EDITOR'S PICK

The Hidden Costs of the EV Retreat

15 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"In recent months, major automakers have announced plan after plan to slow their transition to electric vehicles...the stop-and-go transition away from gas-powered cars happening across the industry weighs even greater on the thousands of companies that directly or indirectly supply automakers...A report from consulting firm PwC found that much less of EVs' value, 35% to 40%, would come from components from suppliers.

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Electric Vehicle Sales In China Transform Auto Market

14 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"Foreign brands that used to dominate the Chinese automotive industry have taken a back seat to cars made domestically in China, particularly 'new energy vehicles,' or NEVs....a record 50.7% of Chinese cars purchased that month were NEVs

"General Motors sold more than 4 million vehicles in China in 2017, but by 2023...annual sales cut in half...Both GM's and Ford's CEOs have spoken out about difficulties of competing in the China market."

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Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Awards Rivian R1T Top Safety Pick

14 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"...no other pickup - electric or internal combustion - made the 2024 top safety list...just 31 vehicles across all categories to receive the coveted award.

"The Rivian R1T’s Top Safety Pick+ distinction marks the third consecutive year it has earned this award, having first been awarded the recognition in 2022...The recognition of the R1T by IIHS underscores the broader shift in the automotive industry toward safer, more sustainable vehicles."

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Lucid EV CEO Reveals His Real Thoughts On An Electric Pickup

14 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

Rawlinson explained a typical EV pickup truck's efficiency is around 2.5 miles per kWh. Even with Lucid’s advanced tech, pushing it over 2.7 miles per kWh will be hard.

"If you want a 300-mile range pickup, you are already pushing a 120 kWh battery pack...the battery pack will cost $15,360.

"I don’t want Lucid to start thinking about a pickup.' To do so, a 'profound improvement' in cell chemistry is needed."

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Here's How EVs Could Actually Make The US Electric Grid More Resilient

13 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"One strategy to manage this transition is by getting smarter about the ways EVs charge, such as designing programs that incentivize charging during off-peak hours...The US Department of Energy is also interested in the ways that AI can help with efforts to modernize the grid and make [Vehichle-to-Grid Integration] a reality...Research suggests that the addition of millions of EVs to electric grids will require major investments by utilities."

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Online Petition Could Be Effective Method For Advocating EV Charging Stations In HOA-Restricted Communities: 'We Can Drive The Change'

13 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"...where do you charge these eco-friendly vehicles if you live in a townhome community or any community with a homeowners association?"

"Start by researching your HOA's rules about petitions, as some have specific guidelines or forms.

"It's also important to gather support from your neighbors...By taking steps to bring EV charging stations to your community, you're not just supporting current EV owners. You're also helping to create a more sustainable future for your neighborhood."

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How The "Rebound Effect" Could Eat Away At The Green Gains From Electric Vehicles

13 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"About 85% of transport emissions in Australia come from road vehicles burning fossil fuels...the rebound effect...phenomenon where energy-efficiency gains, such as those from electric vehicles, can lead to an increase in overall use.

"When something becomes more efficient, cheaper or easier to use, people tend to use more of it...A study from Stockholm, Sweden, during early stages of electric vehicle adoption found drivers made more trips."

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EV Battery News Just Keeps Getting Better & Better

13 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"Some headline writers continue to write off 100% battery-electric vehicles as a passing fad...That's just plain silly

"Factorial has also hooked up with Stellantis, Hyundai, and Kia in addition to Mercedes-Benz...StoreDot, the new prismatic battery can get to an 80% charge in just 10 minutes, from a starting point of 10% charge.

"An Ample [battery swap] station is 3–10 times cheaper than a fast-charging station."

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Passage of Countering CCP Drones Act Would Ban DJI Drones in USA

13 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

The Countering CCP Drones Act passed the House of Representatives vote, and has been officially handed off to the Senate...it will add DJI drones to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List of drones banned from operating on the U.S. communications infrastructure...numerous first responders have made clear, a DJI ban could have significant negative impacts on public safety in the U.S."

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What's The Best State For Flectric Vehicles? On "World EV Day", New Index Ranks Every State

11 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"A new EV index for 2024 - released for World EV Day on Monday -ranks Delaware at the top. The state leapt to first from 15th place in 2023 EV Index...No state gets a perfect score in the index...But it's clear EVs and their infrastructure are gaining a foothold in the Northeast and Southwest....two metrics that likely matter most to current EV owners... is how many chargers are along a state's roads and how powerful they are." [Nebaska ranks new bottom]

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China Ride Hailing Service Plans Mexico’s Largest Fleet Of Electric Cars

11 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"Chinese ride-hailing company Didi wants to bring a total of 100,000 electric cars to Mexico by 2030

"The BYD D1...has been available since 2020; the compact model with sliding rear doors has been optimised for ride-hailing services...A self-driving electric car is being developed together with GAC Aion..

"...citing Didi's experience in China: 57 per cent of the kilometres driven by Didi drivers there are in electric cars..."

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Embrace The E-Bike Boom By Rethinking Safety And Transportation

11 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"Cars, not kids on electric bikes, are the real problem

"We've normalized the greater danger of cars while fearing the lesser danger of e-bikes...Now consider which is the real threat: a 28 mph, 50-pound e-bike or a 4,000-pound-plus vehicle capable of over 100 mph... threat isn't from "untrained" bike riders, as many claim. It's from distracted drivers...86 crashes involving e-bikes...88 percent involved a car or truck.

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