Technology

What does Trump’s election mean for EVs, Tesla, and Elon Musk?

Published

2 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

What does Trump’s election mean for EVs, Tesla, and Elon Musk?

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump said a lot of things about electric vehicles. He said he would “end the electric vehicle mandate on day one,” that EVs “don’t work,” and that they benefit China and Mexico while hurting American autoworkers.

But he has also closely aligned himself with Elon Musk, who runs the biggest EV company in the US. And he will likely have Musk continuing to whisper in his ear on important policy matters moving forward, even going so far as to promise to appoint the mercurial billionaire to a role in his administration.

So now that he’s the president-elect, what will he actually do that will affect the auto industry and its tenuous shift to electric vehicles?

First off, he said he would “rescind all unspent funds” in President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which includes many of the administration’s efforts to incentivize EV production in the US. Trump is likely to kill these incentives, everything from the EV tax credit to incentives for battery factories and mining.

What will he actually do that will affect the auto industry and its tenuous shift to electric vehicles?

It could prove to be an unpopular move, as the tax credits have been shown to work. The Biden administration claims that the tax credits have been successful, saving car buyers $1 billion in 2024 alone. The credit can now be applied at the point of sale, meaning shoppers can accept a discount on their EV purchase directly from dealers. And EV sales are continuing to increase, growing 11 percent year over year in the third quarter of 2024, according to Cox Automotive.

Eliminating these tax credits and incentives will make EVs more expensive to buy for many Americans, which will likely result in fewer vehicles sold. Manufacturers will have to adjust their plans to account for the less generous tax environment. Any factory that has yet to break ground is in jeopardy.

But making cars is expensive, and development cycles last for years. Automakers will be lobbying hard for regulatory certainty — whether Trump pays heed is entirely up in the air.

“Depending on how much [the individual tax credit] would be changed, it could be very detrimental to the North American automotive industry,” Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions, told Automotive News. “A lot of the demand for EVs currently is driven by that incentive, and that incentive feeds the manufacturers.”

Trump could also kill the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to install more EV chargers. However, at least 14 percent of NEVI funds have gone directly to Tesla, which is the largest provider of EV charging in the US. It’s unclear whether Trump would axe a program that benefits his new BFF. But Musk has spoken disparagingly of NEVI, so it’s certainly a possibility.

Some Tesla investors say that while the new Trump administration is likely to be a negative for the auto industry, it could end up working out for Musk, who famously went all in for Trump, spending over $119 million to support his campaign.

“Tesla has the scale and scope that is unmatched in the EV industry and this dynamic could give Musk and Tesla a clear competitive advantage in a non-EV subsidy environment,” said Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, “coupled by likely higher China tariffs that would continue to push away cheaper Chinese EV players (BYD, Nio, etc.) from flooding the US market over the coming years.”

Eliminating these tax credits and incentives will make EVs more expensive to buy for many Americans

Trump is likely to attempt to roll back or weaken the Biden administration’s new tailpipe emission standards, which would slash greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2032. This is likely what he’s talking about when he rails against the “EV mandate.” Republicans have falsely portrayed the new standards as a ban on gas-powered cars. EVs would need to account for over half of new vehicle sales for automakers to meet these strict mandates.

If that happens, expect automakers to tap the brakes on EV production. That will likely result in Detroit’s Big Three — Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis — becoming less competitive globally, as the rest of the world continues to innovate and produce more EVs. It could also open the door for foreign automakers to come in and snap up the market. Tariffs could deter countries like China from flooding the US with cheap EVs, but that could be short-lived if China keeps making cheaper and cheaper EVs.

Trump’s plan to slap tariffs on a variety of imported goods, including foreign-made cars, could make many vehicles more expensive to buy. Shares in BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche all fell on Germany’s stock market on the news of Trump’s victory on Wednesday. Meanwhile, stock prices in the Big Three, as well as Tesla, surged in early trading.

