A “UK-first” intercity battery trial train proved that single battery technology can outperform diesel engines cost-effectively.
Hitachi Rail, Angel Trains, and TransPennine Express just wrapped up the trial, which took place in the north of England. It proved that powerful batteries offer significant benefits for emissions, fuel savings, and air quality.
Hitachi has already rolled out passenger battery trains in Japan and Europe, like the Masaccio hybrid in Italy. The intercity battery trial train in the UK demonstrated that the 700 kW battery could push the train past 75 mph and power it for over 70 km. The battery matches the weight of a diesel engine and is installed in the same undercarriage space, ensuring no risk of track degradation and no impact on the passenger environment.
The battery trial train delivered better-than-expected results in fuel savings, cutting fuel costs by 35-50%. One key way it achieved this was with an “Eco-mode” where the battery fully powered sections of the route, showing that the technology is more than ready for real-world use.
This success gives Hitachi the green light to move on to a full intercity battery-electric train, with an estimated range of 100-150 km. That would allow significant stretches of non-electrified routes to go battery-powered, avoiding the need for expensive infrastructure like overhead wires in tunnels or stations.
UK Rail Minister Lord Hendy said:
Rail is already the most environmentally friendly form of public transport, and the success of this trial will pave the way for even greener, more reliable journeys for millions of passengers.
This technology will play a vital role as we deliver our ambitious plans to transform and decarbonize the railways, and it could open the door to a more affordable expansion of the network for communities across the country.
Hitachi Rail is the only train manufacturer developing a battery product using the UK battery supply chain, and it’s collaborating with Innovate UK and the University of Birmingham to develop next-gen battery technology.
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GM’s new luxury three-row electric SUV is about to hit the global stage. After unveiling its new Vistiq electric SUV, Cadillac “continues to set the standard for American luxury.” Here’s our first look at the “mini Escalade,” including prices and specs.
“With the addition of VISTIQ, Cadillac will be one of the only brands to offer an EV entry in every luxury SUV segment,” vice president of Cadillac Global, John Roth, said on Tuesday.
The Vistiq is a three-row electric SUV that will sit between the Lyriq and the larger Escalade IQ. A “mini Escalade,” if you will. Like its big sibling, the Escalde IQ, the mid-size SUV features Cadillac’s sleek new design theme.
One of the first things you will notice is the illuminated pinstripe grille up front, signaling the SUV’s status as an EV. The Vistiq also features the luxury brand’s signature vertical head and tail lights, while more expensive trims gain a Black Crystal Shield.
Inside, the Vistiq is “engineered to provide spaciousness for passengers in all three rows.” It’s also loaded with advanced tech and features, including a massive 33″ LED infotainment screen.
Even third-row passengers get padded armrests, cupholders, a place to store their phones, and USB chargers.
Cadillac unveils three-row electric Vistiq SUV
The SUV has a premium 23-speaker AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos for an “immersive 3D experience.” It also comes with premium safety and driver assist tech, like GM’s Super Cruise, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Bicyclist Alert, and Forward Collision Alert as standard.
For an even safer drive, you can opt for the available Night Vision, which uses infrared sensors to detect people or animals in your way.
Powered by a 102 kWh battery pack, Cadillac expects the electric SUV will offer over 300 miles range. With up to 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, the “mini Escalade” can hit 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds (with Velocity Max).
The standard AWD system with Road Noise Cancellation tech gives you that quiet, peaceful drive you’ve been waiting for.
At 205.6″ long, 79.7″ wide, and 71″ tall, with a wheelbase of 121.8″, the Vistiq is slightly longer than the Rivian R1S at 201″ in length. However, it’s slightly shorter than the R1S at 77″ in height.
Cadillac will sell the Vistiq globally, including in the US and Canada. Production will start in early 2025 at GM’s Spring Hill, TN, manufacturing plant.
The Cadillac Vistiq SUV will initially be available in Luxury, Sport, and Premium Luxury trims. GM says a Platinum trim with added performance elements and design options will launch in summer 2025.
Cadillac’s new three-row electric SUV will start at $78,790, including the destination fee. Next up will be the Vistiq’s big brother, the Escalde IQ. Stay tuned for more info closer to launch.
How do you feel about Cadillac’s new Vistiq? Would you pay around $80K for the luxury three-row SUV? Let us know your thoughts below.
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EV charging network EVgo has published its Q3 2024 financial report, which shows record revenue and tremendous year-over-year growth. EVgo’s growth has continued over the last eight quarters, seven of which saw a triple-digit increase in energy throughput.
