EVs gaining ground: Despite a more cautious Q2 for many industries, electric vehicles are one segment seeing momentum beyond just the segment leaders. Here is a roundup of the latest EV developments.

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.

Honda’s Prologue SUV ushers in its EV transition: The second-largest Japanese carmaker is leaning on American technology to jumpstart its wider electrification efforts with a SUV it designed in VR.

Shared electric vehicle company Lime builds brand awareness by demonstrating the value of car alternatives in cities. Hear from Lime’s Carolyn Rosebrough, global head of communications and brand, to learn how its localized marketing approach encourages a greener way to get around.

The latest wealth-builder—used EVs: Expensive fuel and slow vehicle production have triggered a stampede for used hybrids and EVs, sending prices skyrocketing. Without better batteries, prices will continue to soar.

‘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.

Hertz on track to electrify fleet by diversifying EV suppliers: Polestar fills Tesla’s gaps and may attract other manufacturers to help Hertz reach its goal of half a million rental EVs.

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.

Intel is planning for its future as a key EV chip supplier: A $19B investment in Germany brings it closer to a burgeoning automotive industry looking to pivot into EVs in the next decade.

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.

Ford looks to become more competitive against Tesla: Ford creates a dedicated EV division while maintaining gas-powered cash cows, highlighting the need for massive changes in the automotive industry.

Diversified EV offerings drive Ford forward in 2022: More than 275,000 orders for EVs help Ford grow 4x faster than the overall electrified segment, but can it overcome chip-related delays?

Tesla’s ship-now-fix-later approach to car production is bad news for car safety: A litany of EV recalls reveals passenger safety faults that are fixable by software as an afterthought.

Tesla remains king of EVs thanks to exponential growth, despite the chip crisis: Strong sales in China and Europe propelled growth, but safety worries and expensive recalls taint Tesla’s rise.

Ford to offer EV charging, telematics as a service: Covering EV pain points can help Ford gain a foothold in the commercial EV market and lead to wider adoption by government and businesses.

Citing a “super bad feeling” about the economy, Musk last week announced a 10% cut of salaried staff over the next three months, per Inside EVs. Tesla’s adjusted Q2 earnings will fall to $2.5 billion, down from its record $3.7 billion in Q1, per CNN. The automaker earned $1.6 billion in Q2 2021. The rocky EV road: Tesla isn’t the only EV-maker facing serious troubles.

Arcimoto: Based in Eugene, Oregon, Arcimoto is zeroing in on an untapped market in the US—small, cheap EVs. The startup is building EVs suited for urbanites and priced at under $20,000, like its three-wheeled Fun Utility Vehicle (FUV), as well as specialty EVs like the Rapid Responder for emergency personnel and the Cameo for the film industry, per Inc.

Fulfillment is also becoming more sustainable, thanks to a combination of electric vehicles, eco-friendly materials, and AI technologies. Electric vehicles (EVs) are changing fulfillment. Walmart announced a plan to buy 5,000 BrightDrop electric delivery vans starting in 2023, heading toward a goal of 100% EV fulfillment by 2040. BrightDrop is owned by GM and has already provided vehicles to FedEx.

Why we’re watching this: The decision about whether to mine the oceans will have major implications for mineral resources used in batteries for EVs, renewable energy systems, and electronics. It will also determine the trajectory of land-based mineral mining, which is ramping up in the US and elsewhere.