Clean energy news: September 2021
Inside Arizona’s push to become an electric vehicle hub
Arizona has drawn national attention recently thanks to Lucid Motors, Nikola Corp., ElectraMeccanica and Local Motors all choosing to build their EVs in the state. Yet some observers think — or hope — that this is just the beginning. Electric vehicles offer Phoenix a chance to define its technological prowess, to move into the top echelon of American tech hubs and pave the way in electrification. The opportunity is obvious — EVs account for less than 3% of new car sales in the U.S. in recent years, according to a recent Pew survey — but wrestling control away from traditional vehicle manufacturing hubs won’t be easy. Read more >>
Where could a 234-square mile smart city be constructed in Arizona? Experts weigh in
A billionaire’s proposal to build a sustainable city in Arizona has at least one local technology leader excited, but real estate experts pointed out a few significant challenges to bringing the massive metropolis to the state. Marc Lore, the co-founder of Diapers.com and former president and CEO of Walmart U.S. eCommerce, announced plans for the futuristic city dubbed Telosa on Sept. 1. As planned, the city would consist of roughly 234 square miles and have a population of 5 million people over 40 years. Read more >>
Community calls for federal climate support
An intergenerational group of climate advocates, policymakers, parents and grandparents called on Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema Sept. 10 to invest in bold climate policies through support of the federal Build Back Better Agenda. In a press conference hosted by the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans Moms Clean Air Force through the Climate Action Campaign, Rep. Andrea Dalessandro, D-Sahuarita, among others, urged the state’s senators to address extreme weather events for the benefit of future generations. Read more >>
Tucson Electric Power announces 2021 Go Green Award winners
What do recycled pillows, workforce training and a reimagined landfill have in common? They’re all among the sustainable efforts of local businesses and organizations that are being recognized with a 2021 Go Green Award this year from Tucson Electric Power. The awards are given annually to highlight meaningful work that protects our environment, preserves natural resources and promotes sustainability in some way in our community. The Go Green awards are being presented virtually again this year due to the ongoing pandemic. Read more >>
Clean energy innovators sign agreement to accelerate electric vehicle transition
KORE Power, Inc. and Zero Electric Vehicles, Inc. have signed a joint development agreement to bring together two leading U.S. clean energy innovators to design, develop and manufacture low-cost, highly configurable electric vehicle solutions that accelerate electrification of the transportation sector. KORE is a U.S.-based manufacturer of high-energy-density lithium-ion pouch cells and module configurations for the electric vehicle and energy sector applications. ZEV is also a U.S.-based manufacturer of electric powertrain solutions for fleet customers with a commercially available low-cost, fast-turnaround configuration for light-to-medium duty fleet vehicles. Read more >>