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Category: MobilityRevolutionUpdate

ElectricVehicleTrends

  • Google Maps Now Features Eco-Friendly Routing

    Google Maps Now Features Eco-Friendly Routing

    Google Maps has introduced a new feature, eco-friendly routing, to help individuals be a little greener in their travels.

    Google Maps already offers a number of routing options, including the fastest route, a route that avoids tolls, one that avoids highways and more. The latest option will appeal to environmentally conscious drivers, giving them the ability to choose the route that is the most fuel-efficient. Google estimates eco-friendly routing could help eliminate up to one million tons of carbon emissions annually.

    “Not only does Google Maps’ eco-friendly routing bring NREL’s fuel-efficient technology from the lab to the road, but it has huge potential to significantly lower emissions and save drivers money on gas — something that’s good for both people and the planet,” said Jeff Gonder, from the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

    Users who always want the fastest route can still set that as the preferences as well.

    The new feature is available on Android and iOS in the US, with plans for Europe in 2022.

  • Zurich-Based Company Has Solved EV Range Anxiety

    Zurich-Based Company Has Solved EV Range Anxiety

    Zurich-based ABB has solved the biggest issue with electric vehicles, unveiling a system that can charge any EV to full capacity in 15 minutes.

    Range anxiety is one of the biggest challenges to widespread EV adoption. Many traditional charging systems can take hours to fully charge a vehicle. While that poses little to no problem for a vehicle that is driven around town and plugged in at home every night, it can be a major inconvenience when traveling longer distances, such as a cross-country road trip. No one wants to stop for hours every time the batteries needs to be charged. In fact, a recent report shows that 20% of California drivers revert to a gas-powered vehicle due to issues with EV charging.

    ABB appears to have solved the problem with their Terra 360 charging system. The Terra 360 can charge up to four vehicles simultaneously, and can charge any EV to full capacity in 15 minutes. That 15 minute charge time is much closer to a refueling session for a traditional, gas-powered vehicle.

    “With governments around the world writing public policy that favors electric vehicles and charging networks to combat climate change, the demand for EV charging infrastructure, especially charging stations that are fast, convenient and easy to operate is higher than ever,” said Frank Muehlon, President of ABB’s E-mobility Division. “The Terra 360, with charging options that fit a variety of needs, is the key to fulfilling that demand and accelerating e-mobility adoption globally.”

    The Terra 360 will be available in Europe in the end of 2021, and in the US, Latin America and the Asia Pacific markets starting in 2022.

  • There Is No Change Coming To Lyft, Says Co-Founder – Despite Ruling

    There Is No Change Coming To Lyft, Says Co-Founder – Despite Ruling

    Lyft co-founderJohn Zimmer is extremely confident the court ruling that found California Proposition 22 unconstitutional will be overturned on appeal.

    “If you look at California Constitution we feel very confident in the way the ballot initiative was written,” says Lyft co-founder and President, John Zimmer. “The Attorney General in California agrees with us and was on our side in this lawsuit. As this goes through higher courts, the appeals court in California, we are extremely confident that the proposition will be upheld.”

    “There is no change coming (to Lyft) out of that ruling,” adds Zimmer. “It will go on appeal and we’ll continue to work within the system of law and we are confident of the final outcome.”

    “It’s hard to predict the legal process fully but we’re optimistic that within that (6 months) timeframe we’ll get a more final resolution.”

  • United and Mesa Buying 200 Electric Aircraft From Heart Aerospace

    United and Mesa Buying 200 Electric Aircraft From Heart Aerospace

    United Airlines and Mesa Air Group are each buying 100 electric aircraft from Swedish company Heart Aerospace.

    Electric automobiles may get the bulk of the the media’s attention, but electric aircraft are on the verge of going mainstream. Mesa and United Airlines Ventures, along with Breakthrough Energy Ventures, are taking a big step in that direction, with each airline ordering 100 electric aircraft from Heart Aerospace. The companies plan on using them for short-haul trips, where the limited range will not be a factor.

