Two recent Tesla stories sit at opposite ends of the range. Tesla Model 3 is set to benefit from cost-focused Cybercab inverter technology, announced on November 1 2026. The flying car, Tesla Roadster, uses aluminum in its battery cells and underbody protection, reinforcing power delivery, thermal management and lightweight construction. The two models reveal how aluminum can serve very different engineering priorities, from making electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable to helping them deliver extraordinary performance. Tesla Model 3: the everyday car gets Cybercab hardware Nick Verzini, Tesla’s Head of Drive Unit Engineering, mentioned on a Munro Live factory tour that a new printed circuit board assembly and power stage from the Cybercab’s inverter will enter Model 3 production in...
Aluminum foil is getting a seasonal makeover as Reynolds Wrap introduces its limited-edition Snowflakes Fun Foil, bringing decorative appeal to everyday kitchen tasks ahead of the holiday season. Featuring an embossed snowflake pattern, the product combines the familiar functionality of aluminum foil with a festive appearance suited to food wrapping, holiday entertaining and homemade gifts. The new design allows consumers to use Reynolds Wrap foil for more than routine food storage, adding a decorative touch to meal preparation and presentation. Its winter-inspired pattern makes it suitable for covering dishes, preserving leftovers, packaging baked treats and creating festive crafts. Despite its seasonal appearance, Snowflakes Fun Foil retains the practical functionality of conventional...
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Scientists from Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology and Slovenia’s National Institute of Chemistry have claimed to have created aluminium batteries with higher energy density and wide renewable energy storage applications. Conventional aluminium batteries use aluminium anode and graphene cathode. The scientists used anthraquinone, instead of graphene for the cathode in the new device, which has increased the energy density twofold from conventional aluminium devices. In the paper “ Concept and electrochemical mechanism of an Al metal anode ‒ organic cathode battery” , published in Energy Storage Materials, the researchers explained that anthraquinone enables storage of positive charge-carriers from the electrolyte, which helps in boosting the energy density two times the...
Ožujsko, a Croatian beer brand for lager beer, has partnered with Ball Corporation to introduce a collection of limited-edition cans. The limited-edition cans are created to raise awareness of endangered species in Croatia. Ožujsko’s new range utilizes Ball’s Thermochronic Ink and Dynamark technology on fully recyclable 500ml standard aluminium cans. Ivan Šuvar, consumer excellence director at Zagrebačka Pivovara, said: “Cans are becoming increasingly popular for packaging as they are fully recyclable. Using packaging that is sustainable matches our company values as we want to make a positive change. We chose to use our popular brand to voice awareness for endangered species. We partnered with Ball to create our cans to reflect the cause and raise awareness with consumers. We hope to...
According to a recent report, American start-up Bollinger Motors has revealed its electric off-road SUV and pick-up truck in beta prototype form. The B1 and B2, both based on Bollinger’s in-house developed Class 3 electric vehicle ‘skateboard’ platform, are engineered to be road-legal across the globe. The chassis and body of both the vehicles are made of aluminium, which make them light in weight and easy to manufacture with simple-to-replace body panels. The rugged, boxy models produce a combination of 614bhp and 668lb feet of torque for a claimed 0-60mph time of 4.5 sec and a top speed of 100mph. Batter pack has an enormous capacity as well of 120 kWh. However, the range has not been confirmed yet. Previously, the company had proposed a range of 200 miles from a 100kWh battery. Since...
Nio Inc. announced last week, it would open smaller showrooms for better sales network, cut jobs and spin off some business units after reporting a second-quarter loss of US$478.6 million, 25 per cent more than its first-quarter loss. The move was decided to control massive cash crunch amid slowing electric vehicle sales in China after the subsidy cut. The company recalled 4,803 vehicles in June. The Chinese EV startup that was aiming to be Tesla’s counterpart reported an 8 per cent drop in revenue to 1.41 billion yuan (US$198.40 million) from 1.54 billion yuan in the preceding quarter. William Li, founder and chief executive of Nio attributed the drop to reduced EV subsidies and incentives, and slumping luxury vehicle demand amid U.S. China trade tensions by the EV maker. Nick Wang, Nio...
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is in talks with Hindalco Industries Limited to source aluminium for its proposed one GW (gigawatt) aluminium air battery facility as the State-owned entity looks for an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. This move is in tune with the government’s strategy to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India to cut the fuel import bill. Confirming the development, a senior official of Hindalco Industries told The Hindu, “They have approached us. We are in talks with them. It’s at an initial stage. They are developing it in joint venture with an Israel firm.” Last year, IOCL had signed an initial pact with Israel’s Phinergy Ltd. for developing ultra lightweight metal-air batteries that can be used in EVs. Aluminium air battery is said to...
