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A new supersonic jet, and more in the week that was
Tesla currently makes the world's best electric vehicles, but Jaguar's first EV could give the automaker a run for its money. Meet the I-Pace: a svelte, stylish electric SUV that's faster than most sports cars and can drive 220 miles on a single charge. In other auto news, a new law requires all electric vehicles to make noise by the year 2019, and VW's new e-Golf can drive further than the Nissan Leaf at 124 miles per charge. Long-haul flights are the worst, but a new supersonic jet called the Boom could cut them in half. And Noordung launched a stylish vintage-inspired e-bike with a built-in sound system.
Six innovative solar systems that go beyond standard arrays
By Cat DiStasio Solar technology has skyrocketed in recent years, as new innovations pave the way for more affordable designs that generate clean energy in unique ways. We've branched far beyond the familiar solar panel, with new developments that experiment with different shapes and materials to maximize the clean energy potential of the sun. Engineers have been working to create flexible solar cells that can adhere to nearly any type of surface. Innovations centered around concentrating and multiplying the sun's energy have also increased in recent years, as more industry leaders look to ways to get a big bang from solar power without requiring huge swaths of land, which aren't always readily available.
SolarCity roofing might cost the same as traditional shingles
Elon Musk might make grand statements, but he has a track record of backing them up with results. Like creating reusable spacecraft, for example. But Musk's latest sentiments about his SolarCity energy company might break that streak. "I don't want to commit 100 percent to this yet, but it's looking quite promising that a solar roof will actually cost less than a normal roof before you even take the value of the electricity into account," he said, on a recent investor's call. "So, the basic proposition would be, 'Would you like a roof that looks better than a normal roof, lasts twice as long, costs less, and by the way generates electricity?' It's like, why would you get anything else?"
Tesla added an all-glass roof to the Model S
Elon Musk has apparently been thinking about roofs a lot lately. SolarCity might want to make the most out of the roof on your house, but Tesla wants to remove those barriers between you and the sun entirely. Behold: the glass-roofed Tesla Model S sedan, which improves on the already sunny panoramic sunroof by doing away with the middle crossbar for a nearly seamless view of the sky.
Tesla makes its case for buying SolarCity
Tesla's been busy with more than the Model 3 in recent months. In August, founder and CEO Elon Musk announced that Tesla would join with his other company, SolarCity, in a $2.6 billion merger. Musk said at the time that the melded company would serve as an "end-to-end clean energy" solution. And just last week, he unveiled the company's new solar roof and Powerwall 2 home battery which, taken together, would harness and store the sun's energy to both the house and the electric car in its garage. On Tuesday, Tesla clarified what it expects to come from the merger and how the two companies will function as one.
Tesla and Panasonic to build solar panels for PowerWall systems
Tesla has entered a deal with Panasonic to manufacture solar panels at the new SolarCity facility in Buffalo, NY. However, the deal is non-binding and depends on shareholder approval of Tesla's $2.6 billion acquisition of SolarCity. In its blog, Tesla says it will sell the photovoltaic modules as part of a "solar energy system that will work seamlessly with Powerwall and Powerpack, Tesla's energy storage products."
Elon Musk to show SolarCity rooftop panels October 28th
We knew that Elon Musk was working on a roof made of solar panels, and now we know when we'll see them: October 28th, according to a tweet from the real life Tony Stark. Assuming San Francisco's trademark fog doesn't make a surprise appearance too, that is. He says that the SolarCity demo will take place in the Bay area and that we'll also see how the tech integrates with his other projects, the Powerwall 2.0 in-home battery and a Tesla charging system. I'm sensing a theme here...
Karma's stunning electric supercar, and more in the week that was
After years of anticipation, Karma Automotive has finally unveiled the Revero, a plug-in electric supercar powered by roof-mounted solar panels. In other transportation news, BMW launched an electrified version of its flagship sedan, and a new report shows that the UK will have more EV chargers than gas stations by the year 2020. Work continues on the Hyperloop: One company announced plans this week to build the world's first underwater supersonic transport tubes. And Republic Bike's kids cargo bike might just be the coolest ride for pint-sized commuters.
