electric vehicles
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Innovative Sulfur Chemistry Boosts Battery Performance
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A new battery design leverages unusual sulfur chemistry, where sulfur at the cathode forms sulfur tetrachloride by stealing chloride from the electrolyte during discharge. This process allows electrons to flow into the anode, combining with sodium to form a layer of sodium metal on aluminum. The battery is stabilized by separating electrodes with glass fiber and using porous carbon to prevent sulfur tetrachloride diffusion. It demonstrates impressive stability, surviving 1,400 cycles and maintaining over 95% charge when idle for 400 days, with an energy density potentially exceeding 2,000 Wh/kg. The estimated cost of $5 per kilowatt-hour is significantly lower than current sodium batteries, offering a promising, cost-effective alternative if scalable for manufacturing. This matters because it presents a potential breakthrough in battery technology, providing a more affordable and efficient energy storage solution.
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Sony’s Afeela 1: AI-Driven Electric Vehicle
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Sony Honda Mobility is introducing the Afeela 1, an electric vehicle with a starting price of $89,900, available for order in California. Unlike the Vision-S, the Afeela 1 and its crossover prototype focus on advanced AI features rather than distinct design differences. The AI technology aims to enhance the vehicle's partially automated driver assist system to achieve more autonomous driving capabilities, transforming the car's interior into a "Creative Entertainment Space." This development emphasizes the integration of AI to create personalized and interactive experiences while addressing privacy concerns. Why this matters: Advancements in AI-driven autonomous vehicles promise to revolutionize personal transportation by enhancing safety, convenience, and the overall driving experience.
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Uber’s New Robotaxi Unveiled at CES 2026
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Uber, Lucid Motors, and Nuro have unveiled a new robotaxi, built on the Lucid Gravity SUV, at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show. This autonomous vehicle, which Uber plans to launch commercially in the San Francisco Bay Area later this year, features advanced technology including high-resolution cameras, solid state lidar sensors, and Nvidia’s Drive AGX Thor computer for autonomy. The robotaxi's design includes a user interface with screens displaying ride information and controls, similar to Waymo's vehicles. While Lucid has faced past software challenges, the partnership aims to overcome these as production ramps up at Lucid's Arizona factory. This matters because it marks a significant step towards the widespread adoption of autonomous transportation, potentially transforming urban mobility.
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AI Model Predicts EV Charging Port Availability
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A simple AI model has been developed to predict the availability of electric vehicle (EV) charging ports, aiming to reduce range anxiety for EV users. The model was rigorously tested against a strong baseline that assumes no change in port availability, which is often accurate due to the low frequency of changes in port status. By focusing on mean squared error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) as key metrics, the model assesses the likelihood of at least one port being available, a critical factor for EV users planning their charging stops. This advancement matters as it enhances the reliability of EV charging infrastructure, potentially increasing consumer confidence in electric vehicles.