Energy in the 21st Century NEWS SERVICE

Neil Young discusses EV conversion on Late Night with David Letterman (video)

July 19, 2008 CBS | New York | electric vehicles: conversion

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Neil Young talks about his 1959 Lincoln Continental electric conversion. From a 9-10 mpg gasoline motor to 100 mpg with a UQM Denver electric motor and heat-recovery generator. "I just want to eliminate road-side refuelling." -- Neil Young [New York, July 19, 2008, CBS Late Night 04:35/10:39]

Next steps for hydrogen: Physics, technology and the future (pdf)

May, 2016 The Institute of Physics | United Kingdom | electric vehicles: hydrogen

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The report discusses different factors shaping the future of hydrogen technology: low-emission vehicles, physicists and hydrogen, current use of hydrogen, journey to the hydrogen economy, cryogenic liquid hydrogen, hydrogen safety, perceptions and realities, and potential disruptive innovations. (pdf 44 pages)

Solar plane makes history after completing round-the-world trip

July 26, 2016 The Guardian | Global | electric vehicles: charging

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Solar Impulse II completed the first round-the-world flight in a solar-powered aeroplane, piloted by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg. The plane has 17,000 solar cells on its wings and a longer wingspan than a Boeing 747. The round trip from Abu Dhabi took 23 days with 16 stops over a 16-month period.

TTC plans to buy first electric buses, targets emissions-free fleet by 2040

November 8, 2017 Toronto Star | Canada | electric vehicles: emissions

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The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) plans to "green its fleet" with on-board electric batteries only by 2040 to cut GHG emissions by 80% compared to 1990 by 2050. Initially, 30 EV buses from 3 different suppliers will run in 2019 at a total cost of about $1 million each. 195 BEV buses currently operate across North America, only 10 in Canada.

Critics have it wrong — electric vehicles are better for your health, your wallet and the planet

January 25, 2018 The Hill | United States | electric vehicles: emissions

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With increasing EV adoption, 2 mbpd of oil will be displaced in the next decade. Many are asking how green are EVs since 9 million people die annually from air pollution. The average U.S. ICE car gets 29 mpg and emits 400 grams of CO2/mile, while the average EV emits only 300 g/mile, reduced as more renewables come on line.

The next ferry you board might run on batteries

March 13, 2018 Bloomberg | Norway | electric vehicles: conversion

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Following the start of the world's first zero-emissions ferry in 2015 along the Sognefjordy, Norway wants 67% of all ferries to be electric by 2030. Carrying up to 350 people and 120 cars, the MF Ampere runs on 10 tons of Li-ion batteries charged in 10 minutes after each 20-minute crossing. Clean, smoother, quieter, EVs are also creating new jobs.

The West Coast Electric Highway enables zero emission road trips

July 20, 2018 YES! | North America | electric vehicles: charging

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In 2008, California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia agreed to promote biofuel, hybrid, battery, and fuel-cell vehicles. The West Coast Electric Highway, an alternative fuel corridor along I-5 and Highway 99, opened in 2011 with its first charging station. ZEVs can now travel from Baja to BC using thousands of chargers spaced about every 40 miles.

There’s a plug-free way to fill the world with electric vehicles

September 4, 2018 Bloomberg | Global | electric vehicles: charging

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Almost all 582,000 public charging outlets in the world in 2017 were conductive plug-ins. Wireless inductive charging will change that. The Brooklyn-based start-up Hevo is building 25 wireless chargers in New York, where space is a premium, to meet the needs of 30 million EVs by 2030. Billions of dollars are at stake in the coming charging infrastructure.

Dyson to build electric cars in Singapore – with 2021 launch planned

October 23, 2018 The Guardian | Asia | electric vehicles: sales

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Dyson announced it will start making electric vehicles in Singapore, where it employs 1,100 workers and makes electric motors. The famed hoover (vacuum) and hand-dryer maker hopes to finish the plant by 2020 and launch its first car in 2021 to tap into the fast-growing Asian EV market. The car will be developed in Dyson’s research facility in Wiltshire.

Green Car Reports best car to buy: 2019 Tesla Model 3

November 12, 2018 Green Car Reports | United States | electric vehicles: review

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"On design and engineering, the Model 3 is probably the most advanced electric car in the world. It’s the only entire platform we’re aware of for a mass-market vehicle that’s on the market now and currently can, with over-the-air updates, extensively change virtually all of its systems and driving parameters."

