Komatsu unveils new autonomous electric underwater bulldozer

Komatsu unveils new autonomous electric underwater bulldozer
Komatsu unveils new autonomous electric underwater bulldozer

The headline isn’t a misprint. Komatsu, a century-old global manufacturer of heavy equipment, has unveiled an autonomous electric underwater bulldozer.

The company showed off a fully-functional prototype at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show.

The futuristic bulldozer has a battery capacity of 450 kWh and a four-hour charging time. The battery’s capacity can be increased to 500 kWh, which would give the underwater EV a running time of up to six hours.

The prototype has a diving limitation of 23 feet (7 m) because of GPS limitations; however, Komatsu said it will soon increase the operational depth to 164 feet (50 m). The new electric bulldozer is far from being Komatsu’s first underwater bulldozer—it introduced a conventionally-powered version back in 1970.

“Developing a bulldozer that was used on land and using it underwater, in a sense, was an extraordinary challenge,” said Shuu Komatsu, Team Manager of the Komatsu Hydraulic Excavator-Bulldozer Development Group. “I think it is amazing that our predecessors at Komatsu developed this more than 50 years ago, and it is still in service. I don’t think there is any other construction equipment like it.”

The new electric underwater bulldozer is suitable for everyday construction tasks such as coastal projects to mitigate storm surge damage. It can also be deployed to maintain rivers and coastlines, including for use in river dredging to enable harbor navigation and minimize flooding, as well as in ecosystem restoration efforts.

The bulldozer can be operated remotely without requiring significant operator training, ensuring that operators do not have to hold their breath while 164 feet below the surface.

Source: Komatsu

New US administration eliminates non-existent EV “mandate,” halts federal funding for charging infrastructure

New US administration eliminates non-existent EV “mandate,” halts federal funding for charging infrastructure
New US administration eliminates non-existent EV “mandate,” halts federal funding for charging infrastructure

As promised, the newly-sworn-in president of the United States signed a slew of executive orders designed to reverse federal support for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

One such order signaled the new president’s intention to eliminate the Biden administration’s electric vehicle policies. Under the heading Unleashing American Energy, the order stated it would “eliminate the electric vehicle (EV) mandate [no such mandate exists at the federal level] and promote true consumer choice, which is essential for economic growth and innovation, by removing regulatory barriers to motor vehicle access.”

The president said he will be directing agency heads to identify regulations that “impose an undue burden” on “consumer choice of vehicles,” in a thinly veiled reference to the emissions and fuel economy standards that EV opponents frame as a “mandate.”

The president also said he would end federal funding for EV charging infrastructure, saying in the executive order, “All agencies shall immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-169) or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), including but not limited to funds for electric vehicle charging stations made available through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program.”

Source: White House

The End of EV Subsidies: What It Means for Drivers, Automakers, and the Planet

On January 21, 2025, the federal government announced significant changes to electric vehicle (EV) policies that could impact consumers, automakers, and the environment. President Donald Trump’s executive order seeks to roll back several EV-focused initiatives introduced during the previous administration. These changes include eliminating the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, halting funding for charging infrastructure development, and rescinding California’s ability to enforce stricter emissions standards.

This blog post will break down what these changes mean and how they could affect the EV market in the United States.

What Are EV Subsidies?

EV subsidies, such as federal tax credits, have been a driving force behind the growth of electric vehicles. These incentives reduce the upfront cost of EVs, making them more accessible to consumers. Subsidies also encourage automakers to innovate and develop cleaner, more efficient technologies.

In addition to tax credits, federal and state governments have invested in building a network of charging stations. These efforts aim to address “range anxiety”—the concern about how far an EV can travel before needing a charge—which has been a barrier for some consumers.

What’s Changing?

The new executive order aims to:

  1. Eliminate the Federal EV Tax Credit: The $7,500 incentive for purchasing EVs will no longer be available. This change increases the cost for consumers considering a switch to electric vehicles.

  2. Defund Charging Infrastructure Development: Federal support for expanding the EV charging network will cease, which could slow the progress of making EVs a practical option nationwide.

  3. Rescind California’s Emissions Standards Waiver: California has historically set stricter emissions standards than the federal government, pushing automakers to produce cleaner vehicles. Removing this waiver could affect emissions regulations across the country.

Who Will Be Affected?

  • Consumers: Without federal tax credits, the cost of EVs may be prohibitive for many households. Buyers may also face challenges finding convenient charging options if infrastructure development slows.

  • Automakers: Many companies have invested heavily in EV technology to meet emissions standards and consumer demand. The removal of incentives and stricter emissions rules may disrupt these efforts and reduce the U.S. market’s competitiveness in the global EV industry.

