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.
In 2008, batteries cost $1,355 per kilowatt-hour, and the goal of an $80/kWh EV battery seemed ridiculous. But today the cost of EV batteries is dropping within shouting distance of that $80 goal, pulling the total cost of EV ownership down with it.
The total cost of EV ownership over time, including fuel and maintenance, has been close to, or at parity with, comparable gas automobiles for many years. The deciding factors for specific vehicles vary, but drivers in the US are owning their cars for longer periods — they hit a record average of 12.5 years in 2023 — so that long-term fuel and maintenance savings advantage for EVs can tip the balance.
The November 2024 issue of the Alternative Power Report published by Power Systems Research includes articles on battery development and discussions on the declining costs of battery power for EVs. Reduced battery costs means reduced costs for EVs, too. An article discusses the outlook for clean energy in the U.S. now that Trump has regained the White House. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
A Combine is a farm machine that harvests grain crops. Combines can reap, thresh and winrow crops into a single process. Crops include wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, etc. Combines overall boost crop output and farm income.
This product information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers. PSR
Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, at Power Systems Research
There’s plenty of news on battery development of EVs in the October 2024 issue of the Alternative Power Report published by Power Systems Research. You can also read about VW’s plans to restructure its labor force, as well as several articles on hydrogen power. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
Volkswagen Group has let it be known that it might need to shutter two factories in Germany. It also indicated it might need to end the “guaranteed employment” policy it has adhered to for decades that is designed to ensure workers there will always be a job for them within the Volkswagen family. The news has rocked the company and has been described as an earthquake by some in the German media
Layoffs, which are common in the industry, are not the Volkswagen way, but now it appears that this promise is in danger as the company struggles to adapt to the current market situation.
PSR Analysis: There is much criticism of VW’s failure to grasp the opportunities presented by the electric and hybrid car markets. There is also a lot of criticism about those EV models that VW does build. This coupled with the fact that every fifth electric vehicle sold in Europe today is produced in China, means that the German auto industry is now in crisis and what it does next may determine if it survives. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
A European research consortium has produced a prototype solid-state battery using a new manufacturing process that reportedly achieves high energy densities and can be implemented on modern lithium-ion battery production lines.
The “SOLiDIFY” consortium, composed of 14 European research institutes and partners, developed a battery with a pouch cell with an energy density of 1,070 Wh/L, compared to 800 Wh/L in standard lithium-ion batteries
Geotab, an automotive telematics company, is using its in-depth access to EV data to track battery health. And its new study of 10,000 electric cars shows that their battery packs could outlast the vehicles themselves
With five years of data, the company recently released a new study that shows the average degradation per year is actually 1.8%. The company believes that it could translate to EV batteries lasting 20 years.
PSR Analysis: When EVs first appeared, there was a lot of talk about needing to replace the batteries after five years. That soon became 10, 15 and now 20 years, and so proving many ICE doubter wrong. Battery replacement need not be a concern when buying an EV. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
Ballard Power Systems, a large hydrogen fuel cell making company from Canada, has announced a massive overhaul that will slash its spending by 30%, including huge job cuts
According to Ballard CEO Randy MacEwen, there has been a notable slowing in both the development of clean hydrogen fuel production capacity, and the infrastructure used for the distribution of H2
PSR Analysis: Ballard has long been one of the leading Fuel Cell companies globally and the action of cutting costs by 30% and putting its entire China strategy at risk, will echo throughout the fuel cell industry. This is yet another body blow to this industry. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
Pedestal Cranes. This equipment is used on projects that are stationary or where mobility needs are small; they offer the perfect combination of powerful performance, durability and cost effectiveness.
Self-Propelled Cranes This is a mobile crane which is a self-propelled vehicle, one that is designed for lifting objects using a boom with lifting gear. It only carries loads that are necessary for its own propulsion or equipment.
This product information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers. PSR
Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, at Power Systems Research
China plans to introduce restrictions on antimony exports, a move that could lead to another flashpoint with the West over control of critical minerals. Antimony is used in lead-acid batteries, as well as in solar panels and flame retardant applications. The US Department of the Interior has designated it a critical mineral. It also is essential for armor-piercing ammunition, infrared sensors and precision optics.
Analysts estimate the market was already facing a 10,000-ton shortfall before China’s restrictions. The US is critically dependent on China for antimony. It consumed 22,000 tons of antimony products in 2023. Domestic production amounted to just 4,000 tons. This mostly came from antimonial lead recovered from used lead-acid batteries
PSR Analysis: There are a lot of minerals that are now being brought into sharp focus as the US looks at its critical minerals and finds that it is more reliant on other nations than previously thought. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
