April 13, 2021 – One Finite Planet

One Finite Planet

Sustainability++ Here for a good time and a longer time.

Topics and Subtopics.

Hydrogen: Facts vs Myths, blue vs green.

April 13, 2021 February 18, 2022

There is much talk of a ‘hydrogen economy’, but what is the substance behind it all? There are many myths but hydrogen can be :

‘green’ hydrogen, not a source of energy, but a less efficient storage stepping stone on the path to battery power.
- or
blue/grey hydrogen, the fossil fuel industries’ hope for greenwashing emissions.

This exploration provides looks at the reality, and the myths about hydrogen, and provides background for other pages such as: Electric or Hydrogen Cars and Hydrogen Scams.

Electric Vehicles and Electrification: Another perspective.

This topic contains subtopics on living with EVs, reference pages, and analysis of the impact of EVs and electrification on the world.

As this is not a news site, the focus is on analysing the implications of news for these topics, rather reporting all EV or electrification news, for which I recommend Cleantechnica, InsideEVs and CNEVPOST.

The focus of these pages is on how EVs and electrification will change our lives, and change the planet. As a species, we are currently transforming from combustion as our primary energy source, to an electronic age, where electricity is our energy source. Just how much of our lives are changed by this can be easy to overlook from the inside experiencing the steps as the occur.

Tools, Toys and Superpowers

Humans: the accessorised species.

Accessories that evolve, giving humans and human societies accelerated evolution. In the spirit of Batman and Ironman, our accessories' or 'tools' provide humans with abilities far beyond those of the original humans. Genetically we may be similar to a human of over 50,000 years ago, but our knowledge and tools make us very different.

BYD Atto 3

BYD Atto 3, AKA Yuan Plus: 3rd bestselling EV globally.

As of March 2023, this EV from the BYD brand that few have heard of, has risen to 3rd bestselling EV globally behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, and could this year overtake the Model 3. Despite this level of sales success, as the Atto 3, as it is known outside China, arrives in new markets, reviewers often struggle to communicate the significance. As the international bestselling model of the BYD brand responsible for 6 of the 10 top bestselling EVs globally.

Finite Planet

Our dying planet: Timeline of Our Solar System.

Imagine spaceship of humans visiting our solar system and landing on Earth. Outside small interval highlighted in green window on the timeline, human survival on the surface would require a spacesuit, and outside the yellow highlighted time window, even the oceans would only contain organisms visible by microscope. Visit today, and the visitors have missed peak life which occurred 500 million years in the past, and instead see life in gradual slow decline to its imminent demise. Life is fragile, and it is dying.

Transition to EVs & Renewables: Problems and progress.

Any transition from gas to EVs needs around 30 years.

In this polarised world, there seem to be two groups: those who want all vehicles to be EVs now, and those who feel EVs will never be a good idea. Truth is, it would create a legal minefield and cost consumers and the environment heavily to ban too quickly, but bans will come. This is an exploration of reality of a transition to EVs, which concludes any optimum transition takes around 30 years. This conclusion means anyone wanting to reach EVs by 2050 needs to start very soon, and anyone worried all EVs should never happen, can take comfort that any environmentally sound transition will take a long time, although for economic reasons, does need to at least start soon.

Science, Philosophy and Perception.

Living with EVs

EV Reference Information

Timeline

Impact of Electrification

Technology

Carbon Capture and Storage: When it works, and why it doesn’t for work ‘blue hydrogen’.

Commenced: February 20, 2022

There are both vocal supporters and vocal opponents of carbon capture and storage, and there are arguments for both sides. This page goes beyond reporting on how carbon capture and storage fails to make current 'blue hydrogen' projects sustainable, and looks at the underlying principle that dictates why carbon capture and storage, despite having genuine valuable applications, can never enable 'blue hydrogen' to be environmentally sustainable, but is so popular politically.

One pedal driving and regen brakes explained: reality, myths, hype, fads and Tesla vs the rest.

Commenced: May 12, 2023 Updated: May 27th, 2023

2023 May 27 th: Added "Unintended acceleration and one pedal driving".

To make sense of all the often seemingly conflicting information on "regen", one-pedal-driving, and how to best drive an EV, it really helps to know there are two different systems for how the "STOP pedal", aka the "brake pedal", to works in an EV: 1. Like an ICE vehicle, as with Tesla and perhaps some other EVs. 2. Using brake-by-wire as with most EVs. Confusion over the two systems is part of it, but there are so many myths and so much misinformation about regen-braking and one-pedal-driving "regen braking", and is why a low regen setting can be less efficient in a Tesla, but won't matter and can help in practically all other EVs, and why "one-pedal-driving" is not necessarily the most efficient way of driving. Despite the fact there is so many myths leading to so much misinformation making it sound complex, driving an EV for optimum efficiency is usually extremely simple.

Software and tips for BYD Atto 3 + other BYD EVs.

Commenced: May 22, 2023

Although this page will be updated to cover more topics time, it is launching with information on side loading Apps to the BYD Atto 3 before it gets more difficult following software update 1.5 in May 2023. Rather than a typical webpaper, this page is really only of interest to owners of BYD vehicles. Sideloading. […]

EV Battery Reference: Basics, Technologies, Care & Benefits.

Commenced: May 23, 2021 Updated: May 19th, 2023

2023 May 19 th: Revised EVs and Batteries section and explained how batteries determine EV power.

Batteries for EVs have progressed: From: very expensive even while delivering an impractical range.To: Less expensive with an acceptable range. Only now in 2022, are batteries showing signs they can soon enable EVs price competitive and range competitive. With the new world of EVs, comes a whole new world of understanding cars, with batteries at the centre. This page provides background, the rethink batteries bring, the different battery technologies, though to how to car for batteries, and who makes what.

