by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | automotive industry, autos, car companies, cars, electric cars
The firm’s budget-friendly electric vehicle gamble is proving successful, yet these favorable circumstances could be short-lived.
A year back, General Motors’ plans for electrification were not faring well. The Chevrolet Bolt had been discontinued. Meanwhile, the Chevy Blaser EV faced a difficult beginning.
leaving one of our reporters caught in a significant public blunder
. Software problems
plagued the Cadillac Lyriq
.
We were discussing how the entire “Ultium” initiative had derailed.
However, the company pressed ahead, establishing itself as a leader in electric vehicles and debuting the most capable budget-friendly EV to date, which turned into
our first-ever Electric Vehicle of the Year award
.
The market has responded. General Motors’ electric vehicle (EV) sales have surged by 94%, positioning them to become the second-largest EV manufacturer in the U.S. However, this achievement comes with a significant caveat. While the company excels in producing EVs, their top-selling models are manufactured in Mexico.
With 25% duties scheduled to come into effect tomorrow
GM will now have to figure out how to sustain its progress even though its two least costly models have become significantly pricier. This presents quite a challenge.
Photo by: Fernando Pino
Our 2024 Breakthrough Electric Vehicle of the Year award went to the Equinox EV due to its excellent pricing and remarkable range. However, it’s manufactured in Mexico.
The Equinox EV starts at around $35,000, and because it’s imported from Mexico, it could have a tariff of around $8,750 for a base model. The Blazer EV will have an even steeper duty. When you dive into GM’s EV sales figures, you see how big of a problem that is. Chevy sold 6,187 Blazer EVs and 10,329 Equinox EVs last quarter.
Those numbers make them the #1 and #2 players in GM’s EV bullpen. Here’s how many sales each of GM’s other EV models recorded last quarter:
-
Cadillac Escalade IQ: 1,956 units sold
-
Cadillac Lyriq: 4,300 sales
-
Cadillac Optiq: 1,716 sales
-
Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV: 13 units sold
-
Chevrolet Silverado EV: 2,383 sales
-
GMC Hummer EV: 3,479 units sold
-
GMC Sierra EV: 1,249 sales.
The
Cadillac Optiq
The Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Optiq are also manufactured in Mexico. Adding these together, we have 18,232 sales from the Mexican-made models. In contrast, the remaining models produced in the U.S. contributed only 13,380 sales among them.
The Blazer and Equinox performed exceptionally well on their own. Additionally, they come at the lowest price points among available options, making electric vehicles accessible to a broader audience. Personally, I opted for a Chevy since the Blazer EV had the most budget-friendly leasing option when I made my decision, and it met all of my requirements.
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No One Is Emerging Victorious In The Electric Pickup Truck Battle… Not Yet At Least.
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Chevrolet Equinox EV: Ways to Obtain One for Less Than $30,000
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2026 Chevy Bolt EUV: All the Details Available
Certainly, the pickup trucks are presently quite costly.
However, more affordable alternatives will be available shortly.
A fresh version of the Bolt EV is expected to launch this year as well, and it’s slated for production in the United States. However, General Motors’ domestically produced items will still face challenges.
According to federal filings
Only 36% of the parts value in the Silverado, Sierra, and Hummer EVs originates from America and Canada combined (the data doesn’t distinguish between them). This implies that if every component within that 36% comes from the United States, approximately 64% of these vehicle’s components by value would still face a 25% tariff.
In brief: All GM electric vehicles might become pricier soon.
General Motors isn’t facing this situation alone. The entire automotive sector is grappling with the impact of these tariffs, leaving everyone uncertain about future developments. However, GM has recently kickstarted its electric vehicle transformation. According to the company, their EVs generate “positive variable profits,” which basically indicates that excluding initial expenses and factoring in the advantages of Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) credits they avoid purchasing, EV production turns out to be financially beneficial for them.
Image courtesy of: Out of Spec Testing (YouTube)
The Chevy Silverado EV 4WD.
