Podcasts about evs

GOOD EVENING: The show begins in Ukraine, waiting for air defense resupply... 1942 MERCHANT MARINE CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR FIRST HOUR 9:00-9:15 #Ukraine: Trump administration suspends weapons shipments. Colonel Jeff McCausland, USA (Retired) @mccauslj @cbsnews @dickinsoncol 9:15-9:30 #Gaza: Rumors of ceasefires. Colonel Jeff McCausland, USA (Retired) @mccauslj @cbsnews @dickinsoncol 9:30-9:45 Tibet: Dalai Lama challenges CCP. Charles Burton, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 9:45-10:00 Russia: Recession looming. Banking crisis. Michael Bernstam Hoover Institution SECOND HOUR 10:00-10:15 PRC: Losing money on EVs. Fraser Howie, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 10:15-10:30 Cuba: PRC listening post. Rebecca Grant, Lexington Institute. @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 10:30-10:45 Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai's trial. Mark Simon, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 10:45-11:00 USAF: Robbing Peter to pay Paul. Blaine Holt, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill THIRD HOUR 11:00-11:15 1/8: Plato and the Tyrant: The Fall of Greece's Greatest Dynasty and the Making of a Philosophic by James Romm (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Plato-Tyrant-Greatest-Philosophic-Masterpiece/dp/1324093188/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0 Plato is one of history's most influential thinkers, the "sublime philosopher" whose writings remain foundational to Western culture. He is known for the brilliant dialogues in which he depicted his teacher, Socrates, discussing ethical truths with prominent citizens of Athens. Yet the image we have of Plato—an ethereal figure far removed from society and politics, who conjured abstract ideas in peaceful groves—is a fiction, created by Plato's admirers and built up over centuries. In fact, Plato was very much a man of the world. In Plato and the Tyrant, acclaimed historian and classicist James Romm draws on personal letters of Plato—documents that have long been kept in obscurity—to show how a philosopher helped topple the leading Greek power of the era: the opulent city of Syracuse. There, Plato encountered two authoritarian rulers, a father and son both named Dionysius, and tried to steer them toward philosophy. At the same time, he worked on his masterpiece, Republic, in which he conceived a ruler who unites perfect wisdom with absolute power. That dream has echoed down through the ages and given rise to a famous term, one that Plato himself didn't actually use: philosopher-king. As Romm reveals, Plato's time in Syracuse helped shape Republic—and also had disastrous results for Plato himself and for all of Greek Sicily. The younger Dionysius, emotionally unstable but intellectually curious, welcomed Plato with open arms, but soon the relationship soured. Plato's close friendship with Dionysius's uncle, Dion—possibly a bond of romantic love—created a rift in the ruling family that led to a chaotic civil war. Combining thrilling political drama with explorations of Plato's most cherished ideas, Romm takes us into the heart of Greece's late classical age, a time when many believed that democracy had failed. Plato's search for solutions led him to write his fervent plea for a new political order, and also led him to a place where he believed his theories might be put into practice. But Plato and the Tyrant demonstrates how Plato's experiment with enlightened autocracy spiraled into catastrophe, and also gives us nothing less than a new account of the origins of Western political thought. 11:15-11:30 2/8: Plato and the Tyrant: The Fall of Greece's Greatest Dynasty and the Making of a Philosophic by James Romm (Author) 11:30-11:45 3/8: Plato and the Tyrant: The Fall of Greece's Greatest Dynasty and the Making of a Philosophic by James Romm (Author) 11:45-12:00 4/8: Plato and the Tyrant: The Fall of Greece's Greatest Dynasty and the Making of a Philosophic by James Romm (Author) FOURTH HOUR 12:00-12:15 France: Bake off continental Europe. Simon Constable, Occitanie 12:15-12:30 UK: Backbenchers nix PM Starmer & Chancellor Reeves. Simon Constable, Occitanie 12:30-12:45 Hotel Mars: Late collision accretion and life on Earth and volcanoes on Venus. Simone Marchi, SWRI. David Livingston, spaceshow.com 12:45-1:00 AM Hotel Mars: Late collision accretion and life on Earth and volcanoes on Venus. Simone Marchi, SWRI. David Livingston, spaceshow.com continued

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1086: Today we unpack Q2's early sales surge and late slip, celebrate CARFAX's workplace wins, and wonder about Chuck E. Cheese's nostalgic new venture for grown-ups.Show Notes with links:U.S. new-vehicle sales in Q2 were front-loaded, with consumers acting early to capitalize on incentives and avoid potential tariffs. The momentum faded by June, signaling possible headwinds ahead.Roughly 173,000 additional vehicles were sold in March and April, pushing the sales pace above 17 million SAAR.June sales fell 4.3% to 1.26 million units, with SAAR dipping to 15.65 million.GM posted a 7% gain in Q2, with trucks, crossovers, and EVs all showing growth, with EV sales more than doubling YoY.Tesla deliveries declined 13%, amid an aging product lineup and reputational challenges.Ford reported a 14% increase, supported by employee pricing programs and strong hybrid performance.“We blew the doors off the overall industry,” said Andrew Frick, Ford Blue and Model e President.CARFAX has once again earned recognition as one of the best places to work in the U.S., sweeping multiple national and regional Top Workplace awards for 2025.They were named a USA Today Top Workplace for the fourth year in a row and also honored by the Washington Post (11th time) and St. Louis Post-Dispatch (4th year).The awards are based on anonymous employee feedback regarding culture and practices.Carfax received additional recognition for leadership, benefits, flexibility, innovation, and values.“Being part of a team… committed to the same playbook, has made my experience… rewarding,” said Angela Coyle, Director of Marketing Operations.Also a special shoutout to our friends at the Rohrman Auto Group, who placed on the USA Today list for the first time ever.Chuck E. Cheese is growing up — literally. The company has launched "Chuck's Arcade," a new concept aimed at adult fans of retro gaming and childhood nostalgia.Chuck's Arcade features classics like Donkey Kong and Mortal Kombat alongside modern games like Halo.Locations include St. Louis, Tulsa, El Paso, and St. Petersburg, with 10 now open across U.S. malls.Each arcade features unique artwork and iconic animatronic mascots from the original brand.Some locations include pizzerias and limited beer/wine service.CEO David McKillips calls it a “natural evolution” to attract lifelong fans and a new generation.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

We kick things off with UPenn issuing an apology over Lia Thomas—and why the NCAA and liberal media are scrambling to spin it. Then, the House of Representatives passes Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill,” and conservative firebrands like MTG and JD Vance are having a field day while Senator Lisa Murkowski raises eyebrows with her yes vote.Also in this episode:*Trump slams EVs and takes another jab at Elon Musk*Riley Gaines claps back at Keith Olbermann*DeSantis activates the National Guard*Kristi Noem's cannibal deportation story*Liberals meltdown over Alligator AlcatrazPlus: Trump's message to Zohran and the plan for government-run grocery storesSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS TO SUPPORT OUR SHOW!Take charge to protect your identity with AURA. Check out https://Aura.com/chicks to get access for only $12 a month, after a 14-day FREE trial.Take back your child's education with Freedom Project Academy! Visit https://FreedomForSchool.com and save 15% off all courses with code CHICKS15.This video is sponsored by Bulwark Capital—register free for the “Halftime” webinar on July 24th at https://knowyourriskpodcast.comIt's free, online, and easy to start with no strings attached. Enroll in American Foreign Policy with Hillsdale College. Visit https://Hillsdale.edu/chicksVISIT OUR WEBSITE DAILY! https://chicksonright.comSUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST: https://link.chtbl.com/BtHbvS8C?sid=y...JOIN OUR SUPPORTER COMMUNITY ON LOCALS: https://chicksontheright.locals.com/JOIN OUR SUPER DOUBLE AWESOME SECRET BUT NOT SECRET EXCLUSIVE GROUP:   / 388315619071775 Subscribe to our email list: https://politics.chicksonright.com/su...GET OUR BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H5D3CF1/...Venmo: @chicksonrightPaypal: https://www.paypal.me/chicksonrightGet exclusive Chicks merch here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/InRealLifeC...Even more Merch: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/chickson...Thank you for the Superchats! Watch live to donate and be recognized!Facebook: Chicks on the RightFacebook Group: Chicks on the RightTwitter, IG, Parler, Rumble: @chicksonright

James Pumphrey returns to the garage for a laugh-filled episode diving into California's crackdown on Montana license plates, the new Maybach's luxurious features, and the future of Mercedes' lineup. Jonny dishes on his experience with the newly-revealed Ferrari Amalfi, while James shares insights from his "Have a Perfect Summer" video. _____________________________________________________

In this episode, I reflect on a whirlwind three-day visit to China - my first in over 20 years. And what I saw was remarkable. The infrastructure puts most of the West to shame. The AI isn't just hype - it's working at serious scale. And the electric vehicles? They're about to steamroll the global auto industry. Here's what really struck me during my whirlwind trip to Beijing and beyond.In this episode you'll hear:Infrastructure built at speed: Beijing's immaculate airport, 300 km/h rail to Tianjin for £17, and pristine expressways that put US infrastructure to shame.Verticalised AI in action: While Chinese labs trail US frontier models and face compute constraints, they're excelling in verticals - profitable robotaxis in Wuhan, healthcare AI analyzing 5.5 billion medical records, and Squirrel AI's $200m education platform that outperforms China's best human teachers.EV cost leadership is set: Chinese electric vehicles are absolutely remarkable. Years of vicious domestic competition have created incredible innovation and cost discipline that will hit European carmakers like a sledgehammer.The air quality transformation: Beijing at 37°C was clean enough for a morning run, thanks to widespread EV adoption.Scale that defies comprehension: Convention centers 100 times the size of Union Square, cities of 20 million people, and AI platforms serving tens of millions of users.Our new showThis was originally recorded for “Friday with Azeem Azhar”, a new show that takes place every Friday at 9am PT and 12pm ET. You can tune in through my Substack linked below.The format is experimental and we'd love your feedback, so feel free to comment or email your thoughts to our team at live@exponentialview.co.Azeem's links:Substack: https://www.exponentialview.co/Website: https://www.azeemazhar.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azhar?originalSubdomain=ukTwitter/X: https://x.com/azeemTimestamps:(00:00) Surprises at the airport(01:21) Immense scale(01:54) 3 areas of interest(02:37) Chinese infrastructure and engineering(03:22) ~180mph train, £17 fare(04:29) Multi-lane expressways built for scale(05:55) Development of AI in china(06:09) China leans into vertical AI(08:12) Apollo robotaxis: unit-cost positive(09:33) Yidu Tech: 5.5B health records(10:35) Squirrel AI outperforms top teachers(14:29) EVs & clean air(16:14) BYD x Octopus: earn by charging(18:30) EV boom improves Beijing air(19:56) Luxury Chinese EV interior(21:08) Closing thoughtsProduction by supermix.io and EPIIPLUS1 Ltd.

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1084: Today we unpack the Senate's plan to fast-track the end of EV tax credits, the global rush to secure rare earth magnet supply, and how small business owners are battling a new wave of AI-powered scams.Show Notes with links:Congress is fast-tracking the elimination of federal EV tax credits, creating waves across the auto retail and manufacturing sectors. A new Senate bill proposes ending both new and used EV credits by September 30, 2025.The Senate plan accelerates the credit phaseout, bypassing both House and prior Senate timelines.Lucid's CEO warns the change “would make it very difficult for new players in the market.”The bill also ends penalties for CAFE standard noncompliance, easing burdens on legacy automakers.Dealers are concerned; roughly 140,000 EVs sit on lots.NADA:“If EV tax credits are going to be repealed, NADA urges Congress to include a reasonable transition period.”China's latest export restrictions have flipped the rare earths market on its head—sending automakers scrambling for alternatives and giving non-China suppliers the spotlight.After Beijing tightened exports of key magnet materials in April, Western buyers are now urgently securing non-Chinese supply chains.Neo Performance Materials in Estonia has seen surging demand at a $10–$30/kg premium for non-China magnets.Korean and European firms are also investing in alternative sources, even paying 15–30% more to ensure supply.Industry insiders warn that premiums too high could kill demand; too low, and new suppliers can't survive.“Customers understand there is a premium… but if that premium gets too big, we're looking at demand destruction,” said Neo CEO Rahim Suleman.Small business owners are facing an alarming new wave of fraud—fueled by generative AI. With tools like ChatGPT and deepfake video tech, scammers can now clone brands, replicate storefronts, and impersonate real people—all with little to no technical skill.One scam targeted knife seller Oishya with a fake giveaway campaign, sending fraudulent offers to 10,000 Instagram followers and duping nearly 100 customers out of shipping fees.A recruiter shared how applicants now use AI avatars to cheat video calls, forcing her to ask for ID and personal questions to confirm they're real.In another case, an engineering firm lost $25 million after an employee was tricked by AI-generated video replicas of his coworkers, including the CFO.“It's like whack-a-mole, but the moles are multiplying,” said one cybersecurity executive.“Doing business online gets more necessary and high risk every year,” said Nima Etemadi of Cake Life Shop. “AI is just part of that.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

There was  a lot to see and do at the Melbourne EV Show, and plenty of people to talk to! Here are three interviews Adrian recorded at the event. A big thanks to Martin, Mark, and Paul for taking the time to chat. Find out more about Aurora (Solar Car Technology), the Tesla Owners Club of Australia, and the Australian Electric Vehicle Association. A big thanks to Future Drive AutoShows for organising the Melbourne EV Show. - https://www.futuredriveauto.au/(00:10) Learn about  solar car technology, particularly focusing on the Aurora vehicle and its participation in the World Solar Challenge. Adrian talks with Martin from Aurora. Martin  highlights the evolution of solar panels, battery technology, and the importance of aerodynamics in solar car design. Marin  shares insights into the challenges of driving solar cars, the skills required for development, and the significance of engaging in STEM education. Find out more - https://www.aurorasolarcar.com/(07:33) Mark from the Tesla Owners Club of Australia discusses the benefits and activities of the Tesla Owners Club of Australia, including exclusive offers, social events, and common questions from potential Tesla owners. He also shares key tips for electric vehicle owners regarding charging practices and safety. Find out more - https://www.teslaowners.org.au/(12.34) Find out key facts about owning and EV. Adrian talks with Paul from the Australian Electric Vehicle Association. This chat explores the world of electric vehicles (EVs), addressing common misconceptions, the benefits of owning an EV, and the environmental impact of transitioning to electric mobility.. Find out more - https://www.aeva.asn.au/

This week on America on the Road, we bring you an exclusive interview with Matt Duffield, Ford Explorer Brand Manager, for a deep dive into the all-new 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor. In a one-on-one conversation with Host Jack Nerad, Duffield walks us through how the Explorer Tremor trim raises the bar for off-road-ready family SUVs. He shares how customer feedback shaped the new model's development and explains the performance upgrades that make the Tremor more trail-capable. As Duffield details, the Explorer Tremor boasts improved ground clearance, special suspension tuning, and dedicated off-road tires. The Ford exec also discusses the Explorer's evolving role within Ford's SUV lineup, and how this rugged new variant fits into the bigger picture. Co-host Chris Teague's road test features the all-electric 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, and it's nothing short of a revelation. The Ioniq 5 N brings track-car personality to the EV world with 641 horsepower, launch control, and simulated gearshifts that make it feel more like a rally car than a crossover. Hyundai's N division didn't just tweak the standard Ioniq; they reengineered it. The result is blistering performance, precise handling, and a surprising driving experience. But in the end, does it load on too much tech and deliver too little visceral involvement? Chris and Jack will offer their thoughts. But it still retains everyday usability, offering a spacious interior and decent range. Jack calls it one of the most exciting EVs to hit the road—fun, fast, and futuristic. In our second road test, Jack Nerad takes the 2025 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD for a week-long spin. He discovered it's the most dynamic RX yet, pairing a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with a high-output electric motor to deliver 366 horsepower and plenty of soul-satisfying torque. This isn't your in-laws' RX, that's for sure. Instead, the well-styled SUV is more sharp-edged and tech-loaded than you would imagine a hybrid crossover to be. With a panoramic roof, F Sport styling fillips, and a plush interior featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and Mark Levinson audio, the RX 500h walks the line between luxury and performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Chris and Jack will offer additional details in the road test segment this week In the news this week, Tesla has quietly launched a limited robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas. Just weeks ahead of stricter state autonomous vehicle regulations, Tesla's driverless Model Y program runs invite-only rides under close monitoring. While it's a milestone for Tesla, we have to wonder if it meets the standards for readiness and safety that it should. Also newsworthy is the fact Toyota is set to raise prices across several models in July, with average increases of $270 for Toyota vehicles and $208 for Lexus models. Inflation, rising import costs, and competition are cited as reasons for the increases, which mirror recent moves by Mitsubishi. General Motors is betting big on affordability with the upcoming 2027 Chevy Bolt. Expected to launch in early 2026, reporting by Motor Trend suggests it will be built on the Ultium platform and deliver a 300-mile range and an estimated $30K price tag. It could become a welcome alternative for budget-conscious EV buyers — if such people exist. In other news of note, Stellantis may offload Maserati amid steep losses and brand bloat. With sales down over 50% and no new models on the horizon, internal tensions are building. The company also reshuffled its executive team, with new CEO Antonio Filosa slashing direct reports to streamline operations. We wrap up this episode with a listener question from Seibert in Bend, Oregon, who asks: “Gas is pretty expensive here, so I think I might get a plug-in hybrid. What is the best plug-in hybrid under $40,000?” Jack and Chris weigh in with their top picks. Tune in for all this and more on America on the Road. Jack Nerad's newest book

