Jada Michael
As WanXiang expands into a cleaner, greener company, there will be a few challenges that the company will face. To name one, the costs of developing the all electric car is much more expensive compared to a gas based car; the cost versus profit rarely balances out unless the car is sold for about 2 million RMB as a WanXiang associate said. Karma, the all electric car company, produces very few cars that are only sold in America and other wealthy countries. Another problem that WanXiang faces is having enough energy from the renewable resources. While we visited the Natural Gas Facilities in ZheJiang province, there was a lot of mention of having to use multiple sources to power the state grid. There is not a renewable power source that can be used solely for the state grid; there must be multiple used together. Many are also based on the environment, for example, solar panels. Solar panels are only viable during the day, in bright sun. If there’s rain or clouds, the resource becomes completely unviable. WanXiang has been researching ways to make the renewable energy more efficient rather than just creating more plants, quality over quantity. Overall WanXiang is a very advanced company with a few challenges to face in the future.
Aarti Itikirala
In the future as WanXiang expands upon its clean energy initiative, the company will face many challenges and advancements. However, in order to ensure the growth of the company Wanxiang must address the challenges of cost, creating an effective solution, and convincing other companies to contribute money towards a truly impactful initiative. Cost is the biggest challenge WanXiang will face as it continues to expand because clean energy research and solution development can take a drastic toll on the company’s financial budget. Following cost, another challenge WanXiang may potentially face as a result of expansion is the need for a more impactful solution to greenhouse gas emissions. Without a proper and impactful solution, the company will not be able to financially sustain its position as an advocate for reducing air pollution. A lack of a proper solution may also deter other companies from sponsoring the research of WanXiang which can only hurt the company’s budget in the long run. Once the company has worked upon tackling their challenges, they will experience many advancements and developments. For one, they will advance their city and its available facilities to better suit the goal of their overall project. This in turn will allow them to stand in a higher position than other countries for their work in the clean energy field. A change in global reputation could mean better business for the company and more contributors for Wanxiang’s clean energy related projects in the future. All in all, an expansion of the WanXiang Company’s clean energy initiative will result in both challenges and in turn, also advancements. If the company can tackle the challenges and properly welcome the advancements the company will be able to better develop on its designed city and will also be able to hold a higher global position. It’s global position could be forever changed financially, reputably, and as an advocate for clean energy initiatives.
In the future as WanXiang expands upon its clean energy initiative, the company will face many challenges and advancements. However, in order to ensure the growth of the company Wanxiang must address the challenges of cost, creating an effective solution, and convincing other companies to contribute money towards a truly impactful initiative. Cost is the biggest challenge WanXiang will face as it continues to expand because clean energy research and solution development can take a drastic toll on the company’s financial budget. Following cost, another challenge WanXiang may potentially face as a result of expansion is the need for a more impactful solution to greenhouse gas emissions. Without a proper and impactful solution, the company will not be able to financially sustain its position as an advocate for reducing air pollution. A lack of a proper solution may also deter other companies from sponsoring the research of WanXiang which can only hurt the company’s budget in the long run. Once the company has worked upon tackling their challenges, they will experience many advancements and developments. For one, they will advance their city and its available facilities to better suit the goal of their overall project. This in turn will allow them to stand in a higher position than other countries for their work in the clean energy field. A change in global reputation could mean better business for the company and more contributors for Wanxiang’s clean energy related projects in the future. All in all, an expansion of the WanXiang Company’s clean energy initiative will result in both challenges and in turn, also advancements. If the company can tackle the challenges and properly welcome the advancements the company will be able to better develop on its designed city and will also be able to hold a higher global position. It’s global position could be forever changed financially, reputably, and as an advocate for clean energy initiatives.
