2024.09.29 EV education: debunking eight disinformation myths about electric vehicles

8 myths about electric cars (Quartz)

2024.09.29 If you still think nuclear power is a solution to climate change, take note of this news item.

Hurricane Helene Floods Closed Duke Nuclear Plant in Florida (Nuclear News)
Fortunately, this plant was not operational at the time Hurricane Helene hit. However, many nuclear fission reactors are placed on rivers, lakes and shorelines because they need massive amounts of water for cooling, which warms the environment. However, it the plant had been operational, it would have shut down due to the flooding. Ironically, nuclear eactors in France have been shut down in recent years because warming temperatures have evaporated the water bodies they used for cooling.
NRC dismisses GAO climate warnings for nukes

2024.09.27 A Canadian municipal transit agency gives up revenue in order to combat fossil fuel disinformation.

It is sad that this is newsworthy and took new federal legislation to even make it possible.
In other news, many fossil fuel companies in Canada have taken their websites dark as a result of the change. Presumably, there was nothing left in their previous propaganda that met the bar of not being dishonest on climate change.
Being required to not lie to the public is not censorship; it is a basic tenet of informed democracy.
Toronto transit agency bans misleading advertising from fossil fuel companies (National Observer)

2024.09.26 Spilled oil is a GHG as the volatiles 'boil' off and the oil degrades into carbon dioxide and methane.

Oil pollution in North Sea is 'grossly underestimated', suggests new reports (The Conversation)

2024.09.26 EVs are available, they're selling well, they can save you money over their life, and are better for the environment.

The EV skeptics are running out of gas (National Observer)

2024.09.26 It's probably too late to save the species from climate change; the Globe and Mail has acknowledged it is a real problem.

For generations, the Globe and Mail - which immodestly has called itself "Canada's Newpaper" - has been an unabashed and unapologetic bootster of fossil fuels extractivism, and the environment and health of Canadians be damned. This is a dramatic reversal for them.
Still, even now, they choose to blame 'the world', rather than acknowledge the role of Canadian fossil fuels production and use as a root cause.
While they whine "we're still waiting for someone to rouse the world to real action" in the op-ed, elsewhere they object to the Canadian government's meagre efforts to take action as 'over-reach' and economic heresy. I wonder if they have property in the path of Hurricane Helene to reach this belated and weak epiphany.
Why thieves aren't targeting EVs (Axios)

2024.09.26 Many EVs are very highly automated with vehicle location tracking and owner notification of movement.

Why thieves aren't targeting EVs (Axios)

2024.09.25 Like batteries and EVs, photovoltaic technology continues to evolve, improve and deliver more energy per dollar.

New solar cells break efficiency record - they could eventually supercharge how we get energy from the Sun (The Conversation)

2024.09.25 Again, Canadians can't afford climate change consequences. They can afford to shift to less damaging products and behaviour.

Climate change made some heat waves at least 10 times more likely: Environment Canada (Canadian Press)

2024.09.25 Europe and the rest of the world can't afford increasing climate change

Global heating 'doubled' chance of extreme rain in Europe in September (The Guardian)

2024.09.25 Canadian government biased reporting system has masked the true emissions impact of commercial logging.

Logging's climate threat: Emissions now rival transportation (National Observer)

2024.09.25 Hydrogen road trucks can't compete on sticker price, operating costs, refuelling infrastructure or range between refuelling stops.

Tesla shares stunning feature of Semis after one reaches nearly 250,000 miles on the road: 'It is safe, it is reliable' (TCD)

2024.09.24 "Today, though, the lowest cost form of energy for consumers is renewable energy."

