THE Electrify Expo at Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum was a whirlwind of electric vehicles, but the Tesla Cybertruck was the star of the show.

Lines snaked around the Tesla booth, a testament to the public’s fascination with this unconventional machine.  I was one of the lucky ones who managed to snag a test drive, just because I had a press badge. (I didn’t want to feel entitled too), but driving what to me was essentially, was an ice shaver on big wheels, became an experience I won’t soon forget.

Forget the photos and videos–seeing the Cybertruck in person is something else. Its sheer size and imposing presence are striking.  The stainless-steel exoskeleton gleamed under the mild New York morning sun, and those sharp angles, well, they’re even more dramatic up close. It’s like a stealth fighter jet landed in a pickup truck factory.

Before hopping in, I had a chance to chat with Robert, a Tesla rep from Queens, New York. He was incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, patiently answering all my questions about the truck’s specs, features, and that infamous “armor glass.”  (No, we didn’t get to test its impact resistance!) I told him that since 2019, the Cybertruck has been nothing but controversial and the nearly $79,000 price tag (about P4.50M at current exchange rates) for the 2024 version has made it more controversial.

It’s a lightning rod for debate, fueled by a mix of Elon Musk’s polarizing persona and the truck’s unconventional, cyberpunk-esque design challenges established automotive norms. Some see it as a bold leap forward, a symbol of innovation and a sustainable future. Others view it as an impractical, overpriced monstrosity, riddled with potential safety hazards and design flaws. This stark contrast in opinions ignites passionate discussions online and offline, making the Cybertruck a constant topic of conversation.

I just see it as a gigantic ice shaver on stilts and wheels and think of halo-halo everytime I see it.

Sliding into the cabin, I was struck by the minimalist design.  It’s a clean, almost spartan aesthetic, dominated by that massive 18.5-inch touchscreen that controls virtually everything.  The yoke steering wheel, a departure from traditional designs, felt surprisingly comfortable and intuitive.

Sitting nicely behind the Cybertruck display at Electrify Expo, was a Cyberquad, Tesla’s electric ATV yet to be commercially produced electric ATV.  Echoing the Cybertruck’s angular design, it is desiged to be a rugged four-wheeler is built to conquer any terrain.

On close examination it looks to be like a run-of-the-mill ATV chassis with a battery and electric motor. No problem there really, I just thought it would be more innovative. While details on its performance and release date remain shrouded in mystery, one thing’s for sure: the Cyberquad promises a thrilling and eco-conscious way to explore the great outdoors, perfectly complementing the Cybertruck’s adventurous spirit.

And now for the drive.

We set off on our designated route around the Coliseum grounds then out to the streets of Nassau Country.  The acceleration was instant and exhilarating, that signature electric torque pinning me back in my seat.  My dad, who wanted to drive, but his International Driver’s License was not honored (insurance purposes, we were told) was settled in the back seat.

The ride was smooth and quiet, even on the bumpy patches of pavement.  Visibility was decent, though those thick A-pillars took some getting used to.  I couldn’t help but imagine this thing cruising down the Long Island Expressway, turning heads everywhere it went.

The Cybertruck’s acceleration is truly something to behold. With a reported 0-60 mph time of around 6.5 seconds, this behemoth surges forward with the kind of instant torque that only electric vehicles can deliver.  It’s a thrilling sensation, feeling yourself pressed back into the seat as the truck gathers momentum with effortless ease. This is not your grandpa’s pickup truck.

Braking in the Cybertruck is equally impressive. 

The regenerative braking system seamlessly slows the vehicle down when you lift off the accelerator, capturing energy and feeding it back into the battery.  This not only enhances efficiency but also provides a smooth and predictable deceleration.  When you need to come to a complete stop, the traditional brakes engage with confidence-inspiring firmness.

Despite its size, the Cybertruck handled surprisingly well, navigating the turns with a nimbleness I hadn’t anticipated. It handled surprisingly well. I thought it would “feel like a boat’ but it steered and maneuvered with agility. (And yes, I know how to drive a boat.) The steering is precise and responsive, allowing you to maneuver the truck with unexpected agility.  It corners with minimal body roll, maintaining its composure even when pushed a bit harder.  The adaptive air suspension, with its adjustable ride height, further enhances the truck’s handling capabilities, providing a comfortable and controlled ride in various conditions.

To his credit, Musk, despite his right-leaning, free speech absolutist, dictator-like ways, his Cybertruck delivers a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined.  It’s a testament to Tesla’s engineering prowess, showcasing the performance potential of electric vehicles in a package that is as capable as it is unconventional. 

My test drive was really short, maybe two or three miles at most, but it was enough to get a taste of what the Cybertruck is all about.  It’s a powerful, innovative, and undeniably cool machine that pushes the boundaries of what a pickup truck can be. If this is a glimpse of what’s to come, then the future is looking pretty angular. — with Raymond B. Tribdino

NISSAN has launched a Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS) project at its Americas Headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and electric vehicle (EV) battery reuse. The project utilizes decommissioned Nissan LEAF batteries to create a system that offsets the building’s power consumption, contributing to the company’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

The BESS comprises two separate units housed in shipping container-like structures. One unit utilizes complete 40kWh LEAF battery packs and provides 500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of storage capacity. The second unit incorporates individual LEAF battery modules, offering a larger capacity of one megawatt-hour. Approximately 50-60 LEAF vehicles sourced from within the Nissan network after service replacements have supplied the batteries for this project.