Toyota: Failure inevitable?

Commenced: December 16, 2017 Updated: May 11th, 2023

2023 May 11 th: Toyota under fire for anti-climate lobbying as protestors storm VW annual meeting

Once the darling of Hollywood in the wake of "green" image built by the Prius hybrid, Toyota has more recently prompted shareholder complaints, and calls for boycotts by climate groups in response to Toyota anti-climate action and anti-EV lobbying that has seen the company reach the status of no 3 climate enemy company in the world, behind only Exxon-Mobil and Chevron. Either Toyota is ideologically against action on climate change, or senior management see no way for Toyota to survive the EV transition.

A different perspective: Humans maybe the greatest threat to life on Earth but also the only hope.

Commenced: January 13, 2023

The title 'one finite planet' can be mistaken to be yet another proclamation of how we live on this amazing planet which could even be unique, and we humans are foolishly placing it all at risk. Boring. No. Instead, the perspective is we are living on a planet that is naturally hostile to humans, where nature dictates only a limited total amount of life, can only exist for a limited time, and that time is almost at an end. When seen from this perspective, even the environment mission changes from just not interfering, to the more complex task of tackling the challenge of overcoming nature, while yes, quite importantly, not bringing life to an early end in the process.

What the F is 5G? What is new, and what are the risks?

Commenced: September 2, 2020

Now for something not Covid-19, which is a rarity lately! A different topic for this blog, but 5G came up in a recent conversation, and what I thought I 'knew' about 5G was: significantly higher mobile data rates were possible (true) 5G is based on higher frequency radio than 4G etc (false) 5G works for far more people even in a crowded spaces (true) towers for 5G must always be close in order use 5G (false) 5G data rates could potentially match/replace fibre optic cable (false) As you can see, turns out what I had thought prior to research, was all a collection of misunderstandings, but when I did research, I found more conspiracy theories than facts.

Why Car Makers are Lying about the storm.

Commenced: September 10, 2021

If you follow car industry publications, there both facts and well recognised predictions that combined, signal a storm for the car industry. Reality: Why The Makers Are Lying. In less than 5 years, electric vehicles will become less expensive than ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles, and are already significantly less expensive to maintain. Lower cost […]

Electric Cars 2025: ‘adding up’ will create a revolution. Who wins, who loses? China? Japan?

Commenced: May 4, 2021

I recently explored how in 2021, the numbers for EVs don’t really add up yet. One of the key discoveries, was that many sensible people are projecting EVs will reach ‘price parity’ by 2024-5. If this happens consider the trend: Looking deeper, there is every reason those predictions look real, and this will completely turn […]

Electric Cars: 2021, It Just Doesn’t add up (yet).

Commenced: April 19, 2021

Right now, without subsidies, buying an electric car does not add up. Currently there is a price premium, and as a result the cars only appeal to those happy to pay a premium to indulge a passion. Buyers are prepared to pay a premium for the environment or the acceleration, but right now, buying is […]

Headphones, Earphones Revolution, plus B&O Beoplay H95, H9i, H9, Apple AirPods Max ETC.

Commenced: March 6, 2021

Augmented reality was seen as potentially the way of the future when introduced in 2013. So far, augmented reality through sight has never delivered and people wearing augmented reality glasses are not a common sight. In contrast, people wearing headphones and earphones are everywhere. Augmented sound reality is here (or hear?) and if anything, is growing in significance. This page looks at the topic overall but also includes some specific reviews.

ARMs Race Risc: Episode 1, Apple and Microsoft

Commenced: March 15, 2021

Right now, could be a bad time to invest in technology and buy a new computer. I suggest that, right now, all Apple laptops are in a state of flux, and no Microsoft Surface tablets or laptops make sense. This is all due to the ‘ARMs race to new computer architecture, as an upheaval in […]

ARMs Race Risc: Episode 2, Why Microsoft needs RISC!

Commenced: March 16, 2021

Episode 1 stated now could be a bad time to invest in technology and buy a new computer. Apple has announced they are moving to ARM CPUS, which will mean replacing their products, and this episode explores why it is so critical to Microsoft that they also move to ARM, and what the multiple technology […]

EV Price-Parity: It’s here already – sometimes, and EVs are setting sales records in key segments.

Commenced: October 19, 2022 Updated: March 19th, 2023

2023 March 19 th: Revised "proof is in the sales" and "whats-here".

There already are some EVs with not just "Schrödinger's parity", but genuine price-parity winning not just awards, but topping sales charts. These are mostly from the Tesla and BYD duopoly, but they are not entirely alone. Beating ICE vehicles in sales chart is the best test for price-parity, and segment by segment, EV contenders are being launched. Yes, there are still many overpriced 'token EVs' that either exist to satisfy green requirements, provide products for brand loyalists demanding EV products, or help convince their makers "there is little demand for EVs". This is an evaluation of price parity, and a list of vehicles with price parity on the market. The previously subsidy free Australian market is the base, but with inclusion of key international. The implications for established brands, and brand loyalty were surprising.

EV or Hybrid: Pros & Cons of HEV, PHEV, EREV, Gas/Petrol/Diesel (ICEV) or BEV (Electric)?

