Maglev Monitor
Saturday Evening Repost (2025-07-19) Miscellaneous & Various Items
Interesting and background stories. All these less-important stories are in two semi-weekly e-mails, so each of you is not bothered by a lot of e-mails, and you can select which you want to read, and which you choose to ignore. This "MagLev Monitor" is issued late Saturday as this Saturday Evening Repost (SER), and also Wednesday morning as the Midweek Morning MagLev Messenger (4M).
This edition is almost completely dedicated to Electric Vehicles (EVs), a technology in competition with P/D MagLev for long-distance travel. Back to MagLev rail on Wednesday.
This newsletter usually covers Superconducting MagLev, and more. It also covers competing technologies, such as EVs, hydrogen, and aviation, plus related technologies. We won't forget the past, covering classic railways, and what lessons they can give us. And, of course, the Jigsaw Puzzles, for fun.
Real Reasons Why Drivers Are Turning Their Backs on Electric Vehicles
https://moovit.com/stories/en/real-electric-turning-drivers
IMHO — I think this article is biased, or maybe just out-of-date — the article is undated. Notice that many of the pictures of EVs are subcompact or ultra-subcompact. Recent research has indicated that EV batteries are more resilient than what had been supposed; and also that total maintenance costs for EVs are lower than for ICE vehicles. I think that the EV industry is making strides in reducing many of these problems. As for "Towing & Hauling Limitations" — maybe I should ask my neighbor with a brand-new Hummer EV about it.
The chief value in this article is that it provides a list of real and perceived problems with EVs.
5 ways maintaining an EV is different than other cars
Learn more about what goes into EV maintenance before switching to the electric side of the automotive industry.
https://qz.com/how-electric-vehicle-maintenance-differs-cars-evs
The Math Is In: EVs Are Cleaner Than Gas, And It's Not Even Close
Plus, investors tell Tesla to set a date for its overdue shareholder meeting and Ford readies its biggest EV fire sale yet.
https://insideevs.com/news/765337/ev-cleaner-gas-emissions-lifetime/
Told-ya so!
Here’s What It Costs To Charge a Tesla Monthly vs. Using Gas for a Nissan Altima
https://www.aol.com/costs-charge-tesla-monthly-vs-151200734.html
Here’s What It Costs To Charge a Tesla Monthly vs. Using Gas for a Nissan Altima - AOL
Caption: “FWD Models (32 MPG combined): 1,000 miles ÷ 32 MPG = 31.25 gallons per month 31.25 gallons x $3.50 average = $109 per month AWD Models (30 MPG combined): 1,000 miles ÷ 30 MPG = 33.3 gallons per ...” (www.aol.com)
Tesla begins testing revolutionary new feature for Supercharger stations: 'If we get this right, it will be a big improvement'
It's unclear at this point how Tesla plans to integrate the feature.
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/tesla-virtual-queue-supercharger-charging/
Caption: “Tesla is rolling out a new feature for its Superchargers to enable drivers to get in and out of the coveted charging stations more quickly. According to Not a Tesla App, the EV company has begun testing a virtual queue to ensure that waits and lines at the stations move fast and efficiently. Pressure testing virtual queuing with the awesome @TeslaCharging teams, including for corner cases ...” (www.thecooldown.com)
Virtual queue.
New EV battery tech could power cars for up to 1 million kilometers
New single-crystal battery design may allow EVs to last 1 million kilometers while reducing waste and environmental damage.
New EV battery tech could power cars for up to 1 million kilometers
Caption: “Electric vehicles are redefining transportation, but battery lifespan remains a key hurdle. Lithium-ion batteries, the backbone of most EVs, degrade over time. This leads to costly replacements and growing environmental concerns. But a new breakthrough in battery design might pave the way for batteries that last up to one million kilometers without needing to be swapped out.” (www.thebrighterside.news)
This looks like it was a technical paper rewritten for a popular audience, and there's nothing wrong with that.
“This Battery Leaves Everything Else in the Dust”: New Tech Delivers 12-Minute Charging and 310,000-Mile Lifespan, Catapulting Electric Cars Into a New Era
In a groundbreaking development poised to reshape the electric vehicle industry, . . . the Edge574 Blade Cell, a revolutionary battery promising ultra-fast charging and unprecedented longevity.