"Absolutely world leading:" Why Australia is leading the charge away from baseload power (Renew Economy)

2024.09.24 The Canadian insurance industry needs to make up its mind; is climate change a problem or not?

Coverage denied: Canadians hitting roadblocks with insurers after installing solar panels on their homes (CTV News)

2024.09.24 It's time to sell and buy EVs made for the core transportation task - affordable commuting.

If you have to spend time stuck in traffic, why not do it without burning up your money and the planet?
Best Electric Cars For Commuting (Inside EVs)

2024.09.24 Those fossil fuels include subsidized surplus natural gas production in the U.S.

If you want cheaper energy, you should shift to renewables as soon as possible. Reducing GHG emissions will also reduce insurance costs and possibly keep the planet survivable for you, your kids and grandkids.
81% of New Renewable Energy Capacity Added in 2023 Was Cheaper Than Fossil Fuels (Oilprice.com)

2024.09.24 With European demand for natural gas falling, winter getting warmer, and Ukraine incresasing production, another economic threat for Russia.

European Union Ditching Fossil Gas Fast, Replacing with Solar & Wind (CleanTechnica)

2024.09.24 After these islands are submerged, continental coastlines are next.

Low-lying Pacific islands pin hopes on UN meeting as sea rise threatens survival (The Guardian)

2024.09.24 Sea ice is important for albedo (reflection) and phase-change thermal mass. Land ice melt leads to sea level rise. So this is BAD news.

Arctic Sea Ice Near Historic Low; Antarctic Ice Continues Decline (NASA)

2024.09.24 Smart jurisdictions would use free sunshine plus battery sized for incremental peak demand to save a LOT of money, and the environment.

This offer does not apply in Canada, because provincial governments here are not that smart. As grid-scale battery storage has other benefits to justify their cost and deployment, this would just be nearly-free bonus for electricity consumers.
This Chart Shows How California Is Massively Extending Solar Use Into The Evening (CleanTechncia)

2024.09.24 If you are a storefront business, what is it worth to you to have a 1-hour captive potential customer in your store?

So, why are so many Level 2 and Fast Chargers put beside empty fields in parking lots a long walk from retail outlets and restrooms (toilets)?
It Turns Out Charging Stations Are Cash Cows For Nearby Businesses (Inside EVs)

2024.09.23 The 'Alberta Advantage' has long been ignoring the costs of pollution and dumping the costs on private landowners and taxpayers.

In Alberta, the pay-the-polluter principle reigns supreme (National Observern)

2024.09.23 The issue is we can't afford climate change. The 'carbon tax' is a side-show distraction sponsored by the fossil fuel industry and their puppets.

The Insurance Apocalypse Is Upon Us (Jacobin)

2024.09.23 I have seen this work on the Rideau Canal and rinks on lakes. But where will the zero GHG, zero waste heat energy come from to power the pumps?

Plan to refreeze Arctic sea ice shows promise in first tests (New Scientist)

2024.09.23 Movable fast EV charging stations

So glad to see this is finally being tried out. This is a small version. I have been arguing for tractor-trailer size units that could store enough electricity to charge 12-20 EVs at remote locations, such as on major routes to cottage country on Friday evenings and for the return trips on Sunday evenings (or Mondays on long weekends). Similarly, weekday mornings for long commutes into the city and for the homeward bound trip afternoons and evenings. For special events like concerts and major sports games. With appropriate connections, these portable batteries could also provide neighbourhood emergency power in the event of transmission system outages. I'm sure there are other applications. To recharge the mobile battery, pull up to a sub-station with an appropriate connection, and charge up as required. For regular demands, charging can be done at low demand times like overnight and mid-day lesser demand trough. Batteries are getting cheaper and EVs more plentiful, and for the short term we are seeing line ups for charging where the infrastructure has not caught up to demand in the short term.
CAFU - A mobile fast-charging solution (Electric Circuit)

2024.09.23 The automaker's (GM) EV sales are on track to surpass Ford and Hyundai-Kia in the near future.

General Motors EV Sales 'Outstrip' The Industry (Inside EVs)

2024.09.23 The Star Trek Voyager Seven of Nine character was definitely more appealing.

Earth may have breached seven of nine planetary boundaries, health check shows (The Guardian)

2024.09.23 EV battery technology continues to improve; widespread adoption will be based on better performance and lower cost continuing.

