Sunday 31 August 2014

Powered By Lithium: Volkswagen e-Golf Production Video.

  

  Electric cars are coming and they are coming in numbers now. All major auto-makers are moving into electric space these days. Prices are still high, but the volume production and further advance in Lithium Battery technology will make ICE cars absolute very soon. 
  The economics and efficiency is the name of the game here. With ICE car you are driving your own power plant with you everywhere, with electric car you get the access to the energy produced somewhere on the industrial scale, which will always be much more efficient. The problem was how to store enough energy - Lithium Batteries have solved this problem. 
  This is just in a few words the sense of the tectonic shift in our society today. Add here Air Pollution, Distributed Energy Generation, Smart Grid, Solar and Wind Power and you have the picture of the next industrial revolution in action. We are talking about Trillion dollar industries to be disrupted by this development.

Lithium Batteries Gigafactory: Why Morgan Stanley Is Betting That Tesla Will Kill Your Power Company





  Morgan Stanley is very vocal about the coming disruption to trillion dollar industries. Cheaper lithium batteries will enable not only mass market for electric cars, but the distributed power generation. Wind and solar power can be used with the existing grid. Every household potentially becomes the power plant and you can use this power for your own electric car.
  China is the leading wind and solar power generation country in the world now and moving fast to secure the supply for strategic commodities for this green economy: Lithium and REE.

Elon Musk With Tesla Gigafactory Starts The Race To Secure Supply Of Lithium Batteries And Lithium.




 "I would like to share with you the very interesting summary from  Seeking Apha on this subject. It confirms my personal observations of the investment and M&A trends in our Lithium industry today. I will share with you few quotes and links which will help you to understand International Lithium strategy and, what is very important, how our strategic partner Ganfeng Lithium sees this mega trends from the ground of the world's biggest auto market in the world in China. Read more"



Powered by Lithium: Clean Electric Cars - Renewables to Get Most of $7.7 Trillion Power Investments


Is Tesla, Apple and Foxconn A Match Made In Heaven To Make Electric Apple iCar Under $15k?


China Welcomes Electric Cars: Tesla Motors, China Unicom Plan 400 Charging Stations.

  




China Rolls Out Welcome Mat for Electric Cars: Ganfeng Lithium Partners with International Lithium in Argentina and Ireland.



Lithium Race: New Nissan Leaf 2016 Will Have The Real Car Look, 186 Miles Range And £17k price tag.

  


  If you are following electric cars developments, you have realised by now that lithium technology is advancing very fast. It allows now better and cheaper lithium batteries and all major auto-makers are looking over the shoulder at Elon Musk at Tesla Motors in order not to become fossils in the archives of history with the same origin as the fuels driving their ICE cars in the 21st century in the next twenty years. The time for the most efficient transportation systems based on the controlled explosions of the dinosaurs poop has come and gone.
  We have the hitting up competition in electric cars space and now Nissan Leaf will produce the much better car in 2016. Among the most important improvements will be the range, which is extended to 186 miles and, to my personal taste, the car will have much better look. I am waiting for electric cars to be "like the normal ones, but better." So far only Tesla Model S fits that definition in my personal space and we need to unleash the competition for the better electric cars with lower prices.
  And yes, everybody is looking at China now. The largest auto-market in the world has just announced the war on air pollution. This military exercise involves electric cars, thousands of fast charging stations and state level "Art of War" to get access to the resources supply for the Green rEvolution: Copper, Lithium and REE.



China Welcomes Electric Cars: Tesla Motors, China Unicom Plan 400 Charging Stations.




China Rolls Out Welcome Mat for Electric Cars: Ganfeng Lithium Partners with International Lithium in Argentina and Ireland.




