Experts call for lighter batteries, diversification of fuels, and a shift away from private cars and towrad public transit.

The weight of electric car batteries should be cut in half for the vehicles to have a positive environmental impact, according to the CEO of auto manufacturer Stellantis Carlos Tavares, who made the comments during a virtual event for the Freedom of Mobility Forum.
According to an article in Transport Topics by Luke Ramseth, “Tavares said a lack of charging infrastructure remains a primary impediment to EV adoption. Chargers must be much more visible than they are today, he said, and shouldn’t require drivers to search for them.” Other industry experts also called for increased investment in biofuels.
Others at the event pointed out the need to move away from automobiles altogether. “Matthias Schmelzer, the German economic historian and climate activist, said that “we urgently need to shift the debate” away from cars, and toward better public transportation in cities.”
FULL STORY: Stellantis CEO Says EV Battery Weight Must Be Halved

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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