Did You Know? China unveiled a futuristic “levitating” train with a top speed of 373 mph — making it the fastest ground vehicle in the world. Tesla’s Model S Plaid tops out at just 200 mph. The Chinese train uses “maglev” technology: electromagnetic forces allow the train to levitate above the track with no contact between body and rail. The lack of friction lets the train reach blistering speeds. (Yahoo)
Did You Know? Ford and Argo AI will start a self-driving ride-hailing service with Lyft Inc. in Miami and Austin, Texas, later this year, the biggest commercial rollout of robot rides. The plan is to begin significantly expanding the initiative in 2023, with the ultimate goal of dispatching 1,000 self-driving vehicles in the six U.S. cities where Argo has been testing, including Washington. Lyft is getting a 2.5% stake in Argo, which has received a combined $3.6 billion in backing from Ford and Volkswagen AG. Lyft isn't making a cash investment but is providing Argo access to fleet and safety data that will provide a detailed road map to help establish a large-scale robo-taxi service.
Did You Know? This past week in 1903 - 118 years ago - Ford sold its first Model A car to Ernst Pfenning of Chicago, Illinois. Now Ford is poised to revolutionize its entire fleet as it ramps up electric vehicle production, including their big trucks and the Mustang. Yes, FORD is a tech company.....it always has been, and now its technology is evolving.
Did You Know? About 43% of US households were renters as of 2017, the highest figure in half a century and double the percentage in 1965. According to the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances, a triennial survey that collects detailed accounts of households' finances, the median homeowner has 40 times the household wealth of a renter. (FT)
Did You Know? A 4-year-old startup says it has built an inexpensive battery that can discharge power for days using one of the most common elements on Earth: iron. Form Energy Inc.’s batteries are far too heavy for electric cars but they will be capable of solving one of the most elusive problems facing renewable energy: cheaply storing large amounts of electricity to power grids when the sun isn’t shining and wind isn’t blowing. (WSJ)
Did You Know? Houses with private boat docks, bulkheads, sea walls and lifts are in high demand as Americans buy pleasure craft in record numbers in an effort to social distance and stay healthy in the great outdoors. Boat sales reached a 13-year high in 2020, up 12% from the year before, according to the Chicago-based National Marine Manufacturers Assn. More than 310,000 power boats were sold in the U.S. last year. (WSJ)
Did You Know? Jeff Bezos recent space trip may be the cheapest endeavor in history! Why? I flipped from one TV channel to the next and most covered this blast-off LIVE....some over an hour.......what might that media coverage have cost AMAZON or Blue Originor or RIVIAN had they paid for it? A total BARGAIN! (talk about #dreambig) The space industry may be a $1 trillion industry by 2050.....and the 'big picture' idea is to take highly polluting industries into outer space to save Earth.... (I felt like I was watching an Austin Powers movie!)
