Ricardo, experts in sustainable transport has delivered an innovative and comprehensive lifecycle assessment of road vehicles on behalf of the European Commission alongside specialists from E4tech and the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg (ifeu).
The potential for hydrogen-fuelled engines as an alternative clean technology where batteries are not suitable, is gaining momentum with vehicle manufacturers across mainland Europe and the UK. Unlike current fossil fuels, hydrogen combustion does not generate any tailpipe CO2, whilst offering a potentially rapid route to implementation – it is therefore a key part of both Ricardo and Coast2Capitals technology roadmaps for cleaner mobility.
Formula E, the all-electric street racing championship, provides an exciting and competitive platform for global car manufacturers and mobility providers to test and develop road-relevant technologies. The series aims to act as a catalyst to help refine the design of electric vehicles and improve the driving experience for everyday road car users all over the world. Commencing with double-header races in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia in late November 2019, Season 6 of Formula E concludes following a pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with a dramatic finale in Berlin held in a series of races over 6 days. DS Techeetah was successful in its retention of both the constructors’ and drivers’ titles on 9th August with two races still to take place on 12th and 13th August.
With the significant disruption of business around the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ricardo experts will provide a free webinar to explore approaches to regaining or improving upon business as usual performance following lockdown.
Ricardo has been contracted by Geely Automotive Research Institute, the research and development organisation of the leading Chinese automaker located in Ningbo to provide crucial functional safety support relating to a range of vehicle functions. Each of these functions is associated with key chassis and high voltage system operations.
Transport engineering and environmental consultancy Ricardo states that its investment in implementing a ‘digital first’ strategy has helped it to continue business as usual while minimising health risk in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lock-down across Asia, Europe and North America. The company said it is committed to ensuring that its service to its global customer base continues with the minimum possible interruption, while prioritising the health, safety and well-being of employees, customers and other commercial partners.
Mike Bell has joined Ricardo plc as chief innovation officer (CINO) to spearhead the company’s forward plans on future product, technology and service innovation
JCB set the British Record for the fastest modified tractor at Elvington Airfield near York in June 2019 in a tractor designated ‘Fastrac One.’ It reached a speed of 103.6 mph with motorbike racer, lorry mechanic and TV personality Guy Martin in the driver’s seat. JCB then embarked on an ambitious plan to break its own record and developed ‘Fastrac Two’ – which was 10 per cent lighter, more powerful and even more aerodynamic. Also driven by Guy Martin, Fastrac Two hit a peak speed of 153.771mph on its way to clocking a record average of 135.191mph.
Investment by Ricardo in leading-edge gear manufacturing machine tools has improved productivity and extended capability, as the recent investment of £1.5m in a Klingelnberg spiral bevel grinder has begun delivering market ready components. The manufacturer states that the new investment underlines its “commitment to meeting the needs of its customers for high performance transmissions.”
Ricardo is to begin manufacture of the latest range of transmission designs for the ABB FIA Formula E Championship 2020. This marks the start of the company’s fourth year of supporting customers in the world-leading all-electric street race competition.
The automotive industry is one of the key sectors of Europe’s economy and its largest manufacturing industry, providing over 12 million direct and indirect jobs and representing about 5.6 percent of the EU workforce. It is also a leading source of technology development, giving rise to innovations that benefit many other sectors.
As the automotive industry seeks to electrify its product ranges, the thermal management of high capacity batteries used for electric vehicles (EVs) is proving a significant challenge. The performance and efficiency of battery cells can deteriorate – and their ageing can be accelerated – if operating temperatures exceed the upper or lower limits of a comparatively narrow range. In extreme cases, exceeding upper operating limits can risk thermal runaway of cells, leading to catastrophic failure and potentially, fire.
The Ricardo CryoPower concept is far from a refinement of existing engine technology – rather, it represents a complete re-imagining and re-engineering of the internal combustion engine.
The international automotive industry stands on the cusp of potentially the largest transformation since the dawn of mass production. This will be driven by several concurrent influences, notably electrification and connected and automated vehicle technologies – but perhaps the most profound changes will be in the manner of vehicle use.
Drawing upon research and technology that it has developed and proven in markets from Formula-E to Supercars, Ricardo’s new E-Axle transmission offers a balance of efficiency and performance, together with low total cost of ownership.
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