[GWSG] Solid state batteries; solar + batteries cheapest power; promoting the PHD

[Tilley, Al]

1. Chinese auto maker BYD (Build Your Dreams) is testing a solid state battery which will extend the range of electric autos between charges to nearly 1,200 miles (808 miles as measured by the EPA). It is expected to be twice as powerful as current batteries and much safer, to cost no more, and to charge much more quickly. BYD expects to begin offering autos with the new battery in 2027 and to begin mass production in 2030. Among the companies expecting to offer autos with solid state batteries in 2027-28 are CATL, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Nissan.  https://electrek.co/2025/06/20/byd-tests-solid-state-batteries-seal-ev-with-1000-miles-range/
For electrification of transportation, this is a game changer.

2. Batteries have dropped so far in price that it is now cheaper to supply almost all power needs in sunny regions through a combination of solar panels and battery storage than with fossil fuels. Users will not typically drop off the grid but will use centralized utility power for usage peaks.  https://cleantechnica.com/2025/06/21/ember-claims-battery-storage-and-solar-can-almost-do-it-all/

3. The second report of the EAT-Lancet Commission was commissioned in July 2023. It is due this year.  https://eatforum.org/learn-and-discover/celebrating-six-years-of-the-eat-lancet-commission-a-landmark-for-food-planet-and-health/
If my wishes are fulfilled, the report will initiate a grassroots campaign to promote the global adoption of the Planetary Health Diet. The initial strategy was to seek support from governments. I don’t believe top-down attempts to persuade people to follow the Planetary Health Diet will be successful. This week a seminar by the Yale Program in Climate change Communication offered the following hints for a successful diet conversion program:
1. Health, not climate, is the primary motivator of dietary change. Foreground the PHD’s success in avoiding 1/3 of premature deaths and lowering the incidence of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
2. Don’t assume a commitment to climate action. You must make the case for its necessity.
3. Many people don’t realize the degree of scientific consensus on climate. It will still be news to them that 99% of scientists agree that we are changing the climate. Bring the impacts of climate change home.
4. Knowing that others are taking climate action is a motivator. Only 46% in the US believe that climate will affect them, but they can be swayed by personal stories of other people’s experience of scientific reality. Try to leverage social norms and collective efficacy.
It remains that case that we will not be able to deal with climate change without a transition to a plant-based diet. If you are interested in joining a campaign to promote the Planetary Health Diet, let me know and I will send you files of some handouts and posters when I have revised them to incorporate the YPCCC suggestions.


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