Tesla launches public Robotaxi rides in Austin with no Safety Monitor
Elon Musk shared an incredible detail about Tesla Cybercab’s potential efficiency, as the company has hinted in the past that it could be one of the most affordable vehicles to operate from a per-mile basis. ARK Invest released a report recently that shed some light on the potential incremental cost per mile of various Robotaxis that will be available on the market in the coming years. The Cybercab, which is detailed for the year 2030, has an exceptionally low cost of operation, which is something Tesla revealed when it unveiled the vehicle a year and a half ago at the “We, Robot” event in Los Angeles. Musk said on numerous occasions that Tesla plans to hit the $0.20 cents per mile mark with the Cybercab, describing a “clear path” to achieving that figure and emphasizing it is the “full considered” cost, which would include energy, maintenance, cleaning, depreciation, and insurance. Probably true — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 22, 2026 ARK’s report showed that the Cybercab would be roughly half the cost of the Waymo 6th Gen Robotaxi in 2030, as that would come in at around $0.40 per mile all in. Cybercab, at scale, would be at $0.20. Credit: ARK Invest This would be a dramatic decrease in the cost of operation for Tesla, and the savings would then be passed on to customers who choose to utilize the ride-sharing service for their own transportation needs. The U.S. average cost of new vehicle ownership is about $0.77 per mile, according to AAA. Meanwhile, Uber and Lyft rideshares often cost between $1 and $4 per mile, while Waymo can cost between $0.60 and $1 or more per mile, according to some estimates. Tesla’s engineering has been the true driver of these cost efficiencies, and its focus on creating a vehicle that is as cost-effective to operate as possible is truly going to pay off as the vehicle begins to scale. Tesla wants to get the Cybercab to about 5.5-6 miles per kWh, which has been discussed with prototypes. Additionally, fewer parts due to the umboxed manufacturing process, a lower initial cost, and eliminating the need to pay humans for their labor would also contribute to a cheaper operational cost overall. While aspirational, all of the ingredients for this to be a real goal are there. It may take some time as Tesla needs to hammer the manufacturing processes, and Musk has said there will be growing pains early. This week, he said regarding the early production efforts: “…initial production is always very slow and follows an S-curve. The speed of production ramp is inversely proportionate to how many new parts and steps there are. For Cybercab and Optimus, almost everything is new, so the early production rate will be agonizingly slow, but eventually end up being insanely fast.”
Elon Musk to attend 2026 World Economic Forum at Davos
Elon Musk is poised to attend the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos. The Tesla CEO was confirmed as a last-minute speaker for a session with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, signaling a thaw in Musk’s long-strained relationship with the event. A late addition Organizers of the World Economic Forum confirmed that Elon Musk was added shortly before the event to a Thursday afternoon session, where he was scheduled to speak with Fink, as noted in a Bloomberg News report. Musk’s upcoming appearance marks Musk’s first participation in the forum, which annually draws political leaders, business executives, and global media to Davos, Switzerland. Musk’s attendance represents a departure from his past stance toward the event. He had been invited in prior years but declined to attend, including in 2024. His upcoming appearance followed remarks from his political ally, Donald Trump, who addressed the forum earlier in the week with a wide-ranging speech. A previously strained relationship Musk had frequently criticized the World Economic Forum in the past, describing it as elitist and questioning its influence. In earlier posts, he characterized the gathering as “boring” and accused it of functioning like an unelected global authority. Those remarks contributed to a long-running distance between Musk and WEF organizers. The forum previously said Musk had not been invited since 2015, though that position has since shifted. Organizers indicated last year that Musk was welcome amid heightened interest in his political and business activities, including his involvement in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk later stepped away from that role. Despite his friction with the World Economic Forum, Musk has remained central to several global events, from SpaceX’s provision of satellite internet services in geopolitically sensitive regions through Starlink to the growing use of xAI’s Grok in U.S. government applications.