Caption: “IN A NUTSHELL 🔋 Edge574 Blade Cell offers ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% in just 12 minutes, transforming electric vehicle convenience. 🌍 With a lifespan of 310,000 miles, the battery reduces environmental impact by minimizing replacements and waste. 💡 Innovative LFP technology enhances stability, durability, and safety, pushing battery performance to new heights. ️ Operates ...” (www.energy-reporters.com)
Energy experts reveal the best way to charge your EV: 'It's undeniable'
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/energy-experts-reveal-best-way-040500165.html
Energy experts reveal the best way to charge your EV: 'It's undeniable' - Yahoo
Caption: “Whether you already have an EV or you're considering getting one, incorporating solar panels into your home charging setup will create the most affordable, efficient, and clean charging experience ...” (www.yahoo.com)
Charge at home using solar panels.
“We’ve Ended Range Anxiety Forever”: US Engineers Reveal EV Battery That Delivers a Complete Charge in Just 12 Minutes, Disrupting the Auto Industry Overnight
In a groundbreaking development poised to redefine the electric vehicle industry, researchers have unveiled a new lithium-sulfur battery technology that promises to drastically reduce charging times and increase energy efficiency, potentially transforming the future of sustainable transportation.
Caption: “Central to the lithium-sulfur battery design is the use of a sulfur cathode combined with a metallic lithium anode. This combination boasts a theoretical capacity of up to 2,600 watt-hours per kilogram—nearly ten times that of conventional lithium-ion cells. This innovation could result in significantly longer ranges for electric vehicles, effectively eliminating range anxiety for consumers ...” (www.energy-reporters.com)
IMHO — This article is hyping a new technology that shows a lot of promise, but is still not ready for prime-time. However, it is one kind of new chemistry that I feel will make EVs much better in the future.
Tesla shakes automotive world with announcement regarding major US facility: 'Nearing completion'
"The importance of this business … is pretty profound."
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-business/tesla-lfp-battery-factory-nevada/
Caption: “Tesla is moving closer to opening its first lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery factory in the United States. The company recently posted a video on X of the factory, located in Sparks, Nevada. In the caption, Tesla said it is "nearing completion" of the facility, which Not a Tesla App reported will manufacture battery cells for Tesla energy projects such as Megapack and Powerwall. Nearing ...” (www.thecooldown.com)
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries
New study reveals unexpected side effect of having more electric vehicles on road: 'It's not just the tailpipe'
"So EVs create a lot less of the worse thing, and a little more of the less-bad thing."
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/ev-brake-dust-pollution-electric-vehicles/
Caption: “Getting more electric vehicles on the road means less pollution and cleaner air. New research now reveals that EVs don't just reduce exhaust emissions but also cut down on brake dust pollution. According to a report by Electrek, a new study has provided quantitative evidence underscoring how battery- electric vehicles (BEVs) reduce the amount of brake dust generated. Conducted by EIT Urban ...” (www.thecooldown.com)
Less brake dust.
Revolutionary New EV Charging Plans for US Revealed
https://www.newsweek.com/revolutionary-new-ev-charging-plans-us-revealed-2090508
Meet The New, 1,341-Horsepower Mercedes Sports Car
Caption: “New efforts by a German automaker will make charging an electric vehicle on the go ‘intuitive, intelligent and effortless.’” (www.newsweek.com)
High-power charging.
The Lucid Air just broke the world record for the longest EV journey on a single charge – across three countries without stopping
The sleek Grand Touring model managed almost 750 miles
Caption: “Lucid claims that Sabanci’s endeavor beat the previous record by around 100 miles and added a mind-boggling 237 miles to the vehicle’s official WLTP range. This was made possible by some very ...” (www.techradar.com)
Used regenerative braking.
Related article:
Three Years Of Daily Driving My 2022 Lucid Air Through The Rockies Taught Me An EV Secret, I Used 20% Battery Climbing 40 Miles Up A Mountain, Then Recovered Over 110 Miles Going Down
He drove his Lucid Air 71,000 miles through the Rockies and discovered an EV secret: climbing mountains drains the battery, but descending can recover over 100 miles of range.
Caption: “He drove his Lucid Air 71,000 miles through the Rockies and discovered an EV secret: climbing mountains drains the battery, but descending can recover over 100 miles of range.” (www.torquenews.com)
Maybe I'll buy a Lucid — when I get the money.
Auto expert recommends the best next-gen EVs to replace your Tesla: 'Time to start recommending … alternatives'
The good news is that now is a great time to sell your used EV, which could make upgrading to a new model relatively easy.
