Consumer Electronics

Another EV charging problem: As ACs blast during a Texas heatwave, EV charging could lead to blackouts—but it doesn’t have to. Bidirectional charging can make EVs a lifeline, not a burden.

BYDing for the EV top spot: BYD wins top EV-maker status over Tesla this year, but it isn't a fair comparison. Tesla could take some supply chain lessons from BYD’s playbook.

Gigafactories = ‘gigantic money furnaces’: Supply chain disruptions grind Tesla’s new factories to a near halt. Even when things come back online, the mineral shortage will still be a scourge.

A new battery recipe: Startup Alsym Energy is developing a new EV battery formula to fix lithium-ion’s flaws. But it’ll take automakers deprioritizing luxury models to bring prices down.

As EV adoption accelerates, the necessary charging infrastructure to support it lags behind in the US. The Biden administration has ambitious goals to get the country up to speed, but well-crafted implementation will be crucial to protecting the electrical grid. Part of the solution is harnessing the full potential of EV batteries to bolster energy supplies.

Sun-powered work commute: Lightyear built an EV that can drive 43 miles powered by solar panels. It could usher in an influx of solar-equipped models from other automakers.

We expect relatively strong performance on Prime Day despite a slow start to the year for Amazon and other etailers.

EU agreement could push USB-C standard: For holdouts like Apple, this means the end of proprietary charging cables. For consumers, it means more convenient cross-device charging and substantial savings.

The metaverse market could shortly get a lot bigger: Apple’s RealityOS, rumored for an announcement next Monday, will encourage many on-the-fence consumers to adopt VR.

Didi gets short shrift, again: Forced to delist from NYSE, the ride-hailing giant was made an example of by Beijing’s ruling. Now that China is loosening controls, Didi remains in delisting limbo.

A new kind of hybrid: Renault’s Scénic Vision will feature a hydrogen-powered battery for fast charging and a long range. But technical and logistical hurdles could be roadblocks to adoption.

The case for better bicycle tech: Garmin adds a camera to its Varia cycling radar device, which could help cyclists avoid collisions.

From 1,000 songs in your pocket to $3 trillion in theirs: The iconic music player set the computer maker on a course to dominate consumer products that carried over to the iPhone and beyond.

Rivian’s fall from grace: After a historic IPO, Rivian hits a speed bump with a stock price drop and supply chain headaches. However, the startup is positioned to regain its momentum.

Best Buy broadens its focus beyond electronics as consumer spending shifts: The retailer is adding outdoor furniture, beauty, and e-transportation to its stores in a bid to maintain pandemic-era gains.

GM gets bullish on EVs: GM thinks it can outmatch Tesla in the EV race by focusing on more-affordable options for cars and trucks. But can it keep up with the competition?

The factory has eyes: Startup Invisible AI will deploy its computer vision analytics system in all of Toyota’s factories in North America. But the unprecedented insight could have some downsides.

Sustainability you can touch: Consumers are getting more options to purchase eco-friendlier laptops like Lenovo’s Slim 9i. But the greener option is to fix and maintain current devices.

Economy-building batteries: US EV battery production plans are in full gear to help reduce foreign dependence on clean energy while boosting the economy. However, securing sufficient minerals remains a barrier.

EVs, DIY-style: Soaring gas prices have classic car lovers flocking to conversion specialists for an electric makeover. The trend could help decarbonize the global transportation sector much faster.