    “Breakthrough Energy Ventures is the leading voice of investors who are supporting clean-energy technology creation. We share their view that we have to build companies who have real potential to change how industries operate and, in our case, that means investing in companies like Heart Aerospace who are developing a viable electric airliner,” said Michael Leskinen, United’s Vice President Corp Development & Investor Relations, as well as UAV’s President. “We recognize that customers want even more ownership of their own carbon emissions footprint. We’re proud to partner with Mesa Air Group to bring electric aircraft to our customers earlier than any other US airliner. Mesa’s long serving CEO, Jonathan Ornstein has shown visionary leadership in the field of electric-powered flight.”

    The companies hope to introduce the aircraft to the market as early as 2026.

    “As we continue to explore opportunities in electric aviation, we are excited to expand our efforts to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels in the airline industry and are proud to work with Heart to launch the world’s first electric regional aircraft. Mesa intends to continue its expansion through the introduction of revolutionary technology that benefits our passengers and the environment. We are delighted to take this important step in the de-carbonization of air travel through our co-investment with Breakthrough Energy Ventures and United Airlines Ventures in Heart”, said Jonathan Ornstein, Mesa Air Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “These technological innovations are good for the environment, will expand the national transportation system, and provide significant growth opportunities for Mesa. We look forward to reconnecting with communities and passengers we previously served.”

  • Recalled Chevrolet Bolts Caught Fire, GM Issues Warning

    Recalled Chevrolet Bolts Caught Fire, GM Issues Warning

    GM is warning that at least two Chevrolet Bolts have caught fire, despite being serviced in a recall.

    GM issued a recall for nearly 51,000 Chevy Bolts over a risk of the vehicles catching on fire when “charged to full, or very close to full, capacity.” At the time, GM recommended parking the vehicles outside, away from buildings until they could be fixed.

    It appears the fix may not be 100% foolproof, with two Bolts catching on fire despite already being fixed under the recall. As a result, the company is once again asking users to leave the vehicles parked outside until the issue can be investigated further.

    General Motors has been notified of two recent Chevrolet Bolt EV fire incidents in vehicles that were remedied as part of the safety recall announced in November 2020. Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking owners of 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs who were part of the recall population to park their vehicles outdoors immediately after charging and not leave their vehicles charging overnight while we investigate these incidents.

    The company also asks customers that have not yet taken advantage of the recall to go ahead and do so. With only two known cases, out of the thousands that have already been fixed, it’s entirely possible this new issue may be completely unrelated.

  • Volocopter Demos Eletric Air Taxi at Paris Air Forum

    Volocopter Demos Eletric Air Taxi at Paris Air Forum

    Volocopter has demoed its electric air taxi at the Paris Air Forum, vowing to bring air taxi services to market in time for the 2024 Olympics.

    Companies around the world are racing to make air taxies a reality. The technology promises to help speed up commutes, reduce city congestion and revolutionize the transportation industry.

    Volocopter is one step closer to bringing its own taxi service to martlet, following a successful demonstration. The company is committed to bringing a full-fledged service to the region in time for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The service will likely see major success with the influx of tourists and Olympic-goers looking to experience everything possible.

    “The first flight today in Paris highlights Volocopter’s commitment to bring air taxi services to this region in time for the 2024 Olympic Games,” said Florian Reuter, Volocopter CEO. “The alliance of the Paris region, Groupe ADP, and RATP Groupe and their intent to bring electric air taxis to France is a stellar example of the collaborative approach we see to be the most successful for adding this exciting category of mobility to cities globally.”

    “Today, we were as close as never before in France to experience electric aviation,” said Edward Arkwright, Deputy CEO, Groupe ADP. “Volocopter is a vivid example of what the futures of aviation could look like, both carbon-free and innovative, that Groupe ADP wants to accompany thanks to our infrastructure assets, expertise, and know-how. Along with the other partners of the RE.Invent Air Mobility initiative, Volocopter is now ready to enter a first test flight campaign by September on the Pontoise airfield sandbox we have been building up in the past months. And we are thrilled to be partnering with them, RATP Group and DGAC towards our objective of flight demonstrations in the Paris Region during the 2024 Olympic Games, to lay the foundation of a strong UAM industrial ecosystem in France.”

