Audi AG

Audi working on advanced solar car bodywork

Audi and Alta Devices, a subsidiary of solar-cell specialist, Hanergy Thin Film Power, plan to work together to integrate solar cells into panoramic glass roofs of Audi models.

Robot-supported innovations for electric vehicles

Joint development of robot-based innovation concepts for vehicles of the future has now been agreed.

CIKONI

CIKONI provides services for lightweight design innovation with a specific focus on fibre composite material. Dr Richard Collins interviewed Dr Farbod Nezami (Co-Founder).

When electric vehicles crash, what happens to the battery?

Safety, range and costs: these are the three big premises of electromobility. Safety definitely comes first. Lithium-based traction batteries are usually completely enclosed in the battery case and integrated in the vehicle to protect the battery from all conceivable stresses and external influences. This "armour" has an effect on construction, weight, size and overall design of the vehicle.

EV forecasts turn upwards

From its facts based research, IDTechEx has what some regarded as over-optimistic forecasts for electric cars. However, others are now matching or exceeding our optimism.

New insights and technologies to improve human-robot collaboration

Introducing new adaptive control software and using gestures to improve human-machine communication, Walt, a collaborative robot (cobot) has been developed that works alongside its human co-workers in a safe and flexible way.

Flexible OLEDs now one step closer to market

Partners of the PI-SCALE project recently showcased their first pilot lines demonstrators of flexible OLEDS — providing a great opportunity for EU companies to bring their ideas and concepts to market.

Joint venture for ultra-fast, high-power charging along major highways

BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create the highest-powered charging network in Europe.

Guinness World Record for most efficient electric vehicle

After one year of preparation the TUfast Eco Team achieved their goal: "most efficient electric vehicle."

Mercedes 48V mild hybrids from 2017

As detailed in the IDTechEx report, Mild Hybrid 48V Vehicles 2016-2031, this option will become a huge business from 2017 as Ford, Hyundai, Bentley, Volkswagen, Audi, Geely and many others adopt them as the most cost-effective way of meeting 2025 and 2030 carbon dioxide emissions regulations while sharply improving economy - even improving performance in some respects.

CPT appoints chief commercial officer industry implements 48V tech

Controlled Power Technologies has announced the creation of a new senior management role with the appointment of Dennis Hayter as chief commercial officer.

AVERE e-Mobility Conference Amsterdam 13-14.4.16

IDTechEx report on their attendance at the AVERE e-Mobility Conference in Amsterdam.

Death of hybrid vehicles?

Sales of hybrid cars in the USA collapsed from 3.2% of car sales in 2013 to under 2% in 2015 as Americans responded to the sharply reduced oil price. However the oil price will recover eventually so commentary that it heralds the death of hybrid vehicles is wide of the mark. Indeed hybrid car sales outside the USA were sharply up.

Open access pilot line accelerates commercialisation of flexible OLED

Europe's technology leaders in the development of flexible organic light-emitting diodes for lighting and signage applications have joined together in a consortium to develop an open access pilot line that will accelerate the commercial adoption of this promising new technology.

More players getting into touch with emerging haptics

As CES passed for another year we saw another wave of announcements and demonstrations without the topic reaching the limelight it will soon command.

Printed and flexible electronics in vehicles will reach $5.5bn by 2026

As printed and flexible electronics are beginning to proliferate, with a variety of components and devices coming to market, several end user verticals are expected to benefit from the host of advantages these technologies offer and the automotive sector is no exception. Overall, the market is expected to grow to over $5.5 Billion dollars in the next decade, spearheaded by the projected growth of in-mold electronics and OLED technologies, as discussed in more detail in the newly launched IDTechEx report "Printed and Flexible Electronics in Automotive Applications 2016-2026 - Enabling technology toolkits, suppliers and market forecasts".

Printed and flexible electronics in vehicles: a $5.5bn opportunity

Printed and flexible electronics are beginning to proliferate, with a variety of components and devices coming to market. Several end-user verticals are expected to benefit from the host of advantages these technologies offer and the automotive sector is no exception.

Audi production network: ready for electric mobility

Audi is preparing its international production network for the mobility of the future. Large series production of the first purely electric driven SUV from Audi will begin at the site in Brussels in 2018.

Mild Hybrid 48V Vehicles: Controlled Power Technologies (CPT) Ltd

IDTechEx visited Controlled Power Technologies (CPT) Ltd UK on 18 Jan 2016. They met with CEO Nick Pascoe with Robert Palmer, investor and PR, also present.