Today's show:EVs are igniting a global tariff war, and Xiaomi's shockingly cheap, high-quality electric cars threaten to obliterate Western automakers, sparking fears of a manufacturing wipeout. In today's brand-new TWiST, Jason and Alex dive into the EV price war, Uber's rumored plan to team up with Travis Kalanick on a self-driving takeover, and DoorDash's mega-drones giving us a glimpse of the future of food delivery. Plus, Tesla's cautious safety driver rollout shows we're only in the early innings of the autonomous revolution, a consideration of Meta's talent shopping spree, AND a new edition of Reddit Rapid Response. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of cars, delivery, and AI.Timestamps:(02:24) Guess who's BACK at Uber? On the Travis Kalahnik-Pony AI deal.(10:43) Superpower - Visit superpower.com/twist to get $50 off your membership. This offer is only for the first 100 twist listeners who sign up.(17:24) All the huge opportunities for Kalshi, PolyMarket and prediction markets(19:44) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist(25:37) TODAY'S POLYMARKET: How well will Apple's “F1” do at the box office?(30:03) Pilot - Visit https://www.pilot.com/twist and get $1,200 off your first year.(31:58)What actually IS AGI? And why does it matter for the Microsoft-OpenAI negotiation?(45:57) Inside Meta's massive Superintelligence shopping spree: maybe it's not so crazy to pay AI experts $100M?(01:05:15) Reddit Rapid Response: Can you be a great founder if you hate doing cold sales?Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(10:43) Superpower - Visit superpower.com/twist to get $50 off your membership. This offer is only for the first 100 twist listeners who sign up.(19:44) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist(30:03) Pilot - Visit https://www.pilot.com/twist and get $1,200 off your first year.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week's episode, we discuss Xiaomi shocking the industry with YU7, Tesla's Robotaxi launch and more. The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek's YouTube channel. Today, the episode is live at 12:15 a.m instead due to Fred's travels in China and Seth's in. As a reminder, we'll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in. After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Pocket Casts Castro RSS We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming. Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast: Xiaomi YU7 first drive: a $35,000 Ferrari-looking electric SUV with over 400 miles of real range Xiaomi received over 200,000 real orders for its Tesla killer in just 3 minutes Whoopsie! Uh oh! Here's all of Tesla Robotaxi's goofs and gaffes so far Tesla fires Musk's chief of staff who became head of North America and Europe Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix 2025: A brief history, full schedule, and teams Lucid's (LCID) midsize EV platform is coming next year, bringing three $50,000 ‘top hats' Cadillac's most affordable EV just got even better with a built-in NACS port and much more Cadillac just delivered the first Celestiq, a hand-built ultra-luxury EV that costs $350,000 Here's the live stream for today's episode starting at 12:15 a.m. ET (or the video after 1 a.m. ET): https://www.youtube.com/live/zXT1hZD8o_I

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1081: Today's episode sounds the alarm on EV shipping risks after a $560M shipwreck, dives into the dealer-driven defense of EV tax credits with Alex Lawrence at the helm, and bids farewell to Microsoft's iconic Blue Screen of Death.The June sinking of the Morning Midas cargo ship—loaded with Chinese EVs—has sparked serious concern across the shipping and auto industries. Estimated losses are pegged at $560 million, but the implications go far deeper.The ship was carrying 3,048 vehicles, including 750 EVs and hybrids, when it caught fire en route to Mexico.It's the third major EV ship incident in just over three years, bringing total damages from these disasters to nearly $1.8 billion.The fire's cause remains unknown, but experts say EVs increase the chance of thermal runaway turning into catastrophe.“This is a huge cost, and another blaring warning claxon to the industry,” said AEG CEO Patrick Anderson, pointing to the growing frequency of these incidents.Calls are growing for stricter EV shipping protocols—better fire detection, increased vehicle spacing, and limits on how many EVs can be transported per vessel.A coalition of 19 dealers including Carmax, Carvana, and Utah's EV Auto is urging the Senate to reconsider abrupt EV tax credit rollbacks. At the center of the push is Alex Lawrence, who's making a strong case for used EV affordability.Lawrence says converting the credit into a down payment changed everything for middle-class buyers.He argues that without it, many families couldn't qualify for financing or reliable transportation.Though confident in EV Auto's future, he warns a sudden end “would disrupt the used car market,” calling for a multi-year phase-out instead.The letter emphasized the vital role of the used EV rebate as “a bridge” for working-class Americans.At ASOTU Con last month, Alex quipped “I didn't realize when I got into the car business five and a half years ago I was getting into politics. But boy, did I ever.”Microsoft is officially phasing out one of the most recognizable (and dreaded) elements of the Windows experience: the Blue Screen of Death. After four decades, Windows crashes are getting a new look—and a new name.The classic BSOD will now become the “Black Screen of Death” in an upcoming Windows 11 update.The redesign ditches the frowny face and QR code in favor of a cleaner, more focused layout.The new format will show the stop code and faulty driver right on screen, simplifying diagnosis for IT teams.The update is part of broader efforts to boost Windows 11 stability, especially after last year's CrowdStrike-related crash wave.“This is really an attempt on clarity and providing better information so we can fix it faster.” says David Weston, Microsoft's VP of Enterprise and OS SecurJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Need help with car finance? Reach out to Ammar Farishta here >>> https://dentistswhoinvest.com/car-finance———————————————————————Navigating the world of car finance as a dental professional just got easier. Whether you're eyeing that shiny new electric vehicle or considering financing options through your limited company, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about car leasing in 2025.We dive deep into the recent road tax changes affecting electric vehicles, which now incur a £10 tax in year one followed by £195 annually thereafter. While this represents a shift from previous tax-free incentives, there's good news too – the government has reversed plans to apply luxury tax to premium EVs over £40,000. We discuss how these gradual changes follow a pattern of reducing EV incentives over the years, from charger installation subsidies to cash-back programs.Perhaps most exciting for newly established dental practices is the breakthrough in financing options for limited companies with less than a year of trading history. Gone are the days when dentists had to wait 12+ months before accessing vehicle finance through their companies. New partnerships now enable early-stage dental businesses to secure vehicle leases, albeit potentially with slightly higher payments. For those opting for used vehicle finance, refinancing after 6-9 months can lead to more favorable terms once your business credit profile strengthens.The episode also covers practical timing considerations for factory orders, which typically take 12-16 weeks – crucial information if you're eyeing those coveted September '75 plates. With the automotive industry returning to normal production schedules post-pandemic, planning ahead ensures you'll receive your custom-specified vehicle exactly when desired.Ready to make a more informed decision about your next vehicle? Listen now to understand how these changes affect your options and discover strategies to secure the best possible deal for your circumstances. Your perfect vehicle – and financing package – might be more accessible than you think!———————————————————————Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for education purposes only and does not constitute an investment recommendation or individual financial advice. For that, you should speak to a regulated, independent professional. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, so you may get back less than you invest. The views expressed on this channel may no longer be current. The information provided is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment, you should speak to a regulated, independent professional. Investment figures quoted refer to simulated past performance and that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results/performance.Send us a text

Criminal Complaint Filed Over 'Warp Speed Cancer' (01:00:45 – 01:07:05)A complaint filed in France alleges mRNA vaccines caused deadly turbo cancers, implicating global health agencies while ignoring U.S. officials who enabled vaccine rollout. The term 'Warp Speed Cancer' is used to link aggressive cancers with the vaccine campaign.FDA Study Finds Excess DNA in COVID Vaccines (01:12:06 – 01:14:00)An FDA study confirms high levels of DNA contamination in Pfizer's mRNA vaccine, raising concerns over cancer risk and regulatory negligence. Critics compare the lax response to how pollution or car emissions would be handled.COVID Vaccine Removed from CDC Schedule for Children (01:25:54 – 01:27:49)RFK Jr. announces removal of COVID vaccines from the CDC schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, though skepticism is expressed over the true intent and lingering influence of vaccine advocates.CDC Panel Head Accused of Downplaying Vaccine Injuries (01:33:12 – 01:36:50)The new CDC vaccine panel head is criticized for opposing pauses on J&J shots and ignoring adverse event reports, leading to claims of pro-vaccine bias and lack of transparency about injury risks.Cargo Ship Fire Tied to EV Battery Hazards (01:53:00 – 01:59:30)An EV-laden cargo ship sinks after a prolonged fire, raising environmental concerns over lithium battery safety and whether such incidents are factored into EVs' environmental impact.Tesla Robo-Taxi Glitches Spark Regulatory Scrutiny (02:00:36 – 02:07:42)Videos show Tesla's driverless taxis behaving erratically, including stopping in intersections and veering off course. Observers criticize the premature rollout and ineffective safety measures.Markets Shrug Off U.S.-Israel Strike on Iran (02:25:30 – 02:27:04)Gold, silver, oil, and Bitcoin show minimal reaction to joint U.S.-Israel strikes, suggesting either disbelief in the severity of events or market manipulation by major financial actors.Christian Zionism Criticized as Political Idolatry (02:48:33 – 02:52:57)Christian Zionism is condemned as a distortion of theology, accused of leading believers to support war and foreign interventions at the expense of persecuted Christian communities.Pro-Israel Loyalty Test in Conservative Politics (02:52:58 – 03:01:38)Conservative figures are accused of prioritizing loyalty to Israel over American interests. A generational shift is predicted as younger conservatives push back against foreign entanglements.BIS vs IMF: Stablecoin Suppression and CBDC Agenda (03:01:39 – 03:03:04)The BIS targets stablecoins in what's described as a battle over who will control future digital money, with CBDCs positioned as tools of global financial dominance.Bitcoin Seen as Hedge Against Fiat Collapse (03:03:05 – 03:07:01)Extreme Bitcoin price forecasts are discussed in the context of fiat currency debasement, with Bitcoin framed as a finite refuge from an increasingly unstable monetary system.Self-Driving Cars as Surveillance and Control Tools (03:13:14 – 03:18:00)Explores how autonomous vehicles collect and transmit driver data, affect social credit scores, and raise concerns about accountability, privacy, and control.War Powers Debate: Trump, Iran, and Congressional Authority (03:18:01 – 03:24:17)Critiques Trump's bombing of Iran without Congressional approval and rebuts claims by Mike Johnson and J.D. Vance that the War Powers Resolution limits presidential authority.MAGA Civil War: Candace Owens vs. Trump on Vaccines and Israel (03:24:18 – 03:29:55) Candace Owens distances herself from Trump over foreign policy while she gave him a pass on Warp Speed vaccines, with commentary on her past praise and growing populist pushback.Trump's Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Mocked (03:30:40 – 03:31:35) Trump is nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize following the Iran ceasefire, provoking ridicule given his role in launching strikes days earlier.Mark Levin vs. Steve Bannon: Neocon Populist Feud over Israel (03:34:20 – 03:39:01)Levin calls for escalated military support for Israel, while Bannon and populist circles reject U.S. involvement. The rift signals deeper ideological divides on the right.Damage from Iranian Missile Strikes on Israel (03:45:10 – 03:47:55)Reports and footage highlight destruction caused by Iranian retaliation, while commentary accuses elites of profiting from wars at civilian expense.Iranian Officials Reported Dead Resurface (03:48:40 – 03:50:35) High-ranking Iranian figures previously declared dead by Israeli sources are shown to be alive, raising doubts about the success of targeted strikes.Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHT Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

Welcome to pilot episode, or probably better to call it Episode Zero of EV News China – a limited-run of podcasts I'll be doing from next Monday and then every weekday in July. I'll be sharing insights into China's EV revolution for listeners worldwide. I'm Martyn Lee, and EV News China is not replacing EV News Daily. Let me say first up, I'll be here with the usual global take on the EV industry.  Instead, this will be series of bonus shows, which I hope will be essential listening for anyone interested in, or doing business with, the world's electric vehicle superpower. I wanted to drop a pilot episode to explain my thinking, and what a moment to launch. China has just reached an historic milestone that changes everything in the global automotive industry. In May 2025, plugin electric vehicles captured 53% of China's passenger car market – meaning electric vehicles are now outselling traditional gasoline cars for the first time in history. Think about that for a moment. The world's largest car market has just tipped electric. This isn't a prediction anymore – it's reality. After 7 years of doing this podcast, pretty much every day apart from some breaks when we had two new additions to our family, or some mental health breaks, I've been doing this 7 days a week. And I can't tell you a time when I've been more fascinated about how the rest of the world views the Chinese EV market. And in many cases, how it's still a blind spot for them. The Numbers That Matter Let me put this in perspective with some hard data that business leaders need to understand. Plugin vehicle sales in China topped one million units in May alone – in a market of 1.9 million total passenger vehicles. That breaks down to 31% pure battery electric vehicles and 22% plug-in hybrids and range extenders. For the year so far, China has already sold over 4.3 million plugin vehicles, putting the country on track to exceed 10 million units by year-end – in China alone. To put that in global context, that's more than the rest of the world combined. The leader? BYD dominates with 28.9% of the plugin market, delivering over 376,000 vehicles in May – a 14% year-over-year increase. Meanwhile, Tesla's China market share has dropped to just 4.6%, ranking fifth behind Chinese competitors. The Tesla Reality Check Speaking of Tesla, the numbers tell a sobering story for Elon Musk's company in China. Tesla sold about 58,000 vehicles in China during April 2025, down 6% from the previous year. More concerning, Tesla's retail sales to Chinese customers in the first eight weeks of Q2 2025 dropped 23% year-over-year. This reflects a broader trend – Chinese consumers are increasingly choosing domestic brands. Tesla's China market share in the BEV segment fell from 11.15% to 6.36%, while Chinese rivals like XPeng delivered 33,525 vehicles in May, up 230% year-over-year. The Financial Impact The financial implications are staggering. BYD doubled its Q1 2025 net profit to 9.15 billion yuan, with operating revenue reaching 170.36 billion yuan, up from 124.94 billion yuan the previous year. But it's not just about one company. The Chinese EV trio – NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto – are expected to see explosive growth in 2025: NIO deliveries expected to double to 450,000 units XPeng projected to reach 400,000 units, up 110% Li Auto forecasted at 700,000 units, up 40% These aren't small startups anymore – these are major industrial players reshaping global automotive supply chains. The Technology Revolution What's driving this transformation isn't just price – it's technology. Chinese companies are leading in areas that will define the future of mobility. Solid-state batteries are moving from lab to production. China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology included all-solid-state batteries in core industrial standards for the first time in 2025, signaling this technology has moved from corporate R&D to national strategic priority. Artificial intelligence integration is accelerating rapidly. Over two dozen Chinese automakers, including BYD, are incorporating DeepSeek AI technology into their vehicles. BYD plans to offer preliminary self-driving capabilities in nearly all its models at no additional cost – making autonomous driving features accessible to mass-market consumers. Ultra-fast charging is becoming standard. Chinese companies like XPeng offer five-minute charging delivering 210 kilometers of range, while the industry moves toward 800V architectures that handle high current flow for rapid charging. Global Trade War Implications But this technological leadership is creating geopolitical tensions. The United States now imposes a 247.5% tariff on Chinese EVs – that's 145% from recent tariffs, plus 100% from Biden-era levies, plus standard duties. Anyone trying to import BYD's $7,800 Seagull to the US would pay an extra $19,300 in tariffs. Europe is taking a different approach, but Chinese brands still doubled their European market share in April 2025 despite tariffs reaching up to 35%. BYD faces a 17% EU tariff, yet still recorded 400% sales growth in the UK, where no tariffs apply. The contrast is stark: in tariff-free markets, Chinese EVs are winning on merit. The Infrastructure Foundation Supporting this EV revolution is massive infrastructure investment. China aims to complete an expressway charging network by end of 2025, with over 5,800 out of 6,000 expressway rest areas already equipped with charging facilities. The government has extended its vehicle trade-in subsidy scheme for 2025, offering up to RMB 20,000 for EV purchases when scrapping older vehicles. This policy has already attracted over 4 million applicants in its first six months. What This Means for Global Business So what does this mean for you – someone who might be an enthusiast of the EV transition, or maybe you work in the business of EVs or charging?  First, China is no longer an emerging EV market – it's the dominant one. Any global automotive strategy that doesn't account for Chinese competition is already obsolete. Second, the technology gap is widening in China's favor. Chinese companies can design and launch new models in six months while German competitors require two years. Third, supply chain dependencies are shifting. China controls a large share of battery-grade chemical production, and Chinese companies are rapidly expanding globally – BYD now operates in over 70 countries. Looking Ahead Over the coming 20 episodes of EV News China, during this limited run of podcasts, we'll dive deeper into these trends. We'll analyze quarterly earnings, decode policy changes, and track the technological innovations reshaping not just China, but the global automotive industry. We'll help you understand what these developments mean for your business, your investments, and your strategic planning. Because in a world where China has achieved 53% EV market share, the question isn't whether electric vehicles will dominate – it's how quickly the rest of the world can adapt. That's all for today's pilot episode of EV News China. Starting Monday, I'll be here every weekday with the latest developments from the world's electric vehicle superpower. Sometimes it will just be a news show, sometimes we'll dive into a specific topic. Remember, EV News China is essential listening for anyone interested in, or doing business with, the world's electric vehicle superpower. 

