Toronto, Ontario — In this week’s electric and autonomous vehicle report, Exro Technologies Inc. has announced the completion of engineering validation on the 100 Volt Coil Driver for EVs, City of Delta receives funding for the installation of 20 EV charging stations across the city and Mini-BMW revealed their Mini Vision Urbanaut “concept” car.
Clean Tech Takeover
Exro Technologies Inc. (EXRO), a leading clean technology company that developed a new class of power electronics for electric motors and powertrains, has officially completed the engineering validation on the 100 Volt Coil Driver for electric vehicles (EV).
Validation of the 100V Coil Driver engineering technology is a key milestone for EXRO to delivering commercial products in the rapidly growing EV markets. The 100 Coil Driver will be expected to deliver next-generation performance in power and efficiency to mobile applications with electric powertrains.
“We are excited about moving forward in delivering our technology into operating applications”, said Sue Ozdemir, CEO of EXRO. “This validation represents all the hard work our engineering team has put in to take our patented technology from simulations to dyno bay testing, taking us another step closer to positioning ourselves as technology leaders in the transition to electric vehicles.”
Testing has proven that the series to parallel algorithms driving dynamic switching under load is operating as expected. EXRO is on schedule to deliver a prototype to Potencia Industrial S.A. DE C.V. (Potencia) and maximize performance in operation applications.
Potencia is one of Mexico’s largest motor manufacturers with over 50 years of experience specializing in custom applications, like the new Pronto Power electric powertrains. With over one million miles travelled, Pronto Power is leading the transition of electric fleet vehicles in Latin America.
EV Charging Stations
On Nov. 19, 2020, The City of Delta announced the amount of funding they received from Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan’s) Zero Emissions Vehicles Infrastructure Program.
The funding received was $77, 250 for the installation of 20 EV charging stations at public facilities across Delta. NRCan’s funding equalled close to 50 per cent of total project costs, which will help build a community-wide expansion of EV charging stations open to the public in 2021.
“By investing in clean transportation, the Government of Canada is giving Canadians more choices to purchase, charge, and drive vehicles that will power our transition to a low carbon economy. This is an important step along our path to net-zero by 2050,” said Seamus O’Regan, federal Minister of natural resources.
The city of Delta has been working tirelessly on reducing greenhouse gases, climate mitigation, and adaptation. As part of their efforts, the mayor of Delta endorsed an Electric Vehicle Strategy to recognize the importance of EVs in reducing Delta’s Carbon footprint.
A Digital Car for the Future
Mini Vision Urbanaut is Mini-BMW’s “concept” car that in fact—doesn’t even exist in any physical form.
According to Mini, their “concept” car is the perfect way to explore the future of the brand—particularly the way it configures interiors.
The concept of this “Mini Vision Urbanaut,” is the reimagining of the small car’s inside into a multi-purpose living space. Using augmented reality, the company went about finding the ideal ways to hang out with in the taped confines, choosing soft and warm textiles and shapes to create the three different “moods” or “moments” of chill, vibe, and wanderlust.
“The Chill moment invites you to catch a breath and pause in the here and now,” which is how Oliver Heilmer, the head of “Mini Visions” designs, describes it.
“The car becomes a kind of retreat, a haven where you can relax — or work with full concentrations — during a journey. Wanderlust is the only MINI moment where the MINI Vision Urbanaut is being driven or driving with automated driving functions. The moment Vibe puts time with other people at centre stage — in every way”.
In all honestly, the concept is quite underwhelming, and it looks like a cartoon mini RV, however, time will tell whether this concept becomes a reality.
