This Week in EV: Whats New
It was a big week in the EV world this week as the ACT Expo was happening in Las Vegas, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend this year's conference and it was great to see some of the latest developments in the EV world, along with lots of advances in charging my highlight was getting to see (and sit in) the Tesla Semi for the first time which was just one among a number of electric trucks coming to market at the moment. Outside of that though there were also lots of announcements in the EV space.
First up was Kia’s unveiling of the much anticipated Kia EV 3 which will launch in Europe later this year. The EV 3 features a 150 kW front motor and offers two battery options: 58.3 kWh for 410 km range and 81.4 kWh for 600 km range. The vehicle, measuring 4.30 metres long, includes a frunk for additional storage, an 11 kW onboard charger, and supports vehicle-to-grid technology. Pricing details are not yet disclosed, but an all-wheel drive and GT version are planned for 2026. Read more
BYD has unveiled the BD11, an electric double-decker bus designed for London's public transport system. The BD11 features a 532 kWh Blade battery, providing weight savings and increased stability. With dimensions of 10.9 x 2.55 x 4.3 metres and a capacity for up to 90 passengers, it offers improved manoeuvrability and interior space. The bus is powered by two 150 kW wheel-hub motors and can charge up to 500 kW achieving full charge in about two hours. Read more
Staying with charging larger vehicles, Alpitronic announced a megawatt charging system (MCS) for electric trucks, set to launch in early 2025. The system will be tested by E.ON customers and aims to support depot electrification rather than public MCS charging. It features integrated load management to optimise energy distribution, prioritising trucks needed for immediate use. Current Alpitronic hyperchargers (HYC300 and HYC400) suffice for some trucks, but the new MCS will address the needs of long-haul trucks with large batteries. Alpitronic suggests dual CCS connections for faster charging. The MCS standard will be finalised in 2025, with truck models like Daimler's eActros 600 and MAN's eTruck expected to adopt it. Read more
Looking close to home the UK has passed the Automated Vehicles Act, paving the way for self-driving electric cars by 2026. The legislation aims to position the UK as a leader in self-driving technology, potentially unlocking a £42 billion industry and creating 38,000 skilled jobs by 2035. The AV Act mandates that self-driving vehicles must meet safety standards equivalent to those of careful human drivers and will undergo rigorous safety checks. Liability in self-driving mode will shift to corporations like insurance providers and manufacturers. This comprehensive legal framework aims to reduce road accidents and enhance road safety, marking a significant milestone in automotive innovation. Read more
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