How Ukraine’s power system is coping in the face of Russian strikes
On October 14, Maksim Timchenko, the CEO of DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private power generator, updated Economichna Pravda on the status of Ukraine’s electrical grid in the face of Russian strikes against the country’s power installations. He also talked about what the company’s future plans are for implementing renewables, despite the Russian attacks. DTEK shared that interview today with Electrek, and we have edited the English translation sent to us below for length and clarity.
Economichna Pravda: Looking at Ukraine’s entire energy system, how much capacity was there before the October 10 strikes in the country, and how much is left now?
Maksim Timchenko: It is important to understand the difference between the capacity that is left and the capacity that is still available. These strikes are not aimed at generating facilities to prevent us from producing electricity but at connection systems tied to the Ukrainian energy system. They hit open switchgears, transformers, switches, so that a station that can produce electricity cannot be connected to the unified power system. That is, the key targets are Ukrenergo transformer high-voltage substations and power distribution equipment at thermal power plants.
What [are] the tactics behind this? Since Soviet times, we have built unified energy systems so that if one of the generation flows fails at some part of the system, another one picks it up. That is, everything is looped and we work in a single system. In Soviet times, a power system scheme was built, where everything is set up for similar events that are happening today.
I think the Russian military [consults] their power engineers and they explain how to cause maximum harm to the energy system.
When Ukrenergo’s 750 kilowatt nodal substations, which connect the regions where the generation facilities are located get hit, then a surplus is obtained in one region, and a deficit in another. They hit these substations. This is exactly what happened on Monday and Tuesday. Yesterday morning [July 13 – EP] they struck to prevent supply of electricity to Kyiv.
Economichna Pravda: How many megawatts or as a percentage of the total number of capacities have been taken down?
Maksim Timchenko: From the point of view of generation, we [have] capacities that are destroyed and those that are occupied. The biggest deprivation of capacity is the seizure of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. Today, 6,000 megawatts are not available. This is the most difficult situation.
Speaking of our thermal power plants: We have lost control over the Uglegorsk [thermal power] station, and the Lugansk, and the Zaporizhzhya thermal power plant, which is next to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station [Editor’s note: It’s the largest nuclear power plant in Europe]. Three thermal power plants and one nuclear power plant are located [in] the temporarily occupied territories and cannot produce electricity for the country.
Second, regarding the power output, the Ladyzhynska [thermal power] station in the Vinnitsa region, which was also hit this week, [is not in operation] today. We are working to put it back into operation. The rest of the thermal power plants are operating.
Economichna Pravda: It is about 10,000 megawatts.
Maksim Timchenko: Yes. 6,000 – Zaporizhzhia [nuclear power station], Uglegorsk, and Zaporizhzhia – 1,200 each. All together up to 10,000 megawatts out of 50,000 megawatts. In general, the country runs on about 52,000 megawatts.
Economichna Pravda: When a minister or ministry says that 30% of the power industry is out of operation, can you say that this is misinformation?
Maksim Timchenko: I certainly don’t want to challenge the minister’s statement. [I]t can be perceived in different ways. “Out of operation” in terms of the fact that we have lost connection systems – [that] is correct. That is, if we do not have connections with generating stations, as I said, then we have lost 30% of the capacity when it comes to the process of energy delivery to the consumer.
Why were the rolling blackouts implemented? Because the power that was produced could not be delivered to the grids. In this regard, he was probably right. From the point of view of the availability of capacities in working condition, I outlined the picture for you.
[…]
There is enough own capacity within Ukraine to get through the winter and for normal operation. The problem is the hits and damage done to the infrastructure that allows this power to be provided.
Economichna Pravda: If our Russian “friends” smash the capacities, and not the output of capacities, then the energy system will be without thermal generation. Is nuclear generation capable of operating under such circumstances?
Maksim Timchenko: Firstly, we have Ukrhydroenergo [a state company that administers hydro power plants]. Hydroelectric power plays an important balancing role. Secondly, along the lines that electricity [is exported] to the EU, imports can also be carried out. Accordingly, this can also play a role in power balancing.
We are not stopping our battery storage installation project. [W]e still plan to bring and install 20 megawatts of storage capacity. This battery storage will also play an important role in balancing. It may not be such a large volume, but in this situation it is important.
