Today’s Focus of Attention

Servicing Your Electric Vehicle: What You Need to Know

Electric vehicles, are not only eco-friendly, but also cost-effective in terms of maintenance.
With no oil changes, and fewer moving parts than their petrol counterparts, electric vehicles are a smart choice for the modern driver.
However, the misconception that electric vehicles require no servicing, because they lack a traditional engine, is far from the truth.
Like any car, EVs need regular care, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
In this episode, we’ll guide you through the key areas of an electric vehicle maintenance, helping you keep your vehicle in peak condition, and avoid any warranty issues.
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/electric-car-maintenance-everything-about-servicing-my-ev/
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The Rise of Floating Solar Plants

Floating solar plants have become the latest trend in energy production. They generate electricity by harnessing solar power from panels floating on bodies of water such as lakes, dams, reservoirs, and oceans.
Also, FSPs reduce evaporation and take advantage of the cooling effect of water which increases the efficiency of the solar panels. 
The world's earliest floating photovoltaic system appeared in Oakville, California, in 2008.
The Far Niente Winery pioneered by installing 994 solar PV modules with an output of 477 kW onto 130 pontoons and floating them on the winery's irrigation pond.
Floating solar plants are more than just a novel idea; they're a practical and powerful tool in the fight against climate change. Of course, it's important to remember that floating solar plants are a small piece of the whole puzzle.
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/floating-solar-farms-how-do-floating-solar-plants-work/
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Top 20 High-Demand Jobs for 2023 and Beyond in the US

Welcome to our review, of the top 20 future job prospects, expected to be in high demand in 2023, and beyond. 
This list, is based on data from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, which offers information on the professions and industries, projected to see the most growth from 2021 to 2031. 
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Revolutionising Energy Storage: A Flow Battery Boosted by Simple Sugar

Scientists, at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, have made a ground-breaking discovery in the energy sector.
By adding a simple sugar, to a flow battery, they have increased the battery’s energy storage, and durability by 60%.  
The new flow battery technology design, engineered for the electrical grid, has shown its capacity, to store and release energy continuously for over a year.
This next-generation flow battery, could give rise to future low-cost and sustainable systems, that could keep solar and wind power, for weeks and even months.
What is a flow battery? 
A flow battery, is an electrochemical cell, that gets its energy from two electroactive materials.
These materials, are dissolved in liquid electrolytes, and pumped from tanks through a system, on either side of a membrane.
The membrane between them, serves as the path for ions movement.
The positive electrolyte solution, is called catholyte, and the negative one, is called anolyte.
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/sugar-powered-battery/
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Flying Car Ready to Take Off: FAA Approves Testing in the US Skies

Alef Aeronautics, a Californian automaker, became the first to get approval from the US Government, to test the world’s first real flying car. 
Never before, has this happened with a vehicle like this.
The Federal Aviation Administration granted Alef, a Special Airworthiness Certification, allowing the company, to test on the roads, and in the air. 
The automaker unveiled, its Model “A” electric flying vehicle, in October 2022, and has since received deposits for pre-orders, that start at $300,000. 
Yes, that’s the price. 
Jim Dukhovny, Alef’s CEO, declared, “It allows us, to move closer to bringing people, an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies hours each week.”
“This is one small step for planes, one giant step for cars.”
Dukhovny, said he expected the vehicle to be available, in the last quarter of 2025. So, there’s still time to save some money to get it.  
Alef’s Model “A” characteristics. 
The design of this roadable aircraft, allows for both street driving and vertical takeoff. As well as to integrate seamlessly, with current urban infrastructure, including streets, highways, and parking facilities. 
This flying car, which can carry up to two people, is likely to have a road range, of around 320 kilometres, and a flying range of about 177.
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/flying-car-ready-to-take-off/
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Perovskite Solar Panels - Reinventing Clean Energy

Imagine slashing your electricity bills in half while using a greener energy source. 
Today's episode is about perovskite, a material that offers a 50% higher efficiency rate than silicon.
Let’s dive into how this ‘miracle material’ is set to change the game.
A Chinese startup called Renshine Solar is ready to start the commercialisation of perovskite solar panels, after researchers from Nanjing University in China, made the mass production of these panels possible. Professor Tan Hairen, creator of Renshine Solar, said that the raw materials used to make perovskite are cheap and abundant, while costing just one-twentieth of traditional PV modules. 
The advent of perovskite solar panels happened just in time, as we are on the brink of an energy revolution. Their promising efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, are laying the foundation for the next generation of photovoltaic modules, and a global solar power boom. However, as with any emerging technology, we must watch with a critical eye. How long do perovskite solar panels last? What are their limitations and disadvantages? Can they be recycled with minimal waste? 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/perovskite-solar-panels/
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US regulators approve the sale of lab-grown chicken