It appears unlikely to endure. The growth in sales for the Equinox EV and Blazer EV can be attributed partially to substantial incentives offered. My vehicle came with a $52,000 MSRP, yet my leasing cost remained lower than that of a Honda Civic.
I’ve come across individuals who have managed to secure a two-year lease on a Blazer for less than $5,000 overall, which is quite unusual in this market sector. The firm has to move these vehicles due to their less efficient gasoline-powered pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, hence the strategy seems effective; however, the pricing clearly doesn’t leave much room for absorbing a 25% duty.
The cost of trucks is also likely to increase, but to a smaller degree. It remains uncertain how significantly these price changes will compare to those of competitors. Electric vehicle alternatives such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, and Tesla Model Y are manufactured in the U.S., although
different levels of American-made components
.
Moreover, with Trump both threatening to eliminate the tax credit and informing the automakers that he will ease fuel efficiency requirements, several conflicting factors remain unresolved.
However, due to the increased costs of all goods, it’s improbable to witness sales expansion for any vehicle manufacturer, particularly not for businesses heavily affected by import duties.
Therefore, GM might have overcome its initial electric vehicle challenge. However, facing upcoming tariffs and an unexpectedly soft demand for electric vehicles, the toughest fight could well lie ahead.
Contact the author:
Mack.Hogan@insideevs.com
.
by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | batteries, battery electric vehicles, electric batteries, electric cars, lithium ion batteries
QuantumScape, a startup focused on battery ignition technology for electric vehicles, thinks eliminating the anode could lead to significant advancements in EVs; however, obstacles still remain.
While a lithium-ion battery has fewer components compared to a combustion engine, it remains equally sophisticated. This complexity arises from the delicate balance of materials affecting various aspects of an electric vehicle such as its driving range, recharge time, overall performance, and durability. Manufacturers are striving to enhance these factors through advanced chemical formulations aimed at reducing compromises. A notable advancement in this field is the development of anode-less solid-state lithium-metal batteries, which show significant promise.
At least one battery executive believes that this chemistry will enable the true “no compromises vehicle”, where driving range, charging times, safety and lifespan are all impressive. It sounds great on paper, but for the technology to truly come out of the lab and onto EVs that customers can buy, several challenges are yet to be solved.
“If you aim for a significant reduction in both cost and energy efficiency relative to mass and volume, the most substantial improvement would be achieved by removing the anode,” explained Tim Holt, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at battery startup QuantumScape.
InsideEVs
.
Photo by: QuantumScape
The key elements in a conventional lithium-ion battery consist of an anode, electrolyte, separator, and cathode. These parts collaborate to transfer electrons during an electric vehicle’s charging and discharging processes. Among these components, the anode stands out as particularly environmentally burdensome and challenging from a production standpoint.
It’s typically made from graphite—a stable, long-lasting material but one that limits fast charging and energy density. Processing graphite requires toxic solvents and China controls the vast majority of its supply chain.
We’re noticing an increase in silicon utilization within the anodes as well.
However, these options tend to be costly and their cycle life and stability aren’t optimal, as stated by QuantumScape. Businesses involved in this technology claim they are enhancing stability and ensuring better long-term durability.
The weightiness of EV batteries can be attributed partly to their anodes as well. According to Holme, the anode consists of a substantial amount of carbon and occupies significant space and mass within a cell. Additionally, both the manufacturing process and production consume large amounts of energy, leading to notable CO2 emissions.
Currently, QuantumScape is among multiple battery startups aiming to abandon conventional techniques for integrating anodes. Other companies like Factorial, Our Next Energy, and Ensurge Micropower are also working on their own variants of anode-free cells.
QuantumScape is working on a lithium-metal battery featuring an “in situ” formed anode, which is generated inside the battery itself instead of being added as a distinct part. This is noteworthy since conventional lithium-ion batteries typically employ a pre-manufactured anode, often crafted from materials like graphite and/or silicon. In contrast, lithium-metal batteries have the potential to begin solely with a cathode and an electrolyte.
