Amidst the transition towards electric vehicles, one company stands out for its innovative approach to preserving automotive heritage. Everrati, a British firm, is on a mission to merge the love for classic cars with environmental consciousness. The team works tirelessly in a former Royal Air Force base fire station, transforming iconic models into eco-friendly masterpieces. By reimagining four legendary vehicles—the Porsche 911, Land Rover Series IIA, Mercedes-Benz W113 SL 'Pagoda', and Ford GT40—Everrati aims to redefine luxury and sustainability.
The journey began when Justin Lunny, Co-Founder and CEO of Everrati, was inspired by his daughter’s concerns about climate change and sustainability. Witnessing the electric Jaguar E-type Zero at Windsor Castle further fueled his vision. Since then, Everrati has developed unique platforms that seamlessly integrate electric powertrains into classic cars. This not only preserves the original aesthetics but also ensures compliance with local regulations. The company has expanded its presence globally, establishing operations in Europe, America, the Middle East, and Hong Kong.
Beyond the core models, Everrati offers bespoke electrification services and 'Powered by Everrati' solutions to assist other companies in developing electric vehicle (EV) powertrains. Leveraging components from top-tier suppliers and expertise from seasoned engineers, Everrati is well-positioned to lead the industry in complete electrification solutions. The company’s vehicle control architecture supports over 500 powertrain variants, showcasing its commitment to innovation and adaptability. As the world embraces greener technologies, Everrati’s efforts highlight the harmony between tradition and progress, proving that sustainable luxury can be both timeless and forward-thinking.
In a significant shift in U.S. transportation policy, the Trump administration has decided to suspend federal funding designated for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This move follows through on one of President Donald Trump's early directives to reduce government support for plug-in vehicles. The decision affects the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, which was established under the previous administration to promote EV adoption by providing funds to states for installing charging stations along major highways.
In an official communication dated February 6th, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), part of the Department of Transportation, announced the suspension of approvals for funds intended for this infrastructure program. The NEVI program, introduced as part of the bipartisan infrastructure law in 2021, had allocated $5 billion over five years to facilitate the installation of EV chargers nationwide. This initiative aimed to accelerate the acceptance and convenience of electric vehicles across the country.
The reversal comes as no surprise given Trump's stance against policies that favor electric vehicles. During his address at the Republican National Convention in July, he vowed to dismantle what he termed as mandates promoting EVs from the outset of his new term. Additionally, since taking office, the Department of Transportation has initiated efforts to revise stringent fuel economy regulations enacted during the Biden era.
From a journalistic perspective, this development underscores the volatile nature of national transportation policies and their susceptibility to changes in political leadership. It raises questions about the future direction of sustainable transportation initiatives and highlights the ongoing debate between traditional and renewable energy sources in shaping America's automotive landscape.
The state of California is on the verge of a significant legislative change that could enhance cultural representation in official documents. A proposed bill, championed by Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, seeks to allow residents to include diacritical marks—such as accents and tildes—on vital records like birth certificates and driver’s licenses. This initiative aims to address long-standing concerns about preserving cultural heritage and linguistic accuracy in government-issued documents.
The Identity Integrity Act, or AB 64, reflects a growing recognition of the importance of accurate name representation. For many Californians with immigrant backgrounds, this legislation could mean finally having their names spelled correctly on important documents. The bill's introduction has sparked discussions about identity, culture, and the role of government in supporting diverse communities. Advocates argue that this change would not only honor personal and family histories but also promote inclusivity and respect for linguistic diversity.
In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of how bureaucratic limitations can impact individuals' ability to maintain their cultural identities. Currently, California does not permit diacritical marks on official documents, leading to frustration among residents whose names contain such characters. This policy has been criticized for disregarding the importance of accurate spelling and pronunciation, particularly for those with roots in languages that rely heavily on these marks for meaning and pronunciation.
Pacheco, who represents Downey, emphasized the personal significance of this issue, noting her own family's immigrant experience. She highlighted the importance of cultural understanding and appreciation, particularly when it comes to something as fundamental as one's name. "Being able to spell your name correctly is extremely important," she remarked, underscoring the emotional and practical value of this legislative effort.
If passed, AB 64 would mark a significant step forward in recognizing and respecting the linguistic diversity of California's population. It would allow residents to have their names accurately represented on essential documents, thereby affirming their cultural identity and fostering greater inclusivity within the state's legal framework. This move could set a precedent for other states to follow, potentially leading to broader changes in how governments handle multicultural representation in official paperwork.