Criminal Complaint Filed Over 'Warp Speed Cancer' (01:00:45 – 01:07:05)A complaint filed in France alleges mRNA vaccines caused deadly turbo cancers, implicating global health agencies while ignoring U.S. officials who enabled vaccine rollout. The term 'Warp Speed Cancer' is used to link aggressive cancers with the vaccine campaign.FDA Study Finds Excess DNA in COVID Vaccines (01:12:06 – 01:14:00)An FDA study confirms high levels of DNA contamination in Pfizer's mRNA vaccine, raising concerns over cancer risk and regulatory negligence. Critics compare the lax response to how pollution or car emissions would be handled.COVID Vaccine Removed from CDC Schedule for Children (01:25:54 – 01:27:49)RFK Jr. announces removal of COVID vaccines from the CDC schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, though skepticism is expressed over the true intent and lingering influence of vaccine advocates.CDC Panel Head Accused of Downplaying Vaccine Injuries (01:33:12 – 01:36:50)The new CDC vaccine panel head is criticized for opposing pauses on J&J shots and ignoring adverse event reports, leading to claims of pro-vaccine bias and lack of transparency about injury risks.Cargo Ship Fire Tied to EV Battery Hazards (01:53:00 – 01:59:30)An EV-laden cargo ship sinks after a prolonged fire, raising environmental concerns over lithium battery safety and whether such incidents are factored into EVs' environmental impact.Tesla Robo-Taxi Glitches Spark Regulatory Scrutiny (02:00:36 – 02:07:42)Videos show Tesla's driverless taxis behaving erratically, including stopping in intersections and veering off course. Observers criticize the premature rollout and ineffective safety measures.Markets Shrug Off U.S.-Israel Strike on Iran (02:25:30 – 02:27:04)Gold, silver, oil, and Bitcoin show minimal reaction to joint U.S.-Israel strikes, suggesting either disbelief in the severity of events or market manipulation by major financial actors.Christian Zionism Criticized as Political Idolatry (02:48:33 – 02:52:57)Christian Zionism is condemned as a distortion of theology, accused of leading believers to support war and foreign interventions at the expense of persecuted Christian communities.Pro-Israel Loyalty Test in Conservative Politics (02:52:58 – 03:01:38)Conservative figures are accused of prioritizing loyalty to Israel over American interests. A generational shift is predicted as younger conservatives push back against foreign entanglements.BIS vs IMF: Stablecoin Suppression and CBDC Agenda (03:01:39 – 03:03:04)The BIS targets stablecoins in what's described as a battle over who will control future digital money, with CBDCs positioned as tools of global financial dominance.Bitcoin Seen as Hedge Against Fiat Collapse (03:03:05 – 03:07:01)Extreme Bitcoin price forecasts are discussed in the context of fiat currency debasement, with Bitcoin framed as a finite refuge from an increasingly unstable monetary system.Self-Driving Cars as Surveillance and Control Tools (03:13:14 – 03:18:00)Explores how autonomous vehicles collect and transmit driver data, affect social credit scores, and raise concerns about accountability, privacy, and control.War Powers Debate: Trump, Iran, and Congressional Authority (03:18:01 – 03:24:17)Critiques Trump's bombing of Iran without Congressional approval and rebuts claims by Mike Johnson and J.D. Vance that the War Powers Resolution limits presidential authority.MAGA Civil War: Candace Owens vs. Trump on Vaccines and Israel (03:24:18 – 03:29:55) Candace Owens distances herself from Trump over foreign policy while she gave him a pass on Warp Speed vaccines, with commentary on her past praise and growing populist pushback.Trump's Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Mocked (03:30:40 – 03:31:35) Trump is nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize following the Iran ceasefire, provoking ridicule given his role in launching strikes days earlier.Mark Levin vs. Steve Bannon: Neocon Populist Feud over Israel (03:34:20 – 03:39:01)Levin calls for escalated military support for Israel, while Bannon and populist circles reject U.S. involvement. The rift signals deeper ideological divides on the right.Damage from Iranian Missile Strikes on Israel (03:45:10 – 03:47:55)Reports and footage highlight destruction caused by Iranian retaliation, while commentary accuses elites of profiting from wars at civilian expense.Iranian Officials Reported Dead Resurface (03:48:40 – 03:50:35) High-ranking Iranian figures previously declared dead by Israeli sources are shown to be alive, raising doubts about the success of targeted strikes.Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHT Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.

In this hard-hitting segment, Tara and Lee dissect the media's chaotic narrative around Iran's nuclear program—first claiming it didn't exist, then acknowledging it did after Trump bombed it. They expose the mainstream media's selective outrage and reliance on enemy sources like Hamas while ignoring admissions from Iran's own foreign minister. The episode shifts to Ted Cruz's viral grilling of Biden energy advisor David Arkush, who once called for prosecuting oil executives for murder—despite admitting he arrived at the Capitol using gas-powered Uber. Tara and Lee then debunk the fantasy of “clean energy,” citing Toyota's chairman and the massive carbon footprint behind EVs, wind, and solar tech. A scathing takedown of media lies, progressive hypocrisy, and the myth of zero-emission living.

This week on The Driven Podcast, Sam Parkinson, Tim Eden and Ed Lynch-Bell unpack Europe's latest EV trends, BYD's V2G bundle, and Tesla's $4.20 robotaxi. Plus — why car-share EVs might drive the next big grid shift.

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. Manage your CC Substack subscription here.Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Ionic Mineral Technologies is a portfolio company at Climate Capital where Katie Durham works as a Venture Partner.CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Don't miss an episode from Climate Capital!Before we dive in: Climate Angels, CC Network Fund, & CC SyndicateWhether you're new to climate investing or a veteran, three opportunities for you:→ Back the CC Network Fund. Large fund access with micro-fund minimums. So far in Q2 the fund has invested in 13 companies including Alta & LGND.→ Back the CC Syndicate. SPVs with investment minimums starting at $1k.→ Join Climate Angels. Three top tier sessions/month with veteran investors & angel peers; apply by July 7 for 10% off.In the latest episode of the Climate Capital podcast, host Katie Durham interviews Andre Zeitoun, the founder and CEO of Ionic Mineral Technologies. The discussion revolves around the innovative work being done at Ionic Mineral Technologies, particularly in the realm of battery materials and sustainable energy solutions.Ionic MT is pioneering the commercialization of a unique mineral called halloysite, which has the potential to revolutionize battery technology. Halloysite is a naturally occurring clay mineral that can be transformed into nano-silicon, significantly enhancing battery performance. This transformation is crucial as the demand for more efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions continues to grow, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer electronics. One of the standout features of Ionic MT's approach is its environmentally friendly production process. The company has developed a silane-free method to produce nano silicon, which not only minimizes waste but also results in one of the lowest carbon footprints among competing battery material companies. Additionally, the process generates boehmite alumina as a byproduct, further contributing to a sustainable production model.Andre emphasizes the importance of domestic production of battery materials, particularly in light of the U.S.'s heavy reliance on imported materials, predominantly from China. By producing high-quality silicon that can rival Chinese imports without the need for subsidies or tariffs, Ionic Mineral Technologies positions itself as a key player in the push for energy independence.Looking ahead, Andre shares his vision for the future, where advancements in battery technology could lead to electric vehicles charging in under ten minutes and lighter, more efficient military drones. With recent developments, including the designation of silicon and alumina as critical minerals by the U.S. government, Ionic MT is poised for significant growth and innovation.To learn more about Ionic Mineral Technologies, visit https://ionicmt.com/.

Nissan's U.S. CMO Allyson Witherspoon on the brand's comeback attempt and how she deals with burnout.

Stock markets have been surprisingly resilient this year. Despite global trade chaos, war in the Middle East, Russia's extended invasion of Ukraine and domestic political strife, major equity markets around the world have rallied near record levels. Investors are finding a lot to like from India to South Korea, where domestic growth stories, technology and AI investment, and diversified supply chains leave plenty of room for growth, says Jessica Tea, JPMorgan emerging markets and APAC equities investment specialist. She joins John Lee and Katia Dmitrieva from Singapore to discuss consumption strength across Asia — highlighted by the popularity of Labubu dolls — investing in the backend of EVs and finding returns amid uncertainty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Day in Legal History: Taft-Hartley ActOn June 23, 1947, the Labor-Management Relations Act—better known as the Taft-Hartley Act—became law after Congress overrode President Harry S. Truman's veto. Sponsored by Senator Robert Taft and Representative Fred Hartley, the act was passed in response to growing concerns about union power and post-World War II labor strikes that disrupted the economy.The law amended the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, also known as the Wagner Act, which had established strong protections for labor organizing. Taft-Hartley introduced a series of restrictions on union activity, including prohibitions on secondary boycotts, jurisdictional strikes, and closed shops—arrangements where union membership is a condition of employment. It also allowed states to pass right-to-work laws, which prohibit union security agreements.In a significant shift, the act required union leaders to sign affidavits affirming they were not members of the Communist Party, reflecting Cold War anxieties. It also authorized the president to intervene in strikes deemed a national emergency by imposing an 80-day cooling-off period.Though labor leaders condemned the act as a betrayal of workers' rights, and Truman called it a “slave-labor bill,” it marked a turning point in federal labor policy. The act curtailed union power and set the stage for decades of legal battles over labor practices. Its provisions remain influential in labor law to this day.Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national and Maryland resident, has been released on bail pending trial on federal migrant smuggling charges, according to a ruling issued Sunday by U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes in Nashville. Although granted release, Abrego may still face immigration detention. He was deported to El Salvador in March despite a 2019 court ruling barring his removal due to risk of gang-related persecution—an action officials later admitted was an administrative error.Abrego was brought back to the U.S. on June 6 after being indicted for allegedly coordinating a migrant smuggling operation involving over 100 border pickups and transporting drugs and firearms. He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers argue the charges are politically motivated, intended to obscure the Trump administration's due process violations in his deportation.Prosecutors rely on co-conspirators who are cooperating in exchange for leniency, which defense attorneys say undermines their credibility. In a separate case, a federal judge in Maryland is also investigating whether the Trump administration defied court orders in handling Abrego's removal. The Supreme Court previously upheld the judge's mandate to return him to the U.S.Abrego Garcia ordered released pending trial on migrant smuggling charges | ReutersA Republican-backed proposal to cap federal student loans for professional degrees is raising concerns among legal educators, who say it could disproportionately harm students attending lower-ranked law schools and those from minority or lower-income backgrounds. The bill, which passed the House and is now in the Senate, would limit annual borrowing to $50,000–$77,000 and cap total loans between $150,000 and $200,000. Currently, law students can borrow the full cost of tuition and living expenses.The proposed caps would force students who exceed the limit to seek private loans, which often come with higher interest rates and stricter credit requirements. This could make legal education less accessible to students without co-signers or strong credit histories, particularly at schools with high tuition and lower job placement rates—factors that increase lending risk.Experts warn that students at unranked or lower-ranked schools, which enroll higher percentages of minority and first-generation students, could be most affected. For example, Atlanta's John Marshall Law School, which is unranked, reported a student body that was nearly 76% students of color, yet its graduates carry high debt compared to modest starting salaries.Supporters of the cap argue that unlimited loans enable tuition inflation and poor returns on investment for taxpayers. Critics counter that the policy may reduce diversity in the legal profession and limit access to legal education for underrepresented groups.Student loan caps could hit minorities, low-ranked law schools the hardest | ReutersA piece I wrote for Forbes this week looks at Illinois' reconsideration of a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax—an idea that failed to launch in 2019 but may be gaining traction again. With Illinois already levying one of the highest gas taxes in the nation, the state faces diminishing returns from fuel taxes as electric vehicles (EVs) proliferate and traditional cars become more efficient. Since road wear isn't reduced by cleaner energy, and EVs are often heavier than gas-powered vehicles, the funding model needs to evolve.The VMT tax offers a promising alternative: rather than taxing gallons of gas, it taxes the actual use of roads—miles driven—making it more of a user fee than a traditional tax. Ideally, it would be tiered based on vehicle weight, matching tax liability with pavement damage. Proposed legislation (SB1938) allows for variable pricing based on road type and time of day, which could introduce smart congestion pricing.Concerns about surveillance have been raised, but the pilot program requires only minimal data, prohibits personal data collection, and provides GPS-free options. The program is temporary, must last at least a year, and will include a full review covering equity, logistics, data security, and fraud prevention.Illinois has pushed the gas tax system as far as it can go and still faces infrastructure shortfalls. The VMT could represent not just a new tax, but a new way forward—fairer, more adaptable, and more sustainable. If Illinois gets it right, other states might follow.Illinois Vehicle Mileage Tax—Fix The Roads And Fund The Future This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