The system operates on the principle of “energy peak shaving,” providing stored energy to the building during periods of high demand and recharging during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. This strategy reduces reliance on the grid during peak times, which often necessitates the use of less efficient and higher-emission power generation sources.

This initiative offers several key benefits, including decreasing the building’s annual CO2 emissions by 3.7 tons. Reusing EV batteries in stationary storage applications extends their useful life, maximizing resource utilization and minimizing waste.

The system also promotes grid optimization thus reducing peak demand, the BESS contributes to a more stable and efficient electricity grid. Utilizing stored energy during peak hours can lead to significant cost savings on electricity bills.

Nissan is collaborating with Middle Tennessee Electric, 7 States Power Corp., and the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute on this project. The partnership aims to study the technical challenges of integrating second-life batteries with varying states of health (SOH) into a cohesive energy storage system. Additionally, the project will investigate potential applications within Demand Response (DR) programs.

The BESS installation at Nissan’s Americas Headquarters will be monitored and analyzed for at least a year to gather comprehensive data on system performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This project serves as a model for future applications of second-life EV batteries, showcasing their potential to support sustainable energy solutions and contribute to a circular economy.

The results of the November 5, 2024 presidential election stands as a critical juncture for the future of electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S.

With Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate and former President Donald Trump running for the Republicans, the election could dramatically alter the trajectory of EV adoption. A win for Harris could propel the United States toward an electric future, while a Trump victory may slow or even reverse current progress.

Looking and hearing reports from various media outlets including right-wing Epoch Times, a stunning piece by veteran GOP consultant Mike Murphy who is also the founder of EVRepublicans.org. and the EV Politics Project, and listening to experts and opinion leaders from both Republicans and Democrats online, plus a white paper written by Gil Fortgang Washington, and associate analyst, U.S. Equity Division at research and consulting firm T. Rowe Price give me a glimpse of the possible effect on EVs and renewables in the U.S. after the elections.

Kamala Harris is poised to continue the Biden administration’s policies aimed at increasing the adoption of electric vehicles. As Vice President, she supported initiatives like the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provided substantial incentives for EV buyers, including tax credits of up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles. The Democratic Party has also backed tighter emissions regulations, pushing automakers to make at least half of their new sales either electric or hybrid by 2032.

On one hand, these policies are aimed not just at environmental goals but also at strengthening domestic EV production. By building up a robust EV market, the Democrats aim to create jobs in clean energy, improve public health by reducing pollution, and keep the U.S. competitive with global EV leaders like China.

If Harris wins the presidency, it’s likely these policies will continue or even expand. The government could accelerate the rollout of EV charging infrastructure, with plans to install 500,000 chargers by 2030. Such a boost could address one of the biggest hurdles to widespread EV adoption: range anxiety due to the lack of charging stations, particularly in rural areas.

On the other hand, a Trump victory in 2024 could mark a significant detour for the U.S. EV market. Trump has openly criticized EV mandates, referring to them as a threat to the U.S. auto industry and consumers. He promised to end what he calls the “EV mandate” on his first day in office, arguing that it would save Americans thousands of dollars by keeping gas-powered vehicles affordable.

Trump’s Republican platform also signals a redirection of funding. Instead of bolstering the EV market, Trump has hinted at reallocating resources back to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This would reduce the momentum for EVs and could discourage international automakers from investing in U.S.-based EV production. The financial incentives and support that have encouraged manufacturers like Kia and Hyundai to build EV plants in the U.S. could be scaled back, leading to a slowdown in the nation’s EV development.

“Why such Republican hostility toward electric cars? It’s tribal. In our modern politics any friend of my enemy must be my enemy too. If Joe Biden is for EVs, we must be against them. GOP politicians looking for cheap applause cannot help but pile on and amplify one of the latest turns in the culture war,” EVRepublicans.org founder Mike Murphy warns.

A notable wildcard in the Republican stance on EVs is Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and a major figure in the global EV market. Musk, who endorsed Trump in 2024, has the potential to shape the Republican Party’s policies on electric vehicles. While Musk’s endorsement of Trump indicates alignment with other parts of his platform, he has long championed EVs and may influence a softer Republican stance on electric vehicle regulations.

If Musk’s influence prevails, Trump and the Republicans might adjust their position to ensure that EV innovation isn’t entirely stifled. However, this would likely come in the form of relaxed regulations and minimal government incentives, relying more on market forces than on federal policy to drive EV adoption.

A Harris win promises to sustain and enhance current EV-friendly policies, providing more incentives, improved infrastructure, and stricter emissions standards. In contrast, a Trump victory could roll back many of these advancements, slowing EV adoption and reigniting the dominance of gas-powered vehicles.