#san francisco electric vehicle charging stations

[elexsolutions]

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[mightyflamethrower]

The far-left Washington Post is awfully excited about an electric vehicle (EV) driving 20,0000 miles from the Arctic to the South Pole and just as ecstatic to bury the inconvenient facts about this ludicrously dumb legendary trip.

“They drove from the Arctic to the South Pole – in an electric car,” screams the excited headline from one of the most dishonest publications on the planet.

“Scottish adventurers Chris and Julie Ramsey wanted to prove their electric SUV was as rugged and reliable as a conventional car. To do it, they decided to take it on a drive,” the Post reports.

“That drive started in March on the frozen waters of the Arctic Circle near the North Pole. It ended in December, about nine months and approximately 20,000 miles later, at the south pole in Antarctica.”

“The couple … hoped their feat could inspire other adventurers and any consumers considering electric vehicles,” the Post adds. “We could have failed at any moment, for whatever reason, and you just don’t know if you’re going to make it,” Julie Ramsey told the Post. “It just proves that EVs can go the distance.”

Yep, those amazing EVs, currently stuck in what is far from the coldest of cold weather in Chicago, certainly can go the distance. Who wouldn’t want to purchase a battery-powered car capable of driving 20,000 miles in nine months? After all, such a miraculous accom— Wait. According to my public school math, that’s an average of only 80 miles daily.

Hey, maybe 80 miles per day is impressive, considering the harsh environment.

Or maybe not…

As they continued south through Calgary, Alberta, and Vancouver, B.C., before entering Washington state, the couple said they faced another challenge: unreliable charging stations. The Ramseys praised the size and coverage of the electric-vehicle charging network in the United States but said they often encountered stations across the country that weren’t working.

Maybe I’m being too cynical. Maybe averaging 80 miles daily is a way not to rush and enjoy the trip.

Or maybe not…”The Ramseys stopped to sightsee but spent much of their time on the road, nervously watching their speed and battery levels to avoid getting stuck.”

Hey, at least they made it without any special treatment, right?

Or maybe not…

Before the trip, the couple partnered with an energy company, Enel X, to arrange the installation of more than 20 new electric-vehicle charging stations in countries including Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, where they spotted gaps in the coverage of existing stations[.]

But let’s not pick at nits here. The only thing that matters is that no fossil fuels were burned during this trip.

Or maybe not…”The remote location meant the Ramseys couldn’t eschew fossil fuels entirely – they recharged the vehicle using a gas-powered generator[.]”

Do you have any idea how stupid this all is? The Post wants us to believe this is like Charles Lindbergh’s historic non-stop flight from New York to Paris. Well, it’s not. What Lindbergh accomplished improved travel, sped it up, and made it more convenient than it was before, when the only way to cross the Atlantic was on a slow ocean voyage.

EVs do not improve travel. EVs are a step back in convenience, stress levels, and speed. Driving an EV from the Arctic to the South Pole is more like Lindbergh paddling a canoe across the Atlantic. Great job, Lindy, but I believe in progress.

It’s like these stupid high-speed trains. Hey, you can travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco in two hours. That’s not progress. I can do that now in an airplane without spending a trillion tax dollars.

An EV that allows you to unplug at home, make your daily commute, and then plug back in at home… That makes sense if you live in a warm climate. An EV for anything is nothing more than an invitation to stress, breakdowns, and inconvenience.

Maybe someday EVs will become more practical, but even then, why? You power the EV battery with electricity generated by fossil fuels. Won’t somebody please explain the upside to me — other than a sense of smuggery included with each Prius?

[beardedmrbean]

President Joe Biden’s landmark Inflation Reduction Act is packed with billions of dollars’ worth of credits and rebates for purchasing electric cars and making home improvements that save energy. 

If you earn enough each year to owe the federal government money in taxes, then the credits that kicked in on Jan. 1 for buying an electric vehicle or setting up charging stations at home will shave thousands of dollars off your bill to the Internal Revenue Service. 

But if you’re a low- and middle-income homeowner looking for help covering the cost of swapping a fuel-burning furnace for an electric heat pump, you’ll have to wait until later next year for a rebate. If your existing appliance breaks in the meantime and you go green with the replacement, there’s no guarantee you’ll get any money back.

“It’s completely unacceptable,” Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) told HuffPost by phone Friday.

On Monday, Huffman and at least 65 other House Democrats signed a letter to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm demanding that her agency revise its rulebook to allow states to make all rebates retroactively available once states get programs started. 

“If you’re one of the wealthy folks that can access tax credits, you’re doing just fine,” Huffman said. “But if you’re a middle-class or working family and you’re counting on those more generous rebates to make all of this feasible for you, the Department of Energy is telling you that you have to wait indefinitely: If you were dumb enough to go ahead and buy these things because we’ve all been telling you to do it, you’re out of luck.”

Improved energy efficiency with heat pump technology and new tax incentives have contributed to the popularity of heat pumps as many homeowners face increased heating costs.

