EDITOR'S CHOICE

White House Launches Probe into Chinese Vehicles Over Security Risks

01 Mar 2024 | Synopsis

"...the emergence of Chinese automakers aiming to saturate the US and global auto markets presents fresh challenges to national security.

"The White House underscored the extensive data collection capabilities of connected vehicles, highlighting how they gather sensitive information about both drivers and passengers....Chinese-made cars may not be prevalent on American roads yet, but their presence is growing in other markets like Europe."

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eVTOL Air Taxi Completes Its First Inter-City Flight In China

01 Mar 2024 | Synopsis

The 5-seater eVTOL...flight took place from Shekou Cruise Home Port in Shenzhen and landed at Jiuzhou Port in neighboring Zhuhai...The aircraft will shorten the two-to-three hour trip to just 20 minutes...The eVTOL air taxi can carry up to five people and has a speed of 200 kilometers per hour...It can also operate for up to 250 kilometers on a single charge...the aircraft is not expected to start taking regular passenger flights until 2026."

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Hawaii Becomes The 4th State To Bring A NEVI EV Charging Station Online

01 Mar 2024 | Synopsis

The Aloha State follows Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania in opening its NEVI-funded DC fast charging station to the public...[It is located at] Kahuui Park & Ride lot near Kuihelani's intersection with Puunene Avenue. It features four EV Connect 150 kW DC fast chargers with CCS and CHAdeMO ports.

"Hawaii’s first NEVI EV charging station’s design and construction cost $3 million, with $2.4 million coming from federal funds and $600,000 from the state highway fund."

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EV Charging Summit & Expo Seeks to Increase Public Confidence In EV Charging Infrastructure Adequacy

29 Feb 2024 | Synopsis

"North American EV industry has a problem - the majority of eager EV buyers don't have confidence they will have access to an adequate charging infrastructure...here is a growing demand for electric vehicles both in the U.S. and worldwide, and there is still a trust and affordability gap that needs to be bridged for many car buyers and fleet network operators.

"Funding, charger reliability, charger universality, charging speeds, and charger access are some of the biggest challenges with the rollout of the EV charging infrastructure in North America."

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Automakers Say They Won't Try To Push Back EU's 2035 ICE Ban

29 Feb 2024 | Synopsis

"Europe's automakers association, said that it is not pushing back and is all in with the EV future...President of the ACEA and CEO of Renault, Luca de Meo told the press this week at the Geneva Motor Show that the auto industry wants no part in arguing 'against the regulation'...

"Automakers, however, have been urging for more government incentives and investment in charging infrastructure...2024 brought an end, or a radical reduction, or a radical reduction, in many EU incentive programs."

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The Microlino Lite Is Here To Make Urban SUVs Look Even Dumber

29 Feb 2024 | Synopsis

"A microcar for people who’d never swap their automobile for an e-bike."

"With a 45km/h (28mph) top speed, it goes half as fast as the standard Microlino but can be driven by anyone with a moped license from the age of 14 in some European countries. An entry-model will cost CHF149 per month (about €156 or $169) to lease starting this summer...the base 5.5kWh battery it'll go about 100km before needing a charge or even up to 177km max for those opting for the larger 11kWh battery pack."

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Apple's Electric Car Was Doomed From the Start

29 Feb 2024 | Synopsis

"I've been saying for many years that Apple would never create an electric car...Apple's electric car project was always doomed from the start...it was always plain to me that the Apple car project didn't have any clear direction.

"The reports over the past decade painted a picture of constant struggle. Not only did Apple seem to not know what kind of car it wanted to build, but the technologies it maybe wanted to include simply weren't developed enough or didn't exist."

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Big Oil's Favorite Climate Solution Is "Like Trying To Push Water Uphill," Climate Chief Says

29 Feb 2024 | Synopsis

"Proponents believe CCS can play an important and diverse role in meeting global energy and climate goals, while some researchers, campaigners and environmental advocacy groups argue that these technologies are not a solution.

"CCS is much more like trying to push water uphill to get it into technological systems, it is more challenging....are around the business models and the policy framework within which it takes place."

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France's EV "Renaulution": Renault Revives Its Beloved Supermini As All-Electric 5 E-Tech

28 Feb 2024 | Synopsis

"The 5 E-Tech debuted today as an all-electric pillar in Renault's "Renaulution" recovery strategy...is the first to be designed and built atop Ampere's new B-segment EV platform, called AmpR Small...will become available in three different electric motor configurations, offering 70 kW, 90 kW, or 110 kW of power, and its max battery size of 52 kWh will deliver a WLTP range of up to 400km (249 miles)."

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LA Times Editorial: Biden Doesn't Need To Weaken EV Rules To Get Reelected

28 Feb 2024 | Synopsis

"Advancing tough standards that position the country for a healthier and more globally competitive future should be considered an asset to his campaign, not a liability.

"...Biden administration may allow automakers to move more gradually toward that goal until after 2030 when it issues the final rules as soon as next month...This would be an undeserved gift to auto manufacturers..."

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