EDITOR'S CHOICE

Big in Japan: Here's Why This Tiny Electric Kei Car Is All The Rage

26 Oct 2023 | Synopsis

"The Sakura, an unassuming microcar from Nissan and Mitsubishi which launched last year, has become the top-selling EV in Japan, beating out global rival Tesla

"...it costs only about ¥2 million, or $13,300 USD, which includes government incentives....The 11-foot-long Sakura, which is only sold in Japan, has a range of 180 kilometers on a single charge and can reach 130 km/h speeds..."

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California's Fossil Fuel Lawsuit Could Mark a Turning Point in the Effort for Climate Change Accountability

26 Oct 2023 | Synopsis

"The oil companies lied about climate change, and it's time for them to pay, lawsuit charges"

"California's lawsuit against oil and gas producers including ExxonMobil, Chevron, and BP, along with the American Petroleum Institute, comes at a pivotal time for the climate-change accountability effort...what the oil companies fear most - that someday their actions will be judged by a panel of ordinary citizens."

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Opel's Commitment: "We Are Working On A €25,000 Electric Car'

26 Oct 2023 | Synopsis

Opel ...working hard to make the purchase price more affordable and, for the future, we aim to reach the €25,000 threshold in the B-segment...Financing instruments such as leasing are crucial for this. Today you can lease a new Opel Corsa Electric in Germany for €169 (approx. £150) per month: the same price as a Corsa with a combustion engine."

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Innoptus Solar Team Wins Back-To-Back World Solar Challenges

26 Oct 2023 | Synopsis

"A solar car designed and built in a Belgian city of just over 100,000 people has once again beaten some of the world’s best universities and engineering teams...the first home after driving 3,020km through the heart of Australia

"The secret to the Belgians' success was its innovative 'fin' - a rotating sail that catches the wind to help propel the car. Combined with an efficient solar array and lightweight but high-capacity battery..."

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UN Report Warns Of Catastrophic Risks To Earth Systems

25 Oct 2023 | Synopsis

"...a UN report published Wednesday warns about irreversible impacts to the planet without drastic changes to connected social and physical systems...Interconnected Disaster Risks Report identifies thresholds it calls "risk tipping points"...six areas that connect the physical and natural world with human society: accelerating extinctions, groundwater depletion, mountain glacial melt, space debris, unbearable heat and an 'uninsurable' future."

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Tesla Bear Smells "Diesel Gate 2.0" After Edmunds Finds None Of EV Giant's Cars Has Ever Hit EPA Range Estimate

25 Oct 2023 | Synopsis

"Tesla...disclosed in its 10-Q report it has received a subpoena from the Department of Justice regarding certain matters, including vehicle range...Edmunds, an online publisher of automotive information, said "Our own real-world testing has found not a single Tesla has ever hit its EPA range estimate.

"...investigative report published by Reuters ..said Tesla has been exaggerating the ranges of its EVs for years by rigging their range-estimating software. This was done at the behest of Elon Musk himself."

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Striking Autoworkers Are Right: Focus On Equity In Transition To Clean Energy, Electric Vehicles

25 Oct 2023 | Synopsis

"As the auto industry shifts to electric vehicle production and the global economy shifts to green energy, there's a chance for more equity for Black workers...

"Inflation Reduction Act, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden last August, includes key provisions to help ensure the economic benefits of the clean energy transition are equitably shared...make sure that wealth isn't funneled straight into the coffers of billionaires only to widen the racial wealth gap even further."

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Why GM Is Reviving The Bolt, The Best-Selling EV It Almost Discontinued

25 Oct 2023 | Synopsis

"...given the popularity of the current Bolt - 2023 is already the model's best year ever for sales - it made sense to revamp the existing car instead.

"leveraging the best attributes of today’s Bolt EV as well as Ultium, our latest software, and NACS, we will deliver an even better driving charging and ownership experience...In the process, we are saving billions in capital and engineering expense"

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When Joint Ventures Fall Apart: Honda, GM Will Not Co-Develop Cheaper EVs, Scrap Partnership

25 Oct 2023 | Synopsis

"The move highlights General Motors' shift in strategy, where it has opted to slow down the launch of several EV models and place a greater emphasis on profitability...both companies intend to persist in their individual efforts to provide affordable EV models to the market...The automakers had said the deal was for 'affordable' EVs, including compact crossover vehicles, built using GM's Ultium battery technology."

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Rivian R1T Makes History As The First EV To Win The Off-Road Rebelle Rally

25 Oct 2023 | Synopsis

"The Rebelle Rally is the longest off-road rally in the US. It was initially created to allow the growing community of women to display their savvy off-road skills.

"The 2023 Rivian R1T beat out a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe, 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor, 2020 Toyota 4Runner, and other off-road vehicles from Land Rover, Lexus, and others. Three Rivian R1T electric vehicles placed in the top 20."

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We Need To Shift How Transportation Infrastructure Is Viewed To Successfully Transition To EVs

25 Oct 2023 | Synopsis

"The Vehicle Electrification Market - which includes EVs, hybrids, batteries as well as charging infrastructure - is set to reach $215.1 billion by 2032...The average U.S. driver covers about 37 miles daily...This suggests that most drivers won't need daily charging...it may be more practical to focus first on integrating charging at places where vehicles are typically parked for extended periods.."

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Are Consumers Ready For Robotaxis From Tesla, Alphabet, GM? New Survey Says Not Yet

24 Oct 2023 | Synopsis

"J.D. Power U.S. Robotaxi Experience Study reveals consumers might not be ready to embrace robotaxis, even in markets where they are currently legally tested. The inaugural survey polled residents who live in areas of Phoenix, Arizona and San Francisco, California, where robotaxis can operate.

"Of those surveyed who have ridden in a robotaxi, 47% said they gained trust in robotaxis after a ride. Fifty-one percent of survey respondents who trust robotaxis kept a high level of trust in the automobiles during their rides."

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