Imagine biting into a juicy piece of chicken, that didn’t come from a farm, but from a lab. Sounds like science fiction? Well, not quite.
The US Agriculture Department, has given the green light to California-based GOOD Meat, to sell their chicken produced from cultured cells, heralding a new era, of sustainable meat production. 
The approval, came after the Food and Drug Administration, confirmed in March this year, that cultivated chicken was safe for consumers. 
Along with GOOD Meat, The Agriculture Department, also approved lab-grown chicken from UPSIDE Foods, which had already received regulatory acceptance from the FDA, in November 2022. 
From now on, GOOD Meat and UPSIDE Foods, can offer their products to restaurants, and, fingers crossed, in a little while, supermarkets. 
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How many Solar Panels do you need? This episode helps you calculate your requirements

Solar energy is the most popular, and affordable way to generate electricity off-grid.
However, a common question is, “How many solar panels do I need, to power my home?” This, will depend on your energy needs, location, and the number of sunlight hours you get.
Energy demand is higher during the summer, due to air conditioning use, and in the winter, because of heating needs.
Look at your electricity bills during these periods, for a clearer picture of your energy consumption.
Once you have, a clearer panorama of those peak times of the year, read the labels of your appliances, which show the wattage per hour they consume.
After having your everyday energy usage, divide that total, by the number of sun hours you get in a day.
Now, calculate your solar panels.
Given that solar panels, produce electricity from the sun’s rays during daylight, it’s key to know how many hours of sunlight, your home receives in one day.
On a daily basis, the average number of peak sun hours is five. Though it depends on the country and season.
If you get those 5 hours of sun rays, 1 kilowatt of solar panels, would produce five kilowatt-hours.
So, if your daily energy consumption, is 25 kilowatt-hours, 5 kilowatts of photovoltaic cells, will suffice to energise your home.
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/how-to-switch-to-solar-energy-beginners-guide/
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Vertical Farming: Can it revolutionise food production?

Discover how Vertical Farming, an innovative and sustainable approach to food production, could revolutionise agriculture and help build a more food-secure future.
For thousands of years, we have relied on traditional agriculture to cultivate crops, and raise livestock, which has been essential for our survival, and societal growth. 
This practice involves a complex system of planting, irrigation, and harvest, including heavy machinery and chemicals, like fertilisers and pesticides. 
Even though traditional agriculture has been crucial in feeding the world, it has also caused considerable damage, including deforestation, soil degradation, water pollution, and high levels of carbon emissions. 
Along came Vertical Farming.  
Vertical Farming, refers to the practice of cultivating crops, in vertically stacked layers, or on inclined surfaces, within controlled indoor environments.
These layers, can be integrated into other structures, such as skyscrapers, repurposed warehouses, shipping containers, or custom-built facilities. 
Its major advantage, is that it allows farming in urban settings, where land availability is limited. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/vertical-farming-future-food-production/
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/vertical-gardening-how-to-grow-my-own-food-at-home/
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The Top 6 Renewable Energy Sources Shaping a Sustainable World

Discover how these technologies are helping to combat climate change, promote a healthier world, and create a cleaner future.
Whether you’re a pro, or just dipping your toes, into the vast ocean of green energy, we are thrilled to have you here. 
In this episode, we’ll explore the top six renewable energy sources: solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, bioenergy, and dive into the emerging world of hydrogen. 
The need for green power, has never been more critical. If we continue to rely on fossil fuels, we’re in for environmental degradation, the exhaustion of our non-sustainable reserves, and an even more devastating climate change. 
Not a pretty scenario, right? 
However, the solution lies in carbon-neutral alternatives, which are not just safe; they’re key to creating a healthier, and more balanced world. 
Despite the challenges, of implementation and scalability, the global community, is witnessing a seismic shift, towards these renewable sources. 
So, are you ready to explore how these superstars, are shaping a sustainable future? Buckle up and continue listening. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/renewable-energy-sources-guide/
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11 Practical Tips for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint Every Day

Ready for a greener life? Discover 11 practical, everyday changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet
A carbon footprint. We have all heard the term, but what does it mean?
In simple terms, your carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gases, such as CO2 and methane, that you personally release into the atmosphere, through your actions and lifestyle choices.
The larger your carbon footprint, the greater your contribution to climate change, and environmental degradation. Scary thought, right?
Well, here’s the good news. By making small changes in your daily routines, you can reduce your carbon output, and make a big difference to our planet.
In this episode, we’ll share 11 practical tips to help you get started. Ready to become a friendlier inhabitant of Earth?
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/how-to-reduce-my-carbon-emissions-and-reduce-my-carbon-footprint/
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Groundbreaking 1,000-km battery to enter production in 2024