Volkswagen plans ‘electric offensive’ against Tesla

November 16, 2018 New York Post | United States | electric vehicles: sales

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German carmaker Volkswagen announced a $50 billion investment in the next 5 years in an “electric offensive” after a reported failed buyout of Tesla. The plan is to make 50 all-electric models by 2025, beginning in 2020 with an EV as low as $23,000, undercutting the niche-end Tesla. In 2017 Q3, VW made 2.8 million cars compared to Tesla's 53,000.

Electric buses are not only clean but less costly to run

December 4, 2018 Government Technology | United States | electric vehicles: sales

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A California school district is more than doubling its 16 electric buses in a 130-bus fleet, citing cleaner air, better performance, and lower operating costs. Fuel costs ($0.19/mile) are down about 80% compared to diesel ($0.82/mile), though the EV buses cost $120,000 more. In 2017, more than 500 EV buses were running across the US.

Cadillac to become “lead electric vehicle brand” for GM to rival Tesla

January 11, 2019 Green Car Reports | United States | electric vehicles: sales

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To compete in the luxury EV market, General Motors announced its Cadillac brand will go electric by 2021 with a target 300-mile range. After discontuning its Chevy Volt in 2018, GM will also launch 20 new hybrids, plug-ins, and EV models (3-row SUV, low-roof, and van) powered by an add-on "ice-tray" battery pack.

Caterpillar unveils an all-electric 26-ton excavator with a giant 300 kWh battery pack

January 29, 2019 Electrek | Norway | electric vehicles: sales

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A Norwegian construction firm will use 8 all-electric 26-ton Caterpillar excavators, the first of such size, reducing booth air and noise pollution. Each digger is powered by a 3.4-ton 300-kWh battery pack good for about 6 hours. Replacing all 2,500 diesel-powered excavators in Norway would reduce GHG emissions equal to removing 60,000 cars from the roads.

PG&E, nation’s largest utility, files for bankruptcy amid wildfire lawsuits

January 29, 2019 New York Post | United States | electric vehicles: sales

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After the deadliest fire in the US in a century that killed more than 85 people and destroyed 15,000 homes in and around Paradise, California, the largest American utility, Pacific Gas & Electric Corp, has filed for Chapter 11 reorganization, citing over $15 billion in potential damages. The likely cause was a faulty power line at the time of the fire.

This metal is powering today's technology—at what price?

February, 2019 National Geographic | Bolivia | electric vehicles: charging

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Robert Draper writes about how evaporation mining in the Andes is transforming Bolivia by providing new sources of lithium for a growing EV and storage battery market. Bolivia is hoping lithium will become “the engine of our economy” from its plentiful supplies in the Salar de Uyuni, a 4,000-square-mile salt flat at the top of the world. (2,000 words)

Trump wants to end $7,500 electric car tax credits, members of Congress move to stop him

April 11, 2019 USA Today | United States | electric vehicles: sales

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Current U.S. federal sales regulations give electric car buyers a tax credit of up to $7,500, available prior to manufacturers selling their 200,000th car and then phased out over the next year. The Trump administration wants to nix the credit, netting $2.5 billion to the U.S. Treasury. GM and Tesla are the only carmakers to reach the 200,000 EV level.

Can Paris go 100% electric?

April 12, 2019 Down to Earth | Paris | electric vehicles: transition

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Paris wants to be carbon neutral by 2050 with plans to phase out diesel and petrol cars by 2030 and to electrify urban transport. Electric bikes, scooters, unicycles, hoverboards, and skateboards are all helping as are clean-vehicle incentives – €5,000 and free parking – although the charging infrastructure is lagging behind, both on the streets and in apartments.

ABB electrifies the Niagara Falls’ iconic Maid of the Mist ferries

May 6, 2019 CleanTechnica | Canada | electric vehicles: conversion

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The iconic Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist tour boat is getting an electric makeover, Swiss-Swedish utility company ABB announced. A 316-kWh battery pack will charge in 7 minutes during passenger changeovers on 2 new boats, good to run a 563-hp motor and reduce diesel emissions at the world’s most famous cataract.

