It once seemed unimaginable, but the end of gasoline-powered cars may now be in sight. Several states have set timelines for phasing out gas cars. They say exhaust fumes contribute to global warming and want green technologies like electric cars to take over. But gas powered cars still make up a huge majority of the cars sold today, and some say that America is not prepared to say goodbye to gas vehicles in the near future. Listen to learn about what it would take to phase out gas vehicles and then debate: Is the age of gas-powered vehicles ending?
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November 19, 2021
6:48
Driverless cars will soon be cruising the streets of Seattle, Washington. Advocates say the all-electric robotaxis, which will be guided by computerized sensors, are safer and more reliable than human drivers and will reduce carbon emissions. However, opponents question whether the vehicles can judge road conditions well enough to keep passengers and pedestrians safe. They say the sharp increase in demand for lithium batteries means more mining, a process that can harm both people and the environment. Listen to learn more about the controversy over autonomous vehicles and then debate: Are driverless cars a good idea?
Read MoreSeptember 29, 2021
3:48
The technology powering Formula E battery powered racecars is getting better, and that is good news for the electric car industry. The racecars, which make a high-pitched squeal as they whiz around the track, captivate onlookers and create competition among automakers. Companies like Mercedes and Nissan participate in the races to experiment with improving the basic model of the Formula E cars to win the race. Listen to hear what racecar drivers like about the cars and learn how improving technology may impact ordinary drivers.
Read MoreSeptember 24, 2021
4:52
More and more electric cars are being produced each year, and they require lithium batteries for power. The U.S. has just one lithium mine and relies primarily on foreign sources of the valuable mineral. Now, a mining firm has proposed a new lithium mine in northern Nevada. It says the project will provide close to 2000 jobs, with many going to local Native American tribes. Tribal activists have fought the project, though, saying the proposed mine would destroy sacred land. Listen to learn more about the controversy over a proposed lithium mine and then debate: Should the U.S. mine lithium on sacred land?
Read MoreNovember 3, 2016
3:26
Self-driving cars have been getting a lot of attention lately, with companies such as Uber, Tesla and Google trying out their autonomous vehicles on city streets. However, the big shift towards self-driving vehicles may not be with fancy electric cars, but with long-haul trucks. Trucks are well-suited for self-driving technology and will make the job of driving less dangerous. Listen to hear why people are predicting that trucks will undergo the shift earlier than cars.
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