Electric Cars

Peak Energy has inaugurated the first grid-scale sodium-ion battery in the United States, marking a significant advancement in energy storage technology. This 3.5 MWh system, the largest of its kind to be developed in the nation, holds the potential to revolutionize the delivery of affordable energy across the country. Its deployment at the Solar Technology Acceleration Center in Colorado, in collaboration with multiple utilities, signifies a crucial step towards addressing America's energy affordability and availability challenges. The technology's inherent advantages, such as reduced operational costs and enhanced durability, position it as a key player in the future of energy infrastructure.

Sodium-ion batteries are distinguished by their exceptional performance in diverse climatic conditions, operating efficiently without the need for supplementary cooling mechanisms. This characteristic translates into substantial savings on maintenance and operational expenses, particularly for large-scale utility projects. Furthermore, these batteries utilize more readily available materials. The United States possesses extensive reserves of soda ash, a fundamental component in sodium-ion battery production, enabling a domestic or allied-sourced supply chain for raw materials. This strategic advantage mitigates supply chain risks and fosters greater energy independence.

The energy storage system developed by Burlingame, California-based Peak Energy is specifically engineered to minimize lifetime project expenditures. This is a critical factor given the escalating electricity costs faced by households nationwide, with projections indicating an 18% increase in the coming years. Utilities are actively seeking more economical alternatives to meet growing energy demands. Peak Energy's innovative design eliminates active cooling systems, reduces the number of moving parts, and extends battery degradation by 33% over a two-decade operational period. These optimizations are expected to generate over $100 million in savings throughout the project's lifespan.

Landon Mossburg, CEO and co-founder of Peak Energy, emphasized the pivotal role of energy storage in resolving America's dual energy crises of affordability and accessibility. He highlighted Peak Energy's achievement in developing a market-ready solution with the lowest operating costs among current storage systems, directly addressing the need for affordable energy.

The sodium-ion phosphate pyrophosphate (NFPP) battery storage system from Peak Energy, initially unveiled in July, is now actively operating at the Solar Technology Acceleration Center (SolarTac) in Watkins, Colorado. This project represents the largest energy storage initiative in the US, undertaken in partnership with nine utility companies and independent power producers. Peak Energy is committed to collecting real-world performance data from this battery system and sharing it with all participating utilities. Commercial-scale deployments of this technology are anticipated to commence in 2027, promising a new era of sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.

This pioneering 3.5 MWh sodium-ion battery project underscores a significant leap forward in the quest for sustainable and economically viable energy storage. Its unique design and material advantages offer a compelling answer to the increasing pressure on energy grids and consumer budgets, paving the way for a more resilient and affordable energy future for the United States.

Rivian is set to launch its latest software upgrade, version 2025.34, for its R1S and R1T electric vehicles. This comprehensive update introduces a range of improvements, from advanced driving assistance features to smarter energy management and overall system refinements. The highlight of this release is the upgraded Enhanced Highway Assist with a new \"Co-Steer\" functionality, aiming to provide a more intuitive and efficient driving experience. Additionally, the update integrates intelligent charging solutions to help owners save on electricity costs and promote sustainable energy consumption. Various other enhancements, including audio system optimizations and critical bug fixes, underscore Rivian's commitment to continuous improvement and user satisfaction.

Rivian's Latest Software Update: A Deep Dive into Enhanced Features and Performance Upgrades

Rivian is preparing to roll out its significant software update, version 2025.34, to its fleet of Gen 2 R1S and R1T electric vehicles. This update, recently confirmed by Rivian on September 25, 2025, promises a suite of enhancements designed to elevate the driving experience and optimize vehicle performance. While a precise timeline for the public release remains pending, the details of this eagerly awaited update have been outlined, signaling a major step forward for Rivian owners.

At the core of this update are substantial improvements to Rivian's Enhanced Highway Assist system. A groundbreaking new feature, \"Co-Steer,\" will empower drivers to subtly adjust their lane position without disengaging the assist system, offering a more fluid and controlled highway driving experience. Furthermore, the availability of Enhanced Highway Assist has been expanded by up to 50%, now encompassing a wider array of urban and suburban highways. The integration of a new perception model is also expected to significantly refine lane centering, particularly when navigating curves, thus boosting both safety and comfort.

Beyond driving dynamics, Rivian's 2025.34 update introduces intelligent home charging capabilities. This new feature allows vehicles to automatically schedule charging sessions during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, ensuring the vehicle is fully prepared when needed. This \"smart scheduling\" is projected to reduce annual home EV charging expenses by 20% or more, simultaneously promoting the use of cleaner energy. Owners will be able to manage and monitor this feature directly through the Rivian app (version 3.5 or later).

The update also delivers a host of other crucial enhancements and bug fixes. For Gen 2 Rivian models, audio quality sees a significant uplift with fine-tuned equalization, richer bass, and improved soundstage for better localization and layering, alongside enhanced Dolby Atmos content blending. Performance improvements extend to media applications, navigation stability, and the vehicle's responsiveness to mobile commands when idle. Addressing specific issues, the update resolves a rare problem preventing the acceptance of Rivian Navigation terms of service, rectifies display issues with Gear Guard video thumbnails, corrects inaccurate tonneau cover positioning in Gen 1 R1T models, and fixes an issue where fog lights would default to Auto mode. Furthermore, it improves the accuracy of battery range estimates, considering factors like air density at higher elevations, and resolves minor glitches related to door handle presentation during car washes and cabin conditioning requests from the mobile app. Crucially, the update enhances 12V battery health detection, providing timely in-vehicle and app notifications for replacements.

Reflecting on Rivian's Progressive Trajectory in EV Technology

Rivian's continuous dedication to refining its electric vehicles through comprehensive software updates, as evidenced by version 2025.34, underscores a significant commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. This proactive approach to enhancing driving assistance, energy efficiency, and overall user experience sets a commendable benchmark in the electric vehicle industry. The integration of features like \"Co-Steer\" and smart charging not only improves the functionality and convenience for current owners but also demonstrates a forward-thinking vision for sustainable and intelligent mobility. Such iterative advancements are crucial for the long-term adoption and success of EVs, promising a future where vehicles are not just modes of transport but continuously evolving smart platforms. Rivian's strategy highlights the transformative power of software in modern automotive engineering, solidifying its position as a leader in the electric adventure vehicle segment.