Steve Hanley Steve writes about the interface between technology and sustainability from his home in Rhode Island and anywhere else the Singularity may take him. His muse is Charles Kuralt -- "I see the road ahead is turning. I wonder what's around the bend?" You can follow him on Google + and on Twitter.
November 16th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
A new climate research study predicts that if the world's leading countries continue doing what they are doing to rein in carbon emissions, average global temperatures by the end of this century will be 4 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than they were prior to the Industrial Revolution. That amounts to a death sentence for humanity.
November 15th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Austin Energy has an EVs For Schools program that teaches students about electric mobility. What an interesting idea!
November 15th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
The new Chinese cap and trade program for electric cars takes effect January 1. What happens in China could have a profound impact on the global auto industry and emissions policies in other countries.
November 15th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
A new study suggests that warmer global temperatures could increase the severity of future hurricanes. Another finds cities may slow the passage of mega-storms, causing more rainfall over time. Both have important implications for urban planners, politicians, and humanity in general.
November 14th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Two professional associations, both of whom say they are committed to environmental policies that benefit Americans, make for good PR but actions speak louder than words. According to an analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists, both groups have submitted comments regarding the proposed rollback of fuel economy standards that would rip the heart out of the deal they all agreed to with the Obama administration back in 2008. In fact, as bad as the rollback plan from our so-called government is, the AGA proposal is actually worse.
November 14th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
The Tesla Model 3 for Europe will come equipped with a CCS charging port, giving drivers access to an additional 5,500 charge points on the Continent.
November 13th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
The top 24 fossil fuel companies spent less than 2% of their 2018 budgets on renewable energy investments. They want us to think they are concerned for the Earth, but nothing could be further from the truth.
November 13th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Volkswagen chief Herbert Diess tells the press his company will build 50 million electric cars using the new MEB chassis. Should Tesla be worried?
November 12th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
The one factor that makes conventional generation riskier than renewables is the cost of fuel. When it comes to long term planning, the cost of sunshine and wind is fixed. No need to worry about embargoes, shortages, or one nation cornering the market and driving up prices. The era of renewables is upon us, and not a moment too soon
November 12th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Ford and DHL have formed a partnership to manufacture the Work XL electric delivery van. The chassis will be manufactured in Turkey, then shipped to Germany where it will be fitted with a body designed by DHL.
November 12th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
A partner in Baillie Gifford, the asset management firm that is the third largest shareholder in Tesla, isn't worried about Tesla's future, but it is concerned about the future of many legacy automakers as they approach their own personal "Kodak moments."
November 12th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
While the federal government is busy propping up coal and natural gas, governors in several states won elections in which they pledged to ramp up renewable energy goals, with many aiming for 100% renewables within 20 years.
November 11th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Israel is considering a ban on the sale of gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles after 2030 as a way of taking meaningful action to reduce carbon emissions after the latest UN climate change report.
November 9th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Danish bicycle manufacturer Biomega has unveiled a minimalist carbon fiber electric car designed for congested urban environments.
November 8th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Elon Musk has a lot to say to Kara Swisher of Recode recently. Two topics that stood out were the Tesla pickup truck and the financial prospects for Ford.
November 8th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Tesla says it plans to spend up to $3 billion a year for the next 2 years on upgrades to its gigafactories in Nevada, New York, and Shanghai. How will it pay for all that? It won't be easy, but the company says, don't worry, it's covered by company cash
November 8th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Tesla has named Robyn Denholm to be the chair of its board of directors after Elon Musk steps aside. She will be assuming the lead role at an exciting time for the company.
November 8th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Economics are driving Northern Indiana Public Service to do what the Clean Power Plan could not -- shutter one of the dirtiest coal generating stations in America.
November 6th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Hyundai says it is working on three solar charging systems that may appear on Hyundai and Kia cars after 2019. The output of the systems will be modest, but every watt helps increase range and lower emissions.
November 6th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Thomas Built Bus, a subsidiary of Daimler, is partnering with Proterra to bring more electric school buses to market. Separating children from diesel exhaust fumes should be a high priority for every parent and school district in America.
November 6th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
52 families in Meadow Springs in Western Australia are taking part in a novel experiment -- shared community energy storage. This could change the utility industry in important ways.
November 5th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Some testers have found the Jaguar I-PACE has less real world range than the EPA or WLTP estimates. Jaguar says people should relax and drive happy. The I-PACE is a great car that is a joy to drive.
November 5th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
In Austria, during times when an air quality alert is in effect, EV drivers will be able go faster than drivers of conventional cars. Will that convince some people to make the switch to an electric car? Oh, you betcha!
November 5th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
ICON in Los Angeles has created a 1949 Mercury electric car conversion as part of its Derelict series. The car has been the runaway hit of this year's SEMA show.
November 5th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Researchers in Singapore say they have found a way to convert plastic waste into aerogels that can protect firefighters, reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling buildings, and maybe remove some of the excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
November 5th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
A survey of 1200 Americans conducted by GfK for Consumer Reports finds the vast majority of Americans want more renewable energy and less power plant pollution. The survey also reveals that plenty of utilities seem to have a credibility issue with their customers.
November 4th, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Sales of cars with electric motors accounted for more than 7% of BMW sales in the US in October. That's good but down from last year. The Chevy Bolt and Nissan LEAF are limping along. The big news is the Tesla Model 3, which is taking America by storm.
November 3rd, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
The US Supreme Court on Friday declined to dismiss the Juliana Vs US climate change lawsuit brought by Our Children's Trust. It's a victory for the young plaintiffs but it may be years before the case actually goes to trial.
November 2nd, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
Elon Musk took to Twitter on Friday to talk about battery production, foreign factories, and expanding sales to more countries. He also indicated more factories are coming to support increasing sales.
November 2nd, 2018 | by Steve Hanley
USA Today says the Tesla Model 3 is the hottest selling car in the US. Its rankings are subjective but they still have important things to say about the EV revolution.
