MIT scientists have designed a solar-powered desalination system that turns saltwater into drinkable water at a higher volume – and lower cost.
Researchers from MIT and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have published a paper, “Extreme salt-resisting multistage solar distillation with thermohaline convection,” in the journal Joule about a study that has the potential to make a big leap forward in reducing the cost of water production because it doesn’t require electricity to run.
The device they built creates circular currents of water known as eddies that look like small whirlpools that function similarly to the ocean’s much larger thermohaline circulation. This circulation, combined with the sun’s heat, drives water to evaporate, leaving salt behind.
Lenan Zhang, a research scientist in MIT’s Device Research Laboratory, explains:
When seawater is exposed to air, sunlight drives water to evaporate. Once water leaves the surface, salt remains. And the higher the salt concentration, the denser the liquid, and this heavier water wants to flow downward.
By mimicking this kilometer-wide phenomena in a small box, we can take advantage of this feature to reject salt.
How it works
Scientists used a small, thin box topped with a dark material that efficiently absorbs the sun’s heat. Inside, the box is separated into a top and bottom section. Water can flow through the top half, where the ceiling is lined with an evaporator layer that uses the sun’s heat to warm up and evaporate any water in direct contact. The water vapor is then funneled to the bottom half of the box, where a condensing layer air-cools the vapor into pure drinkable water.
The researchers set the entire box at a tilt within a larger empty vessel, then attached a tube from the top half of the box down through the bottom of the vessel, and floated the vessel in salt water. The water naturally pushes up through the tube and into the box, where the tilt of the box, combined with thermal energy from the sun, induces the water to swirl as it flows through. The small eddies help to bring water in contact with the upper evaporating layer while keeping salt circulating rather than settling and clogging.
Other passive solar desalination concepts are currently being tested by other teams, but the MIT researchers say their new system has higher water-production and salt-rejection rates.
They assert that if the system is scaled up to the size of a small suitcase, it could produce about 4 to 6 liters (1 to 1.5 gallons) of drinking water per hour and last several years before requiring replacement parts. At that scale and performance, the system could produce drinking water at a rate and price that’s cheaper than tap water.
A scaled-up device could passively produce enough drinking water to meet the daily requirements of a small family. It could also supply off-grid coastal communities near seawater.
What do you think of this solar-powered desalination system? Do you think this would, in theory, provide relief for folks in Louisiana whose drinking water is threatened by saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico that’s infiltrating the Mississippi River due to drought? Let us know in the comments below.
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Tesla drivers, if you’ve been looking for a way to protect your OEM wheels, turn heads, and bonus – squeeze out more range! – the all-new HALODISC 2 Custom Numbers wheel covers from Haloblk (pronounced “halo-black”) check every box.
Electrek readers can use promo code ELECTREK25 for 25% OFF throughout October.
These aren’t just any wheel covers. They’re explicitly engineered for Tesla and proven by thousands of drivers to boost range by up to 10%. The sleek, aerodynamic design cuts through air resistance and reduces wheel turbulence, so you get more miles out of every charge – especially on highways and long road trips. Available in black or white, you can pick the color that best matches your Tesla’s look.
The HALODISC 2 wheel covers feature a racing-inspired center-lock system, ensuring maximum stability and safety at every speed. Installation takes just 30 seconds using the included tool, and the full-coverage design shields your OEM wheels from scratches and curb rash. They even come with an integrated anti-theft mechanism, so you know they’ll always be secure.
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Personalize them: your number, your story
Here’s where things get really fun. The Custom Numbers Series lets you choose a number from 00 to 99 – maybe it’s your birth year, a lucky number, or something meaningful to you. You can also engrave up to 30 characters of custom text on each wheel cover. Whether it’s a motto, a dedication, or something that makes you smile, this bespoke touch makes your Tesla truly yours.
Built for every Tesla
The HALODISC 2 wheel covers fit all major Tesla models, including the Model 3, Model 3 Highland, Model Y, Model Y Juniper, Model S, and Model X. They’re compatible with 20+ OEM wheel sizes, so you can upgrade your ride no matter what you drive.
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Electrek readers get special treatment:
But here’s the best part: Electrek readers can use promo code ELECTREK25 for 25% OFF. One-time use per customer. A set of four wheel covers starts at $449.