  • The Environment: EVs play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A slowdown in EV adoption could hinder the nation’s efforts to address climate change.

What’s Next for EVs?

While federal support may be diminishing, the EV market has momentum that could carry it forward. Many automakers remain committed to their EV goals, and some states may introduce their own incentives to fill the gap left by federal changes. Additionally, consumer demand for cleaner, more efficient vehicles may continue to drive growth.

For those considering an EV, now is a crucial time to evaluate options and understand how these changes could impact your decision. Staying informed about local incentives and the evolving market will be key.

The Bigger Picture

The shift in federal policy highlights the dynamic nature of the EV industry and its reliance on government support. It also underscores the importance of consumer awareness and advocacy in shaping the future of sustainable transportation. As the industry adapts to these changes, one thing is clear: the road ahead for EVs will require innovation, resilience, and collaboration.

Stay tuned to our blog for updates on how these policies evolve and what they mean for EV owners and enthusiasts.

Tata Elxsi and Minespider launch new BMS at the Bharat Mobility Show

Tata Elxsi and Minespider have announced their collaboration on Mobius+, a battery lifecycle management platform that combines data analytics with blockchain technology. The platform is designed to monitor batteries from […]

The post Tata Elxsi and Minespider launch new BMS at the Bharat Mobility Show appeared first on Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International.

Siemens partners with Italian firms for major EV infrastructure projects

Siemens eMobility has secured two major contracts to develop EV charging infrastructure across Italy, partnering with public transport operator Autolinee Toscane and energy solutions provider IPlanet. The first project involves […]

The post Siemens partners with Italian firms for major EV infrastructure projects appeared first on Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International.

Smiths Interconnect provides 90% more energy transfer with Hypertac Green Connect

Smiths Interconnect provides 90% more energy transfer with Hypertac Green Connect
Smiths Interconnect provides 90% more energy transfer with Hypertac Green Connect

The innovative environmental-friendly contact is designed to reduce power loss providing up to 90% more energy transfer.

Smiths Interconnect, a leading provider of technically differentiated electronic components, subsystems, microwave, optical and radio frequency products, announced today the introduction of Hypertac Green ConnectTM, a new lead-free and Beryllium-free hyperboloid high-power contact technology, to its established high relibility contact technologies for demanding applications. 

As the world experiences a monumental shift on a scale not seen in a century – transitioning from fossil fuel engines to electric power – the importance of batteries has risen to the forefront of design across a wide range of systems. This includes their crucial role in applications spanning rail transport, defence, commercial buses, mining operations, boats, and ports. 

A critical aspect that unites all these diverse applications is the method of interconnection. Presently, existing interconnect solutions in the market suffer from significant energy losses due to high contact resistance. 

In response to this challenge, Smiths Interconnect proudly presents an advanced design of the original hyperboloid contact aimed at solving the issue of power loss. 

This cutting-edge solution ensures optimal utilisation of every kilowatt-hour of energy stored in the battery, enhancing overall efficiency and performance. 

Specifically tailored for battery systems market and related applications, this advanced hyperboloid contact design provides a robust connection capable of efficiently handling continuous currents of up to 500 amperes. 

By facilitating efficient and prolonged energy transfer, this solution promises to revolutionise the way power is managed and used in various applications across industries. 

The lower contact resistance of the Hypertac Green ConnectTM technology reduces heat build-up allowing the contacts to handle greater current in smaller contact assemblies without adversely effecting temperature rise. 

The technology uses a set of socket wires, properly angled to form a hyperboloid-shaped, elastic and conductive sleeve. When the mating pin enters the socket, the sleeve expands around it, providing many lines of electrical contact with the mating pin, as opposed to a few “high spots” on a conventional contact.

Also, the elimination of beryllium and lead from the Hypertac Green ConnectTM delivers game-changing operational and environmental benefits. Both beryllium and lead require significant substance compliance management. Certifications of compliance, declarations of meeting threshold limits, or having to request, manage and monitor exemptions is both time consuming and costly. Complete removal of these materials reduces overall compliance documentation requirements. Most importantly, however, removing these materials improves the safety of our manufacturing process and for customers, because substances of concern are completely removed from our processes and the eventual costly need for environmentally-safe disposal is eradicated. 

Finally, thanks to the improved crimp design of the socket, an increased contact area is established between the contact body and the multi-stranded cable, ultimately contributing to the unparalleled low contact resistance. 

“To provide a groundbreaking solution to the growing battery systems market including high voltage packs for electric mobility, we have developed an innovative contact technology specifically designed to offer an unparalled performance by reducing power loss” says Mark Kelleher, VP and General Manager of the Connectors Business Unit at Smiths Interconnect. “I’m delighted to present this advanced solution to the market which combines the proven original hyperboloid technology with the latest environmental-friendly requirements.” 

