Category Archives: environment

BMW i Ventures Invests in Estes Energy Solutions

“What makes Estes different isn’t just the unique technology, it’s the people.” said Baris Guzel, Partner at BMW i Ventures. “This is a team that’s been in the trenches, building rugged, high-density battery systems with real-world safety and scale in mind. It’s that rare blend of deep engineering chops, operator mindset, and execution urgency. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with them.” Continue reading

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American Honda Joins Tesla Supercharger Network

Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX owners now have access to more than 23,500 selected Tesla Superchargers across the United States with the availability of the first Honda-approved NACS-CCS DC fast-charging adapter, the company said today. The only DC fast charging adapter approved by Honda (NYSE: HMC) was tested for performance and compatibility for use with the Prologue and ZDX at any NACS DC fast-charging point. This confirms a previous announcement made in March 2025.

“Planning a road trip just got a lot easier for our Honda and Acura EV owners with access to the Tesla Supercharger network,” said Ryan Harty, assistant vice president of Sustainability & Business Development at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Combined with other growing charging networks, Honda and Acura EV drivers now have added peace of mind with a wider range of dependable DC fast charging options nationwide.”

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GM Posts Q2 Earnings of $3 Billion

“Despite slower EV industry growth, we believe the long-term future is profitable electric vehicle production, and this continues to be our north star. As we adjust to changing demand, we will prioritize our customers, brands, and a flexible manufacturing footprint, and leverage our domestic battery investments and other profit-improvement plans,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO, “Overall, GM is well positioned to succeed in an ICE market that now has a longer runway, Barra said. Continue reading

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BMW Group – My Trips Apps Now Show Driver’s Carbon Footprint

The BMW Group said today that it is now offering customers an analysis of their driving personal carbon footprint stats in the My BMW App and MINI App for the first time. This in AutoInformed’s view is a breakthrough that will ease the ride on the sometimes-bumpy road to electrification.

“Our usage research shows: The information in My Trips is one of the most popular features in the app,” said Dirk Wiedmann, Senior Vice President Sales Steering and Strategy, Digitalization. “We are now expanding this successful function with carbon footprint calculation, giving our customers simple and straightforward access to sustainability-related information via a popular and widely used channel.” Continue reading

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Stellantis Drops Hydrogen Fuel Cell Plan

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today that it will discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program between Forvia, Michelin and Stellantis. As a result, mass-production of its new range of hydrogen-powered Pro One vehicles scheduled to start this summer in Hordain, France (medium-sized vans) and Gliwice, Poland (large vans) is cancelled. Net profit at Stellantis plunged 70% for 2024.

“In a context where the Company is mobilizing to respond to demanding CO2 regulations in Europe, Stellantis has decided to discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program,” said Jean-Philippe Imparato, Chief Operating Officer for Enlarged Europe. Continue reading

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Spring Hill to Make Advanced LFP Batteries

“At GM, we’re innovating battery technology to deliver the best mix of range, performance, and affordability to our EV customers,” said Kurt Kelty, VP of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability at GM. “This upgrade at Spring Hill will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LFP cell technologies in the U.S., complementing our high-nickel and future lithium manganese rich solutions and further diversifying our growing EV portfolio.” Continue reading

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Climate Change – Pope Leo XIV Care of Creation Mass

The Vatican said today that Pope Leo XIV celebrated the first “Mass for the Care of Creation,” with a new formulary of the Roman Missal, produced by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. The Pope celebrated this private Mass during his holiday with the staff of the “Borgo Laudato Sì” (“Laudato Sì Village”), an educational center located in the Papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.

“With this new formulary, the Church is offering liturgical, spiritual and communal support for the care we all need to exercise of nature, our common home. Such service is indeed a great act of faith, hope and charity,” said Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. “This Mass dedicated to taking care of creation, calls us to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us – not only in daily choices and public policies, but also in our prayer, our worship, and our way of living in the world.” Continue reading

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California Strikes Back for Clean Air

California state agencies today announced a series of “dialogue sessions to generate public discussion around proposed measures to support increased zero emission vehicle adoption in California.” The agencies are planning to host three in-person sessions during business hours and one evening session online. If upheld, President Trump’s illegal rollback of the state’s regulations would cost Californians an estimated $45 billion in health care costs.

