EDITOR'S PICK

Electric Cars Could Save Billions In Health-Care Costs

25 Oct 2024 | Synopsis

"Drawing on the power of computer simulations, the researchers showed that ambitious electrification of the U.S. vehicle fleet, complemented by a substantial implementation of renewable electricity generation, could yield health benefits valued between US$84 billion and 188 billion by 2050.

"Their models...include the production of common air pollutants from fossil fuel combustion, such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and small particles

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Here's How Hyundai's "Drill Lance" Puts Out EV Fires By Poking Holes In The Battery Pack

25 Oct 2024 | Synopsis

"It's designed to extinguish EV fires by drilling through the underside of an electric vehicle to reach the battery pack...water is fed through a hose to a turbine that drives the drill..it can penetrate the vehicle's underbody and battery pack within two minutes... Once the water starts spraying into the pack, it can be extinguished in as little as a half hour...a lot faster than the several hours (or even days) it usually takes to put out an EV fire."

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Why Waymo Wants To Help Its Riders Use Public Transit

25 Oct 2024 | Synopsis

"Alphabet-backed Waymo earlier this month unveiled a pilot program under which it will offer $3 credits for future rides when users in the Bay Area hail a Waymo robotaxi to take them to or from certain transit stations.

"Waymo recently surveyed its riders in San Francisco and found that 36% use Waymo One, the company's robotaxi service, to connect to public transit...The program covers eight Bay Area transit stations across three different systems..."

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Scout Motors Mounts An Electric Comeback With New SUV And Truck Concepts

25 Oct 2024 | Synopsis

"Scout, which is now an independent company under the Volkswagen Group, introduced its first new-concept vehicles today: the Terra truck and the Traveler SUV.

"One fully electric trim with up to 350 miles of range and an extended range model with more than 500 miles of range through a gas-powered range extender

"Scout already has a storied history - Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is a fan."

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Every Country Is Negotiating A Plan To Save Nature. Except The U.S.

24 Oct 2024 | Synopsis

"Nearly half a century ago, scientists were already warning that scores of species were at risk of going extinct...headlines from the time are eerily familiar...It was the United States who championed the idea of a Biodiversity Treaty in the 1980s.

" ultimately the barrier to stronger US environmental action: Congress. Reforming industries that harm nature and funding conservation will require approval from a heavily divided Congress..."

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CATL, China's King Of EV Batteries, Unveils New Product For Hybrid Cars Amid rising Demand

24 Oct 2024 | Synopsis

"...its latest battery that enables a hybrid car to go as far as 400km without resorting to the fuel tank...Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery to help expand its global market share and redefine plug-in hybrid vehicles...more consumers in mainland China opt for cars powered by a combination of battery packs and combustion engines...A 10-minute charge can provide up to 280km of driving range...

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Transition to EVs Will Lead to 'Fundamental Transformation' of Global Auto Industry, IMF Says

24 Oct 2024 | Synopsis

"...recent World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said the transition to electric vehicles will have 'far-reaching' effects on production, investment, global trade and employment.

"According to the IMF, transportation was responsible for 36 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2022...Speeding up the global move toward EVs would change the industry, especially if China remains the export and production leader in front of European and U.S. rivals."

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Ford CEO Admits He's Been Driving A Chinese Electric Sports Car For Six Months

24 Oct 2024 | Synopsis

"The Xiaomi car, which now exists, and it's fantastic... they sell 10,000, 20,000 a month, they're sold out for six months, that is an industry juggernaut...

"I try to drive everything we compete against... Specs can tell part of a story, but you've got to get behind the wheel to truly understand and beat the competition.

"Fundamentally, though, it's sound practice. In the words of Sun Tzu: If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."

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Zero Labs Electrifies Classic Land Rover Series 109, Celebrating Retro Design With "Anti-Cyber Truck"

23 Oct 2024 | Synopsis

"The Los Angeles-based company has already electrified iconic vehicles like the Ford Bronco, the Ford F-250, and the Defender 110...Since launching Zero Labs, we've received over 80,000 order requests

"...performance upgrades include adjustable ride height control, an auto-sensing rack-and-pinion steering, 600HP dual-motor configuration, and a range of over 250 miles...Only 25 units of the...Series 109 will be available in 2025."

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E-Wheeling and Dealing: A New Age of Public Service

23 Oct 2024 | Synopsis

"Many governmental entities are getting on board with Vision Zero, Complete Streets, and climate mandates, but struggle with implementation.This is where the role of a transportation planner is irreplaceable.

"...call-in approach"...means I do my research, work to build consensus, ask for feedback, and monitor impacts...For new technologies, it's important to check sources and know where real research is done..."

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Electric Vehicles, An Election Issue With Long-Term Implications

23 Oct 2024 | Synopsis

"Trump, meanwhile, has made misleading claims about possible vehicle mandates...Voters' choice in November may ultimately decide if valuable government incentives remain available...regardless of who wins, the transition to electric vehicles is almost certain to continue...electric vehicle sales nationwide in the third quarter of 2024 found sales were up 11% year over year.."

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Essay: How Progress Creates Its Own Obstacles

23 Oct 2024 | Synopsis

"The world really is getting better. So why don’t people believe it?"

"Progress is an unusual state of affairs. It is not the default...you could argue that the biggest evidence against the narrative of progress is all in our heads...The US economy has not in fact gone down the tubes, and we are, in fact, making real progress on cutting carbon emissions...our political system make transformational change so difficult to achieve."

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