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The Technical Working Group on Advanced Impaired Driving Prevention Technology (TWG) released recommendations for the U.S. Department of Transportation as it establishes a new car safety standard that will prevent impaired driving, as required in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The guidance, based on months of research by the TWG’s auto safety experts and consumer advocates, recommends a path forward to meet the law’s 2024 deadline for USDOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to complete a rulemaking for the new safety standard. Automakers would be required to build the technology into all new vehicles beginning in 2026-2027.
“The best driver impairment detection system will be capable of detecting a wide range of impairment types and reacting in a way that limits risk to everyone on the road, including the driver,” the guidance states.
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Israeli electric-car battery-maker, StoreDot, claims its next-generation power packs could use radical technology that would cut charging times in half – while offering a weight and cost advantage compared to existing batteries.
According to StoreDot, the Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) battery uses a silicon anode rather than the metal oxides found in a traditional lithium-ion battery, providing faster charging and better driving range by up to 160 kilometres after just five minutes. The cost savings could transform the accessibility of electric vehicles and sustainability of batteries, with better car efficiency, fewer raw materials needed and less recycling at the end of their in-vehicle life.
via The Drive
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We’ve been aware of the battery guidance from the US Treasury for a few weeks now and have known those requirements will take effect on April 18. However, automakers aren’t generally super open about how and where they source all their materials, so it remained unclear which EVs may or may not still qualify for the tax credit.
Some automakers like GM, for example, have come out publicly and shared that all their EVs will still qualify for the full $7,500 EV tax credit. Others have remained quiet, leaving us guessing. Today, the government has made things a lot clearer… and more disheartening for those consumers looking to purchase a new Rivian or Nissan LEAF with hopes of getting a $7,500 kickback.
via Electrek
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A theft ring that orchestrated the theft of some $2 million worth of catalytic converters and more is off the streets today. Federal authorities allege that the group stole the valuable part from at least 471 vehicles across New Hampshire and Massachusetts between 2022 and 2023.
Authorities say that the group often stole catalytic converters so quickly that they could accomplish the complete task in less than a minute and that on at least one night they believe the crew took a total of 26. Police connected the crew with the thefts during its “Operation Cut and Run”. Scrap dealers have also been charged with interstate transportation of stolen property and money laundering.
via Carscoops
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The 18th annual Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America™ Awards were announced with Ford earning an outstanding nine awards, more than any other brand. Toyota also had an impressive performance for this year with five winning vehicles.
“The Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America Awards provide guidance to fleet professionals by identifying vehicles that will bring proven value to their fleets,” said Vincentric President, David Wurster.
“Managing costs is a critical part of fleet management, and our awards give valuable insight into which vehicles offer the lowest lifecycle costs in their segments.”
Other brands with award winners were Audi, Chevrolet, Dodge, Jaguar, Kia, Lincoln, Mercedes, Nissan, Suburu, Tesla, and Volvo.
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Fleet Repair & Maintenance
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By Fleet Management Weekly Staff
Fleet Management Weekly recently had the opportunity to interview ServiceUp’s Chief Business Officer Mark Hodes, who spoke about how the company’s innovative solution is streamlining the maintenance and repair of fleet vehicles.
Established in late 2020, ServiceUp is quickly growing by making the fleet repair process faster and more convenient than ever. Their vertically-integrated software as a service (SaaS) helps fleet managers, drivers, and shops alike efficiently and cost-effectively manage all repair and maintenance tasks.
ServiceUp uses technology to manage the entire repair experience. Hodes says, “We shield the driver and the fleet manager from inefficiencies and deliver shorter cycle times to improve utilization. We do this across the entire fleet lifecycle from acquisition to disposal.”
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By Laura Jozwiak
This morning I had the pleasant experience of listening to birds chirping as I got ready for the day. It may sound cliché or unextraordinary but after months of steadfast silence, it was a simple yet poignant reminder that Spring is officially upon us.
Metaphorically, spring is a time of hope, renewal and new beginnings. We clean our homes and go outdoors. We become more energetic, alive and optimistic. We get excited about the possibilities to come. The world is full of potential.
It is about really looking at yourself, becoming aware of who you are, awakening to what could be and being active about making it happen. It is not just about having big dreams, but making those dreams reality.
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