Category: EV vehicles

  • Octopus Energy Offers Unlimited EV Charging for £30 a Month

    Octopus Energy Offers Unlimited EV Charging for £30 a Month

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unlimited charging for electric vehicles in the UK is now available for £30 a month with Octopus Energy’s Intelligent Drive Pack.
    2. Charging must occur between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m., but a boost feature in the app allows for charging outside these hours.
    3. The plan is estimated to cost about two-fifths of fueling a petrol or diesel vehicle, saving drivers money.
    4. The Intelligent Drive Pack is compatible with around 280 electric vehicle brands and does not require battery installations.
    5. Octopus Energy aims to provide predictability, flexibility, and value for electric vehicle drivers with this new package.

    Electric car owners in the UK can now enjoy unlimited charging for only £30 a month thanks to Octopus Energy’s latest plan. The utility company’s Intelligent Drive Pack will provide all the power that electric vehicles need for “less than what you’d pay for a delightful meal out.”

    Charging Times

    This plan is designed for one electric vehicle per customer. However, users must charge their cars between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m., which might seem like a minor inconvenience. If charging outside of these hours is necessary, the boost feature in the company’s app allows for that.

    Cost Savings

    Octopus Energy estimates that the Intelligent Drive Pack costs roughly two-fifths of what it would take to fuel a similar petrol or diesel vehicle, based on the average daily driving distance in the UK, which is 21 miles. This charging option is particularly attractive to electric taxi drivers, who typically drive between 68 to 123 miles daily.

    Compatibility and Requirements

    The Intelligent Drive Pack works with around 280 electric vehicle brands and requires compatible home charging stations. There’s no need for any battery installations.

    Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Octopus Energy’s Chief Product Officer, stated, “The Intelligent Drive Pack offers a brand new way to save, ideal for drivers seeking predictability, flexibility, and excellent value all in one package. It represents another move towards making electric vehicles the clear choice for everyone.”

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  • Tesla Model 3: 0% APR Financing, Free Colors & White Interior

    Tesla Model 3: 0% APR Financing, Free Colors & White Interior

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla has reintroduced a 0% APR financing option for the Model 3 to boost sales amid competition from the Model Y.
    2. The new financing terms are more flexible, offering 0% APR for 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year loans with a 15% down payment.
    3. Buyers can use the federal tax credit as part of the down payment, and the promotional rates are available for well-qualified buyers after April 24, 2025.
    4. Purchasers of the Model 3 Performance version will receive $2,000 worth of additional options for free, enhancing the vehicle’s appeal.
    5. The FSD transfer offer remains available for those upgrading from older Model 3s to the latest hardware for unsupervised FSD capabilities.

    The last time Tesla presented a 0% APR financing offer, it was attempting to enhance Model 3 sales, which were declining due to the new Model Y launch and general issues with the brand.

    New Financing Terms

    Now, the 0% APR financing option for the Model 3 is back, and it’s accompanied by more attractive conditions and some added perks. Previously, last month, the zero interest rate financing was restricted to a 5-year loan with a 15% down payment, even though sales of the electric sedan had dropped leading up to the Model Y Juniper refresh.

    Expanded Financing Options

    The sales of the Model 3 may still need a boost, as Tesla is rolling out a much broader 0% APR financing offer. This time, the zero interest financing is available for all popular loan terms: 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year.

    Buyers of the Model 3 still need to pay at least 15% of the car’s price upfront, but they can utilize the federal tax credit discount for their down payment, Tesla mentions. The company clarifies that these are “promotional rates valid for well-qualified buyers with excellent credit who order Model 3 after April 24, 2025,” indicating that the 0% APR financing might extend until the end of the quarter, similar to the new free FSD transfer offer.

    Special Offers for Model 3 Performance

    To make the deal even better, those purchasing the high-end Tesla Model 3 Performance version will receive $2,000 worth of options at no additional cost. This includes the Deep Blue Metallic and Pearl White multi-coat colors, as well as a black and white interior, each valued at $1,000, when buying a Model 3 Performance.

