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Next-Gen Tesla PMS Motor Without Rare Earth Elements

Tesla to Make PMS Motor Without Rare Earth Elements

Tesla announced that it will make a Permanent Magnet Synchronous (PMS) Motor for its next-gen EVs (electric motors) without the rare earth elements. Interestingly, Tesla started making EVs using AC Induction Motors which didn’t contain any rare earth elements almost a decade ago. Rare earth elements include Lanthanides along with Yttrium and Scandium. PMSM primarily uses Neodymium. Also, most rare earth elements are found in China. However, after the arrival of Model 3, it introduced a new Permanent Magnet Motor which contained rare earth elements. In fact, between 2017 and 2022, Tesla was able to reduce the rare earth elements usage by 25% in the Model 3 drive units. You might also like: Qualcomm Plans to Dominate the Future of Electric Cars You might also like: Kia EV9 Electric SUV Partially Revealed Via Official Teasers Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) As the name suggests, this kind of motor consists of a permanent magnet which creates rotating magnetic fields in the rotor and stator. Both these components of the electric motor are in sync and there is no slip which is where the name comes from. They have high power density, high efficiency (~95%) and need low cooling. But these tend to be slightly more expensive and use rare earth elements. There is also a theoretical danger of demagnetization. You might also like: Does the Future of EVs Rest on Sodium Ion Batteries? However, Tesla aims to completely eliminate the use of rare earth elements in their next generation of electric motors. It has always been at the forefront of technological advancements in the EV space. In fact, its technological superiority for over a decade is what makes it the biggest EV maker in the world. At the Investor Day ceremony, Tesla compared the parameters of the rear earth elements usage in its existing Model Y permanent magnet motor with this next-gen motor on which they are working. While technical details were not revealed owing to the fear of letting the secret out but we suspect that Neodymium, Dysprosium and Terbium are the three rare earth elements that were being discussed during the presentation. You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs Substitute for Rare Earth Elements Now, the rare earth elements are not only being used in the permanent magnet motors for EVs but also in various other electronic gadgets including speakers, hard drives, screens of smartphones, computers, new-gen light bulbs, flat panel televisions, etc. But there has been research going on regarding the alternatives to these elements for quite some time now. This includes materials like Ferrites (Iron Oxide with Barium or Strontium additives), AlNiCo (Aluminium-nickel-cobalt alloys) and Samarium Cobalt. Most of these materials and techniques are not in the mass-production phase yet. But there are also concerns about the use of Nickel and Cobalt for various reasons which is an issue in the Li-ion batteries too. So, it will be interesting to see how Tesla is able to deliver on this promise of using a PMS Motor without rare earth elements for EVs.

BYD Seal Deliveries to Begin in Europe; To Rival Tesla Model 3

24 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

BYD is planning to launch the Seal electric sedan (also known as Atto 4 in some markets) to rival the Tesla Model 3 in Europe. Having launched the Seal in the Chinese market in July this year (2022), the largest EV market in China aims to go global. In comparison to Model 3, it targets the audience with relatively affordable prices without compromising on performance. Seal is slated to be launched in Europe by the end of this year or beginning of the next year (2023). Thereafter, BYD wants to bring it to other markets like Australia, South America and the Middle East. You might also like: Are Chargers at DC Fast Charging Stations Bad For EVs? BYD Seal (Tesla Model 3 Rival) – Specs The EV is based on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 with Blade Battery and LFP cells in two variants – 61.4 kWh and 82.5 kWh with 550 km (342 mi) and 700 km (435 mi) range respectively. There will be options of a single-motor RWD and a dual-motor AWD drivetrain. The power ranges from 201 hp to a colossal 523 hp. In its most powerful iteration, the Seal will be capable of achieving a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.8 secs. BYD Seal Specs Drivetrain RWD / AWD Battery 61.4 & 82.5 kWh Range 550 – 700 km (CLTC) Power 201 – 523 hp 150 kW DC Fast Charging Yes Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h) 3.8 secs Specs You might also like: Pravaig Defy Electric SUV – Specs, Features, Range & More BYD Seal – Dimensions Seal is marginally larger than the Model 3 in terms of exterior dimensions which also translates to the wheelbase. It is 4.8 m long and has a wheelbase of 2.92 m. It has the CTB (Cell-to-Body) architecture which means that the lower part of the body of the vehicle forms the top part of the battery pack. BYD Seal Dimensions Length 4,800 mm Width 1,875 mm Height 1,460 mm Wheelbase 2,920 mm Boot Space 320 litre Dimensions You might also like: Hyundai IONIQ 6 vs Kia EV6 – Specs, Price Comparison Interior and Features On the inside is where the Seal differs significantly from the Model 3. While the latter has a completely futuristic and minimalistic layout devoid of physical buttons or knobs, BYD has adopted a more traditional approach. There is a massive 15.6-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System that can be switched between a Portrait or Landscape Orientation within seconds, a smaller Screen for the Driver’s Instrument Panel, a Heads-Up Display, 8-way Adjustable Driver’s Seat, with Lumbar Support, Heating and Ventilation with Memory Function, Air Purifier, Wireless Charging, and much more. BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3 – Price BYD launched the Seal in July 2022 in China with prices ranging from CNY 209,800 ($30,084 US) to CNY 286,800 ($41,125 US) after subsidies. For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 retails between CNY 279,900 ($40,136 US) to CNY 367,900 ($52,755 US).

