Month: April 2024

Apr 26

Robotic Dog Dressed as a Fox Saves Animals Lives…by Chasing Them?

Of all Boston Dynamics’ deployed robots, this one may have the strangest assignment.

Aurora has a tough life. The little robotic dog was built by Boston Dynamics and spent years learning to traverse all kinds of terrain. Then he was shipped from New England to Fairbanks, Alaska. When he arrived, he was immediately pressed into service, walking the rounds outdoors.

You might think this is a good thing, a chance for Aurora to meet some real life canines and other critters in the wild north. But you’d be wrong. See, Aurora’s new employers designed fur-like graphics so they could dress him up as a fox or coyote. This poor little robot’s job is to scare away any animal he encounters.

Aurora spends all day and night patrolling the highways. It’s especially important he scare migrating birds away from their nests. But if he encounters moose or bear, he’s supposed to chase them until they run away too. There’s one silver lining for Aurora: he’s doing this all to save their lives.

The view of Fairbanks International Airport from the air
Fairbanks International Airport | Alaska Air

See Aurora’s new home is the Fairbanks International Airport. His new people are the Alaska Department of Transportation. Alaska is the state with the most fatal airplane crashes per capita, and one reason is birds living near runways striking small planes during takeoff.

The DoT has tried all kinds of strategies to keep Alaskan runways clear. It has installed speakers playing loud noises on loop. It has shot at nearby animals with nonlethal paintball guns. It has unleashed pigs to eat bird eggs. It has even set up drones to spray the area with grape juice which the animals don’t like. But nothing worked, nothing until Aurora.

So next time Alaskans land or take off in Fairbanks safely, they can thank the brave little robot, patrolling through the snow and ice, night and day, just to keep the runways clear.

Apr 26

Toyota’s $1.4 Billion Boost for Electric SUV Production in Indiana

Toyota’s Strategic Expansion in Indiana

Toyota is advancing its electric vehicle strategy with a significant $1.4 billion investment into its Indiana manufacturing facility to prepare for the production of a new three-row battery-electric SUV. This initiative will not only expand the plant’s capabilities but also create 340 new jobs, increasing Toyota’s total investment in this location to an impressive $8 billion. The expansion underscores Toyota’s commitment to enhancing its manufacturing footprint in the U.S. and transitioning towards more sustainable vehicle options.

Enhancing Production with Advanced Technology

The Indiana facility will see the addition of a new battery pack assembly line that will utilize lithium-ion batteries from Toyota Battery Manufacturing in North Carolina, another major investment set to start production in 2025. Tim Hollander, president of Toyota Indiana, emphasized the company’s dedication to maintaining high standards, stating that the team is focused on delivering the new electric SUV with the same level of quality and performance Toyota’s customers have come to expect. This facility is already a significant production hub, home to over 7,500 team members assembling popular models such as the Toyota Sienna, Highlander, Grand Highlander, and the Lexus TX.

Broader Impact and Future Projections

Toyota’s Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing and Electrification

With Toyota’s ongoing strategy to increase battery electric vehicle (BEV) production in the United States, this new investment is part of a broader $18.6 billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing operations aimed at supporting the company’s electrification efforts. Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb praised the deepening partnership, noting that the collaboration between Indiana and Toyota has spurred job stability and economic opportunities in the Princeton area and beyond for nearly three decades. This latest investment follows a similar $1.3 billion infusion into Toyota’s Kentucky facility, marking a continued commitment to expanding the company’s electric vehicle production capacity in the U.S. and reinforcing its leadership in the automotive industry’s shift towards electrification.

Apr 26

Kim Jong Un Showcases New Toyota SUVs in Military Convoy, Despite Sanctions

North Korean Leader’s Latest Display of Prohibited Luxury

In a striking display of defiance against international sanctions, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was recently seen with six new Toyota SUVs. These vehicles were part of an extensive 18-vehicle convoy that included the modified Toyota Land Cruiser 300s, which appeared during his visit to North Korea’s premier military university. The SUVs, notable for their removed brand logos and added flashing lights, highlighted an ongoing challenge in enforcing U.N. sanctions.

Circumventing Sanctions with Luxury Vehicles

This incident underscores North Korea’s continued ability to circumvent U.N. sanctions that explicitly prohibit the import of luxury vehicles into the country. The sanctions, aimed at curtailing Pyongyang’s procurement of luxury goods, have been in place since 2017 but appear to be routinely flouted by the regime. The public display of these high-end vehicles not only showcases the regime’s resilience against international pressures but also raises questions about the efficacy of the sanctions and the channels through which these vehicles were acquired.

