Are solar-powered cars a new trend in Venezuela?

MARACAIBO, Venezuela, Sept 8 (Reuters) - In Maracaibo, the once wealthy Venezuelan oil city, two innovators are trying to push a new trend: small electric and solar-powered cars that offer an alternative for people fed up with regular fuel shortages and long lines as the gas station.

Why should you buy a cheap EV in Venezuela?

Maracaibo, with 2 million inhabitants, is the second-largest city in Venezuela, with tropical temperatures of more than 34 degrees Celsius almost all year round. The heat makes walking uncomfortable - another selling point for cheap EVs. The solar panels also provide a solution to regular power cuts that have hit the region.

Should EV batteries be used as stationary storage?

Low participation rates of 12%–43% are needed to provide short-term grid storage demand globally. Participation rates fall below 10% if half of EV batteries at end-of-vehicle-life are used as stationary storage. Short-term grid storage demand could be met as early as 2030 across most regions.

Why are EV batteries so expensive?

However, metals such as cobalt are costly to mine and process. That drives up the price of EVs and energy storage systems and makes them less accessible to the average consumer. Lithium-rich manganese oxides can be a cheaper battery alternative.

When can EV batteries be used?

EV batteries can be used while in the vehicle via vehicle-to-grid approaches, or after the end of vehicle life (EoL) (when they are removed and used separately to the chassis in stationary storage). “Smart” vehicle-to-grid charging can facilitate dynamic EV charging and load shifting grid services.

Can EV batteries be recycled?

The main sources of supply for battery recycling plants in 2030 will be EV battery production scrap, accounting for half of supply, and retired EV batteries, accounting for about 20%. Of course, scrap materials remain in an almost pristine state, and therefore are much easier and cheaper to recycle and feed back into the manufacturing plant.