charging
Newsletter
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Renting an EV can be affordable but may come with challenges
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common at rental car agencies, often available at competitive prices compared to traditional cars, but they come with unique considerations.
In short:
- Be sure to research your chosen electric vehicle model to understand its quirks, such as charging port locations and operational features.
- Confirm insurance coverage with your credit card company, as not all policies extend to electric vehicles.
- Plan your route ahead to ensure access to charging stations, particularly in remote areas.
Why this matters:
For the environmentally-aware traveler, opting for an electric vehicle means contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced air pollution. However, the availability of charging infrastructure remains a key concern, especially for renters unfamiliar with EV technology.
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Newsletter
Credit: CHUTTERSNAP/Unsplash
A UK start-up showcases a rapid-charging EV battery
An electric vehicle battery by UK start-up Nyobolt charged from 10% to 80% in under five minutes during a live demonstration.
In short:
- Nyobolt's battery, tested in a concept sports car, aims to alleviate "range anxiety" by significantly reducing charging time compared to current technologies.
- The demonstration faced challenges, including a UK heatwave and technical issues, but still marked a significant advancement in EV battery technology.
- Nyobolt plans to partner with existing car brands and introduce its batteries on a small scale within a year.
Key quote:
“Developing technology that enables people to charge more quickly, which chimes with the time it currently takes to re-fuel a car – is really important.”
— Paul Shearing, professor of sustainable energy engineering at Oxford University
Why this matters:
Fast-charging technology is essential for broader adoption of electric vehicles by reducing charging times so that they're similar to the time it takes to refuel gas cars. However, improvements in charging infrastructure are needed to support these advancements and make electric vehicles more practical for everyday use.
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Credit: ChicagoPhotographer/Big Stock Photo
Pilot project for wireless EV charging launched on Indiana highway
Indiana has launched a pioneering pilot project on U.S. Highway 52, testing wireless electric vehicle charging technology aimed at reducing range anxiety and supporting long-haul truck electrification.
In short:
- Indiana is testing a new wireless charging technology on U.S. Highway 52, designed to power electric vehicles as they drive.
- The project involves a partnership with Purdue University and Cummins Inc., aiming to make EVs more accessible and cost-effective.
- Although the technology is still in the pilot phase, it has the potential to reduce range anxiety and lower battery costs.
Key quote:
"Wouldn't it really be something if we could just drive over the road and catch your charge for your vehicle as you drive across it?"
— Blake Dollier, public relations director, INDOT
Why this matters:
The significance of EV-charging roads lies in their potential to address two critical challenges in the transition to a low-carbon transportation system. They offer a solution to range anxiety, a common concern among consumers considering the switch to electric vehicles. By enabling continuous charging while on the road, these technologies alleviate fears of running out of power during long journeys, thus encouraging greater adoption of electric vehicles.
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Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay
Electric vehicle charging legislation is urgent in Wisconsin, with federal funds at stake
Wisconsin will lose out on millions of federal dollars for electric vehicle charging infrastructure if the state does not pass legislation to allow stores or other owners of EV chargers to bill drivers for the amount of electricity they get when they plug in.
Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash
What happened when a Tesla came to Ekalaka
A Los Angeles couple, an electric vehicle and an unattended utility outlet energized the gossip mill in the 400-person eastern Montana town last week.
Low-cost EV comes with extra batteries that plug into a regular outlet
To charge this new electric car from a Swiss startup, you don’t necessarily need to find an EV charger: The car comes with four extra batteries in the trunk that can plug into a regular outlet and give you an added boost of power.
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
Mass. prepares to launch new EV rebates
New electric vehicle rebates are expected to become available in Massachusetts in early summer, some nine months after lawmakers passed a bill calling for the incentives’ immediate implementation.
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