Broader Implications and International Response

Implications of Sanction Evasion for Global Security

Kim Jong Un’s use of luxury vehicles from a prominent Japanese brand in such a public setting sends a bold message about the limitations of current international sanctions. This act of defiance may prompt a reassessment of how sanctions are enforced and the mechanisms in place to prevent such breaches. Moreover, it serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in diplomatic relations and sanction enforcement on the global stage, where political will and international cooperation play crucial roles.

Apr 26

Routine Vehicle Check Leads to Drug Arrests and Theft Charges in Hot Springs

Suspicious Vehicle Inspection Escalates to Arrests

In Hot Springs, a routine check of a suspicious SUV parked illegally on a fire service road culminated in significant legal repercussions for two individuals. On Wednesday morning, local law enforcement arrested a woman from Hot Springs on serious drug-related charges and a man from Pearcy for an outstanding felony theft warrant. The arrests occurred after authorities spotted the vehicle in a restricted area, prompting a closer examination.

Details of the Incident and Charges

The suspects, identified as Michael Wayne Simpson, 42, and Crystal Lyn Bearden, 44, were apprehended around 8 a.m. near Plemmons Terrace. Simpson faced charges related to a previous theft of over $2,000 worth of goods from a local home improvement store. Concurrently, Bearden was charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, each offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six years in prison.

Background and Legal Proceedings

Past Convictions and Ongoing Legal Battles

Both Simpson and Bearden have histories of legal issues, with Simpson having prior convictions for meth possession and pending charges for meth delivery and conspiracy. Bearden’s criminal record includes convictions for drug offenses and robbery, leading to various prison sentences over the years. The recent incident further complicates their legal situations, as they were found with substances and paraphernalia during the vehicle inspection, leading to immediate legal action and their continued detention awaiting court proceedings scheduled for early June.

These arrests highlight ongoing challenges in tackling drug abuse and theft within the community, demonstrating the critical role of routine patrols and checks in maintaining public safety and enforcing the law.

Apr 22

Tragic Accident in Bengaluru: Toddler Fatally Injured by SUV Driven by Father

Heartbreaking Incident in Agara Village

In a devastating turn of events, a toddler was fatally run over by an SUV driven by her own father in Agara village, part of Bengaluru’s HSR Layout. The accident occurred late Sunday night right in front of their home. This tragic incident unfolded shortly after the family had returned from a wedding celebration in Channapatna, marking a sorrowful end to their day.

Circumstances Leading to the Tragedy

The young girl, identified as one-and-a-half-year-old Shazia Jannat, had just alighted from the vehicle along with her mother and other family members. While standing near the SUV, her father, unaware of her position near the vehicle, began to drive away, tragically running over her with the offside wheel. The father only realized the heartbreaking accident after being alerted by other family members.

Legal Consequences and Community Impact

Investigation and Aftermath

Following the incident, which was recorded on a nearby building’s CCTV system, local authorities were quick to respond. The HSR Layout traffic police have registered a case against the father for causing death by negligence under IPC section 304 A. He was subsequently arrested and later released on bail. This incident has not only caused immense grief to the family but also raised concerns about vehicle safety and awareness in residential areas, highlighting the critical need for caution and vigilance to prevent such accidents in the future.

Apr 22

U.S. Non-Tesla EV Sales Slowed Down In Q1 2024, But There Are Some Clear Winners

Ford is the only brand besides Tesla that sold over 20,000 EVs. Kia, BMW and Hyundai exceeded 10,000, while Cadillac’s EV share surged.

With the first quarter of 2024 behind us, it’s time to look at how electric vehicle sales are faring in the U.S. amid what many believe to be a slowdown in the rate of EV adoption. And while it has slowed down in some ways, several brands with strong EV games are doing well anyway—and there are a few surprise winners here too.

According to sales data analyzed by InsideEVs, during Q1 2024, the 19 brands we examined below sold over 102,000 all-electric vehicles. For this group, it’s the third-highest quarterly result ever. However, the year-over-year increase amounted to 18%, which is the slowest result for the group in a few years.

It is also crucial to note that this data looks at non-Tesla EV sales; you can find that company’s latest results here.

BEV sales surged in 2023

In 2023, all-electric car sales increased to about 1.1 million units (estimated). Out of that, no less than 450,000 were sold by traditional carmakers (up 83% compared to 2022). 2024 is predicted to be a potentially slower year as many consumers wait for more charging, cheaper options and new battery technologies to take off.