Germany opens first electric highway that lets trucks draw power from overhead cables

May 8, 2019 Business Insider | Germany | electric vehicles: charging

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Germany installed its first electrified "eHighway" near Frankfurt on a 6-mile-long test road called ELISA (electrified innovative heavy traffic on the Autobahn). The hybrid electric trucks connect and disconnect on the fly to recharge batteries via overhead 670-V DC cables, saving 35 cents/mile on fuel. Two more test roads are being built.

Forget A to B, electric cars can now get you from London to Paris

May 10, 2019 CNN | Europe | electric vehicles: charging

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Range anxiety has hampered EV sales as drivers worry about running out of charge. But as shown in a KIA eco electric, one can go from London to Paris without reloading (about 300 miles). More people are climbing aboard: in 2018, 2.1 million plug-in EVs were sold, 69% of which were all-electric and 31% hybrids, more than double 2017 sales.

Spain: Badajoz deploys 15 BYD electric buses

May 13, 2019 Electrive | Badajoz | electric vehicles: sales

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15 BYD electric buses were delivered to Badajoz's public transport operator, now the largest EV bus system in Spain. The 12-metre-long EV buses are powered by iron-phosphate (FePO3) batteries with a 250-km range, each with a dedicated charge point. 8 more are coming to Badalona near Barcelona and Coimbra, Portugal, with orders for Madrid and Valencia.

On Nevada's Electric Highway in a Tesla, a Wild West ethos versus a techie future

May 20, 2019 Los Angeles Times | United States | electric vehicles: charging

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EV sales increased by 84% in 2018 in California, prompting the need for more charging stations everywhere. A journalist and photographer took a trip in an EV along US 95, Nevada’s 440-mile Electric Highway from Reno to Las Vegas to see the sights and test the road-side charging stations. The ulitmate modern road trip.

B.C. passes law to increase sales of zero emission vehicles

May 29. 2019 CBC | Canada | electric vehicles: emissions

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The B.C. Zero-Emission Vehicles Act (ZEVA) requires all new light-duty cars and trucks sold in British Columbia to be zero-emission vehicles by 2040 (10% by 2025). Zero emission vehicles are battery electric vehicles (BEV) or fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV). Hybrids are not zero-emission vehicles.

Animation: U.S. electric vehicle sales (2010-19)

June 4, 2019 Visual Capitalist | United States | electric vehicles: sales

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A clever animation shows the increase of U.S. EV sales in the last decade by number and car model. Overall growth, customer preference, and the ever-changing market are all easily seen as new and old competitors vie for top spot. See how Tesla (Roadster, S, X, 3), Nissan (Leaf), Chevrolet (Volt), and other models have fared over time.

Yes, electric cars will be cheaper

June 12, 2019 Forbes | United States | electric vehicles: costs

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EVs are now at parity with gasmobiles in some markets and could be cheaper elsewhere within 8 years because of new policies, economies of scale, and market expansion. EVs will outsell gasmobiles by 2030 as the adoption rate increases comparable to smartphones – good for the climate, our health, and a growing green economy.

All aboard the U.K.'s first hydrogen train

June 21, 2019 IEEE Spectrum | United Kingdom | electric vehicles: hydrogen

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About one-third of global train travel is electric, run by overhead catenary lines and conductive third rails. Following Germany's hydrogen-powered train test in 2018, a 4-car HydroFlex train was demonstrated in England. The UK wants to green its almost 4,000 soot-spewing diesel-electric train fleet by 2040, increasing its clean transport mix.

Electric charging sites exceed UK fuel stations

June 25, 2019 Petro Industry News | United Kingdom | electric vehicles: charging

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Zap-Map listed 8,471 EV charging sites in the UK compared to 8,400 fuel stations, more than double in one year. Rapid chargers produce 50 kW in 40 minutes (about 200 km). There are now more than 210,000 UK electric vehicles, up from only 3,500 6 years ago and expected to pass 1 million soon, on course for its 2050 “Road to Zero” initiative.

