Tesla’s in Trouble, But EVs Are Thriving – Here’s Why

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Hey everyone, welcome to FutureProof - my Tech and Sustainability Digest.

Well, in the two weeks since the last edition of this newsletter, there’s been a lot of news. I had a difficult time cutting down the number of good news stories I came across to try and keep this newsletter from becoming a newstome! If good news sounds like something you need, read on. And please share this newsletter with anyone else you feel could do with a little cheering up!

In the News:

Cool Science

Pivot Bio's Microbial Nitrogen: A Sustainable Revolution in Agriculture
Pivot Bio, co-founded by MIT Professor Chris Voigt, is pioneering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilisers by engineering nitrogen-producing microbes. These microbes colonise plant roots, feeding on root sugars and delivering nitrogen precisely when and where plants need it, thereby minimising nitrogen runoff—a significant environmental concern associated with traditional fertilisers.

Already in use across millions of acres of American farmland, Pivot Bio's products are aiding the cultivation of crops like corn, wheat, barley, and oats. This innovative approach not only supports plant growth but also contributes to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, addressing the environmental challenges posed by conventional nitrogen fertilisers.

Kismet: Interestingly, Pivot Bio's N-Ovator program connects companies aiming to reduce their supply chain emissions with farmers utilising these nitrogen-fixing microbes. This collaboration allows companies to purchase nitrogen credits, incentivising sustainable farming practices and creating a new model for corporate environmental responsibility.

Artificial Intelligence

AI vs. Superbugs: 10-Year Mystery Cracked in 48 Hours!
Scientists at Imperial College London spent a decade figuring out how antibiotic-resistant superbugs spread—only for Google’s AI to casually solve the puzzle in two days. Given just a short prompt, the AI replicated the team’s unpublished research and even suggested four more plausible hypotheses, one of which the scientists are now actively exploring. Turns out, these superbugs might be stealing viral tails to hop between species, making them even harder to control. Professor José R Penadés was so stunned he briefly thought Google had hacked his computer. (They hadn’t. It’s just that smart.)

Kismet: Science just got a turbo boost. If AI can shrink a decade of research into 48 hours, imagine what’s next—cancer breakthroughs, new materials, clean energy? The challenge now isn’t if AI will revolutionise research, but how fast we can adapt to this new reality. Buckle up, folks, science is about to hit warp speed.

Google’s Gemini AI Just Made Coding Assistance Free – Should Developers Be Worried?
Google has just flung open the gates to its Gemini AI coding assistant, making it free for individual users. Previously locked behind enterprise paywalls, this AI-powered sidekick can generate entire code blocks, autocomplete scripts, and debug in real-time, all while you sip your coffee and pretend you're doing it yourself. For solo devs, indie hackers, and students, this is game-changing—a free, powerful tool that levels the playing field and turbocharges productivity. But for those already eyeing AI with suspicion, this move raises some big questions about the future of coding as a career.

Kismet: If AI can write, debug, and optimise code at near-human levels (and sometimes better), where does that leave junior developers? Will AI be the new “first-year intern” handling boilerplate tasks, while humans focus on the high-level creative work? Or are we marching toward an era where the best coders aren’t those who write the best code, but those who can best direct AI to do it for them? Either way, one thing’s clear—learning to code is still valuable, but learning how to code with AI might just be the real superpower of the future.

Electromobility

Combustion Engine Car Sales Have Already Peaked, Data Shows
Hold onto your steering wheels, folks, because the era of the combustion engine is sputtering to a halt! According to recent data, sales of fossil fuel-burning vehicles hit their zenith at 83.7 million units in 2018 and have been on a downhill cruise ever since. Meanwhile, electric vehicles (EVs) are zooming ahead, capturing 18% of global new car sales in 2023, up from 14% the previous year.

Kismet: Interestingly, the cost dynamics are shifting gears too. The price of EV batteries has crossed a critical 'tipping point,' making it cheaper to manufacture electric cars than their gas-guzzling counterparts. This economic twist accelerates the transition to cleaner transportation options, signaling that the days of the internal combustion engine might be numbered.

