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Saudi energy minister Abdulaziz bin Salman on Oct. 5, 2022.

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Saudi’s state-controlled oil giant Aramco suspended its capacity expansion plans because of the green transition, Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman said Monday, stressing that the future of energy security lies with renewables. 

“I think we postponed this [Aramco capacity] investment simply because … we’re transitioning. And transitioning means that even our oil company, which used to be an oil company, became a hydrocarbon company. Now it’s becoming an energy company,” the Saudi prince said during a question and answer panel at the International Petroleum Technology Conference in Dhahran, noting that Aramco has investments in oil, gas, petrochemicals and renewables.

On Jan. 30, the Saudi energy ministry surprised the markets with a directive instructing the Saudi majority-owned Aramco, which went public in 2019, to stop plans to increase its maximum crude production capacity from 12 million barrels per day to 13 million barrels per day by 2027. The ministry did not disclose the reason behind its decision at the time, sparking questions over potential Saudi concerns over the future of oil demand amid a progressing energy transition.

The Saudi energy minister on Monday qualified the decision was not made hastily and was the product of a continuous review of market conditions.

“We are in [a] continuous mode of reviewing and reviewing and reviewing, simply because you have to view the realities [of the market],” he said.

Saudi Arabia's directive for Aramco was 'prudent,' oil and gas consultancy says

Oil prices have spasmed through waves of volatility in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, weighed by lower-than-expected recoveries in Chinese demand and inflationary pressures. The global movement to decarbonize and stave off a climate crisis has redirected energy companies away from long-term fossil fuel projects in favor of greener investment pastures — and may redefine the outlook for energy security, Abdulaziz bin Salman signaled on Monday.

“Energy security in the 70s, and 80s and 90s was more dependent on oil. Now, you get what happened last year … It was gas. The future problem on energy security, it will not be oil. It will be renewables. And the materials, and the mines,” he stressed, noting that there is still a “huge cushion” of spare capacity available in the event of an emergency shortage. Previously, such supply shocks have struck by way of sanctions or attacks against oil infrastructure worldwide.

“Why should we be the last country to hold energy capacity, or emergency capacity, when it is not appreciated? And when it is not recognized?” the Saudi energy minister said. “Energy security is not just the responsibility of Saudi Arabia. It’s the responsibility of all energy producers and energy ministries,”

Notably, spare capacity has also long served as a diplomatic instrument in the Saudi-led Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, shaping the odds of victory in the fleeting one-month price war between Riyadh and Moscow in 2020.

Saudi Arabia and its OPEC allies have long championed a combined energy transition strategy that utilizes fossil fuel resources until such a time that renewable supplies are available to fully cover global requirements, downplaying concerns over markets imminently hitting peak old demand. The stance stands in staunch contrast to that of the International Energy Agency, which in a landmark report of 2021 advocated against further investment in new fossil fuel supply projects, if humanity is to combat the climate crisis.

Yet Middle East countries have increasingly attempted to reconcile their image as stalwart fossil fuel producers with their energy transition ambitions, with key OPEC producer the United Arab Emirates hosting last year’s U.N. climate-geared Conference of the Parties (COP).

The world’s largest crude exporter, Saudi Arabia aims to decarbonize by 2060, with Saudi Aramco targeting to reach operational net-zero emissions by 2050. Steered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan, the kingdom has also been grappling with diversifying its economy away from overreliance on fossil fuels.

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Trek breaks new ground with its first throttle-equipped electric bike

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Trek breaks new ground with its first throttle-equipped electric bike

In a significant move that marks a departure from its traditional e-bike offerings, Trek has introduced the FX+ 1, its first-ever electric bike equipped with a throttle. This launch responds to growing consumer demand for more versatile and accessible e-biking options, particularly in the North American market.

