In a couple of hours, we’re launching into another #Electrifying webinar, this time focused on the BMW i3, its under-acknowledged benefits, and how it might compare to the Tesla Model 3. As mentioned a few days ago, here are the key details:
First of all, let me say that if anyone else creates a superfast charging network anything close to Tesla’s, I’ll be one of the first people to cheer it on and I may cheer it more loudly and broadly than anyone else. My goal is to stimulate the transition to zero-emissions transport as quickly as possibly, not to loyally attach my dreams to one company over every other one because I like the logo. Companies that do good stuff deserve to get praised and rewarded.
Now that I’ve been driving an electric car (a Tesla Model S) around on a regular basis for a few weeks, I’m getting bored with the most common questions. Over and over again…
The BMW i3 is one of those electric cars that doesn’t get enough love (in my personal opinion). It’s a stunning vehicle, “the most advanced vehicle on the planet,” according to respected engineering outfit Munro & Associates. It offers a totally awesome driving experience, premium interior that’s on another level, the best visibility in town, an insane turning radius, a superb parking package, adaptive cruise control, super strong regen braking (strongest in the industry last I heard), high-quality batteries, and the choice of a range extender.
Elon Musk advocated for more solar power at the NGA summer conference last week, calling for more solar farms, rooftop systems, and battery manufacturing facilities.
Chevrolet is shutting down the Orion Township factory where it makes the Bolt electric car for a few extra weeks this summer to deal with mounting inventories. Meanwhile, Tesla is preparing to ramp up production of the Model 3.
July is perhaps the biggest month in Tesla’s history, with the first 30 29 Model 3 production vehicles set to be turned over to the first lucky owners on the 28th of the month. Until now, it was uncertain when the event would actually take place, and more than that, where it would be. The first production Model 3 was confirmed to be for Ira Ehrenpreis, but he gifted the prized vehicle to Elon Musk earlier this month, leaving 29 of the first 30 vehicles to be delivered at the event.
The Chinese market had more than 43,000 new EVs zooming the streets last month. With the market growing below expectations, at 16% YoY, this performance from China feels like when LeBron James scores 28 points in an NBA Finals game — it would be a great score for anyone else, but people expect more from the star of the team.
What’s been hot on CleanTechnica this month? You know the model, but check out the stories for details:
Nvidia, a giant in the manufacturing of graphics processing chips, is partnering with Volvo Cars and the Swedish auto supplier Autoliv on the development of new self-driving vehicle tech, according to recent reports. The aim, reportedly, is for the tech to be used in vehicles that will hit the marketplace by 2021.