Tesla’s European EV Crown Is Gone – And It’s Not Coming Back
Tesla has officially been dethroned in Europe. In the first half of 2025, Volkswagen Group and Stellantis have both surged ahead in EV sales, leaving Tesla in their rear-view mirrors. Volkswagen led the charge with 116,307 electric cars sold, followed by Stellantis at 105,413, while Tesla trailed at just 78,277. This marks a seismic shift in the market—once the undisputed king of EVs, Tesla is now struggling to keep up as European consumers increasingly opt for homegrown brands that offer diverse line-ups, competitive pricing, and—let’s be honest—far less controversy.

Kismet: Tesla’s dramatic sales collapse isn't just about increased competition. In Germany, one of the biggest EV markets in Europe, Tesla sales plummeted by 76% in February alone. While some of this can be blamed on the phasing out of subsidies, it’s impossible to ignore the growing backlash against Elon Musk’s alignment with far-right politics. European buyers seem to be voting with their wallets, choosing brands that align more closely with their values. The overall EV market is booming—but Tesla? It’s learning the hard way that a CEO’s personal brand can be a double-edged sword.

EV Revolution Accelerates: Mercedes and Volvo Push Boundaries
In a remarkable leap for electric vehicles (EVs), both Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have unveiled groundbreaking advancements that signal a swift evolution in the automotive industry. Mercedes-Benz has commenced real-world testing of an EQS prototype equipped with a solid-state battery, developed in collaboration with Factorial Energy. This innovation promises a 25% increase in energy density, translating to a driving range exceeding 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) on a single charge. Solid-state batteries, often hailed as the "holy grail" of EV technology, offer enhanced safety and efficiency over traditional lithium-ion batteries, marking a pivotal step toward more sustainable and longer-range electric mobility.

Simultaneously, Volvo has introduced the ES90, a luxury electric sedan that redefines charging speed and range expectations. Utilising an 800-volt architecture, the ES90 can add 300 kilometers (approximately 186 miles) of range in just 10 minutes when connected to a 350 kW fast charger. This rapid charging capability complements its impressive total driving range of up to 700 kilometers (approximately 435 miles) under the WLTP testing cycle. These developments from Mercedes-Benz and Volvo underscore a rapid acceleration in EV technology, offering consumers vehicles that not only go further but also spend significantly less time tethered to charging stations.

Kismet: Interestingly, these advancements arrive at a time when global EV sales are surging, with traditional combustion engine vehicle sales experiencing a notable decline. This shift indicates a broader consumer acceptance and enthusiasm for electric mobility, likely spurred by such technological innovations that address previous limitations of range anxiety and charging times.

Electrifying Heavy Transport: Austin and Australia Lead the Charge
The electrification of heavy-duty transportation is accelerating, with significant developments in both public transit and logistics sectors. In Austin, Texas, the public transit agency CapMetro has enhanced its main bus depot with 48 new EV charging ports, thanks to Camber's advanced fast-charging system. This upgrade delivers an additional 2.9 megawatts of charging power, facilitating simultaneous charging for the agency's growing fleet of electric buses. This infrastructure boost aligns with CapMetro's commitment to expanding and improving the public transit system in Central Texas, positioning Austin as a leader in EV adoption in the US.

Meanwhile, in Australia, logistics provider Centurion has rolled out 20 new battery-electric trucks across the Perth metropolitan area, powered entirely by renewable energy. These Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 trucks, each offering a range of up to 300 kilometers, are charged at Centurion's Hazelmere depot, which boasts a 4.4 MW rooftop solar installation and 10 MWh of battery storage. This initiative underscores Centurion's leadership in sustainable road transport, demonstrating that battery-electric logistics is a current reality, not just a future aspiration.

Kismet: Interestingly, these advancements not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also significantly improve urban air quality and reduce noise pollution. Electric buses and trucks operate more quietly and emit no tailpipe pollutants, contributing to healthier and more livable urban environments.

Clean Energy

Australia's Eight-Hour Battery Boom: A New Era for Renewable Energy and Manufacturing
Australia is charging ahead in renewable energy innovation with the development of eight-hour battery storage systems, a move poised to revolutionise both the energy and manufacturing sectors. German energy giant RWE is set to build a 50 MW, 400 MWh battery adjacent to its 249 MW Limondale solar farm in New South Wales, marking the country's first foray into eight-hour storage. This project emerged as the surprise winner in the state's long-duration storage tender, signaling a shift towards more sustainable energy solutions.