Commenced: July 10, 2019 Updated: March 8th, 2023

2023 March 8 th: Hybrids and battery life.

Eventually, EVs will take over, but for most people even price parity EVs are still not 'there yet', and that take over could take 30 years. This webpaper compares vehicle types from "standard" gasoline/petrol and diesel vehicles, with hybrids, plug in hybrids and battery electric vehicles (EVs). There is a separate exploration of hydrogen vs battery electric cars, so this page is pros and cons of hybrids vs "standard" vehicles, or pure battery electric vehicles (EVs).

The environmental impact of the transition to EVs and the potential problems.

Commenced: June 9, 2022 Updated: March 6th, 2023

2023 March 6 th: new introduction and general page cleanup.

There are many claims that EVs result in more emissions than fossil fuelled vehicles. The reality is that even when an EV is powered from a 'dirty' grid, it is clear that driving an EV creates less emissions. What is less clear, is whether the emission reduction when driven justifies the emissions that are created when building the EV? Buying an EV is better for the environment in the long term than buying an ICE vehicle but can be worse for the environment than not buying any new vehicle at all. The key finding is that while it is best to stop buying so many new ICE vehicles ASAP, there should be no rush to replace existing ICE vehicles with EVs, and instead allow existing vehicles the around two decades until their normal scrap date.

5G, Wi-Fi (WiFi), Bluetooth & UWB: Why do we need them, and how do they all fit?

Commenced: January 5, 2021 Updated: March 4th, 2023

2023 March 4 th : Updates for WiFi 7.

I recently researched 5G, in order to understand what it was all about, and the reality of any possible new health risks. I came to the conclusions that 1) health risk claims are groundless, and 2) there is no logical reason to upgrade devices at this time to get 5G. But that research led to questions on how all the connectivity standards fit together, and how compelling might it be to upgrade devices to get benefits of new Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or UWB?

One Finite Planet: Sustainability++.

Commenced: December 8, 2017 Updated: March 3rd, 2023

2023 March 3 rd: Updated 'philosophy' section.

You hear everywhere that, sustainability on one finite planet is essential. What changes, is the approach. The first + is the belief that the path to sustainability is moving forward, not cutting back. Not less energy generation, driving or transport, but the right energy generation, driving and transport. While the sustainability axiomatically means ending the quest for perpetual growth, it does not require austerity. We can be here for a good time! The second + is that the mission to expand beyond our dying one finite planet is essential for the ongoing survival of all life of Earth. We need to be here for a longer time.

Tracking Legacy Car Brands Fall as EVs Rise.

Commenced: March 8, 2022 Updated: February 28th, 2023

2023 Feb 28: Renault updated.

Electric vehicles have become desirable "real" cars much sooner than many brands expected or wanted. We are in a time of disruption by electrification as planes, trains and automobiles, as well as shipping, all move to electric power, but it is the car industry that will be most disrupted. New players such as Tesla, Rivian, Lucid and others, combined with the globalisation of the EV centric Chinese car industry, will take around 50% of the market. So what happens to the existing big brands of the legacy car industry? Either half die out, all halve in size, or some combination of both.

The two speed EV transition: Manufactures vs consumers. (part 1)

Commenced: February 26, 2023

It is easy to underestimate how long it will take consumers to transition to EVs, and equally easy to underestimate how urgently manufactures need to transition to avoid collapse. Two transition speeds? Yes, brands will switch to EVs in their showroom by 2025 or risk failure, but in what seems like a complete disconnect, there will still be internal combustion vehicles on the road past 2050. Around 10.5 million Electric Vehicles were delivered in 2022, which resulted in less than 0.7% of Internal Combustion Engine vehicles (ICEVs) being replaced by EVs during 2022, even those EVs represented 13% of new vehicles sales. The data shows that new car showrooms transition to EVs 20x faster than the roads, and vehicle manufacture transition 20x faster then the public, and while ICEVs will likely still around beyond 2050, vehicle makers that can't switch fast enough could collapse by 2030, bringing radical economic change.

BYD Atto 3 Australian Story.

Commenced: October 21, 2022 Updated: February 1st, 2023

2023 Feb 03- Jan 29: Software updates.

I started a page on the Atto 3 back in April 2022, but the launch in Australia has become so complex that it justifies a separate page, so here it is together with NZ information, starting with content moved from the original page, but updated. This is a page with details about the Australian, and New Zealand rollouts of the Atto 3 and the BYD brand, which from these humble beginnings, could become a major part of the automotive scene in both countries. For the general overview of the Atto 3, including information learnt from the experiences of owners, including those in Australia and New Zealand, see the main Atto 3 page. For the strange events around the Australian launch, and the use of the centre rear seat for baby capsules, read on!

EVs 2023: Is Tesla losing its cool as BYD ascends?

Commenced: January 13, 2023

The world of EVs is changing, as is the leadership. Tesla lost 50% of its valuation in 2022. Some are predicting it will lose half of the remaining value in 2023, and although others predict the stock price will rebound, both outcomes are possible, and which becomes reality could depend very much on whether Tesla can remain 'cool', or through Musk and twitter becomes linked to far right. Although entire EV future is not dependant solely on Tesla, a decline could have wide implications, for the market, competitors and the global transition to EVs. Not only are the 'legacy' automotive companies GM, Ford, VW and Toyota competition for the hearts and dollars from consumers, but also BYD, who is already taking the EV lead from Tesla. Keys factor in EV trends during 2023 could turn out to be who is 'cool', shifting perceptions of a climate threat and the need for rapid response, and the impact of conflicts such as Ukraine. Rapid radical change for the industry, but it will take longer to impact consumers.

Who makes a profit from EVs in 2023? Everyone but Tesla and BYD making a loss?