The issue centers on a nearly $9 billion pot of funding in the IRA meant to help homeowners buy electric appliances and upgrade homes to cut back on energy usage. The federal government is set to give the money to states to distribute directly to homeowners. But it took until July 27 — nearly a year after the IRA’s passage — for the Department of Energy to finish writing its rulebook for determining who is eligible for rebates. 

The guidance said appliances purchased between when the IRA passed and a state launches its rebate program would not be eligible for rebates — even though the law states that eligibility begins upon enactment of the statute. 

In a historic law packed with incentives for corporations to buy electric vehicles and build solar-panel factories, the rebates were designed as one of the few consumer-facing programs and among the biggest to primarily benefit anyone who isn’t rich. That most homeowners won’t get a taste of those rebates until the fall of 2024 at the earliest will only make it harder for Democrats to sell voters on the legislation before they head to the polls next November. 

The problem first came to light in Huffman’s home state of California, which arguably has the country’s most advanced existing rebate program for making energy-efficiency upgrades. In an Aug. 27 column, The San Francisco Chronicle’s Joe Garofoli detailed the woes of various homeowners who considered replacing fuel-burning furnaces with electric heat pumps until learning that the new federal rebates to cover as much as $8,000 of the $20,000 it could cost to buy and install the appliance were not guaranteed. 

“This is California,” a Nevada City resident named Ken Bradford, who was waiting to replace his propane-fueled furnace, told the columnist. “You’d think that California would be ahead of the curve on this. But not so.”

The bottleneck, however, is on the federal level. California could not begin applying for its rebates program to distribute the IRA money until the federal Energy Department released its guidelines — which did not come out until July 27.

The state is now working on designing its program. But the California Energy Commission said it can’t guarantee that appliances purchased between now and the launch of its program sometime next year will be covered unless the Energy Department revises its guidance. 

Despite months of back-and-forth with the Energy Department, Huffman said the agency has so far refused to change the rulebook. 

An Energy Department spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.  ___________________

I always was told it was the GOP that was reducing taxes for the rich, so this is a shocker.

For an added layer of fun, go have a look at what's going on with medicare in California.

Huffman blamed understaffing for the delays in writing the rules in the first place and admitted that the highly technical nature of the rebate program made implementation difficult. He said he suspects the added complication of applying rebates retroactively is behind the holdup. 

“It’s easier for bureaucrats to stand up a program that doesn’t apply retroactively; it’s easier to just make it point-of-sale, prospective only,” Huffman said. “It may take them another year and a half to do it, but it’s just easier for them.” 

The IRA “clearly authorizes retroactive rebates, stating that Home Efficiency Rebates ‘shall’ be provided for ‘retrofits begun on or after the date of enactment’ and saying nothing to the contrary regarding the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate,” the letter reads.

Until the administration begins distributing advanced administrative funds to help states hire for and develop their programs, the understaffing problems threaten to trickle down, further delaying payouts to homeowners, the letter said. 

“Because of delays in finalizing program guidance and distributing administrative funds, we are informed that states may be unable to offer rebates until the Fall of 2024 or later, which would be more than two years after IRA enactment,” the letter reads. “We urge DOE to prioritize getting this critical program on a faster, more effective track by working with states, territories, and tribes to ensure there are no further delays or obstacles going forward.”

[warcrimesimulator]

The Chinese government has denied compensation for residents, including Tibetan nomads, affected by the construction of the world’s largest hydro-solar plant, residents living near the plant told Radio Free Asia.

Chinese state media reported Monday that the Kela mega hydro-photovoltaic complementary power station began full operation Sunday. The sprawling solar plant, which covers 16 million square meters, or more than 2,000 soccer fields, has a hydropower component that helps stabilize energy supply due to shifting weather conditions.

It is capable of generating 2 billion kilowatt-hours each year, and can fully charge 15,000 electric vehicles with a range of 550 kilometers (340 miles) in just one hour.

But nomadic Tibetans who once grazed their cattle in the area now covered by a sea of solar panels were forced away and offered nothing in return, a Tibetan resident living near Kela told RFA’s Tibetan Service.

“The Chinese government has begun operating the largest solar power station along with the hydropower dams in Nyakchu county in Kardze [in Chinese, Ganzi] beginning June 24,” the resident said, referring to a separate hydropower project.

“In order to build and facilitate these power plants, the Chinese government has displaced the local Tibetans in these regions in a land-grab and has not given any compensation yet.”

The resident said that the displaced Tibetans were never informed before the project started.

“Instead, police were stationed near these power plants and locals were not permitted near them,” the person said. “Though the authorities told the local Tibetans that these power plants would be beneficial to livestock and their pastures, but now the Tibetan nomads are being displaced and pushed away to other places.”

The nomads had filed complaints with the Chinese government to no avail, another Tibetan resident said.

“In April this year, the local Tibetans pleaded with the Chinese authorities to stop these projects,” the second person said. “However it is very clear that no opposition to displacement and resettlement is possible and that local Tibetans have no choice but to comply with the government’s orders.” 

The power plants pose a serious threat to Tibet’s fragile environment, Lobsang Yangtso, an environmental researcher at the San Francisco-based Tibet International Network.

