Chinese automotive heavyweight BYD recently committed to running Baidu’s autonomous driving systems in its vehicles, with the partnership expected to boost profitability for both brands. Sources working closely with the companies told South China Morning Post (SCMP) that Baidu’s natively developed autonomous driving platform, Apollo Navigation Pilot (ANP), had been selected by the Warren Buffett-backed…
One of China’s largest car manufacturers and Volvo parent company, Geely, has announced plans to install battery swapping stations specifically for long-haul and heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs). Battery swapping services have been popularised in China for passenger vehicles as more drivers transition to electric alternatives. However, often larger vehicles aren’t catered for as typical swap…
Chinese engineers have successfully completed a pilot project that converts carbon dioxide into fuel. The only facility of its kind, researchers say the breakthrough method could alleviate some of the damage being done to the planet’s atmosphere by harmful greenhouse gases. Developed by Zhuhai Futian Energy Technology and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP), the…
A team of researchers in Hefei, China, have developed what they claim is the strongest pure form of tungsten. The super-strong material has a tensile strength greater than most alloys, making it a prime candidate for many demanding projects, including nuclear reactors, aircraft, satellites and heavy machinery. Tungsten (or ‘wolfram’), represented by the letter W…
A group of Chinese researchers have discovered a method to grow rice crops in saltwater. Scientists close to the experiment are hopeful the novel technique will play a significant role in shoring up China’s food security. Working at the Qingdao Saline-Alkali Tolerant Rica Research and Development Center, Wan Jili believes the salt-resistant rice strain can…
The scientific community has been energised by news that Chinese officials have approved the use of gene-edited crops. Food insecurity is present in some form or another on every continent. Current data estimates that 47 countries, predominantly in Africa, will fail to achieve even ‘low hunger’ in the next nine years. Researchers are confident newly…
One of China’s largest motoring firms, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, has delivered fifty electric vehicles (EVs) powered by the firm’s solid-state battery, for demonstration. Often referred to as the ‘Holy Grail’ of EV technologies, solid-state batteries are significantly more efficient than traditional liquid-electrolyte power units. The EV, Dongfeng’s E70 model, is the first to house the…
Chinese-based electric vehicle (EV) battery firm, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), has launched a battery swapping service. The world’s largest producer of EV batteries says it will allow EV users to swap out batteries in a minute, hopefully alleviating much of the “range-anxiety” experienced by prospective EV owners who might still be sitting on the fence.…
China’s “artificial sun” continues to shatter records. This time, the hyper-expensive fusion reactor recorded temperatures five times greater than the surface of the sun. Scientists are hopeful the feat may be the next step to unlocking unlimited power – the holy grail of clean energy. Secured in Hefei, China, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST)…
Chinese engineers are confident their first floating nuclear reactor is sturdy enough to withstand gale force winds. The offshore reactor, located in the Bohai Sea, is used to power ocean-based oil rigs and is reportedly capable of toughing out “once in 10 000-year” storms. The novel 60GW (gigawatt) reactor was subjected to powerful winds and currents…