John Challen

What's New With EV Traction Motors?

John Challen

September 12, 2023

Engineers are scrambling to develop magnet-free devices.

The EV Lightweighting Challenge

Lightweighting efforts focus on new materials to improve operating range.

John Challen

February 9, 2023

Lightweighting can improve the strength, stability and performance of electric vehicles. To address the challenge, automakers are exploring new materials that boost operating range, one of the biggest hurdles to widespread EV acceptance.

Making Sense of Battery Management System Sensors

Small sensors play a big role in EV efficiency and performance.

John Challen

May 27, 2022

Whether it rolls, floats or flies, every electric vehicle needs sensors to monitor current, temperature and voltage. Battery management systems (BMS) are the “brains” responsible for the efficiency, safety and longevity of lithium-ion batteries.

Controlling Heat Build Up in EVs

New tools and technology help battery-powered vehicles control heat.

John Challen

December 20, 2021

Battery thermal management is a huge challenge in electric vehicles. In addition to increasing the risk of fire, high temperatures can have a direct influence on range. By efficiently controlling EV temperature levels, battery range can be maximized.

Making Electric Vehicles Quieter

Sound absorption and noise dampening present huge challenges in electric vehicles.

John Challen

September 15, 2021

Automotive engineers have been tackling unwanted vehicle noise for decades. Their focus consists of a combination of sounds and vibrations from a vehicle’s drivetrain, as well as ambient road noise from outside vehicles.

Assembling Electric Vehicle Motors

Engineers are scrambling to find cost-effective ways to mass-produce EV motors.

John Challen

May 20, 2021

The shift from the internal combustion engine to batteries and electric motors is, in automotive terms, monumental. But, there is no denying that it's a challenge that manufacturers and suppliers are tackling head on.

Motor Manufacturing Charges Ahead

John Challen

May 5, 2021

Engineers are scrambling to find cost-effective ways to mass-produce EV motors.

Traditional OEMs are rethinking their technology strategies and business models as they prepare for battle with new mobility competitors

John Challen

September 14, 2020

Traditional OEMs face a challenge in the coming years as new competitors and fresh approaches to personal transportation appear. Daimler and Volvo are two of the old-guard leaders preparing for the new battle. According to recent interviews, full assaults on the IT (information technology) and safety fronts are just two of the highlighted strategies being deployed.

Autonomous vehicle opportunities and challenges

Recent industry developments are looking to save lives, reduce injuries, and spread mobility equitably, but education—of developers and consumers—is one important element to AV technology development and adoption.

John Challen

September 10, 2020

This year kicked off where 2018 finished when a huge number of developments were announced in autonomous and connected vehicles. The biggest platform for these reveals, demonstrations, and announcements was the CES 2019 Show in Las Vegas, which saw an unprecedented amount of automotive applications being showcased and a glimpse given to a world that is fast becoming a reality.

Error-Proofing Assembly Starts With a Connected Shop Floor

On Demand Connecting shop floor tools to a manufacturing execution system is critical to error-proofing assembly processes, improving quality control, and lowering defect and scrap rates. Join Torrence Williams, Partnerships Manager for Pico MES, and Dan Smith, VP of Sales for Kolver Tools, as they discuss an easier path for manufacturers to start connecting their factory floor.

Sponsored by:

This topic is something that challenges each of us every day that we go to work. This talk is about change and why it works and why it fails. It is focused on manufacturing facilities, because that is where the author has spent most of his working life.

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