US researchers find trick to extend battery life (electrive)

2024.09.22 Lighter, more output PVs and lighter, higher capacity batteries are advancing the electric flying state of the art, especially for small craft.

Electric Aviation With Unlimited Range Is Getting Cheaper & Smaller (The Debrief)

2024.09.22 Don't worry about, the fossil fuels industries are sure everything will be fine, so long as they keep making massive profits.

If sea surface temps are any indicator, the climate will surprise us - and not in a good way: climatologist (CBC)

2024.09.21 Glass is recyclable based on existing technology in a way concrete is not. Any colour glass could be used for this.

MIT Engineers Create 3D Printable Glass Bricks That Can Withstand the Same Pressures as Concrete Blocks (The Debrief)

2024.09.19 Increased temperatures and drought are leading to more wildfires. And wildfire smoke aerosols can suppress precipitation, drying out soils and further increasing fire risk.

Arctic Warming Is Driving Siberian Wildfires (EOS)

2024.09.20 Why is North America so opposed to climate change solutions that work and are affordable?

Other countries are building and embracing affordable solutions to climate change, but no thanks to U.S. and Canadian governments
The rise of solar power and China's staggering EV growth may have pushed global emissions into decline (ABC News Australia)

2024.09.20 Why is the U.S. suddenly serious about EV battery production?

Seeking to counter China, US awards $3 billion for EV battery production in 14 states (AP)

2024.09.20 In an environment where freezes are rare, this is an appropriaote technology, low-cost to implement, free fuel and zero GHG.

Where I live, we have nearly continuous freezing weather 5-6 months a year. Still, I built a seasonal, simple, in-line solar water heater, and it cut our household paid heating energy (fossil fueled) consumption to zero for those 5 months a year.
Such systems were common in California in the 1920s and 1930s, until displaced by subsidized natural gas.
'You basically have free hot water': how Cyprus became a world leader in solar heating (The Guardian)

2024.09.20 "Many companies have told me that the requirements often don’t allow for the economic realization of electrolysis projects in Germany."

'Green' hydrogen via electrolysis will NEVER be cost competitive with direct use of the 'green' electricity. The multiple conversion losses make that impossible.
Germany Calls On EU To Extend Transition Period for Green Hydrogen Rules (Oilprice.com)

2024.09.19 New wind project in NS. No hydrogen hype. Just a customer that wants to lower its electricity bills in a province that burns coal to make electricity.

Port Hawkesbury Paper breaks ground on $400M Guysborough County wind farm (CBC)

2024.09.17 Peepee's BIG Lie: 'the carbon tax'. It's not a tax, it's a feebate. It's not about carbon, it's about GHG emissions. That's for starters. Peepee keeps forgetting the current programs is a result of international agreements, which has to be implemented by national governments.

When it comes to the carbon tax, the truth never stood a chance (National Observer)
The original pledge to introduce a federal carbon tax in Canada came in 2007, from Stephen Harper. Peepee served in Harper's Cabinet. No objections from the current federal CPC leader then.

2024.09.16 In Danielle Smith's world, the fossil fuels industry pays for nothing; even when legally obligated.

Taxpayers always pick up the tab. Preferably federal taxpayers, not Alberat taxpayers. Then she will blame the feds for not giving enough money. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Alberta government may help pay for energy cleanup (National Observer)

2024.09.15 While EVs aren't perfect, it's worth noting that not every criticism of them is true.

4 more myths about EVs that are surprisingly not true (TCD)

2024.09.12 Big fossil fuels still controls mainstream media and uses it to stifle opposition and spread disinformation, but opposition is gaining.

Big oil faces a rising number of climate-focused lawsuits, report finds (The Gurardian)

2024.09.12 Louis DeJoy has actively impeded this transition while heading USPS; just one more reason he has to be fired.

US Postal Service electric trucks are finally here and drivers love them (Electrek)

2024.09.11 Home batteries mean power when the grid fails, less money spent on wires infrastructure and transformers, and a step toward home-made, low-cost renewable electricity, and lower electricity costs for communities via virtual power plants.