In our end of season round table episode my three guests each discuss a topic of interest.The topics under discussion are:How the approach to rural EV infrastructure is changingThe second hand market (how experiences may differ and ways to attract and better support new drivers that come in through this channel)Will increased range, new charging solutions, and familiarity with EVs lead to lower demand for en-route charging? If so how will this affect CPOs?And I will be asking the question: Charger booking. Do we need this?Guests:Gemma Robinson: Gemma Robinson is the EV Infrastructure Project Manager at the Highlands and Islands Regional Transport Partnership (HITRANS). She loves working with five partner Councils and Shetland on their charging network strategy and delivery across the region, particularly as the Scottish charging network is changing so dramatically. Her drive comes from providing a just/fair opportunity for everyone to safeguard the planet, with rural and accessible charging a particular passion. Current project details: https://hitrans.org.uk/projects/ev-infrastructure-shared-service/Ed Walsh: Ed is Head of Product at Zapmap. His focus is ensuring Zapmap's app meets the needs of EV drivers and creates a sustainable business that continues to accelerate the shift to low carbon mobility. He also leads partnerships, exploring ways that Zapmap's capabilities can combine with those of others, such as Hive, to deliver value to an even wider EV audienceBen MacDonald: Ben has worked in various sustainability focussed roles throughout his career. He found himself somewhat disheartened attending a business and sustainability conference (read greenwashing conference) in Prague and so he decided that his efforts were best spent teaching Geography (sustainability) and Maths in schools in SE London. During this time he also worked with local communities on air quality issues. In 2016 he didn't buy a second hand Nissan Leaf because he couldn't charge from home. This began his entrepreneurial journey which led to him founding Nodum which is addressing the fundamental inequalities associated with the charging gap.https://www.nodum.co.ukThis season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.Links in the show notes:Bristol gets an electric bus fleet - Cool thing.A totally recyclable bag - Cool thingEpisode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk(C) 2019-2025 Gary Comerford Support me: Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusingsKo-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings The Books:'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon :

