom of spent EV batteries. By 2018, we will already have around 33,000 retired electric vehicle battery packs (including electric passenger cars and buses) which amounts to around 1GWh storage capacity.

Will second-life batteries need to compete with new batteries?

Hyundai Motor Group has recently announced a commercial partnership with energy company Wärtsilä to utilize second-life electric vehicle batteries for stationary energy storage at both commercial and utility scales. This is not the first piece of news that automotive companies are trying to give a second life to their retired EV batteries as major EV manufactures including Nissan, Renault, BMW, Daimler, BYD etc. have announced various battery second use projects around the world.