    “After having responded as the first player in the urban air mobility industry, in the context of the call for expressions of interest, we are very pleased that Volocopter has confirmed its development and its establishment in France,” Marie-Claude Dupois, Director of Strategy, Innovation and Development of RATP Group. “For RATP Group, this new mobility aims to complement our traditional transport modes.”

  • Electric Ford F-150 Likely Has Longer Range Than Advertised

    Electric Ford F-150 Likely Has Longer Range Than Advertised

    Buyers of the all-new electric F-150 may be in for a pleasant surprise, as critics believe it may have longer range than advertised.

    Ford introduced the electric F-150 to great fanfare, including a test drive by President Biden. The company is offering the truck in two variations, one with 230 miles of range, and one with 300.

    According to Darren Palmer, Ford’s head of EVs, the new F-150 Lightning is more likely to underpromise and overdeliver on its range estimates. Palmer told Business Insider that Ford tested the vehicles with a 1,000 pound payload and without a bed cover.

    In real-world uses, many people will be driving the trucks without an additional 1,000 pounds in the bed, and some will use bed covers, both of which will have a positive impact on the range. The end result is that the F-150 Lightning may get more than advertised — which Ford is ok with.

    The truck’s Intelligent Range software is also very accurate at estimating range based on how it’s currently being used and how it’s loaded. For example, when towing a trailer, drivers can input the dimensions and weight, which are factored into the calculations. The software also takes into account the route being driven, elevation, wind and other factors. All of this is designed to help build customers’ confidence and help ease “range anxiety.”

    “It says what it does and it does what it says,” Palmer told BI.

  • Ford Expects 40% of Its Global Vehicles to Be Electric by 2030

    Ford Expects 40% of Its Global Vehicles to Be Electric by 2030

    Ford has unveiled its Ford+ plan, including IonBoost batteries and plans to have 40% of its vehicles electric by 2030.

    Virtually ever major automaker is working to transition to electric vehicles (EV), and Ford is no exception. The company had previously committed to all its European passenger vehicles being all-electric by 2030. The company also moved its battery EV battery production in-house.

    Ford has expanded on its plans, saying it expects 40% of its global vehicle volume to be all-electric by 2030. A big part of that plan is the in-house IonBoost line of batteries. There will be two variations of the batteries: IonBoost lithium ion for passenger vehicles and IonBoost Pro lithium iron phosphate batteries for commercial vehicles. The company also plans to introduce affordable solid-state batteries, based on tech from Solid Power, which Ford owns a stake in.

    “I’m excited about what Ford+ means for our customers, who will get new and better experiences by pairing our iconic, world-class vehicles with connected technology that constantly gets better over time,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley. “We will deliver lower costs, stronger loyalty and greater returns across all our customers.

    “This is our biggest opportunity for growth and value creation since Henry Ford started to scale the Model T, and we’re grabbing it with both hands.”

    https://youtu.be/i5h7z-hcnxk?list=PLCFM1h5Oz66hsasDHZgEg_rSktVHl0ZS-

  • Germany Clearing Autonomous Vehicles for Regular Use

    Germany Clearing Autonomous Vehicles for Regular Use

    Germany is poised to be the first country to clear autonomous vehicles for everyday use.

    According to Deutsche Welle, Germany’s lower house of parliament has passed a bill that paves the way for autonomous vehicle integration, with the bill moving to the upper chamber for passage. The bill would allow autonomous vehicles to be a standard part of daily traffic, with minimal restrictions.

    “Individual permits, exceptions and requirements — such as the presence of a safety assurance driver who is always ready to intervene — would not be necessary,” the Transportation Ministry said in a statement.

    In order to qualify, however, they must be Level 4 autonomous vehicles. Autonomous vehicles are ranked (via TechRepublic) from Level 0 to Level 5, with Level 0 having no autonomous ability and Level 5 requiring no human control whatsoever. Level 4 is still considered “fully autonomous,” even though it may not cover every conceivable driving scenario. Instead, Level 4 is focused on “operational design domain (ODD)” performance.

