Category: Environment

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GM Invests $10M in Forge Nano’s EV Battery 3D Printing Tech

The image depicts a 3D-rendered electric vehicle (EV) battery at the center, surrounded by intricate patterns that resemble atomic layers, symbolizing nanoscale coatings applied through advanced Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technology. The background subtly incorporates industrial elements, such as semiconductor circuits and machinery, representing the integration of this technology into various industries. A faint GM logo blends into the scene, emphasizing the company’s role in advancing battery technology. The color palette includes metallic blues and silvers, evoking innovation and precision, with green accents hinting at sustainability and the transition to greener energy solutions.

GM Ventures, the investment arm of General Motors, has committed $10 million to Forge Nano, a company specializing in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technology. Forge Nano’s ALD platform, branded as Atomic Armor, applies nanoscale coatings to enhance the performance of materials such as graphite, silicon, and nickel alloys, which are critical for battery efficiency. Beyond EV batteries, the technology finds use in sectors including semiconductors, magnetic components, and pharmaceuticals. This funding builds on Forge Nano’s $50 million Series C round in June 2023.

This investment represents GM’s second major move in additive manufacturing (AM) for EV batteries in 2024, following a $39 million Series B lead in Addionics announced in July. Anirvan Coomer, GM Ventures’ managing director, noted that GM is prioritizing technologies like Forge Nano’s ALD to scale up advanced materials, reduce costs, and enhance cathode functionality—currently the most expensive part of an EV battery. Forge Nano’s CEO, Paul Lichty, added that the funding will support efforts to improve material durability and extend ALD applications to areas such as semiconductor production.

GM’s investment reflects the automotive industry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Western EV supply chain. On the same day as the Forge Nano announcement, GM disclosed a $600 million joint venture with Lithium Americas Corp. As the transition to EVs accelerates, AM is emerging as an efficient solution for meeting the smaller, more flexible production needs of electric vehicles. This shift in manufacturing strategies highlights how AM technologies are becoming integral to the design and production processes of the EV industry.

Read more at 3dprint.com.

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Did Buying a Hybrid Save Me Money?

2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid parked on a grassy area by a calm waterfront, with rolling hills and mist-covered islands visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

When I wanted to find out whether my 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid saved me money compared to the conventional gas-only model, I used ChatGPT to crunch the numbers. Initially, the hybrid had a $4,000 premium over the non-hybrid version. Here’s how we factored in Ontario’s fluctuating gas prices and my car’s lifetime usage to assess whether it was a good financial decision.

Key Inputs

  • Hybrid Mileage: 39.5 MPG (imperial)
  • Non-Hybrid Best Case: 33.6 MPG (15% less efficient)
  • Non-Hybrid Worst Case: 27.7 MPG (30% less efficient)
  • Distance Driven: 200,000 km (124,274 miles), evenly spread over 11 years
  • Gas Prices:
  • 2013–2019: $1.30 per liter (average)
  • 2020–2024: $1.70 per liter (average)

Step-by-Step Calculation

1. Fuel Usage Comparison

2. Annual Fuel Usage Breakdown

Since the distance was evenly spread over 11 years (~18,182 km/year), the fuel usage for early and later periods is:

  • Hybrid Fuel Split:
  • 2013–2019 (7 years): (14,306.5 L / 11 years) × 7 years = 9,104.1 liters
  • 2020–2024 (4 years): (14,306.5 L / 11 years) × 4 years = 5,202.4 liters
  • Non-Hybrid Best Case:
  • 2013–2019: (16,810.9 L / 11 years) × 7 years = 10,695.4 liters
  • 2020–2024: (16,810.9 L / 11 years) × 4 years = 6,115.5 liters
  • Non-Hybrid Worst Case:
  • 2013–2019: (20,397.3 L / 11 years) × 7 years = 12,971.7 liters
  • 2020–2024: (20,397.3 L / 11 years) × 4 years = 7,425.6 liters

3. Fuel Cost Comparison

  • Hybrid:
  • 2013–2019: 9,104.1 L × $1.30 / L= $11,835.3
  • 2020–2024: 5,202.4 L × $1.70 / L = $8,843.9
  • Total: $20,679.2
  • Non-Hybrid Best Case:
  • 2013–2019: 10,695.4 L × $1.30 / L = $13,904.0
  • 2020–2024: 6,115.5 L × $1.70 / L = $10,396.4
  • Total: $24,300.4
  • Non-Hybrid Worst Case:
  • 2013–2019: 12,971.7 L × $1.30 / L = $16,863.2
  • 2020–2024: 7,425.6 L × $1.70 / L = $12,623.5
  • Total: $29,486.7

Final Savings

  • Best Case Non-Hybrid:
    $24,300.4 – $20,679.2 = $3,621.2 saved
  • Worst Case Non-Hybrid:
    $29,486.7 – $20,679.2 = $8,807.5 saved

Conclusion: Was the Hybrid Worth It?

Given that the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid initially cost $4,000 more than the non-hybrid version, the fuel savings of $3,621 to $8,807 show that the hybrid was a solid investment. Even in the worst-case scenario (lower fuel economy for the non-hybrid), the hybrid delivered considerable savings, especially during periods of higher gas prices from 2020 onward.

If your driving habits included a lot of city driving, where hybrids excel, the savings might be even more substantial. Over the 200,000 km lifetime, the hybrid wasn’t just a greener choice—it was also a smart financial one.

For anyone wondering about increased maintenance or service costs due to it being a hybrid, the car has been super-reliable. Other than a relay that had to be replaced under warranty, there have been no significant maintenance issues. This reinforces that the hybrid not only delivered on fuel savings but also proved to be a reliable vehicle over its lifespan.

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Nature’s Carbon Vault – Exploring the Efficacy of Burying Wood

A close-up cross-section of a large tree log lying on a forest floor, with distinct growth rings ranging from dark brown in the center to lighter brown towards the outer edges. The log's intricate rings symbolize its age and history, set against the backdrop of a dense forest with scattered leaves and foliage on the ground.

In this visual podcast, we delve into a fascinating article from The Washington Post, published on September 26, 2024. The article discusses an innovative method of carbon sequestration inspired by the remarkable discovery of a 3,775-year-old log found in Canada. This ancient wood offers insights into sustainable practices that could help combat climate change.

Join our two virtual podcasters, powered by Google’s #GoogleLM, as they unpack the implications of this method for our environment. With the help of a custom utility I wrote for creating the subtitles and another for audio visualization, this episode brings the topic to life in an engaging format.

Read the Washington Post article here.