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One Atmospheric Nuclear Explosion Could Take Out the Power Grid

Cars That Think

Military and non-proliferation experts are worried about the growing temptation by nuclear-armed countries to engage in a first-strike EMP attack using nuclear weapons that, while avoiding direct casualties, could prove devastating to electric grids and electronic devices from smartwatches to supercomputers. See the illustration, below.).

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The EV Transition Explained: Can the Grid Cope?

Cars That Think

There have been vigorous debates pro and con in the United States and elsewhere over whether electric grids can support EVs at scale. Policy runs up against engineering reality The situation in Palo Alto is not unique. The answer is a nuanced “perhaps.” This situation is not true universally. million miles of power lines.

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Argonne and University of Illinois to form Midwest Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Coalition

Green Car Congress

The states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North and South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas are home to a quarter of the US population and consume 30% of electric power generated in the US. As a consequence, the Midwestern states have some of the highest levels of renewable energy on their grids.

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NREL researchers point toward building energy efficiency instead of long-term storage

Green Car Congress

An open-access paper on the work, “Optimal Strategies for a Cost-Effective and Reliable 100% Renewable Electrical Grid,” appears in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. Minimizing long-duration storage is a key element in trying to achieve the target cost-effectively. —Sammy Houssainy, co-author. —William Livingood.

Building 186
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DOE announces $139M in funding for 55 projects to advance innovative vehicle technologies

Green Car Congress

Rationally Designed Lithium Ion Batteries Towards Displacing Internal Combustion Engines. e-Mosaic: Electrification Mosaic Platform for Grid- Informed Smart Charging Management. Utility Managed Smart Charging for Consumer and Grid Benefits. Stoichiometric Spark Ignition Propane Engine with Diesel Efficiency Parity.

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CMU county-level study shows plug-ins have larger or smaller lifecycle GHG than gasoline ICE depending on regional factors

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Jeremy Michalek accounted for regional differences in emissions due to marginal grid mix; ambient temperature; patterns of vehicle miles traveled (VMT); and driving conditions (city versus highway). The researchers said this is due to the combined effect of grid carbon intensity, highway driving, and regional temperature.

Gasoline 150
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DOE to award up to $137M for SuperTruck II, Vehicle Technology Office programs

Green Car Congress

will design and develop a new more-efficient engine and advanced drivetrain and vehicle technologies. will design and develop a vehicle and powertrain with electrified engine components that can enable higher engine efficiency and a significantly more aerodynamically reengineered cab. Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station.

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