Seven major truck makers to end production of diesel vehicles by 2040
Daf, Daimler, Ford, Iveco, Man, Scania, and Volvo will switch to hydrogen and electric vehicles, allowing them to achieve their zero-emissions goals a decade earlier than planned.
Transportation
Electric cars on track to be cheaper than gas cars by 2023
The market average for batteries will hit $101/kWh by 2023. For electric vehicles to match the price of gas ones, the cost would likely have to meet a $100/kWh threshold
India imposes new regulations capping commissions for ride-sharing companies
Uber, Ola, and other app-based ride-sharing services in India will now be able to charge only up to 20% commission on ride fares. That means drivers will receive 80% of the ride fare, decreasing what has commonly assumed to be Uber’s 26% commission.
United Kingdom moves up ban on petrol and diesel cars to 2030
The U.K. government initially announced the ban in 2017 with a deadline of 2040. The deadline was met with criticism. Experts warned that the 2040 deadline was too late, and the UK would not achieve its goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
Moscow gets its 500th electric bus
Mosgortrans, a public transit company for the Moscow metro area, has reportedly put its 500th electric bus into service. This electric bus was produced by Kamaz, a Russian truck and engine (and apparently electric bus) manufacturer.
Asambe launches electric bicycle & scooter sharing service in Zimbabwe
Asambe, a pan-African electric scooter & bicycle sharing and guided tour service company, launched its platform in Harare, Zimbabwe last week after a successful 6-month pilot.
Quebec to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035
The move is part of the province’s $6.7 billion investment over the next five years to help it reduce its impact on climate change.
Barcelona will give 21 downtown streets back to pedestrians and cyclists
The new project, which will be implemented over the next 10 years and cost an estimated $44 million, will convert 21 intersections into public squares, meaning that no one in the area is more than around 650 feet from a small park.
H3X claims it’s tripled the power density of electric aircraft motors
Weight is a big deal in aviation – and that goes double for electric aircraft. Every pound carried skyward represents a pound less payload you can carry, a reduction in the range you’ll get from your battery or hydrogen tank, and ultimately a loss of money for the owner.
City of Austin votes to spend $7 billion to revolutionize transportation
Austin’s new transit plan will build a new rail system with 31 stations, four rapid bus routes, new on-demand shuttles to take people to transit stations, and new park-and-ride stations. The city will also reserve $300 million to ensure that residents aren’t displaced from their homes as a result of gentrification.