Electric Cars

Cool Down System Revolutionizes Home Climate Control with New Heating Capabilities

A New York-based company, Cool Down, has introduced a revolutionary thermal transfer system designed to harness the consistent temperatures of basements for enhanced home climate control. This innovative approach allows for efficient cooling by transferring naturally cool air from below ground into living spaces, while simultaneously dispersing excess heat back into the earth. The system significantly reduces reliance on traditional air conditioning, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

Cool Down’s thermal transfer system has already demonstrated its effectiveness, with documented reductions in air conditioning usage by up to 67% per season. The recent launch of its advanced Smart Control Unit further expands the system's capabilities, adding new features that empower homeowners with greater control and potential for savings across diverse climatic conditions. This upgrade marks a significant step forward in making sustainable home comfort accessible and adaptable.

The newly released Smart Control Unit boasts an array of intelligent functions, enhancing both the system’s adaptability and user experience. Homeowners can now gain real-time insights into their estimated energy savings, providing a clear visualization of their investment's returns and enabling them to fine-tune the system for optimal performance. A novel Basic Heating Mode has been incorporated, allowing the system to capture and redistribute warmth during colder months from various sources such as wood stoves, mini-splits, or sun-drenched south-facing windows. Additionally, a new Dehumidification Mode integrates with existing air conditioning or heat pump units to effectively dry out basement areas, mirroring the moisture control in other parts of the house, which contributes to improved air quality and further decreases cooling expenditures.

For those prioritizing immediate comfort, the Power Boost Mode offers a temporary surge in cooling and dehumidification. Conversely, the Eco Boost Mode maximizes energy efficiency by preventing the activation of the AC or heat pump, an ideal setting for transitional seasons or mild climates. Homes without conventional ductwork can also benefit from the Standalone Mode, transforming the Cool Down system into a primary cooling solution. While it may not match the power of a traditional air conditioning unit, it delivers substantial cost savings.

Damien Semel-DeFeo, the founder of Cool Down, emphasized that the Smart Control Unit is designed to give homeowners more authority and financial benefits. He stated that these new functionalities allow for tailored system adjustments to suit any residence, weather conditions, or energy-saving objectives. As electricity costs continue their upward trend across the nation, Cool Down presents a practical and economical alternative or supplement to existing cooling infrastructure. The system boasts a swift installation process, typically completed within a few hours, and seamlessly integrates with or without current HVAC setups, all while operating without the need for refrigerants, compressors, or external condensers.

The updated Cool Down system, with its intelligent features and expanded heating capabilities, offers a compelling solution for homeowners seeking to manage their indoor climate more efficiently and sustainably. By leveraging the natural thermal properties of basements and integrating advanced controls, the system not only promises significant energy savings but also contributes to a more comfortable and environmentally conscious living space.

Lucid Gravity's Key Access Issues Hinder Its Potential as a Market Disruptor

The Lucid Gravity, an electric SUV poised to revolutionize its segment, is facing critical challenges with its key access systems. Despite its advanced technology, impressive range, and powerful performance, the vehicle is plagued by persistent issues with key fob recognition and NFC card functionality. This article delves into the frustrating experiences of users and the manufacturer's efforts to resolve these technical glitches, which are hindering the Gravity's potential to be a market leader.

Unlocking the Future? Not Always Smooth Sailing with the Lucid Gravity

Initial Encounter with Lucid's Key Fob Frustration

My initial encounter with a Lucid vehicle, the Air sedan, was quite impressive due to its exceptional quality and driving dynamics. However, this positive experience was somewhat marred by early software glitches, including a beautiful but complex and occasionally unresponsive interface, and a proximity key that struggled with timely vehicle recognition. Although these issues were eventually resolved for the Air, the launch of the new Lucid Gravity SUV has revealed that similar access problems persist, despite the introduction of a new key fob, an app, and a more traditional physical fob with buttons.

The Immediate Onset of Access Difficulties

The problems with the Gravity began almost immediately after the vehicle's delivery. Upon receiving the keys and moving the SUV a short distance, I attempted to lock it and then re-enter. The car's display indicated, \"No key detected. If the Key is present, shake gently to wake it.\" Repeated attempts to shake the key fob, varying in intensity, yielded no results. The vehicle remained unresponsive to the key's presence, preventing me from engaging drive or reverse, despite all other functions, like door locks and infotainment, working perfectly.

Lucid Gravity's Ambitions and Market Standing

The Lucid Gravity is a pivotal model for the brand. While the Lucid Air sedan is a remarkable engineering feat, large sedans struggle for market traction in today's SUV-dominated landscape. The Gravity aims to expand Lucid's market presence and boost sales by leveraging the Air's foundational technology and enhancing it for SUV application. With an impressive range of 450 miles and over 800 horsepower, the Gravity, particularly the Grand Touring model priced at $94,900 (or $116,000 with options), offers competitive value, especially considering the expected $80,000 starting price for the base Touring model, positioning it favorably against rivals like the Cadillac Vistiq and Escalade IQ.

