Availability of Polestar rental cars starts in Spring 2022 in Europe and late 2022 in North America and Australia. "By working with EV industry leaders like Polestar, we can help accelerate the adoption of electrification while providing renters, corporate customers, and ride-share partners a premium EV product, exceptional experience, and lower carbon footprint,” said Stephen Scherr, Hertz CEO.

‘Green’ energy targets Greenland: Billionaire-backed KoBold Metals begins mining operations in Greenland to secure minerals for EV batteries. But the advent of new battery technologies might make the venture unnecessary.

EV batteries need to chill: Waiting until EVs are ubiquitous will be too late to address battery flammability. Safety measures taken now will yield both social and economic benefits.

EVs could become a lifeline in emergencies: EVs doubling as home backup power could alleviate their strain on electric grids and entice customers, but only if EV prices don’t skyrocket.

The global chip crisis, which cost the automotive industry $210 billion in 2021, could cause more delays for Ford and other EV makers. All eyes will be on Ford to deliver the goods, especially after various delays pushing back the release of Tesla’s Cybertruck and EV safety recalls.

At least 13 car brands with embedded connectivity have launched insurance telematics products in the past two years, according to Ptolemus Consulting Group. This makes them a serious threat for insurers given their strong brands, proprietary data, and opportunities to pair auto insurance with valuable complementary services, such as instant repairs and car replacements in the event of accidents.

Intel, which has long-term plans to pivot into auto chip manufacturing and foundry services for other companies, is facing competition from Apple, Samsung, AMD, and Qualcomm. Apple announced its Apple Silicon M2 processor last week, Samsung overtook Intel as the leading chipmaker in 2021, and Qualcomm is doubling down on mobile and gaming chips.

According to Kelly Blue Book’s February 2022 sales, the average electric vehicle sold for $64,685 compared with $46,085 for the average consumer car, although some of the difference can be attributed to a more luxury mix of electric cars. This premium for electric trucks will likely fade soon, thanks to tax incentives, geopolitical turmoil in oil-producing areas, and improving technology.

The news: Tesla reported that it delivered 936,000 cars in 2021, an 87% increase from the previous year. The EV maker managed to amplify production despite the global chip shortage that reportedly took a $210 billion toll on the automotive industry.

Better cars, faster: Automakers are steadily embracing automation and AI in manufacturing with the hopes of continuous operational improvement. Although security cameras are commonplace in industrial settings, Invisible AI’s system represents a deeper, more analytic level of surveillance.

Cars are the transportation of choice this holiday season, with 78% of US adults saying they will likely drive or hail one over the holidays.

Tesla has only discussed plans for its vehicle, but robotaxi services incorporate car technology, software, and services. This means Tesla would need to secure partnerships or develop peripheral businesses to support its plans. Meanwhile, existing autonomous ride services are already in full swing. Alphabet’s Waymo started providing paid rides in select Bay Area locations 24/7 in March.

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.

Startups to watch: Greentech companies are raising millions for diverse sustainability strategies. With no end in sight to climate change, the money will likely keep rolling in.

Energy independence undermined: A group is using propaganda to keep other countries dependent on rare-earth minerals from China. As more disinformation looms, social media companies could help stop it.

Access to manufacturing hubs Changchun and Jilin in the northeast has similarly been suspended, resulting in the closure of factory campuses and car factories, per MarketWatch. Shanghai recorded 5,298 cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, per Yahoo News, up from a previous-record 3,450 asymptomatic cases Sunday.