Engie acquires Australia's first large-scale BESS built on a decommissioned coal plant, from Eku
Engie acquires Australia's first large-scale BESS built on a decommissioned coal plant, from Eku - Energy-Storage.News Skip to content
Tesla CEO Elon Musk outlines expectations for Cybercab production
Tesla CEO Elon Musk outlined expectations for Cybercab production as the vehicle is officially set to start rolling off manufacturing lines at the company’s Giga Texas factory in less than 100 days. Cybercab is specifically designed and catered to Tesla’s self-driving platform and Robotaxi ride-hailing service. The company has been pushing hard to meet its self-set expectations for rolling out an effective self-driving suite, and with the Cybercab coming in under 100 days, it now needs to push for Unsupervised Self-Driving in the same time frame. Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirms Robotaxi is set to go unsupervised This is especially pertinent because the Cybercab is expected to be built without a steering wheel or pedals, and although some executives have said they would build the car with those things if it were necessary. However, Musk has maintained that the Cybercab will not have either of those things: it will have two seats and a screen, and that’s it. With production scheduled for less than 100 days, Musk broke down what people should expect from the initial manufacturing phases, being cautiously optimistic about what the early stages will likely entail: “…initial production is always very slow and follows an S-curve. The speed of production ramp is inversely proportionate to how many new parts and steps there are. For Cybercab and Optimus, almost everything is new, so the early production rate will be agonizingly slow, but eventually end up being insanely fast.” Musk knows better than most about the challenges of ramping up production of vehicles. With the Model 3, Musk routinely refers to it as “production hell.” The Cybertruck, because of its polarizing design and stainless steel exterior, also presented challenges to Tesla. With the important caveat that initial production is always very slow and follows an S-curve. The speed of the production ramp is inversely proportionate to how many new parts and steps there are. For Cybercab and Optimus, almost everything is new, so the early production… — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 20, 2026 The Cybercab definitely presents an easier production process for Tesla, and the company plans to build millions of units per year. Musk said back in October 2024: “We’re aiming for at least 2 million units a year of Cybercab. That will be in more than one factory, but I think it’s at least 2 million units a year, maybe 4 million ultimately.” When April comes, we will find out exactly how things will move forward with Cybercab production.
Maxell Develops All-Solid-State Battery Power Module Compatible with ER Battery Size
Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. Or support our Kickstarter campaign! Reduce battery replacement frequency, contributing to improved maintainability and reduced environmental impact. Maxell, Ltd. (TOKYO: 6810) has developed an all-solid-state battery power module which matches the same size and output voltage as a lithium thionyl chloride battery (ER battery). ER batteries are widely used in industrial equipment backup systems, smart meters, and IoT sensors. However, since they are primary (non-rechargeable) batteries, regular battery replacement is required, which increases maintenance workload and leads to the challenge of increasing waste batteries. This module features a circuit designed to match the output voltage (3.6V) of ER batteries, housed in standard ER battery size-compatible casing (diameter 17.9 mm, height 50 mm), enabling easy adoption even for users currently using ER batteries. It incorporates eight mass-produced “PSB401010H” all-solid-state batteries to provide approximately a capacity of 35 mAh, with the charging circuit (charging at 5V) integrated within the module. By adopting this module as a backup power source for industrial equipment, battery replacement frequency is reduced, leading to decreased maintenance time and increased operating hours, thereby improving productivity. Furthermore, it also contributes to minimizing environmental impact by reducing the amount of waste batteries. Maxell is advancing the development of all-solid-state batteries with high performance and high reliability, that can be applied to areas where existing batteries cannot be used, focusing on four key features: high reliability, high heat resistance, high output, and large capacity. In addition, Maxell is developing modules that combine all-solid-state batteries with wireless power transfer and energy harvesting technologies, contributing to solving social challenges and realizing a sustainable society. All-solid-state battery webpage Support CleanTechnica via Kickstarter Sign up for CleanTechnica's Weekly Substack for Zach and Scott's in-depth analyses and high level summaries, sign up for our daily newsletter, and follow us on Google News! Advertisement Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here. Sign up for our daily newsletter for 15 new cleantech stories a day. Or sign up for our weekly one on top stories of the week if daily is too frequent. CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here. CleanTechnica's Comment Policy
Amazon buys ready-to-build Oregon solar-plus-storage project from bankrupt developer Pine Gate
Amazon buys ready-to-build Oregon solar-plus-storage project from bankrupt developer Pine Gate - Energy-Storage.News Skip to content
Tesla CEO Elon Musk trolls budget airline after it refuses Starlink on its planes
