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Workhorse might be taking over GM’s massive facility in Ohio

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Workhorse, the electric vehicle developer, could be about to take over General Motors’ Lordstown, Ohio facility in a deal which may see the two companies form a joint venture.

This is according to a tweet by US President Donald Trump, whose comments appear to have pre-empted the deal and caught the two companies by surprise.

Trump tweeted: “GREAT NEWS FOR OHIO! Just spoke to Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, who informed me that, subject to a UAW agreement etc., GM will be selling their beautiful Lordstown Plant to Workhorse, where they plan to build Electric Trucks. GM will also be spending $700,000,000 in Ohio…

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Amsterdam launches ‘largest smart electric vehicle charging network’

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A consortium of public-private companies and organisations in Amsterdam has launched what it claims is the “largest smart electric vehicle charging network” in the city.

Vattenfall and the City of Amsterdam, together with grid owner Liander, the infrastructure competence center Elaad, and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, launched what they call “Flexpower”.

They say it is the largest public smart charging network for electric vehicles in Amsterdam, and add that the innovative solution enables faster charging, maximal use of renewable electricity and more efficient use of the electric grid in Amsterdam.

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Komatsu develops electric mini excavator

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Komatsu Ltd has unveiled its electric mini excavator, based on its accumulated technological expertise of hybrid construction equipment and electric forklift trucks.

Equipped with an in-house developed new charger, high-voltage converter and other devices, it offers excavation performance on a par with the internal combustion model of the same power output, while achieving zero exhaust gas emissions and a dynamic reduction in noise levels.

Komatsu expects a wider range of applications for this machine, including construction work near hospitals or schools or in residential areas, where contractors pay special attention to exhaust gas and noise during work, as well as inside tunnels or buildings.

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VW unveils cutaway model of electric Golf car

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Volkswagen has demonstrated a cutaway model of an electric version of its popular Golf model of car, calling it “eGon”.

Volkswagen released details of the multifaceted program in store for visitors at IdeenExpo in Hannover, Germany from June 15 to 23.

eGon, the cutaway model of an e-Golf, is one of Volkswagen’s highlight projects to be showcased at Germany’s largest youth event for science and technology.

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Nidec to build $500 million facility in China to make motors for electric vehicles

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Industrial motors giant Nidec is planning to build a $500 million facility in China, according to a report on Nikkei.

The factory will specialize in manufacturing motors for electric vehicles, a growing market in China and the rest of the world.

The proposed location is said to be the Jinpu New Area in the port city of Dalian, north-east China, about 500 km east of Beijing.

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ABB to install 300 painting robots at leading Chinese automaker’s facility

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ABB has signed a formal agreement to install 300 painting robots at a leading Chinese automaker’s facility.

The agreement with SAIC Volkswagen is to provide robotics painting solutions for the first New Energy Vehicle factory of the Volkswagen Group based on the Modular Electric Driver Kit, an automotive platform specifically designed for the mass production of electric vehicles.

Financial details were not disclosed. [Read more…] about ABB to install 300 painting robots at leading Chinese automaker’s facility

UTC begins work on hybrid electric aeroplane

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United Technologies (UTC) has recently launched the advanced projects group within the company, which moves at speed to build and pilot ambitious product and service demonstrators.

The group’s first product demonstrator is a hybrid-electric X-plane under the project name, Project 804.

The number “804” represents the straight-line mileage between the Pratt & Whitney facility in Longueuil, Québec, and the Collins Aerospace facility in Rockford, Illinois.

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New solder paste enables further miniaturisation in automotive electronics

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For the production of miniaturised electrical systems, such as those used in the automotive industry, solder material must meet extremely high requirements.

In response, Heraeus Electronics has developed its new solder paste Microbond SMT650, which it says guarantees consistently high surface resistance.

The combination of the new F650 flux system with the Innolot metal alloy increases reliability and prevents electrochemical migration even under the most extreme environmental conditions.

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ABB and Porsche to jointly develop electric vehicle chargers

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ABB has teamed up with Porsche to develop a dedicated high-power charger for Porsche’s electric vehicles in Japan.

ABB has entered into an agreement to deliver its market-leading electric vehicle infrastructure for Porsche Japan’s EVs, including Taycan, the automaker’s first fully electric car, set to enter the Japanese market in 2020.

Under the terms, Porsche Japan will install ABB’s high-power chargers at Porsche Centers and public facilities across the country, creating a network of fast chargers for its electric vehicles. The first installation is set to go live in mid-2020.

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Phihong launches new electric vehicle charger

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Phihong has launched a new electric vehicle charger.

Following successful deliveries of EV changer products in Asia and Europe, Phihong, a supplier of power solutions, announces the availability of the AC32A 7.7kW Electric Vehicle Charger with UL certification for the North American market.

The AC32 7.7kW AC charger is compact, reliable, lightweight, and vibration resistant. With a sleek, ergonomic and customizable design, the AC32 chargers require a single-phase 220Vac to 240Vac input and have options to be wall-mounted or free standing. [Read more…] about Phihong launches new electric vehicle charger