Much better than "Vehicle to Grid" fantasy because when the power is needed (typically late afternoon to early evening, home batteries won't be stuck in traffic, but will be available and connected when called upon.
With a million home batteries, we could build far fewer power lines. We just need the right incentives (The Conversation)

2024.09.11 EVs are the future of ground transportation because batteries keep getting better and less expensive. Not trues for fossil fuels or hydrogen.

EV Battery News Just Keeps Getting Better & Better (CleanTechnica)

2024.09.11 Growth in renewables is real worldwide, but we have not beaten the fossil fuels beast that is killing us - yet.

World Solar PV Installations to Grow to ~600 Gigawatts This Year (CleanTechnica)

2024.09.11 "The global financial system is still fundamentally at odds with climate goals, as it continues to entrench high-carbon development pathways."

How "greenlaundering" conceals the full scale of fossil fuel financing (Tax Justice Network)

2024.09.10 “These are people we should be protecting, but are seen by governments and corporations as a threat to be neutralised. In the end it’s about power and economics.”

Rich countries silencing climate protest while preaching about rights elsewhere, says study (The Guardian)

2024.09.10 (US) There are headlines (nobody buying EVs anymore), and there's data. Trust the data.

EV sales have not fallen, cooled, slowed or slumped. Stop lying in headlines. (Electrek)

2024.09.10 (Canada) There are headlines (nobody buying EVs anymore), and there's data. Trust the data.

Canadian quarterly EV sales set records, defying global trends (Yahoo Finance)

2024.09.10 If you are looking to save money on vehicle operating costs, perhaps you should consider a used EV.

Tesla Model 3 Prices Dropping Like A 'Lead Balloon,' Says Study (InsideEVs)
This is a U.S. story, but as new EV prices drop (with battery prices), used EV prices are also falling. Couple that with reduced fuel costs (our EVs fuel cost is about C$0.004 per km) with Ontario ULO rates), reduced maintenance costs (regen braking saves mechanical brake wear, no ignition system, no exhaust system ...), and typically lower insurance rates, that's a recipe for savings if you're in the market for new-to-you wheels anyway.
Pro tip: find a mechanic that knows the vehicle you are considering - even if at the dealership - to do a pre-purchase inspection before getting serious about any used vehicle, including EVs and hybrids.

2024.09.10 If we took climate change seriously and wanted to survive, we would make methane reduction the priority.

One of the most potent greenhouse gases is rising faster than ever (Washington Post)

2024.09.09 CCUS reality: it's greenwashing. It has not worked to date per hype, and it's primary function is to produce more oil (EOR).

Opinion: What you won't hear about carbon capture at this week's Edmonton convention (Edmonton Journal)

2024.09.06 Good news: Canadian politician has to change his climate change stripes to be electable. Bad news: mainstream media isn't calling him on it.

BC Conservative leader John Rustad's about-face on climate change is hard to believe (National Observer)

2024.09.04 Want to bring new customers into your town's commercial centre and revitalize local businesses? Install EV charging stations.

Effects of electric vehicle charging stations on the economic vitality of local businesses (nature communications)

Past blog pages:
2019: May    June    July    August    September    October    November    December   
2020: January    February    March    April    May    June    July [COVID gap]
2021: [COVID gap] October-December
2022: January-February    March    April    May-August    September    October    November-December
2023: January    February    March-April    May-July    August-September    October-November    December
2024: January    February    March    April    May    June    July    August    September   

You can find many earlier postings (going back to year 2000) related to climate change at:
Keith's List Archive and
the Sustainable Biofuel List Mail Archive.

I present a lot of information in this blog and on this website. If you need some help sorting through the noise level and getting a forward-looking, proactive approach to climate change for your business, I can do that work for you via my consulting business. Contact