Simultaneously, the New South Wales government has approved a 450 MW solar farm in the Upper Hunter Region, to be paired with an eight-hour battery, making it one of the largest of its kind globally. Developed by Lightsource BP, the Goulburn River solar project exemplifies the integration of renewable energy with extended storage capabilities, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.

Kismet: Interestingly, these advancements in battery storage are not only transforming the energy landscape but also revitalising Australian manufacturing. The deployment of long-duration batteries supports a consistent and reliable energy supply, essential for industrial operations, thereby attracting new manufacturing ventures and boosting economic growth.

EU's Steel Industry Braces for New Action Plan Amid Global Challenges
And speaking of manufacturing, here in the EU we are on the cusp of unveiling a comprehensive action plan aimed at revitalising its steel industry, which has been grappling with high energy costs, global overcapacity, and escalating competition from non-EU producers. Scheduled for release on March 19, the plan seeks to make European clean steel "commercially viable" while defending the sector against "unfair trading practices".

This initiative comes in response to mounting pressures, including the United States' recent imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, which threaten to divert cheaper steel into the EU market. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has engaged in discussions with industry leaders to address these concerns, focusing on measures to bolster the sector's competitiveness and sustainability.

Kismet: Interestingly, the EU's forthcoming action plan not only aims to shield the steel industry from external economic pressures but also aligns with the bloc's ambitious climate goals. By promoting the adoption of clean steel technologies, the EU is positioning its steel sector to lead in the global transition to sustainable industrial practices.​

Andrew Forrest's Bold Green Energy Vision: Transforming Fortescue and Challenging the Fossil Fuel Paradigm
This is a fascinating Time magazine profile of Andrew Forrest, the Australian mining magnate behind Fortescue Metals Group, and how he is spearheading an ambitious shift from traditional mining operations to green energy solutions. His plan includes a $6.2 billion investment aimed at decarbonising Fortescue's operations by 2030, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels without resorting to carbon offsets or carbon capture technologies. This strategy, dubbed "Real Zero," underscores Forrest's commitment to demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can coexist.

Central to this transformation is Fortescue's venture into green hydrogen production, positioning the company as a pioneer in sustainable fuel alternatives. Forrest's vision extends beyond Fortescue, as he challenges global corporate leaders to expedite the adoption of renewable energy and green technologies. By setting an aggressive decarbonisation timeline, Forrest aims to establish a model for others to follow, reinforcing his belief that the private sector holds the key to addressing climate change effectively. ​

Kismet: Interestingly, despite Forrest's fervent advocacy for green energy, Fortescue recently dissolved its partnership with Plug Power in the U.S. hydrogen market. This decision reflects broader challenges within the green hydrogen sector, including high production costs and infrastructure hurdles, highlighting the complex landscape of transitioning to sustainable energy solutions.

Context

36 Fossil Fuel Giants Pump Out Half of Global CO₂—Could They Be on the Hook for Climate Damages?

A new study has laid bare an uncomfortable truth: just 36 fossil fuel companies are responsible for 50% of global carbon emissions in 2023. Heavyweights like Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil, Shell, and Coal India sit at the top of this list, alongside major Chinese coal and oil producers. The sheer concentration of emissions among such a small group underscores their outsized role in driving the climate crisis—and could open the door for legal and financial accountability. As climate disasters intensify, the argument for polluters paying for the damage is growing stronger.

Kismet: With lawsuits against Big Oil already gaining momentum worldwide, this report could serve as further evidence in climate liability cases. Governments and communities devastated by rising seas, wildfires, and extreme weather are increasingly looking to hold these companies financially responsible for the havoc their emissions are wreaking. Could we be on the cusp of a legal reckoning for fossil fuel giants? Their balance sheets might start feeling the heat sooner than expected.

Latest Publications

Blog

The Supply Chain Blind Spot: Why IT Asset Management & Reverse Logistics Matter More Than Ever
In my latest blog post, I dive into a major oversight in modern supply chain strategies—reverse logistics and IT asset management. While companies are laser-focused on getting products to customers, what happens after—when IT assets reach end-of-life or need upgrading—is often a chaotic, wasteful mess. The stakes? Billions in lost value and an e-waste crisis spiraling out of control. By 2030, we’re looking at 82 million metric tonnes of discarded electronics if businesses don’t rethink how they handle IT assets.

