G. David Felt

Energy transition is the ultimate challenge in electric vehicles (EVs) and technological advances are reducing costs while offering greater efficiency as demanded by consumers. Driving the market is the entire powertrain made up of power-dense batteries, electric motors and wide-bandgap semiconductor solutions. GaN or Gallium Nitride is a wide-bandgap material with outstanding intrinsic characteristics that can offer system level advantages with better performance. Lower weight, higher power density for increased range is what GaN can deliver due to operating with a higher efficiency at a higher frequency providing a reduction in passive components while increasing power density. The advantage of allowing larger breakdown voltages and greater thermal stability at higher temperatures along with greatly increasing the efficiency of power-conversion stages is what GaN offers as a replacement for silicon in high-efficiency voltage converts, power MOSFETS, Schottky Diodes, etc. this is what transphorm has to offer to the fast-charger market and the EV products looking for energy efficiency, smaller dimensions, lower weight and lower overall cost. Current MOSFETs and superjunction MOSFETs cover the industry in voltages up to 650 V, transphorm GaN runs up to 1,200 V with 99% efficiency that can help drive down recharging times and deliver onboard better power transition between the components and engines. Per transphorm press release, their GaN device offers the broadest range of power options from 45W to 10K+ kW and has been tested to voltages greater than 1,400 Volts. In working with the Illinois Institute of Technology, the transphorm team has demonstrated a major breakthrough for their GaN performance of a 1,200-volt device node with high efficiency 800-volt switching. transphorm has proven that their GaN is moving pwer electronics beyond the limitations of silicon in achieveing 99% efficiency with 40% more power density and 20% lower system costs. While one could easily say BIG DEAL, GaN will not only affect the Auto Industry but the whole electronic industry as it is used from cell phones to computers, to various household electronics, home solar grids and yes your auto delivering on higher energy efficiency. For those wanting to learn more about various applications that this new technology can be used in, check out the larger video library here: Videos - Transphorm (transphormusa.com) The SuperGaN technology has the following benefits: Increased Performance: Gen IV provides a flatter and higher efficiency curve with an improved Figure of Merit (RON*QOSS) of approximately 10 percent. Easier Designability: Gen IV offers increased simplicity of design-in by removing the need for a switching node snubber at high operation currents. Enhanced Inrush Current Capability (di/dt):Gen IV removes the switching current limits for the built-in freewheeling diode function in half bridges. Reduced Device Cost: Gen IV’s design innovations and patented technology simplify device assembly, too. The resulting cost adjustments continue to bring Transphorm’s GaN closer to Silicon transistor pricing. Proven Robustness/Reliability: Gen IV’s 35 mΩ FET offers the same gate robustness of +/- 20 Vmax and noise immunity of 4 V that is currently delivered by Transphorm’s Gen III devices. This allows GaN to offer improvements and greater efficiency in the following markets: Infrastructure and IT Power Supplies Consumer and Computing adapters, gaming power supplies Broad Industrial chargers and UPS Automotive electric vehicles, charging, etc. 5G mobile adapters and RF material More details on specific areas can be had here: GaN Technology - Transphorm (transphormusa.com) With transphorm recent break through competition is heating up as Texas Instrument has also announced a new family of GaN transistors aimed at the auto industry meant to decrease board space, increase power efficiency in auto electrical systems. These devices are special why? The GaN products can reduce the EV onboard chargers and DC to DC converts by as much as 50% compared to current existing silicon based solutions. The goal here is in saving board space and increasing energy efficiency, engineers will achieve extended battery range, increased system reliability and lower design costs. According to Texas Instrument, GaN integration can eliminate more than 10 components typically required for discrete solutions in existing EVs and other solutions. This is the biggest area of improvements GaN has to offer to the EV market, cost and driving range. Today's EVs have many individual components that drive up costs and yet by integration of these components into the powertrain you drive efficiency in reducing that cost down. This would cover bulky items such as inductors, transformers and over all PCB size into the powertrain reducing power losses and simplify thermal management. GaN technology can help extend driving range by operating at higher efficiency and conserving thermal energy requiring fewer cooling components and lower costs. Driving standards is the SAE International that has a full detailed site for those interested in this technology: Gallium Nitride future of EV chips (sae.org) An interesting point that the SAE points out at the link above: Traction inverter: While an EV’s propulsion system (traction inverter plus electric motor) is five times more energy efficient than IC engines, with lower maintenance costs and longer lifespan, the upfront cost has on average been 2.5 times higher. Technology innovation in materials, magnetics and electronics is creating new-generation motors that are more energy efficient (less power loss through heat), compact and lighter in weight. GaN power semiconductors are key to the evolution of traction inverters capable of delivering more than a 70% power increase compared to inverters using traditional IGBTs. One area that some that follow the EV world has seen has been Tesla getting farther and farther on a battery charge. This came as the SAE points out at the link above in a Tesla S with 75 kWh battery getting a 6 to 10% range increase by replacing the conventional Si IGBT traction inverter with GaN-based inverter. transphorm as does their competitors and the SAE all state that the EV market will expand with enhanced power-electronic performance via implementation of GaN transistors, creating system efficiencies and increased power densities required to achieve demanding vehicle size and range targets. End result is we should see a wide range of EVs covering subcompact to full size at all price points eventually as the industry changes from ICE to EV. https://www.transphormusa.com/en/news/1200v_gan_ispsd/ ISPSD 2022 | Vancouver, Canada TI Turns to GaN FETs to Cut Board Space and Boost Power Density in EVs - News (allaboutcircuits.com) View full article

Welcome back Chris, nice to have you posting again!