Tesla Semi Electric Truck Deliveries Commence

15 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Tesla has commenced the deliveries of its highly-anticipated Semi electric truck this month (December 2022). It aims to revolutionize the commercial electric vehicle market in the USA and eventually expand globally. Semi is the truck that belongs to Class 8. Tesla, fashionably, has been secretive about the exact specifications of the Semi. But there are a few stats that have been thrown up by the most popular EV maker in the world. You might also like: Are Chargers at DC Fast Charging Stations Bad For EVs? Tesla Semi Electric Truck – Specs In its top trim, the Semi is powered by 3 electric motors that offer a range of 500 miles (804 km). With a smaller battery pack, there will still be a healthy range of 300 miles (483 km). Tesla mentions that the energy consumption of the Semi is less than 1.7 kWh/mile which could mean that the battery pack could be around 600 – 900 kWh. Moreover, the electric truck features an operating voltage of around 1,000 V. The battery can be topped up to 70% in just 30 mins. But the most impressive aspect has to be the drag coefficient of just 0.36 which enables a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 20 secs (fully loaded). This is around 3 times better than traditional diesel trucks which take around 60 secs for the same and have drag coefficients over 0.65. Tesla Semi Electric Truck Specs Drivetrain AWD Battery (exp.) 600 – 900 kWh Range 300 miles (483 km) or 500 miles (804 km) Power / Torque (exp.) 900 hp / 1,600 lb-ft (2,170 Nm) DC Fast Charging 30 mins (up to 70%) Acceleration (0 – 60 mph/96 kmph) 5 secs (unloaded) & 20 secs (loaded) Drag Coeff. 0.36 Specs You might also like: Pravaig Defy Electric SUV – Specs, Features, Range & More Tesla Semi Electric Truck – Design The Tesla Semi Class 8 all-electric semi-truck is known for its clean truck design. The front fascia of this vehicle has a giant wraparound glass which drops into the frunk. Also, the dropped door mirrors give the Tesla Semi aerodynamic benefits. Cameras are positioned at the extremes of the rear mirror which send the direct feed to the screen in the interior. The chin of the truck has a small passage for air intake so are to keep the battery cool and smoothly functioning. Tesla Semi projects a 6*4 tractor layout in which its rear part comes with the trailer bed and tow hitch. You might also like: Zeekr 009 Minivan (MPV) Launched – Specs, Range, Features & More Interior and Features The other area where the Tesla Semi is significantly more unorthodox than traditional trucks is in the cabin and features. The first thing you’d notice when you enter the cabin is the centrally-positioned driver’s seat offering great visibility outside. There are two additional seats that are positioned behind it. At the moment, there is no information about the sleeping cabin in the Semi. The cabin layout is something that we have seen in other Tesla cars. The pattern is minimalistic with two large 15-inch screens on either side of the steering wheel. On the right is where you would have the cabin settings like HVAC, infotainment, etc., while the left screen will have the information and settings related to the truck. Evidently, the layout is devoid of millions of buttons and switches that traditional trucks come with. You might also like: Hyundai IONIQ 6 vs Kia EV6 – Specs, Price Comparison Price Yet another aspect with which Tesla aims to disrupt the market is its attractive prices. The prices start from $150,000 USD for the 300-mile variant and $180,000 USD for the 500-mile variant. But with the government incentives, these are reduced to $110,000 USD and $140,000 USD respectively.

Problems with Tesla EV Charging Stations

What Are The Problems With EV Charging Stations?

