Tag Archives: automotive

18 Sep 2015

In the majority of instances a busbar is a better choice for conduction needs however the uptake of busbars as standard parts has been somewhat slower than one might imagine when looking at all the benefits they bring. The benefits over cabling in most instances are quite well documented.

  • Versatility both in terms of the various connections and the ease with which busbars are installed and changed means they are quicker and easier to slot into design work
  • Physical costs of installing busbars are lower because they are easier to install and wiring errors are eliminated
  • Busbars can be made to order and between the various different material make-ups there are busbars fit for almost any purpose
  • Busbars allow better thermal management both due to their inherently better connections and also their sleeker design, which allows for greater space for airflow or cooling systems
  • Busbars can connect at right angles, the space saved by using busbars because significant when compared to large bundles of cables required in many projects
  • Because of their modular design busbars can deal with changing energy loads far better than traditional cables
  • Although initial material/part costs may be higher for a busbar solution in the majority of cases the labour saving plus the saving over the lifetime of the materials (such as alterations) will more than recoup that initial outlay
21 Aug 2015

Audi’s all electric SUV is destined for production following its unveiling at the IAA 2015. The vehicle, which it is hoped will be in production in 2018 will have a range of 310 miles and is expected to be one of the stars at next month’s IAA in Frankfurt.

The Audi etron Quattro benefits from the expertise in developing the R8 etron and will be the brands first large series electric car.

15 Aug 2015

We’ve written before about the electric car market, its development and how the battery life in some models of car have improved. However, the biggest barrier to people buying electric cars is still the battery life. It doesn’t matter how green the vehicle is or how good the tax benefits, the bottom line question that people need an answer to is ‘How far can I travel on a charge?’ And for many electric cars, that’s not very far. They are great for running around the city where you’re not doing many miles, but for longer road journeys, the fear of running out of power is still a huge barrier to buying an electric car.

There are many research projects going on around electric cars. Some trying to improve and extend the life of a battery charge, others like Highways England feasibility study looking at charging on the go. The result of which is the first UK trial at a testing site that will allow cars to charge on the go.

7 Aug 2015

Here at PRV we provide services to the motorsport industry and there’s no denying that there’s an insatiable appetite for all things motorsport in the UK. TV programmes and Formula 1 viewing figures back that up and the Formula E series was a big hit. But just how much does the engineering in motorsport impact the everyday road car development?

There will be some that say it doesn’t; F1 and race weekends are nothing but a chance for celebrity and excess to take the platform. However, that’s not the view of the motorsport Industry Association (MIA) or the automotive industry themselves, who say that the engineering innovations in motorsport have a significant impact on the wider industry.

24 Apr 2015

The auto industry has come a long way since the introduction of the first car.

Electric and hybrid cars were once thought to be futuristic (along with flying cars). Now electric cars are on every forecourt of major showrooms across the country. Increasing numbers of super fast chargers are being put in place which means that electric and hybrid cars are able to travel much further than when first introduced. In many areas it now only takes 30 minutes to recharge a battery – just enough time to stretch your legs and get a cup of coffee, but a big enough charge to take you another 100 – 300 miles (depending on the model and make of your car).

26 Sep 2014

Years ago when we first started talking about electric cars, we all envisaged small bubble cars that could be plugged in at your front door. While we may not be able to plug in at the front door the engineering developments in electric cars have come a long way.

This year motor sport saw the introduction of the Formula E series which was watched by thousands and attracted the well recognised racing names of Prost, Senna, Andretti Piquet and Trulli.

Obviously you can’t compare it to F1; the sound, speeds and handling are very different but FE is only just beginning and who knows where it will be in 10 years?

7 Aug 2014

Whatever next? First, they put a man on the moon, then came the Internet and now, driverless cars could be on the UK’s public roads by next year!

Since the story broke, most of us have either commented on or thought about the concept and how it will or might not, work.

Of course, there are significant legal barriers which must be overcome before this can happen. However, once those hurdles have been negotiated, we should all brace ourselves for the latest innovation in the automobile industry.

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