Google has a 2030 goal to use carbon-free electricity around the clock, and it’s now working to achieve that by switching its Belgium data center away from backup diesel generators to batteries.
Backup systems come into play during power outages, but those for data centers have to “ramp up millions of watts of backup electricity in seconds.” Google wants to leverage a more green…
In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):
Arizona’s now-closed Navajo Generating Station coal plant’s smokestacks will topple this week.
The Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance releases principles to accelerate US commercial fleet electrification.
UnderstandSolar…
Back in July, Google made a push for fun interactive experiences on Assistant devices. In the midst of the holiday season, more games are coming, along with a redesigned lobby on Smart Displays that better curates what is available.
Games on Smart Displays are powered by…
VW unveils impressive EV fast-charging station in Arizona desert to test charging at high temperatures
December 17, 2020
VW is unveiling an impressive electric car fast-charging station in the Arizona desert to test charging at extremely high temperatures.
Successful fast-charging is highly dependent on maintaining a stable temperature of the batteries inside an electric vehicle.
That’s difficult to achieve in conditions like extremely cold or hot climates.
To test the latter, Volkswagen has built an impressive…
Google boosts referrals and other rewards on new Google Pay to $21 until the new year
December 17, 2020
The new Google Pay app brings new ways to manage your funds and exchange money between friends, but it also has a powerful rewards offering. Now, Google is boosting some rewards in the new Google Pay to $21 through the new year.
From now until December 31, select rewards…
Big EV supporter Jennifer Granholm tapped for energy secretary
December 17, 2020
President-elect Joe Biden is expected to name Jennifer Granholm, the former governor of Michigan, as secretary of energy. She is a huge advocate for electric vehicles. Biden’s choice was confirmed by four people to the Associated Press.
Granholm is currently an adjunct…
Netflix has a huge library of content, but its well-designed app may be one of the service’s more attractive features. Now, Netflix is testing a new audio-only mode on its Android app.
As first reported by the folks over at Android Police, some Android users are seeing a new toggle while streaming shows and movies that turns off the video stream entirely, leaving users only with the audio from…
Electric vehicle battery cost officially dips under critical $100/kWh price point but there’s a catch
December 17, 2020
Electric vehicle batteries have officially dipped under the critical $100 per kWh price point for the first time.
However, it was for the price of battery packs for electric buses in China.
Price per kWh is a metric used to track the price of batteries.
It can be used to…
Google tests new Search image and text previews on hover
December 17, 2020
Google Search is perhaps the most-used tool on the web today, and as such the company is always experimenting with new ways to improve it. This week, Google Search is testing a slight UI tweak that shows image previews when you hover over a link.
Showing up now for some…
Tesla Model Y to help electrify two US police departments
December 17, 2020
Tesla Model Y has been chosen by two US police departments to accelerate the electrification of their fleet.
Some police departments have been quick to do the math and realize the benefits of going electric.
Tesla’s Model 3 has become a popular vehicle for police departments looking to go electric with their patrol vehicles and save on fuel.
Now some police departments are looking to get the…