Commenced: November 28, 2022 Updated: January 9th, 2023

2023 January 09 th: Value, Volume and Profit.

Why is it so hard to make money from making EVs at a competitive price? This is an exploration of the profitability challenges, and the answers to "Do only Tesla & BYD profit from EVs?" and "Why make vehicles at a loss?". Auto makers must either 1) find a way to make EVs at profit, 2) close down, or 3) hope there will still be a large enough market for ICEVs for them to survive. Highly funded research indicates that in future just 5 brands will dominate 80% of the market, and the reality is only one of the top ten automotive from 2021 is a likely contender.

BYD Atto 3 / Yuan Plus: The first 3rd wave EV arrives in Australia, and then the world.

Commenced: April 23, 2022 Updated: December 6th, 2022

2022 December 06 : Awards and sales results so far.

The Atto 3 (or Yuan Plus) is not only EV giant BYD's, first global car, has now become the 3rd largest selling EV globally. Launched as BYDs first global model and the first 3rd wave EV for the west, already outselling Tesla vehicles and #1 selling EV in some markets, the Atto 3 could even challenge to become the world's top selling vehicle. While BYD has exported cars before, the Atto 3 is based on the "global focused" e-platform 3.0, and with a more significant launch into larger markets than previous BYD tentative exports, should spearhead the international push of the world's largest new energy vehicle maker.

The Electric Vehicle Road Trip Problem: EVs in Australian and USA as Examples.

Commenced: September 14, 2021 Updated: December 3rd, 2022

2022 December 03 : Australia examples.

In theory, and under ideal conditions, an EV road trip with DC rapid charging can be as time efficient as travelling in an ICE vehicle. However, conditions are not always ideal. Some trips take much longer, and others can become problematic. Will EV road-trips ever become as convenient and dependable as traveling by ICE vehicle?

Surviving with an EV and no driveway: on street charging.

Commenced: November 20, 2022 Updated: November 20th, 2022

2022 Nov 20: First version.

People have for decades owned cars without needing to refuel at home, so it may not seem obvious just how important home charging is for owners of EVs. Various surveys confirm that 80% to 95% of EV charging happens at home and given that less than 80% of people have access to a space to be able to charge at home, those who can't charge at home are less likely to buy an EV. To understand the problem, try living with a mobile phone without charging at home, or at work.

EV Charging for Apartment complexes: A problem that can require a battle.

Commenced: November 14, 2022 Updated: November 15th, 2022

*2022 Nov 21: Started on V2G.

There are 3 approaches to residents of apartments being able to charge EVs: They can go elsewhere to charge. A small number of charging spaces will be provided. Provision for individuals to have charging at the designated car space is facilitated. This is a look at why charging and getting it right is a challenge for apartment complexes, those who want the problem to remain unsolved, and the merits of the possible solutions.

Car Wars: EV rebels vs oil and auto empires.

Commenced: November 8, 2022 Updated: November 9th, 2022

2022 November 9 : First published after all this time, still some sections to complete.

This is the exploration of a chequered history, the battles between EV and oil and auto companies that is still happening today. From companies forcefully taking back EVs from consumers to destroy them, to the battle between pop group A-Ah and authorities in Norway, to the Toyota spending billions to fight EVs and the wheels literally falling off their 2022 electric car, from industrial intrigue involving Interpol red notices, to the rise of Tesla and BYD.

EV Charging Reference: Not just the new Refuelling.

Commenced: October 26, 2021 Updated: November 8th, 2022

2022 November 8 : The Apartment Carpark charging problem

This page covers a lot. Charging equipment and what to install and how to charge at home, and charging on road trips, through to the technical side, and a look at wireless and the future of charging. Plus, how recharging requires a complete rethink from refuelling, and how charging can be more convenient and match the speed of refueling. Public recharging infrastructure for EVs is growing but recharging at home will be most important for most people. Fully benefiting from having an EV, requires understanding, being prepared for recharging.

EV Literacy: EV tech, AC, DC and Electric Motors and other stuff that’s different.

Commenced: August 29, 2022 Updated: October 29th, 2022

*2023 January 7 : More on one pedal driving.

For almost 100 years, people have grown up in an age of the internal combustion engine. For many people, this has meant an understanding of engine capacity, cylinders, spark plugs, engine compression, crankshafts, valves, turbochargers, exhausts etc. The bad news is that EVs mean so much that previous literacy is about to be consigned to history and replaced by permanent magnet and induction motors, regen braking, and other new terms. The good news is, it is easy to build and EV literacy on the those ICEV foundations, so there is no need to feel illiterate in this new EV world.

Tesla and BYD: Competitors or Duopoly?

Commenced: April 20, 2022 Updated: October 10th, 2022

2022 October 10: Q3 data updated: Tesla holding of BYD in pure EV sales.

Is Tesla or BYD the world's leading EV maker? They both are! While who leads depends on how you count EVs, together they dominate world EV sales, and their combined position is strengthening. So, no undisputed world number 1, but by 2023 year end it is quite possible BYD will be clear number 1, at least for a while. These two are the current EV market leaders, and as EVs gain market share, these two are on trajectories to become no #1 and no #2 car carmakers world wide when EVs take over, if no legacy brand passes them. But will either of them ever reach true #1 before the chasing pack catches them? This page is to report and track progress.

Charge Time Calculator: Configured for Atto 3.

Commenced: September 27, 2022 Updated: September 27th, 2022

*2022 September 28: Added charge loss calculations and moved loss setting to 1st page.

This is a charge time calculator, which can be set to the charge curve of any car, but defaults to the values for the Atto 3.

The 3rd EV wave: Tesla and the Chinese are coming, and in a hurry!