The FX+ 1 is a hybrid e-bike designed for urban commuting, recreational riding, and light off-road adventures. At its core is a 500W Hyena rear hub motor delivering 60 Nm of torque, providing enough power for various terrain riding, though it might not be able to hang with the wide range of 750W e-bikes cruising US streets. The motor is paired with a UL-certified 540 Wh battery integrated into the downtube, offering a range of up to 50 miles on a single charge. 

The top speed can be user-adjusted to either 20 mph or 28 mph (32 km/h or 45 km/h), providing performance that matches the maximum limit for Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes in the US, respectively.

Riders can choose between two versions: the standard FX+ 1, a Class 2 e-bike with pedal assist and throttle support up to 20mph, and the FX+ 1S, a Class 3 variant that extends pedal-assisted speeds up to 28mph while maintaining the same throttle limit. 

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The FX+ 1 boasts a lightweight aluminum frame available in both mid-step and high-step configurations, accommodating riders from 5’1” to 6’6”. It rolls on 27.5-inch wheels fitted with 50mm Bontrager GR0 gravel tires, balancing efficiency on pavement with comfort on rougher paths. 

The bike includes with integrated front and rear lights, with brake light and turn signal functions as well. Trek even says that once the battery is depleted to 0%, there’s still enough juice left in it to run the bike’s lights for another three hours.

The bike also features an 8-speed Shimano ESSA drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, and mounts for racks and fenders, improving its utility for daily commutes and errands. 

Charging is streamlined through Trek’s new EasyMag magnetic charger, which fully charges the battery in approximately 5.5 hours. The system includes a wall-mountable unit with easy-to-see LED indicators, simplifying the charging process.  

Historically, Trek has focused on pedal-assist e-bikes, emphasizing a natural riding experience shying away from throttles that allow riders to power the bike’s motor without any pedaling input. The introduction of a throttle-equipped model signifies a strategic pivot to meet the preferences of many North American e-bike consumers who have long shown a buying preference for e-bikes with throttles..

Taylor Cook, marketing manager for Trek Canada, explained the rationale: “There are a lot of bikes out there calling themselves e-bikes that aren’t really made to be pedaled. This isn’t that. It’s still a Trek bike, built to be ridden, just with an extra bit of help when you need it.” 

By entering the throttle e-bike segment, Trek positions itself head-to-head against newer brands that have capitalized on this market niche. The FX+ 1’s combination of reputable build quality, thoughtful design, and relative affordability (for a Trek) at $1,999 makes it a compelling option for a broad range of riders.

Electrek’s Take

The FX+ 1 is certainly an interesting expansion of Trek’s e-bike portfolio, and I think fans will be happy to see the company blending traditional cycling performance with modern electric bike throttles. Its introduction shows that the company is well aware of how many US riders prefer to have a throttle on their e-bike, and has made moves to meet that need.

The fact that Trek’s sister company Electra began including throttles two years ago was likely a great way for Trek to get its feet wet in the throttle game. The company no doubt saw the increase of riders that were flocking to Electra’s throttle-equipped electric bikes and wanted to get a piece of that pie as well.

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Opinion: it’s time to start recommending some Tesla alternatives [update]

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Opinion: it's time to start recommending some Tesla alternatives [update]

For years, Tesla has been the go-to EV recommendation for “normals” looking for a painless, low-effort experience from their first electric cars. In light of questionable recalls and its CEO’s recent involvement in controversial politics, however, people are starting to distance themselves from the trailblazing company.

All that begs the question: what should we recommend to EV noobs now?

UPDATE: you guys had some great suggestions in the comments. I’ve included a few of them in the article, below. Enjoy!


Despite early quality issues and ongoing service headaches, the groundbreaking S3XY lineup of EVs have always had a secret weapon in the form of the Tesla Supercharger network.

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That network of dependable high-speed chargers, paired with solid app integration that makes it easy for Tesla drivers to find available chargers just about anywhere in the US, gave the brand a leg up – but no more. By opening up the Supercharger network to brands like Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and others, Tesla has given away its biggest competitive advantage.