“In response to illegal federal efforts to revoke California’s clean air waivers, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on June 12, 2025. The order directed the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, California State Transportation Agency, and Department of Consumer Affairs to assess additional actions to spur light-, medium-, and heavy-duty zero emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption in California, and to deliver formal recommendations for additional actions to the governor in August,” the agencies said. Continue reading

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Bungling Fireworks Use Can Cause Tragedies

The Trump administration is amid a political purge of CPSC Board members. It requested earlier this week that the U.S. Supreme Court dismiss three Democratic members appointed by President Biden to seven-year terms on the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They were fired in May by President Trump. However, they were then reinstated by a federal judge.

The Trump mis-administration asked the court for an immediate order to allow the firings to go forward. Lawyers for the commissioners objected of course. More fireworks will be coming here – safe or unsafe for Democracy. Bungling presidencies can cause tragedies too. Continue reading

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As Pedestrian, Cyclist Deaths Grow so do Vehicle Blind Spots

“The across-the-board decrease in visibility for this small group of models is concerning. We need to investigate whether this is a broader trend that may have contributed to the recent spike in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “This study also illustrates that the new method developed by IIHS gives researchers a straightforward, repeatable way to assess driver visibility,” he added. Continue reading

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IIHS President – NHTSA Must Act Decisively on Fatal Crashes

Faster, more decisive action is required from America’s vehicle safety regulator is needed “to reverse a drastic escalation in fatal crashes on the nation’s roadways,” David Harkey, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, said at a Congressional hearing today.

“The United States is in the middle of a road safety emergency, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is failing to meet the moment,” Harkey said in written testimony submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, which convened the hearing on the state of NHTSA and motor vehicle safety. Continue reading

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ACEA – May 2025 EU Car Sales Flat. Tesla Down Again!

During the May 2025 year-to-date (YTD) period, new EU car registrations fell by 0.6% compared to the same period last year, according to data released today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA at AutoInformed based on its original French name. Notably, the anti Elon Musk backlash continued as Tesla sales dropped to 13,863 from 19,227 or -27.9% YoY in May. Year-to Date sales of Musk-mobiles are off -37.1% at 75,196, down from 119,482 YoY.

The lobbying group of 15 major European automakers said that, “Nonetheless, year-on-year (YOY) registrations for May increased by 1.6% compared to the same month last year.” Continue reading

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SMMT Lauds Launch of UK Industrial Strategy

The UK automotive industry today has vowed to build on the foundations laid by government’s Industrial Strategy published yesterday with a 10-point plan to drive the UK back into the top 15 of global vehicle manufacturing locations by 2030 and deliver a £50 billion economic boost over the next decade. {See footnote 1] This is from the home of the Brexit disaster of  British political thinking.

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) speaking at the industry’s annual Summit in London today said “Government’s long-term Industrial Strategy, including the Drive35 £2.5 billion auto capital and R&D fund, recognizes automotive as a pillar of advanced manufacturing, integral to the world leading innovation that creates the high value jobs, wealth and economic growth that are vital to our country’s future. Now we must make the most of that position and put in place the right conditions for growth.” Continue reading

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Classic Land Rover Defender Coming to U.S. as an EV

“We’ve always believed that great design should last – and with the right technology, it can have a second life that’s even more meaningful,” said Osman Boyner, Founder and CEO of BEDEO. “Partnering with Monarch Defender feels natural; we both share a deep respect for the Defender’s legacy, and a passion for pushing things forward. This partnership is about bringing our technology to the right hands. Monarch Defender understands what makes the Defender so special to people – and they know how to elevate that experience without losing its soul.” Continue reading

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Honda Joins American Red Cross Disaster Giving List

“We are proud to build on our longstanding commitment to American Red Cross disaster recovery efforts,” said Jennifer Thomas, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Through the Annual Disaster Giving Program, we will strengthen the ability of the Red Cross to provide immediate support when it is needed in communities across America, where Honda associates, customers, dealers and suppliers live and work.” Continue reading

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