Increasing EV range

March 15, 2012 Read time: 1 min

Developments in air-conditioning technology could help boost the range of electric vehicles. Studies suggest that ancillary units such as air-conditioning can impact on the range of electric vehicles. However one firm, 3407 Konvekta, has now developed a system based on heat pump technology that does not rely on electricity from the battery. Instead this system uses CO2 as refrigerant and depending on requirements, can be used to either heat or cool the vehicle. It can also dehumidify the passenger compartment, as well as keep the battery in its optimum temperature range.

According to estimates, this technology could increase the range of an EV featuring current lithium ion type batteries by up to 40%.

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Konvekta

Electric vehicle technology advances

A series of key technical innovations are now coming to market that will help boost performance for future electric vehicles.

January 2, 2013

New batteries could boost EV performance

Lighter and less costly batteries providing higher power densities could be a major benefit to the take-up of electric vehicles (EVs). At present, the cost and performance of electric car batteries present a barrier to the EV market. But new research in battery technology is suggesting promising alternative solutions. While such batteries will not be available commercially for some years, tests suggest these technologies could meet demands in terms of cost reduction and power density. Batteries using lithiu

August 7, 2014

Future fuels providing power to the wheels?

Ever since Henry Ford began mass manufacturing his Model T in 1908, the motor car has grown vastly in importance and has helped transform transportation. However the future availability of fossil fuels as well as concerns over pollution and climate change from CO2 emissions has seen the auto industry look to alternative powertrain solutions. Looking at the powertrain possibilities for the future there are a number of options. Hybrids to a large extent are an interim solution while those for the longer ter

December 17, 2012

Electric vehicle range set to grow

Research shows that keeping batteries within optimum operating temperatures will increase the range of electric vehicles. It is widely known that batteries perform less well in cold weather but it is often overlooked that overheating will also cause problems. For batteries to provide a long service life, overheating has to be prevented and temperatures kept within the optimum operating range of 20-35°C. But driving in hot ambient conditions can push a battery temperature outside the optimum range and this c

August 8, 2012

Optimum battery temperature offers range extension

Research shows that keep batteries within optimum operating temperatures will increase the range of electric vehicles. It is widely known that batteries perform less well in cold weather but is often overlooked that overheating will also cause problems. For batteries to provide a long service life, overheating has to be prevented and temperatures kept within the optimum operating range of 20-35°C.

July 9, 2012

Methanol range extender for fuel cell vehicle

The innovative QBREAK electric car is to benefit from a sophisticated methanol fuel cell range extender. Development work is being carried out on the project by a consortium of Danish companies. The plan is to develop a novel, range-extended electric vehicle that uses biomethanol as a fuel source. TheModularEnergyCarrier concept (MECc) project has just been granted funding from the Danish government. The reworked electric car is expected to deliver high market potential due to a competitive price and specif