Amy Wong
In a modern world where advocates for reformations are speaking out, many companies are altering their ways of conduct in order to fulfill the needs of the mainstream mindset. Wanxiang is one of those companies who are trying to become more green for the well-being of the world but there are many problems they would have to face as they expand their Green Energy Initiative. Wanxiang is the original equipment manufacturer for the smallest and most convenient Lithium Ione Battery. Because of its that, many name branded cars-such as BMW, Audi and Nissan-uses the battery for their cars. One drawback of this however is that these batteries are now 100% green. Wanxiang has said however that they are researching a solution to that. While visiting their company, we saw one of their most valuable product- the Karma car. This electric car is said to be sold solely in the USA. The problem with this marketing tactic however is the fact that there is little to no commercial effect of the Karma Car. Before coming to China for the program, I have never heard of this brand. Another problem is that America also has Tesla which is considerably more popular. Domestic cars are often chosen over imported because of the nationalistic pride of the American citizens and the chase after the glory of owning such an well known car. Even in China, there is considerably more Tesla cars compared to Delaware. With some advertising there could be a chance that Karma would become a well known brand because their car is like a breathe of fresh air within the industry. With great power comes with great responsibility but I believe Wanxiang will be able to overcome all these issues and rise to the top with their Green Energy Initiative.
In a modern world where advocates for reformations are speaking out, many companies are altering their ways of conduct in order to fulfill the needs of the mainstream mindset. Wanxiang is one of those companies who are trying to become more green for the well-being of the world but there are many problems they would have to face as they expand their Green Energy Initiative. Wanxiang is the original equipment manufacturer for the smallest and most convenient Lithium Ione Battery. Because of its that, many name branded cars-such as BMW, Audi and Nissan-uses the battery for their cars. One drawback of this however is that these batteries are now 100% green. Wanxiang has said however that they are researching a solution to that. While visiting their company, we saw one of their most valuable product- the Karma car. This electric car is said to be sold solely in the USA. The problem with this marketing tactic however is the fact that there is little to no commercial effect of the Karma Car. Before coming to China for the program, I have never heard of this brand. Another problem is that America also has Tesla which is considerably more popular. Domestic cars are often chosen over imported because of the nationalistic pride of the American citizens and the chase after the glory of owning such an well known car. Even in China, there is considerably more Tesla cars compared to Delaware. With some advertising there could be a chance that Karma would become a well known brand because their car is like a breathe of fresh air within the industry. With great power comes with great responsibility but I believe Wanxiang will be able to overcome all these issues and rise to the top with their Green Energy Initiative.
Saankya Suresh
As WanXiang expands their green energy initiative , they will make great strides but also might have some challenges along the way. First, they have had great achievements with the Karma car. It has solar panels on top, a gas fuel in the front, and a electric battery in the back. WanXiang has also made advancements in their collaborations with other organizations and the new green energy city they plan to construct. As we learned on the tour, this city will include universities such as MIT and companies like Audi to create better green energy solutions on a larger scale. Despite all of these amazing achievements, WanXiang still faces challenges. The new city they plan to construct could face backlash from the public living close to there. The Karma car, though available in the US costs $102,000-116,000. That is expensive for the public. This shows one major hurdle they have to cross, bringing this solutions to the public in a cost-effective way. On our tour of WanXiang, we learned about their bright future, but also about the challenges they will face.
As WanXiang expands their green energy initiative , they will make great strides but also might have some challenges along the way. First, they have had great achievements with the Karma car. It has solar panels on top, a gas fuel in the front, and a electric battery in the back. WanXiang has also made advancements in their collaborations with other organizations and the new green energy city they plan to construct. As we learned on the tour, this city will include universities such as MIT and companies like Audi to create better green energy solutions on a larger scale. Despite all of these amazing achievements, WanXiang still faces challenges. The new city they plan to construct could face backlash from the public living close to there. The Karma car, though available in the US costs $102,000-116,000. That is expensive for the public. This shows one major hurdle they have to cross, bringing this solutions to the public in a cost-effective way. On our tour of WanXiang, we learned about their bright future, but also about the challenges they will face.