    Instead of providing a direct $2,000 discount like it does for the new Model Y for buyers coming from older legacy models, Tesla is offering these options for free. However, the FSD transfer offer is still available for those upgrading from an older Model 3 to the HW4 suite of cameras and computer, which will allow operation of unsupervised FSD without any retrofitting.

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  • Slate Auto Launches Affordable Modular Pickup EV Under $20K

    Slate Auto Launches Affordable Modular Pickup EV Under $20K

    Key Takeaways

    1. Slate Auto’s first electric pickup truck, ‘The Blank Slate,’ is designed for customization and affordability, priced under $20,000 after federal EV tax credits.
    2. The truck features a basic design with a 108.9-inch wheelbase, a five-foot bed, and a 52.7kWh battery offering a range of 150 miles, with an option for 240 miles with an extended battery.
    3. The Blank Slate lacks standard features like an infotainment system and automatic windows, but includes a charging mount for a phone.
    4. Buyers can personalize their vehicle with over 45 accessories and multiple color options, and it can be converted into different SUV styles.
    5. Slate Auto’s vehicles are designed in California and Michigan, with assembly happening in the Midwest.

    Slate Auto, a new electric vehicle company supported by Jeff Bezos, has launched its first pickup truck named ‘The Blank Slate.’ This name fits well for a simple EV that can be adjusted and converted into an SUV. According to the company’s statement, the pickup’s price will be under $20,000 in the US after applying the federal EV tax credit when it becomes available by late 2026. This price point makes it more affordable than any Tesla and offers much more customization.

    Showcase Event

    The truck was presented on April 24 in Long Beach, California, with the company indicating that the initial models will be available by the end of next year. Slate Auto’s concept for The Blank Slate is to provide buyers with just the basics while keeping the vehicle’s price low, but also enabling them to personalize it later on. The Blank Slate serves as a starting point, featuring a pickup truck design with a wheelbase of 108.9 inches, a five-foot bed that holds 35.1 cubic feet, a front trunk with 7 cubic feet, and a 52.7kWh battery that powers a single motor. It offers around 150 miles of driving range, although there is an optional extended-range battery that increases this to about 240 miles.

    Basic Features

    What it lacks are standard features like an infotainment system, automatic windows, speakers, and other elements usually seen as ‘basic’ in conventional vehicles. However, it does include a charging mount for a phone as a standard feature.

    This is where customization plays a role. Slate Auto provides over 45 accessories, with more to come in the future. There are numerous color choices available, which will be wraps instead of traditional paint jobs. Notably, The Blank Slate can be converted into a regular SUV, an open-air SUV, or a five-seat fastback SUV. While it remains a two-door model, there’s also an option to take off the doors. Buyers can add an infotainment screen, speakers, decals, a spare tire, tower racks, and more.

    Design and Assembly

    Vehicles from Slate Auto are created in California and Michigan, and they are assembled in the Midwest.

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    Slate Auto Launches Affordable Modular Pickup EV Under $20KSlate Auto Launches Affordable Modular Pickup EV Under $20KSlate Auto Launches Affordable Modular Pickup EV Under $20K
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  • Tesla Offers Free FSD Transfers and $2,000 Off New Model Y

    Tesla Offers Free FSD Transfers and $2,000 Off New Model Y

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla has not introduced 0% APR financing for the Model Y in the US, unlike in China, but is running promotions to boost shipments after Q1 earnings disappointment.
    2. New Model Y buyers in the US will receive a complimentary FSD transfer from their previous Tesla, applicable to various models.
    3. The Model Y Launch Series and Cybertruck Foundation Series are excluded from the FSD transfer offer.
    4. Tesla offers a $2,000 discount for older Model Y owners considering the Juniper facelift, with specific conditions for eligibility.
    5. The free FSD transfer promotion has been offered in four of the last five quarters and does not apply in Europe.

