The Clean Energy Show

Sharing Power Between North America and Europe is Possible

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Episode notes

Welcome to episode 242 of The Clean Energy Show! This week, we explore a groundbreaking proposal to connect Europe's and North America's power grids using undersea cables, a move that could revolutionize clean energy by balancing solar and wind production across continents. California is launching a new program offering free e-bikes to low-income residents, but there's a catch: applicants must sit through climate change and e-bike safety videos. Meanwhile, OPEC faces a harsh reality check as oil demand peaks much sooner than anticipated, leaving petrostate politicians scrambling. And in New York City, plans for mandatory e-bike license plates spark controversy.

Also in the show: Mercedes gets the green light for Level 3 autonomous driving in Germany, GM pulls the plug on its Cruise robo-taxi business, and BC Hydro opens a powerful new EV charger in British Columbia. All this and more, including the ever-illuminating Lightning Round!

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Main Stories

Other Highlights

  • Mercedes-Benz's DRIVE PILOT gets approval in Germany for Level 3 autonomous driving, allowing drivers to legally read, work, or watch TV while the car drives itself.

  • GM halts its Cruise self-driving taxi operations after safety incidents.

  • BC Hydro opens a new 350 kW EV charger in Oyama, BC, significantly improving EV travel in the region.

Listener Mail

The Lightning Round

  • US Supreme Court upholds California’s right to set its own vehicle emissions standards.

  • Global renewable energy installations hit a record 560 GW in 2023, compared to just 7.1 GW of new nuclear.

  • EV battery life may last 40% longer than previously estimated.

  • Study finds only 1% of EV owners would switch back to gas-powered cars, with cost savings being the primary reason.

  • BYD plans to introduce 6C charging technology, enabling 10-80% charging in just 7 minutes.

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