WOW, did not know that about him. That is very surprising indeed. Wonder if diet played a part or just a lucky roll of the genetic dice? ?

Yes, you are right, the ignorance of people not wanting to face the facts did take it political. We can, due to the good grace of @Drew Dowdell THANK YOU, discuss this, post links to the facts and with our own restrain and rereading of our post before we post it do our best to keep this focused on the deadly Virus at hand. Our biggest challenge we will have, is being patient enough to continue to share the data, the educated best guess as science is only that till proven otherwise in helping those that choose to believe social media disinformation over science facts. I always find it interesting that people will tend to believe a mishmash of social media BS over a stated testing methodology of science. How someone with no facts, but a loud voice can get away with having people believe their BS over a science-based approach. Hate to say it, but education, which is the great equalizer IMHO, is also where we tend to have this division on society. We have two camps, those that are educated and use it to abuse society and those that see it as a responsibility to help society. This Pandemic has proven this out IMHO. Here is to everyone staying safe and getting vaccinated.

Interesting to see how fat we have become. Four-Decade Study: Americans Taller, Fatter | Live Science Interesting report that follows the last century. PDF (usda.gov) Interesting tool at this link, you put in your data and it tells you your size 100 years ago. I would have been 3.5 inches shorter. Height: How Tall Would You Be 100 Years Ago? | Time Loving how some sites give far better examples than our own government of the data to make it easy to understand by all. I realized this when I was going through the PDF from the gov site above and yet here is a simple chart of the same data. Average Height for Males and Females in 1912 and 2012 – A Hundred Years Ago Great study done on price and wages going back to the 1600's. Introduction - Prices and Wages by Decade - Library Guides at University of Missouri Libraries Love the attention to detail.

I can honestly say that YES, the Public is Covid Fatigued! Yet with that said are you willing to play Russian Roulette with your life? Not me, My whole family continues to wear masks in public and we are not doing any large indoor events. This even includes going to my wine club release parties as the risk is not worth the it IMHO. Since my job has me working with many medical groups that are working on Covid, the boosters are great, and a 4th booster will be needed. Lucky the mRNA tech is able to handle being tweaked to focus on the latest strains and this includes the newest B2 variant that is starting to take over across Europe and in select states/provinces/territories. I just hope we can overcome the ignorance against vaccination especially for kids where we are seeing the uptick in sickness and death. Very sad.

Crazy, course people back then were even smaller than today. Would be interesting to see what they looked like.

Yes, I know I am the extreme exception to this as I am NOT the Standard size for America. Glad I could make you laugh, Figure it was my time to pull the Apple to Watermelon comparison! So true my friend, but then Noticing the lack of sarcasm, I did my best to play the role of the mismatched comparison! I do like the "noticing else in common" comment! JK

Interesting stories today based on the CDC/John Hopkins data and the Census Bureau. Evidence shows that the Pandemic is worse in red states versus blue states due to the vaccination differences. The coronavirus pandemic has been deadlier in red states (axios.com) I can totally understand the big cities losing population as the pandemic made humans that could afford to, move away to less populated space to give themselves some protection against infection. I do wonder if this is also a shift in political viewpoint as conservative states take in those that were living in liberal states and vice a versa. Interactive map: Where population growth exploded during the pandemic (axios.com) At a time when we have two years of hard facts on what works and what does not, one would think for the betterment of humankind and for the over all health and safety of the US that our Government would create a better system for response to the next Pandemic. Sadly, it looks to be a war of those that believe science over those that believe social media stories. Partisanship undermines a playbook for the next pandemic (axios.com) Data is always good in knowing how to stay safe and prepare for what could come next. Excess Deaths Associated with COVID-19 | Data | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) Excess Deaths Associated with COVID-19 (cdc.gov) As they say, facts do not lie. Sad the excessive amount of deaths that could have been prevented if proper leadership by sound facts, science and medical professionals had led rather than politicians.

Yes, this will be key here for Chevrolet. Yet with that stated, the Mach-E has tons of interior space over a ice Mustang. I can also say without a doubt that Tesla really screwed the Donkey on their lack of interior space for an EV on top of a stoopid extreme rack of the windshield and roof line that eats up interior space. Sadly large people even musk in the front seat cannot have anyone sit in the rear unlike a Mach-E. Interior space is one reason I have not bought a Rivian, Hummer or Chevrolet Silverado E. I need to physically test myself in one and the rear seat to see if the family can fit.

