For the same models with different power supplies, the carbon footprint of electric versions is already better than the one of the corresponding variants with internal-combustion engine. Moreover, electric vehicles provide a higher potential of CO2 reduction in all lifecycle phases of the product. Concerning CO2 emissions, the energy provenience from fossil fuels or renewable sources is fundamental, too. This is the result of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) certified by Volkswagen Golf, which compares the CO2 emissions of the different vehicle versions, with electric motor or internal combustion engine.
In short, the current Golf TDI (Diesel) emits on average 140 g of CO2/km along the entire lifecycle whereas e-Golf1 just 119 g of CO2/km. It is clear that, for a vehicle with internal combustion engine, most of emissions come from the use phase, i.e. from the fossil fuel provisioning chain and from combustion: in these cases, the Diesel version reaches 111 g of CO2/km, whereas, in this phase, a corresponding electrically powered vehicle emits only 62 g of CO2/km, deriving from the energy generation and supply. On the contrary, most of emissions for an electric car are generated during the production phase.
According to LCA, the datum referred to the Diesel version is 29 g of CO2/km; whereas the one of a corresponding electrically driven car is 57 g of CO2/km.
The battery production and the complex mining of raw materials weigh significantly, and this number corresponds to almost half of CO2 emissions for the entire lifecycle that, during the use phase, depend on energy production sources – their decrease depends on the availability of renewable energies.
Life Cycle Assessment, electric car wins
Electric boats: a “Tesla” in the waves
Among the companies that are trying to bring the electric motor in the world of boats, there is the Seattle start-up Zin Boats, which aims at producing electric boats and at ranking on the market to propose “the Tesla of the sea”, so demonstrating that electric boats can be a valid alternative to those powered by fuel. For this reason, the product conceived by the company is called Z2R, a 20-foot speedboat powered by BMW batteries, with 160-kilometre autonomy.
Z2R weighs around half of a standard boat of the same size. Weight is a fundamental matter: to move a boat, more power is necessary than the one needed for a car, a limit that hindered the previous electric experiments, carried out on boats in the Sixties.
The current lower cost of lithium-ion batteries is giving the opportunity of experimenting in this issue. Those used by Z2R, with a cost of about 250,000 dollars, are BMW-branded, able to power a Torqeedo motor that reaches speeds of 30 nodes. The autonomy is 160 kilometres, not exceeding 15 nodes.
Fast photovoltaic recharge for electric vehicles
SMA, one of the top players in the field of system technologies for photovoltaic, has developed and made available the EV Charger platform, a solution to recharge electric vehicles by exploiting the photovoltaic current generated through solar energy. The system is directly integrated into the renewable energy plant, simplifying installation and maintenance processes.
SMA EV Charger allows recharging quickly, safely and conveniently thanks to its different functions, constantly aimed at the highest possible exploitation of the available solar energy. Through the combination of photovoltaic and net current, SMA EV Charger can operate at 7.4 kW, then with almost double speed compared to standard wallboxes and even ten-time faster than a typical domestic socket. Moreover, the protection against power outages safeguards the domestic connection from overloads.
The recharge process with SMA EV Charger can be planned with the app SMA Energy Sunny Home Manager 2.0, which programmes the recharge in the domestic energy management, taking other loads into account smartly, allowing the cost reduction and assuring the vehicle availability at the wished start time.
«The electric mobility becomes a really smart choice only with the solar energy. For this reason–Nick Morbach, Executive Vice President of the Home & Business Solutions unit of SMA, stated- we have developed SMA EV Charger. This device allows drivers of electric cars to carry out the recharge always comfortably and safely, exploiting the convenient photovoltaic current, with zero climatic impact, as much as possible. All SMA devices, provided by the same supplier, dialogue one another and therefore have a single reference partner for whatever question about extensions, warranties or service.
Funding of 80 million USD for the Start-up Turntide
What do Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, the actor Robert Downey Jr., Hollywood star in the armour of Iron Man and Tony Fadell, father of the iPhone, have in common?
The trust with extreme conviction the Californian Turntide start-up, competing in the race of the electric motor development, and for this reason they have contributed in the relative funding that has reached 80 million dollars.
The design of Turntide motor, supposed to have 25% higher efficiency than the systems used today, dates back to 1838, but the production could start only recently due to the release of cheap microchips for computers.
«They have understood – stated Robert Downey Jr. – how to use a 19th century technology and to exploit the software to implement the potential it has always had».
The new electric motor can turn magnets on and off inside the motor 20,000 times per second, reducing the electricity consumption up to 30%.
The managing director of Turntide, Ryan Morris, has described the product as “software wound in metal “, which allows the company to control the necessary intellectual property to operate the motor.