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-business/tesla-models-alternatives-ev-car-cost/
Caption: “Auto expert recommends the best next-gen EVs to replace your Tesla ...” (www.thecooldown.com)
Maybe the used-EV market is not as bad as the lead-off article makes it out to be.
Tesla is in deeper trouble than you think
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/08/business/tesla-troubled-financial-outlook
Tesla’s troubles are deeper than you think | CNN Business
Caption: “Tesla’s troubles go far beyond CEO Elon Musk’s recent dust-up with President Donald Trump, who accused the former ‘first buddy’ of going ‘completely off the rails’” in a social ...” (www.cnn.com)
Latest Sales Data Reveal Clear Winners And Losers in a Messy EV Market
Electric vehicle sales were all over the map in Q2. One automaker soared. The others? Not so much.
A neighbor of mine owns one of these Hummer EVs.
Honda pulls the plug on its larger electric SUV, but that’s not all
https://electrek.co/2025/07/07/honda-pulls-plug-on-larger-electric-suv/
Honda pulls the plug on its larger electric SUV
Caption: “Honda’s larger electric SUV was due to be released around 2027, about the same time as Ford and Toyota’s three-row EV SUVs. The upcoming Honda 0 Series electric SUV and sedan are still set to ...” (electrek.co)
IMHO — I had thought that hybrids would merely be a stopgap, a stepping stone to full BEVs (Battery-Electric Vehicles). I think that a combination of range anxiety, the heavy weight of BEV battery packs, and a few lesser considerations has postponed full adoption of BEVs. See the lead-off article. From last Wednesday's MagLev Monitor: "Improving battery technology can result in reduced cost and weight for batteries, less tire wear on EVs, faster charging time, longer battery life, less need for mining of lithium and other metals, plus other benefits."
Goodbye to electric-only cars – BYD reacts to low demand for EVs and launches its most ambitious strategy yet
https://unionrayo.com/en/byd-tesla-evs-hydrogen-vehicles-clean-energy/
Caption: “BYD is shaking up the race against Tesla, Inc. and Elon Musk, not just with any electric vehicle, but by pushing bold moves into plug-in hybrid vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells. With rising consumer curiosity, BYD is teaming up with U.S. Hybrid Corporation and backing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, alongside Robert’s Hawaii. Meanwhile, in response to the European Union, BYD is building ...” (unionrayo.com)
‘China’s car market has lost all reason’ – the country’s largest western carmaker refuses to compete in Tesla and BYD’s EV price war
https://fortune.com/2025/07/15/china-car-market-tesla-byd-price-war-volkswagen-audi-jetta/
Bursting of China’s property bubble triggers EV price war - Fortune
Caption: “VW Group China boss Ralf Brandstätter says he's willing to sacrifice market share during the price war to protect the equity of his company's car brands.” (fortune.com)
Hydrogen breakthrough: New liquid stores clean fuel at room temperature
Researchers at EPFL and Kyoto University have created the first hydride-based deep eutectic solvent.
https://interestingengineering.com/energy/hydrogen-breakthrough-achieved-room-temperature-liquid
Hydrogen breakthrough: New liquid stores clean fuel at room temperature - Interesting Engineering
Caption: “This formulation contains up to 6.9% hydrogen by weight, a metric that exceeds the 2025 target for hydrogen storage materials set by the US Department of Energy. This new substance is the first ...” (interestingengineering.com)
IMHO — This kind of chemistry is the only way to store hydrogen. I'm sure there are, or will be, other chemical combinations along the same lines.
US firm targets 100 billion gallon of jet fuel reduction with green alternative
LanzaJetTM Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) technology is able to create SAF and renewable diesel from waste-based and sustainable ethanol sources.
https://interestingengineering.com/transportation/ethanol-plant-begin-jet-fuel-production
Big iron charging toward the Train Mountain Serpentine grade as the Triennial Event gears up. (0:26)
https://www.facebook.com/reel/716317031333902
I think that's a 4-6-6-4 — twenty wheels altogether. Either that's a mighty small train, or mighty big people.
1897 Roberts electric carriage
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0edf78387a8d
(For the jigsaw puzzle, you can adjust the number of pieces using the "Play as" option at the top right. There is a pause button to the right of the time indicator at the bottom center.)
– Joshua Zev Levin, Ph.D.