“China’s policies and the expansion of infrastructure in Tibet are the cause of earthquakes, floods and various types of irreversible damage to the ecosystem,” she said.

[ultraluxtransport]

Bay Area Transportation Services Unveiled: Convenience at Your Fingertips

In the bustling heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, where commutes can be a daily challenge, a comprehensive network of transportation services has emerged to cater to the diverse needs of residents and visitors alike. From efficient public transit options to innovative ride-sharing platforms, the Bay Area has revolutionized the way people move around, offering a seamless and integrated transportation experience.

Comprehensive Public Transit System

The Bay Area's public transit network is a marvel of efficiency and connectivity. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, with its extensive network of underground and elevated trains, serves as the backbone of the region's public transportation. BART connects major cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley, providing a reliable and efficient way for commuters to navigate through the congested urban landscape. Complementing BART, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) operates a comprehensive system of buses, light rail, and historic cable cars, offering a diverse range of options for local commutes and sightseeing.

Innovative Ride-Sharing Solutions

The rise of technology-driven ride-sharing services has transformed the transportation landscape in the Bay Area. Companies like Uber and Lyft have become ubiquitous, providing on-demand rides at the tap of a smartphone. These services offer a convenient alternative to traditional taxi services, catering to the needs of those who prefer a more personalized and flexible mode of transportation. Furthermore, the introduction of electric and hybrid vehicles in the ride-sharing fleets has contributed to a more sustainable transportation ecosystem.

Bike-Sharing and Micro-Mobility

Recognizing the growing demand for eco-friendly and active modes of transportation, the Bay Area has embraced bike-sharing and micro-mobility solutions. Initiatives like Ford GoBike (now known as Bay Wheels) have strategically placed docking stations throughout the region, allowing residents and visitors to easily access a network of shared bicycles for short-distance commutes and leisure rides. Additionally, the proliferation of electric scooters and electric-assist bicycles has expanded the options for last-mile connectivity and urban exploration.

Water Transportation

The Bay Area's unique geography, with its expansive waterways, has also given rise to a thriving water transportation system. The San Francisco Bay Ferry network connects various cities and islands, providing a scenic and efficient alternative to navigating the region's crowded roadways. Ferries such as the Alameda-Oakland Ferry and the Golden Gate Ferry offer a relaxing and picturesque commute, allowing passengers to take in the stunning views of the bay while avoiding traffic congestion.

Multimodal Integration

The true strength of the Bay Area's transportation ecosystem lies in its seamless integration of various modes of transportation. Commuters and travelers can easily transition between BART, buses, ride-sharing services, bike-sharing, and water transportation, creating a multimodal experience that caters to their specific needs and preferences. This integration is facilitated by comprehensive trip planning applications, real-time information, and integrated payment systems, making the navigation of the region's transportation network a streamlined and user-friendly experience.

Sustainability and Environmental Consciousness

The Bay Area has long been at the forefront of sustainable transportation initiatives. From the promotion of electric vehicles and the expansion of charging infrastructure to the investment in public transit and active mobility options, the region is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmentally conscious transportation choices. This focus on sustainability aligns with the area's broader commitment to environmental stewardship and the development of a more livable and sustainable urban landscape.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

transportation services in bay area have also made strides in ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all users. Initiatives such as paratransit services, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and audio/visual aids on public transit have been implemented to cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the region's commitment to equitable transportation has led to the expansion of services to underserved communities, ensuring that all residents have access to reliable and affordable mobility options.

Technological Innovation

The Bay Area's reputation as a hub of technological innovation extends to its transportation sector. The region has embraced cutting-edge technologies to enhance the user experience and improve the efficiency of transportation services. From real-time traffic updates and journey planning applications to the integration of contactless payment systems, the Bay Area's transportation ecosystem is at the forefront of technological advancements. These innovations not only streamline the commuting experience but also contribute to the overall efficiency and sustainability of the region's transportation network.

Conclusion

The Bay Area's comprehensive and innovative transportation services have transformed the way people move around the region. By seamlessly integrating various modes of transportation, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly options, and embracing technological advancements, the Bay Area has set a new standard for urban mobility. As the region continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its residents and visitors, the transportation services in the Bay Area will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of urban mobility, offering convenience, efficiency, and a commitment to sustainability at every turn.

[a465161]

The Best Airports for Technology and Innovation

Book cheap flight tickets and hotels - Trail Travelz

In the dynamic landscape of global travel, airports are not just gateways but also hubs of technological innovation. As the demand for efficient and seamless travel experiences grows, airports around the world are stepping up their game to integrate cutting-edge technology. From smart terminals to sustainable practices, these airports are setting benchmarks in the industry. Here's a look at some of the best airports leading the way in technology and innovation:

1. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport consistently ranks among the top airports worldwide for its innovation and passenger experience. It boasts a range of advanced technologies aimed at enhancing efficiency and comfort for travelers. The airport features automated check-in kiosks, biometric immigration gates, and even a rooftop swimming pool for transit passengers. Changi Airport also embraces sustainability with its rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient operations.

2. Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea

Incheon International Airport, located near Seoul, is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and technological advancements. It is equipped with biometric facial recognition systems for faster immigration processes and smart baggage handling systems that minimize delays. The airport's commitment to technology extends to its futuristic architecture and eco-friendly initiatives, making it a model for sustainable aviation.

3. Helsinki Airport (HEL), Finland

Helsinki Airport stands out for its innovative approach to passenger services and environmental sustainability. It utilizes advanced analytics to streamline operations and improve passenger flow throughout the terminal. The airport has also invested in renewable energy sources and energy-efficient buildings, reducing its carbon footprint significantly. Helsinki Airport's focus on enhancing the traveler experience through technology has earned it recognition as one of Europe's leading airports.

4. Munich Airport (MUC), Germany

Munich Airport exemplifies German engineering with its emphasis on technology and efficiency. It features autonomous vehicles for transporting luggage and passengers, as well as smart parking systems that guide drivers to available spots. Munich Airport's commitment to digitalization extends to its mobile app, which provides real-time updates on flights, security wait times, and terminal services. The airport's proactive approach to innovation makes it a preferred choice for tech-savvy travelers.

5. Dubai International Airport (DXB), United Arab Emirates

Dubai International Airport is synonymous with luxury and innovation in air travel. It boasts one of the world's largest airport terminals and integrates cutting-edge technologies such as biometric scanning and robotic assistance for passengers. The airport's commitment to innovation extends to its sustainability efforts, including solar energy initiatives and water conservation measures. Dubai Airport's seamless blend of technology and opulence sets it apart as a global leader in aviation.

6. San Francisco International Airport (SFO), USA

San Francisco International Airport is at the forefront of technology integration in the Americas. It features advanced security systems like automated TSA screening lanes and biometric boarding gates. SFO also prioritizes sustainability with its Zero Waste program and electric vehicle charging stations. The airport's proximity to Silicon Valley ensures a continuous influx of technological innovations that enhance the overall passenger experience.

7. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), Japan

Tokyo Haneda Airport combines Japanese efficiency with technological sophistication to offer a world-class travel experience. It features robotic customer service assistants, multilingual AI chatbots, and advanced baggage handling systems. The airport's commitment to innovation extends to its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices. Tokyo Haneda Airport's seamless blend of tradition and technology makes it a preferred choice for travelers visiting Japan.

Conclusion

As global travel evolves, airports play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation through technological innovation. The airports mentioned above are not only leaders in integrating advanced technologies but also prioritize sustainability and passenger convenience. Whether it's biometric scanners, AI-driven customer service, or eco-friendly initiatives, these airports are setting new standards for the industry. By embracing innovation, they ensure that travel becomes not just efficient but also enjoyable for passengers worldwide.

#TechnologyInnovationAirports, #SmartAirportTechnology, #AirportInnovationTrends, #GlobalAirportTech, #SustainableAviation

[tsmom1219]

EPA’s new auto emissions standard will speed the transition to cleaner cars, while also addressing consumer and industry concerns

Charging bays at the Electrify America indoor electric vehicle charging station in San Francisco. AP Photo/Eric Risberg by Alan Jenn, University of California, Davis The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released strict new emissions limits on March 20, 2024, for cars built from 2027 through 2032. The final rule for Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards caps a process that started almost a…

[bfxenon]

Google SGE: Early Local Search Data

If the local version of Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) experiment rolls out broadly, what will that be like for local business owners and their marketers?

This is the question I set out to answer with a small study geared to gather some early basic data. Bearing in mind that there is no guarantee that the present version of SGE will roll out or will look exactly as it does now, I have what I hope are some interesting takeaways for you today!

Methodology

With SGE enabled, I performed 50 manual local searches. 100% of these searches generate local packs in the non-SGE setting, and 100% of them also generate local packs beneath the SGE box in the SERPs. I included both branded and non-branded terms (e.g. Safeway vs. grocery store), and modified and non-modified terms (e.g. bookstore vs. bookstore in novato). I tracked the data in a spreadsheet and took screenshots along the way.

How many local searches return SGE results?

100% of my keyword phrases (things like pizza, women–owned cafe near me, and bookstore in San Francisco) returned a local pack, signifying that Google recognizes their local intent, but of those searches:

10% returned no SGE display

34% returned a “generate” button to prompt to SGE display

56% auto-generated an SGE display without prompting

Takeaway: At this stage, Google isn’t sure whether users will automatically want SGE for everything or only as an option for some searches.

How many SGE results included an SGE local pack?

