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Batteries

Vox’s coverage of batteries, their impact on the environment, and solutions for making them better.

Climate
Your expensive power bill is part of an alarming trendYour expensive power bill is part of an alarming trend
Climate

Here’s why you shouldn’t panic. Yet.

By Umair Irfan
Future Perfect
Lead batteries are poisoning millions of children. Here are 3 proven ways to stop it.Lead batteries are poisoning millions of children. Here are 3 proven ways to stop it.
Future Perfect

Informal recycling is deadly — and relatively simple to fix.

By Pratik Pawar
Climate
This new truck is a sign that Trump won’t win his fight against EVsThis new truck is a sign that Trump won’t win his fight against EVs
Climate

Ford may just be building the electric vehicle we’ve all been waiting for.

By Umair Irfan
The clean energy transition can’t happen without these minerals
Climate

The big, complicated race for critical minerals, explained.

By Umair Irfan
Escape Velocity
The unexpected home upgrade that could save you thousandsThe unexpected home upgrade that could save you thousands
Escape Velocity

Why you need a battery-powered house.

By Adam Clark Estes
Escape Velocity
The gas station of the future is not what you thinkThe gas station of the future is not what you think
Escape Velocity

America’s EV charging network is stronger than ever.

By Adam Clark Estes
Clean energy is big business. These 5 threats loom large.
Escape Velocity

Where current policies and trends could do real damage to climate progress.

By Umair Irfan
Climate
Escape VelocityEscape Velocity
Climate

Even the most determined opposition can’t stop the clean energy revolution.

By Paige Vega
Escape Velocity
Will any climate progress survive the next four years?Will any climate progress survive the next four years?
Podcast
Escape Velocity

Trump wants to reverse years of climate progress. It won’t be easy.

By Jonquilyn Hill
We’ve unlocked a holy grail in clean energy. It’s only the beginning.
Escape Velocity

The incredible technology is harnessing the potential of solar and wind — and quietly revolutionizing the energy system.

By Umair Irfan
10 charts prove that clean energy is winning — even in the Trump era
Escape Velocity

Climate progress is actually good business.

By Umair Irfan, Benji Jones and 2 more
Our climate progress is not doomed
Escape Velocity

The future for our planet looks bleak. Here’s why it’s not.

By Paige Vega
Technology
You’re charging your phone wrong. It’s not your fault.You’re charging your phone wrong. It’s not your fault.
Technology

Lithium-ion battery technology is imperfect, but it’s not going anywhere.

By Adam Clark Estes
Climate
Even solar energy’s biggest fans are underestimating itEven solar energy’s biggest fans are underestimating it
Climate

Solar’s extraordinary forecast-defying growth, explained.

By Umair Irfan
Video
Why China is winning the EV warWhy China is winning the EV war
Play
Video

And what it means for US climate goals.

By Laura Bult
Climate
Carmakers pumped the brakes on hybrid cars too soonCarmakers pumped the brakes on hybrid cars too soon
Climate

In the age of electric vehicles, the hybrid is still a contender.

By Umair Irfan
Climate
California solves batteries’ embarrassing climate problemCalifornia solves batteries’ embarrassing climate problem
Climate

Batteries were increasing carbon emissions (d’oh!), but new regulations and tech have fixed it.

By David Roberts
Climate
Forget cars. We need electric airplanes.Forget cars. We need electric airplanes.
Climate

The race is on to build batteries big enough for planes to fly on clean electricity.

By Umair Irfan
Climate
Batteries have a dirty secretBatteries have a dirty secret
Climate

Energy storage is considered a green technology. But it actually increases carbon emissions.

By David Roberts
Climate
Elon Musk bet that Tesla could build the world’s biggest battery in 100 days. He won.Elon Musk bet that Tesla could build the world’s biggest battery in 100 days. He won.
Technology
Millions of used electric car batteries will help store energy for the grid. Maybe.Millions of used electric car batteries will help store energy for the grid. Maybe.
Technology

It would be cool, but there are challenges.

By David Roberts
Almanac
How Alessandro Volta invented the battery and won over NapoleonHow Alessandro Volta invented the battery and won over Napoleon
Almanac

Volta was behind batteries and a pretty amazing methane gun. Learn how he did it.

By Phil Edwards