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The fixed stream of huge cleantech tales has been flowing robust, and I’ve bought a couple of dozen to spotlight from the previous couple of weeks as ones I wouldn’t need you to overlook.
Earlier than I get into the information, evaluations, and author rants, although, I’ve to notice that we not too long ago revealed two new experiences! Should you missed these bulletins, try The EV Security Benefit and The State & Promise of EV Charging Infrastructure now!
Cheaper Rivians: Let’s begin with Rivian, which not too long ago unveiled not simply the R3 but additionally the R2, a few very compelling and extra reasonably priced variations of the corporate’s R1S. See Jennifer’s and Steve’s nice takes on these new fashions, and Rivian on the whole, for some knowledgeable evaluation. I’ve to confess — I didn’t just like the look of Rivian’s first autos in any respect once they had been unveiled, and I used to be involved they’d have very restricted demand particularly due to their quirky headlights (which I believed would enchantment to software program engineers in Seattle however not regular pickup truck drivers), however I completely love the R3. I’m shocked by that, and it additionally makes me longing for the way forward for Rivian.
Latin American EVs: The Latin American EV market is heating up (finally!), and Juan Diego Celemín Mojica is logging and analyzing the revolution like nobody else right here on CleanTechnica. Try current updates from Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia.
Tesla Mannequin 3 at 100,000 Miles: My 2019 Tesla Mannequin 3 is 44,481 miles, and I’m at all times curious the way it will maintain up within the coming years. Nobody can reply that for me, as a result of each automobile is exclusive, however Jesper Berggreen gave us a stupendous replace on his Mannequin 3 possession expertise after 100,000 miles in Denmark. With detailed accounting and nice writing, this can be a should learn.
Ford Supercharging: In a captivating interview, we realized far more from Ford CEO Jim Farley about how Ford’s adoption of NACS and partnership with Tesla for Supercharging happened, and his ideas on the transition extra broadly. Due to Jennifer for the discover and Tom Moloughney for the very good interview.
Waymo or No Waymo? We’re in a humorous place with autonomous autos. Some robotaxis are working however with sure crutches (see: Waymo One, which get assist from people if one thing confuses them), others are on pause because of an enormous current incident (see: Cruise), and others are doubtlessly on the verge of coming to life or are based mostly on a software program & {hardware} method that received’t work for years if ever (see: Tesla FSD). The excellent news on the Waymo entrance is that its robotaxi service Waymo One is now accepted for operation in Los Angeles and on the San Francisco Peninsula and is now working them in LA (as of March 14). The dangerous information is that drivers who’re afraid of robotaxis jumped from 55% of respondents to a AAA survey in 2022 to 68% of respondents in 2023.
Tesla FSD & The Regulation: Tesla has gotten out of lawsuits about Autopilot and Full Self Driving (FSD) pretty unscathed for the previous decade. Nonetheless, Steve Hanley lined an angle that will change all of that. This might be an enormous blow to Tesla if the argument breaks by means of. Learn the small print from Mr. Hanley, a former lawyer, fastidiously so as to choose for your self if this might be the case that breaks down the dam.
Local weather Motion in India: Mike Barnard is in India to assist with local weather motion within the nation, and he has an incredible piece analyzing the nation’s efforts on this realm.
Hydrogen Folly: Mr. Barnard additionally did his common obligation of dismantling hydrogen hype in a few in-depth takedowns of hydrogen folly. For one, he famous that, EU initiatives “funded since 2008 to the tune of €1.2 billion haven’t been capable of overcome reliability problems with autos and refueling stations, or scale back the price of low-carbon hydrogen a lot in any respect, whereas battery-electric autos have confirmed to be extra dependable, cheaper, and match for objective” — and but they need to throw more cash at it. Secondly, he dove into an NREL examine for hydrogen use in heavy autos, and the outcomes weren’t fairly.
Chargers at Shops: Some of the underserved and essential areas for EV chargers is at retail shops. I do know it, you understand it, and Shopper Studies has simply strongly argued its case on this as properly. Sadly, on this sector, there’s mainly one chief (IKEA) and a bunch of laggards. Come on, retailers, get with the occasions! It’s 2024, not 1924.
Cheaper EVs: One of many preeminent narratives within the EV sector lately — from CleanTechnica readers to automaker CEOs — is that we want extra low cost electrical vehicles. Now, there’s lots of controversy about how we get these (particularly relating to low cost Chinese language electrical autos that exist already), however we’re all aching for them. Volkswagen Group says it’s aiming to do its half. It’s engaged on low cost electrical autos for the Volkswagen and Skoda manufacturers. Naturally, the simplest response is: wake me up once they’re right here. Nonetheless, a minimum of now we have information that they’re in growth. (Talking of cheaper EVs, this one received’t be a mass-market everyperson’s automobile, however the Nissan Ariya did get an enormous value minimize not too long ago. How will that enhance gross sales?)
Authorities EV Leasing: Going deep into the historical past of EV leasing, KJ Gimbel, founder and CEO of Xcelerate Auto, advised CleanTechnica extra about his expertise being the primary to supply leasing on a Tesla, the primary to assist municipal leasing of Tesla autos, and the method and tradition of public sector EV leasing right now. I extremely suggest listening to this podcast, one of the fascinating ones I keep in mind for an EV nerd.
Used Hertz EVs: There’s rather a lot going round about what’s gone down at Hertz with electrical rental vehicles, and we’ve lined it from many angles for months. However there’s now an enormous story popping out of that which is basically going underneath the radar: there are lots of used electrical vehicles in the marketplace now, straight from Hertz even. For certain, there are offers available, and that is a part of the broader EV revolution.
US photo voltaic booming: The US solar energy market is booming, with photo voltaic installations skyrocketing in 2023. A lot of that is because of the Inflation Discount Act, and far is because of a long time of technological progress. Nonetheless, like at all times, the long run is closely depending on robust authorities insurance policies.
Honda Prologue: Kyle Discipline bought to check out the model new Honda Prologue EV for CleanTechnica. Learn by means of his trustworthy tackle the professionals and the cons of this new EV from Honda.
World EV gross sales: Don’t miss a beat on the worldwide EV market by testing our newest World EV Gross sales Report. There’s no higher place to get the massive EV image.
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