⚡️ Electric SUV with 745-mile range, perovskite tandem solar cell with 23.64% efficiency, an ancient brick production mystery

Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer GAC has launched its new SUV, dubbed the Hyptec HL, in two electric variants. The launch, under GAC’s high-end energy-conscious label, follows the rebranding of the previous Hyper into Hyptec in August last year.

The SUV is available in both all-electric (EV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) versions. Designed under the ‘land yacht’ concept, the Hyptec HL aims to combine spacious luxury with fast supercharging and smooth starting technology. Dive deeper into this Must-Read.

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⚡️ Chinese automaker’s electric SUV offers 745-mile range, charges 30-80% in 10 mins

The SUV is equipped with a roof-mounted LiDAR, three millimeter-wave radars, 11 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors to enable advanced driver assistance features. Powered by GAC’s ADiGO system, these functions work without the need for a high-definition map.

Key capabilities include static obstacle detection, assistance with parking in tight spaces, autonomous valet parking, remote parking support, and blind spot monitoring.

All Hyptec HL models come standard with an 800V fast-charging system. The two entry-level rear-wheel-drive EV variants support a 3C charging rate, allowing the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes. Higher trims support a faster 5C charging rate, reducing the same charge time to only 10 minutes.

☀️ Korean scientists achieve 23.64% efficiency with lift-off perovskite tandem solar cell

Scientists from Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) have announced that their new tandem solar cell has achieved a record efficiency of 23.64%. The new cell consists of a top layer of perovskite and a bottom based on copper, indium, gallium and diselenide (CIGS) technology.

Tandem solar cells combine two or more layers of different materials to capture more sunlight and boost efficiency. Each layer absorbs a different solar spectrum, allowing the device to convert more sunlight into electricity than traditional single-layer cells. The design improves performance and energy output.

According to KIER, its technology represents a world record for lightweight, flexible tandem perovskite-CIGS devices. However, an independent third-party entity has not yet confirmed the results.

🧱 4,000 Roman bricks’ research could reveal ancient material production mystery

Archaeologists are set to spend the next two years examining 4,000 stamped bricks from the Roman city of Trier. They aim to uncover insights into ancient brick production and distribution.

A new interdisciplinary project, backed by a €340,000 grant from the German Research Foundation (DFG), will delve into the previously under-researched Roman brickwork of Trier.

Trier, known as Germany’s Roman capital, rose to prominence as a major metropolis in the Roman Empire north of the Alps between the 1st and 5th centuries.

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