Powering tomorrow: investing in Ottawa's energy future Hydro Ottawa recently unveiled its  2026-2030  investment plan focused on modernizing and strengthening the grid. The way we're consuming energy is changing, and this investment plan focuses on four key areas that highlight why Hydro Ottawa is taking action, how they plan on doing it, and what it all means for you.  Hydro Ottawa's Chief Operating Officer, Distribution and Generation, Guillaume Paradis, joins thinkenergy to dive a little deeper into those focus areas, and why they matter, with host Trevor Freeman.  Related links Guillaume Paradis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-paradis-30a47721 Trevor Freeman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-freeman-p-eng-8b612114 Hydro Ottawa: https://hydroottawa.com/en   To subscribe using Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinkenergy/id1465129405 To subscribe using Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7wFz7rdR8Gq3f2WOafjxpl To subscribe on Libsyn: http://thinkenergy.libsyn.com/ --- Subscribe so you don't miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/user/hydroottawalimited Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hydroottawa Stay in the know on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HydroOttawa Keep up with the posts on X: https:/www.twitter.com/thinkenergypod Transcript: Trevor Freeman 00:07 Welcome to ThinkEnergy, a podcast that dives into the fast-changing world of energy through conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and people on the front lines of the energy transition. Join me, Trevor Freeman, as I explore the traditional, unconventional, and up-and-coming facets of the energy industry. If you have any thoughts, feedback, or ideas for topics we should cover, please reach out to us at thinkenergy@hydroottawa.com.Hi everyone, and welcome back. A few episodes back, I talked about some of the important work that happens at the distribution level to maintain and expand our grid, and I tried to connect the dots between that work and the broader societal energy transition that is happening at all levels—how the work we do at the distribution level is really important and tied to some of those larger projects that may get a little bit more news and attention. That energy transition, which, as you're hopefully aware by now, is ongoing right now; it's not something of the future, it's happening today. That energy transition is multifaceted, but from an electricity and electrification perspective, the distribution utility—i.e., the Hydro Ottawa of whatever jurisdiction you're in—is at the very leading edge of many of the changes we need to see within our electricity system to support that transition.So today, I'd like to go a little bit further with that topic and focus on Hydro Ottawa's next five-year investment plan, which covers the 2026 to 2030 period. This will be the largest investment plan in our history as a company, and I wanted to dig into what we have identified as key focus areas for investment in the coming five years. With more than 100 years of operating a large, complex distribution network, Hydro Ottawa is embarking on a pretty significant journey to modernize and strengthen our grid for the challenges and opportunities ahead of us. We have filed our 2026 to 2030 electricity distribution rate application, as it's called, with the Ontario Energy Board. This is a standard practice for all local distribution companies in Ontario; that's what we have to do. As a reminder for our listeners, the Ontario Energy Board, or OEB, as we often call it, is our independent regulator. Their mission in this process is to strike a balance between ensuring the financial health and operational needs of utilities like Hydro Ottawa, while also safeguarding the affordability and reliability of the service for the customer. So they want to make sure that we're spending enough to tackle the right projects on the grid to make sure it stays operational while not spending too much. They meticulously scrutinize every detail of these applications to ensure that the proposed rates are just and reasonable and that all investments are prudent and truly in the public interest.So we have gotten a number of questions about the plan, and specifically around, "Where is the money going to go? What are you going to actually spend these dollars that you're requesting on? And why are these investments necessary? What benefits are they actually going to bring to our community?" And often we get the question of, "Does this mean fewer outages or shorter outages?" So I want to dig into that. I want to talk a little bit about what we've got planned and what the impact will be, and what the impact would be if we don't do those things. And to help me walk through that energy roadmap, that plan that we've put together, I've got Guillaume Paradis joining me today. Guillaume is the Chief Operating Officer of Generation and Distribution here at Hydro Ottawa, and he's going to join me, and we're going to talk through this. Guillaume and his teams are responsible for the planning, design, operation, construction, and maintenance of our electrical power distribution system, and in his role, he leads the teams that are directly accountable for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of electricity to our customers. Today, I'm going to ask Guillaume to really walk us through the details of our investment plan, how it was shaped, how we came up with these specific areas, and what benefits are going to be realized by our community and the broader energy landscape. Guillaume Paradis, welcome to the show. Guillaume Paradis 04:24 Pleasure to be here, Trevor. Trevor Freeman 04:26 Okay, so Guillaume, this is Hydro Ottawa's largest investment plan ever, and I'd like you to start by talking us through the primary drivers behind what our five-year investment plan is. Guillaume Paradis 04:41 Yeah, so as you've heard, as you've seen, we're at a historical, or historically, you know, unique point in the evolution of our industry. Electricity underpins most of our societal aspirations with respect to creating, you know, a more sustainable future, creating the future we want to leave for the next generations. And our distribution system underpins a lot of those aspirations in simple ways and in more complex ways. So, you know, a simple way is that essentially, for, you know, the well-being of our society, for our customers, the residents of Ottawa, and really any area, to live the lives they're hoping to live, to, you know, enjoy the benefits of modern life, electricity is a critical underpinning in any way you can imagine and you know, think about. So our service has always been very important. It's just become even more critical as a foundational block for, you know, the lives that we're hoping to live and we're living today in our modern society. So that, combined with other aspirations related to reducing our carbon footprint and integrating more renewable energy resources within our footprint, it creates a situation where there's a significant need for us to invest, continue to invest, and reinvest in our infrastructure to deliver those outcomes for customers. Trevor Freeman 06:28 Yeah, I think, I mean, we talk a lot about the energy transition on the show, and if, if you think about, you know, let's say our previous rate application, five years ago, the energy transition was a thing; we knew about it, but it was like a thing of tomorrow where, hey, that's going to come soon. The difference now, I assume, and maybe you can speak to this, is we're seeing that. We're seeing the change now. Guillaume Paradis 06:52 Yeah, you're exactly correct. Like, we're in it now. So we've been talking about it for some time, both from a, like a general societal aspiration standpoint, but also from a technological standpoint. For a very long time, we talked about electric vehicles having an impact and becoming more commonplace. We talked about leveraging automation to deliver our services. We talked about two-way power flows. So we've been building toward this moment, and now we're essentially in it, if you will, and we're seeing all those things, the confluence of all those longer-term trends sort of manifest themselves in real demand for our system, in real changes in how our customers want to use energy. And we're in the middle of that, and we're, you know, to enable those things happening in our community here in Ottawa. Trevor Freeman 07:49 Yeah, so it's like the business as usual, a lot of the same things, and we're going to talk about some of the specifics, but a lot of the same things we would normally do, just a lot more of at the same time as, like, also pivoting a little bit to meet some of these new needs, like charging transportation and like heating our spaces more with electricity, like some of these new needs that didn't exist or not to the same extent. So it's like more of the same plus other new stuff. And we're going to talk about that in a minute. Guillaume Paradis 08:23 Yeah. So, you know, we always would say that the future of the energy sector was very exciting, and things were coming and like, change was upon us, and now, essentially, we're, we're living it, right? So you have to carry on with the responsibilities that you always had, and meanwhile, figure out how to deliver those new outcomes, those new services that previously weren't required or expected. Trevor Freeman 08:51 Right? So let's, let's kind of get into some of the details here. So there are four key capital investment categories in this plan: growth and electrification, aging infrastructure, grid modernization, and grid resilience. So we're going to dive into the specifics of these in a minute. But to start off with, why? Why these four? How did we land on these four as the main categories? Guillaume Paradis 09:20 Yeah, so there's, there's various ways you can categorize investments. There's a lot of drivers that will lead us to invest in an area or replace some infrastructure somewhere in our system. These categories capture quite well what is at the core of various investments. So for one specific investment, there will be multiple drivers, but these ones sort of in an elegant way, I would say, capture, you know, why investments are occurring, what the primary driver is for those investments, and they help translate that for, you know, folks who are not involved day-to-day in planning the electricity system, that's our responsibility. What we're trying to communicate is why we're taking action where we're taking action. So those categories, in my mind, capture that really well. They also tie our investments to broad trends that people should be aware of, and they're a way to make sure that we have, you know, a clear baseline for a conversation as we proceed with those plans. Trevor Freeman 10:30 Yeah, one thing I find, and you know, in my role, I talk to customers a lot, and I find these are fairly easy to explain, or at least, I hope they are. If you're listening and you disagree, let us know. But people can kind of get their heads around why the utility needs to do each of these four things, and some, in some ways, they align with other sectors as well. So I think, and I hope, as we carry on our conversation here, it'll be easy to sort of build out the picture of what we're doing in each of those four areas. So why don't we? Let's dive right in then and look at the specifics. And starting with growth and electrification, what are the specific investments that are planned to support the growing energy needs of our community, you know? And we've already started talking about electric vehicles, other electrified aspects of our lives, like, what? What falls into this category? Guillaume Paradis 11:23 Yeah, so with respect to growth and electrification, there are a few underlying trends that drive the investment requirements. So as you've suggested, as you mentioned, you know, there's an evolution of how our customers use energy at home, day-to-day. EVs being obviously a primary example that everyone will be very aware of, just, you know, driving around town. Frankly, the difference in how regularly you'll see electric vehicles in our community relative to even five years ago is pretty dramatic, and that is having a long-term, you know, impact over time, likewise for technologies like heat pumps at home and just generally, the growth of our community. So those elements just drive a longer-term trend of more demand being present in our community, within our system, and in addition to that, one big change that we've seen over the last few years is more large-scale demand requests coming into our service territory. Typically that will be large customers wanting to do something different with energy. So it could go or it could be driven by a few different kind of corporate aspirations. What we're seeing a lot of are instances where large corporations decide, or institutions decide to do away with more carbon-intensive energy sources, so they will look to us and electricity to replace what previously would have been another fuel source that maybe is less green. So we're seeing that affecting choices some of those type of customers are making, and then at the same time, we're seeing just large requests related to a different type of energy demand. So companies wanting to, for example, bring back their R&D efforts to a data center that they operate and they control, so that they have more control over cybersecurity, you know, elements, and then likewise, with where their data flows to and how it's being managed. So we're seeing large requests at a rate that we didn't previously, and that those requests are significant enough that they require us to make very major investments, like new substations, like building out new feeders, again at a pace that far outpaces what we've seen historically. So the underlying trend of more small demand creating an impact at the aggregate level, combined with those larger requests, that's creating a significant need for us to invest in responding to that growth in the electrification drivers within our system. Trevor Freeman 14:42 Yeah, so this is in response to what we're seeing our customers do, and that's it's something that has come up before in conversation here, of, you know, we, we respond to what we see our customers doing and what our customers are asking us. They're asking for more power. We have to respond to provide that more power. So this. So this kind of area of investment is really just building out the grid and all of the assets and infrastructure that are that make up the grid to be able to meet the needs of our customers, which are growing faster than they were previously. Is that fair to say? Guillaume Paradis 15:17 Yeah, and for us, it's an interesting balancing act. We have to find where we have to anticipate our customers' needs and the demand that's upon us, but we can't get ahead of it, because that would draw investments that potentially would later become stranded or create a cost burden for our customers. So we have to know where the demand is going, and we have to be ready to respond and connect new customers, but we can't get too far ahead of it, because ultimately, you know, if we invest too soon, that's, you know, a burden for all our customers. So sometimes I would say there's that misconception that somehow we're we're creating our own forecasts and believing our own forecasts. And really, it's a bit simpler than that. We take in the requests and we respond to those requests. We have to be able to look out a few years to make sure that we're not missing, you know, anything significant that would have an impact on our system, but we don't get too far ahead from an investment standpoint. Trevor Freeman 16:31 Okay? So Guillaume, we've been talking about the more traditional aspects of our grid, you know, poles, wires, transformers, et cetera. But I know that we're also looking at how we can deploy what we call non-wire solutions to also help manage capacity on our grid. Can you just explain what some of these solutions are and how we're going to use them in conjunction with our traditional assets to manage grid needs? Guillaume Paradis 16:56 Yeah, so non-wire alternatives is essentially the concept that without having to install traditional infrastructure—think poles, new transformers, new cables, underground—you may be able to harvest existing resources within your footprint to help you manage operational needs, be it like certain peaks that have a short duration, other scenarios of constraints, where, rather than building net new infrastructure, which is expensive and time-consuming, you might be able to optimize, I'll call it, the use of embedded resources in a manner that actually meets your operational objectives. So the way you would do that is by using a combination of resources. Typically, you would look at small-scale embedded storage. So if it exists in the system, you would actually leverage it. If, if you could, otherwise, you might install some in a very targeted manner that helps you meet those operational needs, and then otherwise you would leverage customer resources. So that's either existing generation that is owned by customers, or which is more typical, their ability to adjust their demand at certain times to meet your operational constraints. So the idea there is that you can do a business case, you can do an evaluation of what it would take to engage all these resources to get the same operational outcome as you would if you build the new infrastructure, and compare the two on a cost basis. And actually, in some instances, see scenarios where those non-wire alternatives actually beat out large-scale infrastructure upgrades from a financial standpoint. So it's, it's an evolving area. We have a few pockets within the city that we're targeting for programs like those ones, and we expect, over time, as more embedded resources proliferate, as more customer devices become controllable, we'll have a greater option, in fact, to leverage those non-wire alternatives or those non-traditional solutions to meet our operational requirements. Trevor Freeman 19:20 Great. So this is a combination of, you know, Hydro Ottawa is planning to invest in some assets, you know, be they battery or otherwise, on our side of the meter. We call that in front of the meter, to help manage grid needs, while also looking for opportunities to partner with customers, you know, in the aggregate, so, you know, 100 or 1000 customers at once to say, "If we need to call on your devices to either inject into the grid or to ramp back your operations, that will help us manage grid needs while the customer still maintains control." Is that fair to say? Guillaume Paradis 19:59 Yeah. Fair, and that's that's an emerging capacity we have. So if our ability to control and call upon a very large number of small devices and customer devices has grown and is growing and will be over the next few years, and with that, our capacity to then draw from those resources to respond to operational circumstances is also increasing and will give us options we just wouldn't have had in the past. So it's just a better way of utilizing available energy resources, a more refined way, and one that probably wasn't available to us at scale 10 years ago. Yeah. Trevor Freeman 20:41 And the driver behind all this is what's the best, most cost-effective way to address that grid need? In some cases, it's going to be the poles and wires and transformers. In some cases, it's going to be these non-wire solutions, and it's it's part of the planning of the grid to identify where does each technology make sense? Guillaume Paradis 21:02 Absolutely. So again, it's a more refined way of assessing options and ensuring that we identify the most cost-effective strategies possible. Trevor Freeman 21:14 Perfect, great. Okay, so that's the growth and electrification section. Let's move to aging infrastructure, which is about a third of this investment plan. So this may seem like a softball to start with, but what are some of the challenges posed by aging infrastructure? Maybe talk to us a little bit about what that infrastructure is when it comes to utility grid, and then what are what are we doing with this investment plan to address that aging infrastructure? Guillaume Paradis 21:43 Yeah, so aging infrastructure is a very clear and appropriate descriptor here. So we invest in assets that are long-lived. Think 50, 60 years plus in some instances. And you know, eventually you use them, you leverage them over many decades, and at some point, those assets deteriorate beyond a point where they're no longer able to provide the service that our customers expect. So that would be failures, which leads to reliability issues in parts of our system. So one at one point or another in the life cycle of those assets, depending on how they're being used, what environment they are operated in, you have to replace them. What we try to do is assess them on a risk basis. And when we say risk, we mean what impact can they have on our customers if they were to fail? Impacts can be things like safety risk. It could be, of course, reliability issues. It could limit our ability to service our customers. And so we assess risk on an ongoing basis, looking at those assets over decades, and eventually we get to a point where the risk has to be addressed, and that typically takes the form of or it can take the form of an outright replacement. Through the life cycle of all those assets, all of our assets, we do maintenance, we inspect them, we try to see if there are other things we can do before we replace them. But you get to a point ultimately, where the only option that's viable is to actually replace, and then you have to go in and take, you know, action physically in the field.Now, what becomes a little complicated is, as you can imagine, it's one thing to put infrastructure up when a field is being converted to a subdivision or the city's growing, and it's all brand new, you know, infrastructure being developed to support the growth, but decades later, when you come back, 60, 70 years plus, in some cases, you're in someone's backyard. You're in the middle of an intersection where multiple utilities have installed their own infrastructure, so you have to coordinate that things have been moved over time. So getting access to the infrastructure is more difficult, and so replacing many decades later is a lot more involved than putting up new infrastructure in the first place.And the type of infrastructure that we're talking about here probably falls into three major categories. So there's the overhead infrastructure you see around town. So really, when you—and you shouldn't do that while you're driving, but if you're walking ideally, and you're looking at the beautiful hydro infrastructure around Ottawa—what you'll see are very old poles that need attention. So that's very visible, right? We have wood poles, you know, in a lot of the areas of our city, and you get to a point where structurally, they're not as strong as they used to be. They've weathered many storms, and they need attention. And then otherwise, it's the transformers you might see on those poles, and that would be the boxes that are hanging from the poles. The ones that look like they, you know, predate the Cold War, are the ones we're going after, and we need to give some attention to today.And then on the underground side, similar infrastructure, it's it's cables in the ground. So in some instances, it's buried directly in someone's backyard. That was an approach people took many decades back. Now you can imagine it's very convenient when you're building it, but not so much when you're trying to get it out of the ground and put new cables into the ground. So there's cables that need replacing. They've been damaged or creating reliability issues. The transformers that go with that as well might need attention. And again, as I mentioned before, decades later, that transformer may be right behind someone's pool in their backyard, and they've done some real nice landscaping, and accessing it for a replacement is a lot more complicated. So underground infrastructure, in fact, is one of the more complicated replacements to execute.And then, you know, if you move up from there, you're looking at substation equipment. So that's the stuff that's fenced in across the city where power is being delivered from to our customers across the city. And so those assets may be a bit less complicated in terms of managing sites and access, but certainly complicated in terms of logistics costs of the equipment. Those are very, very large assets that require a lot of planning to replace because they're critical to our system, and we can't afford to have them be out of service too long. Trevor Freeman 27:01 Got you and just for our listeners, while Guillaume was talking, I pulled up a few quick stats here. So we have Hydro Ottawa's service territory has over 6,000 kilometers of conductor, so of wires, and just under 50,000 poles out in our service territory. So as you can imagine, a lot of that is in great shape, and some of it isn't, and some of it needs to be addressed, just like, just like you're talking about here. Guillaume Paradis 27:29 Yeah, and that's helpful. Trevor, the thing that we often forget, especially for electricity distribution, is the sheer number of assets that can create a risk. So it's one thing to manage one large transformer and make sure it doesn't fail, but when you're talking about thousands of assets dispersed around a very large service territory like Ottawa, making sure that we keep an eye on all of them at all times, making sure that we intervene at the exact time prior to a failure, to make sure we deliver the best service possible for our customers. That's really the essence of our challenge, and what makes distribution unique versus other parts of our business, where it's maybe more centralized and you may be looking at a smaller set of assets. Trevor Freeman 28:16 Yeah, absolutely okay. So obviously it's important to maintain what we've got, in addition to building out that new stuff that we talked about earlier, maintaining and replacing what we have, so that, you know, our existing grid remains reliable. The next section of our investment plan is what we call grid modernization. Now that's something that we've talked about to varying levels of detail on this show before, but I'd like you to talk us through what is in this investment plan over the next five years, when we talk about grid modernization, what are we actually doing? What are some of the specific things that we're going to put some of our investment towards? Guillaume Paradis 28:57 Yeah, so grid modernization is a category that gets talked about a lot, but maybe is, I would say, a bit misunderstood. I think, because it sounds futuristic, people assume we're doing very different things, and ultimately, in my mind, it's better leveraging technology to get good outcomes for our customers. It's really that simple. So as you can imagine, you know, as I talked about, we're looking at assets that have an expected life of 50, 60, 70 years. When some of our assets were first installed, things like communication technology, things like IT operational technology weren't as advanced as they are today. Our ability to collect data in real time was not what it is today, and so now that we have an opportunity to reinvest and replace the old assets. It's important that we do so in a manner that will allow us to drive or essentially more performance or better performance out of the assets we put in our system so that can take various forms, as I mentioned, getting better real-time information is one of those ways in which we can leverage technology. What that allows us to do is better respond to outages, offer a better service by being more aware of what's happening at any given point in time, getting better information in near real time as to what assets are posing a risk to reliability because they've been utilized heavily, or they've seen a lot of faults, for example, and so building in that technological infrastructure as a layer that enhances the traditional investments that we've always made is sort of the right thing to do in a context where you want to optimize where you spend your dollars, and you don't want to have to go back and reinvest on the same assets or in the same parts of our system multiple times over the coming years, in the coming decades. So the grid modernization portfolio essentially is our opportunity to very strategically identify where we can put in technology that will allow us to get more out of our assets and provide a better service for our customers.So simple things like automated devices, that would be automated switches that we install on our overhead infrastructure, underground infrastructure that gives us a capacity during an outage, to shift demand around and resupply our customers more rapidly than we would have been able to otherwise, and that gives us a capacity to provide a better service under contingency scenarios. So very simple, right? It's telemetry, it's communication to a device, and rather than have someone physically go in the field and, you know, switch customers and try to move demand around, we can do that remotely from our control center. Likewise, in the control center, putting in more telemetry to identify and proactively suggest to our operators how to restore power to customers. Again, is a simple thing by today's standards, right? It's not complicated technology, it's not complicated software, but it's a layer that didn't exist previously, where we can have software, model-based tools suggest how best to optimize the restoration of power, and as we do that, our trained operators get to review and take action in an informed manner. So grid modernization, again, is about making the most of today's available technology, while we reinvest in our distribution system to make sure that the quality of our service and the breadth of the services we can provide align well going forward, with our customers' aspirations and provide a quality service for many decades to come. Trevor Freeman 33:26 Yeah, and I think it's important to remember. And you know this, this little saying has has been out there in the industry, and I've used it before, of the electricity grid is the world's largest machine. Like the grid itself is a piece of technology, and like any technology, we would not be happy if it stayed stagnant. Like we want it to evolve with with the latest and greatest and operate better and more efficiently. And the grid is no different, and so part of grid modernization is just keeping up with what's out there to make sure we are delivering the service that we deliver in the best way, in the most advanced way, in the most efficient way possible. With that, Guillaume, what about things like, you know, we hear a lot about more distributed energy resources, so more small-scale generation or storage out there on the grid that might be owned by the utility, but it might not be, it might be customer owned. What? What are we doing from a grid modernization perspective, to enable more distributed energy resources to utilize those assets more on our grid? Guillaume Paradis 34:42 Yeah, so that's core to the evolution and we're proposing and working toward. And and really, if you boil it down to, you know, a simple kind of concept, it's really that traditionally, we've had a static model of how our grid needs to operate, and we planned accordingly. So you know, power flows in one direction to certain size customers. They use electricity, they use our energy, and then we protect, we coordinate, we control accordingly, and we're moving into an environment where customer behavior evolves in a dynamic fashion in near real time, depending on what prices are available in the electricity market, depending on what aspirations various customers have, depending on what technology they want to deploy to manage their energy footprint. A customer may look different, really, from one day to the next, as far as the electricity system is concerned, because their demand might be less significant on a day where their solar panels are better able to generate energy, on a day where they choose to leverage a large battery system that they've installed at their facilities to manage their demand. And so from an electricity system standpoint, we need a much better awareness of what is happening in near real time to be able to control and then respond and ultimately offer the right service for our customers. So that's a big change, again, going back to the how we're going to enable that, it's again, the core elements of communication infrastructure, more telemetry, so that we can see what's happening in real time. Think sensors, think smart meters. Think, you know, a software system within our control room to take all that information in in real time and make sense of it, and then ultimately drive our decision making and support our customers in leveraging energy resources in an optimal way for their needs, by making sure that we're aware of what's happening and not create barriers that are artificial because we're not sure, and when we're not sure, safety is paramount, and when you prioritize safety and you don't have information, you have to be very conservative in the decisions you make, and you may limit customers' choices and behavioral, you know, choices by having to have that safety margin and that safety conscience kind of override everything else. So better telemetry, better real-time information, more dynamic ways of controlling energy allows us to enable customers and and support their aspirations.  Trevor Freeman 37:50 I mean, it really comes kind of full circle back to our job is to let our customers do what they want to do when it comes to energy, enable that, and that may be just making sure the power is there and available, but it also may be making sure that our grid is set up to allow them to generate and store and sort of interact with energy in the way that they want to. So those two things are quite parallel. Okay, great. Last category here is grid resilience, and this is an important one, and especially in the eyes of our customers, because, you know, we're that unique industry where most of the time people don't think of us when they really do think about us, it's because the lights have gone off, because there's some event that has resulted in an outage, and I just want to ensure our customers, we try very, very hard to make sure that doesn't happen as much as we can't control everything. So we have this category of grid resilience in our investment plan, and we know that we're going to be seeing, and we have already started to see, more frequent extreme weather events. That is increasing. It's not going down. So what are we doing in our investment plan? Or what are we planning to do in order to enhance grid resiliency and withstand those extreme weather events? Guillaume Paradis 39:14 Yeah, so the need for resilience, in my mind, comes from a couple places. So, you know, there are drivers that are external; so the operating environment is evolving. To your point, we've seen a number of very impactful weather events over the last few years, whether it be historically impactful ice storms, we've seen tornadoes in our service territory in a way that we didn't previously. We saw derecho a couple years ago, which was by some measure the most impactful storm in the history of our company. And so we know. How what we plan to withstand has evolved, and we need to reflect that in the decisions we make when we invest in our infrastructure. That can take a few forms. But for grid resilience, we're targeting specific investments so we can identify and have identified areas of our system that are more vulnerable. Imagine overhead infrastructure that is more exposed to stronger winds, and so we can go in there and then target those areas, target those segments of our system and make them more robust, more resistant to those external factors. And so we have assessed our entire service territory, we've studied, you know, our vulnerability to changing patterns, to changing weather events, and in a very targeted manner, identified areas where we'll take action over the next five years to boost resilience of our electricity system in those scenarios, and really just generally.The other element is, while those external factors are evolving and creating a stress on our system, we're also seeing people's dependence on electricity's availability continue to grow, right? So, you know, we've been through this many times at this point, and I'm sure it's been covered on on this podcast a number of times. But, you know, people's, you know, need for highly and readily available electricity continues to go up. Think, you know, remote work. Think our utilization of, you know, the internet and the technologies that support that. People need access to power, you know, on an ongoing basis for a variety of reasons that support their lifestyles. And so while the external factors have become and are becoming more challenging and creating a stress, we're also seeing customers relying more heavily on our service being available. And so those things combined make it sort of an imperative that we take action and ensure that our system is robust and can withstand those conditions that are upon us.So we change our planning approach. We evolve our choices with respect to investments. It could be simpler things than, you know, targeting areas and replacing specific infrastructure. It could be as simple as changing our standards so that when we install a new pole, we know that it can withstand harsher winds and heavier ice loading parameters, and we do that across all our investments. So that's a key point here, with respect to grid resilience. Yes, we have a targeted, sort of very strategic approach to building resilience, but we also do that across all our investment categories, when we put money in our distribution system to make sure that, similar to the point we made about technology. You know, we invest in assets that will, you know, outlive many of us, and they need to be adequate and appropriate for the environment in which they will operate long-term. So we change, you know, the choices we make, we change the materials we use to build the infrastructure that we put in our system, so that ultimately, the service levels and service quality that our customers get to enjoy, you know, meets their expectations for decades to come. Trevor Freeman 43:59 I think the idea like it's good that we have called out specifically some activities targeted at group resilience, but some of the other stuff that we've already talked about also support resilience. And you mentioned in the grid modernization part, you know, part of that is restoring power to most customers quicker. In our growth and electrification part, I mean, making sure that our grid can handle the new loads also lends itself to resiliency. So all of this is in service of making sure that power is there for our customers when they need it, how they need it, and done in a sort of safe and affordable way. That's the goal of of all these categories together. Guillaume Paradis 44:46 Absolutely. The, you know, going back to the earlier point, the categories are helpful in identifying the major drivers. But ultimately, to your point, Trevor, they all support each other, and when our team plans, depends the future of electricity system. They do so in an integrated manner that considers the various benefits that we can achieve by taking action and putting more money in our distribution system. Trevor Freeman 45:13 Yeah, great. So that that's a nice segue into this next question, which is, of course, there's a cost for this, and this and this is why it is an investment plan. We're out there outlining these are our targets. This is what we want to do, but there's a cost to that, and so if we don't do this, if we said, "Look, we just can't put that extra investment into these areas," what are the implications on the grid, on our service? And let's look at kind of like quality of service, reliability, safety, et cetera, if we don't make these investments that we are identifying right now. Guillaume Paradis 45:54 Yeah, so it's pretty direct, right? We what we've done for the in preparation for our rate application, in preparation for to develop our plans for 2026 to 2030, is we've considered all the needs. We've looked at how old the assets are, how quickly they're deteriorating, how many might require replacement over the next five years. What would be an appropriate rate of replacement to ensure that we don't let risk build up in our system, we don't cause reliability issues? We've looked at making sure that we can provide service to our customers, that we can connect them in a timely manner, that we can do all those things in a fashion that is safe and ensures the safety of the public, our customers. And so a lot of thought goes into what is required over the next five years. And then on top of those factors and considerations, we also look at what impact will this have financially on our customers? Because we're mindful that our service does affect, you know, our customers' lives, yes, in a positive manner when our service is reliable and power is available, but also financially from a cost standpoint. We add to other pressures that everyone experiences in their lives, and so we want to be very judicious in setting the size of our programs, the level of investments, in managing those various factors, right? So we have a multifaceted responsibility, and we weigh all those factors in our or in setting the plans for the future.So doing so, looking five years out, as you can probably imagine, you know, if we didn't constrain the plans, if we just did everything our planning engineers would like to do, we would have spent probably another 50% more than what is in the current plan. So looking at old assets, looking at the service levels we want to deliver, we could have spent a significantly larger amount of money if it was purely based on, we'll call them planning, you know, drivers. But as I said, we are mindful that we're responsible for the quality of our service on behalf of all our customers, and we took a very deliberate, you know, extensive approach to adjusting the program size to match the various considerations and ultimately manage the impact on our customers from a financial standpoint. And so we landed where we are after some measure of restraint, some measure of adjustments, down to the plans that would otherwise have been put in place.So thinking about what the outcomes would be if we didn't take the actions we're proposing, you know, it's pretty direct, if you think about it, and we've covered most of them, but it ranges from, you know, difficulties in connecting and delivering power to new customers in a timely manner, so that can have impacts with respect to economic development and growth of our community, so fairly direct, and frankly, it's our obligation to connect, so we would do everything we can to provide power, but it might just be more difficult, take more time on the reliability front. Again, what happens when you don't replace old assets is the failure risks continue to build in your system. So an 80-year-old wood pole doesn't get any younger and doesn't get any stronger if you wait five, six more years. And so as I said, we do a risk assessment before we choose to invest, and our risk assessments tell us that we need to take action on those types of assets. And, you know, take action in a timely manner. If we don't, what is likely to happen is that in a storm scenario, those poles that are deteriorated are more likely to fail. Even in normal conditions, it's likely that we would see more failures that could lead to reliability issues, and so just a direct impact on the quality of our service for our customers, with respect to other outcomes like enabling customers and supporting them in integrating more embedded energy resources. That might just become more difficult, as I said earlier, when we don't have good real-time awareness, we have to err on the side of caution and be more conservative in our management of the system, and that might mean restrictions on where and how we can integrate renewable energy resources. And then ultimately, you know, the paramount consideration for us is always safety, and that's an area where we would just have to be even more vigilant if we couldn't reinvest. So old assets, you know, are inherently more likely to create failure risks, and failures can lead to undesirable outcomes from a safety standpoint, so we would have to, and already do, but be very vigilant in monitoring those assets, looking at them, looking at what we can do from a maintenance standpoint to ensure that they don't fail in a manner that would be problematic. So we would be, and are always very active in looking at those riskier assets, those older assets, to make sure they don't cause problems, but reducing investment levels from what is being proposed now, reducing them further relative to, as I said, the planning levels we would have liked to put forward would have real consequences, and of course, we would do everything we can to manage those consequences and ensure that we continue to deliver the best service we can, but that would become more difficult than it is today. Trevor Freeman 52:27 I appreciate that that context of, you know, you like me, like energy, and we want to do all the cool things, and we want to have the system that is is absolutely able to handle every eventuality. But we have to balance that with what is the right level of investment, what is the right pace to go at? And I think, you know, having seen the process, there's been a lot of work over the last year plus to find that balance. And I think we've, we've hit that balance in terms of being able to move the ball forward while trying to maintain that sort of affordability aspect for customers. Last question here, Guillaume, to kind of wrap it all up, and we've touched on this a few times in some of the other questions. But how does our investment plan align with that broader energy transition that that we talk about, you know, decarbonizing, reducing emissions, increasing sort of customer flexibility when it comes to their own generation and storage. And what role do you see Hydro Ottawa playing moving forward in that? And I know that this has already gotten a little bit of attention, but I'll give you a chance just to kind of tie a nice little bow around it at the end. Guillaume Paradis 53:51 So to your point, we did cover a few elements, how we enable those, you know, sustainability aspirations. But you know, it ranges from making it possible for large customers to shift a significant portion of their energy demand to a lower carbon source like electricity. So again, think a customer who would use natural gas for their facilities, and, you know, for corporate reasons, decides to use electricity instead. Us connecting that extra demand and delivering power to them allows them to lower their carbon footprint. So that would be on the high end in terms of size and impact, all the way to enabling customers to install different technologies on their homes, within their homes, to reduce their carbon footprint and change how they use energy. So it could be as simple as buying an EV and making sure that power is available within that neighborhood to supply demand from that EV. It could be them installing solar panels on their roof and trying to export power back to us. And so that would tie to the earlier point around visibility and real-time awareness that we need to have to make sure that we can make that possible. So again, you know the energy system. The electricity system is integrated in so many ways and enabling our customers to achieve their sustainability outcomes, their desired outcomes in terms of energy use, comes from planning the energy system, the electricity distribution system, in a manner that supports that and that permits it. So again, going back to some categories, the grid modernization that we spoke about earlier, fits right in there. So being aware allows us to allow and enable customers, and that becomes critical again, in an environment where things are very dynamic, and we want to support that dynamism, and we need to do so in a manner that's safe. So we need information, and we need technology that allows us to go get that information to support the decision making. So as we said, all the investments we're proposing in one way or another will support our supporting those decarbonization and emission reduction objectives that we all have. Trevor Freeman 56:38 Right? Yeah, it really comes back to the idea of us being—and this is something that I certainly talk to our customers about—a lot of us being partners with our customers when it comes to their energy journeys. And that can be very active partners in the sense of the word, where we are involved in helping make decisions together on technology or strategies, or it can be very passive, and that kind of residential model that you talked about of just making sure the grid can be there in the way that the customer wants it to be there. And that's still a partnership that that we need to lean into, and that we are kind of through this investment. Guillaume Paradis 57:18 Plan, we're essentially underpinning people's aspirations when it comes to energy, and so we're there to make it possible for them to do what they're hoping to do. And you're absolutely right. We're seeing both ends of those conversations where some go about their own choices and really don't need us involved, and our responsibility there is to make sure that we don't create a roadblock by not being prepared and not being equipped to respond to, you know, how they want to change their behavior, all the way to that partnership, where it's a very involved conversation. You know, we're being brought in to fully explore all the options and work with stakeholders in essentially demystifying, or maybe more specifically, sort of seeing through some of the complexity that exists today in an environment that is much more dynamic again and offers a lot more options than people would have seen a few decades ago. Trevor Freeman 58:23 Fantastic. Well, Guillaume, I think we'll leave it there. This has been great, and I appreciate you taking the time to help pick apart, you know what? What can be a pretty complex, lengthy plan, but really boils down to building out the grid, continuing to do the great work that that the folks at Hydro Ottawa do, while also preparing for the future. So I appreciate your insight into this. As our listeners know, we always end these interviews with a series of questions, and you're no different. So I'm going to dive, dive right into that. So Guillaume, what is a book that you've read that you think everyone should read? Guillaume Paradis 59:06 Yeah, so I'm probably going to get his name wrong, or at least the pronunciation, but it's a book called How the World Really Works, by Vaclav Smil. Essentially, you know, he's a very pragmatic thinker with respect to how systems work, how our world is integrated from a supply standpoint, from a geopolitical standpoint, and how that leads to outcomes in the real world. And think things like energy, think, things like food supply. And what I like with his approach is that he breaks things down, sort of from a first-principle standpoint, to try to help explain why certain things may or may not be possible, and in an environment where—and maybe that's my perspective—but I think today there's a lot of big-picture, you know, broad opinions being shared by people who may or may not always be very knowledgeable or have the expertise in certain fields. It's nice to see someone kind of break things down to then try to support, or in some cases dispel certain misconceptions. So really nice approach. He has a number of books that are similar in nature, some cases a bit dense to read through, frankly, but I would say the How the World Really Works book is easier to digest, and it's it's a good entry into kind of his works and and his approach to his studies. The other thing that's a plus, maybe, is that he's based out of Winnipeg and Canadian. So it's great to have a mind like his, you know, contributing to the discourse in Canada. Trevor Freeman 1:01:11 Awesome. So same question, but for a movie or a show, what's a movie or show that you think everyone should check out? Guillaume Paradis 1:01:17 Yeah, that's a little harder. I think maybe I'll go to an old classic. For me, I I'm always impressed with extreme creativity. I'll call it in in whatever forms that I think it's neat to see how people can envision a world or create a world. And so an example for me was The Grand Budapest Hotel movie by Wes Anderson. So, you know, I think people are familiar with his work by now. I just like the combination of humor, color, like the creation of a world that doesn't quite exist but resembles one we might know. And just, you know, it's a way of expressing oneself that is so interesting, so different. He does it really, really well. And, you, know, I find it sort of like awe-inspiring to go back to those kind of movies and look at, certainly, there's all sorts of good content these days that's being produced. But I think this one is kind of withstood the test of time so far and and kind of brings you to a different place. So I'll point to that. Trevor Freeman 1:02:30 Yeah, it's one of those where it's not just about the story. The whole watching that movie is a bit of an experience. And all the ways that you just said, you know, there's like an artificial aspect to it. There's that sort of mental, emotional side of it, and then there's the story itself, with the humor and everything. So, yeah, that's a great one. I really like that. Guillaume Paradis 1:02:47 Always fascinating to think someone was able to come up with that, right? Like that. Yeah, totally level. Like the attention to details, the way in which the storylines are integrated, the way in which the decors, the images are graphic. It's just remarkable. And, and I think in anything it's really cool to see people who are sort of masters at their art, right? And whatever form, and there's all sorts of other examples, but that one, you know, came to mind. Yeah, very cool. Trevor Freeman 1:03:21 If you had a free round-trip flight anywhere in the world, where would you go? Guillaume Paradis 1:03:25 I think for me, it'd be somewhere very far north. I think it's on the list somewhere for the next few years. But just getting access to lands, scenery that you wouldn't otherwise is a really cool concept, maybe even spaces that are a bit less impacted by human, you know, behavior and presence. So I just think a flight to somewhere random that maybe doesn't even have a name, but is in between two small villages that can only be accessed by a plane. I think that would be cool. Trevor Freeman 1:04:10 Yeah, that does sound very cool. I like that. Who is someone that you admire? Guillaume Paradis 1:04:15 Yeah, so my wife, for sure. I think that's sort of the foundation of a healthy relationship, you should have some admiration for your partner, and I absolutely do. More generally, I would just point to anyone in our lives, and I think we all know people like that who spend a large amount of their time making other people's lives better. I could pick, you know, a celebrity of some kind, or politician of some kind, or even a historical figure, but, you know, I think in general, it doesn't have to be that complicated. People who just invest a lot of their time, you know, making sure others' lives are better. I think that's that's something we should all admire, aspire to, you know, emulate, if we can, and just recognize as well. Because a lot of the times people do that, the people who do it well, don't do it for recognition. It doesn't mean they don't deserve it. And I think we should kind of try to promote it, you know, recognize it in our lives, and encourage it and emulate it, if we can. Trevor Freeman 1:05:30 Fantastic. Well said, last question, what is something about the energy sector or its future that you are particularly excited about? Guillaume Paradis 1:05:37 Yeah, so I've been in the sector for about 20 years now, in fact, longer than that. My father worked for Hydro Quebec for many decades. So think we spent a lot of time talking about the future and getting excited about a future that was to come, and just the fact that we're living it now, that we're actually shaping it, is pretty exciting, maybe even not appreciated to its full extent. And I think having a chance to contribute now is really awesome, and to whatever extent we can as well. I'm trying to encourage as many people as possible to join our sector, bring various backgrounds, you know, expertise, knowledge to helping us make decisions about how energy is going to be used in our society going forward, and how we can make the most, you know, this confluence of factors that, you know, create the window of opportunity to to change things and make them evolve. And so for those of us who are part of it, let's not take it for granted, and let's make sure that we contribute to the full extent of our capabilities. Trevor Freeman 1:06:58 Awesome, great, great way to wrap this up. I agree completely. Guillaume, thanks so much for your time. I really appreciate it. And sharing your thoughts with us. Really appreciate you coming on the show. Guillaume Paradis 1:07:07 Thanks, Trevor. Pleasure. Trevor Freeman 1:07:10 Great, take care. Well, there you have it, everybody. That was our last episode of the season before our summer break. Our regular listeners will know that we typically take a break over the summer to regroup and work on content and plan out the next year. But don't worry, we will be still releasing episodes every two weeks. They will just be rewind episodes, and we'll take a look back at some of our favorite episodes or things that we feel are particularly relevant for what's going on right now. So keep tuning in and listen to those, and we will be back with brand new content in September. Take care and have a safe summer. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of the ThinkEnergy podcast. Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and it would be great if you could leave us a review. It really helps to spread the word. As always, we would love to hear from you, whether it's feedback, comments, or an idea for a show or a guest, you can always reach us at thinkenergy@hydroottawa.com.