HUECK Middle East Aluminium Systems, one of the leading and most trusted aluminium solutions system providers, has showcased its latest products & solutions for the façade industry at the Windows, Doors & Facades Event in Dubai. 2019 edition of Windows, Doors & Facades (WDF) Event is open, until Thursday 26 September. HUECK Middle East Aluminium Systems has also displayed a new range of sliding systems at the HUECK stand, located at stand no: A201 at Sheikh Rashid Hall. The company said one of the major highlights of its participation this year is ‘Silent Air,’ a window system that reduces the noise while maintaining the ventilation system. Modar Al Mekdad, Managing Partner, HUECK Middle East, said: “Since the launch of HUECK Middle East’s operations last December, we have established...
Ahead of a key bilateral meeting between the U.S. and Japan, Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi said trade talks will bring peace mind for the automakers and farmers. Motegi is likely to meet U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer ahead of a summit between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to discuss trade relations between both the countries. Trump and Abe are expected to secure a deal on farm tariffs and digital trade when they meet in New York this week. They have not divulged full details on the trade talks. The discussion is also likely to cover issues related to auto export. Motegi said that he would insist on a written assurance that Trump would not impose tariffs on auto exports from Japan to the U.S.. However, the final results of this week’s...
With the increasing demand for aluminium cans in the packaging industry, due to proficiency in preserving quality and flavour of contents, the cans export from Poland is estimated to rise in 2019 by about 3.32 per cent. CANPACK Group based in Poland, which is already one of the leading manufacturers in the beverage packaging industry in Central and Eastern Europe, is striving to further expand its production to cash on the optimistic aluminium cans market. {newsStudioGallery} According to a report in September 2019, CANPACK Group is setting a new factory in the Czech Republic, which will boost the company’s overall production to 25 billion units per year. The Czech Republic is also an important importer of aluminium cans from Poland, in addition to the Netherlands. In 2017, Poland’s...
MJ Building Materials Trading, one of the leading companies in the aluminium and extrusion industry in the GCC, will showcase latest aluminium extrusions solutions and other advanced building material at Windows, Doors & Facades Event 2019. The event will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from September 24 to 26, 2019. Modar Al Mekdad, Chairman, MJ Building Materials Trading, said: “In line with our efforts to continuously support the UAE’s vision to become the world’s most innovative nation and lead in all aspects of life, we are looking forward to showcase the latest trends in building materials systems at Windows, Doors and Facades.” “We are confident that with our new partners, HYLINE and Glassline GmbH, the construction and architecture sector will have a wider and better...
Italian yard Cantiere delle Marche has reportedly launched 37.35 metre explorer yacht Acciaio 123, built from a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. The exterior styling and naval architecture of the yacht is designed by Hydro Tec. Acciaio 123 is the second unit in the CdM’s Acciaio series and follows the Acciaio 105, which was launched last year. Described by the yard as “impeccably contemporary”, the explorer features sophisticated interiors designed in-house with the owners. The total accommodation capacity is for up to 12 guests in five staterooms. Meanwhile, the crew quarters are allowed for up to seven staffs. Key features of the vehicle include an open-plan saloon on the main deck with separate areas for dining and lounging. Numerous interior spaces are spread across three...
Zagorka, a Bulgarian beer brand from the city of Stara Zagora, has teamed up with Ball Corporation, a leading beverage can maker, to release two limited-edition cans featuring art by two Bulgarian artists, Ivan Shopov and Nasimo. Elitsa Ivanova, manager marketing Bulgaria, said: “Our co-operation with Ball has assured us that we can have the effect of high quality printing that we needed for the perfect visualisation of the art pieces. The brand chose to use fully recyclable packaging to appeal to its customers to be more sustainable and be cautious of its carbon footprint.” Zagorka has selected Ball’s 500ml standard can for its latest range. To enhance consumer’s experiences, Zagorka’s new product features Ball’s special QR code technology to allow consumers to download unique content,...
