Tag Archives: misguided

Top Misconceptions: Why Your Views on Used Electric Cars May Be Misguided

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In a well-known anecdote, Henry Ford claimed it was economically inefficient for car parts to outlast the vehicles themselves. This concept leads to considerations such as dispatching employees to junkyards to identify components that are overly durable, paving the way for cheaper material alternatives in the future.

When applied to electric vehicles (EVs), the consensus indicates that purchasing new is advantageous due to the longevity of batteries. The depreciation of EVs surpasses that of gasoline and diesel vehicles, despite construction costs declining by 99% over 30 years, with batteries still amounting to about one-third of a new EV’s price.

Notably, as of this month, the average price of new EVs in the UK is less than that of new petrol cars. This is particularly encouraging news for consumers. However, in a twist that might unsettle Ford’s philosophy, recent findings suggest that EV batteries should be prioritized properly, as they can outlast the vehicles themselves, indicating that used EVs may represent better value than initially perceived.

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The average new EV sold in the UK costs less than the average new petrol car.
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This shift towards EVs, both new and used, is making them increasingly attractive on the market. Most EVs remain parked and connected to power for nearly 23 hours daily. Plans are underway to leverage these batteries to temporarily store surplus power for the grid, with operators compensating EV owners when power restoration is required. Although the concept isn’t new, recent pilot programs in the U.S. demonstrate its potential profitability. Average EV drivers could earn thousands each year.

It seems that economic incentives, rather than merely addressing climate change, may spur the green transition. Furthermore, the current fuel crisis driven by the Iran war could also accelerate EV adoption, making fuel-burning cars costlier to maintain.

The EV industry faces challenges, but a slowdown in growth presents clearer pathways moving forward.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

UK welfare system AI prototype criticized for its “misguided launch,” say officials

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According to the Guardian, ministers have halted or abandoned at least six artificial intelligence prototypes for welfare systems, indicating that Prime Minister Kia Starmer’s efforts to improve government efficiency are facing challenges.

It has been revealed that these AI prototypes were not advanced to enhance staff training, improve job center services, expedite disability benefits payments, and update communication systems. Officials acknowledge the importance of “thorough testing” to ensure the expandability and reliability of the AI system.

While two of the discarded prototypes were highlighted as successful tests in the latest annual report by the Department of Labor Pensions (DWP), A-Cubed aimed to assist staff in guiding job seekers and Igents to expedite disability benefits for millions of people.

The Prime Minister emphasized the role of AI in transforming public services and urged ministers to prioritize the introduction and growth of AI in each ministry and agency. However, Ada Loveless’s Associate Director, Imougen Parker, highlighted the importance of learning from failures and ensuring that the reality of AI aligns with rhetoric.

The use of AI in welfare systems by DWP has not been disclosed in the government’s algorithm transparency registry, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the use of AI technology.

While officials have acknowledged that AI technology may play a role in future system developments, they stress the importance of thorough testing before implementation. This indicates the challenges faced by the Labour Party in their efforts to revolutionize public services through AI.

Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, announced plans to utilize AI for transforming public services and improving economic productivity. Director Laura Gilbert highlighted the importance of learning from failures and continuing to explore new opportunities for impact.

The DWP officials emphasized the importance of scalability and reliability in AI products and acknowledged the need for thorough testing before implementing AI systems. However, concerns remain about transparency and the potential impact of AI on inequality and fairness in the welfare field.

The government spokesperson highlighted the short-term nature of concept demonstration projects and the importance of learning from these projects to inform future implementations. The government aims to follow a “Scan, Pilot, Scale” approach outlined in the AI opportunity action plan to harness the full potential of AI in transforming public services.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Believes Arrests in France are ‘Misguided’

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Pavel Durov, founder of the messaging app Telegram, currently under investigation in France, criticized French authorities for not addressing their concerns with the company directly and described his arrest as “misguided.”

In his first comments since being detained last month, Durov refuted claims that the app was an “anarchist haven.”

The billionaire, originally from Russia, expressed surprise over the investigation as French authorities had access to a hotline he helped establish and could contact Telegram’s EU representative anytime.


“Countries typically address grievances with internet services by filing a lawsuit against the service directly,” he stated.

“Resorting to outdated laws to prosecute a CEO for actions carried out by third parties on a platform he oversees is an ineffective approach.”

While acknowledging that Telegram is not without flaws, Durov denied any misuse associated with the app.

“Claims that Telegram serves as an anarchist stronghold are baseless,” he noted. “We eliminate numerous harmful posts and channels on a daily basis.”

Durov, now a citizen of France, was detained in the country last month as part of an investigation into criminal charges related to child sexual abuse images, drug trafficking, and fraudulent activities associated with the app.

He was accused by French judicial authorities of facilitating criminal conduct through the messaging app but was released on a €5 million bail under the conditions of reporting to the police twice a week and remaining in France.

The allegations against Durov include collusion in disseminating inappropriate images of children and multiple other offenses on messaging platforms.

His sudden arrest has raised concerns about legal accountability for Telegram, a widely used app with approximately a billion users, and sparked discussions on freedom of speech and governmental restrictions.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Source: www.theguardian.com