This group of non-Tesla brands includes traditional carmakers that report their all-electric car sales in the U.S., like Audi, BMW, General Motors’ BrightDrop delivery van division, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

Not all manufacturers report their sales results in the U.S., especially the newer companies like Tesla, Rivian, Polestar, Lucid, Fisker and VinFast. They do not break out sales by country or region so their figures can’t be included in this report. They are also 100% electric already.

new-all-electric-car-sales-in-q1-2024-us-select-19-brands

Several non-Tesla brands are missing from the group. Additionally, assuming that Tesla represents roughly half of all EV sales in the U.S. (probably well over 100,000) we can estimate that the U.S. total EV sales in Q1 were somewhere between 225,000-250,000.

EV Sales By Brands – Q1 2024

In Q1, just like in Q3 2023 and Q4 2023, Ford sold more all-electric vehicles (20,223) than any other non-Tesla brand in the U.S. It was the only result above 20,000 within the group.

Only three other brands exceeded a level of 10,000: Kia (11,412), BMW (10,713) and Hyundai (at least 10,468). In the case of Hyundai, we don’t have the number for the Hyundai Kona Electric, as its sales are lumped in with the gas-powered Kona.

A fifth-position finish for Chevrolet is a disappointment, but we know that the brand’s ramp-up issues with the Ultium platform, followed by software issues, played a role here. The brand no longer produces the popular Chevrolet Bolt EV/Bolt EUV duo, which underpinned most of its EV sales in 2023.

Overall, we can see a strong position for many premium brands, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz and most recently Cadillac.

new-electric-car-sales-in-q1-2024-us

* Excludes Tesla and other brands for which data was not available

** Hyundai sales without the Hyundai Kona Electric model

Now let’s look at the share of EVs out of the automaker’s total sales. This shows how advanced a carmaker is on its electrification journey to become 100% electric someday.

The list of brands includes only traditional ones, for which data is available. Brands that sell only all-electric cars are excluded because their share is always 100 percent.

In Q1, the highest EV share was achieved by Cadillac at 16.4%. It was a bit surprising but a very positive outcome for General Motors’s luxury arm. Cadillac’s EV share noticeably exceeded several German luxury brands (Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) that all had 12+ percent results.

Volkswagen continued to be the number one mainstream brand in terms of EV share (7.5%), followed by Kia (6.4%), Hyundai (at least 5.7%) and Ford (4.2%). Chevrolet noted 2.2%.

all-electric-car-share-in-total-new-sales-in-q1-2024-us-b

* Excludes Tesla and other brands for which data was not available

** Hyundai sales without the Hyundai Kona Electric model

*** Mercedes-Benz (excluding vans)

For reference, the U.S. average EV share for traditional brands might be estimated at over 3% (assuming roughly 7% average EV market share, when including Tesla and other all-electric brands).

Stay tuned for more data on which brand is the most electrified; a separate report for automotive groups is coming next. If you are interested in seeing more detailed sales results for the individual brands, please check our previous reports:

Apr 22

Four tons of gravel spill when an SUV makes a bad lane change

Four tons of gravel spill when an SUV makes a bad lane change into a semi truck at an intersection.

The accident happened on SR 56 east of Interstate 75 in Wesley Chapel, Florida on Monday, April 22nd, reported News Channel 8.

In the video, the SUV and the truck hauling gravel are both approaching an intersection when the SUV just smacks right into the semi truck. The force of the impact sends both vehicles skidding and the truck overturns in the middle of the intersection, spilling almost four tons of gravel.

Both the 78-year-old motorist and the 59-year-old trucker sustained only minor injuries in the crash.

Watch the video of the incident, below.

Apr 22

2024 Mazda3 Turbo AWD Premium Review: A Standout Choice in Modern Compact Cars

Introduction to the 2024 Mazda3 Turbo AWD Premium

The automotive landscape has undergone significant changes over the past two decades, with many once-beloved models disappearing from the market. Amidst this decline, a few exceptional vehicles continue to shine, primarily crafted by Asian and European manufacturers. Among these, the Mazda3 stands out as a compact vehicle available in both hatchback and sedan forms. Our focus was on the hatchback version, which remains a popular choice among consumers and a model we were eager to explore in depth thanks to Mazda’s excellent support.

Performance and Driving Experience

The 2024 Mazda3 Turbo AWD Premium positions itself as a top choice for driving enthusiasts who prefer the agility and fun of a compact car over a crossover like the CX-30, despite similar pricing and features. The Mazda3 offers superior handling, making it a more thrilling drive. It is equipped with a robust powertrain that includes a 310 lb-ft of torque engine and over 200 horsepower, managed through a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. Though it starts somewhat sluggishly due to a tall first gear, engaging Sport mode alleviates this, enhancing the driving dynamics significantly.