EVgo continues to grow as one of the United States’ largest EV charging networks. Its current footprint consists of over 1,000 fast-charging locations across 40 states, with many more pending, as shown in the company’s service map below.
In May, we reported that EVgo had doubled its registered users in two years, surpassing 1 million active customers. That milestone also saw a 400% increase since April 2020. While some competitors have caught flak for their lack of maintenance and reliability, EVgo has rolled out a “ReNew” program to repair and replace charging piles and ensure customers can replenish their EVs.
Before today’s Q3 report, EVgo had also rolled out several perks and support programs for EV drivers, including access for Tesla owners and fast charging for Hertz rentals, all while rolling out new 350 kW charging stations through partnerships with companies like Pilot/Flying J, and General Motors.
Those efforts appear to be paying off, as EVgo shared record revenue and steady growth in its Q3 2024 financial report.
EVgo added 147K additional customers in Q3 2024
According to EVgo’s Q3 2024 report, the EV charging network achieved record revenue totaling $67.5 million. That’s up from $35.1 million in Q3 of 2023, representing 92% YoY growth.
EVgo’s total throughput increased to 78 GWh last quarter, compared to 37 GWh in Q3 2023, representing 111% growth during that time. The charging network added over 147,000 new customers in Q3, eclipsing 1.2 million users in total, representing a 39% year-over-year increase. Total accounts are up 57% compared to Q3 2023. EVgo CEO Badar Khan spoke:
I’m pleased to report another record quarter anchored by strong revenues and triple digit year-over-year network throughput growth. Our deployment team continued to meet demand head-on bringing a record number of stalls online in the third quarter. With our conditional commitment from DOE for a loan guarantee of up to $1.05 billion announced last month, EVgo is poised to lead the industry as the charging provider of choice. As we look ahead to the end of the year and into fiscal 2025, we are working diligently to complete the loan process, drive our next phase of growth as an owner and operator of fast charging infrastructure, and deliver continued and sustainable value creation for our shareholders.
EVgo shared that its Q3 revenue milestone represents eight sequential quarters of double-digit growth and seven consecutive quarters of triple-digit growth year-over-year in terms of throughput. Here’s EVgo’s Q3 2024 report by the numbers:
Revenue: $67.5 million
Network Throughput: 78 gigawatt-hours
Customer Account Additions: over 147,000 accounts
Gross Profit: $6.4 million
Net Loss: $33.3 million
Adjusted Gross Profit: $18 million
Adjusted EBITDA: $8.9 million
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: $12.1 million
Capital Expenditures: $25.8 million
Capital Expenditures, Net of Capital Offsets: $5.2 million
Following today’s report, EVgo appears poised to continue to grow and could eventually become the nation’s largest EV charging network. As reported in October, the network received a loan from the US Department of Energy totaling $1.05 billion to install 7,500 additional EV fast chargers in the US. EVgo’s anticipated states for charger expansion will be Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
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Tesla’s Bitcoin holdings are surging by riding the crypto wave initiated by Trump winning the US elections.
However, the automaker has yet to start taking Bitcoin payments again.
Tesla is one of the few major companies to invest in cryptocurrency. In early 2021, it bought $1.5 billion in Bitcoin and briefly accepted it as payment for vehicles. However, Tesla soon suspended Bitcoin payments due to concerns over fossil fuel use in mining, particularly coal.
The company reassured investors it wouldn’t sell its Bitcoin holdings and would consider resuming payments once the network had a cleaner energy mix. Though Tesla hinted at reopening Bitcoin payments last year, it hasn’t happened yet.
By 2022, Tesla’s Bitcoin holdings had grown to $2 billion but took a hit as the cryptocurrency’s value dropped. Tesla then sold about 75% of its Bitcoin, yielding $1.2 billion, but still holds 9,720 Bitcoins, making it the fourth-largest corporate Bitcoin holder, ahead of Coinbase.
The crypto mostly traded sideways for the last year, but it surged more than 20% since Trump won the election last week.
The market seems to believe that his plans for deregulation will enable cryptocurrencies to grow faster.
It brings Tesla’s bitcoin holdings to over $800 million. It’s unclear if Tesla plans to take profits again like it did during the last surge in pricing.
Lately, there has been a rare development in Tesla’s crypto holdings.
The reason behind the move is unclear at this point.
There were also some indications that Tesla would be preparing to accept Bitcoin payment for its electric vehicles again, but it has yet to happen.
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