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DOE renews funding for PowerAmerica Institute; next-gen WBG semiconductors for power electronics

Green Car Congress

These high-performance power electronics can increase electric vehicle driving range; help integrate renewable energy into the electric grid; and lead to significant energy savings. Raleigh-based PowerAmerica commercialized more than 10 WBG technologies over five years.

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Ford Testing Intelligent System for Plug-in Vehicle to Grid Communication to Manage Charging

Green Car Congress

Ford Motor Company has developed an intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications and control system for its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that communicates directly with the electric grid. All 21 of Ford’s fleet of plug-in hybrid Escapes eventually will be equipped with the vehicle-to-grid communications technology.

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Ford names first markets for the Focus Electric

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Raleigh Durham, N.C.; As part of the collaboration with dealers, utilities and local governments, Ford will help develop consumer outreach and education programs on electric vehicles as well as share information on charging needs and requirements to ensure the electrical grid can support customers’ needs. Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.;

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DOE awarding >$24M to 77 projects through Technology Commercialization Fund

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Raleigh, N.C. Significant Cost Reduction Potential for Wave Energy Conversion Devices with Variable Geometry Modules, $102,089 Solar Automated Permit Software for Distributed PV and Battery Storage, $695,000 California Solar + Storage Association (CALSSA), Sacramento, Calif. Niskayuna, N.Y. Oak Ridge National Laboratory. IsoTherm Inc.,

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Ford Selects Johnson Controls-Saft for PHEV Battery Supplier in 2012; Adds 7 Utilities to PHEV Test Program

Green Car Congress

Ford has into a partnership with Johnson Controls-Saft (JCS) to develop advanced lithium-ion battery system to power Ford’s first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) beginning in 2012. The first PHEV research prototype used a JCS 10 kWh lithium-ion battery pack based off a 41 Ah cylindrical cell. Earlier post.).

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First $300M tranche of VW National ZEV investment targets charging infrastructure; 150kW+ fast charging on highway network

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Chicago, Portland, Boston, Seattle, Philadelphia, Denver, Houston, Miami, and Raleigh—and several highway corridors. In addition, other use cases/technologies are also under consideration including targeted battery storage to manage peak demand and ease grid loads, etc.

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President Obama announces new $140M public-private manufacturing innovation institute focused on power electronics

Green Car Congress

Applied in an EV, WBG materials could cut electricity losses by 66% during vehicle battery recharging, the DOE says. They also offer greater efficiency in converting AC to DC power and in operating the electric traction drive during vehicle use. reducing the size of a sub-station to a suit case).

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