It promised to transform how Californians travel but is now seen as a “bullet train to nowhere.” This is why America’s west coast megaproject has been far from high-speed.
Category Archives: Transportation
Infrastructure: Highways In U.S. Being Removed (WSJ)
President Biden’s infrastructure plan calls for non-traditional projects like the removal of some highways. What Democrats want for cities like Baltimore says a lot about the President’s goals in the next wave of development. Photo: Carlos Waters/WSJ More from the Wall Street Journal: Visit WSJ.com:
Analysis: The Logistics & Challenges Of Flying Cars
As electric vehicle technology takes off—literally—how will the logistics of air traffic work out? Join American broadcaster Miles O’Brien and NOVA to watch how NASA researchers are writing the rules that will make air travel via electric vehicles safe. Tune in to “Great Electric Airplane Race” on Wednesday, May 26 at 9/8c or stream it on the PBS Video app or online now: https://to.pbs.org/3vNPEGF
Italian Design: 90 Years Of ‘Pininfarina’ Celebrated
The world’s most famous automotive design house, Pininfarina celebrates 90 years of style and innovation with a new exhibition at the MAUTO in Turin, open from May to September.
Founded in 1930, Pininfarina has evolved from an artisan concern to a global brand employing over 600 people. In those 90 years Pininfarina has given us some of the world’s most beautiful automobiles, but also demonstrated exciting innovation. Divided up in to six areas the exhibition will showcase the unique breadth of the brand from the gorgeous Cisitalia 2020, to the 1969 Sigma Grand Prix and off into the future with the exciting new Battista, electric hypercar concept.
Analysis: Can EV Battery Swapping Gain In The U.S.?
San Francisco-based Ample has brought electric vehicle battery swapping to the U.S. The company was in stealth mode for seven years before launching recently with five swapping stations in the Bay Area. Uber drivers in the area are Ample’s first customers.
The concept isn’t new. A start-up called Better Place launched an EV and battery swapping company after it raised $850 million in venture funding, but it ultimately went bankrupt in 2013. Tesla also demoed battery swapping in 2013 but only opened one station for about a year. Elon Musk said Tesla owners were not interested in it.
Battery swapping is already common in China. Electric vehicle maker Nio, for example, plans to double its network of swapping stations to 500 this year and plans to open stations in Norway as part of its expansion into Europe. Ample has a different approach, with modular batteries and a focus on fleets. CNBC got an inside look at its headquarters and battery factory in San Francisco to learn how the company plans to bring battery swapping into the mainstream.
Analysis: The Future Of Driverless Vehicles (WSJ)
While Tesla and others already offer assisted-driving features, startups Waymo, Cruise, TuSimple and Aurora are betting their autonomous vehicles will make driving a thing of the past. WSJ asked them about safety and other challenges they face. Photo composite: George Downs
City Design: ‘Coolsingel’ In Rotterdam, Netherlands
The Coolsingel is an important main street in the city centre of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Cars used to have four travel lanes. After the reconstruction only two lanes remained. Most of the space is now used for walking, cycling and public transport. More information in the blog post: https://bicycledutch.wordpress.com/?p…
Air Travel: The Rise Of Pilotless Planes (Video)
Over the past 100 years, the technology inside airplanes has become more and more advanced from jumbo jets to smaller Cessna’s. Some see the next step to full automation as removing the pilot completely. Reliable Robots and Xwing are two Bay Area start-ups working on doing just that. Rather than build new aircraft, both companies have retrofitted Cessna Grand Caravan’s. The planes can fly autonomously with a remote operator who monitors the flight and can take control if needed. Both companies are working with the FAA on getting approval. Xwing took CNBC for a test flight, where the pilot didn’t touch the controls once. Watch the video to learn how it works and when pilotless planes will become the norm.
Mass Transit: Worlds’ Best Subway System In Tokyo
Japan’s capital has built the world’s best subway system (in our opinion). Discover the benefits of connected construction for metro and rail construction projects – https://bit.ly/3eBeNPh
The Tokyo subway (東京の地下鉄, Tōkyō no chikatetsu) is a part of the extensive rapid transit system that consists of Tokyo Metro and the Toei Subway in the Greater Tokyo area of Japan. While the subway system itself is largely within the city center, the lines extend far out via extensive through services onto suburban railway lines.
Top New Camper Vans: 2022 Winnebago Travato 59KL
2022 Winnebago Travato Class B gas motorhome 59KL highlights:
- Wet Bath
- Two Twin Beds
- Flex Bed System
- 24″ HDTV
- Pure Energy System
Pack your bags and head out across the country in this Travato Class B gas motorhome! The two twin beds can convert into a king-size bed if you’re traveling with your friend or spouse, and there is a convenient rear wet bath to freshen up every day. Prepare breakfast on the single-burner induction cooktop or in the convection microwave, and the pull-out countertop extension will give the chef more space to prep. The driver’s seat can swivel to use this countertop as a table, and the swivel passenger’s seat can use the additional adjustable/removable table for coffee. This model also includes the lithium Pure Energy Management System that provides 9,600W hours of store energy so that you can go off the beaten path for the ultimate journey!
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