California’s right under the Clean Air Act to enact stronger emission standards is also likely to fall in Trump’s crosshairs, as it did last time he was in office. This could become another rat’s nest of lawsuits and counter lawsuits. Trump will be spoiling for a fight.

Fighting — over tax credits, emission standards, federal spending, state’s rights, and more — will become a hallmark of this presidency and its approach to the auto industry, just as it was last time. But this time around, EVs are becoming mainstream, and a lot of the investments can’t just be unspooled. Climate change is a looming threat, and EVs are seen as an important tool to fighting it. This time, there’s just a lot more at stake.

Technology

This digital D&D watch lets you roll a fireball from your wrist

Published

3 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

This digital D&D watch lets you roll a fireball from your wrist

Dice hoarding is a common hobby among Dungeons and Dragons players, but I’m betting most won’t have a digital watch in their collection. Alongside displaying the time, day, and date, the Timestop D-20 includes all the dice-rolling features you need to play tabletop roleplaying games directly from your wrist at the push of a button.

The watch allows the wearer to digitally roll a 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 20-, or 100-sided dice, alongside “Advanced Combat” features such as rolling up to 12 dice at once, and D20s with advantage or disadvantage (a fancy way of rolling two dice and taking either the higher or lower results). It’ll also display specific icons when a D20 rolls a 1 or a 20 — known as a “critical failure” or “critical success” respectively in D&D.

“We wanted a fun animation while rolling, but also an overall subdued look so you could ‘take the game with you’ and even wear the watch at the office,” Timestop says in its blog describing the design process. “We included day and date complications with a perpetual calendar so it was still a practical timepiece.”

Pricing starts at $99 and is available in three colors: black, orange, and stainless steel. Shipping starts next year, with stock available for delivery in either January or February.

One feature you won’t find on the Timestop D-20 is an alarm, because alarms “aren’t fun,” according to its creator. Otherwise, it’s water-resistant, features a backlit LCD display, and uses a replaceable coin cell battery that can last up to three years with “typical use.” I’m not sure how many fireball spells would be considered typical, but it certainly offers a more unique way to play than traditional dice or digital dice-rolling apps.

Technology

Honda has a plan to build solid-state batteries for EVs

Published

11 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Press Room

Honda has a plan to build solid-state batteries for EVs

Honda set up a demonstration facility in Japan to show off its plans to mass-produce solid-state batteries at lower costs, which could be crucial to unlocking higher-range, longer-lasting electric vehicles for the future.

Solid-state batteries have been elusive for many companies due to the complexity of scaling up production. The technology swaps out the liquid electrolytes found in current lithium-ion batteries with dry conductive materials, promising higher energy density and longer lifespans. But it will require a whole new production process to be successful.

Roll pressing of cathode for solid-state batteries.

Image: Honda

Honda says it is accelerating research at its new 27,000 square-meter demo facility set up in Sakura City, Japan, and is shortening the time required to make a single unit. The site has full-scale equipment that is split between three buildings: the first for cathode formation and cell assembly; the second for anode formation; and the third for electrolyte activation and module assembly.

The plan includes using a continuous inline mixer that Honda says is “three times faster” than typical cell batch processing. Honda plans to make batteries on this line in January.

Honda is readying its solid-state tech for mass production in the second half of the 2020s. The company’s CEO Toshihiro Mibe has eluded that solid-state batteries will also be the key to unlocking cheaper EVs.

Technology

How your browser is spying on you: Hidden dangers lurking behind every click

Published

11 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Press Room

How your browser is spying on you: Hidden dangers lurking behind every click

A browser is one of the most popular apps we use. It’s the gateway between the internet and its users, translating raw code into something we perceive as a web page and allowing us to interact with the web. It’s safe to say that anyone who uses the internet uses a web browser.

But while this tool is extremely useful, it can also be equally dangerous. For example, clicking malicious links can redirect you to harmful websites that either steal personal information or infect your device with malware.