Handout
HandoutKirill Klip, president of International Lithium, right, and Li Liangbin, president with Ganfeng Lithium




Auto Express:


Exclusive images show better look for new Nissan Leaf, while new battery tech boosts range to 186 miles
Nissan is hard at work developing the next-generation Leaf, focusing on improving the range with new battery tech and – as our exclusive images show – a more conventional look. The new car is expected to be on sale late in 2016, with prices starting around £17,000.
Clearly, the introduction of Tesla’s Model S – and its claimed 312-mile range – has changed the electric car market, making the current Leaf’s real-world range of 85 miles seem a bit old-hat.
Nissan bosses are promising new battery technology is on the way, with better energy density for a more usable pure electric vehicle. A figure of about 186 miles is likely to be the target. There’s a good chance Nissan will offer smaller battery packs with less range, like Tesla does with its 60kWh and 85kWh packs. The new battery technology and motor will be shared with Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti, too.
The premium brand has already made steps towards developing an all-electric saloon – at April’s New York Motor Show, it unveiled the LE concept, which used the current Leaf’s underpinnings. This new model is now thought to be on track for a release in mid-2016.
New Nissan Leaf rear rendering
It also seems that Nissan’s designers have realised that an electric car doesn’t need to look unusual, as they’re targeting a more conventional style. Our images give you a good idea of how it’s shaping up, with bosses keen that the large chrome ‘V’ in the grille and the blacked out pillars become recognisable design features of the next generation of Nissan cars. The angular lights and creased bodywork are developed from the brand’s latest concept cars, including the Friend ME.
However, a more usable range and fresh styling can only go so far towards boosting the Leaf’s sales appeal; a much improved charging infrastructure will play a key role, too.To that end, Tesla’s new range of Supercharger stations – promising 30-minute fast charges to all EVs – will help, as the network should have the majority of the UK covered by next year. Tesla boss Elon Musk has said he’ll let other manufacturers use it, so long as they keep charging free for their customers.

Nissan’s chief planning officer, Andy Palmer, has previously told us the new battery technology should debut by 2017, so we expect to see the Leaf and the Infiniti EV debut in 2016. Providing the £5,000 Government grant for low-emissions vehicles remains in place, prices should start at around £17,000. Auto Express."





Saturday 30 August 2014

Ronald Stoeferle: Gold - The End of the Bottoming Process.





Acquisitions signal a turning market for miners. Canadian Junior TNR Gold holds back-in right into one of the largest copper deposits in the world.


"VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A wave of optimism is sweeping through the mining industry, as a series of high-profile acquisitions suggest a new trend of asset-purchases is emerging and an active hunt for copper and gold properties is underway.It has been a steep slide from the highs of 2010, which saw mining contribute $36 billion to Canada's GDP (Mining Association of Canada, 2011 Facts and Figures).However, recent deals have brought interest back to the market. These include the acquisition of Osisko Mining Corp. ($3.7 billion), Augusta Resource Corp. ($555 million), and Sulliden Gold Corp. ($300 million), all of which have helped push the 2014 total to more than 40 deals worth over $7 billion. Read more."

 


TNR Gold: Shotgun Gold Project - Why Do We Need New Gold Deposits?

  

  "This picture above is stronger than thousand words written by the FED's hired academics and even Austrian School of Economics - it cuts through the verbal mist to the bone of Inflation definition and what it really means. It means that your FIAT money are losing it purchasing power. It happens every day, day by the day. How much you can see from the McDonald's menu from 70s. 
  And below is the chart representing "Strong US Dollar Policy" in action implemented by FED from the day of its inception in 1913. Some people even think that Federal Reserve is as Federal as Federal Express, but we will not go that road today. Read more."




Financial Sense:


Ronald Stoeferle: Gold - The End of the Bottoming Process


In Gold We Trust – 2014 Report

"In a special reprise edition of FS Insider, Jim welcomes Ronald Stoeferle CMT, CFTe, Managing Director at Incrementum AG to discuss his eighth annual “In Gold We Trust” report. Ronald likes the fact that the consensus considers the gold bull market over. Gold is now a contrarian investment. He notes that the tug-of-war between a deflationary debt liquidation and politically-induced price inflation is well and alive. Recent developments may be the beginning of a reassessment by market participants regarding the risk of price inflation. Ronald and Jim discuss Federal Reserve policy, and how it may affect the trend ahead for gold. They also discuss potential catalysts that could move the gold market. This broadcast is free and gives listeners an example of the quality programming they will find as a subscriber to FS Insider."

