EDITOR'S PICK

Study: EV, Plug-in Hybrid Battery Replacements Rare

18 May 2024 | Synopsis

"Just 1.5% of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) have needed their batteries replaced since 2011, according to a new study.

"Batteries have grown more reliable in recent years. The Energy Department explains, “replacement rates due to failure were well under 1%” for cars from model years 2016 and later.

"The battery is the most expensive part of any electric vehicle, and many potential EV buyers have cited fears about battery replacement costs as a reason to hold back."

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Electric Hypercar Manufacturer Calls Out Mate Rimac: 'Sorry Mate, But I'm Not Going Back!'

18 May 2024 | Synopsis

"Gianfranco Pizzuto's comments come days after Mate Rimac said Rimac is looking at alternative drivetrain solutions for future models.

"...advocates for electric drivetrains in hypercars instead of gas-powered engines...Pizzuto argues that electric drivetrains are the way forward for hypercars...me, for us at Automobili Estrema, there is no reason to change the development of the Fulminea full-electric powertrain."

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Here's Why So Many Republicans Won't Buy EVs

18 May 2024 | Synopsis

"...there is one thing holding the nation back from the dream of an all-electric future: political polarization.

"Washington Post-University of Maryland poll last year found that 46 percent of respondents favored a gas car, compared to 19 percent who wanted a fully electric vehicle...61 percent of Democrats reported that they were 'seriously considering' or 'might consider' buying an EV in the future - compared to only 24 percent of Republicans.

"...Republican leaders have injected electric vehicles into the culture wars..."

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Probing a $69,000 Chinese Electric Vehicle for Clues on Spying

18 May 2024 | Synopsis

"'Project Lion Cage' seeks to determine how much data Chinese electric vehicles collect and send back to China.

"A single electric vehicle can use 2,000 to 3,000 chips, about twice as many as a gas-powered one...standard tools used by cybersecurity researchers to extract data from PCs and servers simply don't work on EVs...team haven't uncovered any bombshells about the NIO ES8, but that they have found some potential areas of concern..."

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How China Rose To Lead The World In EV Cars And Solar Panels

18 May 2024 | Synopsis

"The plan was for China to replace key imports in 10 advanced manufacturing industries by making its own products. The state-controlled banking system directed loans to those key sectors...more than 99% of Chinese companies whose stock trades publicly received direct government subsidies in 2022...

"China's top leaders have heavily subsidised the research and production of battery electric cars for the past 15 years."

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13 Ways Of Looking At Biden's New China Tariffs

16 May 2024 | Synopsis

"U.S. imports relatively few electric vehicles from China, and the few vehicles that we do import - which are made by the Chinese-owned brands Volvo and Polestar - may not be affected by these levies...

"Many of these categories already faced trade levies imposed by the [previous] administration, and Biden has now raised them...affect sectors where China now dominates the global industry. The longer timeline suggests that the White House is trying not to disrupt the near-term market too much...giving companies a deadline to diversify their supply chains."

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A Second Wave Of EV Shoppers Is On Its Way, But Current Demand Is Still A Problem

16 May 2024 | Synopsis

"Today's electric-vehicle skeptics are on their way to becoming the next EV buyers, Cox Automotive said...in a report...sees a 'second, significant wave' of EV shoppers by the second half of the decade. The same study, however, found that nearly half of all people shopping for vehicles today are not considering an EV...within the next 10 years, '80% of today's skeptics will be ready to consider an EV as more barriers fall..."

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This New App Is Designed To Work Like Airbnb For EV Charging

16 May 2024 | Synopsis

"Plug Inn, from Renault and Publicis Sapient, is a winner in Fast Company's 2024 World Changing Ideas Awards.

"...drivers take a road trip, they can schedule stops at private chargers along their route. Homeowners with EV chargers, meanwhile, can make a little extra cash...Since it launched last year, more than 75,000 people have downloaded the app, and more than 1,000 charging points are now listed on it."

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Michigan Seeks Compensation from Fossil Fuel Giants for Climate Change Damages

16 May 2024 | Synopsis

"Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has initiated a groundbreaking legal challenge against fossil fuel companies, holding them accountable for their role in Climate change and its impact on the state.

"...places Michigan alongside a growing list of local, tribal, and state governments pursuing compensation for climate-related damages..state draws on its successful litigation history against other industries, such as opioid manufacturers and chemical companies..."

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Wyoming Coal Production Nosedives, With More Troubles Ahead

16 May 2024 | Synopsis

"Some Wyoming coal mines are likely facing extinction-level headwinds - even before the prospect of new federal coal pollution reduction rules taking effect in 2032...

"A mild winter in the U.S., which coincides with April as the 11th consecutive monthly warmest on record across the globe, helped drive down demand for Wyoming’s thermal coal...Coal’s share of the U.S. electricity market has wallowed at less than 15%..."

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Tariffs on China Aren't The Way To Win The EV Arms Race - Getting Serious On EVs Is

13 May 2024 | Synopsis

"...instead of just de facto banning the competition from giving Americans access to affordable hot new EVs, the US should instead try making affordable hot new EVs itself.

"...accusations that China is 'dumping' EVs on overseas markets, with Europe - which also subsidizes its own EV industry...The irony is, if Chinese taxpayers are subsidizing manufacturing before sending those cars overseas, that represents a wealth transfer from Chinese taxpayers to American ones."

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Ultra-High Density Battery Vests Give Next-Gen Soldiers Twice The Energy

13 May 2024 | Synopsis

Amprius claims its ultra-dense batteries will double the runtime of existing solutions, enabling soldiers to stay out longer without needing to stop for recharge...SiMaxx cells offer an energy density as high as 500 Wh/kg by weight and 1,300 Wh/kg by volume

"Beyond high-powered wearables, Amprius' battery tech has drawn interest from the electric aviation, satellite and drone industries and has featured prominently in the Solar Car Challenge, sweeping the top four spots in last year's event."

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