Imagine an electric car with a 1,000-kilometre range on a single charge. By 2024, this may be a reality
In a bold innovation, Gotion High Tech, has presented its new L600 lithium-manganese-iron-phosphate battery, which boasts a staggering 1,000 km of range. This breakthrough, nearly doubles the existing batteries in the market.  
At its annual technology conference, Gotion High Tech announced, that mass production of this revolutionary battery, will start in 2024, signalling significant strides in renewable and clean power. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/new-1000-km-battery-for-electric-cars/
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New study exposes the impact nanoplastics have on metabolism

Microscopic particles from degraded plastics like water bottles and bags can infiltrate any organism’s bloodstream, disrupting metabolic functions and potentially compromising health
In a pioneering study published in Nature Journal, researchers from Leipzig University, and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, unveiled the harmful effects of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics, on an organism’s metabolism and development. 
The study, conducted on zebrafish embryos, showed the presence of PET NPs in their internal organs, and illustrated how exposure to such particles, impacts their physiology. 
The adverse outcomes of NPs on humans, remain uncertain but are under active scientific investigation. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/the-impact-of-microplastics-on-metabolism/
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Get ready, America: Affordable Chinese EV Brands are Revving Their Engines

Chinese EVs have successfully infiltrated the European market. Now, they’re gearing up to bring their cutting-edge, low-cost electric vehicles to America. How will this affect home-grown brands? 
For years, Chinese carmakers have been laying the groundwork to enter the US market. Despite the political tensions in 2023, between the United States, NATO, and the Chinese Communist Party, it appears they’re closer than ever, to making their American debut. 
A wave of affordable, high-tech EVs from China, could soon hit American dealerships, exciting budget-conscious consumers.
In China, the e-car industry has erupted, so it comes as no surprise, that they want to expand their sphere of influence, to other regions. 
In 2022, EV sales in the US, reached a record high of 800,000 cars. Yet, in the Asian giant, a staggering 5 million EVs were sold. 
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The First Sodium-IonElectric Vehicle

Discover the new electric compact that offers a 500 km range on a single charge, fast-charging capabilities, and resilience in extreme weather conditions 
Volkswagen, and the Chinese carmaker JAC, have unveiled the world’s first electric car, powered by sodium-ion batteries, marking a significant milestone, that could reshape the global automotive market. 
This alliance between JAC and Volkswagen, will speed up the adoption of this innovative energy storage solution, since sodium-ion batteries, are an up-and-coming alternative to lithium-ion batteries, due to their lower cost and a wealth of sodium resources. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/the-first-sodium-ion-battery-powered-electric-car/
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How long does an EV battery last?

A common question about electric vehicles, relates to their battery lifespan. This is a fair concern, since the energy pack, as the heart of an electric car, accounts for about 70% of the car’s value.
But there are no easy answers to that. We don’t know exactly how long they will keep working, because they have been around for just a handful of years.
The potential costs of replacing these batteries, once they reach the end of their useful life, can be daunting.
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/how-long-does-an-ev-battery-last/
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Hidden costs of electric vehicles few talk about

Before making the switch, and buying an electric car, you should be aware of all the hidden costs it entails, from maintenance to charging infrastructure.
EVs are praised for being, apart from eco-friendly, cost-effective, compared with their petrol counterparts, because they don’t use oil, or have too many mechanical pieces internally. 
However, while EVs certainly have their benefits, they also come with several downsides, including some hidden costs that few consider. 
In today’s episode, we highlight some overlooked expenses associated with owning an EV, and how they might influence your decision to purchase one. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/8-hidden-costs-of-electric-vehicles-few-talk-about/
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The hydrogen internal combustion engine is here and running on JCB machines

The hydrogen engine we’ve been waiting for is not a conversion; it’s a new technology made a reality by JCB and ready to work.
To meet the ambitious goal of reaching net zero by 2050, we need a lot of bold thinking, hard work, and, of course, innovation.
Our topic today is the introduction of a new hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine, an alternative to lithium-ion, fuel cells, and diesel engines.
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/the-hydrogen-internal-combustion-engine/
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Electric Vehicle Battery Technologies and Advancements

There’s still a long way to go before EVs become the preferred choice for all of us. 
As said in previous episodes, we believe electric vehicles will someday surpass internal combustion engines, but for that, they must overcome quite a few obstacles, including range, prices, and charging time. 
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Are hydrogen cars better than battery-powered cars?

The proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), the advances in fuel cells, and the progress in battery technologies suggest that a new era has started: the age of the electric car.
But this shift in paradigm also brings rivalry: hydrogen and battery-powered cars are competing for the position of King of the Road.
Both have their ups and downs. Which one is the best option?
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/are-hydrogen-cars-better-than-battery-powered-cars/
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