    Tesla has not yet introduced 0% APR financing for the new Model Y in the US, similar to what it did in China, but is currently running a new promotion to boost lagging shipments after disappointing Q1 earnings.

    Free FSD Transfer for New Buyers

    While buyers of the new Model Y in the US won’t enjoy zero interest rates on their payments, they will receive a complimentary FSD transfer from their previous Tesla. This applies to owners of any model, including the Model 3, older Model Y, Model S, Model X, or even the Cybertruck.

    Exclusions in Promotions

    However, the Model Y Launch Series and Cybertruck Foundation Series editions are not included in this offer, as they originally came with FSD as part of their expensive packages.

    Legacy Model Y owners can pass on the FSD option they previously purchased to their new Model Y. Additionally, to encourage owners of older models who are undecided, Tesla is providing a $2,000 discount on the price of the Juniper facelift.

    Important Details to Note

    Tesla states that the price reduction is aimed at owners who purchased its first SUV early on, although the specific production cutoff date isn’t clear. Therefore, those interested in this promotion will need to wait for an official announcement from Tesla, which can be viewed below.

    “Used vehicles are not included,” Tesla warns, adding that “the promotional credit must be linked to an order under the same Tesla account as your current Model Y by June 30, 2025, or it will be lost.”

    Tesla appears to be making free FSD transfers a regular offering, as this promotion has been available in four of the last five quarters and is now back on the Tesla deals list for the US and Canada. However, this does not apply to Europe, where customers who paid for FSD still cannot use it.

    On another note, the market value of a used legacy Model Y has decreased since the introduction of the new Juniper refresh. Consequently, the trade-in value Tesla gains can be offset by the free FSD transfer offer without causing significant impact to its core business.

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    Tesla Offers Free FSD Transfers and $2,000 Off New Model Y
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  • Next-Gen Tin Nanoparticle Battery for Faster Charging and Longevity

    Next-Gen Tin Nanoparticle Battery for Faster Charging and Longevity

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Composite Anode: Researchers developed an anode using tin nanoparticles in a carbon matrix instead of traditional graphite.

    2. Improved Charging and Lifespan: The new batteries charge quickly (in 20 minutes) and last over 1,500 charge cycles.

    3. Higher Energy Density: The innovative anode achieves 1.5 times the energy density of standard graphite anode batteries.

    4. Enhanced Structural Integrity: The tin nanoparticle anode reduces volume expansion, leading to better structural stability.

    5. Versatility in Battery Technology: This new approach shows promise for both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, enhancing their performance.

    Batteries play a crucial role in the performance of various modern devices like laptops, smartphones, and electric vehicles, but they often present challenges. Key areas needing enhancement are charging speed and battery life. A team from Pohang University of Science and Technology alongside the Korea Institute of Energy Research has introduced a new composite anode that could address these problems.

    Innovative Material Use

    Rather than relying on graphite, the researchers from South Korea have opted for tin nanoparticles that are embedded in a robust carbon matrix for the anode material. These tin nanoparticles are created through a sol-gel method followed by a heating process known as chemical reduction. This method ensures that the tin nanoparticles are evenly spread throughout the durable hard carbon structure.

    Enhanced Battery Performance

    According to findings published in the journal ACS Nano, these advancements have led to better structural integrity and reduced volume expansion when compared to typical graphite anodes. Consequently, this innovation results in a greater energy density in the battery cells, along with improved electrochemical performance. In simpler terms, these new batteries charge more quickly and have a longer lifespan.

    When a lithium-ion battery utilizes an electrode composed of tin nanoparticles within hard carbon, it can endure over 1,500 charge cycles with rapid 20-minute charging times. Additionally, the energy density achieved is 1.5 times that of standard batteries featuring a graphite anode. This cutting-edge battery technology also demonstrates strong stability and enhanced kinetics in sodium-ion cells.

