Good Morning! Welcome to Electric Avenue, your favorite EV newsletter. We took a little break to focus on other projects - but we’re back! Don’t call it a comeback 😎
Let’s dive in!
Links 🔗
#1 Iotecha technology platform acquired by VALEO ⚡: US-based Iotecha has been known in the industry as a provider of EV chargers and EV charger controller modules, powering among others the Renault Mobilize Power Box that enabled AC V2G for the Renault R5 EV in France. Now french automotive Tier 1 VALEO has acquired the Iotecha technology and core team members such as founder Oleg Logvinov are joining the VALEO team (Source). At the same time, VALEO introduces its new Ineez AC charging station based on Iotecha’s technology (Link).
#2 Tritium partners with Pionix to bring Open-Source EVerest to their chargers :
PIONIX x Tritium partner to adopt EVerest
Tritium is an early pioneer in High-Power DC fast charging. When IONITY was the first charging network to deploy up to 350kW fast chargers back in 2017/2018, Tritium was one if its key charger suppliers. Since then Tritium had a wild ride that included a SPAC offering to go public, followed by near-insolvency and acquisition by India-based Exicom. Now the Tritium business is taking the next step in building a solid business foundation by adopting the Open-Source EVerest Software stack on its portfolio of DC chargers. PIONIX, initiators of the EVerest project, are contracted by Tritium to help with the integration of EVerest. (Link)
#3 BYD Flash charging system details & review 🔋:
YT-channel Out of Spec Reviews went to China to check out the BYD Flash Charging system and put it to the test. The BYD flash charging and battery systems represent a significant shift in EV infrastructure and cell technology. We summarized the key details for you guys:
Battery Technology (Gen 2 Blade Cell)
Cell Chemistry: The system is built around the Gen 2 Blade Battery, which utilizes LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry.
Democratization: BYD intends to use this specific Gen 2 blade cell across its entire vehicle lineup, from entry-level models to premium brands like Denza and Yangwang [05:14].
Charging Performance
Peak Power: The system supports peak charging power exceeding 1 megawatt (1,000 kW) for a single passenger vehicle
Charging Times:
10% to 70% state of charge (SoC) in 5 minutes
10% to 97% SoC in 9 minutes
Vehicle Capacities: The Denza Z9 GT featured in the video is equipped with a 122 kWh battery pack that can accept these high power levels.
Super V2G: The vehicle supports "Super V2G" (Vehicle-to-Grid) discharging at rates up to 200 kW [29:41].
Infrastructure and Charger Hardware
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): To deliver massive power without requiring an equally massive grid connection, the chargers use integrated battery storage [13:46].
Each standard system includes two 200 kWh battery units.
These storage units use the same Gen 2 blade cells found in the cars.
The BESS operates at 1,000V and has a 10C discharge capacity, allowing it to output energy much faster than conventional 0.5C or 2C storage systems.
Grid Requirements: A standard installation uses a 560 kVA input stage but can output up to 2 megawatts (two blocks of 1 MW each) by leveraging the battery buffer [13:31]
Cooling System: The chargers utilize a high-power cooling unit with refrigerant technology very similar to a car's AC system [25:48]
Liquid-Cooled Cables: The proprietary BYD cables are designed to be thin and lightweight while handling 1,000A continuous and 1,500A peak current per port [23:40]
Vertical Integration: BYD develops all components in-house, including the power electronics, microcontrollers, and the cable management system [25:11]
The video also provides several specific details regarding BYD's aggressive infrastructure plans and connector variants per region:
Global Rollout Targets
China: There are currently 2,500 operational flash charging dispensers. The goal is to have 20,000 systems operational in China by the end of 2026.
Europe: Plans are underway to deploy 3,000 systems in the upcoming months.
Other Regions: The rollout includes 1,000 systems in the Middle East and Africa, with thousands more planned globally.
Connector Standards and Compatibility
Connectors: The system uses GBT connectors in China. For the European market, it will use the CCS2 standard.
Accessibility: The hardware is designed to meet UK accessibility standards (PAS1889), featuring a lightweight cable management system that suspends the weight of the cable.
Brand Openness: In Europe and other open markets, the chargers will be open to all CCS2 vehicles. However, BYD may reserve specific stalls for "flash-capable" vehicles to ensure those who can charge in under 10 minutes aren't blocked by slower-charging cars.
Most-clicked link last post: Was Doug DeMuro’s video review of the Rivian R2. For those looking for more, check out this great comparison of the R2 vs Tesla Model Y that our friends at InsideEV’s published: https://insideevs.com/reviews/789404/rivian-r2-vs-tesla-model-y-range-price-specs/
Meme of the Week 🤡
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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial or tax advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. The Electric Avenue team may hold investments in or may otherwise be affiliated with the companies discussed.
