Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers this month.
Volkswagen and Uber announced plans to introduce electric self-driving microbuses in Los Angeles, aiming for a late 2026 rollout. By blending VW’s vehicle engineering with Uber’s popular ride-hailing platform, the partnership seeks to accelerate adoption of on-demand, zero-emission transit. Though supporters champion efficiency and environmental gains, skeptics question regulatory hurdles and how quickly consumers will trust fully autonomous rides.
Michigan-based Slate Auto has introduced a starkly minimalist electric pickup with a $20,000 base price—far below most EV competitors. The standard model omits extras like power windows or fancy infotainment, but buyers can add upgrades from a catalog of 100+ modular accessories. Billed as the “Blank Slate,” it delivers about 150 miles of range, extendable to 240 miles at higher cost. While rumors swirl of partial investment by Jeff Bezos, no official word confirms it. Analysts caution that achieving mass production of a sub-$20K EV is notoriously challenging, given battery and safety compliance costs. Still, if Slate’s approach works, it could disrupt the notion that electric vehicles must be premium-priced.
Today is Arbor Day, celebrating the value of trees and urging people to plant new saplings. One fun fact: as trees grow taller, the branches you see remain at the same height from the ground as when they first sprouted—meaning that bird feeder you hang won’t magically rise with the trunk. Events worldwide encourage everyone to appreciate forests for their beauty, air quality benefits, and wildlife habitats.
Researchers unveiled an “artificial leaf” that converts carbon dioxide into carbon-carbon molecules using sunlight, a method that could transform fuel and plastic production. In another study, scientists mapped massive iceberg grooves on the North Sea floor, suggesting that giant icebergs once drifted far closer to the UK than previously believed. Each discovery highlights how understanding natural processes—past and present—could guide future climate strategies.