Renewables now make up 30% of US power capacity – FERC
Renewables – solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydropower – are now 30% of total US electrical generating capacity, according to analysis of FERC’s mid-year data.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)’s latest monthly “Energy Infrastructure Update” (with data through June 30, 2024), which was reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign, also reported that June was the 10th month in a row in which solar was the largest source of new capacity. That puts solar on track to become the US’s second-largest source of capacity – behind only natural gas – within three years.
FERC says renewables were 99% of new generating capacity in June and 91% in H1 2024. 37 “units” of solar totaling 2,192 megawatts (MW) were placed into service in June along with one unit of hydropower (34 MW). Combined, they accounted for 98.9% of all new generating capacity added during the month. Natural gas and oil provided the balance: 20 MW and 5 MW, respectively. (Generating capacity is not the same as actual generation.)
During the first half of 2024, solar and wind added 13,072 MW and 2,129 MW, respectively. Combined with 212 MW of hydropower and 3 MW of biomass, renewables were 91.2% of capacity added. The balance consisted of the 1,100 Vogtle-4 nuclear reactor in Georgia plus 369 MW of gas, 11-MW of oil, and 3-MW of “other.”
Solar was 97% of new capacity in June and 77% during H1 2024. The new solar capacity added in the first half of 2024 was more than double the solar capacity (6,446 MW) added year-over-year. Solar accounted for 77.4% of all new generation placed into service in the first half of 2024.
New wind capacity in the same period accounted for most of the balance – 12.6% – which was slightly less than that added year-over-year (2,761 MW).
In June alone, solar comprised 97.4% of all new capacity added, followed by hydropower (1.5%). Solar has now been the largest source of new generating capacity for ten months straight: September 2023 – June 2024. For seven of those 10 months, wind took second place.
Solar plus wind are now more than a one-fifth of US generating capacity. The combined capacities of just solar and wind now constitute more than 20.7% of the US’s total available installed utility-scale generating capacity.
However, a third or more of US solar capacity is in the form of small-scale (e.g., rooftop) systems that isn’t reflected in FERC’s renewables data. Including that additional solar capacity would bring the share provided by solar + wind closer to a quarter of the US’s total.
Solar’s share of US generating capacity advances it to fourth place. The latest capacity additions have brought solar’s share of total available installed utility-scale (that is, >1 MW) generating capacity up to 9%, further expanding its lead over hydropower (7.8%). Wind is currently at 11.8%. With the inclusion of biomass (1.1%) and geothermal (0.3%), renewables now claim a 30% share of total US utility-scale generating capacity.
Installed utility-scale solar has now moved into fourth place – behind natural gas (43.3%), coal (15.8%), and wind – for its share of generating capacity after having recently surpassed that of nuclear power (8%).
Solar will soon become the second largest source of US generating capacity. FERC reports that net “high probability” additions of solar between July 2024 and June 2027 total 88,526 MW – an amount almost four times the forecast net “high probability” additions for wind (23,851 MW), the second fastest growing resource.
FERC also foresees growth for hydropower (1,240 MW), geothermal (400 MW), and biomass (90 MW). There’s no new nuclear capacity in FERC’s three-year forecast, and coal, natural gas, and oil are projected to contract by 20,542 MW, 3,106 MW, and 1,629 MW, respectively.
If FERC’s current “high probability” additions materialize, by July 1, 2027, solar will account for more than one-seventh (14.8%) of the nation’s installed utility-scale generating capacity. That would be greater than either coal (13.3%) or wind (12.7%), and substantially more than either nuclear power (7.5%) or hydropower (7.4%). That means the installed capacity of utility-scale solar would move into the No. 2 spot behind natural gas (40.3%).
Meanwhile, the mix of all renewables would account for 36.3% of total available installed utility-scale generating capacity – rapidly approaching that of natural gas – with solar and wind constituting more than three-quarters of the installed renewable energy capacity.
If small-scale solar systems are taken into account, within three years, total US solar capacity is likely to approach – and very possibly surpass – 300 GW. In turn, the mix of all renewables would then exceed 40% of total installed capacity, while the share of natural gas share would drop to about 37%.
Ken Bossong, the executive director of nonprofit research and educational organization SUN DAY Campaign, said:
With each passing month, renewables – led by solar – expand their contribution to the nation’s electrical capacity.