In this episode of the Energy Newsbeat Daily Standup - Weekly Recap, hosts Stuart Turley and Michael Tanner discuss escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, as Israel targets Iran's South Pars gas field, causing significant casualties and disrupting LNG exports. Oil prices show volatility, falling below $70 after an initial spike, underscoring the uncertainty of geopolitical risks. Meanwhile, hybrid car sales rise as EV growth slows, with experts predicting hybrids could outlast EVs. The U.S. is making strides toward rare earth mineral independence, easing regulatory barriers to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on China. Additionally, changes to wind and solar subsidies are being debated in the Senate, potentially impacting the future of the renewable energy sector.Highlights of the Podcast 00:00 - Intro00:13 - Israel Targets Iran's South Pars Gas Field in Escalating Airstrikes, Iran Retaliates02:21 - Automakers Pivot to Hybrids as EV Sales Lag Behind Expectations – Will the EV market bifurcate into Tesla vs. all the other hybrid manufacturers?04:48 - Rystad: Oil Prices To Remain Below $80 Despite Escalating Middle East Tensions06:58 - TotalEnergies expands in Malaysia with Petronas deal09:23 - How the Israel-Iran Crisis Is Swiftly Becoming Taiwan's National Security Crisis12:02 - China's Death Grip on Rare Earth Minerals: Regulatory Hurdles, U.S. Processing Efforts, Trump Administration Gains, and Investor Opportunities16:30 - The Senate Caves on IRA Wind and Solar Subsidies – David Blackmon20:08 - OutroPlease see the links below or articles that we discuss in the podcast.Israel Targets Iran's South Pars Gas Field in Escalating Airstrikes, Iran RetaliatesAutomakers Pivot to Hybrids as EV Sales Lag Behind Expectations – Will the EV market bifurcate into Tesla vs. all the other hybrid manufacturers?Rystad: Oil Prices To Remain Below $80 Despite Escalating Middle East TensionsTotalEnergies expands in Malaysia with Petronas dealHow the Israel-Iran Crisis Is Swiftly Becoming Taiwan's National Security CrisisChina's Death Grip on Rare Earth Minerals: Regulatory Hurdles, U.S. Processing Efforts, Trump Administration Gains, and Investor OpportunitiesThe Senate Caves on IRA Wind and Solar Subsidies – David BlackmonFollow Stuart On LinkedIn and TwitterFollow Michael On LinkedIn and TwitterENB Top NewsEnergy DashboardENB PodcastENB SubstackENB Trading DeskOil & Gas Investing– Get in Contact With The Show –

Episode 1735 - brought to you by our incredible sponsors: Inocogni - Take your personal data back with Incogni! Get 60% off an annual plan at ⁠incogni.com/HARDFACTOR⁠ and use code HARDFACTOR at checkout. Lucy - Let's level up your nicotine routine with Lucy.  Go to ⁠Lucy.co/HARDFACTOR⁠ and use promo code (HARDFACTOR) to get 20% off your first order. Lucy has a 30-day refund policy if you change your mind. Factor Meals - The Best Premade Meal Delivery Service on Earth - Get started at factormeals.com/hardfactor50off and use code hardfactor50off to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. 00:00:00 Timestamps 00:01:10 The roommate and “best friend” of the state senator shooter is under the microscope 00:04:30 Woman has a serious and violent breakdown on a Southwest flight 00:24:50 Man with a girlfriend and daughter falls madly in love with ChatGPT LIGHTNING ROUND!! 00:30:30 MIT study shows that people using AI LLMs have a significant decrease in brain connectivity 00:39:05 Brazilian comedian sentenced to 8 years in prison for bigoted jokes 00:40:10 Gen Z isn't drinking alcohol   00:40:50 Dictators writing history and dunking on non-dictators 00:43:50 Toyota study says EVs are three times worse for the environment  00:46:00 Mosquito in Montana from 46 million years ago found with the blood of unknown animals 00:47:50 Nantucket's planning on testing their sewer system to see how much cocaine they have in their water  And much much more… Thank you for listening! Go to patreon.com/hardfactor to join our community, get access to bonus podcasts and the Discord chat server with the hosts, but Most Importantly: HAGFD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week's episode, we discuss the Tesla Robotaxi launch this weekend, the new Nissan Leaf, Ford's upcoming low-cost EVs, and more. The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek's YouTube channel. Today, the episode is live at 8 a.m instead due to Fred's travels in China. As a reminder, we'll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in. After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Pocket Casts Castro RSS We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming. Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast: Tesla Robotaxi launch is a dangerous game of smoke and mirrors Tesla releases details about ‘Robotaxi' launch: there's a ‘safety monitor' in front seat Waymo expands CA service area by ~50% just before Tesla robotaxi launch Tesla (TSLA) plans to pause production at Gigafactory Texas for second time in 2 months Tesla hacker reveals a new Model Y with 6 seats is in the works Finally! The Nissan LEAF has been reborn as a new 2026 crossover, and it has NACS! [Video] The 2026 Chevy Silverado EV is here and it's a long-range powerhouse Ford believes its low-cost EV platform will go head-to-head with China Ford is halting Mustang Mach-E sales due to a recall impacting over 300,000 vehicles Say hello to the ID. Buzz AD: VW's fully autonomous ride is here Switzerland killed study proving upgrading to an electric car is good for the environment Here's the live stream for today's episode starting at 8:00 a.m. ET (or the video after 9 a.m. ET): https://www.youtube.com/live/wNxV7sN2VsY

AJ Philippakis and Vish Talreja are the co-founders of Kord, an electric vehicle insight product designed to share essential EV data with shoppers on vehicle details pages. Kord works with dealers and groups like Kia North Shore, Volvo Cars Richmond and the Dilawri Automotive Group to help educate shoppers about EVs and facilitate confident EV ownership. AJ and Vish join Auto Remarketing senior editor Joe Overby to talk about Kord's mission to help dealers educate consumers and ultimately sell more EVs.