In the initial charging process, lithium ions accumulate on the current collector, thereby constructing the lithium-metal anode. This approach streamlines production, cuts expenses, and enhances energy storage capacity. According to QuantumScape, an electric vehicle equipped with conventional cells offering a range of about 350 miles could achieve up to 400-500 miles when utilizing their solid-state lithium-metal cells. However, as will be explored further under battery density considerations, such comparisons do not appear to factor in the highest-density lithium-ion batteries available at present.
Photo by: QuantumScape
“Lithium metal outperforms both graphite and silicon as the ideal anode,” stated Holme. “A solid-state design combined with lithium metal creates superior batteries without compromising performance. However, this presents an engineering hurdle.” One key issue they face involves inhibiting the formation of dendrites—sharp metallic formations that can develop within the battery, causing damage.
Daniel Parr, a tech industry analyst working for a research company based in the U.K.,
IDTechEx
noted in a message that lithium metal batteries have traditionally faced difficulties in development because of this problem, with dendrite formation leading to premature battery deterioration and restricting the number of charge cycles they can undergo.
QuantumScape addresses this issue with a patented solid-state separator crafted from ceramics, claimed to inhibit dendrite formation. According to Holme, the electrolyte consists of an organic liquid, while the cathode can utilize either nickel, iron, or a combination of both.
Iron is certainly less costly, yet it has lower energy density whereas nickel boasts higher energy density, though it comes at a greater expense,” Holme stated. “We intend to provide both options for our clients so they can make their own selection.
The start-up’s
QSE-5 cell
uses this novel chemistry. The first two letters represent the company, “E” stands for energy and the number denotes five milliamp-hours of capacity, similar to the capacity of a Tesla 2170 cell that’s used in certain versions of the Model Y, among other products.
The QSE-5 cell boasts an energy density of 305 watt-hours per kilogram, appearing slightly superior to Tesla’s 4680 NMC cells utilized in the Cybertruck and the Model Y. The 4680 remains
estimated
with an energy density ranging from 272 to 296 watt-hours per kilogram. Factorial’s fully solid-state
Solstice
The battery reportedly offers an energy density of 450 Wh/kg. Therefore, as a solid-state, experimental battery, the QSE-5’s density falls at the lower end of the spectrum.
Nevertheless, the advantages are significant, according to the startup. The lifespan increases due to the elimination of “capacity fade,” which typically occurs as a result of chemical interactions between the anode and the electrolyte. Additionally, safety is enhanced since the ceramic separator is purportedly fireproof and remains stable even when exposed to extremely high or low temperatures.
In the event of a collision, an electric vehicle equipped with this type of battery has a lower chance of exploding. (Fires in EVs are
statistically rarer
then electric cars, but when these fires do happen, they are difficult to put out.)
Photo by: QuantumScape
QuantumScape has already shipped “B-samples” of its new battery to automakers for testing and plans to send more this year. B-samples are near-production battery prototype used for more advanced testing, such as performance validation, safety assessments and integration into EVs.
One of QuantumScape’s clients is PowerCo SE, which is a wholly owned battery division of the Volkswagen Group. “We have granted them access to our technology and are collaborating closely to bring this solution to market,” explained Holmes. “PowerCo SE is constructing large-scale factories known as ‘gigafactories’ in Spain, Germany, and Canada, and we will assist them in integrating this technology into their manufacturing processes.”
Under the non-exclusive
licensing agreement
PowerCo has the capability to generate as much as 40 gigawatt-hours of batteries utilizing QuantumScape’s technology, with the potential to scale this capacity up to 80 GWh. This expanded output could support the production of approximately 1 million electric vehicles each year.
When questioned regarding the expenses associated with solid-state batteries versus today’s lithium-ion alternatives, Holmes drew parallels between the advancement of solid-state cells and SpaceX’s revolutionary impact on the rocket sector.
If you compare the initial SpaceX rockets with what NASA had developed at that time, they weren’t as cost-effective,” he stated. “However, as SpaceX has advanced, their prices have dropped dramatically, reaching levels several times lower than those of NASA.