Therefore, I believe that we cannot have some kind of Armageddon, a situation where everything will be broken, and we will end up having a total blackout. I don’t believe [we will have] this scenario. Although I did not believe in a war with Russia. Everything is possible, but based on how we have performed and how the system has performed in terms of sustainability, I have confidence that we will cope with these challenges. Again, in conjunction with the military.
I rely heavily on Ukrainian Air Defense Forces. Still, even with such a massive attack, more than 50% of the missiles have been shot down. These are certain lessons for us and for the military, how to deal with such situations.
Economichna Pravda: There is an opinion that the nuclear power generation infrastructure will also be destroyed and thus thousands of megawatts will be “extinguished.” Do I understand correctly that if such a scenario is implemented, then we have the technical capabilities and agreements with Europe to take electricity from them?
Maksim Timchenko: Yes. Firstly, my personal comment: These Russians, perhaps, still have enough brains with their conditionally high-precision weapons not to hit nuclear power plants, because you can miss and hit the block. I hope that they will not destroy the infrastructure of nuclear power plants. But nothing can be a certainty with this madness.
Yes, there are technical possibilities, there are agreements, there are financial issues, and they are still being discussed in terms of paying for electricity. You know, in our country [it’s] 4-5 times cheaper than in Europe, and the delivery will, of course, be at the level of European prices.
Economichna Pravda: The other day we saw a message from the head of DTEK Dnipro Electric Grids. He was looking for generators. Do people need to buy electric generators?
Maksim Timchenko: I don’t want to inspire any false calm. We live in the times of highest uncertainty. And, frankly, if it is possible to buy a generator, then it is better to buy [one]. If we take a sober look at the situation that is happening now, it is better to have reserve capacities.
…
Economichna Pravda: Do you agree with the statement that this war will last for years? If so, then [will you] change the group’s strategy in terms of at least diversifying your businesses to other countries [on] the European continent?
Maksim Timchenko: Yesterday I [held] a job interview – we still hire people to work for important positions in the company. And … the candidate [asked]: I watched your corporate strategy 2030 [New Strategy DTEK 2030], what has changed in it? My answer was: Fundamentally nothing has changed.
The priority for the development of green generation remains. It was very important for me to hear the president’s position that it is necessary to create a “green hub” in Ukraine to supply electricity to Europe, and help Europe get away from over-dependence on Russian energy resources.
We have all the possibilities for this: grid access, favorable topography, wind, sun, and experience. We said that we would [make] green generation a priority, and we are not giving up on this.
In the same strategy, we [addressed] our international development. … The first plans for our investments abroad were laid down. And, in accordance with this strategy, we continue to do so. Today we are implementing projects for the construction of wind and solar stations. As part of these projects, we want to develop an entire ecosystem of solar and wind power plants, including those with energy storage systems.
Read more: Ukraine is now using these 200-mile-range electric bikes with NLAW rockets to take out Russian tanks
Photo: DTEK
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Tesla’s Full Self-Driving computer failure leaves customers in bad situations without many important features and depletes battery packs faster for months.
Last month, Electrek released an exclusive report about Tesla having a major issue with a new version of its onboard “Full Self-Driving computer,” AI4.1, failing due to a short circuit, and Tesla must replace the computers.
We found examples of the issue arising as far back as July. The problem can start quickly, within a few miles on a brand-new car or after a few hundred to a few thousand miles.
When the computer fails, many vehicle features stop working, like active safety features, cameras, and even GPS, navigation, and range estimations.
Tesla’s fix was to replace the computer completely, but sources also mentioned a temporary software fix to enable some of the features in the meantime.
It’s hard to estimate precisely the affected population. At the time of the article, we had received dozens of customer complaints and had sources inside Tesla estimating that, based on service requests, thousands of new Tesla owners are experiencing this issue.
We reported that this should lead to a recall since features like backup cameras are now considered a safety feature and required on new vehicles by NHTSA, but Tesla hasn’t released a service bulletin nor has a notice been posted with NHTSA.
Electrek contacted NHTSA to ask if they were aware of this issue. We will update if we get an answer.
There are now dozens of customer complaints about this specific issue on NHTSA’s Tesla Model Y and Model 3 pages.
Since publishing our original report on this issue last month, dozens of other customers reached out about the problem. They are reporting long wait times to get a new computer as Tesla tells them that it needs more parts, presumably the new computers.
