Latest news with #chargingtechnology
Gizmodo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Amazon Slashes Anker Solix C1000 Prices by 45%, Now the Cheapest 1800W Portable Power for Prime Day
Portable power stations have expanded exponentially in popularity during the past few years, from summer camping and back-yard barbecue gatherings to winter electrical outages. A reliable backup source of power is something that anyone can benefit from and these units are demonstrating their value in all forms of use. But the technology within portable power stations makes them an expensive upfront cost. Anker is known for its expertise in charging technologies and it has been working to make such products more accessible. For Prime Day, Amazon is taking it a step further by cutting the price of Anker SOLIX C1000 power station to its all-time low: With a massive 46% discount, this high-capacity one can now be had for just $429, down from its regular price of $799. This is a Prime member benefit, but it can be used by anyone with the free 30-day trial. See at Amazon Anker SOLIX C1000 is a lightweight portable power station that will keep your key devices and appliances running properly wherever you are. With a powerful 1800W output (and a 2400W surge), it can supply power to anything from laptops and phones to small fridges and power tools. The on-board 1056Wh LiFePO4 battery pack has exemplary lifespan with its 3,000-cycle rating suitable for a 10-year span. Its UltraFast charging ability is one of the highlights of the SOLIX C1000: With an AC input and the UltraFast mode enabled via the Anker app, you can charge up to 80% battery in just 43 minutes and a full battery in under an hour. That speedy charging capability has you never having to wait around long to be back in business. For those with a greener bent, the SOLIX C1000 is also solar-compatible and can accept up to 600W of fast solar recharging (solar panels are sold separately). With the right solar panel, you can fully charge the unit in just 1.8 hours. It comes with 11 ports, including AC outlets, USB-A, USB-C, and an automobile socket so you can power or charge nearly any device you bring along. With the SurgePad technology offered by Anker, the unit can supply a surge capacity of 2400W and allow you to utilize 99% of home appliances in safety. Weighing in at slightly less than 28 pounds and 15% shorter than most other 1kWh units, it will nest compactly in your truck or RV. If you're a Prime member, you must hurry to buy one of the best portable power stations out there. See at Amazon
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How are charging technologies developing in mining?
Much of the mining industry's electrified future rests on advancements in charging technologies. Developments in fast, dynamic and hybrid charging solutions are enabling battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to become an increasingly familiar sight in underground and surface mines. Mining Technology's parent company, GlobalData, notes that there are almost 400 mining BEVs in operation globally as of the first quarter of 2025. To power these fleets, major miners are exploring innovative charging technologies for operational efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. However, interoperability across vehicle types and charging infrastructure has yet to be achieved at scale. If charging solutions become standardised, fully electrified operations across the global mining industry can become a reality. As mining vehicles transition away from diesel and become electrified, operational speed remains a priority for miners to meet or surpass production targets and avoid downtime of critical assets – a need that is met by fast charging. Ben Ting, chief commercial officer of Echion Technologies, confirms that 'the industry benchmark for fast charging is one hour out of a 24-hour day'. Echion is a spin-out of the University of Cambridge and supplies niobium-based anode materials with backing from strategic investor CBMM, the world's biggest niobium miner. Research finds that fast charging, the most commonly used technology in underground mines, enables improvements in productivity by optimising the timing of charging periods, such as when workers are on shift breaks. However, a flaw in the efficiency of fast charging technology is that BEVs typically remain stationery during the charging process. 'The ultra-class BEVs in mining have over a megawatt-hour (MWh) worth of batteries, and there is a lot of prep involved in charging them – parking the truck up, getting a big cable, safely connecting and disconnecting it,' explains Ting. 'All these things added up take too long within dynamic mine environments where it is important to keep moving all the time.' Another common method is battery swapping, which is the exchange of a depleted battery for a fully charged one. However, this still requires dedicated stations and careful parking alignment. This is where dynamic charging comes in, charging BEVs while they are in operation. This is typically achieved by attaching trucks to a catenary, the best of which can currently deliver 6–8MWh of power, according to Ting. Charging efficiency also varies between BEV sizes. Hitachi Energy global transportation segment manager Bruce Warner previously told Mining Technology that charging technology is quite mature for smaller vehicles but for larger trucks will 'take time and investment to bring it to a state where it can be widely used', citing dynamic charging as a promising solution. ABB global eMine mining solutions manager Nic Beutler tells Mining Technology that 'while the capital costs can't be ignored, they are becoming easier to justify. 