Connect with us

Published

on

Japan’s UBE Corporation has broken ground in Louisiana on what will be the US’s only dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) plant – key components for lithium-ion batteries in EVs and battery storage. DMC is also used in semiconductors.

The EV battery material plant officially kicked off on February 13 with a ceremonial sake barrel-breaking ceremony (pictured). The $500 million UBE project got the green light from the Jefferson Parish Council in November 2024, and it’s expected to give the local job market a boost. Once construction kicks off in 2025 at Cornerstone Energy Park in Waggaman, the project will create over 400 temporary construction jobs. When the plant comes online in November 2026, it’ll support 50-60 full-time, skilled positions.

The plant will create the first domestic US supply of DMC and EMC and reduce US reliance on imports. “UBE’s proprietary nitrite process, which we have been developing since the 1970s, enables us to realize a very limited environmental impact and much fewer by-products compared to other existing plants and processes, particularly in mainland China,” said Masato Izumihara, president and representative director of UBE.

UBE says the EV battery material plant, which will be constructed and managed through its 100% US subsidiary, UBE C1 Chemicals America, will produce 100,000 tons of DMC annually and 40,000 tons of EMC derived from DMC annually.

Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, said, “By establishing the nation’s first domestic production of these critical EV battery components, UBE is strengthening American manufacturing while creating high-quality jobs in Jefferson Parish.”

Nola.com writes that “UBE is one of at least six companies to announce plans to build or expand EV materials manufacturing facilities in Louisiana since 2022, bringing with them a total investment of $2.4 billion and over 600 jobs.”

Read more: Republican districts lose billions as clean energy cancellations surge


If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Rivian is recalling over 17,000 R1S and R1T vehicles due to faulty headlights

Published

on

By

Rivian is recalling over 17,000 R1S and R1T vehicles due to faulty headlights

Rivian issued a recall for over 17,000 vehicles on Friday due to a headlight issue that only occurs in cold weather. The recall impacts certain 2025 R1S SUV and R1T electric pickup models. Luckily, it should be an easy fix.

Rivian issues a recall for 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles

In a letter sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Rivian said it planned to recall 17,260 R1S and R1T vehicles.

The safety notice comes after the company found the headlights on certain 2025 models did not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

In cold weather, the headlight low beams might not illuminate once the vehicle is started. A message on the driver display will pop up, saying, “Low beam lights not working.” The issue only occurred in colder climates.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Rivian said it’s unaware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to the recall. The 2025 R1S and R1T models were built with incorrectly figured parts from its supplier between April 29, 2024, and February 03, 2025.

Rivian-recall-R1S-R1T
Rivian R1T (left) and R1S (right) electric vehicles (Source: Rivian)

For those impacted, Rivian will replace the headlight control module free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out on March 28, 2025.

If you have questions, you can contact Rivian’s customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian’s recall number is FSAM-1612. You can also contact the NHTSA hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit NHTSA.gov for more information.

Rivian-recall-R1S-R1T
Production at Rivian’s Normal, IL plant (Source: Rivian)

The recall comes after Rivian posted its first positive gross profit in the fourth quarter, a big milestone as the EV maker aims to hit its next growth stage.

Rivian delivered 51,579 vehicles in 2024, but as it prepares to introduce its mass-market R2 electric SUV, the company expects a slight dip in 2025, forecasting between 46,000 and 51,000. A big part of this is due to plans to retool its Normal, IL manufacturing plant to prepare for the R2, which will launch in the first half of 2026. The midsize electric SUV will start at around $45,000, or almost half the R1S ($77,700) and R1T ($71,700).

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Popular Super73 electric bikes recalled for brake failure

Published

on

By

Popular Super73 electric bikes recalled for brake failure

Super73, a leading e-bike manufacturer based in Irvine, California famous for its moped-style electric bikes, has issued a recall for two of its popular models.

The recall covers approximately 1,400 units of its model year 2024 Z Miami SE and Z Adventure Core electric bicycles. At the heart of the recall is an issue with the braking system.

Specifically, the retaining pin within the disc brake calipers may loosen and detach, potentially leading to brake failure and increasing the risk of crashes and injuries.

According to a recall notice posted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the recall covers the Z Miami SE in Bandit Black (black seat), Palladium Gray (camel seat), and Astro Orange (black seat), as well as the Z Adventure Core in Sandstorm, featuring a black and brown frame.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Super73 has confirmed that the affected e-bikes were sold between April 2024 and September 2024 at Super73’s Irvine store, various bicycle retailers nationwide, and online.

According to the company, Super73 has received 21 reports concerning loose retaining pins or associated brake failures, with one incident resulting in a minor injury.

Owners of the recalled models are advised to immediately cease using the e-bikes and contact Super73 for a complimentary repair kit. The company is providing a new retaining pin and will reimburse up to $50 for professional installation services. To obtain reimbursement, consumers should submit their installation receipts to Super73. The company is proactively reaching out to all known purchasers. 

Customers seeking information on the recall can reach Super73 by phone at 888-841-3584 from Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, or by email safety@super73.com. They can also visit a recall-related web page set up by the company.

These types of recalls are not uncommon in the e-bike industry, as manufacturers continue to refine designs and address safety concerns. Additionally, because most bicycle components are not built by the electric bike makers themselves, issues in systems such as brakes and wheels are usually related to the subcomponent manufacturers and can affect many bicycle companies downstream in the supply chain.

Similar examples of recalls in the industry include Rad Power Bikes’ 2022 recall of nearly 30,000 RadWagon 4 cargo e-bikes due to the bike’s tires, and the 2023 recall of some 45,000 Lectric XP 3.0 e-bikes over brake failure risks linked to faulty calipers.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Nissan turning to Tesla as potential investor after Honda deal fell through

Published

on

By

Nissan turning to Tesla as potential investor after Honda deal fell through

Japan reportedly plans to try to convince Tesla to invest in Nissan after the merger with Honda fell through.

Do you think it makes sense?

Shortly after being announced, Nissan and Honda’s planned merger quickly fell apart earlier this month.

The problem appears to be that Nissan expected a merger while Honda was looking for a takeover of its fellow Japanese automaker.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Now, it looks like Nissan has exhausted its potential lifelines in Japan and it is starting to explore potential partners outside of the country.

The Financial Times has revealed that a group has been put together to approach Tesla for a potential investment in Nissan:

A high-level Japanese group that includes a former prime minister has drawn up plans for Elon Musk’s Tesla to invest in the struggling carmaker Nissan, following the collapse of its merger talks with rival Honda.

The group includes Hiro Mizuno, a former Tesla board member, and ex-premier Yoshihide Suga.

FT’s report claims that the group believes Tesla is interested in buying Nissan’s factories in the US:

The group is hopeful Tesla will become a strategic investor since they believe the world’s largest pure electric-vehicle maker is keen to acquire Nissan’s plants in the US, according to the people. The factories would help it boost domestic manufacturing in response to Donald Trump’s tariff threats.

Tesla has greatly slowed down its plans for new car factories over the last few years as sales have gone down and its current factories are not operating at full capacity.

Electrek’s Take

At this time, it’s unclear if this report should be taken seriously. Japan seems to be panicking a bit because it doesn’t want Nissan to fall into the ends of China as Foxconn has shown interest in taking a stake.

Tesla doesn’t need Nissan’s factories and it has made clear that it prefers to build its own than take over existing factory since its takeover of Fremon factory from Toyota and GM, and that was back in 2010.

I am sure Tesla will hear them out since Mizuno is involved, but I doubt this will go much further than that.

What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending