ENGINE MAKERS * WORLDWIDE

* Sweden - Chalmers team developing new high-power integrated motor and battery charger

Göteborg,Sweden-Busworld (Belgium) -7 May 2013: -- Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have developed a new type of high-power integrated motor drive and battery charger for electric vehicles. Compared to today’s electric vehicle chargers, the new system could shorten the charging time from eight to two hours, and to reduce the cost by around $2,000, according to the developers... Dr. Saeid Haghbin at Chalmers proposed the system which uses the components in the traction circuit—such as the electric motor and the inverter—in the charger circuit to reduce the size, weight and price of the on-board charger. In essence, the proposed system uses the motor as a grid-connected generator with extra terminals... Chalmers is trying to find a potential industrial user, and Volvo AB is working on the concept for further enhancement to be used in its systems...


* UK - Vocis launching demo EV with 2nd generation multi-speed transmission

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Lighthorne,Warwick,UK -Busworld (Belgium) -6 May 2013:  -- UK-based transmission engineering and control specialist Vocis will launch an electric demonstrator vehicle fitted with the second generation of its multi-speed eDCT transmission for electric vehicles...

The demonstration vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz Vito minibus, will be made available for evaluation by interested parties from industry and the press... The 4-speed dual-motor Vocis eDCT concept uses the principles of dual clutch transmissions (DCTs) to provide seamless shifting and up to 15% improvement in electric vehicle efficiency over the combined European cycle compared to a single speed gearbox Vocis transmission. The second-generation unit has been developed with partial funding from the Niche Vehicle Network and was shortlisted for an SMMT Automotive Innovation award in 2012...