Lead-free and Beryllium free Hypertac Green ConnectTM technology offers a sustainable and premium connectivity solutions thanks to: 

  • High current carrying capacity (300A with a temperature rise < 50°C) capable of up to 90% more energy transfer at 500A boost mode even after 10,000 insertion/withdrawal cycles when compared with other technologies 
  • Unrivalled premium hyperboloid socket designed to IEC62196 and SAE J1772 standards 
  • Low Contact Resistance from 25 μΩ (40 μΩ after aging) 
  • Up to 40,000 mating cycles and low insertion and extraction force. 
  • Improved crimp design of the socket (patent pending) offering an increased contact area between the contact body and the multi-stranded cable, that guarantees an unrivalled low contact resistance. 
  • Fully RoHS and REACH compliant materials without exceptions: no SVHC or Beryllium copper used. 

About Smiths Interconnect 

Smiths Interconnect is a leading provider of high reliability connectivity products and solutions serving segments of aerospace and defense, medical, semiconductor test, and industrial markets. It designs and manufactures technically differentiated electronic components, microwave, optical and radio frequency products and sub-systems that connect, protect and control critical applications. 

Smiths Interconnect is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths Group has been pioneering progress by improving the world through smarter engineering. Smiths serves millions of people every year (to help create a safer, more efficient and better connected world) across four major global markets; Energy, General Industry, Security & Defence and Aerospace. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs c.14,600 colleagues in over 50 countries. 

For further information visit:
Smiths Interconnect at TTI

Altilium and Helm partner to develop a sustainable domestic lithium supply chain in the UK

Altilium and Helm partner to develop a sustainable domestic lithium supply chain in the UK
Altilium and Helm partner to develop a sustainable domestic lithium supply chain in the UK

UK-based clean technology group Altilium has announced a new partnership with LevertonHELM, the UK subsidiary of German chemical firm HELM, to develop a sustainable domestic supply chain for lithium in the UK.

By combining Altilium’s expertise in recovering battery materials from spent batteries with LevertonHELM’s lithium production capabilities, the partnership aims to reduce the UK’s reliance on imported raw materials.

Under the terms of the MOU, LevertonHELM will initially qualify technical-grade lithium carbonate recovered from end-of-life EV batteries and production scrap at Altilium’s recycling facilities in Devon. This is expected to lead to offtake and tolling agreements for the supply of recycled lithium in the UK.

Altilium’s recently opened ACT2 recycling facility in Plymouth has the capacity to recover lithium and other battery metals from 300 kg of black mass waste (the equivalent of one EV battery) per day, using its proprietary EcoCathode process. In addition to producing cathode active materials (CAM) for qualification with automotive customers, the facility will produce high volumes of lithium, suitable for re-entry into the British supply chain.

As well as strengthening the domestic supply chain for lithium, Altilium says its recycling process also reduces the carbon footprint of lithium production, and will enable battery manufacturers to comply with new EU battery regulations. Starting in 2031, new EV batteries in the EU must contain at least 6% lithium from recycling, rising to 12% by 2036.

“This is a great opportunity to support the UK’s efforts to secure such an important mineral for the energy transition,” said Stefan Berner Beltrán, Principal Engineer and Lithium Raw Materials Lead at Altilium. “By working together on alternative technologies, we can unlock the most value from domestic urban mining, aiming for greener and more efficient refining processes.”

Source: Altilium

Washington-based Brokk becomes dealer for Firstgreen’s electric loaders

Washington-based Brokk becomes dealer for Firstgreen’s electric loaders
Washington-based Brokk becomes dealer for Firstgreen’s electric loaders

Washington state-based Brokk, a manufacturer of remote-controlled demolition robots, has become a dealer for Firstgreen Industries, a company that produces electric, zero-emission, low-noise loaders.

Brokk will offer Firstgreen’s electric solution for loading as well as its more comprehensive fully electric, remote-controlled job site offering achieved by pairing Brokk demolition robots with Firstgreen loaders, Brokk said.

In addition, Brokk will carry the Elise line of compact large-capacity machines, which are battery-operated and feature a cab, and the CBL line, a series of Elise-built cabinless vehicles with lower profiles that are designed for hazardous environments.

Firstgreen’s MiniZ 400, a compact, remote-controlled tracked loader suitable for interior demolition cleanup, is also included in Brokk’s product roster.

“We are very excited to add Firstgreen’s innovative technologies to our offerings in North America,” said Jeff Keeling, Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Brokk. “Being electric and remote-controlled fits perfectly with our commitment to seeing operators safe in hazardous environments.

Source: Firstgreen