Commenced: September 7, 2022 Updated: September 7th, 2022

*2022 September 21: restructure and updated links

EVs can be divided into 3 waves: EVs that people can use despite limitations including the Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf, i-MiEV, and Zoe. Then EVs are truly competitive in premium and enthusiast markets: Tesla Model 3, then Model Y. Mainstream EVs at the Tesla Model A/2 price point, but so far from China, not Tesla. While China has been another world for EVs, with price competitive EVs from US$5,000, only now in 2022 is the rest of the world getting its first 3rd wave EVs, and so far, they all come from China. Teslas were sold globally, but every other EV, was either an EV not sold in China, or a Chinese only EV. Two separate worlds of EVs, that have begun a hurried unification and bring 3rd wave EVs and automotive industry disruption to the entire world.

Solar Electric Vehicle Future: What you can, and can’t do with solar power.

Commenced: May 29, 2022 Updated: September 1st, 2022

2022 Sept 08: Solar botanic trees.

There are solar boats and even a solar plane already, yet the solar vehicles we hear most about, solar cars, are as of early 2022, not yet on sale. However, that is about to change with at least 3 solar powered cars nearing production. The situation with solar cars is almost identical to the early days of EVs. Plus, the solar does not have to be built into the vehicle to enable solar powered travel. This page will be updated as solar vehicles come to market.

A deeper look how EVs impact the power grid.

Commenced: August 14, 2022 Updated: August 15th, 2022

2022 Aug 15: Added notes on solar.

What is the real answer to how the grid will cope? First the answer from an actual power company, a link to one from a popular vlogger, both of which should placate most people, although neither is water tight as both skip over some details critical to the full answer. And then, the deeper questions on what the impact will be on power bills and reliability, and to the transitioning of the grid to renewables.

Surprise, Shortest day ever recorded: Not just the solstice, but climate change?

Commenced: August 12, 2022 Updated: August 12th, 2022

2022 August 12: Just typo fixes.

This page is more under the heading of 'fun facts'. The first 'fun fact' is that while everyone knows how the length of daytime and nigh time vary throughout the year, it may come as a surprise to realise the length of the entire day, also varies. Partly because, second fun fact, the a day is a longer than one rotation of the Earth, which lead to the third fun fact: we just had the shortest total day ever recorded.

Why Hydrogen Cars are not the future, and EVs are here to stay.

Commenced: January 3, 2018 Updated: August 1st, 2022

2022 August 7: Updates information of fast refuelling.

After friend told me "I am not interesting in electric cars, because I will wait for hydrogen cars", I did the research, and found that such a future would make no sense, and will never happen. It turns out that hydrogen cars were never "the ultimate", are now worse at times or range problem, and they were only ever expensive to build and operate, higher emissions, limited interim stop gaps, for the time until we solved limitations of battery EVs.

Next steps for mankind don’t include the Sci-Fi dream of a new home planet.

Commenced: May 31, 2016 Updated: July 26th, 2022

2022 July 26: Rewrite to update on "planets and moons" progress of colonising the solar system.

There is a dream, often explored in science fiction, where humanity inhabits not just one planet, but many. While the dream is still centuries away, as is 'Earth 2.0', the reality, working towards small outposts on Mars or the Moon or even beyond is overwhelming compelling and can provide many rewards. Humanity may get back up outposts, but for centuries, will have no real second home, and over 99% of us will still need to live on our one finite planet.

The Challenges of Earth 2.0. (Kepler 452b?)

Commenced: July 26, 2015 Updated: July 24th, 2022

2022 July 24: Rewrite, updated to fully clarify why 'no alternate home'. I learnt a lot in 7 years.

Sadly, no, the existence of many "Earth 2.0" planets does not mean there are planets out there we could colonize. From the obvious to the surprising, reasons include: It would take 10,000 years for us to send even 10 people to a planet of another star.It took plants billions of years to build this O2 atmosphere.Even on a planet identical to Earth, odds are we still can't survive there!

EV Battery swapping: Recharge or Refuel?

Commenced: March 20, 2022 Updated: July 16th, 2022

*2022 Aug 17: Link to NIO swap vs XPeng fast charging

There is a full exploration of recharging electric vehicles on another page, but there is an a "refuelling" alternative to recharging: battery swapping. With electrical appliances in the past, when the batteries went flat, we swapped them. Then rechargeable batteries became popular so we could avoid throwing out the old batteries, but I swap first and then recharge. It turns out, we can also do that with cars, and it is happening already. Battery swapping, take only around 5 minutes, but so does recharging the latest batteries. Battery swapping will likely play a key role in the future, but not necessarily the role many expect.

EV range: Anxieties vs realities & needs.

Commenced: November 10, 2021 Updated: June 1st, 2022

2022 June 8: Initial restructure, added range optimisation section on getting the best range.

This is a look at range, covering from how range specs don't mean what you would expect, through why range is so unlike that of fossil fuelled vehicles and optimising range is all about efficiency, through to what range is required around the town or on the highway. Range with EVs is such a different experience that novices can feel anxiety, despite that in practice running out of charge in EVs happens no more than ICE vehicles run out of gas. While EV range is getting closer to ICEV range, most EVs, unlike the Lightyear One pictured here, aren't solar and still don't match the range of internal combustion engine cars, but the convenience of background charging means range with EVs is usually only a limitation on relatively rare road trips.

EV Range & Economy: Decoding the Numbers.

