Robot shuttles are a new type of vehicle that is limited to slow speeds for cities. Being silent, robotic and emission-free, they are expected to be allowed over piazzas and through indoor malls to deliver even children and the severely disabled right to their destination safe and dry. As once predicted in a report, “Robot Shuttles and Autonomous Buses 2020-2040”, courtesy of IDTechEx,…
Traction batteries and motors in electric vehicles (EVs) are very different to the powertrain components of the internal-combustion engine vehicles they replace. Their meteoric rise will lead to much greater demand for several materials markets which otherwise would see only modest growth. For example, while the combustion engine and transmission relies heavily on aluminum and steel alloys,…
With the UK government moving forward with its new consultation on automated steering for vehicles, the subject of self-driving cars has once again hit the headlines. However, the latest report shows there is significant resistance from the very consumers who are supposed to adopt this new wave of technology. It reveals that buyers and users…
A new report has indicated how supercapacitors have started to replace 10% of lithium-ion batteries and help kill lead-acid. As contained in an IDTechEx report, titled: “Supercapacitor Markets, Technology Roadmap, Opportunities 2021-2041”, urban buses and light trains will, at the route end, charge in 20 seconds, and escape eye-watering battery replacement costs. Lithium-ion batteries were…