'Modularity and scalability are overlooked benefits, as mines won't have to overhaul everything at once. They can start small, prove the concept and scale incrementally as the fleet electrifies.' Indeed, emerging charging solutions currently represent an upfront investment risk, but there are efforts to build out and standardise solutions for wholesale industry electrification. A key barrier to increased industry adoption is a lack of interoperability between charging technologies, infrastructure and vehicle types. The Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) association, which promotes a combined charging system as a global standard for electric vehicles (EVs), has been collaborating with the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) on this bottleneck. 'The result is a clear road map structured around three complementary technologies,' explains CharIN technical project manager Daniela Soler. These are the Ruggedised Megawatt Charging System (R-MCS) for high-power static charging; the Dynamic Charging Interface (DCI), which supports charging while in motion; and the extreme Megawatt Charging System (X-MCS), aimed at ultra-fast original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-agnostic charging for large haul trucks. With these advancements, CharIN is targeting 'automation, durability and scalability', but interoperability remains the top priority, says Soler. 'Mining fleets are diverse, often with equipment from multiple OEMs, operating across different sites in different climates. If each OEM or site requires its own proprietary charging system, the cost, complexity and risk increase heavily.' ICMM director of innovation Bryony Clear Hill adds that 'standardisation supports the deployment of high-power chargers and dynamic energy transfer systems essential for large mining vehicles, especially in demanding environments.' Digitalisation is another important piece. As Beutler highlights: 'Right now, many charging systems are reactive – plug in, charge, then move on. What is needed is more intelligent infrastructure that is aware of fleet scheduling, power network loads and a mix in supply, even with renewable energy inputs.' As more charging solutions, both digital and physical, become available to miners, there is a higher chance of oversaturation in the market. Ting maintains that 'standardisation should come after experimentation. Despite the mining industry wanting high-level certainty, many different approaches should be tested to then zone in on what should be the standard.' Alongside broader initiatives, major miners have been pursuing pilot projects and fast charging remains a popular avenue. Ting highlights Australian mining giant Fortescue as a leader in this area. At the end of 2024, the company received an A$10m ($6.48m) grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to develop 6MW fast chargers for heavy BEVs, building on its previous prototypes. Across the Pacific in Canada, Newmont's Borden gold mine is transitioning into the world's first all-electric underground mine – a mission enabled by fast charging stations and power reticulation systems with additional power lines and a one kilovolt supply. Hybrid solutions are also emerging, allowing miners to reap the combined benefits of fast and dynamic charging. Elonroad CEO Karin Ebbinghaus states that with better charging, 'there is less need for big batteries, and so mining vehicles will become cheaper, as batteries are quite often the most expensive part of a vehicle'. The company offers dynamic charging stations for miners and estimates that industry electrification stands at only 0.5%. Hybrid charging is 'brand new for mining', comments Ting. 'There is a lot of interest in trials, particularly from the smaller miners, so that they can be second movers.' In the meantime, major OEMs continue to push more charging solutions out into the market. Most recently, at MINExpo 2024, Caterpillar unveiled its Dynamic Energy Transfer system, which includes a power module, electrified rail system and a machine system to transfer energy to an operating truck. Also at MINExpo 2024, Komatsu showcased its first battery-electric load haul dump truck with ground-level battery swap capabilities and its collaboration with ABB on the eMine™ Robot Automated Connection Device, which automatically connects and disconnects mining EVs to charging stations. 'It is a new way of thinking with new technologies, so tests in different environments are crucial,' says Ebbinghaus. 'In a large ecosystem, the OEMs and power grid companies also need to be involved. It is about bringing new people together for discussion, which can be a challenge.' Hill emphasises that 'success in developing charging technologies hinges on collaboration between stakeholders to advance the electrification of mining'. Charging advancement in mining is on an upward trajectory, with Ting asserting that hybrid solutions in particular hold exceptional promise. 'Most mines will run on a hybrid system with onboard charging,' he says. 'There is a real opportunity for greenfield sites in designing and planning the mine with charging infrastructure in mind from day one.' Ebbinghaus concurs, urging stakeholders to continue building on the progress that has been made so far. 