While 100% of my searches yielded a traditional local pack outside the SGE display:

Only 77.6% of the SGE results included a local pack

22.4% resulted in an SGE display of something other than a local pack

For example, most of us would expect a search for “shoes” to generate a local pack in Google’s interface these days, but here we see this SGE result, instead:

Similarly, we’ve been trained by Google to think we only need to type “Catholic churches” into a search box to be shown houses of worship near us, but SGE provided this very broad definition instead of any type of local result:

And SGE is really taking a surprising view of my intent in looking up “EV charging stations”. Instead of showing me a pack of nearby places where I can charge my electric vehicle, I’m being shown products to purchase:

When clicking on these products, I’m given an interstitial card of places to buy these products, like eBay and Best Buy, which feels quite remote from my intent:

Takeaway: There is a different logic powering SGE than what we’ve become accustomed to in pre-SGE Google. This may impact both your keyword research and your local search marketing strategy. Just because a search used to be perceived by Google as having an obvious local intent that would then be reflected in the SERPs returned, that doesn’t mean that the same logic applies in what SGE thinks your intent is. You’ll need to re-study the SERPs for your core keyword phrases if SGE rolls out broadly and is adopted by your customers.

The big question: Do SGE packs match traditional local packs?

The short answer is a decisive “no”. In my case study, 62.8% of SGE packs did not exactly match the contents or precise ranking of traditional local packs. That’s right, well over half the time, SGE rankings are different from local pack rankings.

As seen in the above side-by-side comparison, the SGE pack has a completely different business in first place, and the ranking order of restaurants 2, 3, and 4 is in a different order than its traditional local pack analog. These are significant differences for the businesses involved and one is left wondering why that #1 spot is being awarded to an eatery that isn’t strong enough to make it into the familiar local pack.

Takeaway: While I observed many instances of overlap of pack contents between SGE and traditional SERPs, the % of differentiation means that your traditional local pack rankings in no way guarantee the same spot in SGE’s recommendations. You’ll need to study and audit your SGE competitors separately if SGE rolls out to the public and is widely adopted.

How many businesses are included in SGE local packs?

Once upon a time, Google’s local packs contained 10 results. Imagine! Then we had 7. Now, we mostly have 3. SGE packs have their own variation. In my study, I found that:

46.6% have a 5-pack

22.2% have a 4-pack

4.4% have a 3-pack

4.4 have a 2-pack

Takeaway: In 68.8% of SGE packs, more local businesses are being displayed that would be shown in a traditional 3-pack in the organic SERPs. This provides more opportunity for you to be visible without a searcher having to click through an initial interface to something secondary like the Local Finder.

Is there an escape route out of SGE, and what about the ongoing importance of links and citations?

In my June live-tweeted thread documenting my first encounter with SGE, one of my first reactions to the interface was that it felt very enclosed. The SGE packs don’t click to the Local Finder or Google Maps or the reviews interface, making me feel sort of stuck. No matter where I was clicking around in the results, I was kept within the walled garden. Since that first experience, I’ve realized that the local version of SGE does contain an escape route in the form of these carousels to the right of the SGE packs:

In my case study:

53.3% of the carousels linked to Yelp

6.6% linked to Wikipedia

4.4% linked to TripAdvisor

4.4% linked to YP

15.5% linked directly to brands’ own websites

8.8% linked to a local informational site, like local online tourism sites or online local travel magazines

There was also a smattering of Facebook, Michelin, UberEats, GrubHub, and Superpages

This did not come up in my study, but I would like to anecdotally mention that in playing around with SGE, I am seeing a lot of citations of LinkedIn. Local businesses that don’t yet have a Linkedin profile should consider creating one.

Takeaways: Your structured citations in the form of formal local business listings still matter very much in the SGE setting. Your unstructured citations in the form of mentions on relevant local and industry sites still matter, too. The number of direct links from these carousels to local business websites is quite meager, and I would like to see Google reconsider this.

At any rate, there is some escape from SGE to third-party destinations, but here’s what I really want to emphasize:

100% of SGE results containing SGE packs include carousel links to local.google.com

When moused over, these bring up a local.google.com URL, including a Place ID, like this:

I was puzzled at first by that local.google.com subdomain. I feel like I hadn’t seen a URL from Google like that in a long time, but when clicked on, these types of URLs in the SGE carousel redirect to a google.com/search URL and this familiar display:

Takeaway: I could be 100% wrong about this, but looking at the way SGE is currently structured makes me feel like it’s not the ultimate way this will work. As it currently is, you’re already sitting right above the organic results while in SGE, and then there are these tiny cards in the carousel taking you back to the organic results, and the paths just feel a bit bewildering. So, while I like the escape routes out of the confines of AI, there’s something non-intuitive about the CTAs in these SGE packs.

What about local attributes in SGE?

I’m sorry to report that the work you’ve put into adding excellent attributes to your Google Business Profiles to serve specific customer intents seems to be wasted when it comes to SGE at this point. If you’ve taken the time to proudly add self-selected attributes like Black-owned or women-owned to your profiles, these results may let you down. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of my search for “women-owned clothing store Novato”:

The traditional local pack tells me my intent will be met at these two stores on the left with their clear women-owned attributes. On the right, though, SGE is apparently ignoring my modifier and just showing me women’s clothing stores, which may or may not be owned by women. The nuance is being lost. This made me lack confidence in using SGE to search for other businesses with particular attributes.