Elon Musk’s tunneling startup, The Boring Company, has been studying a potential tunnel system connecting Reno to Tesla Gigafactory Nevada, as per documents obtained by Fortune. The early-stage feasibility work was funded by a state-affiliated economic group as officials searched for alternatives to worsening traffic and accidents along Interstate 80. Potential Giga Nevada tunnel Documents reviewed by Fortune showed that The Boring Company received $50,000 in October to produce conceptual designs and a feasibility report for a tunnel beneath a nine-mile stretch of highway leading to Gigafactory Nevada. The payment came from the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN), a nonprofit that works with the state to attract and expand businesses. The proposed tunnel was one of several transportation alternatives being explored to address rising congestion and accidents along Interstate 80, which serves the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center. The massive industrial park houses major employers, including Tesla and Panasonic, both of which had been in contact with the Nevada Governor’s Office regarding potential transportation solutions. Emails obtained through public records requests showed that Tesla and Panasonic have also supported a separate commuter rail study that would use existing freight rail alongside the Interstate. It remains unclear if The Boring Company’s feasibility report had been completed, and key details for the potential project, including tunnel length, cost, and if autonomous Teslas would be used, were not disclosed. (Credit: The Boring Company) Relieving I-80 congestion Traffic and accidents along I-80 have increased sharply as data centers and new businesses moved into the 107,000-acre industrial center. State transportation data showed that the number of vehicles traveling certain stretches of the highway during peak hours doubled between January and July 2025 alone. Roughly 22,000 employees commute daily to the industrial park, with nearly 8,000 working for Tesla and more than 4,000 for Panasonic at the Giga Nevada complex. Bill Thomas, who runs the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, shared his thoughts about safety concerns in the area. “At this point in time, there’s about (one accident) every other day,” he said. He also noted that he is supportive of any projects that could alleviate traffic and accidents on the Interstate. “We’re not paying for it. I’m not involved in it. But I understand there are conversations exploring whether that could be done. If there’s a private solution that helps the problem and improves safety, as far as I’m concerned, more power to them,” Thomas stated.
Scaling Solar Smarter: Innovation, Supply Chains, & the Future of Clean Energy
Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. Or support our Kickstarter campaign! What does it really take to build a stronger, smarter, clean energy future? In this episode of CleanTech Talk, we delve into the forces shaping the next era of solar energy. With decades of experience leading in the global energy space, from ABB and Schneider Electric to Enphase and now SolarEdge, General Manager for SolarEdge North America Marty Rogers shares a ground-level view of what’s next in inverter and storage innovation, how the US can take control of its domestic solar supply chain, and why sustainability must extend beyond the rooftop. We also delve into real-world solar trends across residential, commercial, and grid services, as well as the policy, technology, and manufacturing shifts necessary to scale with impact. Marty sat down with CleanTechnica’s Scott Cooney to discuss these matters and more. You can listen via the embedded YouTube or SoundCloud players below, or you can listen on your favorite podcast network if it’s not one of those. You can also listen to this and other CleanTech Talk podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, Overcast, Pocket, Podbean, Radio Public, or YouTube. As more of a primer and in addition to the discussion above, here’s more from SolarEdge on what it is focused on these days: Strengthening the Domestic Solar Supply Chain: SolarEdge is actively reshoring critical manufacturing to the US, with production facilities in Florida, Texas, and Utah focused on key components such as inverters and circuit boards. This investment aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) domestic content incentives and positions the company and its partners to access tax credits that require US-made equipment. Beyond incentives, it’s about building supply chain resilience and reducing exposure to global trade instability, while supporting job creation and cleantech leadership at home. Sustainability — Practicing What We Preach: As a company enabling the clean energy transition, SolarEdge is also committed to decarbonizing its own operations, from responsible sourcing and waste reduction to energy-efficient product design. Sustainability is embedded throughout the value chain, with initiatives focused on reducing the carbon footprint of our manufacturing, packaging, and logistics operations. It’s about leading by example and holding ourselves to the same environmental standards we promote through our technologies. Where Innovation is Heading in the Inverters & Storage Space: Inverters are evolving from simple energy converters to intelligent, grid-connected devices that manage power, storage, and load control in real-time. SolarEdge is at the forefront of this transformation, with new platforms like Nexus designed for higher reliability, seamless integration with batteries and EVs, and a dramatically improved installer experience. The future of innovation lies in grid-aware, software-defined systems that use AI and data to optimize performance, enhance resilience, and lower the lifetime cost of ownership. Trends in Solar for Residential, Commercial, and Grid Services: Residential solar is increasingly about energy independence and resilience, with battery storage