'The industry has already spent a lot of funding on researching autonomous and electrified operations, and now it is time to combine them and focus on charging infrastructure.' Of course, charging solutions are just one piece of the wider puzzle of mining electrification, and must develop alongside other clean energy mining solutions such as batteries and renewable power sources from on-site microgrids. 'Mines will increasingly rely on predictive charging schedules, energy-aware routing and coordination with renewable supply,' confirms Beutler. Industry progress in charging could also serve as a blueprint for other sectors such as ports and heavy rail, as Soler points out. CharIN expects R-MCS and DCI systems to be deployed in mines in the short term, with X-MCS on a longer time frame that could see it rival or even surpass diesel refuelling across different industries. 'Ultimately, charging will move from being a technical challenge to becoming a strategic advantage, one that enhances productivity, lowers emissions and future-proofs mining operations,' Soler concludes. "How are charging technologies developing in mining? " was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
BYD's 5-minute EV flash chargers coming to Europe
BYD will bring its ultra-rapid electric car chargers to Europe, it has confirmed, meaning EV owners will be able to recharge as fast as filling up with petrol. The Chinese EV giant, which recently dethroned Tesla as the biggest electric car maker in the world, has confirmed it will install a network of 'flash chargers' in Europe within the next 12 months. BYD's (which stands for Build Your Dreams) executive vice president Stella Li announced the news to journalists in Brussels last week. The ultra-rapid chargers use a 1,000kW architecture, making them much more powerful than its US rival's Superchargers, which only charge up to 250kW and deliver 172 miles in 15 minutes. Li claims the flash chargers will allow EV drivers to replenish their batteries in just five minutes with the technology described as a 'game changer' that will boost EV confidence and remove range and charge anxiety. Initially, the devices will be installed at BYD dealerships, though other partnerships and locations are currently under consideration. Part of the brand's Super e-Platform – which includes an overhauled powertrain, an upgraded motor and battery - the 'flash chargers' add 1.2 miles of range per second, which gives the five-minute industry-first figure. The chargers also let cars with older batteries top up 20 to 30 percent faster than normal. BYD already sells EVs equipped with batteries that can recharge up to 250 miles (400km) in five minutes. While the confirmation from Stella Li is good news for European BYD drivers, no extra details have been given as to how the chargers will cater for European EV technology. There are currently limitations on Europe's CCS (Combined Charging System) rapid chargers which cap power at 500kW, with many manufacturers limiting EVs to lower charging figures to help long term battery health. Most European EVs can handle up to 200kW on a 500A charger, with only a few able to handle up to 350kW. BYD's 1,000kW chargers massively overshoot this. The expansion of BYD's charging network into Europe is the latest part of the Shenzhen-based company's goal to dominate the EV and plug-in hybrid market in Europe. Li explained that by 2030 BYD wants to be a major player in the European automotive market, with plans to open a production site in Hungary this year, along with a R&D center and a European headquarters in Budapest. BYD's European sales have seen steady monthly growth of 10 percent, Li says, with the carmaker aiming to build more production sites on the continent in the future if sales continue to go well. Li commented: 'We are going to build in Europe to sell in Europe. We are looking at the long-term. We are here to stay.' Which BYD cars can you buy in the UK? BYD arrived in 2023 and brought with it three models that undercut European brands by offering high levels of quality, tech, and battery advancements for a more affordable price: the Atto 3, the Dolphin and the Seal which cost £37,705, £26,205 and £45,705 respectively. The forthcoming Atto 2 compact SUV will arrive later this year and is set to start at £30,000.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
BYD's 'game changing' five-minute EV flash chargers are coming to Europe within 12 months
BYD will bring its ultra-rapid electric car chargers to Europe, it has confirmed, meaning EV owners will be able to recharge as fast as filling up with petrol. The Chinese EV giant, which recently dethroned Tesla as the biggest electric car maker in the world, has confirmed it will install a network of 'flash chargers' in Europe within the next 12 months. BYD's (which stands for Build Your Dreams) executive vice president Stella Li announced the news to journalists in Brussels last week. The ultra-rapid chargers use a 1,000kW architecture, making them much more powerful than its US rival's Superchargers, which only charge up to 250kW and deliver 172 miles in 15 minutes. Li claims the flash chargers will allow EV drivers to replenish their batteries in just five minutes with the technology described as a 'game changer' that will boost EV confidence and remove range and charge anxiety. Initially, the devices will be installed at BYD dealerships, though other partnerships