Takeaway: This version of SGE is coming off as a bit less “smart” about local nuances than the local results to which we’re accustomed.

How standardized are the results when SGE thinks your intent is local?

The answer is not very standardized at all. There’s something very vague and Google-y about the fact that some packs are headed with a simple message like “There are lots of yarn stores in Novato” or:

Whereas, for quite similar queries, Google suddenly wants to tell me a bunch of other information, which, quite frankly, seems rather random. A lookup of nearby Chinese restaurants generated a long list for me of people’s favorite Chinese takeout dishes (which I hadn’t asked about), and look at this example for Mexican restaurants. Explain to me the logic behind a 4-pack (when there are clearly enough choices for a 5-pack) being followed by a list of non-clickable “other” restaurants. What am I supposed to do with that list? What’s the CTA?

Another odd variant I encountered more than once is this one, where the “other” restaurant is clickable but, for some reason unknown to me, is being portioned off outside the other results. Why Google, why?

We won’t even get into the fact that Toast is not a Thai restaurant and is characterized (categorized?) right there in the results as an “American” eatery. So what is it doing there, being labeled a Thai restaurant? Ah, well.

Meanwhile, local business owners will likely be most curious to know how they appear for a branded search in the SGE world. Typically, you’ll see yourself presented like this, with location info, a descriptive summary, some photos, a couple of review boxes, and one of those local.google.com links:

Unless you have that special misfortune of having branded your business something that defies Google’s intent logic, as in the case of the great brand, Patagonia. SGE is uncertain as to whether I’m searching for a store or a geographical region here, and I get this:

Takeaway: As we can see, there is not strong standardization across SGE at this point, and while in some cases, you’d think time might yield a more uniform presentation, I wouldn’t count on it with Google. Traditional local search has changed continuously over the past two decades. Branding, features, pack counts, guidelines, and mysterious ranking logic are all in flux, all the time. I would expect the same from SGE, necessitating ongoing study.

SGE packs vs. local packs: which is better?

I may have oodles of objectivity from studying Google’s local results for nearly 20 years, but this opinion is entirely subjective: right now, SGE is simply not providing as good of an experience as traditional packs and GBPs for basic local search functions. Why do I say this?

If I just want to see an actionable set of local businesses, local packs are faster to access and easier to understand in terms of layout.

SGE is a whole new interface for people to learn without any obvious added benefit to learning it. I did not get into asking SGE further questions in this case study because such activity isn’t basic to basic local search. I want to talk directly to the business after finding it online - not to a bot, given that I have no idea how current its information is.

I really don’t like that I don’t get a review interface when clicking on the reviews portion of the SGE pack. It almost feels like an error that nothing comes up.

I am really surprised by, and not a fan of, the map disappearing when I click on one of the results. How can it be that Google, which has based its entire local search enterprise out of Google Maps, is letting maps take such a backseat in the local SGE interface?

The SGE results for branded searches in no way touch the depth of information provided by a direct look at a Google Business Profile. If Google is betting that people would rather see a bare-bones summary than a novel full of info, then maybe this approach will be popular, but I am not wowed by what I am seeing as the SGE replacement for a GBP. It feels very empty.

Looking at a branded SGE result really makes me wonder about the pressure for conversational search to become ‘a thing’. Local search has accustomed us to getting the name, address, phone number, and hours of operation in a neat little package, nicely organized, almost like a list. If you go back and look at the branded SGE result for The Good Earth Market, Google is expecting you to read through paragraphs of text to find this information. In many ways, local search has been like a giant experiment in shorthand, giving you quick data at a click so that you can make fast decisions. Conversational search presumes you want to read a lot and talk a lot before finding a place for a fast box of tacos. Conversational search is a real 180, and I have to wonder if, like voice search, it will struggle to find the kind of use cases that lead to longevity.

I remain unconvinced that AI, in general, is a natural match for local search. The introduction of an AI-based review filter has caused havoc in local business reviews, and I feel that this movement towards automation simply takes us further towards a virtual world and further away from the local world that local searchers want.

Takeaway: Do your own research and monitor your presence in SGE to see how it evolves. Be wary of hype. Every new thing that is being launched in the AI era comes with claims that it will “change the world forever.” Wait, watch, and see, and keep working on the things that you know work in local.

[gjupdates]

Tesla to open U.S. charging network to rivals in $7.5 billion federal program

[ad_1] © Reuters. FILE PHOTO: A Tesla is charged at an electric car supercharger station in Los Angeles, California, U.S. August 2, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson By Hyunjoo Jin and Jarrett Renshaw SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Tesla Inc will open part of its U.S. charging network to electric vehicles (EVs) made by rivals as part of a $7.5 billion federal program to expand the use of EVs and cut…

[elexsolutions]

Elevate Your Space with Professional Commercial Lighting Installations by Elex Solutions

Transform your space with top-of-the-line commercial lighting installations by Elex Solutions. Our team of experienced commercial electrical contractors San Francisco is dedicated to bringing your vision to life. We also offer residential electrician San Francisco, ensuring every space is lit with safety and efficiency in mind. And for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, we specialize in San Francisco electric vehicle charging stations. Trust Elex Solutions to elevate your space with superior lighting solutions.