and backup capabilities now driving demand, especially in states prone to outages or high electricity rates. On the commercial side, sustainability mandates, rising utility costs, and new financing models are making solar + storage more attractive than ever. Meanwhile, grid services and virtual power plants (VPPs) are becoming a vital part of the equation, offering homeowners, businesses, and utilities new ways to share and monetize distributed energy while improving grid stability. What’s not to love about all that? Support CleanTechnica via Kickstarter Sign up for CleanTechnica's Weekly Substack for Zach and Scott's in-depth analyses and high level summaries, sign up for our daily newsletter, and follow us on Google News! Advertisement Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here. Sign up for our daily newsletter for 15 new cleantech stories a day. Or sign up for our weekly one on top stories of the week if daily is too frequent. CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here. CleanTechnica's Comment Policy
BESS trading: Analysing normalised revenue and percent of perfect
Where should I connect? Which configuration should I choose? What revenue strategy best fits my risk-return profile? How much revenue can I capture from the merchant market? Being able to confidently answer any of these questions typically means relying on a combination of different industry-accepted evaluation metrics. In theory, using the ‘right tool for the right job’ sounds simple enough but in reality, one of the highest risks you can take is to make decisions based on an evaluation metric without fully understanding its limitations or level of accuracy. In this blog, we discuss what the main performance metrics are for batteries, how to calculate them and what their limitations are. Two main battery storage trading performance metrics There are several metrics to assess battery trading performance and revenues. The normalised revenue and percent of perfect (PoP) capture rate are the two main metrics that stand out in assessing how attractive a battery’s revenues are as driven by their operational performance. As a general rule, both of these metrics should be applied to battery gross margins (net revenue considering charging costs). For specific sites or locations, you can also account for the impact of Marginal Loss Factors and network tariff charges Normalised revenue What is it used for? Normalised Revenue is a simple way to compare battery returns in a standardised way in AU$/MW or AU$/MWh. It can be particularly useful for: Understanding how returns vary across different regions or markets (e.g. New South Wales vs Victoria, NEM vs ERCOT); Comparing returns under different commercial models for the same asset (e.g. fully merchant vs partially merchant vs fully contracted) Determining potential trade-offs in different trading / operating strategies Eliminating variance in returns driven purely by differences in asset size How is it calculated? Normalised Revenue (AU$/MW/year) = Gross Margin (AU$/year) / Installed Capacity (MW) or Normalised Revenue (AU$/MWh/year) = Gross Margin (AU$/year) / Energy Throughput (MWh) For example, a 100MW/200MWh battery storage system with a gross margin of AU$25 million in a year, while averaging one discharge cycle per day, would have a normalised revenue of AU$250,000 per MW per year, or AU$342.5 per MWh energy throughput per year. What are its limitations? Normalised Revenue is valuable for providing insight into how different variables can influence returns, but it can also provide a false sense of confidence that you are truly comparing ‘apples to apples’. These metrics should be used with extreme caution when comparing battery storage systems across different locations. Particularly, they do not explicitly account for asset-specific operating limitations or network constraints, which can materially affect realised revenues. Also, you will rarely have all of the information to determine whether: the observable revenues are representative of the entire value; and if the underlying objectives driving observed outcomes apply to your organisation. To put this in context with a few examples: A battery used as part of a wider portfolio hedging strategy will see a very different result to one focused solely on maximising its own wholesale electricity arbitrage revenues. A simple average of Normalised Revenues across all assets operating in a given region or market is not a good indication of the returns of your asset, as it does not account for site-specific differences like network constraints. The choice of normalisation basis can materially bias comparisons: using AU$/MW revenues will make longer-duration storage (e.g. 4-8 hours) look more attractive, while AU$/MWh typically favours shorter durations. Percentage of perfect capture rate What is it used for? PoP is used to benchmark how well an asset performed relative to the best performance it could have achieved. How is it calculated? At first glance, PoP seems straightforward: PoP Capture Rate (%) = Actual Gross Margin (AU$) / Maximum Possible Gross Margin (AU$) The theoretical maximum in this calculation is the ‘Perfect’ part of PoP, or the maximum revenue the battery could have made if it were traded perfectly. For example, if a battery earned AU$750,000 over one year and the maximum it could have earned was AU$1 million, its PoP capture rate would be 75%. The tricky part here is determining what ‘perfect’ actually is. There has been growing debate recently about the utility of PoP, mostly stemming from live batteries falling short of the PoP capture rates assumed (especially on more volatile days). Some have even commented that PoP is not reliable or useful, especially on volatile days, where a low PoP capture rate doesn’t mean performance was poor if it was an outcome of trading in line with your risk profile. This is a completely valid conclusion, and a useful point to keep in mind once you are actually trading a battery. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help much if you are trying to evaluate an optimiser’s performance claims or justify prospective returns to your lender. PoP is a reliable and useful performance benchmark but the problem is the lack of standardisation and transparency in the assumptions that underpin it. There are a variety of approaches to calculate the PoP and a commonly used approach is a Quality Ranking of A that denotes high quality, B for medium quality and C or D for low quality. Is your ‘Perfect’ the same as mine? 1. Price Spread Method | Quality Rank: D This approach estimates the maximum possible energy revenue from perfectly arbitraging daily price spreads, typically a single full cycle per day. It’s simple, intuitive, and fast to compute, making it popular for feasibility studies or quick performance snapshots. However, it’s also highly idealised. It ignores real-world constraints like grid limitations, energy capacity, partial cycling, and participation in multiple markets. Price spread PoP can therefore be misleading when assessing actual operational performance. 2. Perfect Foresight Optimisation | Quality Rank: C A more rigorous method runs a full optimisation model for battery dispatch across available markets over a chosen period (e.g. a month or year) using actual market prices. The model assumes the battery has perfect knowledge of future prices and operates within defined limits (power, energy, cycles, etc.). This gives
Tesla Robotaxi's biggest rival sends latest statement with big expansion
Tesla Robotaxi’s biggest rival sent its latest statement earlier this month by making a big expansion to its geofence, pushing the limits up by over 50 percent and nearing Tesla’s size. Waymo announced earlier this month that it was expanding its geofence in Austin by slightly over 50 percent, now servicing an area of 140 square miles, over the previous 90 square miles that it has been operating in since July 2025. Tesla CEO Elon Musk shades Waymo: ‘Never really had a chance’ The new expanded geofence now covers a broader region of Austin and its metropolitan areas, extended south to Manchaca and north beyond US-183. These rides are fully driverless, which sets them apart from Tesla slightly. Tesla operates its Robotaxi program in Austin with a Safety Monitor in the passenger’s seat on local roads and in the driver’s seat for highway routes. It has also tested fully driverless Robotaxi services internally in recent weeks, hoping to remove Safety Monitors in the near future, after hoping to do so by the end of 2025. Tesla Robotaxi service area vs. Waymo’s new expansion in Austin, TX. pic.twitter.com/7cnaeiduKY — Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) January 13, 2026 Although Waymo’s geofence has expanded considerably, it still falls short of Tesla’s by roughly 31 square miles, as the company’s expansion back in late 2025 put it up to roughly 171 square miles. There are several differences between the two operations apart from the size of the geofence and the fact that Waymo is able to operate autonomously. Waymo emphasizes mature, fully autonomous operations in a denser but smaller area, while Tesla focuses on more extensive coverage and fleet scaling potential, especially with the potential release of Cybercab and a recently reached milestone of 200 Robotaxis in its fleet across Austin and the Bay Area. However, the two companies are striving to achieve the same goal, which is expanding the availability of driverless ride-sharing options across the United States, starting with large cities like Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area. Waymo also operates in other cities, like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, Phoenix, and Atlanta, among others. Tesla is working to expand to more cities as well, and is hoping to launch in Miami, Houston, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Dallas.
Year in Review: Law firm Troutman Pepper Locke on FEOC and the 'privileged status' of battery storage
Nonetheless, despite the challenges this and other developments had presented, Morrison noted that battery storage had emerged from the OBBBA negotiations relatively unscathed, certainly compared to solar PV and wind, which effectively lost their tax credit-eligible status. At the same time, electricity load growth driven by data centres would provide a significant driver for energy storage resources, he said. This time out, we revisit some of those key takeaways and more, as Vaughn Morrison reflects on 2025 and looks forward to the year ahead. What did 2025 mean for the energy storage industry from your company’s perspective and for the bigger picture? Our firm’s success follows the industry’s success, so the answer to both questions is the same: 2025 was a mixed year for energy storage. The OBBBA curtailed the previously longer runway for the investment tax credit for storage, and created additional qualification challenges in the form of FEOC requirements. Meanwhile, ongoing instability in international trade policy has created a level of uncertainty in project capital expenditures that has strained the market’s ability to effectively underwrite project economics. With that being said, storage demonstrated its value to the grid on a grander scale than any year prior, and emerged from OBBBA as a relative winner, and certainly better off than before the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). What do you think 2026 will hold, in terms of both things to look forward to and in terms of challenges ahead? I expect 2026 will showcase the industry’s resilience and ingenuity. With most of the new rules of engagement now known, the market can focus on developing the solutions and conventions that will govern