Electric Cars

A recent collaboration in Vermont is set to revolutionize access to clean energy in the affordable housing sector. Vermont Gas Systems (VGS) has partnered with Dandelion Energy to implement geothermal heating and cooling solutions in a new development, addressing the significant upfront cost often associated with such sustainable technologies. This strategic alliance aims to benefit low- and moderate-income residents by making advanced energy systems more attainable.

The initiative focuses on the Riggs Meadow development in Hinesburg, Vermont, which will feature 44 townhomes and apartments. VGS is undertaking the crucial role of financing and owning the subsurface ground loop infrastructure. This arrangement dramatically reduces the initial financial burden on the affordable housing developers, Champlain Housing Trust and Evernorth, facilitating the integration of geothermal technology. Dandelion Energy will manage the technical aspects, including system design and drilling operations, ensuring efficient and effective implementation.

Before involving Dandelion Energy, the developers extensively evaluated various heating and cooling alternatives with VGS. The outcome is a plan to equip four multi-family buildings, encompassing 36 residential units, with geothermal systems. Each building will have its dedicated ground loop, designed to harness the stable underground temperatures for year-round climate control. This method involves circulating fluid through subterranean pipes to exchange heat with the earth, providing warmth in colder months and cooling during warmer periods, thereby enhancing energy efficiency regardless of seasonal variations.

A key innovation in this partnership is the utility company's proactive investment in the ground loops, a cost typically borne by developers. This approach not only streamlines the adoption of geothermal technology in affordable housing projects but also allows VGS to expand its service offerings to include all-electric heating and cooling. Dan Yates, CEO of Dandelion Energy, highlighted that such utility partnerships are vital for mainstreaming geothermal solutions and aligning infrastructure investment with equitable, clean energy access.

Under VGS's broader Clover Energy program, the utility is responsible for the ownership and upkeep of the underground components. While residents will own the indoor equipment and pay a monthly fee for the ground loops, the exact costs for Riggs Meadow residents are yet to be determined. Neale Lunderville, President & CEO of VGS, emphasized the importance of geothermal as a cost-effective, renewable energy option for Vermonters and expressed enthusiasm for scaling these solutions to meet community needs and support the state's housing growth.

The project is scheduled to commence drilling activities in early 2027, with residents anticipated to occupy the homes by late 2027. This collaborative effort exemplifies a progressive model for integrating sustainable energy practices into community development, particularly benefiting those in affordable housing.

This initiative represents a significant stride toward sustainable and equitable housing solutions. By alleviating the upfront financial strain of geothermal installations, VGS and Dandelion Energy are creating a blueprint for making clean energy accessible to a broader demographic. This project not only promises long-term energy savings for residents but also contributes to Vermont's broader environmental goals by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Tesla's Model 3 is undergoing a notable upgrade, introducing Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability and an enhanced infotainment display. However, these new features are exclusively launching in international markets first, with American consumers awaiting their eventual arrival. The V2L technology allows the electric sedan to export power, similar to offerings from other manufacturers, enabling the vehicle to power external devices. This improvement enhances the Model 3's versatility, providing users with a mobile power source for various applications, from tools to camping equipment.

Beyond the V2L function, the Model 3's interior experience is also seeing an uplift with a larger and higher-resolution central infotainment screen. This 16-inch display replaces the previous 15.4-inch version, aligning it with recent updates seen in the Model Y. Additionally, the updated Model 3 features a black headliner and a new Zen Grey seat color, alongside new 19-inch Dark Nova wheels. While these aesthetic and technological advancements are exciting, the staggered rollout means that the US market will need to exercise patience before these upgraded Model 3 units become available.

Global Enhancements: V2L and Infotainment Boost for Model 3

Tesla has introduced substantial upgrades to its Model 3, focusing primarily on Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality and an advanced infotainment system. Initially, these enhancements are being deployed in specific international markets, including China, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea, with a phased global release anticipated. The V2L feature, a significant addition, allows the Model 3 to act as a mobile power source, capable of delivering up to 2.2 kilowatts of power through a specialized adapter that connects to the vehicle’s charging port. This capability enables owners to power a range of external devices, from small appliances and tools to essential camping gear, greatly expanding the car's utility beyond transportation. This development brings the Model 3 in line with other electric vehicles that have offered bidirectional charging for some time, marking a notable step forward for Tesla in this area.

In addition to the practical V2L system, the updated Model 3 also boasts a larger central infotainment screen. The new display measures 16 inches and offers an improved pixel density compared to the outgoing 15.4-inch model, providing a crisper and more engaging user experience. This upgrade enhances navigation, media consumption, and overall interaction with the vehicle's systems. Furthermore, the interior aesthetic receives refinements with a new black headliner and the introduction of a sophisticated Zen Grey seat color. Exterior updates include new 19-inch Dark Nova wheels, adding a fresh visual appeal. These combined improvements aim to elevate the Model 3's appeal in terms of both functionality and luxury, making it a more versatile and refined electric vehicle for global consumers. However, the existing hardware limitations mean that retrofitting these V2L capabilities to older models is not currently possible.

US Market's Waiting Game: Awaiting Key Features

While international markets are set to receive the upgraded Tesla Model 3 with its new features, the United States market will experience a delay in accessing these advancements. American customers will not initially receive the V2L functionality in the Model 3, nor the updated infotainment screen, as these improvements are being rolled out gradually outside of the US. This phased deployment means that, for now, only select Model Y variants (Premium, L, and Performance) and the Cybertruck in the US market offer V2L capabilities, with the entry-level Model Y also lacking this feature. The absence of V2L in the US-bound Model 3 means American owners will miss out on the immediate benefits of using their vehicle as a mobile power generator for emergencies or outdoor activities, a convenience that is becoming increasingly popular in the EV segment.

The current US Model Y models that do possess power export capabilities rely on an adapter that connects to the mobile charger, providing up to 2.4 kW of power through a pair of outlets. This suggests that the underlying hardware for bidirectional charging, necessary for V2L, is being gradually integrated across Tesla's lineup. The expectation is that Tesla will eventually introduce the updated hardware that supports V2L functionality to the US market, likely after scaling up the distribution of these components. However, there is no immediate timeline for when these features will become standard in the Model 3 for US consumers. This waiting period highlights a strategic decision by Tesla to prioritize certain markets for the initial rollout of these enhancements, potentially due to regulatory differences, manufacturing logistics, or market demand, leaving American buyers anticipating future updates to their electric vehicles.