Commenced: May 1, 2021 Updated: May 24th, 2022

2022 May 24: added link to article on WLTP range is really calculated.

The key specification for EVs so far has been 'range'. But how are the numbers measured, will range specific match reality, and can the number even be compared? It turns out there are even 3 different standards for measuring range, and they give very different answers! Further, why have we moved from 'economy' to 'range'? Is there still even economy with EVs?

Mobile Phones – Fold 3 vs Note, Fold S-Pen Fail?, Watch and History.

Commenced: August 15, 2021

This page focuses on a topical question, can the Samsung Z Fold 3 be a viable option for someone who has previously owner Samsung Note phones? Having owned 4 notes dating back to the original, I add my review, and links and selected quotes of other opinions. The page includes my review from the perspective […]

WordPress.com to the Next Level: Plugins, Elementor, CoBlocks?

Commenced: January 8, 2022 Updated: April 2nd, 2022

2022 April 2 and then July 31:no date to be seen here help on tablepress and table-chart.

Something completely different. A discussion on how this site is hosted: on wordpress.com. Anyone who has started a "blog" or other site on wordpress.com, may get to wonder, what are the options for upgrading the website? What is the value of the free, personal or premium plans and beyond? What real world benefits are there, and, alternatively, what would you lose and/or gain from moving away from wordpress.com. This is a page discussing being in that situation. If you are not considering having a website, it may be of little interest.

The electrical grid, V2G and EV Home Charging: Missing an opportunity for the planet.

Commenced: February 26, 2022 Updated: March 15th, 2022

*2022 Dec 16: Fully charged

Move to renewables for energy, and electricity for transport, and we solve the climate problem. But renewables require storage, and uptake of EVs requires home charging, and there is a cost to both. But what if electric vehicles could solve the "green power grid" problem, provide energy security, and avert a threat of increasing inequality, and reduce costs? It turns out this dream scenario is definitely possible but can be fully realised only if the home charging problem is solved.

Personal Mobility Advance: Unagi Model One Electric Scooter. Unagi Model 11 Mystery.

Commenced: February 14, 2022

(see the mystery below). Way back in 2001, Dean Kamen launched the Segway, heralding a new era in personal mobility. Although the Segway did not deliver that new era, it is possible he was onto something that is gradually becoming a reality. This is a look at how far the Unagi E500 model one electric scooter advances personal mobility, and what broader steps technology has made towards personal mobility.

2022: Year Of The EV take over, and beginning of the end for the ‘Legacy’ Industry.

Commenced: February 6, 2022

By the end of 2022, Electric Vehicles (EVs) will be the choice for the majority of all new car buyers worldwide. In practice, while Asia and Europe will see EVs at over 50% market share, delivery in some key markets where EVs currently have around 5% market share to around 20% by year end, but the end of the internal combustion engine will clearly be looming. The motor vehicle industry, sales and servicing, will see upheaval with the majority of current players headed forced close or sell out.

Vehicles And Mobility: Road Trips and Other Superpowers.

Commenced: October 25, 2021 Updated: February 25th, 2022

*2022 Sept 16: just typos, and links.

All tools can bestow superpowers and motor vehicles are no exception.Superpowers provided by motor vehicles include the ability to quickly travel and transport goods and people on local trips, and the quite different but key superpower to travel to new and more distant places on road trips. .

Hydrogen: Facts vs Myths, blue vs green.

Commenced: April 13, 2021

There is much talk of a 'hydrogen economy', but what is the substance behind it all? There are many myths but hydrogen can be : 'green' hydrogen, not a source of energy, but a less efficient storage stepping stone on the path to battery power.or blue/grey hydrogen, the fossil fuel industries' hope for greenwashing emissions. This exploration provides looks at the reality, and the myths about hydrogen, and provides background for other pages such as: Electric or Hydrogen Cars and Hydrogen Scams.

Electric Vehicle Tipping Point in 2022: An end to EV subsidies?

Commenced: November 23, 2021

I heard someone ask, “if EV (Electric Vehicle) sales continue to increase exponentially at the same rate, how long before all sales are EVs”? While exponential growth is no more sustainable for EVs than for anything else, the underlying statistics and real answer made me realise, EVs will probably reach an tipping point as soon […]

Revolution?: HDMI ARC, eARC and S/PDIF

Commenced: March 21, 2019

The move from S/PDIF to HDMI ARC failed in bringing even a small revolution, but the introduction of eARC in HDMI 2.1 may now actually allow a major revolution. Contents: S/PDIF: History Audio Return and Directional Audio/Video Cables Pre ARC (before HDMI 1.4, 2009 ) HDMI 1.4 with ARC (Audio Return Channel) Sonos Beam – […]

Digital Cameras: Crop vs ‘Full Frame’

Commenced: December 27, 2017

There are cases where the rapid evolution of technology means that terms can lose connection with their original meaning. ‘Crop’ and full frame are clear examples. Should we go back to the original meaning, or embrace using the original term in ways that evolve further and further from that original meaning? History/Background Film Cameras Pre […]

Apple Evolution: Which premium market next?

Commenced: December 15, 2017

This is the excerpt for your very first post.

Will Apple One Day Ditch the Mac/MacBook?

Commenced: December 10, 2017

John C Dvorak of suggests in this article that Apple is ready to ditch the Mac. Is this realistic? The idea that the Mac is a problem for Apple is something I have suggested in conversation on several occasions, so there are a least two observers, and from different perspectives, seeing that Mac products no […]

All Free? The Tech Industry is so dumb!

Commenced: March 4, 2021

Initially, it seems the tech industry is just dumb. You could think: “So they get me to watch adds, and they collect my data. It is not like letting them collect my data is going to cost me anything! It is not like Facebook, Google, Instagram, WhatsApp etc have some way of getting their hands […]

Relativity Simple: Understanding Einstein’s Theory.

