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Electric Cars Misunderstood

September 24, 2018/in In the News/by Gray Leigh

Electric cars are a staple of urban life

Electric Cars Becoming More Common

Despite the 2016 election, electric cars are becoming a common sight on North American roads. Each month, EV manufacturers break sales records, suggesting the industry is more than a ‘fad.’

Boosting such excitement is success abroad. China is the global champion when it comes to plug-in vehicles, and Scandinavian countries have been predictably big on green tech.

Tesla routinely tops monthly N.A. sales polls

However, the American market is currently dominated by Tesla. In August, its Model 3 comprised nearly half of all domestic plug-in sales.

EV adoption is expected to improve China’s air quality

Chinese Electric Cars Dominate

While the American EV industry is only just beginning to realize its potential, demand for electric cars in China has persisted for years.

With government subsidies and a smoggy skyline, over 43% of all EVs were Chinese-made in 2016.

Furthermore, a waitlist plagues aspiring EV owners in China’s megacities. Some city-dwellers report waits of up to 4 years.

EV battery prices continue to fall

EV Prices to Fall

Globally, potential buyers have two worries. First: if money isn’t an issue: battery range. However, this problem is easily solved (discussed below).

Second, plug-ins are too damn expensive.

Time will solve this problem. Currently, manufacturers and progressive governments direct funding to two things: improving charging infrastructure and increasing vehicle range.

As lithium-ion batteries improve and charging stations become more common, reducing price will be the next target.

EVs are easily charged at home

Electric Cars are Misunderstood

Above all, misconceptions and misinformation plague EV adoption. A survey conducted by BC Hydro found that 90% of people believe standard outlets can’t charge batteries.

Even more surprising, most people don’t know what the acronym EV stands for.

In addition, many doubt the range of a standard lithium-ion battery. Worry not: energy density is increasing 5-8% per year and charging stations are easier to find than ever.

After all, a little bit of education goes a long way.

Ultra Lithium Inc. A team of clean energy experts with a finger on the pulse of mining news, ULI is a lithium exploration company with holdings in Argentina, Canada and the US (TSX-V:ULI, OTCQB: ULTXF and Frankfurt: QFB).

Hong Kong Market Slow to EV Adoption

September 20, 2018/in In the News/by Gray Leigh

Hong Kong market suffers from street pollution

Hong Kong Market Craves Clean Energy

It is one of the world’s most congested cities. Over 7 million people live on just 3,000 square kilometres of land. The Hong Kong Market is a sweaty heap of pollution.

Air quality is so low, it’s inspired an app. Air conditioners account for 30% of the city’s energy use and contribute 60% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Even worse: the city’s recycling record. China laps the former British Protectorate in sustainable living.

hong kong market-shenzhen-hong kong-border

The Shenzhen-Hong Kong border

China’s Effect on the Kong Kong Market

It’s no secret that Hong Kong needs to go green. It’s also no secret that China leads the world in Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption. After all, Beijing residents must wait years for an EV license.

On average, Chinese government subsidies on EV vehicles cover $10,000 USD per purchase. Evidently, the CCP is serious about curbing carbon emissions.

These measures could spillover into the Hong Kong market. Cross the border and neighbouring city Shenzhen has already electrified its public transport fleet.

China outpaces Hong Kong in EV adoption

Why is Hong Kong Late to the EV Party?

Several factors have slowed progress.

First, HK lacks public charging stations and gas-powered vehicles can still travel longer distances. However, this isn’t a major concern as HK is so small. Trip distance isn’t a problem.

Second, a lack of regulatory pressure provides car owners little incentive to switch. Hong Kong’s carbon abatement schemes lag behind China’s.

Third, most residents use public transportation. The bus and taxi companies are privately owned, and plug-in technology is still too expensive to warrant.

Shenzhen’s public transportation runs on lithium-ion batteries

Hong Kong Needs to Change its EV Policy

Last year, over 1,700 residents died from air pollution. Moreover, the city faces pollution levels that rival megacity Beijing.

The Special Administrative Region (SAR) has lagged behind China in adopting clean energy initiatives. However, the 1997 handover returned control of Hong Kong to the Asian superpower.

However controversial the handover may be, air quality in “Asia’s World City” would benefit from more vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Ultra Lithium Inc. A team of lithium experts with a finger on the pulse of clean energy news, Ultra Lithium is a lithium exploration company with holdings in Argentina, Canada and the US (TSX-V:ULI, OTCQB: ULTXF and Frankfurt: QFB).

Green Revolution in India

September 14, 2018/in In the News/by Gray Leigh

Green Revolution in India: 100% by 2030?

India’s Prime Minister has over 14 million Instagram followers. Narendra Modi’s Twitter following is even larger. Nearly 44 million receive live updates from Lok Kalyan Marg, the PMs official residence. The conservative leader is “with it.” A green revolution is never far from mind.

As a result, his vision of a nation pushing for modernization has few coal mines.

India-Prime-Minister-Narendra-Modi-Green Revolution

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi works toward a Green Revolution

India’s Air Quality is Horrific

It’s rare that a country of 1.3 billion agrees on anything. An exception: pollution levels.

Traffic congestion is largely to blame and costs the nation’s four largest cities nearly $20 billion every year.

The government has been vocal about changing this. However, few bought the hype when it echoed China’s goal of 100% electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030.

Nearly 22% of Indians live below the poverty line

Maddening policy issues curb economic growth, so the public is used to tempering expectations.

The Green Revolution can bring about major social change

Yet, the world’s largest democracy owns the world’s 6th largest economy. As a result, its size is cause for optimism.

Nevertheless, massive slums are everywhere. They are home to over 100 million. Any revolution – especially a green revolution – would greatly improve the overall quality of life.

India’s Green Revolution is Needed

The government is no longer aiming for 100% EVs by 2030. Instead, it now aims for 30% of all 2030 vehicle sales to be electric.

This is a far cry from the original goal, but a realistic approach is needed.

To achieve this goal, the country will support private, corporate and government partnerships.

Smog blurs Mumbai’s skyline

A Better India for the Next Generation

Pollution levels exceed China’s major cities. In addition, the country lacks the infrastructure to deal with health problems.

Even worse, 30% of the world’s poorest children live in India. Child labour is common and sanitation levels are unacceptably low.

The country’s economy grew 250% from 1975-1995. Over the same time, vehicular pollution grew by over 700%.

In response, auto-rickshaws became commonplace.

Auto rickshaws have reduced pollution levels

The rickshaw changed transportation nationwide. They are 3-wheeled, door-less vehicles that allow for increased mobilization. Many of these vehicles run on natural gas (CNG), a market that has diminished in recent years.

While this transition from two-stroke engines reduced overall emissions, it’s impact was small.

Making Indian Roads Clean

India is a developing country with an economy hampered by overpopulation and civil disorganization.

Besides, traditional values keep one-half of its workforce at home.

Where a Green Revolution is needed – A highway in Delhi, India.

Electrifying its auto-industry would reduce the global EV price. This would improve the average Indian’s quality of life.

A nation used to coughing its way out of bed would benefit from a green revolution.

Help is on the way.

OLA’s rideshare service uses electric vehicles

Rideshare company OLA is adding over 10,000 electric rickshaws to its fleet in 2018.

The country produces over 500,000 rickshaws every year. Nevertheless, this represents a large shift.

Technology Improves the Green Revolution

India has much to be excited about.

Lithium-ion batteries are holding longer charges than ever. More countries are investing in clean transportation initiatives.

Modi backed Obama’s clean energy initiatives

Green revolution technology is becoming cheaper and more sophisticated.

Modi could set his country on a prosperous path.

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