The Current News: Nov. 25, 2021

As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022 (a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum), we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene via The Current.  It’s an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you. 

We hope all of you readers and riders had an amazing Thanksgiving! Whether you spent it with family, friends, or simply your dog, we hope it was a relaxing and joyous occasion.

While you let all of that turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing settle in your stomach, take a moment to catch up on the latest EV news for the last week of November. In this installment, we’ll explore how the power struggle over cobalt is disturbing the clean energy movement, a stunning EV-powered Cobra duo that makes the perfect holiday splurge, the innovative e-Bikes of the EICMA show in Milan, pioneering new UK laws, and more.

As always, be sure to send us any tantalizing EV tidbits to Stephanie here.

Let’s roll.

Environmental Stewardship vs. Gamesmanship

A recent story in the New York Times explored how the soaring need for cobalt is upheaving the clean energy revolution. In the urgent race to save our planet from global warming, the human race’s biggest sins are yet again rearing their ugly heads. From greed and gamesmanship to exploitation, our quest to safeguard the earth comes with high stakes. Civil unrest, hazardous conditions for mine workers, and shady business deals all beg to ask the question: what are the long-standing implications of our pursuit to preserve the planet using the tools of Capitalism?

The Perfect Holiday Gift for Shelby Enthusiasts

Throughout motorsports history, few names stir up more passion that the iconic Carroll Shelby and his Cobra cars that forged the path for Ford overtaking Le Mans and Ferrari. This holiday season, diehard Shelby enthusiasts can indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime gift by snagging an EV Cobra duo that includes a metallic blue MKIII-E Cobra EV and a Vintage Shelby e-Bike for $180,000. At the heart of the superpowered MKIII-E is a Tesla Model S rear-drive motor accentuated by an impressive 1,500 lb.-ft. of torque. Its battery pack boasts two LG Energy 16-cell units housed in a 32-kWh pack that delivers 100 miles worth of range.

“EV is becoming increasingly more popular within our cars thanks to a simpler, more powerful driving experience,” said Superformance CEO Lance Stander in a press release. “Historically, Carroll Shelby didn’t live in the past. He always said that the best Shelby is the next one, and Carroll was always researching new technologies. Anything that could provide a performance edge, he was interested in. Without a doubt, our new Superformance MKIII-E is the quickest, quietest snake that we’ve ever made.”

Exciting New EVs Unveiled at EICMA 2021

EICMA 2021is in full swing this week and promises to delight and dazzle with state-of-the-art EVs. Sweden’s CAKE launched its Work Series at the event, showcasing new utility vehicles specially made for professional applications, including craftsmen and delivery drivers. According to Cake’s website, the series flaunts “increased motor power, optimized cargo possibilities, and up to double the battery capacity.”

The series features three machines, including:

• The Kalk: an off-road service tool with top speeds of 90 km/h and a range of 83 km in the city.

  

• The ösa Flex: a two-wheeled tower with optimized cargo capacity, top speeds of 45 km/h to 90 km/h, and a 140-km range.

• 

• The Makka: A nimble urban mobility tool and smart configuration platform that can effortlessly move tools, gear, and equipment at speeds of up to 45 km/h within a 100-km range.

New UK Homes Will Require EV Charging Points Effective 2022

Boris Johnson, Britain’s Prime Minister, recently announced that all new homes in England will be required to have electric vehicle charging points starting next year. During his speech at the annual Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference, he said, “We’re regulating so as to require new homes and buildings to have EV charging points, with another 145,000 charging points to be installed thanks to these regulations.”

The new mandate applies to developers of new residential housing, retail sites, and office blocks. Additionally, developers of renovations where there are 10+ parking spaces must abide by the law. The push for EV points is part of the UK’s bold initiative to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030.

Rolls Royce Electric Airplane is the World’s Fastest EV

You can expect nothing less than perfection from Rolls-Royce. And the company exceeded expectations yet again with their Spirit of Innovation electric airplane, which recently crushed the all-time electric top speed record, plowing through the air at a mind-blowing 384.4 mph. However, that will only happen if the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) approves the flight and certifies the record. If so, Rolls-Royce’s craft will have surpassed the current record by 132 mph!

The electric plane is powered by a 400-kilowatt electric powertrain that boasts “the most power-dense propulsion battery pack ever assembled in aerospace,” according to a recent press release from Rolls Royce.

HD’s New Satirical Video Promises Endless Belly Laughs

Ending our roundup on a light note, Harley-Davidson released a hilarious short film  this week that explores how new e-Bike owners can easily fall victim to cycling culture stereotypes. Trust us, you’ll enjoy the comic relief while being trapped in a cramped room with all of your crazy relatives this holiday.