Persistent Key Recognition Failures

Despite the vehicle's premium price point, the persistent key issues were disconcerting. After numerous failed attempts with the key fob, I tried using the NFC card provided, following the on-screen instructions to tap it on the wireless charging pad. This too proved ineffective, leaving the car in a "soft-locked" state – unlocked and functional in some aspects, but immobile. This ongoing cycle of trying different access methods, walking away to allow the car to reset, and hoping for a breakthrough, became a frustrating routine. On one occasion, it took approximately 40 minutes to finally get the vehicle into gear after a series of diagnostic checks by Lucid's PR team, a scenario that unfortunately recurred throughout the week.

A Widespread Issue Beyond Individual Experience

These key access problems are not isolated incidents. Other reviewers and owners have reported similar challenges. A colleague experienced analogous issues with a different Gravity model, albeit to a lesser extent, primarily involving the need to repeatedly shake the key and the non-functionality of the NFC card. Online forums and social media platforms are rife with complaints from Gravity owners describing vehicles failing to wake up or recognize keys, leaving them stranded. One particularly alarming account detailed an owner being left immobile in St. Louis due to these very issues, highlighting the severity and widespread nature of the problem.

Lucid's Response and Future Solutions

Upon inquiry, Lucid acknowledged that these key access issues are a \"known problem with some Gravitys\" and stated that an over-the-air (OTA) software update was in the works to address it. A subsequent update from version 3.3.1 to 3.3.2 did improve error messaging and system reliability to some extent; however, the core problem of key recognition and NFC card functionality remained unresolved for many users. Lucid has since indicated that a more comprehensive solution, involving an additional OTA update and a hardware fix for key fobs, will be rolled out to affected vehicles in the near future. While building advanced electric vehicles presents significant challenges, especially for newer manufacturers, such fundamental usability issues in a high-end vehicle can significantly damage brand perception. For Lucid, a company striving to establish itself, resolving these problems swiftly and definitively is crucial to prevent consumer distrust and ensure the Gravity fulfills its promise as a true game-changer in the EV market.

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Nissan Introduces More Affordable LEAF B5 Model in Japan

Nissan is strategically introducing a new, more cost-effective LEAF B5 model in Japan, aiming to strengthen its position against rival electric vehicle brands such as BYD and Hyundai. This move is particularly significant given the competitive landscape in the Japanese market, which differs from the relatively more accessible pricing of the LEAF in the United States. The upcoming B5 variant, equipped with a 55 kWh battery, is anticipated to cater to a wider demographic of consumers by offering a more economical entry point into electric vehicle ownership, with its release slated for early 2026.

Simultaneously, the Japanese market will see the launch of the LEAF B7 model. This version, which begins accepting orders in October and deliveries in January 2026, features a larger 78 kWh battery, providing an extended driving range and faster charging capabilities. Both the B5 and B7 models are designed to integrate Nissan's latest advancements in electric vehicle technology, including enhanced energy management systems and battery conditioning features, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. These introductions underscore Nissan's commitment to innovation and market adaptability in the evolving global electric vehicle sector.

Expanding Accessibility: The New LEAF B5 Model

Nissan's introduction of the LEAF B5 model in Japan marks a strategic effort to enhance the accessibility of electric vehicles, responding directly to the intense market competition from other affordable EV manufacturers. Unlike the US market where the LEAF already boasts a competitive starting price, Japan requires a more tailored approach to attract a wider consumer base. The B5 model, characterized by its smaller 55 kWh battery, is designed with affordability in mind, aiming to offer a more budget-friendly option that aligns with the financial considerations of a broader range of potential buyers. This initiative reflects Nissan's commitment to democratizing EV ownership and ensuring that sustainable transportation solutions are within reach for more individuals.

Scheduled for release in February 2026, the LEAF B5 is poised to become a key player in Nissan's strategy to navigate the competitive electric vehicle landscape in its home market. By focusing on a lower price point and a slightly smaller battery capacity, Nissan aims to create a compelling offering that balances cost-effectiveness with the essential benefits of electric mobility. This move is not just about introducing a new model; it's about making a statement in the global EV market about affordability and choice, ensuring that Nissan remains a frontrunner in the transition to electric vehicles by catering to diverse consumer needs and market demands.

Enhanced Performance: The LEAF B7 and Nissan's EV Evolution

Preceding the B5's launch, Nissan is rolling out the LEAF B7 model in Japan, with orders commencing in October and deliveries in January 2026. This variant represents the more premium offering, equipped with a robust 78 kWh battery that significantly extends the driving range, boasting up to 702 km (436 miles) under WLTC standards. Furthermore, the B7 model supports rapid charging, capable of replenishing its battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 35 minutes using a 150 kW fast charger. These enhancements underscore Nissan's dedication to improving the performance and convenience of its electric vehicles, addressing key concerns for EV adoption such as range anxiety and charging times.

The third-generation LEAF, including the B7 variant, integrates a sophisticated energy management system and battery conditioning features, meticulously designed to optimize energy consumption and enhance overall efficiency. Inside, the B7 maintains a modern aesthetic with a dual 12.3-inch display, offering a cohesive and intuitive user experience. Available in 'X' and 'G' grades, with starting prices around 5,188,700 yen ($34,000) and 5,999,400 yen ($39,300) respectively, both the B7 and the forthcoming B5 models are also slated to receive an AUTECH upgrade, with the B7 AUTECH priced at 6,513,100 yen ($42,600). These models collectively showcase Nissan's continuous innovation in electric vehicle technology, aiming to deliver superior driving experiences and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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