Electric Cars

The United States is on the brink of a substantial transformation in its energy landscape, with projections indicating a remarkable surge in renewable energy and battery storage deployment. Over the coming year, the nation is expected to add nearly 83 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity from clean energy sources, while concurrently seeing a reduction in traditional fossil fuel and nuclear power generation. This shift, highlighted by recent data, underscores a clear momentum towards a more sustainable and diversified energy infrastructure, driven primarily by the rapid expansion of solar and wind technologies.

New figures from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), analyzed by the SUN DAY Campaign, reveal an optimistic outlook for clean energy. By July 31, 2027, the US is projected to bring online approximately 82.7 GW of new generating capacity from renewables and battery storage. This substantial increase stands in stark contrast to the anticipated decline of over 1.4 GW in combined fossil fuel and nuclear power capacity during the same period. This trend signifies a critical juncture in the nation's energy evolution, as clean energy solutions increasingly displace conventional power sources.

The growth trajectory for renewable energy has been consistently strong. Data from the EIA's "Electric Power Monthly" report, covering up to July 31, 2026, shows that electricity generated from renewable sources in the first seven months of 2026 jumped by 10.7% compared to the previous year. This growth was predominantly fueled by utility-scale solar, which saw a 22.0% increase, and small-scale solar, growing by 12.6%. Hydropower also contributed significantly with a 9.0% rise, alongside a 5.9% increase in wind power generation. In comparison, natural gas and nuclear power plants experienced more modest growth rates of 1.8% and 1.5% respectively, while coal-fired electricity production actually decreased by 10.2%.

The combined output from wind and solar, including smaller installations, now constitutes 21.6% of the total US electricity production. Notably, these two clean energy sources collectively generated 49% more electricity than the nation's coal plants and 26% more than its nuclear reactors. For two consecutive months leading up to July 2026, solar power emerged as the primary renewable energy source, generating nearly as much electricity as wind and hydropower combined. Overall, all renewable sources, including biomass and geothermal, accounted for more than 29.0% of the total US electrical generation, an increase from 26.8% year-over-year.

Over the 18 months spanning February 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, during the second Trump administration, the installed capacity of utility-scale solar witnessed a remarkable 32.7% expansion, adding 41,051.6 megawatts (MW). Small-scale solar and wind power also saw significant growth, increasing by 17.0% (9,112.4 MW) and 8.0% (12,195.4 MW, including 800 MW of offshore wind) respectively. The overall renewable energy capacity, encompassing hydropower, biomass, and geothermal, expanded by 14.6%, totaling an additional 62,092.0 MW. Furthermore, utility-scale battery energy storage capacity doubled, adding an impressive 26,629.5 MW, bringing the combined growth of renewables and battery storage to over 88,700 MW. In stark contrast, coal capacity declined by 2.4% (-4,131.8 MW), nuclear power added only 0.8% (800.6 MW), and natural gas capacity increased by 1.5% (7,561.5 MW). The total capacity from all fossil fuels and nuclear power saw a marginal increase of only 0.3% (2,641.0 MW).

Looking ahead, the EIA projects that by August 1, 2027, utility-scale solar will contribute an additional 43,558.0 MW, while wind power, including 3,355.0 MW from offshore projects, will add 9,481.8 MW. Other renewables, such as hydropower, biomass, and geothermal, are expected to provide an extra 193.6 MW. Battery energy storage is also set for a substantial boost, with an anticipated addition of 23,428.9 MW. Although the EIA does not provide a specific forecast for small-scale solar capacity growth over the next year, the SUN DAY Campaign predicts it will match or exceed the average annual addition of approximately 6,000 MW seen over the past five years. Therefore, the combined utility-scale renewables and battery storage could introduce 76,662.3 MW of new clean energy capacity by mid-2027, potentially reaching around 82,700 MW with the inclusion of small-scale solar. This contrasts sharply with the projected net decline of 1,452.7 MW in fossil fuel capacity and no new nuclear generating capacity during the same timeframe. Ken Bossong, executive director of the SUN DAY Campaign, highlighted the ongoing efforts by the administration to impede clean energy projects, stating, "Yet, while fossil fuels and nuclear power have added just 2.6 GW of net new capacity, renewables and battery storage have grown by 88.7 GW. Clearly, the White House has bet on the wrong horse."

The data strongly indicates an unstoppable shift towards renewable energy and storage in the US. Despite various challenges, the rapid expansion of solar, wind, and battery technologies continues to reshape the national energy mix. This robust growth not only enhances energy security but also positions the country for a cleaner, more sustainable future, with clean energy sources increasingly outcompeting and replacing traditional power generation.

Lexus has officially disclosed the specifications and pricing for its 2027 TZ, an all-electric, three-row SUV. The vehicle, a counterpart to the Toyota Highlander EV and Subaru Getaway, was initially expected to boast 402 horsepower. However, the production model, the Lexus TZ450e, will feature a dual-motor powertrain producing 308 horsepower, a notable reduction from earlier claims. This power output is also less than the Subaru's 420 horsepower and the Toyota Highlander EV's 338 horsepower.

The base model, the TZ450e Premium, is priced starting at $64,050. While direct price comparisons with its Toyota and Subaru siblings are not yet possible as their pricing remains undisclosed, the Lexus TZ is anticipated to offer a more luxurious experience. Additional trim levels include the Premium Touring at $72,050 and the Luxury at $80,550. All models are equipped with a dual-motor setup, providing 308 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. The Premium trim comes with a 77 kWh battery, offering a 253-mile range, while the higher trims utilize a 96 kWh battery, extending the range to 315 miles. All versions support 150 kW charging via NACS ports, allowing a 10-80% charge in approximately 28 minutes for the base model and 35 minutes for models with the larger battery.

Interestingly, a dealer-installed Performance Package may be available to boost the power to the originally projected 402 horsepower. Upon its release, the Lexus TZ will enter a competitive market, contending with models like the Cadillac Vistiq (starting at $79,390) and the Volvo EX90 (starting at $78,090). Despite its lower power output compared to some competitors and its platform mates, the TZ's more accessible starting price point and earlier launch date are key advantages. The Lexus TZ is scheduled to hit the market later this year, ahead of its delayed rivals.

The automotive industry is in a constant state of evolution, particularly in the electric vehicle sector. Companies strive to balance performance, luxury, and affordability to meet diverse consumer demands. The introduction of the Lexus TZ highlights the strategic decisions manufacturers make regarding market positioning and product differentiation, emphasizing that innovation and value are paramount in captivating the modern consumer.