It will cost more initially compared to a conventional battery.
“If we climb the learning curve, increase our production volumes, and reduce our costs, we can become competitive and potentially surpass lithium-ion technology over time,” he said.
Got a tip? Reach out to the author:
suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com
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by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | education, education reform, educational systems, healthcare and medicine, politics
● Looks for education that frees the mind, rather than one that induces fear
At the weekend, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who leads the Senate, called upon federal, state, and local governments, along with corporations and philanthropists, to significantly increase their investment in education. He argued this would foster the creation of future global billionaires and renowned brands.
Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central, pointed out how both established and developing countries across Asia, Europe, and North America utilized education as an effective means for socioeconomic change to achieve their respective goals.
Following the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon him during the 29th convocation ceremony of Ekiti State University, which took place over the weekend on the university’s main campus in Ado Ekiti, he proceeded to make those calls.
Yesterday, Bamidele was honored along with Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, and the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Mansur Muhtar. This brings the total number of honorary doctorates Bamidele has been awarded to three, spanning from January 2003 through March 2025.
During his speech at the convocation, Bamidele highlighted the importance of education in driving the socioeconomic progress of countries across the globe. He believes this educational advancement is crucial for achieving developmental objectives and overcoming severe challenges.
He particularly noted: “By quality education, I refer to an educational experience that frees the mind; one which significantly reshapes entire generations and provides access to countless opportunities in every field.”
In this light, education serves as an invaluable resource that both advanced and rising nations across the globe have utilized to reach their current position. We, as a society, also possess this same instrument in our quest for national ambitions.
Bamidele emphasized that achieving substantial socio-economic progress in every sector necessitates “not just fostering a conducive atmosphere, but also ensuring high competitiveness so our country can stand out on the global stage.”
It also requires intentional public investment in our youth, and we must take action immediately. Undoubtedly, this necessitates consistent and strategic backing from various private sectors that generate global brands and billionaires.
This is the proven framework that yielded successful individuals such as Elon Musk, who leads both SpaceX and Tesla; Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon Inc.; Mark Zuckerberg, co-creator of Facebook and Instagram; Larry Page, CEO at Google; Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., among numerous others.
It’s now time for us all to utilize the power of high-quality education to create our own global billionaires and brands. However, this can’t be achieved through mere luck or coincidence, but rather through meticulous planning and relentless execution of these strategies.
“We might fail to reach our goals unless we reassess our national priorities and significantly invest in human capital. Fundamentally, education that frees minds is the sole solution to achieving our aspirations. The sooner we begin investing more effectively in our citizens, the better off we will be as a union,” he stated.
Consequently, Bamidele urged both public and private entities to revisit their approaches; contemplate this message and reaffirm our commitment to invest more substantially in individuals. This sentiment ought to be a crucial aspect of the key lessons we draw from this historic assembly.
During his speech, University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ayodele Joseph listed several initiatives spearheaded by Bamidele for the institution. These included building accommodations specifically for medical students—both male and female dormitories—as well as constructing a small sports stadium and an FM radio station.
Ayoadele also highlighted several significant contributions made by the university’s alumni over the past year via targeted connections and interventions, pointing out various initiatives that the senate leader helped facilitate for the benefit of the university community.
He expanded Bamidele’s contributions to encompass facilitating the building of separate hostels for male and female medical students, constructing a small sports complex within the campus grounds, and also organizing the donation of an FM radio station from Senator Bamidele.
The vice chancellor additionally pointed out that the institution’s success could be attributed to an increase in the monthly subsidy for the university, which was raised from ₦260 million to ₦410 million per month.
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Syndigate.info
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by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | government, politics, politics and government, politics and law, security
By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, April 01, GNA – The New Patriotic Party Minority Caucus in Parliament has voiced serious reservations about various crucial security issues in Ghana.
They mentioned this involved the supposed baffling vanishing of 12 containers loaded with gold and money, potential drug smuggling involving private aircraft carrying cocaine and funds, as well as an allegedly pirated assault on a Ghanaian fishing boat.