    Currently, there are no Level 4 vehicles available. In fact, Honda recently made headlines when it announced the world’s first Level 3 autonomous vehicle. As a result, it may be some time before there are vehicles available that meet Germany’s threshold. Nonetheless, once the bill goes into effect, Level 4 vehicles should be approved as of 2022.

    “Germany will be the first country worldwide to take autonomous vehicles from the research laboratories to the streets,” said Transportation Minister Andreas Scheuer in a statement. “We are now a major step closer to that goal.

  • Tesla Car Spotted With Lidar Sensors

    Tesla Car Spotted With Lidar Sensors

    Tesla appears to be testing a car with lidar sensors, a technology used to help automakers develop self-driving vehicles.

    Elon Musk famously said “lidar is a fool’s errand,” at Tesla’s “Autonomy Day” in April 2019. “Anyone relying on lidar is doomed.” Musk has maintained his company can build full self-driving (FSD) vehicles without resorting to lidar.

    Despite those statements, pictures have been circulating on Twitter showing a Model Y with lidar sensors on the roof.

    According to Bloomberg, Tesla purchased the lidar sensors from Luminar, whose stock rose as a result. What’s not clear, however, is what the company is working on. While the obvious conclusion is that Tesla is doing an about-face, experts are not convinced.

    “The more likely scenario is they are using the Luminar lidars to validate their camera-based FSD system,” Guidehouse analyst Sam Abuelsamid told Bloomberg. “If they made that change, it would effectively deprecate their entire fleet of vehicles. They are not going to retrofit one million vehicles.”

    One strong possibility is that Tesla is simply testing their vehicles to see how they compare with lidar-equipped competitors.

  • Tesla Hit With a Whopping Norwegian Fine Over Throttling Charging Speed

    Tesla Hit With a Whopping Norwegian Fine Over Throttling Charging Speed

    Tesla has been ordered to pay customers in Norway $16,000 each for throttling battery charging speeds and capacity.

    Tesla rolled out two software updates, 2019.16.1 and .2, which impacted the Model S and Model X containing 85 kWh battery packs. As Electrek reports, many users of those models started reporting range decreases of 12 to 30 miles, as well as slower charging times at Supercharger stations.

    At the time, the company told Electrek the software update was designed to “protect the battery and improve battery longevity,” and that only a small percentage of users were impacted. The reassurance did little to stop a spate of lawsuits from Tesla owners whose vehicles were suddenly not performing as well as they were previously.

    Norway’s court has now sided with users, finding Tesla guilty and ordering the company to pay $16,000 to each impacted owner. Although there were only 30 Tesla owners behind the lawsuit, it’s estimated there may be as many as 10,000 affected Norwegian owners, making the outcome potentially very expensive for the company.

    It remains to be seen if Tesla will appeal, but the victory is sure to help similar lawsuits in other countries.

  • Elon Musk Open to Setting Up a Tesla Factory in Russia

    Elon Musk Open to Setting Up a Tesla Factory in Russia

    Elon Musk has signaled his willingness to open a factory in Russia, according to a new report.

    Russia is not currently one of Tesla’s main markets. In fact, according to TheStreet, only 700 new Teslas were purchased in the entire country last year, along with less than 5,300 used vehicles.

    Nonetheless, it appears Musk has his eye on eventually changing that, even having a factory in Russia.

    “I think we’re close to establishing a Tesla presence in Russia, and I think that would be great,” Musk said according to a Bloomberg report, via TheStreet. “Over time, we will look to have factories in other parts of the world, potentially Russia at some point.”

    Musk also commented on the talent and energy that exists in Russia, and his hope it will lead to positive changes.

    “Hopefully that energy continues into the future, and I would just like to strongly encourage people to strive to make the future better than the past and to be optimistic about the future.”

  • California DMV Reviewing Tesla Over Self-Driving Claims

    California DMV Reviewing Tesla Over Self-Driving Claims

    Tesla is currently “under review” by California’s DMV to determine if the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology claims were misleading.

    Like many companies, Tesla has been working toward autonomous driving technology. Autonomous driving software is ranked on a scale of 0 to 5, with 0 having no autonomous capabilities and 5 requiring no driver control. Currently, Tesla’s FSD is considered a Level 2 technology. Tesla’s tech has recently come under fire for being easily fooled and endangering people’s lives.

