Charging up production: US EV battery capacity expecting huge growth by 2030
Good morning! Happy Monday. We’re electrified this morning, just like the battery in an EV! ⚡️
By 2030, battery plant capacity in North America is expected to grow exponentially. The United States in particular is aiming to become a major global EV competitor, anticipating between 10 and 13 million all-electric vehicles to be manufactured per year by that period of time. Georgia, Kentucky, and Michigan are leading the charge - each expected to manufacture between 97-136 gigawatt hours’ worth of EV batteries on an annual basis by 2030.
Check out today’s featured article from CNBC to read about the growing number of states that are diving into the EV battery manufacturing business in 2023. What will the North American EV battery manufacturing capacity look like in twelve months’ time? ☕️
Featured Article:
These states will dominate EV battery manufacturing in 2030 | CNBC
“Georgia, Kentucky, and Michigan are going to dominate electric vehicle battery manufacturing in the United States by 2030.”
Fuel Tech & Future Projections 🚛
2040 prediction: 400,000 hydrogen-powered ICE units
The adoption of hydrogen-powered engines in the trucking industry will depend on a number of factors, including the availability of hydrogen fuel, the development of supporting infrastructure, and the overall cost and performance of these engines compared to other alternatives. One potential barrier to the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines in trucking is the limited availability of hydrogen fuel in many areas. While hydrogen fueling stations are becoming more common in some regions, they are still relatively scarce compared to gasoline or diesel fueling stations, which could make it difficult for trucking companies to access hydrogen fuel on a regular basis. Additionally, the high cost of producing hydrogen fuel in some cases may make it less economical for trucking companies to use hydrogen-powered engines compared to other options.
Hydrogen fuel is much cleaner than gasoline or diesel, producing only water vapor as a byproduct when it is burned. This makes hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines a potentially attractive option for reducing emissions and improving air quality. Because hydrogen fuel has a high energy density and can be burned more efficiently than gasoline, hydrogen-powered engines may be able to achieve better fuel economy and lower emissions compared to traditional gasoline engines.
Overall, it is likely that the use of hydrogen fuel in the trucking industry, as well as in other sectors, will continue to grow in the coming years, but it may take some time for hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines to become a common sight on the roads.
Labor & Company Culture 🎉
FTC takes aim at non-compete agreements in US workforce
Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan announced that the FTC is asking the public to comment on a newly proposed rule that would effectively ban noncompete clauses from employment agreements. A noncompete clause is a provision that is often included in employment contracts that restricts an employee from competing with the employer after their employment ends. Noncompete clauses can be written to prohibit an employee from working for a competing company, starting their own competing business, or engaging in activities that might be considered competitive with the employer.
Noncompete clauses are typically used by employers to protect their businesses from competition from former employees, who may have access to valuable trade secrets, customer lists, or other confidential information that could be used to their advantage in a new job. These clauses can be particularly useful for employers in industries where there is a high risk of employees leaving to work for a competitor or to start their own competing business.
However, while noncompete clauses can be useful for protecting an employer's interests, they can also be controversial, as they can limit an employee's ability to work in their chosen field after their employment ends. Some states already have laws that limit the use of noncompete clauses, or that place certain restrictions on their enforceability.
Let’s Get Global 🌎
The Simpsons Canada GIF via GIPHY
🇨🇦 The cannabis problem: Canadian truckers crossing the U.S. border. On a federal level, cannabis remains an illegal substance in the United States. This gives the U.S. Department of Transportation the opportunity to take drivers off the road who are tested at random for a host of illegal substances, including cannabis. Canada, where the recreational use of cannabis is legal, has an issue with employing drivers who may not be able to cross the United States border to work. Canadian trucking companies may wish to consider implementing policies that prohibit their drivers from using cannabis - or at least require them to refrain from using the drug while they are on duty or planning to travel to the United States. The company may also want to provide training or resources to help drivers understand the risks and consequences of using cannabis, and to encourage them to seek alternative methods for managing any medical or personal issues that may be causing them to use the drug.
🇯🇵 Japan to continue to ship Russia LNG despite pushback. While harsh sanctions have been imposed on Russia and its companies since February 2022 and the invasion of Ukraine, Japan has hesitated to join the fray. The Asian nation remains one of Russia’s largest buyers of liquified natural gas (LNG). Japan is an island nation with very limited natural resources, and it has to import most of its energy. LNG is a clean, efficient, and reliable source of energy that can be easily transported by ship, making it a good fit for Japan's energy needs. Japan has developed a strong infrastructure for importing, storing and distributing LNG. This infrastructure, along with a range of government policies and incentives, has helped to make LNG an important part of Japan's energy mix.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
🇺🇸 Congress committees in limbo during Speaker of the House fiasco. Multiple failed attempts to solidify a choice for Speaker of the House are creating quite the roadblock for the GOP. Unable to secure 218 votes, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has been at the center of Republican disagreements over the last week. The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order and decorum in the House of Representatives, and for referring legislation to committees for consideration. It is important for Congress to select a new Speaker as soon as possible so that the House can continue to carry out its duties and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for November 28, 2024, from iLevel Logistics Inc.