
More from Jack Aylmer
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White House probes Chinese smart cars, cites national security concerns
The White House announced on Thursday, Feb. 29, that the U.S. is launching an investigation into whether Chinese “smart cars” are a national security risk, according to Reuters. The probe could also lead to restrictions due to concern over “connected” car technology, according to the Biden administration. The U.S. Commerce Department will be handling the… -
Energy Dept. unveils $366M plan for rural, tribal clean energy
Some homes in the United States are poised to receive electricity for the first time. This is part of a $366 million initiative spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE), which aims to introduce clean energy projects to rural and tribal communities across the nation. “President Biden firmly believes that every community should benefit from… -
Tech could enhance regenerative braking, keep EVs on the road longer
When it comes to mass electric vehicle (EV) adoption, range anxiety has become one of the biggest roadblocks. A study by Cox Automotive revealed that over 80% of consumers have hesitated to purchase an EV due to concerns about its battery life. To help ease some of these fears from drivers, Tactile Mobility is developing… -
EPA mulls EV transition delay amid pushback from lawmakers, automakers
A bipartisan rally in Ohio on Thursday, Feb. 22, highlighted growing opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed emissions standards. These regulations aim to mandate that two-thirds of new vehicles sold in the U.S. be electric by 2032. However, the rules have drawn criticism from lawmakers and autoworkers who argue that the timeline is… -
How would mass EV adoption impact the environment? And is it feasible?
In the pursuit of climate goals, transitioning from gas-powered automobiles to electric vehicles (EVs) has emerged as a key strategy. But a closer examination reveals complexities surrounding the environmental benefits and feasibility of mass EV adoption. “Even if millions of people buy battery-electric vehicles, automakers could still fall short of hitting goals set under the… -
Floating solar panel islands follow sunlight, improve energy efficiency
In the pursuit of more efficient and adaptable solar energy solutions, Portuguese company SolarisFloat is pioneering the development of floating solar panels. The solar panels can dynamically track sunlight, potentially revolutionizing renewable energy generation. This approach aims to address the inherent limitation of solar panels, particularly in cloudy weather, where they typically generate only 10%-25%… -
2023 EV sales broke records, but experts are warning of slow growth in 2024
Electric vehicle (EV) sales in the United States reached unprecedented heights in 2023, but the figures still failed to meet some forecasts. Despite setting a new record, the total number of EV sales in 2023 fell short of expectations by as much as 800,000 units. “We’re seeing record sales, they’re less than expected, and that’s… -
Heavier EV crash tests expose guardrail vulnerabilities, could ‘save lives’
Recent studies conducted by researchers at the University of Nebraska’s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility have shed light on a concerning issue regarding guardrails, a staple of road safety infrastructure which may not be adequately equipped to handle the increasing weight of electric vehicles (EVs). This finding has raised questions about whether a nationwide update is… -
Robotaxi vandalism raises questions about autonomous vehicle safety
A video posted to social media showing a Waymo self-driving taxi being vandalized and engulfed in flames in San Francisco is sparking debate over autonomous vehicles. The incident happened on Saturday, Feb. 10, in the Chinatown area of the city. The San Francisco Fire Department did not report any injuries from the vandalism. However, the… -
Researchers study how bidirectional EV charging could help power the grid
Researchers at the University of Colorado Denver have embarked on a study to investigate the viability of bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) charging, also known as two-way charging. The solution could provide energy to the grid when it is needed most and save consumers money. “This concept is very similar to Airbnb. If you have a… -
EPA says soot rule will save thousands of lives, but cost businesses millions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action to cut down on the dangers posed by soot inhalation, which can lead to health issues such as asthma, heart attacks, strokes, and more. In an effort to prevent these potential medical complications, the agency has announced stricter guidelines for allowable levels of soot in the air,… -
Decreasing access to rare earth minerals put US munition production at risk
In this episode of Weapons and Warfare, learn more about what it takes to make high-tech munitions available to the military today. The process, which begins with pulling precious resources from the Earth, is becoming further complicated as America’s access to the necessary resources is shrinking. While the U.S. sends weapons to Ukraine and Israel,… -
Home EV charger tax credit covers most of the US, some say it’s too broad
As prospective electric vehicle (EV) buyers weigh their options, concerns about where and when to charge have been among the biggest roadblocks to overcome. A lesser-known solution, embedded within the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, offers a tax incentive aimed at encouraging individuals to install home EV chargers. “We know that one big factor holding…