Electronics and software

With the GB 38031–2025 standard, China is setting the facts on the ground that reshape the safety debate around electric cars. How this makes electric cars even safer - and why taxi operators are affected by it.

A few years ago, the partnership between Volkswagen and Bosch was regarded as one of the most ambitious technology projects in the German automotive industry. Together the two groups aimed to develop systems for automated driving that would be deployed not only in premium vehicles but also in mass-market models.

Doubt often accompanies it. Whoever speaks about electromobility in the taxi trade quickly lands on the question of the battery's durability. Especially in continuous operation, with many charging cycles and high mileage, it is regarded as a bottleneck. Now figures from DEKRA and from Munich taxi operations provide a differentiated picture.

Current data from the telematics specialist Geotab show that modern vehicle batteries can deliver strong performance throughout their entire lifespan – even taking into account more frequent fast charging sessions.

Recently, reports made the rounds in the media that Mercedes can no longer supply replacement batteries for the Smart ED. That also worries owners of older electric cars from other brands, such as the BMW i3, the Renault Zoe, the VW e-Up, or the Nissan Leaf—and, of course, owners of current electric vehicles as well. Are electric cars nothing but e-waste after a few years if the battery fails?

A technical article is misinterpreted, leading to questionable advice for electric car drivers. The headline sounded tempting: Those who drive sportily should do something good for their battery. What initially seemed like an invitation to a swift driving style in an electric car turned out to be a fallacy upon closer examination.

In an industry that is currently reinventing itself, Banner Batteries acts like a company with a firm anchor. While many manufacturers in the automotive sector are reorganizing and juggling strategies between plug-in, platform, and powertrain, the Austrian traditional company looks back on a solid business year – despite open questions surrounding electromobility.

(dpa) 3,000 euros for hunting associations are causing a stir in connection with the Northvolt settlement. Were community representatives therefore biased when they cleared the way for the construction of the factory?

The automatic lighting system in modern cars takes a lot of work off the drivers' hands: It automatically turns on the low beam when it gets dark, or when driving into an underground parking lot or through a tunnel. However, in fog and other diffuse lighting conditions, the automation often doesn't work perfectly: The DEKRA experts recommend being proactive and manually turning on the low beam.

(ots) Worldwide demand for batteries will more than triple by 2030, rising to between 4.0 and 4.6 terawatt-hours, depending on the scenario.

(ots) The good news first: Electric car batteries have become less sensitive to temperature in recent years. 

(ots) The technology for electric car batteries is continuously evolving. This results in an increased range while simultaneously reducing charging time and costs. Extensive information on the topic is provided in an e-book by Verti Versicherung AG, which was published in collaboration with renowned experts in modern energy systems.

(ots) Zaptec, one of the leading European manufacturers of charging solutions for electric cars, is now offering its charging station Zaptec Pro as a legal metrology-compliant solution as standard for the German and Austrian markets.

(dpa) What will happen to the planned Northvolt factory near Heide? The Swedish battery manufacturer is looking for investors. Construction continues in Schleswig-Holstein. A German also plays a role.

The automotive department of Nextbase presents the dashcams 385GW and 385GWX, which were specifically developed with the needs of vehicle manufacturers and dealers in mind. Users can install the dashcams themselves or have them installed by a professional dealer.