If you use a search engine like Google through Chrome, it can collect data on your searches, browsing history and even your location (if location services are enabled). Most browsers also use cookies, small files that store information about your online behavior. Let’s discuss the risks associated with web browsers and how to stay safe.

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A person conducting a Google search on their laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How a browser doubles as spyware

Browsers are much more than simple tools to navigate the web. They are, in many ways, tools for surveillance. While they help you access websites and services, they also track your every move online to feed the ever-hungry advertising industry.

First off, most browsers collect data about your searches, browsing habits and even your location. This data isn’t just stored to “improve your experience,” it’s used to create a detailed profile of you, which is then shared with advertisers who target you with personalized ads.

Google Chrome, for example, is notorious for tracking your activity. As you browse, it feeds data to Google’s advertising engine, allowing it to serve highly targeted ads based on your behavior. This includes everything from your search history to the websites you visit, even down to the smallest detail, like how long you stay on a page.

“Google may share information about you with advertisers, business partners, sponsors, and other third parties,” Google boldly mentions on its privacy policy page.

Browsers also use cookies to keep tabs on you. These cookies track your activity across different sites, even after you’ve left a site. This means that ads you saw on one website might follow you across others, creating a persistent digital footprint. And while cookies can be blocked or deleted, many websites rely on them to function, making it hard to escape this kind of tracking.

Google browser (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Even Incognito mode isn’t safe

Even if you’re using privacy-focused browsers or tools like Incognito mode, they don’t really guarantee privacy. A 2020 class-action lawsuit revealed that Google kept scraping searches by gathering data from users browsing in Incognito through ad tools used by websites, picking up “potentially embarrassing” searches from millions of people. Google then used that data to track web traffic and sell ads.

It’s not just Google. Your internet service provider, the websites you visit and even governments can monitor your browsing activity, even in Incognito mode. All it does is hide your activity from your local browser history.

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A person conducting a Google search on their laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to protect your privacy

As you all know, web browsers are essential tools for accessing the internet, but many popular options compromise your privacy by collecting extensive data. While Google Chrome is widely used, it tracks significant amounts of user information to power targeted advertising. However, there are several privacy-focused browser alternatives that prioritize user data protection. Also, to enhance your online security and protect your personal information, consider implementing these essential cybersecurity practices.

Keep software updated: Regularly update your operating system, browsers and other software to patch security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you’re always protected against the latest threats.

Use strong, unique passwords: Create complex passwords for each of your accounts and avoid reusing them. Consider using a password manager to generate and securely store strong passwords.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on all accounts that offer it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond your password.

Be cautious with emails and links: Avoid opening suspicious emails or clicking on unknown links. These could be phishing attempts designed to steal your information or infect your device with malware. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Use secure networks: When using public Wi-Fi, connect through a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic. For sensitive transactions, stick to secure, private networks.

Be mindful of social media sharing: Limit the personal information you share on social media platforms and adjust your privacy settings to control who can view your posts.

VPN: Your first line of defense against browser spying: A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for anyone, including your browser, to track your online activities. By masking your IP address and routing your traffic through secure servers, a VPN not only protects your personal data from prying eyes but also helps you avoid targeted advertising and potential data breaches.

Regardless of whether you are new to VPNs or not, you’ll want to choose trusted VPN providers known for robust encryption and no-log policies to ensure your privacy. Whether for sensitive tasks or everyday use, reputable VPN services will boost both your security and speed. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

By implementing these security practices and using privacy-focused browsers, you can significantly enhance your online safety and protect your personal data while browsing the web. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and regular updates to your practices.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

The web browser is an essential tool for accessing the internet, but it also opens the door to a host of privacy and security risks. Whether it’s being tracked for ads, snooped on by your ISP or accidentally stumbling onto a malware-filled site, the risks are everywhere. Tools like Incognito mode or cookie-blocking can help a bit, but they’re not enough to truly protect you. If you’re serious about staying private and secure, you need to up your game. Use a VPN, be cautious about what you click on and stay informed about the ways your browser might be working against you.

Do you think companies have gone too far with tracking? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.