Elon Musk is working on a roof made of solar panels
Elon Musk's fondness for ambitious, out-of-left-field ideas isn't restricted to electric cars or rockets. During SolarCity's latest earnings call, the entrepreneur revealed that his energy-focused company is developing a "solar roof" -- not a roof with solar panels on it, a roof made out of solar cells. As Musk explains, people install millions of new roofs every year. Why not have them embrace solar power when they look for a replacement? Homeowners with old roofs tend not to install solar panels, since they know they'll have to rip everything off before long.
A bus suspended over the ground, and more in the week that was
So far Tesla has launched a sexy sportscar, a luxe sedan, a powerful SUV, and an affordable electric car. What's next? Think bigger. According to Elon Musk, the company is set to unveil an electric Minibus next year, and it will drive itself. Speaking of buses, China just unveiled the craziest one we've ever seen: It's suspended above the ground, and is tall enough to fly right over traffic jams. A team of students created the world's most efficient electric car, which gets an outrageous 26,135 MPGe. Gogoro launched a new electric scooter sharing service in Berlin, and the world's first Hyperloop factory opened for business.
Tesla and Solar City agree to a $2.6 billion merger
Tesla has confirmed that it will buy SolarCity for $2.6 billion, a deal that unites two Elon Musk firms as one giant green company. The merged business will sell solar panels, Powerwall batteries to store the energy and electric cars that run on it. It's the "end-to-end clean energy" solution promised by Elon Musk in his "Master Plan Part Deux" just two weeks ago. SolarCity also revealed that it will introduce an "integrated solar and storage offering," and a solar product "focused on the 5 million new roofs installed each year in the US."
Tesla Master Plan pt. 2 explains how everyone gets an electric car
Back in 2006 Elon Musk casually revealed the plans for what Tesla Motors has mostly accomplished in the decade since, and now (after some teasing) he's back with part two. While the original "Secret Tesla Motors Master Plan" explained how the company's vision extended beyond its Roadster to cars that would become the Model S and Model 3, what's next is even bigger. Besides adding a compact SUV and pickup truck to its model line, don't expect to see any Tesla's coming out that are cheaper than the Model 3. Instead, as Musk envisions, the rollout of fully self-driving automobiles will allow owners to put their car to work when they're not using it, and make ownership economically viable for anyone (of course, it's worth noting that car companies like Ford and GM are working on similar plans of their own).
Inhabitat's Week in Green: Solar Impulse's record flight and more!
This week the Solar Impulse made history by becoming the first sun-powered airplane to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Meanwhile, a team of Swiss students built an all-electric race car that smashed an acceleration record by going from 0-60 mph in 1.5 seconds flat. Sweden rolled out one of the world's first electric highways, while two ex-Google employees are developing self-driving big rigs that slash emissions. And we showcased the Super 73 -- a bike/motorcycle hybrid that'll add some serious kick to your morning commute.
Elon Musk's companies team up: Tesla offers to buy SolarCity
Tesla Motors and SolarCity have always had a close link (Elon Musk is the chairman of both companies, and SolarCity was founded by two of his cousins -- the Wall Street Journal breaks down the crossover here) but now they may come under one roof. They already pair up on charging stations and power for off-grid homes, but Tesla is offering to acquire the energy company, saying it wants to provide its customers with access to the "most sustainable energy source available: the sun." Soon, you might be able to shop for solar panels, home batteries and an electric car all in one place.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: The Karma Revero, and more!
The Fisker Karma is one of the hottest plug-in hybrid cars ever built. However, production stopped in 2012 when the company went bankrupt. Now the car is set to be reborn as the Karma Revero this year. Meanwhile, Ford is planning to launch a 200-mile electric car to take on the Tesla Model 3 and the Chevy Bolt. In other news, SpaceX announced plans to send its Red Dragon spacecraft to mars in 2018, while NASA invested $67 million to develop super efficient solar-electric engines. The US Air Force smashed the world record for maglev speed by propelling a floating sled to 633 miles per hour. And the Twicycle is a crazy bike that's powered by your arms and legs.