Boost your range, protect your wheels, and tell your story – all in one sleek upgrade.
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Choosing one is more than just an aesthetic decision; it’s a cultural nod to motorsport heritage and a way to stand out from uniform OEM emblems. It ships together with your HALODISC 2 order (US only).
Tesla has partnered with its recent foe, Disney, to promote its latest movie, Tron: Ares, with an in-car update that is not making everyone happy.
Many owners view it as Tesla making in-car advertisements and/or working on something that distracts them from needed software updates.
Today, Tesla announced and began pushing an update to its car owners, which essentially amounts to an advertisement for Disney’s new movie, Tron: Ares.
The update enables owners to turn their in-car visualization into a Tron bike.
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The update is surprising on several levels, as it essentially serves as an advertisement for a Disney movie.
However, more importantly, Tesla is pushing advertisements to its vehicle owners inside their cars, and people are not happy.
Examining the first few dozen comments below the announcement, the reaction is mainly negative.
Tesla owner Matt Chinander wrote:
“Oh good, advertisements are making it in my car.”
Austin Harrison added:
I’m sorry but this is an absolutely worthless update. Also, when did Tesla start partnering with woke companies like Disney? Didn’t Elon just go a rampage LAST WEEK against woke?
Tesla owners are also upset that the automaker spent time and resources developing this software update rather than working on more significant updates, such as delivering on its long-promised full self-driving capabilities, especially on older HW3 cars, which have been left untouched for more than a year.
Electrek’s Take
Yes, this is not a good look. This is definitely a promotional effort for the movie. The question is: Is Tesla getting paid for this?
Is it really pushing advertising inside its vehicles?
Even if it is a cross-promotional effort, it doesn’t look great, and it’s a clear step toward automakers pushing ads inside connected vehicles.
I am not a fan all around. The idea of Tesla pushing ads in-car is not ideal, and this partnership itself is a questionable move.
I loved the original Tron movie. Legacy wasn’t great, but the soundtrack was outstanding. That said, I don’t have high hopes for this new one based on the trailer, which looked cheesy. It currently holds a 55% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The most disappointing aspect is that Tesla would spend any effort on this rather than on much-needed updates to its user interface and other software features within its vehicles.
Prediction: within the next year, Tesla will start doing this more often and offer an “ad-free experience” with its “premium connectivity subscription.”
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Ford is no longer planning to offer a program that would extend the $7,500 EV tax credit for at least another few months. The company said it will continue offering competitive lease payments.
Ford ends $7,500 EV tax credit program for leases
Just a day after GM suddenly ended plans for a program to extend the $7,500 EV tax credit for leases, Ford announced it will also end the offer.
“Ford will not claim the EV tax credit,” a company spokesperson confirmed with Reuters on Thursday. However, don’t expect all the savings to disappear. At least, not yet. The spokesperson added Ford will still offer the “competitive lease payments we have in the market today.”
The move comes after crosstown rival GM announced a similar decision on Wednesday. Last week, Reuters reported that Ford and GM were planning to launch programs to extend the $7,500 tax credit for EV leases.
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The program involved purchasing EVs from dealer inventories through their financing divisions, enabling them to become eligible for the credit.
Ford Mustang Mach-E (left) and F-150 Lightning (right) (Source: Ford)
Ford and GM would then use the funds to continue offering the $7,500 credit for those leasing an EV. The programs were expected to run at least a few months after the September 30 deadline.
The company spokesperson said Ford Credit is still offering 0% APR financing for 72 months, along with other incentives, for electric vehicle buyers.
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning (Source: Ford)
A source close to the matter told Reuters that GM scrapped the program after Republican Senator Bernie Moreno called to close a loophole that enabled the credit to be passed on through leasing.
“GM worked on an extended offer for the benefit of our customers and dealers,” a company spokesperson said, adding, “After further consideration, we have decided not to claim the tax credit.” The company will provide about $6,000 of its own cash instead to continue supporting EV leases. GM will also continue to fund the incentive lease terms until the end of October.
Several automakers are promising to keep the savings going with incentives of their own, including Hyundai, BMW, and Stellantis.
Looking to grab the savings while they are still here? You can use our links below to find available models in your area.
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