Commenced: June 13, 2021

Understanding relativity provides a completely different perspective in looking at everything in the world around us. Although, some the maths and other details are complex, those maths and details are not required to grasp fundamental concepts, that change the view of the world around us forever. The biggest challenge is that if you have thought […]

Images, Making Animated GIFs & Solving colour problems.

Commenced: January 1, 2022 Updated: January 1st, 2022

2022 Jan 1st: Initial version.

This is part of series of pages I will be adding on things I have learnt as part of building this website, and I will soon try and enable following by topic (when I get this page working), so people can separately select notification on building websites and/or population or other issues, without being notified of things outside their interest. Standby for that update. Meanwhile this page provides general help on making an animated GIF for a series of images, specific help on a challenge with animated GIFs, and a list of sites with free images as a resource for those building images.

ScoMo Ingenious EV Plan: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, leading climate action blocker, stretching the truth again?

Commenced: November 19, 2021 Updated: November 19th, 2021

*2022 March 8: Minor typos and fixes.

After a long history resisting action on climate change, the Australian government finally 'committed' to net zero by 2050, and then did an about face from their previous 'anti-EV' stance and announced support for electric vehicles. Or did they?

Fool’s Gold, Scams & realities of a Hydrogen Future: “Where does the hydrogen come from?”

Commenced: October 24, 2021 Updated: October 24th, 2021

*2023 May 17 th: Updated synopsis and revised.

The race to stop CO2, has led to many 'scams' projects involving hydrogen, but it is not always clear who is being scammed: the public, or the proponents of hydrogen projects. What is the attraction behind the obsession with hydrogen? This is a look at the motives, the myths and the facts around hydrogen projects. Spoiler: There are some valid roles for hydrogen, but hydrogen has no role as an energy source, and even any potential role as an energy carrier is highly questionable.

Our Home Robot Future and the Deebot T9+: Toys or Valuable Tools?

Commenced: August 8, 2021

The Robot Revolution. Early Steps. Coming Soon: Flexible Home Robots. Robot Vacuums: Useful Yet? How useful is any robot vacuum? Tests: Determining Usefulness. Spills and Spot cleaning, Steps, Stairs and Multi-Level Homes Progress: From Trilobite (1996), Samsung 9350 to T9+ Electrolux Trilobite (1996). Samsung 9350 (2016) Ecovacs Deebot T9+ Review Of the Ecovacs Deebot T9+ […]

The Limitations of Perception

Commenced: December 15, 2020

What humans can perceive is not reality in full, but our own picture of reality, constructed by our brains from clues to reality collected by our senses. Science allows us to understand far more, and provides instruments to extend our perception, allowing continual improvement of our picture of reality, but know we do not yet […]

WTF? UFOs are Real? (OK, UAPs or Unidentified Aerial Phenomena)

Commenced: June 1, 2021

The US military is, for the first time, sharing that they really do have UFO/UAP sightings that they cannot explain. It is easy to underestimate the significance of this revelation. There is even at least the appearance of deliberate efforts to downplay the significance. But this revelation, at some level changes our understanding of the […]

Dark Stuff: Dark Matter, Dark Energy and Antigravity.

Commenced: May 16, 2021

This is an overview of ‘dark matter’ and ‘dark energy’, that was started back in 2016 but published until I was recently asked again. The TLDR; is that no-one knows what dark matter or dark energy are, and it is not even absolutely certain that either exists. In fact, my addition to the official version, […]

Babel: Electricity, Measurement, Video and Phones around the world.

Commenced: March 2, 2021 Updated: May 20th, 2021

2021 May 20: Moved EV charging to a dedicated page.

A page on different standards in use around the world, including measurement, electrical, and others.

Relativity for dummies. Part 1 – How fast can you travel?

Commenced: May 4, 2015

How fast? How long does it take the light to get from the Sun to the Earth? A: No time all. You will hear the answer ‘8 and a half minutes’ but that is from our perspective on Earth. From the perspective of the light, it takes no time at all! So it takes the […]

EV Charging Systems: Reference

Commenced: May 20, 2021 Updated: May 10th, 2021

*2022 September 7: Added Ac charging current control for CCS

I have been exploring electric vehicles. What is needed to make them affordable, and what it is like to live with them. When exploring charging, the charging systems became so complex that I have extracted what I found as its own exploration, which I plan to keep updated as a reference. It currently does need an update for wireless charging, but some information can be found on my exploration of the logistics of charging.

Our Sun: Big, White and a Yellow Dwarf?

Commenced: April 4, 2021 Updated: April 1st, 2021

2021 April 6: Reformat

Our Sun is our very definition of white in colour, as can be seen in photos from space, and larger than most stars. Despite this, our Sun is a yellow dwarf! The page explores a few facts and myths about our star, the Sun.

Camera System Sizes: Phones vs Nikon 1 vs 4/3 vs APSc vs 35mm vs Medium

Commenced: April 3, 2018

Introduction History The system sizes- who and what size camera phones Nikon M1 Micro 4/3 APS-C Canon EF-S – EF-M Fuji X, Nikon, Pentax,Sony 35mm Medium Format X1D H1D 645 Large Format Conclusions No system size is inherently ‘best’ No One system is likely to ‘rule them all‘ any time soon Introduction Different cameras all […]

Photons: What is electromagnetic radiation?