James Grant: Two Alternative Outcomes From Fed Policy – Much Higher Inflation or More Money Printing.



Acquisitions signal a turning market for miners. Canadian Junior TNR Gold holds back-in right into one of the largest copper deposits in the world.



"VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A wave of optimism is sweeping through the mining industry, as a series of high-profile acquisitions suggest a new trend of asset-purchases is emerging and an active hunt for copper and gold properties is underway.It has been a steep slide from the highs of 2010, which saw mining contribute $36 billion to Canada's GDP (Mining Association of Canada, 2011 Facts and Figures).However, recent deals have brought interest back to the market. These include the acquisition of Osisko Mining Corp. ($3.7 billion), Augusta Resource Corp. ($555 million), and Sulliden Gold Corp. ($300 million), all of which have helped push the 2014 total to more than 40 deals worth over $7 billion. Read more."

TNR Gold Shotgun: NOVAGOLD Reports Major Progress in Advancing Donlin Gold up the Value Chain.





  We have the major news for Alaska Gold mining industry from our neighbours - Donlin Gold is moving forward! NOVAGOLD and TNR Gold were developing Shotgun Gold project together and in 2010 our company has consolidated the project and now owns 100% of it. NOVAGOLD has received TNR Gold's shares and warrants. Greg Johnson - one of the founders of NOVAGOLD has joined TNR Gold board after our very impressive results from the drilling program in the Fall 2012. Please watch the video to find out his personal statement:
"The mineralization style observed at Shotgun Ridge bears a strong resemblance to the 40 million ounce deposit at the Donlin Gold project operated by Barrick and NovaGold," stated recently appointed director Greg Johnson, "The similar age and host intrusive rocks suggest that, with continued exploration, there is significant potential to locate larger volumes of mineralization in and around Shotgun Ridge."



  This development by NOVAGOLD will put Alaska back on the radar screens of Gold investors as the safe mining jurisdiction and stronger Gold prices will drive the next stage of projects development. Please read my legal disclaimer. Read more."


Finacial Sense:


James Grant: Two Alternative Outcomes From Fed Policy – Much Higher Inflation or More Money Printing



Bullish on India and Gold

"In a special reprise edition of FS Insider, Jim is pleased to welcome James Grant, Founder and Editor of Grant's Interest Rate Observer. James and Jim cover an array of topics, including Grant’s outlook for Federal Reserve policy and how attempts to control or manipulate interest rates are ultimately futile. He sees the Fed either creating too much inflation, or forced to stimulate even more until inflation results. They also discuss the hundreds of billions of dollars that savers have not received in recent years as a result of zero interest rate policies. James also gives optimistic assessments on India, gold, and gold stocks. This broadcast is free and gives listeners an example of the quality programming they will find as a subscriber to FS Insider."

Friday 29 August 2014

China Welcomes Electric Cars: Tesla Motors, China Unicom Plan 400 Charging Stations.

  

  As I have discussed with you here before, Elon Musk is taking the largest auto-market in the world very seriously. Needless to say that this Supercharger Network will be the base for the mass market for electric cars in China. Now we are waiting for Tesla Model III coming out in 2017 with $35k price tag and 200 miles range. Tesla Gigafactory will make this development possible with better and cheaper lithium batteries. After establishing Tesla Motors brand in the luxury sector with Tesla model S and Tesla model X Elon Musk will move down the value chain into the mass market for electric cars.
  Foxconn plan for the $15k electric cars is the wild card here, it remains to be seen who will be involved in its implementation, but I can tell you my personal observations already now: Electric Cars are here to stay and they are taking over the largest auto-market in the world right now like the wild fire. If you are still looking for the next Apple: Elon Musk, Electric Cars and China could be pointing out to the Next Big Thing.