Elon Musk's SolarCity has the world's most efficient solar panels
SolarCity, the company co-founded by Elon Musk, now produces the world's most efficient rooftop solar panels with a module efficiency of just over 22 percent. That bests the X-Series panels built by SunPower, which top out at around 21.5 percent. The results were confirmed by the Renewable Energy Test Center, a third party California photovoltaic testing company. SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive told Fortune that the company is shooting for a cost of around 55 cents per watt. It plans to build the 360 watt panels its 1GW solar panel plant in Buffalo, New York, set to open next year.
Where to watch Tesla's 'The Missing Piece' livestream
Tesla is known for its amazingly quick electric vehicles, but if the chatter around today's event is true, the Elon Musk-led company will be introducing a home battery solution this evening. The livestream will be viewable on the car company's site beginning at 11 PM ET. So put on your pajamas and snuggle up with your computer to see if you'll be adding a battery to your home in the not-so-distant future. Update: The video stream is finally live (showing screens that say "Powerwall: Tesla Home Battery"), and we're told Elon Musk should be hitting the stage...any minute now, so expect more info soon. Update 2: There you go, he's just announced the new Tesla Powerwall battery, and you can get all the details right here.
Tesla's Supercharger network goes live in six California towns, encourages EV road trips
Time to go on that great California road trip, Tesla owners; the EV maker has just launched new Superchargers in six Golden State locations: Folsom Premium Outlets, Harris Ranch in Coalinga, Gilroy Premium Outlets, Barstow, Tejon Ranch in Lebec and Hawthorne. They appear to be strategically placed to ease journeys between San Francisco, Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, NV. The solar powered stations from SolarCity are designed just for Tesla vehicles, with Model S sedans being able to charge for free. According to Tesla, a Model S can be charged in about 30 minutes if you want to get around three hours of 60mph driving out of it, so you'll have plenty of time to grab an In-N-Out Double Double on your way to Sin City.
Tesla reveals Supercharger network it says will cover the US in two years; Model S fills up for free, always
At Tesla's event, CEO Elon Musk has finally taken the wraps off of its Superchargers which it has already set up at six locations in California, pictured in the map after the break. The company plans installations on "high traffic corridors across the US" over the next year, with units heading to Europe and Asia in the second half of 2013. According to Musk, the solar powered systems will put more power back into the grid than the cars use while driving. Oh, and for you Model S owners? You will always be able to charge at any of the stations for free. According to Musk, the economies of scale developed while building the Model S have helped it get costs down on the chargers, although he did not offer specifics. During the event we also saw video of drivers charging their vehicles at stations today that Tesla apparently constructed in secret. They're using solar technology from (also owned by Musk) SolarCity, and can charge a Model S with 100 kilowatts good for three hours of driving at 60mph in about 30 minutes. Currently pushing 90kW, they could go as high as 120 in the future for even faster charging. Check the press release embedded after the break or Tesla's website for more details. Update: The video replay of the event itself is live, and embedded after the break.
Tesla pairs up with SolarCity, will power off-grid homes as well as cars
If you've ever dreamed of thumbing your nose at big energy and its expensive, polluting ways, then Tesla and a solar panel leasing company called SolarCity might be taking you a baby-step closer to reality. Although recognized mostly for its EVs, Tesla reckons it knows enough about batteries to solve a key problem in the solar energy chain -- namely the storage of power for use when the sun, power grid, or both go offline. The battery design, consisting of many laptop-style lithium ion batteries stacked together, was chosen after two years of research and a $1.8 million energy grant. The two companies are now waiting for tax credits from the Fed and California before rolling out the tech. And being kissing cousins -- with Elon Musk as both Chairman of SolarCity and CEO of Tesla -- certainly can't hurt.
