In a significant breakthrough, law enforcement officials in Nassau County have dismantled an elaborate scheme involving the illegal use of gift cards to launder millions of dollars. The operation, which spanned 15 months, resulted in the arrest of seven individuals who orchestrated a complex fraud network. This criminal activity primarily targeted elderly residents, exploiting their trust and vulnerability through deceptive tactics. Authorities revealed that the perpetrators used sophisticated methods, including computer spyware and fake messages, to manipulate victims into purchasing gift cards. These cards were then used to buy merchandise from major home improvement stores across the county.
The investigation uncovered a staggering amount of illicit goods and assets. Over $3 million worth of plumbing supplies, such as copper pipes and water heaters, were purchased using the fraudulent gift cards. Additionally, authorities seized 12 box trucks loaded with approximately $650,000 worth of merchandise, along with cash, luxury items like jewelry and handbags. Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder highlighted the scale of the operation, noting the extensive efforts required to unload and process the seized items. Sky Cunhang Lin, a 36-year-old resident of Queens, is believed to be the ringleader, appearing frequently in surveillance footage linked to the crimes.
This case underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from financial exploitation. Law enforcement's successful intervention not only brings justice to the victims but also sends a strong message about the consequences of engaging in such criminal activities. The arrests serve as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to safeguarding communities and ensuring that those who seek to defraud others face severe penalties. Authorities are continuing their efforts to identify and apprehend additional suspects involved in this scheme.
TELO, a startup with an innovative vision for urban transportation, has unveiled its pre-production electric truck. This compact yet versatile vehicle aims to redefine the concept of utility without compromising on practicality or sustainability. Despite being significantly smaller than traditional trucks, it promises impressive capabilities and efficiency. The company plans to begin shipping its first units by the end of this year, marking a significant milestone in the automotive industry.
The truck's design focuses on maximizing utility while minimizing its footprint, offering features like an extendable mid-gate bed and unique storage solutions. Its aerodynamic improvements enhance performance, and despite its size, it can accommodate tall passengers comfortably. With a base price of $41,000 and a range of 260 miles, TELO positions itself as a competitive option in the EV market. The company's ambitious timeline and limited initial production highlight both its potential and challenges.
Innovative Design for Maximum Utility
TELO's electric truck stands out for its unconventional approach to vehicle design. By eliminating unnecessary elements such as an oversized front hood, the company has optimized the truck's dimensions to offer maximum utility within a compact frame. Measuring just 152 inches long, this vehicle is significantly shorter than conventional mid-size pickups but still provides ample cargo space. The innovative use of L-tracks and an extendable mid-gate allows users to customize the truck's bed for various tasks, making it highly adaptable to different needs.
The design also incorporates aerodynamic enhancements, including a rounded roofline and strategic placement of design elements to improve airflow. These changes were achieved using advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, reducing reliance on expensive wind tunnel testing. Additionally, TELO has introduced a "monster tunnel" beneath the bed and passenger compartment, providing secure storage for gear that might otherwise clutter the interior. The truck's ability to fold down rear seats further extends the bed length, offering versatility for larger items. Overall, these features underscore TELO's commitment to creating a vehicle that maximizes functionality while maintaining a small footprint.
Comfort and Performance in a Compact Package
Despite its diminutive size, TELO's electric truck offers surprising comfort and performance. The interior design prioritizes space efficiency, ensuring adequate headroom and foot room for passengers, even those of above-average height. A floating seat design allows rear passengers to place their feet under the front seats, enhancing comfort during longer trips. While knee room may be slightly limited, especially when entering or exiting the vehicle, adjustments to the seating and steering wheel could address this issue. The cockpit includes a wide touchscreen and gauges, though these were not fully functional during the preview.
The truck's power options include a single motor delivering 300 horsepower or a dual-motor configuration with 500 horsepower. During a test ride, the vehicle demonstrated stable handling and maneuverability, although the motors were limited to 40% power for safety reasons. TELO claims the truck can tow up to 6,600 pounds and carry a payload of 1,600 pounds, positioning it as a capable workhorse despite its compact size. Moreover, the truck's nearly 90-degree approach angle suggests potential off-road capabilities, further expanding its utility. With a curb weight of 4,400 pounds, TELO strikes a balance between size and performance, making it a compelling option for urban environments where space is at a premium.
The automotive world is full of hidden gems, and one such discovery has emerged from the past. A unique 15-year-old Freightliner electric step van powered by Tesla technology has surfaced on Facebook Marketplace in Los Angeles. This vehicle represents an early experiment in electrification during a time when electric vehicles were still in their infancy. While it may not be fully functional today, this van offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of electric commercial vehicles.
A Legacy of Innovation: The Origins of the Freightliner Electric Chassis
In the early 2010s, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) embarked on an ambitious project to develop electric delivery vehicles. At the time, FCCC was exploring various forms of electrification, including hybrid systems. The company unveiled a specialized chassis variant based on its MT-45 WIV step van architecture, designed specifically for electric applications. Although FCCC excelled in manufacturing the chassis, suspension, and steering components, it lacked expertise in electric power systems. To bridge this gap, FCCC collaborated with Tesla, which provided the battery and motor technology.
The heart of this electric step van was a 53 kWh battery pack similar to the one found in the Tesla Roadster. Each module contained approximately 2,000 cells, weighing around 300 pounds. These cells, commonly used in laptops, were lithium cobalt oxide type 18650. Charging the van required plugging it into a 220-volt line, which took six to eight hours. Despite the modest capacity by today's standards, this battery pack offered a range of 100 miles—adequate for urban deliveries at low speeds. The electric drive unit, supplied by Enova, produced 120 kW of power, equivalent to about 161 horsepower, though it struggled under the weight of the van's chassis, which had a gross vehicle weight rating between 14,000 and 19,500 pounds.
A Time Capsule of Early EV Technology: Challenges and Opportunities
This Freightliner electric step van serves as a time capsule of early electric vehicle technology. Shortly after the chassis debuted, coachbuilder Morgan Olson crafted a streamlined body that looked more modern than traditional step vans. Unfortunately, this design remained largely conceptual, and future electric vans from Morgan Olson did not follow this style. Today, the van faces operational challenges; it does not run due to issues with the battery system. The listing on Facebook Marketplace mentions that the batteries need individual charging to activate solenoids, indicating that prolonged disuse has taken its toll on the battery pack.
Despite these hurdles, restoring this van could be feasible. The 18650 cells used in the Tesla Roadster are still supported by third-party enthusiasts, making repairs potentially viable. However, practicality remains a concern. The van uses an outdated four-pin charging connector from the Tesla Roadster, requiring adapters for modern charging infrastructure. Moreover, the $60,000 price tag raises questions about its value compared to contemporary electric vans like the Rivian Delivery 500, which offer superior range, power, and warranty support. Yet, for automotive historians or collectors, this van holds immense cultural and historical significance as a rare artifact from the dawn of electric commercial vehicles.