Power Systems Research (PSR) is an international research company based in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. It operates a second North America office in Detroit, Mich., and has offices in five other countries. PSR analysts have been collecting and analyzing global engine and powertrain data and information since 1976, and we use this data to develop targeted forecasts by industry segment and region.

Our team of experienced analysts works with OEMs, engine and component manufacturers, dealers, fleet managers and industry experts to compile detailed and focused data that has become an industry standard. It’s the leading source of global information on engines and power equipment powered by IC and alternate sources. Whether you need detailed global data, forecasts or customized local market studies, we can provide you with Data, Forecasting and Solutions. Let’s start today.

Australian Mining — Can It Power All The New EVs?

Australia is already the largest exporter of lithium in the world and has the largest lithium mine in the world. Each quarter, the Australian government produces a report from the Department of Industry Science and Resources which discusses Lithium and most of the other minerals needed to support the EV revolution.

The report is 175 pages long and this article focusses on the sections dealing with copper, nickel, zinc, and lithium.

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Black Mass, Black Gold, And the Truth About EV Battery Recycling

“Black mass” is a term used to refer to the residual compound formed by shredding of li-ion batteries that have reached the end of their usable life cycle. It is a huge task and challenge to recover the valuable cathode elements (lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt) entwined within the battery and upcycling them into usable battery materials.

RecycLiCo is among the first companies to turn that black mass into what is referred to as “black gold.” They do this by recovering almost all of the cathode materials within black mass and upcycling them into battery-grade precursor cathode active material (pCAM) and lithium that can be used again in the battery manufacturing process.

Source: CleanTechnica: Read The Article

PSR Analysis:  EV detractors are quick to point out the massive cost of mining the battery metals (lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese) that make up the core of modern li-ion car batteries. This is a cost that may take tens of thousands of miles to get ahead of. But those detractors are missing a critical bit of information: battery recycling, and if it can be done effectively and in a low cost manner, it will go some way to alleviating the shortages of these materials.   PSR

Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research

Redesigned Zinc-Air Batteries ‘Better’ than Lithium, say Researchers

Researchers at Edith Cowan University in Australia have redesigned zinc-air batteries and have found the technology to be preferable to lithium-ion batteries – even for electric vehicles, and they claim to have overcome the technology’s notorious power output limitations.

Zinc-air batteries consist of a zinc negative electrode and an air positive electrode. The chemistry holds promise and is significantly more sustainable than lithium-based counterparts, but the poor performance of air electrodes and short lifespan has limited the technology’s power output.

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Strong E-Bike Market Growth Seen

The pandemic bike boom boosted e-bike sales 145% from 2019 to 2020, more than double the rate of classic bikes, according to the market research firm NPD Group.

Research by Power Systems Research estimates the global e-bike market size at US$ 23.2B in 2022 and expects the market to reach US$ 78B by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.5%.

E-bikes are bicycles equipped with electrical motors for transforming electrical energy into mechanical energy to assist pedaling. They use rechargeable batteries that require minimum maintenance and provide power to the motor.

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Hydrogen Fuel Cell MH Commercial Vehicle Update

Chris Fisher
Chris Fisher

With regards to zero-emission medium and heavy vehicles, we have heard during the past few years that battery electric commercial trucks will ultimately replace the diesel-powered internal combustion engine for commercial trucks.  At some point in the future this might be true for short and regional haul freight carriers but what about the long-haul heavy truck segment? 

Currently, the lack of charging infrastructure, range anxiety and the extreme weights associated with the batteries will be a significant deterrent to mass adoption of long-haul battery electric trucks.  However, hydrogen fuel cell trucks for long-haul applications appear to be a viable option in this segment.  Even though fuel cell trucks currently have a greater range and lighter weight than battery electric trucks, they have the same problem as electric trucks due to a lack of a power infrastructure.

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DataPoint: North America Tractor/Loader/Backhoes (TLBs)

7,450 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Tractor/Loader/Backhoes (TLB) expected to be produced in North America in 2023.

Tractor/Loader/Backhoes are full-size machines that are three pieces of construction equipment combined into one: the tractor, the loader and the backhoe. These units are designed to tackle an array of construction and agricultural related activities.

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Continued Growth Seen for Powersports Market

Michael Aistrup

The growing popularity of powersports is expected to provide many new opportunities ln this rapidly growing market. Some of the trends fueling this long-term growth potential are:

Growing/changing market for utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs).

  • Technological advancements through improved durability and adaptability to UTV’s, ensure greater enjoyment for UTV riders.
  • Industry-leading companies will continue to focus on increased product range and rigorous R&D initiatives to strengthen their market standing.
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