Category Archives: global warming

Preorders Open for Acura 2024 ZDX Performance EV

Posted on 18 December 2023 by Ken Zino

The 2024 ZDX A-Spec is forecast to start in the $60,000 range with a single-motor (rear-wheel-drive) powertrain. A more powerful dual-motor (all-wheel-drive) configuration is also available. ZDX Type S has a performance tuned dual-motor AWD powertrain producing ~ 500 horsepower and is expected to start in the $70,000 range. Continue reading →

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Fossil Fuel Phase Out or Cop Out at COP28?

Posted on 15 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Nations at the COP28 United Nations Climate Conference in Dubai approved this week a roadmap for “transitioning away from fossil fuels,” a first for a UN conference. However, the agreement is without any apparent way to enforce it. Worse, in the view of the many, many critics of the United Nations actions or lack thereof on planet-killing Climate Change, it did not clearly call for an end of using oil, coal and gas. The latest edition of the annual UN climate conference had been running in Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, since 30 November. UAE of course is a major producer of fossil fuels and used the conference lobbying among attending countries to further its own self-interests, according to critics. Clearly we need to do better, much better. Continue reading →

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Cadillac VISTIQ Three Row SUV to Join EV Lineup

Posted on 14 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“VISTIQ adds another compelling EV to the Cadillac lineup, reinforcing our commitment to an electric future,” said John Roth, vice president of Global Cadillac. “Our brand now has an EV entry in most luxury segments, offering customers a range of choices, and Cadillac EVs will cover most luxury SUV segments across critical global markets in the next two years.” Continue reading →

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Happy New Year! GM Reorganizes Regions and PD

Posted on 13 December 2023 by Ken Zino

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) said today that is making changes to its product development team and creating a new role to oversee its global regions. This reorganization is partially the result of the retirement of Doug Parks, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, after a ~40-year career at the company. All changes take effect on 2 January 2024.

“We’ve spent years preparing GM to transition to an all-electric future, and Doug’s leadership has been pivotal. We are grateful for his many contributions to GM’s success,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “The changes we are announcing today will continue to drive technical excellence and deliver groundbreaking vehicles to our customers around the world.” Continue reading →

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GM and Komatsu Deal on Fuel-Cell Powered Mining Truck

Posted on 12 December 2023 by Ken Zino

The companies will jointly design and validate the technology. Lightweight with fast refueling, hydrogen fuel cells are best for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines. Hydrogen provides an effective method to package large quantities of energy onboard the vehicle, without compromising payload carrying capacity, the companies said. Continue reading →

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Electric Trucks Can Drive Us Toward Environmental Justice

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“Recent and pending regulations could boost this transition dramatically, particularly if the proposed EPA truck emissions rule is strengthened. While the greenhouse gas reduction benefits of electric trucks are substantial, an array of recent studies shines new light on the health and environmental justice benefits,” said Steven Nadel, of The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Replacing diesel trucks with electric trucks will be most significant where truck routes are commonly situated – in neighborhoods with people of color and low-income residents. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor Signs Hydrogen Development Multilateral Deal

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“The agreement aims to rapidly grow the global hydrogen ecosystem and respond more actively to climate change by sharing leading examples of hydrogen ecosystem development currently underway in Korea with the international community. To this end, Hyundai Motor and its Korean partners will provide case studies and consultation on hydrogen projects and GGGI will publish an evaluation report based on the case studies for international sharing,” Hyundai said. Continue reading →

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Pilot Travel Centers, GM, Evgo Open Fast Charging Network

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Pilot Travel Centers, GM, and EVgo, along with many public agencies and utilities, have worked together to increase the nation’s public fast charging infrastructure. They claim this creates a model for how public-private collaboration can make measurable progress in accelerating broader access to EV charging. The three companies have worked to provide current and future EV drivers “with a thoughtful, practical and accessible charging experience for long distance travel.” Continue reading →

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Michigan State Fleet – All to be Zero-Emission Vehicles  

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“Michigan automakers are on the cutting-edge of the world’s switch to zero emission vehicles, and with today’s executive directive to transition our state-owned fleet by 2040, the State of Michigan is leading by example,” said Governor Whitmer. “Getting this done will help drive demand of Michigan-made electric vehicles, lower gas and maintenance costs for the state since ZEVs cost far less to fuel and maintain and reduce air and noise pollution in our communities.”  Continue reading →

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Ford Pro and Xcel Energy to Install 30,000 Fleet EV Chargers

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Most initial costs will be offset by Xcel for qualifying business fleet customers in the limited areas it operates in. Starting in 2024, 30×30 will be available through Xcel Energy’s Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program in Colorado and Wisconsin. Xcel will seek expansion in future states during the next six years within Xcel Energy’s service territories, pending regulatory approvals, including Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas. Continue reading →

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The US’s first public EV-charging Roadway Unveiled in Detroit

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino

This project for a zero-emission mobility future where EVs are plentiful is endorsed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who announced the pilot initiative in September 2021 to develop the nation’s first wireless charging infrastructure on a public road in Michigan. MDOT and Electreon have entered a five-year commitment to develop the electric road system (ERS), using the technology on Michigan roads. Continue reading →

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GM CFO – More Spending Efficiencies on Way for ICE and EVs

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Paul Jacobson, GM EVP and Chief Financial Officer said this morning in New York that the aim is to  continue to drive GM’s strong cash flow performance while increasing the margins and the returns to investors while cutting capital spending. (NYSE: GM) Speaking at the Barclays Global Automotive and Mobility Tech Conference, Jacobson said, “we remain absolutely committed to driving to the 8% to 10% margin consistently that we’ve said in North America through this transition (to electric vehicles).” Continue reading →

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GM Takes UAW Contract Costs in Stride. Ups 2024 Dividend

Posted on 29 November 2023 by Ken Zino

“We are finalizing a 2024 budget that will fully offset the incremental costs of our new labor agreements and the long-term plan we are executing includes reducing the capital intensity of the business, developing products even more efficiently, and further reducing our fixed and variable costs,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Opens its First Circular Economy Hub in Turin

Posted on 24 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Stellantis has opened its SUSTAINera Circular Economy Hub (CE Hub) at the former Fiat Mirafiori Complex in Turin, Italy. Stellantis hopes to foster its so-called Circular Economy ambitions with a 360-degree approach based on its 4R strategy: Reman, Repair, Reuse, and Recycle. The objectives of the CE Hub are to extend the life of parts and vehicles, ensuring that they last for as long as possible. When that is no longer possible, the material is collected for recycling from the re-manufacturing operations, and from the end-of-life vehicle dismantling activity, and then returned to the manufacturing loop to build new vehicles and parts. Continue reading →

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The Corrupting Influence of Money on US Public Health

Posted on 20 November 2023 by Ken Zino

“Heavy Vehicle emissions standards recently proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would boost the electrification of trucks and buses, but standards stronger than what EPA proposed are needed to de-carbonize transportation at a pace to prevent catastrophic climate change. While leading utilities are showing that they can help build out the infrastructure at the scale necessary to support the proposed standards, they and their customers will need to invest far more ambitiously to support more robust standards.,” claims Daivie Ghosh, Transportation Senior Research Analyst at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Continue reading →

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