2024-09-18
Read about Greely adding fast-charging batteries to its EV autos; Volvo backtracking on its EV pledge; Volkswagen considering factory shutdowns in Germany, and a new battery made from stone, all this and more in the September 2024 issue of the Alternative Power Report published by Power Systems Research. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
2024-09-06
A Light Plant, also known as a Light Tower, is a piece of mobile equipment which has one or more high-intensity lamps mounted on a mast. The mast is attached to a trailer, with a generator to power the lamps. The generator is powered by a diesel engine. Light plants mostly are used for construction and mining projects.
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, for Power Systems Research
2024-08-30
The Indian automotive market is grappling with a significant inventory challenge, with passenger vehicle stock levels reaching 55 to 60 days’ worth, equating to approximately 550,000 to 600,000 unsold vehicles as of May 2024. This rise in inventory has been a concern for auto dealers, who are already feeling the strain from prolonged high inventory levels. During the previous festive season, inventory levels surpassed 60 days, prompting the Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Associations (FADA) to request reductions in stock dispatches from OEMs and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
The increasing inventory is placing considerable financial pressure on dealerships. Longer inventory holding periods impact cash flow and increase interest costs, making it challenging for dealers to manage their finances effectively. In response to this growing issue, FADA plans to approach SIAM to advise its members on moderating stock inflow and addressing the inventory surplus.
The article shown here is starting to give us some insight as to how the 2024 CARB ACT regulations are playing out in California and what the other states who plan to adopt these regulations can expect upon their implementation. It is a bit of a long read but very insightful of what the truck dealers are currently experiencing.
Information is beginning to trickle out about sales requirements for commercial truck dealers in California that will soon extend to other states committed to implementing the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) and low-NOx Omnibus regulations.
2024-08-27
BYD has signed an agreement with the Turkish government to invest USD 1 Billion to build a factory in Turkey. This is BYD’s second factory in Europe following one built in Hungary. Under the agreement, BYD will build a factory and research and development center with an annual production of 150,000 vehicles. The factory is planned to start production by the end of 2026 and will provide job opportunities for up to 5,000 workers. The factory is expected to improve BYD’s logistics efficiency.
The Turkish government is welcoming the factory construction of Chinese automotive enterprises and is holding discussions regarding factory construction are taking place with SAIC and Great Wall, as well as BYD and Chery. Previously, Turkey announced the cancellation of a plan to impose an additional 40% tariff on all vehicles from China, which was announced a month earlier, to encourage Chinese automotive enterprises to invest in Turkey.
A research team at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has developed a new generation of lithium metal batteries, with the innovation centering on microcrack-free polymer electrolytes, which promise extended lifespan and enhanced safety at temperatures as high as 100 degrees Celsius
The microcrack-free polymer electrolytes are synthesized via a straightforward one-step click reaction, exhibiting notable attributes including “a remarkable resistance to dendrite growth and outstanding non-flammability,” the researchers reported
Source: PV Magazine: Read The Article
Dendrite growth is a tree-like structure of crystals that grows on metal cathode and has large consequences regarding material properties as it causes the loss of active lithium inside batteries, which leads to capacity loss.
PSR Analysis: Dendrite growth has been a key component of the duration of battery life (in terms of the number of cycles and battery degradation), so any move in this area holds great promise. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead for Power Systems Research
A number of people who own and lease the Toyota Mirai hydrogen car have filed a class action lawsuit against the automaker because of their dissatisfaction with the vehicle.
According to the lawsuit, the automaker misled Toyota Mirai customers when it came to the reality of owning the hydrogen powered vehicle. The complaint states that the Japanese company and its sales teams led potential customers of the fuel cell cars to believe that “hydrogen refueling is available, seamless, and comparable to refueling with gasoline.” The complaint also states that this was not the experience of those customers.
Many people are talking about lithium iron phosphate batteries, especially auto industry stakeholders who are eager to get their hands on a higher-performing, lower-costing and safer battery. If the supply chain doesn’t get its act together soon, this may be problematic.
81% of the global supply of phosphate rock is produced by just six countries, with China and Morocco in the lead, but the real problem is further up the supply chain. Regardless of the source, an LFP battery can’t use phosphate rock straight from the mine. It has to be purified with only 3% of total phosphate production currently suitable for lithium ion battery applications, given its refinement needs.
Source: CleanTechnica: Read The Article
PSR Analysis: Gathering phosphates from wastewater sludge could be a solution, but as with most new tech, investment is needed. A side effect of this could be improved water quality. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead for Power Systems Research
This article is a link to a podcast by Electrek which explores the historic drop in global diesel demand. It examines whether it is inflation and a slowing economy or the rapid rise in EV sales that’s displacing millions of gallons of oil demand.
Source: Electrek: Read The Article
PSR Analysis: The podcast gives a useful background to this story and is only 14 mins long. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead for Power Systems Research
The Global Snowmobile Market size was valued at $1.62 billion in 2023, according to Power System Research, and is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.1% between 2023 and 2031 with a projected market value of $2.42 billion in 2032.
Source: Power Systems Research
North America Is Major Snowmobile Market
According to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA), 82% of snowmobile sales are in North America.
Source: Power Systems Research
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