Update:

And here is another twist to the story:

WSJ: 

BYD Chairman: China Is Weighing Tax to Help Electric-Car Effort

"Wang Says Government Can Mandate Construction of Charging Stations"


  I will provide a few links for you to find out what our strategic partners are thinking about the recent developments in China in electric cars space and, particularly, with Tesla moving in.


"Mr. Kirill Klip, President, International Lithium Corp. comments, "We are excited to spearhead this international collaboration and program that sets a precedent for sourcing metals that are imperative to the advancement of mobile devices, electric vehicles and alternative energy. The demand for Lithium is continually on the rise and there are shortage concerns which could impede on the growth of the green technology sector worldwide. The Irish government has taken this risk very seriously and pledged to facilitate the advancement of lithium production as part of an initiative to improve strategic metal supply chains. Together with Ganfeng Lithium, ILC has the opportunity to be part of this development and we are optimistic that we have a new potential source for the lithium battery supply chain".



Mr. Wang Xiaoshen, Vice Chairman/ VP, Ganfeng Lithium Corp. notes, "Recent news that corporations such as Tesla and Panasonic are making significant commitments to build gigafactory battery plants will significantly impact the demand for Lithium. Similarly the Chinese market will become increasingly more important to companies like Tesla in the near future. These two reasons make BLL an ideal prospect for the lithium industry."



China Rolls Out Welcome Mat for Electric Cars: Ganfeng Lithium Partners with International Lithium in Argentina and Ireland.




Elon Musk With Tesla Gigafactory Starts The Race To Secure Supply Of Lithium Batteries And Lithium.






ValueWalk:



Tesla is aggressively planning to capture the Chinese market and has joined hands with China Unicom for setting up charging stations
Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has inked a deal with China United Network (also known as China Unicom) to set up charging points for its vehicles. The Elon Musk-led EV manufacturer, in collaboration with China’s second-largest mobile company, is set to establish 400 charging points in 120 Chinese cities at China Unicom outlets, according to Tesla spokeswoman Peggy Yang.  Additionally, both companies are considering building 20 supercharging stations that will be 16 times faster, said Yang.

Tesla Supercharger

Deal to address major hurdle for Tesla

In its deal with the China Unicom, Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) will supply the equipment for the charging stations, and China Unicom will offer the land. Yang reserved comments on the cost that will be incurred and said that Tesla customers will be able to charge their cars for free.
“The deal represents our biggest investment so far in charging facilities in China,” Yang said in a telephone interview with Reuters.
The limited number of charging stations is being considered to be one of the major hurdles in the success of Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) in China, raising questions over Beijing’s ambition to put 5 million green vehicles on the road by 2020. The central government is said to provide 100 billion yuan in aid for setting up charging networks in a bid to ramp up demand for clean cars, says a report from Bloomberg which cites two sources familiar with the matter.
After the project with Unicom is complete, the EV manufacturer will be able to offer quick service to customers in almost every part of China. The EV manufacturer has also entered into a deal with real estate developers Soho China and China Yantai Holdings Co to built a network of charging points across properties in the nation.

Locally produce cars, a viable option

Elon Musk, the man behind the innovative car company, is eyeing the hundreds of millions of dollars investment in setting up charging stations in China, after which the company will be aggressively armored to compete with foreign rivals such as BMW and Daimler AG, along with offering faster delivery to Chinese customers, who are baffled about late deliveries.
The Palo Alto-based clean vehicle manufacturer, under state law, is banned from locally manufacturering the car unless the company forms a joint venture with a local automaker. One Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) executive in China said that even though the company is manufacturing cars in its giant Fremont facility, it is still looking forward to manufacturing cars in China. Value Walk."