article thumbnail

Space-based Solar Power: A Great Idea Whose Time May Never Come

Cars That Think

The scene: A space-based solar power station called the Converter being commissioned some time in the Future. The plot: The astronauts are training Cutie to take over the station’s operations, which involve collecting solar energy in space and then directing it as intense beams of microwaves down to Earth. km-long solar array in orbit.

IDEA 89
article thumbnail

Panasonic cools on idea for third US plant for Tesla batteries

Baua Electric

The 2024 Model 3 / Source: Tesla Panasonic, makers of batteries for Tesla in the US, is delaying its plan to build a third battery plant in North America, according to Reuters. Panasonic now says that the Kansas plant will take its annual battery capacity to 88 GWh a year, with plans to raise that to 200 GWh by early 2031.

IDEA 52
article thumbnail

BLUETTI’s Solar+: Your one-stop solution for solar – with a free battery!

Baua Electric

If you’re looking to save money by transitioning to solar energy and ensure your home is prepared for grid outages and extreme weather, BLUETTI has you covered. BLUETTI, one of the most trusted names in energy storage solutions, has announced the exciting launch of the BLUETTI Solar+ Program for Texas homeowners. It’s a win-win.

Solar 52
article thumbnail

Tesla shows off cool solar range extender trailer with Starlink dish

Teslarati

Tesla appears to have scoffed at the idea, as the team featured a solar-powered range extender trailer as part of its exhibit at the 2022 IdeenExpo in Hanover, Germany. They brought a solar range extender trailer with Starlink. And a Model Y with the 4680 structural battery pack. Next to the Tesla stand is the VW stand.

Solar 145
article thumbnail

Maryland Transit System Gets Solar + Storage Microgrid For Charging Its Electric Buses

CleanTechnica EVs

You can’t use solar power! Who thought any of this was a good idea?? One of the big objections to electric vehicles, and even more to clean energy, is that the power grid isn’t always up. Severe storms? You can’t charge your EV. Sun not shining? How much government cheese is going into this crap?! […].

Maryland 128
article thumbnail

Tesla Cybertruck’s Solar Panel Tonneau Cover comes to life in new patent

Teslarati

However, the design is now hinting toward even more versatility and usefulness as the patent describes the potential use as a solar panel that will provide range for the all-electric truck by capturing the sun’s energy. Will be an option to add solar power that generates 15 miles per day, possibly more.

Solar 145
article thumbnail

Ford receives DOE HPC4Mfg award to optimize process for electrode drying in battery manufacturing

Green Car Congress

Running these experiments on supercomputers instead of in the real world allows manufacturers to test new ideas while saving energy, time, and resources. One of the six awards goes to Ford, to support the development of a high-fidelity CFD model for solvent evaporation and transport in porous structures during battery electrode drying.