Kismet: The game is changing fast. With Right to Repair laws tightening and big players like Cisco and Dell leading the charge in reclaiming and repurposing tech, reverse logistics isn’t just a sustainability checkbox—it’s a competitive edge. The companies that get this right will slash costs, boost efficiency, and lead the shift toward a circular economy.

Climate Confident

Uncovering the Hidden Barriers to Building Decarbonisation
In the latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had a cool chat with Puja Balachander, CEO and co-founder of UpGreen, about the often-overlooked challenges in decarbonising the building sector. Despite buildings accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, many remain inefficient due to financial and logistical hurdles. Puja shed light on how UpGreen is tackling these issues by reducing upfront retrofit costs and enabling landlords to recapture savings from tenants, transforming sustainability upgrades into viable business strategies.​

We delved into the staggering statistic that 87% of UK commercial buildings must undergo energy upgrades within the next five years to meet regulations. UpGreen's innovative model can cut retrofit costs by up to 80% while recovering 60% of expenses through tenant savings. We also explored the hidden inefficiencies preventing widespread adoption of energy retrofits, the challenges of scaling these retrofits across different markets, and the future of retrofits beyond energy efficiency, including climate adaptation measures for flood and heat resilience.​

Kismet: Interestingly, the conversation revealed that despite the clear financial and environmental benefits, a significant barrier to building decarbonisation is the misalignment of incentives between landlords and tenants. Landlords often bear the upfront costs of energy efficiency upgrades, while tenants reap the benefits of reduced energy bills, creating a disconnect that hinders progress. UpGreen's approach addresses this issue by aligning the financial interests of both parties, paving the way for more widespread adoption of sustainable practices in the building sector.

Sustainable Supply Chain

Maximising IT Asset Lifecycles: A Smarter Approach to Sustainability
In the latest episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I had an insightful discussion with Shannon Payne, SVP of Supply Chain Solutions at MDSi, focusing on the often-overlooked sustainability aspects of IT infrastructure. We delved into how organisations can optimise reverse logistics, extend asset lifecycles, and reduce emissions within their IT operations.

Shannon highlighted that while many large enterprises have well-defined procurement processes, they often lack structured methodologies for managing IT asset decommissioning, reuse, and recycling. He shared that adopting certified pre-owned IT solutions can cut emissions by up to 80% compared to new hardware, offering both environmental and cost benefits. We also explored the growing energy demand of AI, expected to surge by 160% by 2030, and discussed strategies for balancing technology refresh cycles with sustainability goals.

Kismet: Interestingly, the conversation revealed that refurbished IT assets not only contribute to sustainability but also offer significant cost savings, challenging the traditional preference for new equipment. This perspective encourages organisations to rethink their IT asset management strategies, aligning financial objectives with environmental responsibility.​

In upcoming episodes of the podcasts I will be talking to Micki Vandeloo Founder of Lakeview, Klaus Brettschneider Director of Sustainability Products at Linx-AS, and Chris Doherty, CEO of Joulen.

Don’t forget to follow the podcasts in your podcast app of choice to ensure you don’t miss any episodes.

Featured Charts

Weather forecasting models have improved significantly in the last few decades, especially the longer term (7-10 day forecasts)

Autonomous cars are getting closer - still nowhere near Elon Musk’s predictions, but the amount of autonomous rides being taken in robotaxi’s in California is growing at an incredible pace.

As I pointed out above, it isn’t just cars that are going electric. Increasingly, as economics, and batteries are improving, heavier goods vehicles are electrifying too.

Misc stuff

Saw this and had to giggle!

Even the avians are getting into this dispute!

Not even TED talks are safe from cartoonist’s sense of mirth. Is nothing sacred? 😉

I laugh every time I se this one ‘cos I’ve had this conversation so many times now!

And finally, with all the world’s supplies of viagra and botox being manufactured in Ireland - I reckon there’s going to be a lot of sad faces because of this!

Engage

If you made it this far, well done! If you liked this newsletter, or learned something new, feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends. Encourage folks to sign up for it.

Finally, since being impacted by the tech layoffs, I'm currently in the market for a new role. If you know someone who could benefit from my tech savvy, sustainability, and strong social media expertise, I'd be grateful for a referral.

Finally

Google AI’s definition of a haggis

If you have any comments or suggestions for how I can improve this newsletter, don’t hesitate to let me know. Thanks.

*** Be aware that any typos you find in this newsletter are tests to see who is paying attention! ***

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