Some showed documents to Electrek that showed they didn’t have an appointment to replace their computers until into February. For some customers, that would mean more than two months with severely handicapped vehicles.
On top of the previously mentioned disabled features, customers have voiced other problems living with their brand-new vehicles without a working computer. The computer appears to get stuck in an “auto-update loop”, which drains the battery faster.
A customer with this issue estimated that his Model 3 is consuming about 5 kWh per day when parked, doing nothing with this computer issue.
Some owners expressed concerns about faster battery degradation and wear on other components because of this issue. It’s also a major issue for people who don’t have home charging yet, and their vehicles are stuck discharging faster with this issue.
Electrek has seen documents showing that Tesla acknowledges that the computer issue is an “internal short.”
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Just over a year after unveiling its flagship solar-electric travel trailer called the Flow, recreational mobility startup Pebble has revealed its updated production-intent design. We got a chance to do a walkthrough of the optimized trailer design, which features several upgrades and some truly intuitive features. Today’s unveiling also marks Pebble’s continuance of Flow pre-orders, but we now have a timeline for when initial deliveries will begin.
Pebble is a California-based startup and one of a few new tech companies attempting to reinvigorate a stale RV segment. The company was founded by Bingrui Yang, who previously led iPhone development at Apple for nine years before leading hardware development for major players in the autonomous robotaxi space, including Cruise and Zoox. Yang described the company in detail in June of 2023:
Pebble was developed to create a hassle-free way to live, work and explore. Consumers have been stuck with the same RV experience for decades. A lot of people want to get into such a lifestyle of freedom but are turned off by the pain points in today’s products. At Pebble, we are automating the hardest parts of the RV experience with the same technologies that power the most advanced automotive innovations, making the whole experience simply effortless and magical. If you know how to use an iPhone, you’ll be comfortable using our product.
That strategy to bring more advanced technologies to the world of RVs and travel trailers culminated in Pebble’s flagship product, Flow. In the summer of 2023, the startup emerged out of stealth mode with $13.6 million in seed funding to help get the Flow into production, teasing brief glimpses of the luxury travel trailer along the way.
The following October, Pebble officially unveiled the Flow to the public, opening pre-orders for an iteration of the travel trailer that started at $109,000. We learned then that the Flow trailer is 300% more aerodynamic than a conventional travel trailer, reducing drag and extending range.
Furthermore, the Flow comes equipped with its own dual-motor active propulsion assist system, which helps it bear the brunt of its load while helping it maximize range and efficiency regardless of whether an ICE or electric vehicle is towing it.
Today, just over 14 months after initially unveiling the pre-production version of the Flow, Pebble has emerged with a production-intent design featuring some welcomed upgrades in its space utilization and some genuinely remarkable functions – all controllable from a single tablet.
Pebble Flow to begin deliveries in first half of 2025
Pebble unveiled its production-intent version of the Flow this morning. According to the company, it was updated with features and optimized design elements based on feedback from its community to improve the overall experience for future owners.
Pebble shared that the community that worked closely with its design and engineering teams to identify key opportunities for improvement consisted of over 3,000 members, including “digital nomads,” young families, retirees, and tech enthusiasts (bummed I didn’t get an invite).
Last month, we took a virtual tour of a production-intent Flow travel trailer and explored several upgrades that make an already unique and innovative electric mobility vehicle even better. For example, Pebble optimized the interior of the production-intent Flow, increasing storage and moving some of the walls to utilize more of the interior. The startup also redesigned the interior cabinets to flip upward rather than down for easier access, especially for vertically challenged people.
The interior also feels much roomier thanks to new side and rear windows that flip open for better airflow and a vast new skylight moved to the front of the trailer above the dinette area. Per Pebble, the revamped Flow exterior now features integrated tail lamps, enhanced aerodynamics, and a more streamlined appearance, including several color variations for early adopters:
During our virtual tour, a few exterior upgrades truly stood out. First, the Flow’s pass-through storage tunnel has been made larger, and Pebble has added a hitch receiver to accommodate accessories like bike racks. However, the new technologies introduced were the most impressive.