and locations are currently under consideration. Part of the brand's Super e-Platform – which includes an overhauled powertrain, an upgraded motor and battery - the 'flash chargers' add 1.2 miles of range per second, which gives the five-minute industry-first figure. The chargers also let cars with older batteries top up 20 to 30 per cent faster than normal. BYD already sells EVs equipped with batteries that can recharge up to 250 miles (400km) in five minutes. While the confirmation from Stella Li is good news for European BYD drivers, no extra details have been given as to how the chargers will cater for European EV technology. There are currently limitations on Europe's CCS (Combined Charging System) rapid chargers which cap power at 500kW, with many manufacturers limiting EVs to lower charging figures to help long term battery health. Most European EVs can handle up to 200kW on a 500A charger, with only a few able to handle up to 350kW. BYD's 1,000kW chargers massively overshoot this. The expansion of BYD's charging network into Europe is the latest part of the Shenzhen-based company's goal to dominate the EV and plug-in hybrid market in Europe. Li explained that by 2030 BYD wants to be a major player in the European automotive market, with plans to open a production site in Hungary this year, along with a R&D centre and a European headquarters in Budapest. BYD's European sales have seen steadily monthly growth of 10 per cent, Li says, with the carmaker aiming to build more production sites on the continent in the future if sales continue to go well. Li commented: 'We are going to build in Europe to sell in Europe. We are looking at the long term. We are here to stay.' Which BYD cars can you buy in the UK? BYD arrived in 2023 and brought with it three models which undercut European brands by offering high levels of quality, tech, and battery advancements for a more affordable price: the Atto 3, the Dolphin and the Seal which cost £37,705, £26,205 and £45,705 respectively. The forthcoming Atto 2 compact SUV will arrive later this year and is set to start at £30,000. BYD has announced its Dolphin Surf city EV will go on sale later this year and offer 'the best value' in its class while costing less than £20,000. This will shake up the cheap EV market. As of March, there are 60 BYD dealer locations and counting.
ABC News
28-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Sicona's fast-charging battery tech to be developed by Himadri in India
A breakthrough Australian technology that promises 40 per cent faster charging times for lithium batteries has attracted interest from overseas. Wollongong startup Sicona has licensed the rights to its technology, SiCx, to Indian chemicals company Himadri. The product is a silicon carbon anode that is added to lithium-ion batteries to improve efficiency. As part of the deal, Himadri will make a $15 million investment in the Wollongong business and will have the right to create its own facility producing the product in India. "The revenue that it will generate for us in terms of royalties is in the tens of millions of dollars that will flow over quite a long period." In the initial stages, Himadri's investment will allow the Wollongong company to expand its laboratory operations in the Illawarra and employ more staff. In the long term, Himadri's plan to build its own manufacturing facility producing Sicona's product will form the blueprint for the Australian company establishing its own facility elsewhere, most likely in the US. Previously, Mr Jordaan has spoken out about the difficulty in setting up manufacturing facilities in Australia, forcing home-grown ideas into development overseas. "The Australian government needs to incentivise local manufacturing, as other governments like the US [have] ... there is a lot of protectionist trade policy being implemented." Mr Jordaan said not having to build a large, first-of-its-kind manufacturing facility would allow Sicona to learn from Himadri's experience. "This is a very neat way to overcome that challenge for us to get our first commercial-scale operation … our vision is to become the largest producer of these materials globally. "Over time, that means we want to build and operate ourselves and while we have that intention in the US already, we're looking at other opportunities … to build globally." Sicona previously proposed a commercial-scale lithium-ion battery factory in the Illawarra suburb of Shellharbour. Lithium-ion batteries have many uses, but they all have a cathode positive side and an anode negative side. The cathode side has materials like nickel, cobalt and manganese, while the anode is predominantly graphite. When Sicona's product was mixed in with an anode's graphite, Mr Jordaan said the impact was significant. "It boosts the storage capacity of the battery overall," he said. There are a number of sectors driving the need for better-quality lithium-ion batteries. Examples include artificial intelligence in personal devices that use batteries, militaries using autonomous drones, the development of humanoid robots and electric vehicles. "What I've observed in China most recently is almost every new vehicle that you find on the road is electric," Mr Jordaan said. "Artificial intelligence is driving higher power requirements for other devices, including mobile phones, laptops and robots. "All of that requires denser and better batteries … and is driving huge demand for our product and our technology."