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  • Kia Electric Cars Gain Access to Tesla Superchargers

    Kia Electric Cars Gain Access to Tesla Superchargers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kia EV owners can now access Tesla’s 21,500 Superchargers, increasing available charging stations to over 40,000 in North America.
    2. Most Kia electric vehicles come with a CCS1 charging port, and NACS adapters will be provided for Supercharger compatibility.
    3. The latest Kia models, like the 2025 EV6 and 2026 EV9, feature NACS charging ports for easier access.
    4. Kia owners can locate Supercharger stations via their vehicle’s infotainment system or a smartphone app, with an option to enroll in the Kia Charge Pass program.
    5. Access to Tesla’s charging network has been moved from January 2025 to spring, allowing Kia EVs to join other brands using Superchargers.

    Kia EV owners have some great news. They now have access to one of the largest public charging networks in North America: Tesla’s fast DC chargers.

    According to a statement from the South Korean automobile manufacturer, Kia customers can now utilize Tesla’s 21,500 Superchargers, increasing the total charging stations available to over 40,000.

    Charging Ports and Adapters

    Most Kia electric vehicles are equipped with a CCS1 charging port. Nonetheless, the company will provide NACS adapters to enable connections to the Superchargers. The latest models, such as the 2025 EV6 and the 2026 EV9, feature NACS charging ports.

    Kia owners can easily find, locate, and navigate to Supercharger stations directly from their vehicle’s infotainment system or via an app on their smartphones. They also have the option to enroll in the Kia Charge Pass program to utilize the charging network.

    Timing and Competition

    The access to Tesla’s network was initially scheduled for January 2025, but it has now been postponed to spring. At this point, Kia EVs can officially join brands like Ford, GM, Rivian, Volvo, Polestar, Hyundai, Lucid, Nissan, and Genesis in using the Superchargers.

    Kia has also expressed its disapproval of the recent vandalism targeting Tesla’s public charging facilities, highlighting that such acts of destruction hinder the ease of owning an electric vehicle.

    Kia’s commitment to improving the charging experience for its customers is clear.

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  • Tesla’s New Model Y: First Robotaxi with Rideshare App Preview

    Tesla’s New Model Y: First Robotaxi with Rideshare App Preview

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla’s Robotaxi service will launch with the Model Y, not the more affordable Cybercab or Model 3.
    2. The autonomous Model Y will use the unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature without changes to the existing vehicle design.
    3. Updated Model Y cars will drive directly to customers’ homes once assembled, starting in Austin in June.
    4. The rideshare app for the Robotaxi service is being tested with staff drivers, logging over 15,000 miles in Austin and San Francisco.
    5. Tesla plans to expand the Robotaxi service to multiple U.S. cities by the end of this year.

    Tesla is set to launch its Robotaxi rideshare service, starting with the widely popular Model Y rather than its more cost-effective options like the Cybercab or Model 3.

    Details on the Model Y

    According to Elon Musk, the only distinction between the upcoming autonomous Model Y vehicles and the current ones is that they will operate using the unsupervised version of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature on public streets. “To be clear, the Model Y that we are talking about in being autonomous in Austin in June are the Model Ys we make currently, there’s no change to it,” Musk stated.

    Right now, the freshly manufactured Model Y cars do employ unsupervised FSD, but this is limited to transporting them from the factory to the designated parking areas where they await pickup by delivery trucks.

    Future Plans for the Model Y

    Musk assured that soon the Model Y, alongside other new Tesla models equipped with the HW4/AI4 camera systems and computers, will be able to drive straight to customers’ homes once they are assembled and configured.

    He reiterated that the updated Model Y is “currently on track to be able to do paid rides fully autonomously in Austin in June and then in many other cities in the US by the end of this year.”

    Testing the Rideshare App

    The refreshed Model Y is Tesla’s latest offering, making it an ideal candidate to be the first vehicle in its robotaxi initiative, for which the Tesla AI team recently showcased a ride-hailing app in a video.

