What mattered this week

1973 took a decade. This time it took a month.

In the last month:

• UK heat pump sales up 51%

• French second-hand EV sales double

• BYD’s electric bus sales up 71%

• Australia EV demand +50% in March

1973 all over again? Yes. But this time we have the technology ready to go.
Read more: NY Times “Remember the Oil Shocks of the ’70s? This Is Going to Be Worse. Much Worse” (£). AP calls it “a global wake-up call for renewable energy”.

Chinese cars now 21% UK sales. And they're better than yours.

Seriously? UK has low tariffs on Chinese cars compared to US/EU. And the products are very, very good. Hit 21% of the market in March.
But won’t people laugh if I drive a Hongqi or a Yangwang? Yes - until they get one.
Read more: Rhodium Group’s on stunning growth; CarWow’s Top 10 Chinese cars 

10% of UK oil left. You’re arguing with… geology.

But Nigel says it’s a good idea! We should drill the North Sea - mainly to shut up the people who say we should drill the North Sea.
Your point? Just won’t make a blind bit of difference. Total remaining reserves wouldn’t keep the lights on for a year.
Read more: Carbon Brief: “Nine false or misleading myths about North Sea oil & gas”

One thing to worry about

Arctic winter sea ice at record low for second year running.

Remember, Arctic temperatures have risen 3x faster than average, June snow cover is half 1960s and thick sea ice down 95 percent. (NSIDC)

One thing to be optimistic about

These Chinese (obv) mining dudes replaced 300 diesel trucks and 1,200 drivers with… 100 autonomous EVs working 24/7. (Electrek)

Mining first. Ports next. Then highways.

If you’ve got more time…

The war isn't slowing down - and neither is the analysis:

• Atlantic Council: the war is forcing fossil production away from the Gulf, and rewarding stable producers elsewhere

• Wood Mackenzie: Accelerated energy independence, falling fossil demand, and electrification taking off.

• War on the Rocks: The half-learned lesson of 2022: renewables and efficiency mean national security.

• Brookings: Why the full pain is still ahead.