Awesome read on the Torture testing of the F-150 Lighting. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2022/03/24/ford-f-150-lightning-torture-tests-offroad-towing/7151568001/ Very impressed with what Ford is doing.

WOW, I do not remember that on that Pontiac model, thought to be honest, I only ever considered buying one Pontiac and that was the Bonneville SSEi SuperCharged sedan. Slept on it over night and knew it would not fit the family even though I loved how it drove. This is that dash and what I remember.

Cannot read the logo on the steering wheel and do not recognize the plastic dash. Which brand and model is it?

OK, so your saying removal of the existing style of center console (ICE related) in exchange for larger seats or a variety of alternative center consoles with expanded storage use, bench seat, etc. Got it, thank you.

SMK, Can you clarify what you mean about "can open up the center console since there is no transmission or drive axle." I think you forgot to finish your thought? ?

At least they are protecting the auto with style with a generic appliance on top!

Seems RAM is getting a baby brother finally again. OFFICIAL: Ram 1500 Getting A Baby Brother | CarBuzz Seems Honda is ahead of schedule as they showed off their final Civic ICE model for Europe and announced 3 new EVs that will be available for sale in Europe starting 2023. HONDA MEETS ‘ELECTRIC VISION’ 2022 TARGET AND ANNOUNCES THREE ALL-NEW ELECTRIFIED MODELS (hondanews.eu)

I agree with you, sadly, I think many live beyond their means and it would seem many live for instant gratification. Sad when you see charts like this that show most Americans are not saving 6 months of income. Average U.S. Savings Account Balance: A Demographic Breakdown - ValuePenguin

Yes if you want to stay that basic and not acknowledge how we have gone from a u channel frame to box frame as a start, then the changes in suspension, connections, drive by wire over physical cables, etc. Better material, better manufacturing process, better welding process, assembly process, etc. Just a very obvious notice is the rivets used on that old frame assembly compared to what they do today. Big Changes as Engineering has gotten better.

Those numbers were from the Who Can afford story that I have the link at the bottom of the story. They talk about the basic take home pay after taxes and the fact that depending on where one lives, cost of living such as rent, etc. so they went with the default minimum required per the calculators used to figure cost on a 72-month loan. Yes, I know some put more down, others less, they went for consistent sake I imagine with the default minimum required to buy said auto.

Cool to see how far we have come in technology and build process.

Per a recent story on thestreet.com titled "Who Can Afford a Tesla, Ford or Chevy Electric Vehicle?" they state that the median salary of $51,480 before taxes for 2021 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This would tend to imply that of the 2 million EVs that Ford and Chevrolet both say they will build and sell by 2026 is going to be hard as the current math for a 2022 Chevy Bolt with a starting price of $32,495 based on a 72 month loan with a $2,500 down payment would require an income of $72,000 a year and has you paying a monthly $452 payment. A Ford Mach E with a base price of $44,995 requires an income of $101,000 a year with a monthly payment of $606 on a 72 month loan with a down payment of $4,500 Tesla is even more expensive when you look at the recent starting price of $47,690 which would require a yearly income of $111,000 with a 72 month loan, $4,500 down payment and a monthly payment of $652. With the recent spikes in gas prices, more people have been interested in electric vehicles, yet the current prices are out of reach of most people even on used EVs. Then take into account the spike in raw meterials such as nickel and that ends up boosting EV prices again. No entry level EV is priced under $30,000 that is equal to an ICE in range. The Chevrolet Bolt comes close, Nissan is selling Leaf's below $30,000 but with a battery range of just over 100 miles that many feel is not doable when compared to a equally priced ICE auto. Tesla CEO Musk promised a sub $30,000 EV and has FAILED to deliver. He now says auto driving is the future, not individual driving. Ford has promised an EV for all income levels, but at this time has not shown anything yet. GM has stated that the Chevrolet Equinox Electric will be a game-changer. This EV will be based on their flexible Ultium Platform that supports Ultium battery packs of 50 kWh to 200 kWh with a motor combination that runs from 235 HP to 1,000 hp depending on EV. GM has stated that this Electric Equinox will be available in FWD or AWD and will be available on the market starting Fall 2023 with a range per charge of 300 miles. We have only seen this computer-generated interior that GM released at the start of the 2022 year. The above video showing the exterior of the actual Chevrolet Equinox EV is exciting and proof that GM is moving forward to deliver on the promise of EVs for all. With war in Europe, parts shortages globally, Price increases across the board on everything, this brings up the very real question of "Can GM CEO Mary Barra deliver still on the race to electrification for all?" Many various OEMs and startups have announced EVs from entry level to luxury level. Can anyone deliver on that promise? Many here at Cheers and Gears have also debated the lack of Style and inspiration for autos in the 21st century over autos of past yore. What do YOU think of Chevrolet Equinox EV from a style standpoint? Chevrolet - YouTube Who Can Afford a Tesla, Ford or Chevy Electric Vehicle? - TheStreet View full article