    The team is testing the app and refining the new rideshare features using the 2026 Model Y with staff drivers, traveling back and forth in Austin and San Francisco, and has already logged over 15,000 miles on the robotaxi platform.

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  • Cheapest Tesla Under $299/Month: Design May Disappoint

    Cheapest Tesla Under $299/Month: Design May Disappoint

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is developing a budget-friendly Model 2, possibly as a smaller version of the Model Y or Model 3 with cloth seats.
    2. Operating expenses are rising due to AI projects and the development of various vehicle programs, indicating multiple upcoming affordable models.
    3. The design of the Model 2 may include cost-saving measures, such as simpler features and materials to reduce production costs.
    4. Tesla aims to offer the lowest possible monthly ownership costs for its upcoming affordable models, targeting prices below the current $299 lease.
    5. The company is focused on delivering competitive products while maintaining flexibility within existing product lines, rather than creating entirely new models.

    The much-discussed budget-friendly Tesla Model 2 might actually be a smaller version of the Model Y or a Model 3 featuring cloth seats. This information was shared during a recent earnings call where both Elon Musk and Lars Moravy, Tesla’s chief engineer, confirmed that the company is working on cheaper models. They are currently fine-tuning some last-minute details to enable a launch later this year.

    Financial Insights

    Tesla’s current CFO, Vaibhav Taneja, mentioned that “our operating expenses keep rising sequentially,” which is largely due to AI projects like Optimus, along with the development costs for various vehicle programs such as Cybercabs, SEMA, and more affordable model options. The use of the plural “models” when discussing Tesla’s forthcoming budget-friendly cars suggests that the rumors about releasing significantly cheaper versions of the Model Y and Model 3 might hold some truth, especially after the recent debut of a more affordable RWD Cybertruck.

    Design Expectations

    Initially, the Model 2 was anticipated to be a compact version of the Model Y, and that concept seems to be still on the table. A smaller SUV prototype was even seen covered in camouflage during a drone flight over Giga Texas recently. The strategy behind releasing the most affordable Cybertruck could also provide clues on how Tesla plans to design the lower-cost versions of the Model Y and Model 3.

    Currently, cloth seats appear to be Tesla’s primary method for reducing production costs. Eliminating additional design features like light bars or unique wheel designs also helps save money. For the RWD Cybertruck, Tesla removed the air suspension and the automated truck bed cover. However, the changes made for a $10,000 price drop may not seem very valuable, so fingers crossed that the cost-saving measures for the cheaper Model Y will be more thoughtful.

    Future Goals

    Tesla aims to achieve the lowest possible monthly ownership costs with its upcoming affordable models, which “will look similar to our current offerings,” as stated by the CFO. “Our vision of delivering the best product at a competitive price is key for us, and that’s why we’re dedicated to launching these cheaper models soon,” he added.

    “Monthly payments are the biggest point of difference for our vehicles,” noted Moravy, emphasizing that Tesla is working on models with “the lowest price in the market.” This suggests that even more affordable Tesla options could be on the horizon by 2025.

    At present, the least expensive Tesla lease starts at $299 per month, indicating that the company might target a price point below that for their future budget-friendly model. However, Tesla’s chief engineer warned that “the flexibility we have regarding design and form factors is limited to our existing product lines rather than creating entirely new ones.”

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  • Kia EV4 Electric Sedan Coming to US as Affordable Option

    Kia EV4 Electric Sedan Coming to US as Affordable Option

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 2026 Kia EV4 is the first all-electric sedan aimed at the global market, showcased at the 2025 New York International Auto Show.

    2. Available in three trim levels (Light, Wind, and GT-Line), the EV4 features a front-mounted 150 kW motor and various battery options, with ranges from 235 to 330 miles.

    3. Innovative features include i-Pedal 3.0 for variable regenerative braking, vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, and a spacious cabin with nearly 30 inches of display supporting Kia’s AI Assistant.

