EDITOR'S CHOICE

A Polluting, Coal-Fired Power Plant Found The Key To Solving America's Biggest Clean Energy Challenge

16 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"Instead of letting it go to waste as the fossil fuel plant closes, Xcel Energy is going to leave it plugged in to connect the largest solar project in the Upper Midwest, and one of the largest in the entire country, directly to the grid.

"The US could essentially double the capacity of its electrical grid overnight by plugging renewables projects into old fossil fuel power plants...Berkeley study...found that by 2032, utilities could install a whopping 1,000 gigawatts of new clean energy near power plants."

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America's Cup Charts a Course to Net Zero for Shipping Industry

16 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

Merchant shipowners with an eye on a sustainable future will have the Port of Barcelona...it isn't the Spanish commercial sea hub they will be focusing on rather than the America's Cup yacht regatta...

"...it is the work taking place in the boat sheds and sail lofts on shore that could prove more interesting for the shipping industry as it seeks to meet its net-zero goals...A surprising amount of the tech that is developed for the America's Cup finds its way into the commercial fleet."

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As the Electric Vehicle Industry Grows Globally, Beijing Wants Chinese EV Tech to Stay at Home

16 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"Beijing is encouraging Chinese automakers to export so-called knock-down kits to their foreign plants...meaning key parts of a vehicle would be produced domestically..China’s directive comes at a time most major Chinese carmakers are looking to localize manufacturing so as to avoid tariffs

"It could also come as a blow to those European nations wooing Chinese carmakers in the hopes their presence will bring jobs and a local economic boost."

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More Electric Cars Are Key To Meeting SAF Targets, Boeing Says

16 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"Within the United States, there is the potential for that biomass to get to 35 million gallons per year to meet the needs of the SAF grand challenge...there's not enough biomass to also feed every car and truck. It also means that we need to be very careful in thinking through how we use biomass..

"The amount of electricity going to cars in the United States in 2022 was minuscule. That has to grow dramatically..."

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Too Many Heavy, Large EVs Undermine The Benefits Of Green Transportation, Says Researcher

15 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"Global plugin vehicle registrations were up 23% in May 2024 compared to May 2023...within that market, heavy, large EVs are really popular..EVs are following the same trend as ICE vehicles, as they’re gaining in size every year and getting bigger on average... Larger EVs also mean larger profit margins for automakers

"..the rise of EVs is a significant step toward reducing the transport sector's carbon footprint...growing trend of mobesitt...threatens to offset these gains."

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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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