EDITOR'S PICK

Volvo XC70 PHEV: A Battery-First Hybrid That Redefines the Segment

17 Sep 2025 | Synopsis

Volvo's XC70 PHEV redefines plug-in hybrids with up to 200 km (124 mi) of EV range from a 39.6 kWh NMC battery, plus fast charging and bi-directional power. Its P1–P3 drivetrain pairs a 1.5L turbo engine with dual motors for seamless series-parallel operation. Built on Volvo's SMA platform, it launches first in China, with Europe expected next. The XC70 signals a battery-first strategy bridging hybrid autonomy and full electrification.

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Where’d the Billion Come From? Musk's Tesla Buy Raises Questions

17 Sep 2025 | Synopsis

Elon Musk's $1B Tesla stock purchase, made via his personal trust, sparked a surge in share price and raised questions about how the buy was funded. Likely financed through margin loans, derivatives, or asset reallocation, the move increased Musk's net worth by up to $8.6B. The timing aligns with Tesla's proposed $1T compensation plan, suggesting a strategic gesture to boost investor confidence and governance optics.

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Extreme H: Hydrogen Racing's Bold New Frontier

17 Sep 2025 | Synopsis

Extreme H is the world's first hydrogen-powered off-road racing series, debuting in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia. Evolving from Extreme E, it features gender-equal teams, zero-emission Pioneer 25 SUVs, and green hydrogen supplied via electrolysis. The rugged desert course tests fuel cell performance on gradients up to 130%. Backed by Saudi Vision 2030, the series aims to prove hydrogen's viability and promote sustainable motorsport innovation.

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Seattle's Sound Transit: Ridership, Energy, and Fiscal Challenges

16 Sep 2025 | Synopsis

Seattle's Sound Transit has expanded its Link light rail system to 45 miles, offering fast, affordable, and eco-friendly travel powered by hydro and wind energy. Ridership hit 3.08 million in October 2024, with fares as low as $1 for seniors and free for youth. A Lynnwood–SEA Airport trip takes 80–85 minutes by rail, beating car travel in cost and emissions. Despite success, Sound Transit faces need for a substantial financial overhaul.

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How FAA's eVTOL Pilot Could Transform U.S. Air Travel

14 Sep 2025 | Synopsis

The FAA launched the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), a 3-year initiative inviting governments and private partners to test electric air taxis and other advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft. The goal is to gather data to shape future regulations and demonstrate real-world use cases like cargo and medical transport. Companies like Joby, Archer, Beta, and Wisk plan to participate, aiming to revolutionize U.S. air travel.

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Arc Announces $160M Deal With Curtin Maritime For Eight Hybrid-Electric Tugboats

14 Sep 2025 | Synopsis

Arc signed a $160M deal with Curtin Maritime to deliver eight hybrid-electric tugboats, marking the largest commercial deployment of electric workboats. Built with Snow & Co, the tugs feature Arc's 4,000+ HP electric powertrains and 6 MWh battery buffers. The first four are due by 2027. The project aims to modernize U.S. ports with efficient, low-maintenance, cost-effective vessels, challenging diesel norms and advancing marine electrification.

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ComEd Begins Testing Phase of First of Its Kind Vehicle-to-Grid Charging Pilot with Local School Districts

14 Sep 2025 | Synopsis

ComEd launched testing for its first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging pilot with three Illinois school districts. The initiative uses bidirectional chargers on electric school buses to explore energy optimization, grid support, and cost savings during peak demand. Part of ComEd's Beneficial Electrification Plan, the pilot aims to scale V2G tech and includes partners like Nuvve and Resource Innovations.

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The Illusion of Clean: How Big Oil Perfected the Art of Greenwashing

13 Sep 2025 | Synopsis

Big Oil's decades-long greenwashing campaign used PR to mask environmental harm. Chevron's "People Do" ads, Exxon's climate denial lobbying, and BP's carbon footprint push shifted blame to consumers. Investors like BlackRock and execs like Rex Tillerson profited, while conservative politicians traded support for donations. Lawsuits from cities and youth groups now challenge fossil fuel deception, aiming to hold companies accountable in court.

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This Giant Black Box is the EV Charger of the Future

13 Sep 2025 | Synopsis

A massive black box spotted in California is the Smart Charging Cube, a mobile EV fast charger built by AW Automotive and MAN Truck & Bus. Designed for electric big rigs, it delivers up to 400 kW from its onboard battery and up to 1,000 kW when connected to a Megawatt Charging System. It’s built for job sites and fleet use, offering high-speed charging without permanent grid infrastructure.

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WeRide Enters Belgium as Autonomous Robobus Rolls Into Leuven

11 Sep 2025 | Synopsis

WeRide launched its autonomous Robobus in Leuven, Belgium, marking its 11th global market. In partnership with De Lijn and Espaces-Mobilités, the pilot will run through January 2026, aiming to improve first- and last-mile transit. Mapping begins now, with public testing mid-September. The project reflects Belgium’s push for smart mobility and AV integration.

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What's Keeping The Indian Middle Class From Driving An Electric Car?

11 Sep 2025 | Synopsis

India’s middle class is hesitant to adopt EVs due to high import prices, limited public charging, and range anxiety. Tesla’s Model Y costs ₹6M ($68K), far above mainstream affordability. Local production is key—Vietnam’s VinFast and India’s Tata Motors offer EVs closer to ₹1–2.3M. With EVs at just 5.3% market share, scaling infrastructure and lowering costs are critical for broader adoption.

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Small Modular Reactors and the Big Questions of Cost & Waste

11 Sep 2025 | Synopsis

A new study by Kim and Macfarlane finds small modular reactors (SMRs) face steep cost overruns and complex waste challenges. Promised savings rely on mass production that hasn't materialized, while some SMR designs may generate 2–30× more waste per unit of energy. With few commercial deployments and high uncertainty, SMRs remain a high-risk option compared to proven clean technologies.

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