Growing from just a fraction of one percent a decade ago, solar is now nearly a tenth of US utility-scale generating capacity and poised to reach 15% within three years.
Read more: US power grid boosts capacity by 20.2 GW in the first half of 2024
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Back in 2018, when most electric motorcycle startups were showing off what looked like clunky science experiments or budget-minded e-scooters, a little company out of Stuttgart quietly unveiled one of the wildest-looking two-wheelers I’d ever seen. As one of the first motorcycle journalists to cover Sol Motors and their outlandish debut seven years ago, I’ve been keeping tabs on them ever since. And now I am excited to share that the Sol Pocket Rocket is finally preparing to launch in full production form. Yes, really.
The German company is now taking pre-orders for its uniquely tubular electric motorcycle that somehow looks like a mashup between a torpedo, an irrigation pipe, and a Star Wars prop. And yet, despite its cartoonish silhouette, it might just be one of the coolest ultra-urban e-motos headed for the streets.
The Sol Pocket Rocket comes in two versions: the standard model and the more powerful Pocket Rocket S. The latter packs an 8.5 kW (roughly 11.4 hp) electric motor that propels the bike to a top speed of 85 km/h (53 mph), while the standard version tops out at 45 km/h (28 mph), putting it in moped territory in many markets.
That makes it a perfect fit for cities, especially in Europe where light electric mopeds and motorcycles are gaining traction among young riders who want something fast, fun, and emissions-free, but without the size, weight, or cost of a traditional motorcycle. The bike’s 2.5 kWh battery may not sound like much, but the company says it offers up to 108 km (67 miles) of range for the lower speed version or 68 km (42 miles) of range for the higher speed version, which is generally more than enough for most urban commutes. The battery is also removable, allowing for convenient charging inside your apartment or office. That can be a neat trick for riders who charge at work, essentially doubling the maximum range they can commute.
And while we’re on the topic of design – yes, it’s unusual. The Pocket Rocket’s oversized aluminum top tube houses the battery and electronics, while a minimalist seat juts out from the back like a café racer’s rear hump. There’s no bodywork to speak of, giving it a raw and industrial aesthetic that’s either futuristic or ridiculous, depending on the lighting and your mood. But I’ve got to admit, I kind of love it.
The frame, wheels, and swingarm are all nicely machined, giving the whole thing a premium feel, or at least as premium as a potato gun on wheels can look. It’s like if Bauhaus made a Hot Wheels bike that could run on electrons.
Sol Motors is positioning the Pocket Rocket not just as a stylish e-motorcycle, but as a viable alternative to cars for city dwellers who want to skip traffic and parking headaches. It’s light, fast enough for urban streets, and small enough to squeeze into even the tiniest bike parking spot.
Pre-orders are now open and pricing starts at €5,990 for the standard model and €6,980 for the S version. That’s certainly not cheap, but not outrageous in today’s market for well-designed, European-made electric two-wheelers.
Electrek’s Take
I’ve covered a lot of oddball EVs over the years, but the Sol Pocket Rocket has a special place in my heart. There’s something honest about a company that doubles down on such a bold design and actually makes it work. Sure, it looks like a giant spool holder from the wrong angle, but it also looks like a lot of fun from the right angle! And the fact that it’s fast, fun, and actually headed to production means it offers three things that are far from a guarantee in today’s market.
It may have taken the scenic route and had a false start or two, but it looks like the company is finally ready to put that rubber on the road for good this time.
After nearly seven years of anticipation, I’m thrilled to see this bizarre beauty finally hitting the road. And hey, if anyone wants to send one over for a review, my driveway’s been waiting just as long.
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Environment
The 2026 Chevy Blazer EV lineup looks a bit different, but prices still start at under $45K
Chevy is introducing an updated lineup for the 2026 Blazer EV, including a few slight modifications. Despite the changes, prices will still start at under $45,000.
2026 Chevy Blazer EV prices by trim
GM’s Chevrolet is currently the fastest-growing EV brand in the US. Through May, Chevy sold over 37,000 EVs, surpassing Ford, which sold about 34,000.
Although the Equinox EV stole the spotlight, becoming the third top-selling EV behind Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, Chevy’s electric Blazer has quiety been driving growth. In April, the Chevy Blazer EV was the sixth-best-selling EV.
With “the Equinnox and Blazer right in the heart of the market, they are really benefitting from that,” Tom Libby, an analyst at S&P Global Mobility, explained.