29 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

EV charging stations are being installed at a rapid pace across the country but it doesn’t come without its problems and challenges. Electric cars seem to be the inevitable mobility trend that this generation is heading toward but the problems and issues associated with the EV charging stations pose a huge hurdle to reaching that point. While most of us are aware of the general challenges of the industry like high initial costs, charging times and range anxiety, the real focus needs to be on developing the charging infrastructure. That, alone, is the most arduous task that has the potential to dispel other issues and propel mass adoption. You might also like: Can Electric Car Batteries Be Replaced or Swapped? EV Charging Stations In The U.S. When you think about it, the challenges related to the EVs costing almost at par with the standard internal combustion engine cars (around $35,000) and offering a decent range of around (300 miles on a single charge) are somewhat remedied, but the comparison of the number of gas stations (150,000) and EV charging stations (46,000) is what is still far away at this point in time. Even worse, out of these 46,000, less than 10,000 charging stations have the capabilities to charge any EV irrespective of make or model. Also, the total number of DC Fast charging stations in the U.S. hovers around just 6,000. You might also like: 2022 Polestar 2 Electric Car – Range, Interior & Specs Companies Offering EV Charging Stations There are primarily 4 key players in the space, ChargePoint, Tesla, Electrify America and EVgo. EV Charging Companies ChargePoint Tesla Electrify America EVgo Others Total Charging Stations 30,000 6,000 800 850 8,000 Fast Charging Stations 1,700 1,300 750 840 ~1,400 EV Charging Station Companies Now, the Tesla Supercharging Stations have a maximum of 250 kW charging which amounts to about 200 miles of charge in around 15 minutes. However, it must be noted that the EVs from other carmakers are not equipped to be charged at these stations as this is a Tesla-exclusive affair. The other end of the spectrum is that not all vehicles come with the feature of fast charging or compatibility with every charging socket (Tesla Supercharger, J1772, CHAdeMO, CCS). That is what narrows the possibilities of any EV being able to charge at any charging stations across the country significantly. Therefore, the effective number of charging stations where every kind of electric vehicle could be charged is under 10,000. There lies the biggest hurdle in terms of infrastructure. You might also like: Tesla Battery (4680) vs BYD Blade Battery – Comparison EV Charging Infrastrucutre Cost According to some estimates by industry experts, a regular Tesla Supercharging Station with 6-8 stalls delivering 120 kW to 150 kW each would cost roughly $250,000 to build. On the other hand, Volkswagen-owned Electrify America charging stations with similar specs would cost around $350,000. There lies the biggest problem with the EV charging stations. One can’t simply build these overnight, or even in a couple of years. And until this aspect is sorted, improving the range and bringing down the cost of EVs isn’t gonna achieve much in terms of mass adoption, although the EV makers will achieve that nevertheless. This is because we are at the point where the cost and range have become somewhat decent and accepted by the general public. It is the anxiety caused by not knowing where the next charging station is, that is preventing people from going for an EV. That is where the government support is needed the most as this job is too herculean for any single company. It could offer incentives to players to develop the charging infrastructure just like offering incentives to the people to buy EVs. You might also like: What Is Vehicle To Load (V2L) & Which EVs Have This Feature? Correct Way of Charging EVs Another relevant aspect of EV charging is the fact that the battery of a car (or any other electronic gadget) charges fast at the beginning (typically up to 50%) but requires significant time for the other half. Hence, people must try to charge their batteries up to 50% at one stop, drive and then make another stop to charge for 50% again, while on the highway. Overall, this will save them more time compared to when they charge the EV until 100% at one charging station. These are some habits that EV owners need to inculcate in order to squeeze the maximum range and spend minimum time at the charging station. However, for this, again, plenty of infrastructure is needed so that people quit the anxiety about finding the next charging station.