    In spite of its limitations, Musk has touted FSD, even going so far as to exaggerate claims about the technology. Those exaggerations have helped bring unwanted scrutiny on Tesla, with The L.A. Timesreporting the California DMV is reviewing the company’s claims. In particular, the company’s labeling its technology as “self-driving,” let alone “Full Self-Driving,” could pose legal issues.

    “Tesla seems to be asking for legal trouble on many fronts,” law professor Bryant Walker Smith told the L.A. Times. “From the FTC and its state counterparts for deceptive marketing. From the California DMV for, potentially, crossing into the realm of autonomous vehicle testing without state approval, from competitors with driver assistance systems, competitors with actual automated driving systems, ordinary consumers, and future crash victims who could sue under state or federal law.”

    Although California law holds the driver responsible for any accidents, the DMV still has the authority to impose penalties on companies that make misleading claims. The penalties could range from withholding autonomous deployment permits to revoking manufacturing and dealership licenses.

  • Cornell Researchers Discover Way to Charge Cars on the Road

    Cornell Researchers Discover Way to Charge Cars on the Road

    Cornell University researchers may have solved one of the biggest issues with electric vehicle adoption, finding a way to wirelessly charge vehicles while driving.

    Virtually every major automaker is planning on transitioning to electric vehicles in the next decade. Unfortunately, one of the biggest challenges to widespread adoption is range and fast charging. In fact, some 20% of California drivers end up trading their electric vehicles in for traditional gasoline models because of the long charge times and limited range.

    Researchers at Cornell appear to have solved the issue, developing technology that could pave the way (pun intended) for special ‘charging lanes’ that would wirelessly charge an electric vehicle driving on them.

    In an interview with Business Insider, lead researcher and associate professor Khurram Afridi, outlined how the technology could work.

    “Highways would have a charging lane, sort of like a high occupancy lane,” Afridi said. “If you were running out of battery you would move into the charging lane. It would be able to identify which car went into the lane and it would later send you a bill.”

    While Afridi’s work may sound too good to be true, it’s based on technology many already take for granted.

    “Wireless power transfer is based on the same underlying physics used to send messages through radio waves to spacecraft in deep space, things like Voyager,” Afridi said. “Except now we are sending much more energy across much shorter distances, to moving vehicles.”

    The technology is still five to 10 years from being deployed, but it promises to solve the biggest issue with electric vehicles and make ‘recharge worry’ a thing of the past.

  • Harley-Davidson Announces LiveWire Electric Motorcycle Brand

    Harley-Davidson Announces LiveWire Electric Motorcycle Brand

    Harley-Davidson has announced its own electric motorcycle brand, LiveWire, as it works to reinvent itself and cash in on the move to electric vehicles.

    Automakers around the world are racing to deploy electric vehicles, with governments viewing electric vehicles as a key component of the fight against climate change. Harley-Davidson is getting in on the action with the announcement of its LiveWire brand of electric motorcycles.

    “One of the six pillars of The Hardwire Strategy is to lead in electric – by launching LiveWire as an all-electric brand, we are seizing the opportunity to lead and define the market in EV,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “With the mission to be the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world, LiveWire will pioneer the future of motorcycling, for the pursuit of urban adventure and beyond. LiveWire also plans to innovate and develop technology that will be applicable to Harley-Davidson electric motorcycles in the future.”

    Harley-Davidson said the the LiveWire motorcycle will be launched July 8, 2021 and premiere at the International Motorcycle Show on July 9.

  • GM CEO Wants Personal Autonomous Vehicles by 2030

    GM CEO Wants Personal Autonomous Vehicles by 2030

    General Motors CEO Mary Barra is has expressed her desire to have personal autonomous vehicles by 2030.

    Autonomous and self-driving vehicles are the next major evolution of the automotive industry. Early studies have shown autonomous vehicles can significantly reduce accidents and fatalities. Autonomous vehicles also promise to revolutionize the entire driving experience, freeing individuals from the tedium of actually driving. Instead, the daily commute could eventually be used to relax, watch TV or engage in any number of other activities.