    4. The EV4 will be launched in the US in early 2026, with releases planned for the UK and Australia later in 2025.

    5. While US pricing is not yet announced, it is expected to be more affordable than the EV6, which starts at $42,900.

    Kia has recently showcased the 2026 EV4 at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. The automaker asserts that this model is the first all-electric sedan aimed at the global market. The vehicle was seen on American roads and at the Nurburgring racetrack in late 2024, and it has already made its debut in Korea.

    Various Trim Levels Available

    Buyers can select from three different trim levels, all constructed on Kia’s 400V E-GMP platform featuring a front-mounted 150 kW motor. The first option is the Light, equipped with a 58.3 kWh battery, promising an estimated range of 235 miles (~378 km) and fitted with 17-inch wheels. The next variant is the Wind, which boasts a larger 81.4 kWh battery for an estimated range of 330 miles (~531 km). The top-tier GT-Line uses the same battery as the Wind but comes with larger 19-inch wheels. Kia reports that the DC fast-charging using the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port allows for a battery charge from 10% to 80% in about thirty minutes.

    Innovative Features

    A standout aspect of the EV4 sedan is the i-Pedal 3.0 featuring variable regenerative braking, which enables the driver to halt the vehicle completely just by using the accelerator pedal. Additionally, it has vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capability, allowing users to power devices such as a laptop or light, while the Digital Key 2.0 feature enables car access from a smartphone. Inside, the spacious cabin is designed with nearly 30 inches of display that includes Kia’s AI Assistant and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Furthermore, the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) can automatically modify the set speed under certain circumstances, and it includes features like Lane Following Assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

    Anticipated Launch and Pricing

    The 2026 Kia EV4 electric sedan is expected to hit the US market in early 2026, with plans for a release in countries like the UK and Australia later in 2025. The US pricing for this model has not been officially revealed yet, but it is believed to be more affordable than the EV6, which begins at $42,900.

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  • Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition Revealed with Boost Feature

    Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition Revealed with Boost Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 2026 Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition features a stylish design with Gloss Black accents and unique 20-inch wheels.
    2. It includes a performance upgrade, boosting torque to 516 lb-ft and enabling 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 4.5 seconds.
    3. The EV9 Nightfall Edition adopts the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for access to the Tesla Supercharger network.
    4. The vehicle is produced at Kia’s West Point facility in Georgia and qualifies for a $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
    5. The EV9 Nightfall Edition is expected to be available in the US by the end of June, with a starting price estimate of around $69,900.

    The 2026 Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition has been launched at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. This edition of the three-row SUV is claimed to present a notably chic design and features a performance boost.

    Stylish Features

    The EV9 Nightfall Edition is offered in the dual-motor Land all-wheel drive (AWD) trim, available in configurations of either six or seven seats. It showcases Gloss Black accents on the front grille, skid plates, and roof rails, along with unique Gloss Black 20-inch wheels fitted with 275/50R-20 all-season tires. Additional unique features include the Roadrider Brown paint and a black interior adorned with real stitching.

    Performance Upgrade

    Furthermore, the new EV9 Nightfall Edition is equipped with the Boost feature, which enhances torque from 443 lb-ft (~600 Nm) to 516 lb-ft (~700 Nm). When combined with the 379 horsepower from the motors, it enables acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (~100 kph) in just 4.5 seconds. This Boost feature is included at no extra cost in this package but can also be bought separately for other EV9 Wind AWD and Land AWD trims. Additionally, the 2026 EV9 adopts the North American Charging Standard (NACS), allowing access to the Tesla Supercharger network for recharging. You can also use Combined Charging System networks, but this will need an optional adapter.

    Manufacturing and Pricing

    Kia mentions that the EV9 sold in the US is produced at its West Point facility in Georgia and qualifies for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. The 2026 EV9 Nightfall Edition is anticipated to be available in the US by the end of June, although the price hasn’t been disclosed yet. As a ballpark figure, the starting price for the 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD is set at $69,900.

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