project development and finance in the medium term. There are challenges, of course, including FEOC compliance and continuing trade uncertainty. But with OBBBA in the books, the market can move ahead. What are some of the big legal questions still facing the industry, and how might we hope to see them answered? Guidance from the Treasury on FEOC rules is expected this year, and that could have a significant impact, good or bad. We hope to see greater stability in the trade environment this year. Another unknown is whether there will be additional executive action targeting foreign suppliers on national security grounds. More encouraging is the prospect of queue reform in PJM and potential pro-development policy emerging from FERC directives relating to large load customers (particularly data centres). Those could present opportunities. Consensus appears to be that, in terms of energy storage deployment in the US, 2025 did not go too badly. Was this contrary to expectations from earlier in the year? There was a lot of concern earlier in the year about change in tax law and tariffs. I do think those things had an impact, but 2025 was going to be such a big year that even a blunted version was impressive. In October, you said that data centres and domestic content policy would be defining topics for the industry. How should energy storage developers be approaching these issues? With respect to the latter, domestic sourcing considerations have become even more important in light of the FEOC rules imposed by OBBBA. At the same time, more domestic and FEOC compliant products are coming to market. Many developers are partnering with suppliers to reap the benefits, in some cases by providing advance market commitments to support the buildout of domestic manufacturing capacity. Developers are still figuring out the right value proposition of storage to data centres. We have heard a lot of ideas, and seen some deals get started. If someone can figure out a scalable role for battery storage in data centre load service, that could be a vast new market. What should the industry’s priorities be in 2026 and beyond? I think the industry should focus on further cementing its relatively privileged position in energy policy by onshoring production, technology, and capital structure, and enhancing cybersecurity protections and fire safety. From a value proposition standpoint, the narrative should focus on the role that batteries can play in stabilising the grid and power prices. For now, both political parties seem to recognise there is a valuable role for storage on the US electric grid, but that is far from a foregone conclusion. The Energy Storage Summit USA will be held from 24-25 March 2026, in Dallas, TX. It features keynote speeches and panel discussions on topics like FEOC challenges, power demand forecasting, and managing the BESS supply chain. ESN Premium subscribers can get an exclusive discount on ticket prices. For complete information, visit the Energy Storage Summit USA website.
Tesla Model Y leads South Korea's EV growth in 2025
Elon Musk’s tunneling startup, The Boring Company, has been studying a potential tunnel system connecting Reno to Tesla Gigafactory Nevada, as per documents obtained by Fortune. The early-stage feasibility work was funded by a state-affiliated economic group as officials searched for alternatives to worsening traffic and accidents along Interstate 80. Potential Giga Nevada tunnel Documents reviewed by Fortune showed that The Boring Company received $50,000 in October to produce conceptual designs and a feasibility report for a tunnel beneath a nine-mile stretch of highway leading to Gigafactory Nevada. The payment came from the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN), a nonprofit that works with the state to attract and expand businesses. The proposed tunnel was one of several transportation alternatives being explored to address rising congestion and accidents along Interstate 80, which serves the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center. The massive industrial park houses major employers, including Tesla and Panasonic, both of which had been in contact with the Nevada Governor’s Office regarding potential transportation solutions. Emails obtained through public records requests showed that Tesla and Panasonic have also supported a separate commuter rail study that would use existing freight rail alongside the Interstate. It remains unclear if The Boring Company’s feasibility report had been completed, and key details for the potential project, including tunnel length, cost, and if autonomous Teslas would be used, were not disclosed. (Credit: The Boring Company) Relieving I-80 congestion Traffic and accidents along I-80 have increased sharply as data centers and new businesses moved into the 107,000-acre industrial center. State transportation data showed that the number of vehicles traveling certain stretches of the highway during peak hours doubled between January and July 2025 alone. Roughly 22,000 employees commute daily to the industrial park, with nearly 8,000 working for Tesla and more than 4,000 for Panasonic at the Giga Nevada complex. Bill Thomas, who runs the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, shared his thoughts about safety concerns in the area. “At this point in time, there’s about (one accident) every other day,” he said. He also noted that he is supportive of any projects that could alleviate traffic and accidents on the Interstate. “We’re not paying for it. I’m not involved in it. But I understand there are conversations exploring whether that could be done. If there’s a private solution that helps the problem and improves safety, as far as I’m concerned, more power to them,” Thomas stated.
Whisper-Quiet BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station — 600W 288Wh: Double the Runtime. Half the Waste.
Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. The first thing I seek in technology, amidst the numerous conveniences accessible in modern society, is quiet. Power outages and the desire of many to be off the grid have led to certain portable power technologies becoming popular with the modern adventurer. Whether one wants to use more intermittent solar energy, or one wants solitude, wilderness, and sometimes convenience, portable power stations offer a solution. Then there’s the need for support during interruptions from conflict, storms, or infrastructure irregularities. I lost power for days after Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina in 2024. That got me and others looking for good backup power solutions for the future. Whisper-quiet BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 | 288Wh 600W Portable Power Station The whisper-quiet noise level of the BLUETTI Elite 30 appealed to me immediately as a good size for use in many emergencies and as a backup during storms, without being too heavy and difficult to move as a woman on the verge of 70. In fact, even a much larger system would not have been as useful during the Hurricane Helene aftermath, because it would have been too large to go recharge somewhere that had electricity, whereas this system would have been perfect for offering enough electricity storage while at home while being light enough to take elsewhere to recharge. As someone sensitive to the humming noise of some technology, it was also a relief to me how quiet this device was. Note that this is the company’s new, updated version of this storage system. It’s been improved from the first version. The BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 (288Wh 600W) Portable Power Station includes various power ports, serving all kinds of technologies, and it’s useful beyond disasters as well. It is light enough to take around town or into the countryside. Yes, it fits inside a backpack. As an online writer, mathematician, or other professional, you may work long hours away from home. This might be what you need to maximize that time outside of home or the office. Take into account the significance of such essential backup for medical problems. Indoor and outdoor inspiration. There’s also all kinds of life-saving work that requires portable power that’s not too have but has a decent amount of energy storage capacity. For example, you’ve got work like Laura Stachel’s at We Care Solar, an organization that supplies light to medical facilities without electricity. Add this BLUETTI device or a smaller one to that solar suitcase. This is an especially useful device for short-term power outages. It is inexpensive, portable, and requires little space. It also includes a built-in light, which can be quite useful in such situations. If you are not mobile or you just like doing things via your phone, you can control and monitor it using the BLUETTI app via Bluetooth or WiFi. It is akin to Zach’s cute, mini portable power station, but with more than double the energy storage capacity. I have yet to put in my electric car like Zach did, but I’m sure it wouldn’t be difficult at all. You can also use it while out camping, and, yes, it can be solar powered. You can bring portable solar panels that are foldable and compact out with you so that even when enjoying nature for an extended period of time, you can have access to your phone and friends. Unlike standard fixed panels, BLUETTI’s portable panels are designed for on-the-go use, with lightweight materials and simple assembly. Powered by high-efficiency Grade-A monocrystalline silicon cells, they convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity at up to 23.4–25% efficiency, outperforming polycrystalline options. After looking at various portable power options, we’ve determined this is an ideal one for me. Perhaps it is for you, too. Also note that CleanTechnica readers can get 5% off the price (currently $219) using the code “CLEANTECH.” More questions? Here are some answers from BLUETTI: Does the Elite 30 V2 have a UPS function? Yes. It features a UPS with a switchover time of 10ms. It supports 4 UPS modes: Standard: Keeps the battery at 100% SOC, ideal for backup use. Time-of-Use: Recommended for regions with peak and off-peak electricity rates. PV Priority: Ideal for areas with abundant solar energy. Custom: Combine and customize the above modes to fit your needs. What does it power ? Smartphone (15Wh) 16 Times Laptop (60Wh) 4 Times Fan (10W) 16.4 Hours Wi-Fi Router (12W) 14.5 Hours Camping Light (10W) 24.6 Hours Light (10W) 24.6 Hours Drone (60Wh) 4 Times Finally, here are additional specs and details on this portable power station: ≤10ms Pro-Grade UPS Backup: Seamless switch with 980W bypass power — perfect protection for sensitive devices during outages. 600W Rated Power, 1500W Lifting Power: Reliable performance that handles essential appliances and power surges with ease. 140W PD Fast Charging: Charge your laptops, tablets, and smartphones at top speed — anytime, anywhere. UltraCell™ Technology: Up to 50% less self-consumption and only 4.5W standby — engineered for ultimate energy efficiency. 288 Wh Capacity with 9 Versatile Outlets: Power multiple devices at once — stay connected wherever you are. Long-Lasting LFP Battery: Over 3,000 cycles and a 10-year lifespan — built to perform safely for the long run. TurboBoost Charging: Recharge to 80% in just 45 minutes — stay powered with zero downtime. <30dB Whisper-Quiet Operation: Silent running under light loads — ideal for bedrooms, RVs, or shared spaces. And, again, remember that CleanTechnica readers can get 5% off of the listed price by using the code “CLEANTECH.” Disclosure: BLUETTI supported this article and provided an Elite 10 Mini for testing, but had no input into the editorial content. Sign up for CleanTechnica's Weekly Substack for Zach and Scott's in-depth analyses and high level summaries, sign up for our daily newsletter, and follow us on Google News! Advertisement Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here. Sign up