    Many companies are focusing their self-driving efforts primarily on fleet vehicles, ride-sharing and other commercial applications. GM CEO Mary Barra, however, wants to see autonomous personal vehicles from GM by 2030.

    “There’s a lot to still unfold, but I believe we’ll have personal autonomous vehicles and then that will leverage the capability we have at Cruise with the capability that we have at the car company to really be well positioned to delight the customers from that perspective,” Barra said, according to TechCrunch. “So both paths are very important because the technology we put on vehicles today I think makes them safer and delights the customers and is going to give us an opportunity for subscription revenue, and then the ultimate work that we’re doing at Cruise, that is full autonomous, really opens up, you know, more possibilities then I think we can outline today.”

    GM has taken a measured approach to autonomous driving. Given that, Barra’s statement will likely put pressure on any slower-moving companies to pick up the pace.

  • Kroger and Drone Express Testing Autonomous Drone Grocery Deliveries

    Kroger and Drone Express Testing Autonomous Drone Grocery Deliveries

    Kroger is working with Drone Express, a division of TELEGRID Technologies, to test autonomous drones for grocery deliveries.

    Multiple companies are working to deploy drones, with plans to use them for autonomous deliveries. Late last year, the Federal Aviation Administration cleared unmanned drones for night flights and flights over people, a critical next step in widespread adoption.

    Kroger is now the next major company looking to deploy autonomous drones for deliveries, and is turning to Drone Express to help it. Kroger will test its pilot program around the Kroger Marketplace in Centerville, Ohio.

    “Kroger’s new drone delivery pilot is part of the evolution of our rapidly growing and innovative e-commerce business – which includes pickup, delivery, and ship and reached more than $10 billion in sales in 2020,” said Kroger’s Jody Kalmbach, group vice president of product experience. “The pilot reinforces the importance of flexibility and immediacy to customers, powered by modern, cost-effective, and efficient last-mile solutions. We’re excited to test drone delivery and gain insights that will inform expansion plans as well as future customer solutions.”

    “Autonomous drones have unlimited potential to improve everyday life, and our technology opens the way to safe, secure, environmentally friendly deliveries for Kroger customers,” said Beth Flippo, Chief Technology Officer, TELEGRID. “The possibilities for customers are endless – we can enable Kroger customers to send chicken soup to a sick friend or get fast delivery of olive oil if they run out while cooking dinner.”

  • Toyota Acquiring Lyft’s Self-Driving Division

    Toyota Acquiring Lyft’s Self-Driving Division

    Lyft has announced Toyota subsidiary Woven Planet is acquiring its self-driving division, Level 5.

    Autonomous driving is widely considered to be the next major evolution of the auto industry. Unfortunately, autonomous driving has been a difficult technology to crack for companies of all sizes. Tesla recently was called out by Consumer Reports for self-driving tech that’s easily fooled.

    Meanwhile, Level 5 was launched in 2017, with the goal being to have a majority of rides happen in self-driving vehicles by 2021. Instead, Lyft is now selling off its self-driving division after failing to meet those goals. Woven Planet, Toyota’s autonomous driving division, is buying Level 5 for $550 million.

    “Today’s announcement launches Lyft into the next phase of an incredible journey to bring our mission to life,” Lyft Co-Founder and CEO Logan Green said. “Lyft has spent nine years building a transportation network that is uniquely capable of scaling AVs. This partnership between Woven Planet and Lyft represents a major step forward for autonomous vehicle technology.”

    “This acquisition assembles a dream team of world-class engineers and scientists to deliver safe mobility technology for the world,” James Kuffner, CEO of Woven Planet said. “The Woven Planet team, alongside the team of researchers at Toyota Research Institute, have already established a center of excellence for software development, automated driving, and advanced safety technology within the Toyota Group. I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Level 5’s world-class engineers and experts into our company, which will greatly strengthen our efforts.”

  • Rivian Announces Plans For Charging Network

    Rivian Announces Plans For Charging Network

    Rivian plans to roll out a network of 10,000 charging stations across the US and Canada by the end of 2023.