Add in charging and route-planning apps like Chargeway, that make navigating the transition from CCS to NACS easier than ever with its intuitive colors and numbers and easy on/off switch for vehicles equipped with NACS adapters, and it feels like the time is right to start suggesting alternatives to the old EV industry stalwarts. As such, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

Here, then, are my picks for the best Tesla S3XY (and Cybertruck) alternatives you can buy.

Less Model S, more Lucid Air


Lucid-$20K-EV
Lucid Air sedans; via Lucid.

Developed by OG Tesla Model S engineers with tunes from Annie Get Your Gun playing continuously in their heads, the Lucid Air promises to be the car Tesla should and could have built, if only Elon had listened to the engineers.

With panel fit, material finish, and overall build quality that’s at least as good as anything else in the automotive space, the Lucid Air is a compelling alternative to the Model S at every price level – and I, for one, would take a “too f@#king fast” Lucid Air Sapphire over an “as seen on TV” Model S Plaid any day of the week. And, with Supercharger access reportedly coming later this quarter, Air buyers will have every advantage the Supercharger Network can provide.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Less Model 3, more Hyundai IONIQ 6


Hyundai-free-charger-EVs-IONIQ-6
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Limited; via Hyundai.

Hyundai has been absolutely killing it these days, with EVs driving record sales and new models earning rave reviews from the automotive press. Even in that company the IONIQ 6 stands out, with up to 338 miles of EPA-rated range and lickety-quick 350 kW charging available to make road tripping easy – especially now that the aerodynamically efficient IONIQ 6 has Supercharger access through a NACS adapter (the 2026 “facelift” models get a NACS port as standard).

The company’s sole electric sedan hasn’t seen the same sales success as IONIQ 5, of course – but that has more to do with America’s insatiable lust for crossovers and SUVs than any shortcoming inherent in the IONIQ 6 itself. All the same, Hyundai is helping dealers clear out its remaining 2024 and ’25 models with 0% financing for up to 48 months through June 2nd.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

COMMENTER FAVORITES

Less Model X, more Volvo EX90


2025 Volvo EX90; via Volvo Cars.

Once upon a time, Mrs. Jo Borrás and I were shopping three-row SUVs and found ourselves genuinely drawn to the then-new Model X. Back then it was the only three-row EV on the market, but it wasn’t Elon’s antics or access to charging, or even the Model X’s premium pricing that squirreled the deal. It was the stupid doors.

We went with the similarly new Volvo XC90 T8 in denim blue, and followed up the big PHEV with a second, three years later, in Osmium Gray. When it’s time to replace this one, you can just about bet your house that the new 510 hp EX90 with 310 miles of all-electric range will be near the top of the shopping list.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

COMMENTER FAVORITES

Less Model Y, more Kia EV6


Kia-EV6-GT-lease
2024 Kia EV6 GT; via Kia.

If half the fun of driving a Model Y is terrifying your passengers with its straight-line speed, then the Kia EV6 has to be a serious contender for a replacement.

The sporty EV6 GT made its global debut by drag racing some of the fastest ICE-powered cars of the day, including a Lamborghini, Mercedes-AMG GT, a Porsche, even a turbocharged Ferrari – and it beat the pants off ’em. Combine supercar-baiting speed with an accessible price tag, NACS accessibility, $10,000 in customer cash on remaining 2024 models ($3,000 on 2025s) and just a hint of Lancia Stratos in the styling, the EV6 is tough to beat.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

COMMENTER FAVORITES

Less Cybertruck, more therapy

Image created by Chat GPT.

It’s not bulletproof, it’s not easy to upfit, it shouldn’t be used for towing, and it won’t win in a straight fight against a vinyl picket fence. By just about every standard “truck” metric, the Tesla Cybertruck falls short against the competition from Chevrolet, Ford, and Rivian. On a more subjective front, the Cybertruck has become a symbol for a conservative movement that is (depending on your point of view) either making America great again or plunging a once-great democracy into an era of fascist oligarchy and widespread stupidity.

In short, it’s probably best to skip the CT.

