The Change Optimist

A round-up of (mostly automotive) news that’s worth having an opinion about, delivered weekly.

Articles

May 17, 2026

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4 min read

The New Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI EV

Volkswagen announces the new ID. Polo GTI EV, Elon says OpenAI should go to his kids, Ford gets energized.

Mathew Growden

May 17, 2026

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2 min read

Hello Bruce

The world’s largest Nuclear Power plant runs quietly along the shores of Lake Huron and is getting ready for expansion.

Mathew Growden

May 10, 2026

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3 min read

Geely Says, "Oh, Canada!"

Geely starts shipments to Canada. Cadillac sells a lot of EVs. Solid-state batteries go prime time.

Mathew Growden

May 10, 2026

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2 min read

I Donut Believe

Where are we at with Solid State Batteries in 2026?

Mathew Growden

May 3, 2026

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4 min read

The Change Optimist: Weekly News Roundup

A judge tells Elon to cool it on the robot apocalypse talk

Mathew Growden

May 3, 2026

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2 min read

Nearly Un-Li-mited

The US Geological Survey just found enough Lithium (Li) to replace 328 years of imports. And that’s the small deposit.

Mathew Growden

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