Volt Vibes #2
We’ve got tales of high-voltage heists, company chaos, military maneuvers, and a motor that might just turbocharge the whole EV scene. Get ready for a ride on the wild side of electric and autonomous
Shocking announcements from Waymo, Kia, the U.S. Department of Defence, Mercedes and more.
Self-Diving Cars Hit the Battlefield
The military is eyeing self-driving technology for off-road applications. Companies like Overland AI and Potential are leading the charge, aiming to remove human operators for safety and tactical advantages. As drone warfare heats up, autonomous vehicles are set to play a crucial role.
Kia’s Electric California Dreams
Kia's latest electric pickup, spotted in California, looks a lot like the F-150 Lightning. Announced during their 2022 investor day, Kia plans to launch two EVs a year until their lineup is fully electric by 2027. April was a record-breaking month with 1,572 Kia EV9s sold, a 144% year-over-year increase.
Revolution in Motion: The EV Motor to Watch
Mercedes is shaking things up with the YASA axial-flux motor, used in high-end cars like Lamborghini, McLaren, and Ferrari. These motors are lighter, more powerful, and designed to fit within vehicle wheels. With a quarter of the weight and a quarter more power compared to Tesla motors, the axial vs. radial flux motor showdown is just beginning.
Copper Crooks Crack Down on Chargers
2024 has seen a surge in EV charger theft. Across the US, hundreds of Level 2 and DC fast charging stalls have been targeted by vandals eager to strip the copper wiring. Fresno, California, has been hit hard with 50 out of 88 charging units vandalized. To combat this, the city is installing custom cabinets around each unit. Stay vigilant out there!
Waymo Woes as Feds Step In Over Safety Scuff
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a probe into Waymo, the autonomous driving company owned by Alphabet Inc., after a series of crashes and traffic violations. With 17 incidents reported, including crashes and fires, Waymo's 50,000 weekly trips are now under the federal microscope.
📚 Resources for the Brave and Curious
EV Charging Reports & Guides:
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That's it for this week's electrifying EV and autonomous vehicle breakdown. Expect more badass updates every week, so subscribe and follow me at @ian_socrates on X.com.