Silicon carbide-based semiconductor chips are starting to be embraced by automotive manufacturers looking to overcome the limitations of traditional silicon. To prepare for an expected surge in demand for SiC electronics, several semiconductor manufacturers have announced plans to construct new or expand existing fabrication facilities.
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Car windows that are damaged beyond repair have to date been reused for less demanding purposes, such as bottles or insulation. A pilot project led by the Audi Group showed defective car glass can be recycled successfully back into new windshields, and the company plans to shift this glass into standard production starting September 2023.
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During CES 2023, which took place January 5–8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, numerous companies showcased their electric vehicle charging innovations. Today’s CTT highlights several key announcements made during the show.
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Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are another option besides electric vehicles to decarbonize the transportation industry. Brussels-based taxi company Taxis Verts just launched a one-year pilot project exploring the potential of using hydrogen fuel cell cars in its fleet.
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With the rising use of fuels with reduced sulfur content, novel coatings are needed to protect engine components from increased wear. Researchers from Brazil and Chile investigated the potential of a hybrid deposition technique to deposit nanostructured ceramic multilayers on piston rings.
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Batteries are not the only part of electric vehicles that contain critical materials—many electric vehicle motors use rare-earth magnets as well. Nissan and Waseda University developed a five-step pyrometallurgy process to recover rare-earth compounds from electric vehicle motor magnets.
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Solid-state batteries are a promising technology for powering the next generation of electric vehicles. Maryland-based energy startup Ion Storage Systems is helping to advance solid-state battery technology toward commercialization.
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Boron can enhance mechanical properties of steel, but too much boron will segregate from the steel and negate these benefits. Researchers led by Wuhan University of Science and Technology looked to enhance the toughness of high boron steel using a novel processing technique called quenching and partitioning.
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Solid-state batteries show great promise to outperform conventional lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density, weight, cost, and recharge times. In recent months, several startup companies announced noteworthy progress in developing solid-state batteries for next-generation electric vehicles. Today’s CTT highlights the work being done by QuantumScape, a California-based battery research company.
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Touchscreen displays are an increasingly standard feature in new car models and, like smartphone screens, they grow larger each year—Mercedes-Benz plans to feature a 56-inch touchscreen display in an upcoming luxury electric sedan. But do touchscreens really help drivers—or lead to distracted driving?
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