Is Edison Future (EF1-T) A Worthy Competitor To Tesla Cybertruck

23 Comments / EV News, Featured / By LEC Team

With the Tesla Cybertruck creating a ton of buzz around it for the longest time, could something like the Edison Future (EF1-T) electric truck prove to be a worthy competitor? The EV enthusiasts must’ve heard about the gigantic Tesla Cybertruck that was unveiled in 2019 but have you heard about the Edison Future (EF1-T), a potential competitor? Although these electric trucks still haven’t made it to the streets, the buzz around them is immense. There aren’t too many direct rivals to the Cybertruck barring the Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevy Silverado EV. While these are the EVs from the traditional carmakers, there is a worthy new player wanting to dominate the segment as well. Yes, we are talking about Edison Future, EF1-T which was showcased at the 2021 LA Motor Show as a concept. It is a unique EV truck that will be powered by solar energy. You might also like: 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 vs M50 – Specs, Range & Performance Comparison Edison Future vs Tesla Cybertruck – Exterior Comparison The EF1-T could be configured according to the preference of its owners. It could be used as a traditional truck with a cargo compartment at the rear with the solar panels integrated on the retractable roof that could be used to close the rear down making it look like the Cybertruck. The boxy silhouette, sharp creases, sleek use of LED strips at the front and rear, cameras instead of side mirrors, flush-fitting door handles, retractable side steps for easier ingress and egress, massive high-profile tires, and a rugged rectangular design at the rear are some of the key exterior characteristics of the EF1-T. On the other hand, the Tesla Cybertruck has been showcased on multiple occasions and features the absolute boxy design straight out of a sci-fi movie, with LED strip running the width of the front fascia, raked side pillars, cameras instead of the side view mirrors, chunky wheel arches, high-profile tires, steeply sloping tail end, the entire exterior design language devoid of any curves. The road presence of both these EV trucks would be a major pull for a ton of buyers. Interior Comparison On the inside of the concept EF1-T, the layout is quite uncluttered with a massive 17.5-inch free-floating infotainment display taking the centre stage, a unique 3 seat layout at the front, minimalistic dashboard design, pillar mounted 7-inch display screens as rear-view mirrors, roof-mounted LED reading and cabin lamps, unique solar mosaic panel to charge the batteries, generous use of aluminium to enhance the premium quotient inside the cabin and all the latest connectivity and convenience features. The interior of the Tesla Cybertruck is in line with the minimalist design philosophy of the EV maker that we have seen on other Tesla products as well. The steering wheel itself is a compact rectangular unit giving you the feeling of operating something truly futuristic, the dashboard features a sharp crease at the centre that runs across the width of the cabin, and the AC vents are completely hidden from the view giving the impression of a clean and sophisticated dashboard, the door panels and seats are suave with angular textures and no curves, just like on the outside. It boasts of all the modern features like a humungous touchscreen infotainment system with all the controls for multimedia, connectivity, climate control, drive information, etc. You might also like: 2022 Ford Mustang Mach E – Range, Specs, Models, Prices Specs Comparison The EF1-T comes in three variants, Standard, Super and Premium with a single, dual and triple motor setups respectively. The single motor version has a range of 300 miles (EPA-estimated) and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 6.5 secs. The towing capacity is a handy 7500 lbs. The dual-motor version has a 450 miles of range (EPA-estimated) and a mere 3.9 secs of 0-60 mph sprint time. It developed a massive 600 hp and has a towing capacity of 11,000 lbs. The triple-motor all-wheel-drive variant makes 700 hp and has an EPA-estimated range of 380 miles. The towing capacity stands at 9000 lbs. All these variants are capable of solar charging that could a little extra juice to the batteries on bright sunny days. You might also like: 2022 Kia EV6 Light vs Wind vs GT-Line – Specs and Price Comparison Edison Future (EF1-T) Single Motor Dual-Motor Triple-Motor Power (hp) 470 600 700 Range (miles) 300 450 380 Towing Capacity (lbs) 7500 11000 9000 Acceleration (0-60 mph) 6.5 secs 4.5 secs 3.9 secs The Tesla Cybertruck will also come with the similar 3 variants with single, dual and triple motor setups. However, a quad-motor configuration might be on the cards for later. The single motor EV will have an EPA-estimated range of 250 miles with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 secs. The dual-motor powertrain will have over 300 miles of range and 4.5 secs of 0-60 mph powering all four wheels. The triple motor all-wheel-drive configuration will feature over 500 miles of range and a claimed 0-60 mph of just 2.9 secs and a top speed of 130 mph. Tesla Cybertruck Single Motor Dual-Motor Triple-Motor Power (hp) (Expected) 400 690 794 Range (miles) 250 300 500 Towing Capacity (lbs) 7500 10000 14000 Acceleration (0-60 mph) 6.5 secs 4.5 secs 2.9 secs Launch Date While the Tesla Cybertruck is slated to launch in 2023, the EF1-T might see the light of day sometime around 2025. Do you agree that the Edison Future (EF1-T) electric truck could prove to be the ideal competitor to the Tesla Cybertruck once these are launched?

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