Rondo, Covestro begin work on 100MWh thermal storage site
Rondo, Covestro begin work on 100MWh thermal storage site - Energy-Storage.News Skip to content
Tariff headache throbs in Europe, Canada opens door to China
Tariff headache throbs in Europe, Canada opens door to China | Automotive World Skip to content Within days of each other, the US and Canadian governments have made tariff decisions that could have major implications for automotive. By Will Girling On 16 January 2026, Canada reached a deal with China that included reducing tariffs on imported electric vehicles (EVs) from 100% to 6.1%, with annual caps on quantity. Meanwhile, the following day, US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that a new 10% tariff would be imposed on eight European nations, including Denmark, France, Germany and the UK. Subscribe to Automotive World to continue reading Sign up now and gain unlimited access to our news, analysis, data, and research Subscribe Already a member? Join our LinkedIn Group Let us help you understand the future of mobility "*" indicates required fields Welcome back , to continue browsing the site, please click here We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok Notifications
Greenhushing is eroding consumer trust
There’s truth to the adage “Out of sight, out of mind.” At least, that’s what research from Trellis data partner GlobeScan shows when it comes to the sharp decline in the public visibility of sustainability messaging by brands. Across more than 30 global markets surveyed, the reach and credibility of sustainability communications diminished in the last year. In 2025, only 36 percent of consumers reported seeing at least “some” sustainability messaging from brands, down from 49 percent in 2023. Trust in these messages has also fallen: 65 percent of people reached by sustainability communications say they have at least “some” trust in them, compared to 79 percent in 2022. These trends were consistent across eight major product categories: Cars Cleaning products Clothing Electronics Financial services Home furnishings Packaged food Personal care products What this means For brands, pulling back on sustainability communications risks losing consumer trust and relevance. As fewer people see and believe these messages, brands have less influence on purchase decisions and sustainable behaviors — even if the same work is continuing under the radar. To stay impactful, organizations must rethink how they engage consumers and make sustainability messaging more visible, credible and personally meaningful. Based on a survey of more than 30,000 consumers across 31 countries conducted July-August 2025
OpenAI's Google Translate killer is here: How to use the new ChatGPT Translate
What's the point of ChatGPT Translate? Most translation tools stop once the text is converted. ChatGPT Translate treats that as a starting point. It assumes context, audience, and intent matter from the start, then lets you refine the result further. But let's say you are translating emails, doing schoolwork, or want professional writing, the tool then gives you more control over clarity, tone, and intent, not just accuracy. Also: How ChatGPT actually works (and why it's been so game-changing) Basically, once you are in ChatGPT, you can do much more with your translated text, using AI to keep writing and editing from there. How does ChatGPT Translate compare to Google Translate? ChatGPT Translate is in its early stages. It only supports text translations on desktop and mobile. Voice input, real-time conversation mode, image uploads, document translation, and website translation are not yet available, unlike with Google Translate. Language support is also narrower than Google Translate, which supports more than 200 languages. Also: Google can translate your voice in real time now - try it free While ChatGPT Translate is unique right now for its tone control and handoff to ChatGPT for deeper AI editing and writing assistance, Google Translate remains far more powerful overall, especially when it comes to its multimodal features.
InnovMetric partners with Artec 3D on metrology software
Artec 3D will bundle PolyWorks with its portable scanners, giving manufacturers integrated tools for inspection and modeling workflows. InnovMetric, an independent software developer for 3D measurement workflows, has signed a global partnership agreement with Luxembourg-based Artec 3D. Under the agreement, Artec 3D will serve as a bundled reseller, offering PolyWorks software alongside its professional 3D scanners as part of integrated 3D metrology packages. By integrating Artec 3D’s portable 3D scanners with PolyWorks inspection and modeling tools, manufacturers can simplify their 3D metrology workflow from data capture to analysis. This can support consistent measurement practices, reduce inspection time and help teams meet a range of measurement requirements. “Our partnership with Artec 3D marks another significant step toward making advanced 3D metrology more accessible and efficient for manufacturers worldwide. By seamlessly integrating PolyWorks with Artec 3D’s professional scanners, we provide a unified, high-performance solution that accelerates the journey from measurement to actionable insight. This streamlined workflow is key to helping our customers achieve new levels of product quality and operational excellence,” says David Bergeron, chief revenue officer at InnovMetric. “We continue to strengthen our offering in the lucrative quality control and metrology markets, and our agreement with InnovMetric is another solid step in this direction,” says Art Yukhin, president and CEO of Artec 3D. “We’re excited about the prospects of this collaboration, which will see even more advanced tools being made available to our customers worldwide.” For more information, visit polyworks.com.