The London electric bus fleet is the largest in Europe

September 5, 2019 Intelligent Transport | London | electric vehicles: emissions

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To combat "toxic air" in a "shameful health crisis,” London initiated 2 all-electric double-decker bus routes, a UK first. London has over 200 EV buses, Europe’s largest fleet, and will add 78 more. 12 Low Emission Bus Zones have reduced bus-related NOx emissions by an average 90%, with plans for all buses within the M25 to be zero emission by 2037.

First gas station in America to ditch oil for 100% electric vehicle charging opens in Maryland

September 26, 2019 CNBC | Maryland | electric vehicles: charging

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Citing poor oil-and-gas-company structured contracts, a Takoma Park gas station switched its pumps to 100% electric. In business since 1958, RS Automotives will now service the almost 21,000 registered Maryland EVs and local electric taxis. Four 200-kW-connected dispensers will recharge 80% of an EV battery in under 30 minutes.

Plan for 80 hydrogen fuel stations for Ireland by 2030

September 26, 2019 The Irish Times | Ireland | electric vehicles: hydrogen

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Industry and government representatives plan to create 80 “central hub” hydrogen refuelling stations for new energy vehicles, starting with “captive” fleets such as public buses. Only the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo are currently on the market, neither of which can be filled in Ireland. The Batman-Superman battle begins: Hydrogen vs Li-ion.

The GM strike is really about the switch to electric cars

October 5, 2019 Market Watch | Detroit | electric vehicles: sales

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The GM strike is about the transition to electric vehicles rather than money since EVs have fewer parts and need fewer workers to build. A Chevy Bolt has 125 fewer moving parts than a VW Golf and is easier to assemble, the United Auto Workers union stating that electrification may cost 35,000 jobs. EVs will start to outsell gasmobiles by 2030.

Toyota eyes Olympic platform to boost hydrogen tech

October 23, 2019 New Strait Times | Japan | electric vehicles: hydrogen

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Toyota will provide 500 hydrogen-powered Mirai fuel-cell vehicles (FCEVs) to the Tokyo Olympics with a goal of 30,000 a year by 2021, ten times current output. Although H2 gas is clean, most is made via CH4 reformation, while only 381 refilling stations were operating worldwide compared to 5.2 million Li-ion battery recharging points at the start of 2019.

All systems go: 1st all-electric commercial seaplane takes flight in B.C.

December 10, 2019 CBC | Canada | electric vehicles: airplane

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An historic first short-haul all-electric test airplane stayed aloft for 3 minutes above the Fraser River east of Vancouver. The joint Harbour Air and MagniX 11 e-plane was powered by NASA-approved lithium-ion batteries and a standard-design though lightweight electric motor. As batteries improve, the sky is literally the limit.

Bosch says peak ICE has been reached, plans $1.6B spend on EV tech

January 31, 2020 The Driven | Germany | electric vehicles: sales

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German engineering company Bosch, the world’s largest auto parts maker with HQ in Stuttgart, will invest €1 billion in EV and autonomous technologies. The Bosch CEO cited a peak in global car production and EV passenger sales passing ICE by 2025, spurred on by China. Petrol ignition is also much costlier (10 associates for diesel, 3 for gas, 1 for electric).

As Volvo goes electric, here’s how it’s making its batteries top-notch

March 31, 2020 Ars Technica | Gothenburg | electric vehicles: charging

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After ending diesel-engine development, Volvo plans 50% BEV sales by 2025. New electric motors means new materials and supply lines. The new core competency includes an in-house-built XC40 Recharge battery, designed to extend battery performance to last the lifetime of the EV, and structural changes to ensure front-end saftey.

4 myths from electric vehicle haters – And why they’re wrong

August 29, 2020 Forbes | United States | electric vehicles: sales

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Vested interests, fear, and myths limit EV adoption (battery lifetime, fires, polluting components, exploitative resource extraction, and cost). Compared to oil, the concerns are a joke. Lithium batteries are guaranteed for 100,000 miles or 8 years, components are extracted from plentiful salt water, while prices continue to drop. Price parity is almost here.

Electric car batteries with five-minute charging times produced

January 19, 2021 The Guardian | Israel | electric vehicles: charging

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The Israeil company Storedot announced it was developing an “extreme fast-charging” production-line lithium-ion battery to recharge electric vehicles in 5 minutes. The anode is made of germanium-based nanoparticles that store Li+ ions rather than graphite with plans to transition to silicon as are other carmakers.