With the 2026 model years arriving with a few updates, Chevy looks to continue closing the gap with Tesla. Earlier this month, the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV configurator went live with base prices about $10,000 cheaper than the outgoing model. Now, it looks like the electric Blazer will be next.
New order guide data show the 2026 Chevy Blazer EV LT FWD will still start at $44,600, not including the destination fee. The 2026 model year will be available in FWD, AWD, and performance AWD configurations. However, Chevy is dropping the RWD option.
Although the base LT model is priced the same, the 2026 Chevy Blazer RS AWD is $500 more than last year’s model, starting at $50,400.
The 615 horsepower Blazer EV SS, the quickest SS Chevy vehicle to date, will still start at $60,600. Like the 2025MY, GM’s Super Cruise is standard on the SS and available for other trims. It costs $3,255 this year, the same as it did in 2025.
Other upgrades for the new model include a new Polar White Tricoat paint option and a standard dual-level charging cord, but it still lacks a NACS port.
A Chevy spokesperson confirmed to Car and Driver last month that “To simplify the product lineup while still offering the most popular options for consumers, RWD will not be available beginning with the 2026 model year.”
Up next will be the 2026 Chevy Equinox EV, or “America’s most affordable 315+ mile range EV,” as GM calls it. The base 2025 LT model starts at $34,995. Chevy keeping entry-level Blazer prices the same could be a good sign for the Equinox.
| 2026 Chevy Blazer EV trim | Starting MSRP* | Range (*2025MY EPA-estimated) |
| LT FWD | $44,600 | 312 miles |
| RS FWD | $50,400 | 312 miles |
| SS AWD | $60,600 | 303 miles |
With the federal EV tax credit set to expire at the end of September, Chevy is offering some serious savings opportunities. Starting at just $289 per month, the 2025 Equinox EV is hard to pass up. GM is also offering 0% APR across all 2025 Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV models.
Ready to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to find deals on Chevy EV models at a dealer near you.
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Tesla has expanded the service area of its Robotaxi service in Austin, and it did so to draw a penis-shaped service map, seemingly for no other reason than to satisfy the juvenile humor of its CEO, but what it really achieved is to illustrate how unserious Tesla’s Robotaxi business is compared to other efforts.
Last month, Tesla launched its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, and as expected, the service was mostly for show and to give CEO Elon Musk a win after years of failed predictions regarding Tesla’s self-driving efforts.
The service was launched only for a small group of Tesla stock promoters on X, and it required a Tesla employee sitting in the front seat with a finger on a kill switch at all times.
In other words, it’s basically Tesla’s Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in consumer vehicles, but with the supervisor moved from the driver’s seat to the front passenger seat.
Tesla also launched into a small area of South Austin, but last week, Musk said that the company would expand the service area by the weekend.
Late on Sunday, Tesla did update the service area, and it now looks like this:
There’s no practical reason to cover this specific section of Austin. The update appears to be solely to satisfy Musk’s famously juvenile sense of humor, which includes fascinations with the numbers “69” and “420”.
Tesla has also been offering rides in Robotaxi (invite-only) for $4.20 a ride.
In practice, what this joke does is illustrate just how unserious Tesla’s Robotaxi effort is in comparison to other autonomous ride-hailing programs.
Waymo already operates a larger area of Austin, and it does so without any supervisor inside the vehicle. It also operates in San Francisco, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Phoenix:
Tesla shareholders are holding on to the hope that Tesla will be able to scale faster, but Waymo has even launched in Atlanta since Tesla launched its limited service in Austin, and they are preparing to launch in Philadelphia and New York.
Meanwhile, Tesla still operates with supervisors inside its vehicles – a step that Waymo completed years ago.
Electrek’s Take
Look, I love a joke as much as the next guy, but when the whole service is a joke, maybe don’t draw a penis with the service map.
In China, I rode in Baidu’s Apollo Go, and it simply works without anyone in the car, and it is in operation in half a dozen cities.
It’s cool to see Tesla making progress here, but what’s less cool is the moving of the goalpost that leads to people forgetting that Tesla has promised unsupervised self-driving in all vehicles built since 2016.
Meanwhile, its progress has yet to outpace competition and CEO Elon Musk is out there claiming Tesla is the leader in self-driving with no close second.
It’s a level of delusion that you don’t want to see in someone deploying “self-driving” 5,000-lb machines moving at high speeds on public roads.
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