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What if being “late” saved you billions—but cost you the future? We examine Stellantis’ decision to cancel the pure-electric Ram 1500 and explore the larger question behind it: whether pausing EV investments during a downturn preserves cash or erodes the expertise needed to succeed later. From GM’s Ultium investment to Nissan’s early lead with the Leaf—and how it slipped—we connect the dots on how timing, tooling, and relentless R&D influence who leads and who follows.

Safety takes center stage as we analyze new IIHS results for seven EVs. The surprising culprit? Headlights. Despite LEDs and modern design, none received a “good” rating, and some models underperformed on rear-seat protection under stricter standards. We explain what the ratings mean, why rear occupants are now a focus, and how these findings should inform both buyers and engineers.

Next, we leave the highway for the city center, where empty offices turn into vertical farms. We follow a team growing lettuce, mushrooms, and microgreens on 18-foot racks, shrinking “hundreds of acres” of output into just a few thousand square feet. By bringing the farm closer to consumers, they cut down on miles, waste, and costs—reframing urban real estate as food infrastructure and making fresh produce possible in areas that lack it.

Finally, we confront the grid as it is, not as we wish it to be. Coal still exists; demand for reliable power, heavy industry, and exports keeps trains running from the Powder River Basin, while modern underground mines automate and enhance safety. We outline the realities of baseload power, the pace of the transition, and why gas and coal remain essential bridges until nuclear and storage can scale.

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