Rare earths play an important part in the sustainability of electric vehicles (EVs). While there are sustainability challenges related to EV batteries, rare earths are not used in lithium-ion batteries. They are necessary for the magnets that form the main propulsion motors. The batteries mostly rely on lithium and cobalt (not rare earths). At the…

Several things. First, quick charge is used with devices like smart phones and tablet computers, while extreme fast charging (XFC) is used with electric vehicles (EVs). Quick charge (QC) is generally slower than extreme fast charge. QC has competitors like universal serial bus power delivery (USB-PD), IEC 62680-1-2:2022, and USB extended power range (EPR). Tesla…

While lithium-ion battery chemistry dominates the current electric vehicle market, scientists are working to develop innovative battery chemistries that address the known challenges the existing chemistry presents. By Adam Kimmel for Mouser Electronics Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) continue to outpace the overall automotive segment, with EV market shares of 5.2% in Q1 and 5.6%…

A research team comprised of Princeton, Vanderbilt, and Argonne and Oak Ridge National Labs researchers claims to have uncovered a hidden flaw behind failures in solid-state batteries. In a solid-state battery, ions move through the battery within a solid material, in contrast to traditional lithium-ion batteries, in which ions move in a liquid. Solid-state cells…

There are many alternatives to Li-ion batteries, including fuel cells, various types of supercapacitors, redox flow batteries, novel Li-based chemistries such as lithium-sulfur (LiS), and more. This FAQ focuses on alternative non-lithium rechargeable battery chemistries, including calcium-ion (Ca-ion), magnesium-ion (Mg-ion), sodium-ion (Na-ion), zinc-ion (Zn-ion), iron-air (Fe-air), and sodium-sulfur (NaS) that can be more readily integrated…

Marelli expands its range of battery management technologies for electric vehicles with a new state-of-the-art Wireless Distributed Battery Management System (wBMS). This technology eliminates the wired physical connections typically needed in other Battery Management systems (BMS) architectures, allowing for greater flexibility, increased efficiency, improved reliability, and reduced costs, all crucial aspects of electric vehicles. Marelli […]

A new Battery Test System (BTS) for electric vehicle (EV) testing is designed to help tier-one suppliers and automakers adapt to the complexity and scale of EV battery testing through enhanced customization, automation, and connection of data across the entire battery test workflow to ensure performance and accelerate time to market. Batteries are at the…

Building on more than two decades of experience developing new isolation manufacturing technologies and integrated circuits (ICs) for high-voltage systems, Texas Instruments introduced new portfolio of solid-state relays, including automotive-qualified isolated drivers and switches, that deliver industry-leading reliability to help make electric vehicles (EVs) safer. The new isolated solid-state relays also provide the smallest solution […]

Connectors for electric vehicle (EV) charging are both standardized and changing. On one level, EV charging connectors are standardized based on today’s technology limitations. There are standards in major regional markets, including North America, Japan, the European Union, and China. But current charging technologies are power limited. This FAQ begins with a review of EV […]

Battery cells, modules, and systems support many electronic, transportation, and energy applications. This FAQ briefly reviews the operation of rechargeable batteries and looks at the energy storage value chain; it then presents common battery cell formats and how battery cells are assembled into modules and systems, reviews the development of multi-function structural battery packs, and…