Commenced: September 1, 2020

Radio waves, microwaves, millimetre waves, infra-red, visible light, ultra violet, x-rays, gamma rays… …… can seem so different, yet they are all electromagnetic radiation. All are composed of the same fundamental particle: the ‘photon’. All photons, travel at the ‘speed of light’ (or the ‘speed of photons?’), have the properties of a wave, and interact […]

the mobile pressure is on apple and samsung, and the importance of Tizen

Commenced: November 18, 2014

The mobile space is dominated by two brands: Apple and Samsung. Each has reached such a large market that continuing to increase market share basically requires the other company to falter. Both have ‘hit the wall’ in terms of market share in the mobile space, with further grown thin market share a real challenge. For […]

Opinion and Review: The Samsung Note Edge.

Commenced: March 30, 2015

I moved from a Samsung Note 3, to a Samsung Note Edge (note 4 variant). The move was not because I chose to make the move, but because I received the note edge as a gift. A key advocate of my receiving the note edge as a gift was set to inherit the Note 3 […]

Broken: Educating Girls in Technology

Commenced: June 15, 2016

Statistics show secondary schools in developed countries are failing to interest girls in technology. I recently attended a forum on this topic and I was able to hear from those making breakthroughs towards fixing the problem. The reality is secondary schools are having difficulties teaching technology in general, and even include woodwork, metalwork, fabrics, sewing […]

Microsoft Phones: Dead, or a real opportunity?

Commenced: June 19, 2016

There are rumours that Microsoft will introduce a Surface Phone. There are other rumours that Microsoft will exit the phone software platform business completely and admit defeat. Now consider, what if Windows could run any Android applications along side current Windows and in addition to Windows programs, would you then consider a Surface Phone? This […]

iPhone 7: misguided headphone fuss

Commenced: September 14, 2016

I suggested the fuss about the headphone jack on the iPhone 7 is misguided. Misguided because the fuss is focused on resisting change, not focused on ensuring the right change. Wireless only limits quality, is not always convenient for charging which means a cable system is still required. Changing from 3.5mm audio to a digital […]

Surface Pro update: Canary for the problems in journalism?

Commenced: October 9, 2016

Ok, so this post is about what is happening with updates for the Surface Pro and the Surface Book, but is also about the problems in technology reporting, which themselves are symptoms of a wider problem. Firstly, to the Surface Pro/Book. There are lots of rumours of an update, and rumours there being rumours is […]

The Canary: part II

Commenced: October 18, 2016

My previous post was a diversion for the usual, and this post is a continuation of the diversion, but normal topics are set to return! For now, a little more the episode of the early warning of failing journalism. In the previous ‘canary post’ I outlined reasons why the almost universally reported ‘Microsoft will not […]

No new Surface ‘Pro 5’ after all?

Commenced: February 11, 2017

Lots of others ‘crystal ball gaze’ into the future of Microsoft’s ‘Surface’ products. Here is another perspective. A lighter tone than the usual post, here is a look at both what Microsoft are likely to do, and what they should do. 🙂 Ok, it is largely crystal ball gazing, but so it seems is every other […]

What really killed the dinosaurs?

Commenced: May 16, 2017

While I do literally mean the actual dinosaurs, there is also a lesson in the answer for the metaphoric dinosaurs that big companies can become. “A giant meteorite wiped out the dinosaurs” is the catch phrase. But have you ever wondered “why the dinosaurs, when so many other animals survived?”. The alligators survived, fish survived, […]

Lessons from SciFi: Future Expansion

Commenced: May 31, 2016

The actor Morgan Freeman has declared he is determined to produce a movie based on the novel ‘Rendevous with Rama’ by Arthur C Clarke. Great Sci-Fi writers like Clarke are renown for their insights in to the possible future and this novel is no exception. After again reading this novel I realised the insights into […]

Planets, Aliens and Fermi Paradox: Climate or Photons?

Commenced: August 12, 2019 Updated: August 30th, 2019

2019 Aug 30: Just formatting.

If we are alone, why? If we are not alone, where is everyone? There should be well over 11 billion planets in our galaxy with a potential to host life, yet all our searches have not found anybody out there. Update: Yet we don’t have evidence all evidence so far, seems to suggest life emerging […]

The Future of Medicine

Commenced: September 13, 2016

Over the past 2 days I been given a view of the possible future of medicine, attending two lectures: ‘2084: Future Medicine’ and ‘Nanotainment‘. I will discus the actual presentations later, but the impact is that doctors as we know them and other current medical practitioners being will become obsolete other than for the treatment […]

Autonomous Cars: What’s needed and are Lidar & Maps Fools-Gold

Commenced: December 16, 2017 Updated: December 16th, 2017

*to follow - more analysis on the road ahead, and technology updates.

One image of a driverless cars is a Google car with a very prominent LIDAR device on the roof. This is a look at the technologies and the needs of self drive systems, and where things are at in 2017. There is logic to the suggestion by Elon Must that LIDAR is not needed, but there is also logic to suggesting that the steps forward form where we are to true autonomous may be a lot more challenging than it appears.

The ‘perfect’ everyday bag: messenger bag, shoulder bag or backpack?

Commenced: May 7, 2017

I am on the hunt for the perfect bag to carry things with me, but is this a backpack, a messenger bag, or some hybrid of the two. The strongest candidates right now, are the peak design backpack, or the ‘urban disguise’ series from Thinktank. Peak design make a messenger bag the can work as […]

Life in the colonies: The line between colony and individual is unclear.

Commenced: May 30, 2016 Updated: May 30th, 2016

*2022 Aug 20: Updated format, new featured image

Are humans one single organism? Or in fact a colony, or society of cooperating organisms of many different types, which includes not only many different type of specialised human cells, but even cells that are not even human?