Biden vows to replace U.S. government fleet with electric vehicles

January 26, 2021 Reuters | United States | electric vehicles: sales

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Newly elected U.S. president Joe Biden announced that the U.S. fleet of 650,000 vehicles will become electric at a cost of $20 billion. In 2019, government vehicles were driven 4.5 billion miles, consumed 375 million gallons of gas and diesel, and cost $4.4 billion to run. Currently only 3,215 vehiclles are electric. 500,000 charging stations will also be built.

Ford unveils electric version of F-150 pickup truck — and it can power your house for 3 days

May 19, 2021 CBC | United States | electric vehicles: sales

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Ford's best-selling pickup is going electric, with enough battery juice to power a home for up to three days. The F-150 truck will generate almost 10 kilowatts of power from as many as 11 power outlets. Oh yeah, you can drive it too: 370 km on a single charge (standard version) or 480 km (extended version). The U.S. base model retails for $39,974.

Gas cars are embarrassingly uncompetitive — lifecycle cost analysis

April 2, 2023 CleanTechnica | Global | electric vehicles: costs

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A battery-electric vehicle (BEV) costs more than a comprable gasmobile (ICE), but is cheaper to run. A 10-year lifecycle cost analysis - including price, longevity, distance, salvage, fuel economy, insurance, repairs, financing - showed a Chevy Bolt beating a Toyota Corolla by over $15,000 and runs more than a third longer (240,000 vs 160,000 miles).

The sodium-ion battery Is coming to production cars this year

April 22, 2023 CleanTechnica | Global | electric vehicles: charging

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To counter $80,000/ton lithium prices, $300/ton sodium-ion batteries are being developed. Heavier than Li with lower energy density, Na is also plentiful, chemically similar, and easily accessible (e.g., in seawater). Na-ion cells work at low temperatures, handle more cycles, and don't use Co or Ni. CATL and BYD plan to mix Li-ion and Na-ion cells in new EVs.

With GM and Ford embracing Tesla’s EV charging technology, here’s what it means for consumers

June 9, 2023 AP News | United States | electric vehicles: charging

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As of 2024, GM and Ford EVs can refill at 12,000 Tesla chargers in the US. Both will adopt the Telsa format (22kW Type 2 cable) North American Charging Standard instead of CCS. Tesla's 17,000 network is faster, more reliable, and well-located. NACS adapters will be needed. Over 50,000 public CCS points (140,000 plugs) exist but only 7,400 are DCFC.

The US government is awarding $1.7 billion to buy electric and low-emission buses

June 28, 2023 ABC News | United States | electric vehicles: sales

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Funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, the US DOT has granted $1.7 billion to buy 1,700 American-made zero- and low-emission buses, half with zero emissions. The grant includes battery buses, chargers, and electrified depot garages. Roughly $5 billion is earmarked in the next 3 years to green 60,000 buses operating daily.

Biden’s climate bill leaves workers behind in shift to electric cars, union says

August 15, 2023 The Guardian | United States | electric vehicles: manufacturing

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The head of the 400,000-strong UAW union stated the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act prioritizes carmakers over workers. With a 2030 goal of 50% new car sales to be EVs (1 million in the US so far this year), some workers make only $16.50/hour, yet the public paid for a $9.2-billion industry loan. EVs also require fewer parts and a smaller workforce.

Worries from a major auto dealer about all electric cars

November 17, 2023 CounterPunch | United States | electric vehicles: future

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With tax credits, mandates, and emission limits, EV sales are rising despite challenges from potential battery fires, high-weight tire wear (13 not 40,000 miles), heat-wave-reduced range, charger anxiety (cost, added fees, lifetime, and complexity), recycling, and climate-disrupting grid performance. Leasing and hybrids may ease the BEV transition.

China’s CATL to cut its EV battery costs by up to 50% this year, heralding a price war

March 25, 2024 Energy Post | Global | electric vehicles: costs

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The battery is the main EV cost, but no-1 CATL plans to cut costs by 50% because of oversupply, starting a price war with no-2 BYD. CATL/ BYD batteries already use lithium iron phosphate cathodes instead of expensive cobalt. Energy density could also increase from 200 to 700 Wh/kg, while 1,200-km fireproof solid-state batteries are in the works.

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