Currently, Turntide is replacing old electric motors in large buildings’ ventilation systems: in 2020, it replaced 5,000 of these motors and aims at implementing 50,000 overall in the current year. The great goal is however making electric motors more efficient and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
DHL sets up the first Electric Vehicle (EV) Center of Excellence
DHL announces the establishment at Pozzuolo Martesana, in the outskirts of Milan, of the first Electric Vehicle Center of Excellence for the electric mobility in Continental Europe. In collaboration with EV Teams of DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation, the EV Center of Excellence exploits the combined management of the storage and handling of goods of DHL Global Forwarding, maritime and air transport capabilities included. Moreover, DHL Express provides a net solution for the global distribution. This forefront structure, which takes up a surface of around 10,000 square metres, is a logistic pole purposely created to satisfy the growing demand for electric vehicles in the Italian market, addressing in particular the growing sector of EV.
DHL sets up near Milan the first Electric Vehicle (EV) Center of Excellence
The EV Center of Excellence in Italy manages the inbound and outbound logistics, using different transport modalities, the integrated storage with added-value services such as the test and the charge of batteries, and the complete management of the aftermarket for batteries. The latter includes the storage, the charge and the assistance to dealers for the problems connected with the guarantee, the replacement and the disassembly of batteries.
In addition, customers can benefit from a smooth connection with a Pan-European network structure in conformity with LiBa. In addition to a cutting-edge warehouse, the structure relies on broad energy storage capacities and it supplies services purposely conceived for two-wheelers. Furthermore, the EV Center of Excellence is equipped with environments at controlled temperature and humidity, offering a holistic solution that includes compartments for general and dangerous materials. The services are managed by teams trained to operate in the EV sector, while customers can rely on IATA CEIV-certified teams for air transport requirements. Finally, customers can avail themselves of the expertise of the logistic team of Formula E, who has his headquarters precisely in Italy.
Great results for the UniBoAT project of the University of Bologna
Futura, the sustainable propulsion boat, also composed of solar panels and an electric motor, built by the University of Bologna’s UniBoAT project, won second place in the prestigious Prince Albert Award, third place in the Championship Race, and third place in the Endurance Race, also consolidating its position in second place in the ranking of Italian teams. «Despite the unforeseen events encountered, such as a 40 percent reduction in available energy compared to competitors in the Endurance Race, a broken propeller blade and a rudder anomaly, the team managed to demonstrate the validity and efficiency of the innovative solutions proposed. The team is already working to solve the technical problems encountered, determined to further improve the performance of Futura, a boat that still proved to be an innovative and high-performance technological platform» the University researchers said.
Compared to the past, the team decided to focus on a more powerful engine, introducing the need to develop a 96V system (from 48V) from scratch, with all the associated issues in terms of development and integration of other components. The entire thruster was also designed and built by introducing several innovations over existing solutions, which also led to the filing of a first patent related to counter-rotating trailing propellers for outboard applications, versatility, efficiency and lightness of the system. This year’s UniBoAT Project is part of the larger GreenWave Most Project, funded by the National Center for Sustainable Mobility (MOST) to demonstrate the feasibility of low-impact technologies in all areas of mobility.
Washington State Ferries selects ABB as propulsion single source vendor for five new hybrid ferries
ABB has secured a propulsion single source vendor contract with Washington State Ferries (WSF), the United States’ largest ferry system, for five new hybrid electric vessels
ABB has been awarded a contract by Washington State Ferries (WSF) to serve as the propulsion single source vendor (PSSV) for its groundbreaking new hybrid electric 160-auto ferries. This project marks a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable maritime transportation in the US and beyond, with ABB playing a pivotal role in the development and delivery of the five new build vessels. In its role as PSSV, ABB will supply comprehensive hybrid electric propulsion systems that include the Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution solution, energy storage, advanced energy management, and integrated marine automation. The innovative propulsion package is designed to enhance operational efficiency, help reduce emissions, and ensure reliable performance for the new vessels. ABB will also deliver extensive design and engineering support, working closely with WSF to ensure seamless integration of the hybrid electric technology into the new ferries. This collaborative approach underscores ABB’s commitment to delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of its partners. “We are honored to be selected by Washington State Ferries as its propulsion single source vendor for the new hybrid electric 160-auto ferries,” said Drew Orvieto, Vice president of sales for Marine Systems, US at ABB Marine & Ports. “This partnership highlights our shared vision for sustainability and our dedication to pioneering advanced technologies that drive the industry forward. We look forward to supporting WSF in its mission to provide cleaner, more efficient ferry services for the communities they serve.” WSF manages the largest ferry system in the United States, operating 21 auto-passenger ferries across 10 routes serving 19 terminals. The five new hybrid electric ferries will be the first of 16 new vessels delivered as part of WSF’s $3.98 billion Ferry System Electrification plan. The new ferries will play a crucial role in WSF’s strategy to modernize its fleet and reduce its environmental footprint.
Washington State Ferries selects ABB
By integrating ABB’s propulsion systems, WSF aims to achieve significant reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in pursuit of a zero-emission ferry fleet by 2050 in alignment with the state’s broader environmental goals. “Big picture, this contract with ABB is about rebuilding our fleet and restoring reliable service to our customers,” said Matt von Ruden, WSF system electrification program administrator. “ABB’s specialized knowledge and expertise helps reduce risk and ensure performance in the design, construction and delivery of our first five new hybrid-electric ferries.”