Technology and Special Features

In terms of technology, the Mazda3 Turbo AWD Premium features a large infotainment screen operated by a rotary mouse, which some may find less intuitive than touch-based interfaces. The system includes functionalities like wireless Android Auto, although it requires activation at each start. The vehicle also boasts a high-quality head-up display, enhancing the driving experience with adjustable settings easily accessed through the menu. Uniquely, the Mazda3 includes a spare tire stored under the cargo floor—a rare find in sporty, premium vehicles today.

Conclusion: The Allure of the Mazda3 Turbo AWD Premium

The Mazda3 Turbo AWD Premium emerges not just as a car but as a refined experience that rivals luxury brands like Audi and Acura. This model encapsulates the essence of what a compact should offer: luxury features, engaging performance, and a commitment to driving pleasure. For those uninterested in the burgeoning subcompact crossover market, the Mazda3 presents an unrivaled alternative, cementing its status as a hidden gem in today’s automotive market.

Apr 22

Charging Speed Vs. Charging Power: What’s The Difference?

The concepts of charging power and charging speed are intrinsically linked, but they aren’t interchangeable and can be confused.

When talking about how quickly an electric vehicle replenishes its battery, two different concepts need to be examined. The first is the maximum charging power, measured in kilowatts (kW), and the second is the charging speed, which measures how many miles of range are added in an hour.

Put simply, you can liken charging power to the rate at which water flows through a hose while charging speed is the rate at which it can fill a barrel. So, when talking about charging power, we’re referring to the rate at which energy is being transferred into an EV’s battery pack. The higher the power, the quicker the vehicle will charge, and the less time you will have to spend waiting for it to finish charging.

Charging power and speed are connected but different

Charging power is how much juice an EV can put into its battery pack while charging speed is how quickly it can add miles of range.

Charging power is a straightforward concept (you get it by multiplying voltage and amperage), and manufacturers list this as one of the headline figures to help sell an EV. Even though most buyers rarely see the maximum advertised charging power because many conditions need to be met for it to be achieved, the fact that their vehicle can charge at, say, 350 kW will help seal the deal and ensure charging station bragging rights.

The fastest way to charge an EV is by using a Level 3 DC (direct current) fast charger, whose power typically ranges between 50 and 350 kW. You can find this type of charger only at a public charging station, and you can’t have one installed in your garage because its power requirement is very high, it needs a strong electrical connection to the grid, and it’s very expensive.

You can install a Level 2 AC (alternating current) charger, though, whose power rating ranges from about 3 kW to 19.2 kW (or 22 kW in Europe). For anything over 11 kW, you will need a special three-phase electrical connection, which isn’t cheap to install, and your local electricity grid may not even be able to support it. But even a 7 kW charger is enough for an overnight top-up.

Charging speed is not as simple to calculate as power because it depends on several factors. The most important factor is charging power, but the size and state of charge of the battery pack being charged are also important. The EV’s battery thermal management system and outside temperature and battery temperature also play a role in how many miles of range can be added in an hour.

Calculating how many miles of range are gained from a certain number of kilowatt hours added also depends on how efficient an EV is. For instance, adding 50 kW in an hour to the battery of a small EV that is light and frugal and charging it almost fully will add significantly more miles than adding 50 kWh to the battery of a big, thirsty pickup truck whose capacity is closer to 200 kWh.

Many smaller EVs with battery packs of 50–60 kWh don’t need the fastest charging power since their batteries can be replenished fairly quickly, even at 50–100 kW. However, if a truck with a big battery like the Chevrolet Silverado EV had that kind of maximum charging power, you would have to wait around for hours to charge it, even when plugged into a station that could deliver the maximum power that it could take.

Apr 22

Tragic Skateboarding Accident Involving Multnomah County SUV Results in Critical Injuries

Accident Details

Early Saturday morning, a grave accident occurred when Zane Everson, a 29-year-old skateboarder, collided with a Multnomah County SUV. The incident took place on NE Corbett Hill Road near Reed Road, where it’s reported that Everson lost his balance while turning a curve, unintentionally crossing into the opposite lane and striking the SUV. The Oregon State Police are actively investigating this incident, which underscores the significant risks skateboarders face on public roadways.

Response to the Accident

Everson was urgently airlifted to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) via Life Flight, indicating the critical nature of his injuries. As of now, details about his condition remain sparse, pending further updates. Meanwhile, the SUV driver was found to be unharmed, and the vehicle involved was not significantly damaged, eliminating the need for towing.

Broader Safety Implications

Evaluating Road Safety for Non-Motorized Users

This distressing event acts as a critical reminder of the inherent dangers present when different modes of transportation share the same road space. It highlights an urgent need for increased vigilance and improved safety protocols to protect vulnerable road users like skateboarders. Moving forward, there may be a push for stricter safety regulations and enhancements to road design, especially in areas frequented by pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles, to prevent future tragedies and ensure safer roads for everyone.