Renault Group has launched its first locally produced electric vehicle, the Renault K-ZE at an auto show in Chengdu. The low-cost subcompact crossover targets urban commuters and has a range of 271 kilometers with a maximum speed of 105 km per hour. The K-ZE is the third product Renault has built with local partner Dongfeng. The downturn in the auto sector has also impacted the sale of Renault and the company needs new products to push its sales. In August, deliveries of Dongfeng-Renault plunged 64 per cent year on year to 1,050. Through August 2019, their sales nosedived 73 per cent to 11,311. To venture into China’s EV market, Renault formed a joint venture with local automaker Jiangling Motors Group in July in the east China city of Nanchang after acquiring 50% shares of Jiangling...
Living Vehicle design studio, run by a husband and wife duo in California has designed a mobile home called Living Vehicle 2020. The travel trailer is a luxury mini-apartment boasting a unique structure made 100 per cent from aluminium. “I have a vision that this vehicle can fully sustain life and be fully self-sufficient,” Matthew Hofmann, one of the designer duos said. “That one day we can all travel around not bound by any one site, in a very freedom-driven life, where we get to choose where we want to live without a resource drain on our world. Our goal is zero energy in, zero waste out.” The 220sq ft luxurious interior of the Living Vehicle 2020 can accommodate up to six adults. The vehicle comprises an open living, dining and kitchen area; external pop-up terrace; private luxury...
Globus Infocom, a Make in India brand & one of the most innovatory organizations that provide advanced technological solutions, announced that it will launch new products at InfoComm 2019. The 2019 edition of InfoComm India, a dedicated exhibition platform for exceptional technological solutions, Professional AudioVisual (Pro-AV) and Integrated Experience Solutions, will be held 18th to 20th September at Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), Mumbai. Globus Infocom will showcase its new Indoor LED Display Wall at the event. Built out of die-casting aluminium material, LED Display Wall offers ultra-high brightness, bezel-less display, wide viewing angle, and multiple mounting options. The new product will be used in public display areas, government establishments, conference halls and...
Liang Xuan, a senior aluminium analyst at Shanghai Metals Market, anticipates a growth in the use of aluminium in car body panels as there has been a fall in aluminium sheet cost, tightening government policies, and improving welding techniques. The potential for growth is significant given the current low level, said Mr. Xuan. Automakers face hefty cost pressure to produce a full aluminium vehicle and fail to see profits until the car is sold at above RMB 600,000. Only medium and high-end automobiles can now be spotted with aluminium engine, trunk lids and doors, according to SMM. China’s automobile market has been declining since 2018. In 2019, the production is expected to fall by about 13.5 per cent, with aluminium use in car panels slipping 3 per cent, said Liang to the delegates at...
Philippe Briand from the London-based design firm Vitruvius has reportedly designed a brand new 45-metre superyacht in collaboration with the French shipyard Ocea. The yacht named Nautilus 45 features aluminium hull and superstructure and is designed to cruise through all landscapes. It typically boasts a combination of elegance and luxury with the adventurous potential of an explorer vessel. Philippe Briand said, “Our design features simple, sleek lines with no superfluous details. The Nautilus 45 combines all the essential elements: it is the best yacht for 2020, the ultimate evolution in yacht design.” The superyacht has an accommodation capacity for total 12 guests into five large guest cabins and one full-width master suite. “The specifications of the Nautilus 45 are similar to those...
CANPACK, a leading manufacturer of aluminium beverage cans, announced that the company will invest in a new aluminium beverage can factory in the town of Stříbřo – in the region of Pilsen, western Czech Republic. The new investment will increase the production capacity of aluminium beverage cans to around 25 billion cans per year. Stephen McAneny, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at CANPACK said: “The state of the art facility is a landmark in the continued strategic partnership between Asahi and CANPACK.” “Utilising our agile business model we aim to offer Plzeňský Prazdroj and our extensive European customer base innovative and sustainable packaging, superior quality, as well as operational excellence whilst enhancing the brand and consumer experience.” CANPACK said the new...
According to a recent report, Chinese automotive manufacturer Chery, in association with German electric vehicle producer Steatscooter, will build a production plant for manufacturing electric light commercial vehicles for postal and parcel transport use. As per the report, both Chery and Streatscooter will invest 500 million euros to build the plant in China, with an output capacity of 100,000 units per year. 2021 is the estimated time for the plant to be launched. Chery is one of the earliest new energy vehicle (NEV) producers in China. In 2018, it sold 60,000 NEVs, ranking behind BAIC Motor and BYD Auto. In 2020, it aims to produce 200,000 units. Data from China Industry Association showed the country’s production of new energy vehicles during January-August rose by 31.6 per cent over...