[moneygigs]

Tesla to open U.S. charging network to rivals in $7.5 billion federal program

© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: A Tesla is charged at an electric car supercharger station in Los Angeles, California, U.S. August 2, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson By Hyunjoo Jin and Jarrett Renshaw SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Tesla Inc will open part of its U.S. charging network to electric vehicles (EVs) made by rivals as part of a $7.5 billion federal program to expand the use of EVs and cut carbon…

[skillstopallmedia]

Shell buys Volta for 155 million euros

shell comes to formalize the acquisition of Voltaa San Francisco-based company specializing in charging stations for electric vehicles. The company operates more than 3,000 charging points across the United States and Europe. Shell seizes Volta Unsurprisingly, Shell is showing growing interest in electrifying its infrastructure. To implement its strategy, the American firm decided to buy Volta, a…

[inventivaindia]

EV fleet management gets another venture-backed contender as Electriphi raises $3.5 million

EV fleet management gets another venture-backed contender as Electriphi raises $3.5 million

Electriphi, a provider of charging management and fleet monitoring software for electric vehicles, has joined the scrum of startups looking to provide services to the growing number of electric vehicle fleets in the U.S.

The San Francisco-based company has just raised $3.5 million in seed funding from investors including Wireframe Ventures, the Urban Innovation Fund, and Blackhorn Ventures.…

[iondrive]

As the automotive landscape changes from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, can we still make long distance travel the way we used to?

I recently took a trip from about 50 miles north of San Francisco to downtown LA in our Polestar2 and learned a lot about the current charging in the wild. One of the many beauties of an electric vehicle is the ability to pull in to the driveway on empty and leave the next morning with a full charge but I was weary about how reliable the public fast chargers were.

I plugged in the destination and native google maps app asked me if I would like to add charging stops as I would need them to make it to my destination. I left with 90% charge and a reading of 220 miles to empty but the maps picked 3 stops on my 450 mile journey to charge. The first spot had a one of four stations that had an error but the unit next to us worked and we were off.

On the way down we stopped for as long as we could manage. Entertaining our selfs with local shopping, food and a game but into the infotainment system. Yes, manufacturers other than Tesla do that too. The goal was 30 mins per charge and it is was often the case that shopping always took longer than than but it did feel like the car was driving the schedule. We arrived with over 40% state of charge.

On the return leg was a whole different story. We realized the programming was really set to avoid you getting anywhere near stranded and we could probably make it with one long stop in the middle. We also saw that google tells us how long we should be staying at each stop and we had been staying twice a as long as we should have. This time we had a 10-15 min restroom stop on the first quarter and the third quarter with a 1 hour sit down dinner in the middle. Now the trip is based on our needs and the car is just the tool to get us there. The future of EV travel is here… well, nearly.

At the last charge stop we left with a projection of 2% remaining when I arrived home but I have had experience pushing those limits and knew it was over conservative. Worst case would be another 5 minute charge but I didn’t and arrived back home with 11%. I call that a win

[ilyaslam]

The 10 Best & Worst U.S. Cities For Public Transportation

When it comes to public transportation, New York City is famous for its subways, San Francisco for its Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system and Los Angeles… for its crowded freeways. With cities large and small, public transport is crucial to moving commuters, shoppers and residents back and forth with speed, accuracy and affordability.

Quality of public transportation can be an important factor when choosing what city to move to.

Here are lists of the top 10 best and worst cities for public transportation in the U.S., according to Walk Score, which rated each city based on accessibility of bike-sharing programs, buses, ferries, heavy rail, light rail and subways.

Top 10 Best Cities For Public Transportation

1. New York City, New York

It’s a well-known fact that most New Yorkers don’t own cars, instead relying on the city’s taxicabs, bike-share programs, buses, subway systems and railroads. The city’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority recently opened the 34th Street–Hudson Yards Station that extends its already far-reaching subway service even more.

2. San Francisco, California

When you mention San Francisco, most people immediately think of its quaint cable cars that traverse the city. Despite the fact that they’re tourist-friendly, these colorful trolleys serve as part of the transit network to shuttle commuters to work. The city is rife with affordable, accessible public transport that includes municipal buses, trains, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), subways and CalTrain rail lines. Ferries are also a part of the transit system to link San Francisco with Oakland and Sausalito.

3. Boston, Massachusetts

For as crowded as Boston is, the “T” or the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, is in charge of its buses, ferries, trains and trolleys. As complicated as you’d think it would be to navigate all those travel options, fear not. Color-coded maps and schedules are available, and locals are always happy to help.

4. Washington, D.C.

Another city that’s rife with traffic gridlock is the nation’s capital. Not only is it the center of all things government, but it’s a tiny area (that covers 68 miles total) with nearly 700,000 residents and many more out-of-town commuters and 22 million annual tourists (in 2016 alone) of people trying to move around its streets. The Metrorail and Metrobus are the two major options for avoiding vehicle traffic.