For example, Pebble added optional all-terrain levelers through an “InstaCamp” feature that can balance and level out the trailer, no matter where it is parked. The images above show Pebble Flow’s new motorized awning, which can be deployed using the app. Other features include four exterior cameras for better visibility and safety on the road and when parking.
Pebble has also introduced a re-engineered dual-motor drivetrain and a new caster wheel, making the Flow’s Remote Control and Magic Hitch capabilities (arguably the two most remarkable features in the entire trailer) possible and easy to use. What’s perhaps most impressive is how virtually all of the Flow’s features are controllable from a single tablet, as seen here:
From our experience, the most exciting features include the 1.1 kW solar array on the roof, the Magic Hitch capabilities, InstaCamp, and the Remote Control option using the Pebble App. We highly recommend checking out all those core features in action in Pebble’s video below.
The Pebble Flow starts at $109,500, with an option to upgrade to the Magic Pack. This adds the re-vamped dual-motor drivetrain, enabling features like Active Tow Assist, Magic Hitch, and enhanced Remote Control. The Flow configuration with the Magic Pack starts at $135,500.
According to Pebble, Flow production is expected to begin in early 2025, with initial deliveries beginning this spring. These early delivery customers will receive an exclusive Founders Edition of the Pebble Flow, fully loaded with all options and upgrades, plus the opportunity to select a limited-edition color (seen above), all for $175,000.
If you’re interested in a Pebble Flow, you can reserve one with a fully-refundable $500 deposit at pebblelife.com/preorder, and customize it to your liking.
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Genesis is giving its first all-electric vehicle a stylish new design, even more tech, and more in the updated model. The new Genesis GV60 EV is finally here. Check out the first look below.
Genesis reveals the updated new GV60 EV
The GV60 is the first dedicated EV to wear the Genesis badge. Launched in October 2021, the electric SUV helped establish Genesis as a true luxury brand in the EV space.
Four years later, Genesis is revamping it with its first major refresh. The new Genesis GV60 EV gains even more style, tech, and features.
Genesis unveiled the updated GV60 on Monday, showcasing its improved exterior and interior design for the first time. After the refreshed EV was spotted several times last year leading up to its official debut, we had a good idea of what design updates would be included.
One of the most noticeable features is the new front bumper. You can see Genesis fine-tuned the front end with a new bumper and headlamps.
The new GV60 features Genesis’ signature Two Line headlamps with Micro Lens Array (MLA) tech shown on other updated models like the Electrified GV70. The new Electrified GV70 was caught in public last month for the first time, revealing similar design updates.
Genesis infused its new “Athletic Elegance” design theme on the outside, while the luxurious interior features its “Beauty of the White Space” in-cabin experience.
The tech-loaded interior includes a new 27″ connected car Integrated Cockpit (ccIC) infotainment system. Genesis says the new design “eliminates the bezel between the cluster and audio, visual and navigation (AVN) screen.”
In other words, it makes the interior feel more spacious. The sporty new three-spoke steering wheel also enhances the interior. Other signature elements, like the Crystal Sphere, included in the outgoing model remain.
Genesis will reveal prices and additional specs closer to launch. However, like the updated Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6, the new Genesis GV60 is expected to feature a bigger battery for more range.
The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 has an 84 kWh battery that provides an EPA-estimated range of up to 318 miles, compared to the 2024 model, which has a 77.4 kWh battery that offers a range of up to 303 miles.
2025 Genesis GV60 trim |
Range (EPA-est) |
Starting Price* |
| Standard RWD | 294 miles | $52,350 |
| Standard AWD | 264 miles | $55,850 |
| Advanced AWD | 248 miles | $60,900 |
| Performance AWD | 235 miles | $69,900 |
The 2025 Genesis GV60 starts at $52,350. A new AWD trim costs $55,850, $5,000 less than the Advanced AWD model. With up to 294 miles range on the current model, the new Genesis GV60 could get upwards of 300 miles.
Check back for more info soon. Genesis will launch the new model in Korea in Q1 2025, followed by other markets.
What do you think of the new Genesis GV60 design? Would you buy one for just over $50,000? Let us know in the comments below.
Are you ready to check out the electric luxury SUV for yourself? With the 2025 models arriving, Genesis is offering closeout prices on the 2024 lineup while they are still in stock. You can use our link to find offers on 2024 and 2025 Genesis GV60 models at a dealer near you today.
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