Assistive TechnologyPolicy

Harris Acknowledges White House EV Summit Oversight of Musk as Misstep, Questions Policy Priorities

Kamala Harris has publicly characterized the White House’s 2021 electric vehicle summit that excluded Tesla CEO Elon Musk as a significant error. The Vice President also expressed concerns about the administration’s prioritization of infrastructure over immediate household needs in recent comments at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit.

White House EV Event Exclusion Draws Criticism

Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly described the decision to exclude Tesla CEO Elon Musk from a 2021 White House electric vehicle event as a “big mistake,” according to her remarks at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington, D.C. The event, hosted by President Joe Biden, featured executives from traditional automakers General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis but notably omitted representation from Tesla, despite the company’s exclusive focus on electric vehicle production.

Assistive TechnologyEnergy

Urban Streetlights Double as EV Charging Stations in Equity-Focused Initiative

Streetlights are being reimagined as electric vehicle charging stations in a groundbreaking initiative led by Penn State researchers. The project focuses on bringing equitable charging access to urban residents who lack private parking options. Early results show significant environmental benefits and faster charging speeds compared to traditional stations.

Streetlights Transformed into EV Charging Infrastructure

Urban streetlights are serving dual purposes as electric vehicle charging stations in an innovative approach to addressing charging infrastructure gaps, according to reports from Penn State researchers. The team has developed a scalable framework that converts existing street lighting into accessible charging points, particularly benefiting apartment dwellers and residents without private parking.

AutomotivePolicy

Electric Vehicle Market Faces Critical Transition as Federal Tax Incentive Expires

The federal electric vehicle tax credit has officially ended, creating uncertainty for American automakers who invested heavily in domestic EV production. Industry analysts suggest the expiration comes amid political opposition and consumer resistance to higher-priced electric vehicles, potentially slowing the transition to cleaner transportation.

End of Federal EV Incentive Program

The federal electric vehicle tax credit that provided consumers with up to $7,500 for qualifying domestic-made electric cars has expired, according to reports from industry analysts. The program, which ended in late September, was designed to accelerate EV adoption while supporting American manufacturing and addressing climate change concerns.

BusinessInternational Business and Trade

China’s Manufacturing Dominance Shakes Western Executives: Automation, EVs, and Global Competition

Western executives visiting China’s manufacturing facilities return with sobering assessments of automated “dark factories” and robotic production lines. From electric vehicles to artificial intelligence, China’s industrial transformation is reshaping global competition and forcing Western companies to reconsider their strategies.

Western automotive and green energy executives are returning from China with sobering assessments of the country’s manufacturing capabilities, describing advanced automation systems that operate continuously without human intervention. These visits have revealed a technological gap that many executives believe could leave Western nations behind in critical industries, particularly electric vehicle production and green energy technologies.

The Reality of China’s Automated Manufacturing

AutomotiveBusiness

GM’s $1.6 Billion EV Strategy Shift: Tax Credit Loss Reshapes Auto Industry

General Motors faces a massive $1.6 billion financial impact as federal EV tax credits expire and consumer demand softens. The automaker is now reevaluating its electric vehicle strategy amid significant market headwinds and changing government policies.

The American automotive industry is facing a pivotal moment as General Motors announces a staggering $1.6 billion financial impact following the expiration of crucial electric vehicle tax incentives and shifting market dynamics. This substantial hit comes as the automaker reevaluates its entire electric vehicle strategy in response to weaker-than-expected consumer demand and significant policy changes from the Trump administration.

The Tax Credit Elimination and Its Immediate Impact

AutomobilityStartups

Slate Auto Electric Truck Debut at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Commercial EV Innovation

Slate Auto will unveil its groundbreaking electric truck live at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. CEO Christine Barman shares insights on commercial EV innovation, manufacturing challenges, and startup-scale production. Don’t miss this exclusive reveal of one of the year’s most anticipated electric vehicles.

Slate Auto’s electric truck makes its worldwide debut at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, marking a significant milestone in commercial electric vehicle innovation. CEO Christine “Chris” Barman will showcase how the company is transforming the commercial EV market with affordable, personalized vehicles designed for real-world use. The October 27-29 event provides the perfect platform for this groundbreaking reveal, bringing together over 10,000 industry leaders to witness the future of electric transportation.

Revolutionizing Commercial Electric Vehicles