journalfront

Racing

Lindsey Vonn to Make Ski Racing Comeback in Colorado This Weekend

2024-12-06

Lindsey Vonn, the renowned US ski star, made a significant mark in the skiing world with her 82 World Cup victories. After a nearly six-year absence, she is all set to make her return in second-tier races in Colorado this weekend. A source close to the skier has confirmed this to AFP.

Lindsey Vonn's Return to Ski Racing - A Resurgence After Years

First Races in Colorado

On Saturday and Sunday, Lindsey Vonn will line up at the “FIS Fall Festival” at Copper Mountain. Two downhill races are scheduled for Saturday, followed by two super-G races on Sunday. This gives her the opportunity to improve her FIS points ranking. She has been training here for several weeks, and these races will help her meet the minimum level required to enter World Cup speed events.Vonn left the sport in 2019 due to a series of major injuries. But since her right knee replacement in April, she has been free from pain and is now ready to take on the racing circuit again.

Return to World Cup Racing

Last month, Vonn expressed her goal of returning to World Cup racing. The international ski federation, FIS, has allowed her to request a “wild card” entry to compete in two super-G races at St. Moritz on December 21 and 22. This new invitation system enables former stars to return to the elite circuit after years away from competition and get better starting positions.Vonn's mark of 82 World Cup victories was once the most decorated among women skiers. However, fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin has since surpassed her with 99 victories. Vonn achieved her first World Cup victory in 2004 and won three Olympic medals, including downhill gold in 2010. She also won 20 World Cup titles, including four overall crystal globes, eight world championship medals, and secured 137 World Cup podiums.The next Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in 2026, and Vonn's comeback adds to the excitement of the skiing world.

Electric vehicle owners in Manhattan Beach are now facing a significant change as they will be charged for using charging stations within the city. This transition, which began on Dec. 3, is aimed at supporting ongoing maintenance and service improvements. For years, residents and visitors have enjoyed the convenience of complimentary EV charging at city facilities. However, this new paid use model marks a step forward in ensuring a reliable and sustainable charging network for the community.

"Discover the Impact of Charging Fees on Manhattan Beach's EV Owners"

Benefits of the New Charging Standard

The new standard usage rate for charging electric vehicles in Manhattan Beach is around $0.50 per kWh. This rate provides a clear and consistent pricing structure for vehicle owners. According to EV.guide, fully electric cars and crossovers typically have battery capacities between 50 kWh to 100 kWh, while pickup trucks and SUVs could have batteries as large as 200kWh. This means that the cost of charging will vary depending on the vehicle's battery size. For example, to fully charge a 50 kWh capacity battery from empty, it would cost around $25 with the new Manhattan Beach rates. This is significantly less than the cost of filling up a typical US 15 gallon gas tank, which currently costs around $66 with the average gas price in California at $4.39.

Despite the new charge, Manhattan Beach electric vehicle drivers still enjoy a significant cost advantage over gas-powered cars. This makes electric vehicles an attractive option for those looking to save money on fuel costs. Additionally, the paid use model encourages more efficient use of the charging stations and helps to ensure their availability for all users.

Impact on Residents and Visitors

The implementation of charging fees in Manhattan Beach may have an impact on both residents and visitors. For residents, it may require some adjustments to their daily routines and charging habits. However, it also provides an opportunity to become more aware of their energy consumption and make more informed decisions about when and where to charge their vehicles. For visitors, the new charging fees may add an additional cost to their trip, but it also reflects the city's commitment to providing a sustainable and reliable charging network.

To mitigate the impact on visitors, the city may consider offering discounted rates for out-of-town electric vehicle drivers or providing additional charging stations in popular tourist areas. This would help to ensure that visitors have access to charging facilities while still supporting the maintenance and improvement of the charging network.

Future of Electric Vehicle Charging in Manhattan Beach

The introduction of charging fees in Manhattan Beach is just the first step in the city's efforts to develop a sustainable and reliable charging infrastructure. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, it is essential that cities like Manhattan Beach invest in the necessary infrastructure to support this transition. This may include the installation of additional charging stations, the development of smart charging systems, and the integration of renewable energy sources.

By working together, city officials, electric vehicle manufacturers, and charging station operators can create a charging ecosystem that is both convenient and sustainable. This will not only benefit electric vehicle owners but also contribute to the overall goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

Rivian, the prominent electric vehicle maker, took a significant step on Thursday by opening a charging station in Joshua Tree. This station is not only accessible to Rivian owners but also to owners of many other EV brands. It represents a major milestone in the electrification of the transportation sector.

Key Features and Amenities

Dubbed the Joshua Tree Outpost, this charging station offers a unique blend of amenities. Just like traditional gas stations, it provides snacks, coffee, and of course, restrooms. Additionally, there is a kids' play area and educational displays on EV basics and the ecology of the nearby national park. With an estimated 3 million visitors annually, this presents a lucrative opportunity for Rivian in a state where all new cars sold by 2035 must be zero-emission.The company opened a similar charging outpost near Yosemite National Park earlier this year, but this is the first one accessible to non-Rivian EVs. In the near future, Rivian plans to open more charging locations in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York.Using a new charger design that accommodates any compatible EV in North America, these sites are set to play a crucial role in supporting the electrification of the entire transportation sector.A spokeswoman mentioned that mileage would vary by brand and model. However, drivers can reach downtown Los Angeles on a single charge at this station.Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe emphasized, "Since the beginning, we’ve understood that … to achieve widespread electrification, you also need a really good charging network. Now, we’re excited to bring the Rivian Adventure Network–with its ease of use and exceptional reliability–to other EV drivers around North America, investing in a future where charging on the road will be simple, sustainable, and convenient."Strategically located near outdoor adventure spots, these machines offer rapid charging up to 900 volts and feature CCS connectors with support for North American Charging Standard (NACS)-equipped vehicles using an automaker-approved adapter. Native NACS connectors, also known as SAE J3400, will be available with a future hardware update.

Charging Your EV Near Joshua Tree National Park

The new chargers meet design and siting requirements to be eligible for federal and state infrastructure funding. This allows Rivian to expand its charging infrastructure for all EV drivers. As the network grows, charging will become an important source of revenue. The charging stations are also powered by 100% renewables.Located at 61142 29 Palms Hwy across Highway 62 from the Joshua Tree Inn, the station charges 45 cents per kilowatt hour for Rivian vehicles and 60 cents for other EVs. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.This story has been updated with information about the driving range on a charge, which was received after the story was posted.Janet Wilson, senior environment reporter for The Desert Sun, and co-author of USA Today Climate Point, a weekly newsletter on climate, energy, and the environment, brings valuable insights to this story.