At a press conference held in Parliament on Tuesday, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, who serves as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Assin South and holds the position of Ranking Member on both the Interior and Defense Committees within Parliament, addressed members of the media. He raised a pertinent issue regarding concerns from Ghanaian citizens about whether the government, via National Security, planned to redirect the 12 containers filled with gold and cash, ultimately aiming to mislead the public later on.
He expressed worries regarding two supposed private aircraft: AirMed flight N823AM and Cavok Air, which arrived at Kotoka International Airport in March 2025 with questionable goods thought to include cocaine and money.
“We urge the National Security agency to disclose all details regarding the contents of the cargo transported by these two airplanes into the country, as well as what was loaded onto the same planes when they departed for Gran Canary,” he stated additionally.
Reverend Ntim Fordjour likewise voiced worry over a purportedly reported pirate assault on a Ghanaian fishing ship named “MENGXIN 1,” which took place within Ghana’s territorial waters on March 27, 2025.
As they pushed for a comprehensive inquiry into the event, the Caucus demanded that the government equip the Ghana Navy with the necessary number of Offshore Patrol Vessels to protect Ghana’s territorial waters.
As Ghana’s position as the second most tranquil nation in Africa was precarious, the Minority Caucus determined that it was crucial for the country to remain secure under President John Dramani Mahama’s guidance. They believed it essential to prevent the nation from becoming a refuge for piracy, narcotics smuggling, and financial fraud.
Mr. Kofi Amankwa Manu, the NPP Member of Parliament for Aktwima Kwanwoma and Deputy Ranking member of both the Interior and Defense Committees in Parliament, stated that this matter is a security concern requiring collaborative action. He emphasized that the minority party will contribute their share and urged all other parties involved to also participate actively.
Mr Amankwa Manu cautioned against politicizing Ghana’s security matters and urged for the appropriate focus to be given to them.
GNA
CAA
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by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | business, local news, news, politics, politics and government
By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
In Keta (VR), on April 1, GNA reported – Mr. Wisdom Seade, nominated as the Keta Municipal Chief Executive, vowed to collaborate with residents to accelerate the progress and development of the Keta Municipality for everyone’s advantage.
He stated that his main focuses would be unity, cohesion, and fresh approaches to propel advancement within the Assembly.
Mr. Seade, who serves as both the Assembly Member for the Anyako Electoral Area and the Keta National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency chairman, spoke to the Ghana News Agency in an interview where he urged other assembly members to validate his nomination.
“My appointment by President John Dramani Mahama represents a triumph for the Keta assembly. This is the first instance where an assembly member has advanced to the role of Metropolitan, Municipal, or District Chief Executive (MCE), and we must seize this moment, rejoice, and collaborate to achieve our goals,” he stated.
Mr. Seade indicated that assuming the role of MCE would enable the assembly members to propel development forward in the Keta municipality. He emphasized the importance of public support, cooperation, and solidarity to reach higher objectives.
He committed to presenting essential emergency prioritization strategies during his initial 100 days in office, should he be approved, and encouraged enterprises, benefactors, corporations, individuals, and organizations to collaborate with the Assembly to advance their developmental goals and enhance progress in the region.
“A number of my objectives include interacting with leaders, stakeholders, businesses, donors, individuals, and communities to collect support, insights, and advice for shaping this constituency into one of the finest within the region and nation.”
He thanked the other three candidates for their congratulations and promised their backing, also expressing hope that his fellow assembly members would grant him full votes to secure his nomination.
He stated that if he is confirmed as the upcoming MCE, his aim is to drive progress in sectors like healthcare, employment generation, infrastructure, athletics, and education, along with various other domains, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for his constituents.
Mr. Seade indicated his contentment with his working rapport with the present Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu. According to him, Mr. Gunu grasps the difficulties faced by assemblies and knows potential remedies, owing to his background as a former DCE of Akatsi North.
The Volta Regional Coordinating Council has disclosed the confirmed dates for the nomination process in the region, which will take place in Keta on Thursday, April 10, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
GNA
MA/CA
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