Getting EVs To Go Further Does Not Have To Be Entirely About Changing Battery Technology

As the automotive industry continues its transition to the electrical future, the importance of energy conservation is only increasing in importance. The key to global EV adoption undoubtedly lies in battery technology that must become more affordable, but automakers are also making efforts to allow electric vehicles to go further on a single charge even without changing battery technology.

Energy from bumps and potholes

According to Car Buzz, BMW filed a patent in Germany to recharge EV batteries using the kinetic energy of the vehicle’s suspension as it drives along. In simple words, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft BMWYY has possibly invented a way to harvest electric energy from potholes and speed bumps. Reportedly, the new suspension design will  generate electricity from a car's vertical wheel movement from bumps. This means that the company’s flagship vehicles such as BMW i7 could soon be game changers.

A new brake design for longer EV ranges

Continental Aktiengesellschaft CTTAY is a German multinational automotive parts manufacturing company known for its tires, but it could go down in history for inventing a brake calliper. The Green Caliper is significantly lighter than previous designs and has a lower residual brake torque, helping the vehicle save up to five kilograms or 11 pounds per brake. 

Complementing EV power with fuel cells

Honda Motor HMC revealed it will beging producing an all-new hydrogen fuel cell EV in 2024 called Honda CR-V. Producted in Ohio, this vehicle will be refueled with hydrogen in just a matter of minutes. As a reminder, Honda has joined forces with General Motors GM back in 2017 to find more affordable sources of renewable hydrogen.

More exciting news are bound to come soon at 2023’s CES show in Las Vegas with one of keynote speakers being Stellantis N.V. STLA CEO Carlos Tavares who is expected to unveil an electric truck concept on January 5h, 2023.