The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) in countries like Norway and China is leading to a decrease in the residual value of gasoline and diesel cars, with the author predicting that the US will follow suit within five years. Owners of gas cars are advised to consider the cost savings of switching to a used EV, while car manufacturers are urged to transition away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The importance of considering the total cost of ownership when deciding between a gasoline car and an EV is emphasized, especially as EV prices continue to decrease. The article highlights the need for multiple factors to align for successful electric vehicle adoption in the US by 2031.
Tag: China
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Hyundai Bets Big On Extended-Range Electric Vehicles
EREVs, or extended-range electric vehicles, are gaining popularity in China and now Hyundai is entering the US market with models like the Santa Fe and Genesis offering a combined range of over 600 miles. China requires EREVs to have a battery-only range of at least 62 miles to qualify for incentives. Hyundai also plans to introduce 10 new conventional hybrid models in the US by 2030, aiming for them to make up half of its total sales. Despite the environmental benefits of electric cars, consumer range anxiety remains a barrier to adoption, highlighting the need to address climate change while considering consumer preferences in the automotive industry.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/30/hyundai-bets-big-on-extended-range-electric-vehicles/
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Air-source heat pumps with thermal storage cuts upfront costs by 29.7%
A research team from China's Hebei University of Technology has proposed an innovative air-source heat pump coupled energy storage (ASHPCES) system for buildings, which combines an air-source heat pump with thermal energy storage to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower operating costs. The system stores thermal energy during off-peak electricity tariff periods and uses it during peak demand hours, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to a conventional ASHP system without thermal storage. Using a storage-assisted configuration led to a 21.9 MWh reduction in annual electricity consumption, an 8.8% decrease in carbon emissions, and a 51.4% cut in annual operating costs, with a dynamic payback period of approximately 3.57 years. This approach also reduced the number of heat pump units needed and upfront investment costs, highlighting the benefits of utilizing time-of-use tariffs and peak-valley electricity prices for improved economic and environmental performance.
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For Lagging Automakers: Stop Pouring Money Into The Wrong Powertrains
Legacy automakers like Honda, Toyota, GM, Ford, and Nissan are urged to prioritize investing in electrification and focus on building competitive battery-electric vehicles or partnering for necessary technology to remain competitive in the market. The article suggests reducing spending on traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids in favor of series hybrids/extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) as a better bridge technology. Companies that heavily invest in traditional powertrains may face overcapacity and declining business, while those that concentrate on strong battery-electric vehicles and well-executed series hybrids are more likely to succeed in the evolving auto industry. China's success with EREVs and the availability of purpose-built solutions like the C15 range-extender module offer opportunities for Western companies to adopt more efficient driving experiences with longer electric range.
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Transforming Britain’s Old Coalfields Into Clean Energy Sources
In Gateshead, England, a mine water heat network has been successfully implemented to draw warmth from flooded mine workings, saving 72,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide over 40 years. The system uses a water-source heat pump to extract heat from geothermally warmed water, delivering five to six units of heat for every unit of electricity used. This initiative showcases the potential of utilizing renewable energy sources and existing infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy bills for residents and businesses. The success of similar projects in Canada, the Netherlands, and potentially in northern China highlights the significant climate solution that mine water energy systems can offer if implemented effectively.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/mine-water-heat-gateshead/
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The clean energy transition needs land. Can it help restore it too?
At a UN desertification conference in Mongolia, experts discussed how renewable energy expansion can co-exist with land protection and restoration, showcasing examples such as repurposing degraded mining land in South Africa and combining solar panels with vegetation in China. Renewable energy projects like solar irrigation in India are proving to generate electricity while benefiting agriculture and restoring land. The UN is calling for case studies on successful projects that integrate renewable energy with land, water, biodiversity, and communities to break dependence on fossil fuels while protecting and restoring nature globally. Planning for impactful renewables should consider wider landscape context, biodiversity, and input from local communities to minimize environmental impacts. Discussions are ongoing on how to pursue these goals simultaneously on the same land.
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EVs drive down China’s oil demand as Iran war slogs on
The use of electric vehicles in China has surpassed expectations, displacing 1.5 million barrels of oil a day in the second quarter of the year. This growth is expected to accelerate as the country faces oil supply disruptions due to the U.S.-led war against Iran. The International Energy Agency predicts a structural decline in demand for gasoline and diesel in China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, with a projected 4% decrease in oil demand from 2025 to 2027. Crisis-driven shifts like the Covid-19 pandemic are expected to have long-lasting impacts on oil demand in China.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/evs-drive-down-chinas-oil-demand-as-iran-war-slogs-on/
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China Exports 1 Million Automobiles in a Month … Twice
China's vehicle exports saw a significant increase last month, with over one million electric vehicles exported, more than half of which were plugin vehicles. The surge in "new energy vehicle" deliveries, totaling 553,000 exports in July, contributed to this milestone. Overall vehicle exports from China were slightly up from June and significantly higher compared to the previous year. Additionally, the value of China's automobile product exports to BRI markets saw a significant increase in the first half of the year.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/14/china-exports-1-million-automobiles-in-a-month-twice/
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World’s largest LFP grid-forming goes online in China
China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has connected a 1 GW/4 GWh battery energy storage project, the DongSu project, to the grid, marking it as a major renewable energy region. This project, the world's largest single-site grid-forming LFP battery storage plant, is expected to discharge around 1 TWh of electricity annually. By deploying grid-forming technology at the gigawatt level, the project provides voltage and frequency support to improve grid stability with high penetrations of wind and solar generation. The combination of peak shifting and grid-support functions allows for the accommodation of variable renewable generation and reduces the reliance on conventional synchronous generation for stability services. China's renewable energy plan for 2026-2030 includes an acceleration of grid-forming technology deployment.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/13/worlds-largest-lfp-grid-forming-goes-online-in-china/
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Petrol station converted into flash charging hub as Chinese oil giant partners with EV and battery giant BYD
Sinopec has collaborated with BYD to transform a petrol station in Shanghai into a BYD Ultra-Fast Charging Flagship Station, as part of BYD's initiative to establish 20,000 flash charging stations in China by the year's end. This partnership is focused on building a flash charging network, with the new station in Shanghai boasting six T-shaped chargers equipped with two charging cables each, capable of delivering up to 1,500 kW of power. To accommodate battery storage, Sinopec removed underground fuel tanks at the station, showcasing a significant step towards sustainable transportation solutions in China.