Month: April 2025

Chinese OEM Windrose launches Class 8 electric semi-truck in the US

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Chinese OEM Windrose launches Class 8 electric semi-truck in the US
Chinese OEM Windrose launches Class 8 electric semi-truck in the US

Chinese electric truck OEM Windrose Technology has officially launched its battery-electric R700 Class 8 tractor in the US. The company plans to open an assembly plant in Georgia in 2025.

The Windrose R700 earned its certificate of conformity from the EPA in January, certifying that it meets federal fuel economy and emissions requirements.

As Jay Traugott reports in Clean Trucking, Windrose recently partnered with Phoenix-based JoyRide Logistics and EO Charging for a demonstration drive. The R700 has already undergone real-world testing in Asia, Europe and North America, including a 2,800-mile cross-country road trip in the US using public charging stations.

The Windrose R700 features an 800-volt architecture, a drag coefficient of 0.2755, a 729 kWh battery pack, 4 motors with total peak output of 1,400 hp, and a loaded range of 670 km (416 miles). It supports megawatt-level dual-inlet charging. A base price of around $250,000 is rumored.

“This isn’t just a prototype or promise—this is a fully operational, long-range electric truck that’s ready to haul freight today,” said Wen Han, founder, Chairman and CEO of Windrose. “We’ve validated our technology globally and are proud to bring it to the US—one of the most important logistics markets in the world.”

“Partnering with Windrose allows us to stay ahead—not just on sustainability, but on total operational performance,” said Adis Danan, President at JoyRide Logistics, a regional carrier with a 250-vehicle fleet operating in six states. “We’re talking fuel savings, reduced maintenance, and a future-ready fleet that our customers can get behind.”

Source: Clean Trucking

Tesla engineer explains the brake system improvements in the new Model Y Juniper

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Compared to traditional automakers, the pace of innovation and improvement at Tesla (TSLA) is consistently rapid.

It has only been around 6 years since Tesla launched the Model Y mid-sized electric SUV, but it has been constantly getting new updates and features throughout its lifespan.

To bring a fresh new look and differentiate it from the entry-level Model 3 compact electric sedan, Tesla launched the new Model Y, codenamed Juniper, earlier this year.

However, Tesla didn’t just put cosmetic changes on the table. The new Model Y is also better in terms of engineering and tech innovations compared to its previous generation.

In one of the official videos posted on Elon Musk’s social media platform X, Tesla lead engineer Lars Moravy explains the innovations of the new Model Y braking system.

Lars Moravy said that this is a “brand new brake system”. So, what was the need for introducing this new system?

In the previous generation Model Y and other existing Tesla vehicles, there’s a single brake master cylinder. Therefore, when the vehicle is driven on Autopilot/FSD, the brake pedal is physically pressed whenever the car brakes automatically.

As the human driver wants to intervene (take over driving from Autopilot), the brake pedal is pressed and is in an unexpected lower position. In the new Model Y Juniper, Tesla has removed this engineering flaw.

Above: Tesla engineer explains the brake system improvements in the new Model Y.

Tesla has now integrated two master cylinders for the brake system in the new Model Y. As the car is driven by Autopilot, the brake pedal intended for human use isn’t affected. On Autopilot, the car brakes without pressing the brake pedal.

Since the brake pedal remains in the same position when the car is self-driving and self-braking, it’s not lowered when the human driver wants to take over driving from the Autopilot Full Self-Driving (FSD) system.

Tesla Model Y Juniper is the first vehicle to get this newly engineered brake system. Tesla transitions new innovative systems to other vehicles as soon as possible. Tesla Model S and Model X refresh are due this year, and this new brake system is most probably going to make it to those cars as well.

A Tesla engineer explains the new braking system on the Model Y as:

In the new Model Y, we went through a total firmware integration of what happens with the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal.

This means that all our logic in terms of deceleration with the brakes, as well the traction control are now integrated and on top of having a much more consistent brake pedal feel, the brake is shorter, more responsive, gives you always the best possible stability.

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Featured image: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

Note: This article was published earlier on Tesla Oracle. Author: Iqtidar Ali.

ZF showcases by-wire technology and range extender at Auto Shanghai

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The German automotive supplier is presenting its Chassis 2.0 concept, which interconnects steering, braking and damping systems through cubiX software that coordinates these components with minimal latency. By-wire technologies, which […]

The post ZF showcases by-wire technology and range extender at Auto Shanghai appeared first on Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International.

