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What Drives Us episode

#367 Tried and Died

23 May , 2020 Video

General Motors and LG Chem have formed a joint venture to create batteries for EVs. They are calling it Ultium. The factory will be in Lordstown, OH. It’s expected to employ more than 1,000 people. This could be a really big thing. Here’s hoping.
Toyota introduced two new hybrids to their fleet: Venza and Sienna.
Russell just finished spending a week with the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. There are things he really liked. And then there are other things.
In case you didn’t know, Dyson (yes, the vacuum company) announced a while ago that they were developing an electric vehicle. After actually creating a very nice looking prototype, they have announced that they are abandoning the effort. Reportedly, Dyson realized there was no way to manufacture and price the car such that it would be even remotely profitable. Let’s hope they continue the idea and work on a lower-priced car they can bring to market.
GM had created an e-Bike called the Ariv (pronounced ‘arrive’). They had a standard version and a folding version. Sure it looks a little quirky, but in a time when e-bikes are seeing a huge uptick in sales, GM kills theirs.
We’re about more than just vehicles. We like the whole circular lifestyle of generating your own electricity, storing it in your own batteries, and using that electricity to power your house and/or charge your car. However, far too many utility companies few residents with solar panels as competition. They work very hard to make going solar difficult and fins ways to punish the homeowner after the panels are installed. We decided to take a little time and talk about how utilities companies can be real jerks.

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2020, batteries, Car, e-bike, electric, EV, General Motors, gm, hybrid, LE, LED, solar, Toyota, Vehicles

What Drives Us episode

WDU Special – We Talk with Tom Bodett

23 May , 2020 Video

You know him from Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me or maybe “We’ll leave the light on for you.” but we know Mr. Tom Bodett as a green energy advocate who walks the walk. His self-installed 37kW solar array, advanced heating pump system and his new Tesla Model Y all speak of someone who cares. Spend some time getting to know Tom better.

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Car, LE, LED, Model Y, solar, Tesla, van

What Drives Us episode

#365 The Rise of the EVs

8 May , 2020 Video

Paul talks about the ground-level pollution created by gasoline powered lawn equipment. It’s better for you and the environment if you swapped them out for something with a plug or battery.
Tony discusses that Lincoln has cancelled their anticipated partnership with Rivian to produce a luxury SUV EV. We would like to think that this is just a temporary thing.
Kacey tells us about Tesla’s latest software update and how it improves stoplight recognition and smart summon mode.
Georgia talks about a JD Power survey indicating people’s heads are still stuck in the sand when it comes to alt fuel vehicles.
Mark talks about Rivian declining to accept a $1 million grant that was guaranteed to them from Normal, IL where they have their factory. Normal promised that if Rivian invests $22 million the town would kick in $1 million. Since then, Rivian has secured Billions in funding and decided the town could put the money to better use.

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battery, Eco, EV, funding, gasoline, law, LE, LED, pollution, rv, Software, SUV, Tesla, update, Vehicles

What Drives Us episode

#355 Solar Shakedown

26 Feb , 2020 Video

The guys get into a tussle over Tesla’s Gigafactory in Buffalo New York now that Panasonic has pulled out of the location. Will there ever be Solar glass?
After 40 years of trying to figure it out, scientists have finally figured out why solar panels experience a 2% efficiency drop within the first hour of operation.
Hyundai released images of a concept vehicle that is supposed to serve as inspiration for their upcoming EV vehicles.
Ford allows drivers to sign up for insurance and use their connected cars to track their driving habits. Spoiler: if you’re being paid, you’re the product.

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Car, concept, connected, Efficiency, EV, first, Ford, gigafactory, Hyundai, insurance, LE, LED, new york, oil, rv, solar, Tesla, Vehicles

audio only,What Drives Us episode

#352 EVs Everywhere!

7 Feb , 2020 Video

1) Russell teases that he’s been invited to a Toyota AWD event. More details in a future show.

2) Simon Wecker, a guy in Berlin, Germany, pulled 90 cell phones – all with Google Maps active – through empty streets. Why? Because Google interpreted all that data to mean that the streets were congested with 90 cars, all barely moving along. The result was empty streets thanks to Google routing everyone around Wecker and his wagon of phones.

3) Hyundai is doubling their Kona EV production be adding a second factory. This is in response to the Kona’s massive demand, which Hyundai is not able to keep up with.

4) The new US Building Codes will call for new homes in the US to be manufactured “EV Ready”.

5) Rivian and Amazon are designing and building a custom EV Amazon delivery van. It’s kind of cute.

6) We’re relatively excited to see that there are EV trucks coming to market. Americans love their trucks so if we want to win them over we’re going to need electric trucks.

7) Toyota is introducing new technology to safe stupid people from themselves. This new software will detect when someone mashes the accelerator rather than the brake and make sure the car doesn’t surge forward. Because, let’s face it, unexpected acceleration was really human error all along.

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Car, Eco, electric, EV, future, german, google, Hyundai, LE, LED, Software, Technology, Toyota, truck, van

What Drives Us episode

#333 Turbo S

15 Sep , 2019 Video

1) Volkswagon unveils the ID.3
https://www.motor1.com/news/369662/vw-id-3-unveiled-frankfurt/amp/

2) And a little information about the ID.4
https://insideevs.com/news/369758/vw-id3-electric-car-debuts-range-342-miles/

3) Speaking of VW, someone says they are below $100 per kWh battery price
https://insideevs.com/news/369923/rumor-mill-vw-cheap-battery/

4) COX Automotive makes a $350M investment in Rivian
https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1124989_electric-truck-hopeful-rivian-gets-350m-investment-from-cox

5) Russell wants to talk about the Porsche Taycan debut
https://www.porsche.com/usa/models/taycan/taycan-models/taycan-turbo/

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battery, debut, electric, elon, elon musk, EV, frankfurt, hybrid, LE, LED, Lexus, mobility, model 3, Model S, model X, nissan, Plug-in, porsche, Technology, Tesla, Toyota, truck, usa, VW

audio only,What Drives Us episode

#329 – Safer Cars Make Less Safe Drivers

28 Jul , 2019 Video

1) Dockless scooters are being ticketed, towed, and impounded.
https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/24/20696405/dockless-scooters-share-repo-men-repossessor-lawsuit-tow-yard-lime-bird-lyft-uber-razor

2) Uber’s CEO predicted self-driving cars and flying cars by now. Why’s my flaying car?
https://www.geekwire.com/2018/uber-ceo-expects-self-driving-cars-start-picking-passengers-18-months-flying-cars-5-7-years/

3) Carlos Ghosn is suing Nissan-Mitsubishi because they fired him wrong
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-renault-nissan-ghosn-idUSKCN1UF063

4) Safety Technology makes people less safe
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369847818302559

5) 50 Solar charging stations have been installed in New York City
https://solarchargeddriving.com/2019/07/16/solar-ev-charging-stations-go-up-in-new-york-city