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Ideal Power has the power rating of its discrete B-TRAN bidirectional semiconductor power switch from 50 A to 75 A. The company says that the higher rating is supported by extensive internal and third-party testing, and no design or packaging changes were required.

While the official rating is now 75 A, the device has been subjected to long-term, continuous testing at up to 150 A. The discrete B-TRAN and the SymCool power module—which uses the same B-TRAN dies—are both targeted at solid-state circuit breaker and EV contactor applications.

Ideal Power expects to announce an increase in the SymCool module’s power rating later in 2025, with updated technical documentation. Ideal Power’s B-TRAN technology is a double-sided, bidirectional alternating current (AC) switch. The company syas B-TRAN improves performance compared to conventional power semiconductors by reducing conduction and switching losses, simplifying thermal management, and potentially lowering operational costs in switching and control circuitry.

Source: Ideal Power

EV charging hardware provider Pando Electric is “laser-focused on the multifamily market,” as CEO Aaron Li told Charged in March. Now the company has launched the Pando Smart Outlet Gen2, an EV charging platform engineered specifically for multifamily housing.

The new charger is designed to eliminate what Pando calls the three biggest barriers to EV charging adoption: power constraints, connectivity issues and maintenance failures.

Pando Gen2 does not require costly panel upgrades, dedicated WiFi/cellular networks, or ongoing servicing. “Each outlet intelligently manages building power loads, operates offline when needed, and features a modular design that eliminates maintenance,” says Pando.

Pando Gen2 can operate even in buildings without WiFi or cellular coverage—residents activate charging with a phone, watch, or fob. The device’s load management system dynamically reroutes unused building power to EV charging. Its modular design means that damaged cables can be quickly replaced, with no need for an electrician.

“Multifamily buildings have been stuck with EV solutions designed for shopping malls and restaurants,” said Aaron Li, CEO of Pando Electric. “Gen2 changes that. No WiFi. No upgrades. No maintenance. We designed Gen2 to be the first charger that works with the building and its residents, not against them.”

Source: Pando Electric

Ultion Technologies has launched commercial-scale production and validation of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells manufactured entirely from North American materials. Ultion says these cells meet or exceed the performance of leading imported alternatives, especially at high discharge rates.

The project involved a supply chain partnership with First Phosphate, which provided high-purity phosphate and iron for cathode manufacturing. Ultion designed, assembled and tested the cells at its Nevada facility.

The current LFP battery market is dominated by China, with over 90 percent of global production.

The battery cells are produced in a 18650 cylindrical format. Independent tests reported a stable capacity of 1.6 amp-hours per cell, a projected cycle life of 2,000 cycles with 80 percent capacity retention, minimal cell-to-cell variation and strong stability at a 5C discharge rate. The company says this high-rate capability is targeted for applications that demand rapid power delivery, such as grid storage, data centers and defense systems.

Torus, a Utah-based manufacturer of hybrid flywheel and battery storage systems, has invested in Ultion and has committed to buying the North American cells for its utility, data center and commercial projects.

“Ultion’s progress gives us reliable supply, strong performance and a clear competitive edge,” said Nate Walkingshaw, CEO of Torus. “What excites us most is the combination of performance and strategic value. We can now offer our utility and data center customers storage systems that are built in America and exceed the capabilities of imported alternatives.”

Source: Ultion Technologies

US-based zSpace, which provides immersive augmented reality (AR) experiences for education, has introduced two new applications designed to support training in electric and hybrid vehicle service and repair.

The Electric Vehicle Maintenance application helps learners build skills in fault diagnosis and safety procedures specific to EVs. Students can practice component recognition, perform safety inspections and work through simulated fault scenarios in a virtual environment. This approach reduces equipment costs and mitigates real-world safety risks.

The Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Structure Technology application offers a look at how electric and hybrid vehicles are built and operated. Students can use interactive 3D models and animations to explore engines, powertrains, transmissions and structural components to better understand complex automotive systems.

The applications feature exploded views and animated workflows for steering, suspension and powertrain systems. Flexible licensing options are available for both applications through the zSpace App Manager. Multilingual support is provided in English, Chinese (Simplified), and Spanish.

Source: zSpace

US-based silicon carbide (SiC) technology firm Wolfspeed has announced the commercial launch of its 200 mm SiC materials products.

The move is part of the company’s strategy to help the industry transition from silicon to silicon carbide. After initially offering 200 mm SiC to certain customers, the company decided to release the products to the wider market. Wolfspeed is also offering 200 mm SiC epitaxy for immediate qualification, which can be paired with its 200 mm bare wafers for high quality and scalability in next-generation power devices, according to the company.

The improved parametric specifications of the 200 mm SiC bare wafers at 350 µm thickness and enhanced doping and thickness uniformity of the 200 mm epitaxy enable device makers to improve MOSFET yields, accelerate time-to-market, and deliver more competitive solutions in automotive and other applications, the company said.

These product and performance advancements for 200 mm SiC can also be applied to the company’s 150 mm SiC materials products.

“Wolfspeed’s 200 mm SiC wafers are more than an expansion of wafer diameter—it represents a materials innovation that empowers our customers to accelerate their device roadmaps with confidence,” said Dr. Cengiz Balkas, Wolfspeed’s Chief Business Officer. “By delivering quality at scale, Wolfspeed is enabling power electronics manufacturers to meet growing demand for higher-performing, more efficient silicon carbide solutions.”

Source: Wolfspeed

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US-based photonic supplier Coherent has launched the WELD1D+, a next-generation laser welding processing head with integrated application programming interface (API) control.

The WELD1D+ supports a range of applications across industries that require high-productivity welding solutions, including automotive, electric vehicle, consumer electronics and heavy industrial manufacturing markets. It is designed to give manufacturers greater flexibility and reduce the need for multiple dedicated tools.

The processing head integrates with the full Coherent fiber laser portfolio, from the brand-new EDGE and AIM series to the high-performance ARM ring-mode lasers, ensuring scalability as production requirements grow.

Coherent’s software-driven process control helps customers gain higher throughput, reduced downtime, and improved yield. The software-controlled adaptability expands the range of applications addressable by a single processing head, according to the company.

“The WELD1D+ delivers a step-change in manufacturing efficiency by enabling real-time adjustment of beam parameters during the welding process,” said Martin Seifert, Vice President, High-Power Fiber Laser Business Unit at Coherent. “This level of flexibility for lasers up to 10 kW positions Coherent to capture growth in key markets such as electric vehicles and battery manufacturing.”

Source: Coherent

Commercial EV manufacturer ZM Trucks has opened its US headquarters and assembly facility in Fontana, California and debuted its ZM8 commercial truck in the US.

The new facility, located 49 miles from downtown Los Angeles, spans 9.67 acres and includes a 210,000-square-foot factory floor. The company has also relocated its regional headquarters.

The opening follows the unveiling of the company’s electric T75 terminal tractor, which is designed to meet the needs of logistics and port operations. ZM Trucks has announced several strategic partnerships, including with Merlin Group and FleetNet.

“Despite policy uncertainty, we’re charging ahead,” said Joost de Vries, Global CEO of ZM Trucks. “Our investment in Fontana demonstrates that commercial EVs are not just viable, they’re a superior solution for urban truck operators, delivering lower costs, higher performance, and a smarter path toward total cost of ownership.”

Source: ZM Trucks