We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message.In this episode of Cell & Gene: The Podcast, Host Erin Harris interviews Dr. Gloria Matthews, Chief Medical Officer of Aegle Therapeutics, a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company focused on developing therapies for rare and severe dermatologic and immunologic disorders. Dr. Matthews explains how Aegle is pioneering the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells, which offer advantages over traditional cell-based therapies. Their discussion highlights Aegle's lead product, AGLE-102 as well as the regulatory and manufacturing challenges of scaling EV-based therapies. They cover the broader therapeutic potential of EVs in areas such as graft-versus-host disease, ocular, and orthopedic disorders, and more.Subscribe to the podcast!Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Industry experts, Olivia Patterson and Peter Kelly-Detwiler,  joined PLMA to look out over 2025's potential opportunities and challenges ahead, including:1. A review of our 2024 predictions and what actually happened2. All about 2025's Growth in Demand driven by AI, data centers, EVs, + + + 3. 2025's expected regional energy issues and opportunities4. Planning ahead for new capacity, innovations, and pricing constructs5. The role of Flexible Load Management – short-term buffer or long-term solution?6. Where and how will all the new money flow?

Episode Description:In this episode of Kilowatt, we cover a variety of EV news and updates. Lucid Air owners can now enjoy Android Auto, while Rivian introduces the Maximus drive unit for its upcoming R2 and R3 vehicles. NIO is making moves in Europe with its economy Firefly brand and expansion into seven new countries. We delve into vehicle depreciation stats, revealing how EVs compare to gas-powered counterparts over five years. Chevrolet's Equinox EV impresses with strong Q1 sales, and Tesla faces scrutiny over unsold inventory and a legal battle involving a former Optimus engineer. We wrap up with Cars.com's 2025 American-Made Index, highlighting Tesla's dominance at the top.Support the Showwww.supportkilowatt.comOther Podcasts:• Beyond the Post YouTube• Beyond the Post Podcast• Shuffle Playlist• 918Digital WebsiteNews Links:• Tesla dominates Cars.com's Made in America Index• Cars.com 2025 American-Made Index• NIO Expands into 7 More European Markets• Tesla Sues Former Optimus Engineer• Tesla Inventory Overflowing Across the U.S.• Firefly Likely Coming to UK in October• Chevy Equinox EV Selling Like Hotcakes• Rivian R2 Details Unveiled• Lucid Finally Adds Android Auto• EVs Depreciate 30% Faster Than Gas CarsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toby Hagon from EV Central joined Tim Webster where he brought us the latest motoring news and answered your questions.The top selling EV in the country is now banned for P-platers in many parts of the country and reports are hinting that a road user charge might be back on the agenda for EVs.

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1073: Six EVs crack the top 10 of Cars.com's American-Made Index, Tesla pauses Cybertruck and Model Y production, and the U.S. Senate gives crypto a win with new stablecoin regulations, clearing the path for mainstream adoption.Electric vehicles are leading the charge in U.S. manufacturing impact, as revealed by Cars.com's 2025 American-Made Index. For the first time, EVs make up the majority of the top 10, signaling how deeply electrification is taking root on American soil—even as OEMs recalibrate their long-term EV strategies.The top 10 Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X, Jeep Gladiator, Kia EV6, Honda Ridgeline, Honda Odyssey, Honda Passport, VW ID.4.The index ranks vehicles based on five key factors: percentage of U.S. and Canadian parts, final assembly location, country of origin for engines and transmissions, and the size of the automaker's U.S. manufacturing workforceLead researcher Patrick Masterson said, “Buying American-made often means looking beyond traditional nameplates. You don't always know what's built in your backyard unless someone connects the dots.”Tesla is halting its Cybertruck and Model Y production lines at the Austin Gigafactory during the July 4 week, timing the pause with its much-anticipated robotaxi debut in the same city.The one-week shutdown, starting June 30, will allow for line maintenance and voluntary worker training.This marks at least the third production pause in a year for Austin, following previous stoppages in May and December.Tesla says the pause will help ramp up output, though it hasn't specified which lines will see gains.In parallel, Tesla is preparing to launch its first robotaxi rides using Model Ys, with Elon Musk saying “We are being super paranoid about safety, so the [June 22 launch] date could shift,”Musk added that by June 28, the vehicles would be capable of driving themselves from the factory directly to a customer's home.The U.S. Senate has approved a bill creating the first federal regulatory framework for stablecoins, cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a fixed value—typically 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. This marks a significant step forward for digital asset adoption and oversight.The GENIUS Act passed with bipartisan support, 68–30, and now moves to the House for final approval before it can be signed into law.The bill would require stablecoins to be fully backed by liquid assets like U.S. dollars and short-term Treasuries, with monthly public reserve disclosures.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

You might not think that often about medium-duty trucks, but they're all around you: ambulances, UPS and FedEx delivery trucks, school buses. And although they make up a relatively small share of vehicles on the road, they generate an outsized amount of carbon pollution. They're also a surprisingly ripe target for electrification, because so many medium-duty trucks drive fewer than 150 miles a day.On this week's episode of Shift Key, Rob and Jesse talk with John Henry Harris, the cofounder and CEO of Harbinger Motors. Harbinger is a Los Angeles-based startup that sells electric and hybrid chassis for medium-duty vehicles, such as delivery vans, moving trucks, and ambulances. Rob, John, and Jesse chat about why medium-duty trucking is unlike any other vehicle segment, how to design an electric truck to last 20 years, and how President Trump's tariffs are already stalling out manufacturing firms. Shift Key is hosted by Jesse Jenkins, a professor of energy systems engineering at Princeton University, and Robinson Meyer, Heatmap's executive editor. Mentioned: Harbinger MotorsCalStart's data on medium-duty electric trucks deployed in the U.S.Here's the chart that John showed Rob and Jesse.It draws on data from Bloomberg in China, the ICCT, and the Calstart ZET Dashboard in the United States.Jesse's case for EVs with gas tanks — which are called extended range electric vehiclesThor's extended range electric vehicle RVJesse's upshift; Rob's downshift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instead of talking like all the others about EVs being environmentally friendly, Tesla made a sure everyone knew just how exciting driving one was. Dave Young: Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I'm Stephen's sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today's episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it's us, but we're highlighting ads we've written and produced for our clients. So here's one of those. [Travis Crawford HVAC Ad] Dave Young: Welcome back to The Empire Builders Podcast. I'm Dave Young, and Stephen Semple is here. We're going to talk about an empire that's boy, it's been in the news a lot lately, but we're going back to the early days of Tesla. We're going to ignore the whole Cybertruck knock down. Stephen Semple: Right, but we're going to talk about the electric car. We are going to talk about that. And if people are interested in terms of some of my views in terms of what's going on today, Matthew Burns and I did a Sticky Sales Story over on YouTube about what's going on with Tesla today and the challenges that they're facing and what has created all of that, especially around brand promise and things along that lines. But for a long time I've been wanting to talk about Tesla for a simple reason. So you know how you and I talk about one of the very first things that we will always want to do before we take on company, before you make up the messaging, before you do anything, you got to get really clear on the strategy and you want to always try to find unleveraged assets. I think I feel like the success of Tesla and how they've changed the world and really brought the electric car to the forefront is a great example of that, especially the unleveraged assets. So if we go back to the early days of Tesla and we take a look, or even early days of the electric car, the electric cars were basically being marketed as green. And they were ugly, and they were poor performing and they were dull, and they were uninteresting and uninspiring, and they were basically a golf cart. Dave Young: Basically a golf cart. Stephen Semple: Yeah, yeah they really were. And didn't get traction going, didn't capture the imagination, and really was sort of only this small segment of the population was where the market was, and it wasn't growing beyond that. And so that's kind of where the market was. Now, here's what Tesla did. Tesla changed the whole conversation through an unleveraged asset. And the unleveraged asset was this. When you took a look at an electric motor, if you put a high-powered electric motor in there, you could make that thing accelerate like it's nobody's business. So what they did, so while everybody else was going the whole environmental tree hugger conversation, they went, we're going to make a car that accelerates so fast that you can set your iPhone on the passenger seat halfway up, hit the accelerator and the phone will stay hung there on the car. Dave Young: Just from the acceleration. Stephen Semple: Just on the acceleration. And will beat most supercars, gas-powered supercars. We could just take this car right off the production line, it could go out and drag race and blow the doors off of pretty much every gas car on the market other than the multi-million dollar supercars. And even a few of those, it was able to beat. Dave Young: So up until this point, electric cars and hybrids in particular were, you think about Toyota Prius, right? Or something like that. And you don't think super performance, you don't think zippy fast, but you think, oh, I'm just putting along, I'm going to get from here to there, and we're not going to pollute very much. Stephen Semple: And it's economical and all this other stuff.

Car sales are crashing. Dealership employees are quitting in waves. In this episode, we break down why buyers vanished, commission checks dried up, and EVs are stalling on lots. If you work in sales, manage a showroom, or just follow auto market trends, this is your wake-up call. Get the real numbers, sharp insights, and what it means for your job, your business, or your next car. Subscribe now for raw, clear auto industry analysis.Grab a copy of my book:https://partsmanagerpro.gumroad.com/l/qtqax#CarSalesCrash#DealershipQuitting#AutoIndustry2025#EVGlut#CarMarketDown#CarDealerTalk#NewCarSales#AutomotiveNews#DealerLife2025#CarLotCrisisBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-motor-files-podcast--4960744/support.

In this episode of the Used Car Dealer Podcast, Zach Klempf welcomes back Jeff Martin, CEO of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA), to discuss the upcoming 2025 NIADA Convention, major changes in the used car market, and how independent dealers can thrive amid uncertainty.Jeff shares what to expect at this year's convention—from new “Dealer Rounds” networking sessions to a robust AI-focused education track—and why NIADA is doubling down on advocacy, education, and data as its core value pillars. The conversation also covers tariff concerns, the state of used car pricing and supply, and how regional EV adoption is shaping dealer strategy.If you're wondering whether the convention is worth the trip or looking for insight on dealer priorities for 2025 and beyond, Jeff delivers actionable insights for independent dealers navigating today's complex environment.

Tom Appel, publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive and host of the Car Stuff Podcast, says that Waymo has been "quietly successful." He and Robert Colangelo discuss other disruptive mobility technologies, including autonomous ride-hailing services and how they are different from taxis and Ubers. Tom offers a deep analysis of the Slate EV Truck, whether EVs are still affordable, and why companies are trying to attract younger customers. (Image source: Waymo)

On this episode of Inside Content, Hayley Bull, Vice President at 3Vision, is joined by Anya Ernest, who leads app ecosystem initiatives at Polestar .They explore how Polestar has partnered with broadcasters like SVT and BBC, and how native app support from providers like TV2 in Norway is shaping the future of automotive media. Anya also shares her perspective on how EVs change the expectations for content in the car, and gives us a hint at what's coming next.Stay in the content world loop

In this episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast, hosts Chad Sowash and Joel Cheesman interview Patrick McGee, a former Financial Times reporter and author of Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company. The discussion delves into McGee's book, which explores Apple's transformative relationship with China, its massive investments, and the unintended consequences for global tech and geopolitics. The interview covers McGee's research process, Apple's control over its narrative, the scale of its investments in China, and the broader implications for manufacturing, workforce development and U.S.-China relations. Timeline Just give me the main bullet points, without the Key Points and Key Points McGee's Background (00:29–02:08): McGee's Financial Times reporting in Hong Kong, Germany, and on Apple shaped Apple in China, focusing on China's authoritarianism, supply chains, and Apple's operations. Research Process (02:08–05:00): Over 200 interviews and 1,000+ pages of unreported Apple documents reveal novel insights into manufacturing, bypassing Apple's product-focused narrative. Apple's Narrative Control (05:00–08:31): Apple steers media toward product features, obscuring key figures like Isabel Gamahi and critical China operations. Apple's Investment (2013–2016) (08:31–15:16): Beijing's 2013 media attacks led to a $55 billion annual investment by 2015, with Cook's $275 billion pledge in 2016, likened to double the Marshall Plan. China's Workforce (Pre-2016) (15:16–17:08): Apple trained 28 million workers, enabling competitors like Huawei, with China realizing this impact in 2016. Apple vs. Other Tech (Pre-2016) (17:08–20:11): As a hardware company, Apple followed other electronics firms to China, unlike content-focused Google, Amazon, and Facebook. U.S. Oversight (2016–Present) (20:11–24:32): U.S. was unaware of Apple's investments; Apple's training model could inspire U.S. vocational revival. Automation Challenges (Present) (24:32–30:06): China's dominance in materials and robotics makes U.S. onshoring unlikely; tariffs disrupt without solutions. Vocational Training (Present) (30:06–33:58): Apple's China training, akin to Germany's system, empowered Chinese firms; U.S. could adopt similar models. Geopolitical Outlook (Present–2025) (33:58–39:02): India's role is limited; China's manufacturing dominance persists, with Apple's AI lag adding risk. EVs and China's Lead (2019–Present) (39:02–42:46): Tesla's 2019 operations boosted China's EV dominance; West struggles with battery supply chain control. Book Promotion (42:46–43:37): Apple in China available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, Apple Books; appleinchina.com offers more details.

Dr. Mital Kanabar is the Senior Director of Innovation, Grid Automation, Grid Solutions at GE Vernova. He joins our podcast to discuss the explosive electricity demand driven by electric vehicles, AI data centers, and the general electrification of industries. This increased demand puts a strain on an aging infrastructure, necessitating new solutions to ensure a reliable and resilient power supply. Check out this engaging conversation that touches on a number of important topics, including: Decarbonization and Green Electrons: The push to generate electricity from renewable sources like wind, solar, and nuclear power to reduce carbon emissions. Software-Defined Automation: The shift from rigid, hardware-based grid control to flexible, software-driven systems like GE Vernova's GridBeats platform, which uses AI and machine learning. Bi-Directional Power Flow: The concept of "prosumers," where consumers of electricity, such as electric vehicle owners, can also supply power back to the grid. Cybersecurity in the Digital Grid: The increasing importance of protecting the power grid from cyberattacks as it becomes more digitized and interconnected.