If you disagree with that statement and feel like driving a new Tesla Cybertruck is the key to happiness, I’m not sure an equally ostentatious GMC Hummer EV or more subtle Rivian R1T will help you scratch that particular itch – but maybe therapy might!

HONORABLE MENTIONS

COMMENTER FAVORITES

  • Not getting the USAF joke.
  • Projecting obsessions onto the author.
  • Feeling butthurt about the Pit Vipers and tribal tats.

Original content from Electrek.


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Tesla co-founder, Komatsu bring mobile Megawatt charging to electric job sites

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Tesla co-founder, Komatsu bring mobile Megawatt charging to electric job sites

There’s no question that electric construction equipment is safer, more precise, and generally better than the diesel equipment it’s replacing, but getting power to that equipment remains a logistical challenge that hasn’t been solved for. With this new mobile Megawatt charging station, however, Komatsu think they’ve found a solution — with up to 6 MW of power!

Developed by Tesla co-founder Ian Wright, Dimaag, and Japanese equipment giant Komatsu, the groundbreaking Mobile Megawatt Charging System (MWCS) promises to bring electricity where it’s needed, anywhere on the job site, then quickly dispense enough energy to get the electric machines under its care back up and running.

And, with Megawatt power delivery on tap, the new Komatsu-Dimaag MWCS can power up equipment assets between shift changes — if it even takes that long!

Komatsu Dimaag mobile charger


Meet Dimaag’s Mobile MegaWatt Charging System– A Power Bank On Wheels
Mobile Megawatt charger; via Dimaag.

The MWCS boasts a compact, high-efficiency DC-DC converter and a long-life, high-discharge-rate Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on board that can be connected to a DC fast charger itself, or get “trickle charged” between shifts. Both the battery and its control systems make use of an advanced thermal management solution that Komatsu and Dimaag say optimizes both safety and battery life during high-power delivery.

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What’s more, that charging capability won’t stop at just one Megawatt. The system is designed to be scalable up to six (6) Megawatts — making it suitable to juice up even the biggest EVs and, frankly, strongly implying that they’ve already got a buyer.

To make sure the MWCS can get all that power where it needs to, wherever it needs to, the machine is equipped with with stout, construction-grade AT tires, 4-wheel drive, and 4-wheel steering to navigate tight surroundings and rough terrains that other solutions wouldn’t be able to get to. And, while it isn’t mentioned in the press release, there’s a common sense idea here that you could, in a pinch, use the MWCS to tow less capable vehicles out of the mud and snow, if needed.

For their part, it seems like the people at Dimaag are pretty happy with the results. “Dimaag is excited to collaborate with Komatsu, introducing our advanced ESS and DC-DC architecture to revolutionize electrification in construction,” stated Ian Wright, VP Engineering at Dimaag. “Off-road vehicle electrification demands practical solutions that not only meet but exceed the performance of equivalent large diesel engine vehicles, while also providing substantial Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings. Dimaag’s electrification and high-power megawatt charging systems are designed to achieve this.”

The prototype MWCS shown, above, features a 295 kWh battery pack and an MCS connector delivering up to 1,500 amps and 1,000 volts of power. Komatsu envisions a scenario wherein the mobile charger makes its rounds on the job site charging up equipment and heading back to grid power (if available) to charge itself.

The MWCS made its debut at the bauma construction show earlier this year. Real-world trials are expected to begin this year.

Electrek’s Take


Komatsu electric equipment at bauma; via Komatsu.

Conceptually similar to the mobile power platform being developed by American firm Dannar, this new mobile Megawatt charging unit has some heavy-hitting names behind it that make it impossible to ignore. Combine that with Komatsu’s ever-increasing push towards full electrification (the two machines shown, above, are all-new in the last 60 days, with more to come) and it really feels like the MWCS is going to be A Real Thing™️somewhat sooner than later.

Stay tuned.

SOURCES | IMAGES: Komatsu, Dimaag, via EIN Presswire.


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