5. Jersey City, New Jersey

Amtrak is big in Jersey City, and New Jersey’s second-largest city is walker-friendly. Transit buses and heavy-rail PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) trains get movers and shakers to and from Newark and Manhattan in record time. New York Waterway ferries also dock in Jersey City.

6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The City of Brotherly Love shows no shortage of public transportation options. Philadelphia’s public transit agency, SEPTA (Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority) operates the regional (commuter) rail trains, heavy rapid transit (subway/elevated) trains, light rail vehicles (trolleys), electric trolleybuses and motor buses. Also available is the city’s Indego bike-sharing transport system.

7. Chicago, Illinois

Chi-town tourists and commuters get around via “The L,” officially known as the Elevated Electric Train that’s run by the Chicago Transit Authority. Buses, taxis, water taxis, and the city’s bike-sharing program, Divvy, are all options to travel around this historic metropolis.

8. Miami, Florida

Traverse Miami proper via its buses, rail systems, and old-fashioned trolleys that transport you to the city’s hot spots and tourist venues. The Metromover Monorail is an elevated, electric train that circles downtown. The Metrorail is a nearly 25-mile long elevated train that takes visitors north and south of Miami and also connects to the Tri Rail intercity commuter system.

9. Arlington, Virginia

Arlington, Virginia has its Arlington Transit bus system and a Metro system that transports travelers to and from Washington, D.C. It also has a bike share program and commuter trains.

10. Baltimore, Maryland

Public transportation options in Baltimore included the bus, Light Rail, Metro subway and the MARC train commuter rail system. The Charm City Circulator is a free bus service that even partners with the Water Taxi Harbor Connector for free water routes!

Top 10 Worst Cities For Public Transportation

Now we count down the 10 worst cities in the U.S. for public transportation.

10. Fort Wayne, Indiana

9. Lubbock, Texas

8. Fort Worth, Texas

7. Virginia Beach, Virginia

6. Chandler, Arizona

5. Colorado Springs, Colorado

4. Plano, Texas

3. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

2. Gilbert, Arizona

1. Chesapeake, Virginia

Sorry, Chesapeake, you have the worst public transportation in the U.S.!

[veichibay]

Urban Sustainable Developments That Are Shaping The Future

The world is fully aware of the negative impact of carbon emissions has on the global climate. The world leaders have signed the 2016 Paris agreement to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions to 40% by 2030. But is it possible at the rate we are going?

While countries are “trying” to reduce their carbon emissions. There are sustainable development companies that are taking action and showing that a Net Zero Carbon City is possible. Cities around the world are already implementing proven strategies, that show it is possible to build cities that reduce the ecological impact on the earth and create a much greener, sustainable city.  The Sustainable City  The Sustainable City is a housing development situated in Dubai, with a community of 3,500+. This remarkable development has an innovative, eco friendly design that takes sustainability to the next level.

The whole community is run on solar panel energy, which produces 10 megawatts of power a day. All the solar panels placed on the flat roofs of villas and apartments in community, including all the roofs of the car parking areas.

They have 250 electric charging stations. What is great about this development, is that there are more use of electric vehicles, bicycles, and electric buggys than there are petrol and diesel cars. 

All the villas were purposely built North facing, to get more shade to reduce the  use of air-conditioning. Temperatures can go up to 45° in Dubai, so you would want all the shade you can get.

All the ponds are situated along a large green strip that goes through the middle of the town. These ponds are filled with treated grey water that have been bio filtered by papyrus plants. They even have bio domes where the communities food is grown, again all powered with solar energy

  This place is the perfect model for sustainability. It reminds me of a futuristic Disney neighborhood, it looks like the ultimate happy place to live. It's not the only eco housing development, there is a development in London called BedZed  that was completed in 2002. You have Masdar City in Abu Dhabi that also a self driving car station for all it's residents. There is a growing number of eco housing developments situated all around the world which shows potential for a brighter eco friendly future.

Vertical Farming

  Vertical farming is the new way to feed our planet, vertical farming requires very little water, while 70% of fresh water usage goes to traditional farming.

Jack Ng, the founder of Sky Greens, has created the world's first ever commercial vertical farm, which is based in Singapore. The urban vertical vegetable farm is a low carbon production system, because they only supply food within Singapore, transportation of food has low carbon emissions, compared to farms that ship their food long distances.

  Sky Greens uses very little water because there system continuously recycles water, the system is run on hydraulics, it uses water to rotate the plants to get sunlight and nutrients. The water used to rotate the plants is the same water used to grow the plants. They also have a recycling system for Singapore that recycles soil and food waste.

Vertical farms are the way forward. They can provide food for densely populated cities without the need for the food to travel long distances which eliminates greenhouse gases. Vertical farming requires less space and less water than traditional farming. The good news is vertical farms are popping up all over the world. In cities such as San Francisco, Amsterdam, Lincolnshire and London, there might even be one in a city near you. 

  While more and more sustainable housing developments are being built. Vertical farming is reinventing the future of agriculture, it is the perfect solution for urban cities.