Ampere introduces software-defined vehicle platform for Renault’s commercial fleet

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Three new electric commercial vehicles from Renault will feature a revolutionary software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture when they debut at the CV Show in Birmingham at the end of April. The […]

The post Ampere introduces software-defined vehicle platform for Renault’s commercial fleet appeared first on Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International.

Smoke detection in EV battery packs with high-performance LEDs and sensors

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Smoke detection in EV battery packs with high-performance LEDs and sensors
Smoke detection in EV battery packs with high-performance LEDs and sensors

Pre-alarm for smoke development in EV battery pack is very important, and high-reliability components are needed for this critical safety feature. Many suppliers only offer LED emitters or sensors, but not both.

Download this guide from ams OSRAM to learn more about customer success stories using a single source supplier for emitters and sensors.

The guide includes additional successful ams OSRAM sensor applications examples:

  • Angle position sensing in high-performance electronic brake systems
  • Hands-on steering detection
  • Motor encoders for e-scooters with high-speed position sensors
  • Chassis position measurement with high-resolution rotary position sensor
  • Full efficiency for agricultural machinery

Green Watt Power introduces 2.4 kW charger for EVs with 36-120 V lithium-ion batteries

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Green Watt Power introduces 2.4 kW charger for EVs with 36-120 V lithium-ion batteries
Green Watt Power introduces 2.4 kW charger for EVs with 36-120 V lithium-ion batteries

Green Watt Power, a division of Powerland Technology, has added four new base models to its Diamond Series of ruggedized, fully potted AC chargers, to support charging of lithium-ion batteries in EV applications such as material handling, motorcycles, scooters, forklifts, golf and e-carts and recreational vehicles.

The EVC2400 Diamond Series has universal AC input and four ultra-wide output ranges covering 28-59 V at 40 A, 36-74 V at 35 A, 43-84 V at 30 A and 71-156 V at 15 A.

The 2.4 kW charger has a universal input range of 90-264 VAC and can handle standard wall outlet voltages with a frequency range of 45 to 65 Hz. It includes a typical Power Factor Correction (PFC) of 0.98. It has a compact mechanical design with an IP67 waterproof rating and weighs 8.4 lbs or 3.8 kg.

A colored LED indicator shows the charger’s status and control is via CAN communication. The units have a full set of self-protection features including OVP, OCP, SCP, OTP, RPP and UVLO. The turn-on delay at full load is a maximum of five seconds.

The Diamond Series comes in on-board and off-board versions, with or without a handle, and in connector versions or flying lead versions. The units are designed for high-power density and thermal efficiency and include a fan that turns on at elevated temperatures.

The case temperature range is -40° C to +80° C, or +60° C with handle, and the storage range is -40° C to +85° C. The EVC2400 is designed to meet UL/CSA62368 and EN60335 safety standards.

Green Watt Power says it can modify the unit to meet each application’s requirements as needed.

Source: Green Watt Power

Comer debuts electric powertrain for compact wheel loaders, planetary drive for electric excavators

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Comer debuts electric powertrain for compact wheel loaders, planetary drive for electric excavators
Comer debuts electric powertrain for compact wheel loaders, planetary drive for electric excavators

Comer Industries has developed a new powertrain system for compact loaders.

The new system, which supports compact wheel loaders weighing up to 5 tons, includes a new electric module called the eMDI, which delivers power directly to the gearbox of the rigid compact axle. Within the gearbox, the rotational speed of the motor is reduced by a planetary drive unit and the rotary and torque motion is transferred to the front axle by a constant-velocity shaft.

Comer also showed off a planetary drive for electric excavators known as the WD300EX Series, an all-in-one integrated electric wheel drive designed for mini-excavators. The new planetary drive comprises a planetary gearbox and an interior permanent magnet motor. It is capable of delivering high torque to meet performance needs throughout the life of the machine.

The WD300EX is equipped with an electromagnetic negative brake that offers an electric, waterproof alternative to hydraulically-powered gearboxes, according to Comer.

Founded in 1970, Comer Industries is headquartered in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The company, which builds advanced engineering systems and mechatronic solutions for power transmission, has three divisions. Each division is devoted to a specific market segment: Agricultural Applications, Construction Equipment and Forestry, and Energy and Industrial.

Source: Comer Industries