Electric Cars

Sizable Energy, an innovative ocean energy storage company, has successfully secured $8 million in funding to advance its groundbreaking long-duration offshore pumped hydro system. This significant investment round was spearheaded by Playground Global, with additional contributions from Exa Ventures, Verve Ventures, Satgana, EDEN/IAG, and Unruly Capital. The capital infusion is set to propel Sizable Energy from its successful wave basin tests at the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) to comprehensive sea trials near Reggio Calabria, Italy.

This pioneering technology reimagines traditional pumped hydro storage by utilizing the vastness of the ocean. Instead of relying on freshwater and dam constructions, Sizable Energy’s system employs saturated sea-salt brine, which is approximately 20% denser than regular seawater. This brine is dynamically moved between a floating reservoir and a deep-water reservoir, effectively harnessing gravity and the immense depth of the ocean. This method allows for the storage and release of gigawatt-scale power, circumventing the extensive land use and environmental impacts typically associated with onshore hydro projects. Dr. Manuele Aufiero, CEO and co-founder of Sizable Energy, highlights the system’s potential to fortify the grid against the fluctuating nature of renewable energy sources, stating that affordable, long-duration storage is crucial for a stable, resilient, and future-ready energy infrastructure. The company asserts that its system offers the lowest Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS) among long-duration storage technologies, even when compared to optimistic projections for lithium-ion battery costs. Its design integrates readily available materials, allowing for manufacturing, assembly, and deployment at depths exceeding 500 meters, leveraging existing maritime infrastructure.

Following its successful concept validation in laboratory settings and at MARIN, where the system demonstrated resilience in harsh ocean conditions, Sizable Energy is now progressing with a new prototype test in the Mediterranean. This pilot project, situated off Reggio Calabria, Italy, is designed to confirm the efficacy of its floating system, assembly processes, and deployment techniques. This critical step is intended to pave the way for a multi-megawatt demonstration plant in the Mediterranean Sea. Looking ahead, the company aims to initiate commercial project development by 2026 across multiple global locations. This expansion will involve collaborations with governments, energy providers, and local manufacturers to scale up long-duration ocean energy storage solutions.

Sizable Energy's innovative approach to energy storage, by transforming ocean depth into a sustainable power reserve, represents a monumental stride towards a more sustainable and resilient global energy landscape. By effectively addressing the intermittency challenges of renewable energy, this technology not only promises economic viability but also underscores humanity's ingenuity in leveraging natural resources responsibly, paving the way for a future powered by clean, stable, and abundant energy.

As Halloween 2025 approaches, Rivian is set to enchant its vehicle owners with a distinctive software update that transforms their R1S and R1T models into a 'Spooky Swamp' themed experience. This creative initiative, part of the brand's 'Real Adventures' campaign, allows for an immersive celebration of the holiday, offering a suite of customizable features including themed external light and sound displays, as well as an eerie internal ambiance complete with unique background tracks and sound effects. This festive update exemplifies Rivian's commitment to engaging its community beyond mere functional enhancements, providing a playful and imaginative way for drivers to interact with their electric vehicles during seasonal events.

This year's Halloween theme, dubbed 'Spooky Swamp,' draws inspiration from Rivian's 'Bayou Country' chapter within its ongoing 'Real Adventures' campaign. This creative direction was hinted at by the automaker through social media teasers depicting moss-laden vehicles near water, leading to speculation about a swamp-centric motif. Building on the success of previous holiday updates, such as the 2024 theme that paid homage to 'Knight Rider' and 'Back to the Future' with dashboard transformations and external light and sound sequences, Rivian aims to elevate the festive experience for its users.

Owners of Rivian's R1S or R1T models can activate the 'Spooky Swamp' theme via the Rivian app while their vehicle is parked. The update introduces a variety of selectable options that modify both the aesthetic and auditory elements of the car. For the exterior, there are four distinct display choices: 'Swamp Gas,' 'Player Piano,' 'Bayou Blast,' and 'Scary Spirit,' which can be triggered either manually or through a motion sensor located at the front of the vehicle. Additionally, a 'spooky overhead lights' feature periodically flashes the interior lights, mimicking a scene from a horror film and adding to the eerie atmosphere.

The interior cabin offers an even deeper level of immersion. Four unique background tracks\u2014'Bayou Blues,' 'Swampy Ambiance,' 'Cajun Crawl,' and 'Ghostly Gloom'\u2014provide an unsettling soundtrack to accompany pumpkin-filled bayou animations displayed across both the driver's dash and central screens. To further enhance the spooky ambiance, a range of creepy sound effects can be activated with a simple tap, including an alligator growl, snake hisses, a skeleton laugh, creaky haunted house noises, frog croaks, and thunderstorm sounds. These elements collectively transform the vehicle into a mobile Halloween spectacle, ensuring Rivian owners can fully embrace the spirit of the holiday.

In summary, Rivian's 'Spooky Swamp' update for Halloween 2025 represents a delightful fusion of technology and holiday spirit, offering a creative and engaging experience for its R1S and R1T owners. By transforming their electric vehicles into a festive extension of the season, Rivian continues to foster a unique bond with its community, blending advanced automotive features with playful seasonal celebrations through innovative software enhancements and immersive themes.