CATL is a hugely important company that a lot of people probably haven't heard of. It's grown from nothing to become the world's largest EV battery supplier — with some strong help from the Chinese government along the way. This story of how EV batteries became cheap kicks off The Indicator's week on the climate crisis — how markets, government and businesse ... Show More
Today
Scam compounds, sewing patterns and stolen dimes
As Vice Week wraps up here at The Indicator, we wanted to take a slightly different perspective on the evolving business of crime and take a look at TRUE crime. As in the genre. Because look, people are obsessed with it! Today on the show, our hosts favorite pieces of true crime ... Show More
10m 37s
Oct 8
When cartels start to diversify
The Sinaloa Cartel made the bulk of its money on cocaine. But cartels are diversifying into new operations including things like wildlife trafficking. Think sharks, jaguars, capybaras. The result is something called “narco-degradation.” On today’s show, we look at what’s driving ... Show More
9 m
Aug 2023
The Chinese EV Maker That's Selling More Cars Than Tesla
In the US, Tesla remains far and away the dominant maker of electric vehicles. But on a global scale, the situation is much more competitive. Over the last few years, Chinese EV makers have massively ramped up their export capacity and one in particular — BYD — sells more total v ... Show More
49m 26s
Apr 2023
Sweden’s Northvolt Electric Battery Maker: A Startup with a Mission
In Stockholm, Sweden an upstart battery maker, Northvolt, is trying to recreate the value chain for European car manufacturers making the switch to EVs. With two founders from Tesla and two experienced financiers at the helm, the company seems bound for success. But can they part ... Show More
30m 44s
May 2021
The dirty business of old car batteries
The recycling of lead acid batteries poses a growing health hazard in many developing countries.Vivienne Nunis looks at the case of Bangladesh, where a cottage industry has sprung up all over the country, with old car and auto-rickshaw batteries being burned in unsafe conditions, ... Show More
18m 28s
Oct 2023
Are Electric Vehicles Actually Better for the Environment?
This week, Sim & Sonya discuss the environmental impact of electric vehicles (EVs). They mention that while EVs have some benefits, like lower greenhouse gas emissions over their lifetime, there are concerns about battery production and the energy sources used for charging. They ... Show More
27m 24s
Feb 2024
What’s really happening in the U.S. EV market?
A recent slew negative headlines about U.S. EVs makes it feel like the sky is falling on the market. Yet the data show robust growth. Combined battery electric and plug-in hybrid sales in 2023 were up 50% from 2022, and EV market share reached 9.5% in 2023, up from 7.5% in 2022, ... Show More
36m 15s