This week, our special guest is Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of S&P Global and Chairman of S&P's CERAWeek conference. Daniel is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power”. His most recent book is “The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations”. Please note that the interview with Daniel Yergin was recorded on June 11th, before the Israel and Iran conflict began on June 13th, 2025. Here are some of the questions Peter and Jackie asked Daniel Yergin: Why did you describe the energy transition as troubled and in need of a pragmatic path forward? Do you believe there is a growing consensus that the “fast energy transition” scenario is unrealistic? Do you anticipate Europe softening its green policies and subsidies or extending timelines for net-zero goals? How do you foresee the trade war and competition between the G2 (the United States and China) evolving? How dominant is China in clean energy, and what implications does this hold for the United States' ability to compete? What is OPEC's motivation for reintroducing supply to the market during a period of weaker demand? What strategy would you recommend for Canada to address US trade pressures and potential annexation threats? Content referenced in this podcast:Foreign Affairs, “The Troubled Energy Transition: How to Find a Pragmatic Path Forward” by Daniel Yergin, Peter Orszag, and Atul Arya (April 2025) Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/ Check us out on social media: X (Twitter): @arcenergyinstLinkedIn: @ARC Energy Research Institute Subscribe to ARC Energy Ideas PodcastApple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotify 

This episode's Community Champion Sponsor is Ossur. To learn more about their ‘Responsible for Tomorrow' Sustainability Campaign, and how you can get involved: CLICK HEREEpisode Overview: Hospital efficiency depends on the unsung heroes working behind the scenes- the environmental services teams who ensure facilities are clean, safe, and ready for patient care. Our next guest, Allen Cooper, Co-Founder and CEO of ReadyList, is revolutionizing how these critical teams operate within healthcare facilities. With over 17 years of healthcare technology experience through Ancilla Ventures, Allen brings a unique hands-on approach, often getting certified alongside the very workers his software serves. Driven by a passion to empower the underdog and create accountability through technology, Allen has built ReadyList into a mobile platform that transforms hospital EVS operations. Join us to discover how ReadyList's innovative solutions are streamlining room turnovers, enhancing cleaning protocols, improving operational efficiency, and ultimately creating safer environments for both patients and staff. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Hands-on leadership: Allen gets certified alongside EVS workers and brings his team to implementation sites to understand end-user challengesProven efficiency: ReadyList reduced hospital discharge cleaning time from 60-75 minutes to 45 minutes while maintaining quality standardsQR code innovation: Rapid Service Responder lets patients directly alert cleaning staff about issues, bypassing intermediariesTeam empowerment: Digital workflows and checklists provide clear expectations that enable EVS career growth and accountabilityValidation lesson: Early unused features taught ReadyList to validate all new developments with multiple clients firstAbout our Guest: Allen Cooper is the co-founder and CEO of ReadyList, Inc, a mobile-friendly software that transforms how hospital ancillary and support service teams operate. ReadyList's software modules guide them through best-practice cleaning and room preparation protocols, resulting in cleaner and safer facilities for both patients and staff. Allen co-founded ReadyList with a deep passion to help the behind-the-scenes workers who keep hospitals running smoothly. Allen believes the right kind of software can save hospital systems money, time and even help them save lives. With his deep experience in software development and ability to listen carefully to his clients, he can then guide his team to create the best software solution for them.In addition to serving as CEO of ReadyList, Allen is also the President and CEO of Ancilla Ventures, a 17 year-old healthcare custom and software as a solutions company that believes in evolving people through innovation. Allen has an MBA from Wisconsin School of Business and resides in Milwaukee. He is married and has four young children between 5 and 13 years old with whom he spends a lot of time traveling, playing/coaching sports, inspiring faith based leadership and experiencing nature! Allen is passionate about helping people, especially the underdog, at all levels of life; encouraging them to get the most out of their life and maximizing their potential!Links Supporting This Episode: ReadyList Website: CLICK HEREAllen Cooper LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREReadyList LinkedIn:

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1071: In today's episode, we unpack April's surprising EV registration drop, spotlight top dealership strategies driving service and parts growth, and break down a fresh consumer sentiment boost that still comes with caution.Automotive News' Top 100 Service and Parts Dealer Groups show that there's no single path to growing service and parts revenue—but that tailored strategies, tech investments, and a laser focus on training can deliver huge results.Murgado Automotive boosted revenue 45% by empowering service directors and emphasizing speed, transparency, and convenience.Holman's 48% increase stemmed from employee training, technician retention, and use of myKaarma software across all stores.Kunes Auto Group drove a 33% bump through acquisitions and leveraging DealerFenix to standardize metrics and processes.All three groups focused on increasing customer-pay work, tire sales, and throughput efficiency.“It's all the little things that add up to the big things later on,” said Murgado CEO Mario Murgado.Top 10 - Autonation, Penske, Lithia, Hendrick, Asbury, Group 1, Sonic, Morgan, Holman, OurismanOther friends - 13 - McGovern, 27 - Ciocca, 33- RML, 35 - Bergstrom, 44 - Premier Automotive, 47 - Walser, 66 - Sam Pack, 69 - CMA, 74 - RohrmanFor the first time in over a year, U.S. electric vehicle registrations fell in April. While some brands like Chevrolet saw gains, overall adoption continues to hit a ceiling amid consumer hesitation.EV registrations dropped 4.4% year-over-year to 97,833, marking a 6.6% market share.Tesla saw a 16% decline, with major drops in Model Y and Cybertruck registrations.Chevrolet more than tripled its numbers, led by strong demand for the Equinox and Blazer EVs.S&P's Tom Libby notes the EV segment is hitting a “demand ceiling” around 5,000 units/month per model.“There's a lot of influences working against EVs right now,” Libby said, citing charging concerns and wavering government support.After half a year of sliding confidence, American consumers are feeling a bit more upbeat. A new report shows a sizable sentiment jump in June—but lingering doubts about the broader economy are hard to ignore.According to the University of Michigan, consumer sentiment rose 15.9% from May to 60.5, the highest level since December 2024.The increase was across age, income, region, and political affiliation, with expectations for both short and long-term business conditions seeing the steepest gains.Analysts credit a perceived easing of tariff pressure and slowing inflation for the positive shift.However, consumer sentiment, opinions on current economic conditions, and consumer expectations for the future are all still down YoY“Despite this month's notable improvement, consumers remain guarded and concJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Aristotle Pacific analyst Abre Kaizar discusses impacts of alternative energy, climate change, aging infrastructure, EVs and AI on the power grid. Guest host: Alex Warren. 

[01:02:09 - 01:06:28]Israel's First Strike on Iran Sparks Fears of WWIIIIsrael launched a preemptive strike against Iran, raising concerns about escalation into a broader regional or global conflict, with U.S. evacuations and diplomatic maneuvers suggesting foreknowledge and complicity.[01:17:51 - 01:19:23]Israeli Spyware and Political BlackmailReports reveal Israeli spyware like Pegasus and Devil's Tongue used to surveil world leaders, with implications of political blackmail as a factor in sustained Western support for Israeli policy. [01:50:17 - 01:57:25]EV Fires at Sea: Lithium Battery HazardsA cargo ship transporting electric vehicles caught fire and was abandoned in the Pacific, with lithium-ion batteries suspected as the cause, highlighting the dangers of EV battery fires in shipping disasters.[01:57:25 - 02:01:19]Toyota Challenges EV Environmental ClaimsToyota's chairman argues that EVs produce more pollution than hybrids over their life cycle, advocating for diversified vehicle technology and criticizing regulations penalizing non-EV alternatives.[02:01:19 - 02:07:24]Trump Overturns California EV MandateFederal action nullified California's plan to ban gas-powered cars by 2035, reigniting debate over federal versus state regulatory power and impacting national vehicle manufacturing practices.[02:09:08 - 02:13:46]Rumors of Xi Jinping's Fall from PowerSigns of political instability in China, including changes in media coverage, military leadership, and elite criticism, fuel speculation that Xi Jinping may be losing power due to his COVID lockdown policies.[03:02:35:19 - 03:03:11:19]U.S. Nuclear Talks with Iran Dismissed as PretextGerald Celente dismisses U.S. nuclear talks with Iran as a pretext, predicting no Gaza ceasefire and accusing the U.S. of enabling violence against Palestinians.[03:03:12:29 - 03:03:45:03]Celente's Prediction of Israel's Iran AttackCelente claims he predicted Israel's attack on Iran an hour and a half before it happened, warning of its consequences via his YouTube podcast.[03:03:46:09 - 03:04:33:18]Gold and Oil Price Spikes Amid War EscalationCelente links escalating wars to gold prices hitting $3,427-$3,445 per ounce and predicts Brent crude at $120 per barrel if Iran attacks persist, risking global economic collapse.[03:04:45:15 - 03:05:55:07]Trump Endorses Israel's Iran StrikesCelente criticizes Trump for calling Israel's Iran strikes “very successful” and pressuring Iran on a nuclear deal, accusing him of endorsing violence.[03:13:37:13 - 03:14:24:01]Nuclear War Risks and Israel's Samson OptionCelente warns that Israel-Iran tensions could lead to World War III, citing Israel's “Samson option” to use nuclear weapons if losing.[03:50:05:00 - 03:51:55:10]Kushner's Gaza Waterfront Property RemarksDiscussion covers Jared Kushner's 2024 remarks calling Gaza valuable waterfront property, suggesting Israel's intent to displace or eliminate Palestinians. Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHT Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

[01:02:09 - 01:06:28]Israel's First Strike on Iran Sparks Fears of WWIIIIsrael launched a preemptive strike against Iran, raising concerns about escalation into a broader regional or global conflict, with U.S. evacuations and diplomatic maneuvers suggesting foreknowledge and complicity.[01:17:51 - 01:19:23]Israeli Spyware and Political BlackmailReports reveal Israeli spyware like Pegasus and Devil's Tongue used to surveil world leaders, with implications of political blackmail as a factor in sustained Western support for Israeli policy. [01:50:17 - 01:57:25]EV Fires at Sea: Lithium Battery HazardsA cargo ship transporting electric vehicles caught fire and was abandoned in the Pacific, with lithium-ion batteries suspected as the cause, highlighting the dangers of EV battery fires in shipping disasters.[01:57:25 - 02:01:19]Toyota Challenges EV Environmental ClaimsToyota's chairman argues that EVs produce more pollution than hybrids over their life cycle, advocating for diversified vehicle technology and criticizing regulations penalizing non-EV alternatives.[02:01:19 - 02:07:24]Trump Overturns California EV MandateFederal action nullified California's plan to ban gas-powered cars by 2035, reigniting debate over federal versus state regulatory power and impacting national vehicle manufacturing practices.[02:09:08 - 02:13:46]Rumors of Xi Jinping's Fall from PowerSigns of political instability in China, including changes in media coverage, military leadership, and elite criticism, fuel speculation that Xi Jinping may be losing power due to his COVID lockdown policies.[03:02:35:19 - 03:03:11:19]U.S. Nuclear Talks with Iran Dismissed as PretextGerald Celente dismisses U.S. nuclear talks with Iran as a pretext, predicting no Gaza ceasefire and accusing the U.S. of enabling violence against Palestinians.[03:03:12:29 - 03:03:45:03]Celente's Prediction of Israel's Iran AttackCelente claims he predicted Israel's attack on Iran an hour and a half before it happened, warning of its consequences via his YouTube podcast.[03:03:46:09 - 03:04:33:18]Gold and Oil Price Spikes Amid War EscalationCelente links escalating wars to gold prices hitting $3,427-$3,445 per ounce and predicts Brent crude at $120 per barrel if Iran attacks persist, risking global economic collapse.[03:04:45:15 - 03:05:55:07]Trump Endorses Israel's Iran StrikesCelente criticizes Trump for calling Israel's Iran strikes “very successful” and pressuring Iran on a nuclear deal, accusing him of endorsing violence.[03:13:37:13 - 03:14:24:01]Nuclear War Risks and Israel's Samson OptionCelente warns that Israel-Iran tensions could lead to World War III, citing Israel's “Samson option” to use nuclear weapons if losing.[03:50:05:00 - 03:51:55:10]Kushner's Gaza Waterfront Property RemarksDiscussion covers Jared Kushner's 2024 remarks calling Gaza valuable waterfront property, suggesting Israel's intent to displace or eliminate Palestinians. Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHT Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.

In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week's episode, we discuss the new Tesla Model S and Model XX, Robotaxi is sort of coming, Xiaomi breaking the EV record at Nurburgring, and more. The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek's YouTube channel. As a reminder, we'll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in. After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Pocket Casts Castro RSS We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming. Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast: Tesla launches updated Model S and Model X: the biggest change is the price Tesla Full Self-Driving hasn't improved all year and Musk points to more wait Elon Musk ‘regrets' what he said about Trump as the President is about to crush Tesla Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra snags all-time fastest lap for a mass-produced EV at Nürburgring [Video] A prototype Porsche Cayenne EV just beat every gas SUV ever in a hillclimb We have the starting pricing for all model year 2026 Rivian R1 trims The 2025 Kia EV9 sold out faster than expected Mercedes has a new ultra-luxury electric van coming soon The funky Subaru Brat is returning as an EV pickup with a little help from Toyota Charge your EV in 5 minutes: BYD's ‘flash' network heads to Europe Here's the live stream for today's episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET: https://www.youtube.com/live/ArA4TKru5Gs

CR has purchased a 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro Premium+ for our test program. The first of Audi's EVs to use their new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, the Q6 is designed to compete with the Lexus RZ, BMW iX, Genesis Electrified GV70, Rivian R1S, and Tesla Model Y. We share our first impressions on how the Q6 drives, its abundant safety features, range, and many, many, MANY controls, including its polarizing HUD display. We also discuss the most efficient way to drive a vehicle that can switch between EV and hybrid modes, how horsepower is calculated in a hybrid car, and a good replacement for a Mazda CX-5 for a family with many large dogs! Test results here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers: https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Boring Weather Market3:28 US/China Update6:30 "The Funds"7:41 China Pathogen Smugglers8:40 Fake Screwworm Investigation

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, for The Wright Report: Friday Headline Brief - your fast-paced recap of the week's biggest domestic and global developments. Musk vs. Trump: A Stunning Public Break – Elon Musk accuses President Trump of being linked to Jeffrey Epstein and demands impeachment. Trump hits back, calling Musk crazy and threatening to cancel government subsidies. Musk responds by pulling his Dragon spacecraft from the ISS. The fallout stems from Trump's spending bill and economic strategy. Rare Earth Truce? Maybe. Tariffs Slam Imports, Boost Exports – Trump and Xi talk trade. Xi may restart rare earth exports, but companies like Ford and Suzuki are cutting production, and some are eyeing a China return. Meanwhile, the U.S. trade deficit drops 55% in April—the largest drop since 1992. Travel Ban Returns, Deportation Record Set – Trump signs a new travel ban targeting 12 nations, exempting legal residents and allies. ICE arrests a record 2,200 illegals in one day. Meanwhile, a Biden-appointed judge blocks deportation of the Colorado terrorist's family. Biden Aides Face Investigation for Concealing His Decline – Trump orders an investigation into former Biden officials who allegedly used auto-pen signatures and concealed cognitive decline, potentially invalidating executive actions. Supreme Court Rulings Reinforce Executive Power and Equal Rights – The Court blocks Mexico's $10B gunmaker lawsuit and unanimously rules that white, straight Americans can sue for discrimination like anyone else. FBI Cracks Down on Child Gender Surgeries – The FBI urges the public to report any hospitals performing transgender surgeries on minors, calling it a criminal issue. Cultural Backlash Hits LGBTQ+ Activism – Companies pull back Pride Month support as polls show rising backlash, especially against the “T” and “Q.” The Pentagon strips Harvey Milk's name from a Navy ship over past sexual misconduct. Army Meets Recruitment Targets, Credits Anti-Woke Shift – The Army says new leadership and a focus on combat readiness—not activism—are driving enlistments. AI Propaganda, Humanoid Delivery Robots, and Ocean-Dissolving Plastics – China uses ChatGPT for divisive propaganda. Amazon tests robot package delivery. Japan develops plastic that vanishes in saltwater. EV Ship Fire in the Pacific Raises Safety Alarms – A cargo ship carrying Chinese electric vehicles burns adrift off Alaska after EVs ignite. Crew abandoned ship, Coast Guard prepares a response. Ukraine and Iran: Drone Warfare and Nuclear Tensions – The U.S. reroutes anti-drone tech away from Ukraine to protect Middle East bases. Iran delays peace talks, risking war. Israel holds fire—for now. Parkinson's Breakthrough: Smart Pen Diagnoses Disease Early – UCLA's magnetic pen detects Parkinson's with 96% accuracy. Paired with ketamine treatments, it signals hope for millions. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." – John 8:32