New U.S. Sodium-Ion Battery Factory, Apple Weighs EV Partnership, Pupfish Comeback, and Other News

Here’s what you might have missed this week in outdoor, innovation, and EV news.

Apple Considers EV Partnership, Maybe with Rivian

Earlier this year, Apple halted its electric and autonomous car project, but now the tech giant is reportedly weighing a partnership with an EV startup for round two. While nothing is confirmed yet, and the specific details of a collaboration are still unknown, it seems like Rivian is at the top of the list of candidates.     

Read More (from EV)

The Devils Hole Pupfish Comes Back to Death Valley

The endangered Devils Hole pupfish has something of a cult following among conservation enthusiasts, and this spring has finally brought some good news for the previously dwindling population. The tiny fish live in Devils Hole, a deep, water-filled limestone cave in the Nevada desert, in a detached unit of Death Valley National Park. In 2013, biologists counted only 35 fish in the area, the lowest total population. As of late last month, that number is up to almost 200. 

Read More (from New York Times) 

First Sodium-Ion Battery Factory Opens in the U.S.

As researchers are developing new renewable energy solutions, all eyes are currently on sodium-ion batteries. A few weeks ago, startup Natron Energy opened the first commercial-scale sodium-ion battery factory in the U.S. in Holland, Michigan. While lithium-ion batteries have been integral in transitioning to electric vehicles for the past two decades, sodium-ion allows for a higher level of performance without the supply-chain issues.   

Read More (from CleanTechnica)

Volkswagen Revamps its California Campervan

After more than 20 years since its launch, the iconic Volkswagen California campervan has received a major overhaul. For 2025, the updated model is called the New California, and its five trims come with a pop-up roof and the option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, among other features. There’s only one catch—despite its name, the vehicle (like its predecessor) will not be available in the U.S.  

Read More (from Gear Patrol) 

Looser EV Battery Rules Can Make More Vehicles Eligible for Tax Credits

In other EV battery news, the U.S. government has loosened some of its rules on component origins, potentially making more vehicles eligible for EV tax credits. To qualify, EVs must be assembled in North America, but under the new rule, some small amounts of battery minerals are exempt from this requirement until 2027. 

Read More (from AP)

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