    Rivian is one of the biggest names in electric vehicles. The company is backed by Amazon and its technology will be used in Ford vehicles, giving it the backing, funding, technology and scope to potentially challenge Tesla.

    The company has now announced its plans to establish a network of 10,000 charging stations, a major step in widespread acceptance of the platform. According to TechCrunch, the company plans to roll out 3,500 DC fast chargers, as well as thousands of “waypoint” Level 2 chargers.

    While the fast chargers will only be accessible to Rivian’s customers, the waypoint chargers will be available to everyone. Even more significant, unlike Tesla’s proprietary chargers, Rivian’s will use the J1772 plug, which is the North American standard for electric vehicles.

    The company also plans on its stations being powered by 100% renewable energy, thanks to deals it will make with utility companies.

    Rivian’s announcement is good news for its customers, as well as the electric vehicle industry at large.

  • US Travel Spending Plummeted 42% Amid the Pandemic

    US Travel Spending Plummeted 42% Amid the Pandemic

    A new report sheds light on the devastating impact the pandemic has had on the travel industry, accounting for a 42% drop in spending.

    The U.S. Travel Association says the travel industry’s impact on the US economy dropped 42%, from $2.6 trillion to $1.5 trillion. Similarly, travel-supported jobs dropped from 16.7 million to 11.1 million, a total of 5.6 million. Just as telling, those losses account for 65% of all US jobs as a result of the pandemic.

    “While the gradual progress of vaccinations has provided hope that a turnaround may be on the horizon, it is still unclear when travel demand will be able to fully rebound on its own,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “With the travel industry suffering such a disproportionate share of losses, policymakers need to understand that a nationwide economic recovery effectively hinges on a travel recovery.”

    The economic stimulus will no doubt have a positive impact on the industry, but there’s still a long way to go before it recovers fully.

    “The latest round of relief was helpful to our industry, but there are a number of important steps that still must be taken, especially extending the deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program and passing the key package of tax incentives in the Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act,” said U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes. “The PPP is set to expire in just two weeks, yet the economic effects of the pandemic will continue to harm the industry far beyond that point.”

  • Waymo Autonomous Driving Would Eliminate Almost All Vehicle Fatalities

    Waymo Autonomous Driving Would Eliminate Almost All Vehicle Fatalities

    Waymo has released a detailed report of its autonomous driving test scenarios, providing evidence of the technology’s ability to prevent fatalities.

    Waymo is an Alphabet company focused on autonomous driving. In fact, the company recently announced it would only use the term “autonomous driving,” as opposed to “self-driving.” Autonomous driving is widely seen as the next major evolution for the automotive industry, with the promise of safer driving.

    Quantifying just how much safer autonomous driving is can be difficult, as few companies have been willing to release their testing numbers. Waymo has now taken that step, and the results are very encouraging. Waymo’s simulated driving data provides a decade-long look at how its platform performs.

    In total, the simulated Waymo Driver completely avoided or mitigated 100% of crashes aside from the crashes in which it was struck from behind, including every instance that involved a pedestrian or cyclist (20 simulations in total). This is the first time an autonomous technology company has shared its evaluation for how the system might perform in real-world fatal crash scenarios.

    Significantly, drivers were 1.3 to 1.5x less likely to be injured in accidents that Waymo’s vehicles mitigated.

    Waymo specifically tested 72 scenarios from public records of accidents that had involved a fatality. When the Waymo Driver was in primary control of the vehicle, those accidents were avoided 100% of the time.

    Waymo then ran test scenarios where Waymo Driver was in responder mode, only taking action once the human driver had made a mistake. In those scenarios, 82% of accidents were avoided, while another 10% were mitigated. This gives Waymo a 92% success rate at avoiding or mitigating fatal accidents, even when the human driver has done something that would have caused an accident.

    In other words, even when a human driver did something to initiate a crash, such as running a red light, the simulated Waymo Driver avoided or mitigated the vast majority of these fatal crashes.

    This is good news for the auto industry and drivers alike, and will hopefully help remove barriers to autonomous driving adoption.