Micaela Maxwell
In their quest for expanding green energy, and developing energy efficient batteries Wanxiang has faced many challenges, as well as advancements. Although, Wanxiang is proficient in developing solar panels and other forms of solar energy, Wanxiang is looking for other materials. As of right now, the materials used for solar panels is very costly. Because of there costliness, the expansion of solar panels is difficult. Due to this problem Wanxiang is currently looking for many other cheaper types and substitute materials. With cheaper materials solar panels will become a more feasible option. Secondly, Wanxiang is looking at nuclear energy as another energy form. Although forms of energy such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric are very good methods of clean energy, they are very dependent on weather and climate. As a new form of energy, nuclear energy is less dependent on environmental factors compared to wind, solar and hydroelectric. Lastly Wanxiang is in the process of developing stackable batteries. The development of these batteries will aid in providing efficient, long lasting clean energy in cars and other machinery. Wanxiang’s stackable batteries will help boost the clean energy market and expand the world of clean energy. Overall Wanxiang is making major strides in the world of clean energy.
In their quest for expanding green energy, and developing energy efficient batteries Wanxiang has faced many challenges, as well as advancements. Although, Wanxiang is proficient in developing solar panels and other forms of solar energy, Wanxiang is looking for other materials. As of right now, the materials used for solar panels is very costly. Because of there costliness, the expansion of solar panels is difficult. Due to this problem Wanxiang is currently looking for many other cheaper types and substitute materials. With cheaper materials solar panels will become a more feasible option. Secondly, Wanxiang is looking at nuclear energy as another energy form. Although forms of energy such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric are very good methods of clean energy, they are very dependent on weather and climate. As a new form of energy, nuclear energy is less dependent on environmental factors compared to wind, solar and hydroelectric. Lastly Wanxiang is in the process of developing stackable batteries. The development of these batteries will aid in providing efficient, long lasting clean energy in cars and other machinery. Wanxiang’s stackable batteries will help boost the clean energy market and expand the world of clean energy. Overall Wanxiang is making major strides in the world of clean energy.
Raphael Kim
Wanxiang Group was originally founded in 1969 by Mr. Lu Guanqiu. It began as an agriculture machinery repair shop with an investment of of only 4,000 yuan near the Qiantang River. Today, Wanxiang is an acclaimed enterprise that spans countless nations, making 100 billion yuan revenue and a profit of 10 billion yuan. Encompassing 65% of the market share, Wanxiang Group specializes in automotive parts and manufacturing. 20 years ago, Wanxiang Group entered the clean energy industry and invested billions of yuan in batteries, electric cars, natural gas, and wind energy. Wanxiang is partners with many American companies and car enterprises such as Karma and BMW. It is acknowledged as one of the 16 most competitive Chinese businesses in the world. One of Wanxiang’s major planned advancements in the future is the Wanxiang Innovative Energy Fusion City. It will span 10 square kilometers in Hangzhou. The city will feature several centers of clean energy and possibly research centers for American universities including MIT and the University or Chicago. One important challenge that Wanxiang will face in the future regarding clean energy is the cost. In general, clean energy is more costly than energy produced by pollution-causing substances. However, the catastrophic effects caused by fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum have prompted more development in clean energy. Especially in the area of clean energy cars, the problem of cost is prominent because this increases the cost of the cars and decreases the size of the market for those cars. Despite these challenges, Wanxiang has been at the forefront of science, striving to become, in their own terms, “a world respected historical enterprise”.
Wanxiang Group was originally founded in 1969 by Mr. Lu Guanqiu. It began as an agriculture machinery repair shop with an investment of of only 4,000 yuan near the Qiantang River. Today, Wanxiang is an acclaimed enterprise that spans countless nations, making 100 billion yuan revenue and a profit of 10 billion yuan. Encompassing 65% of the market share, Wanxiang Group specializes in automotive parts and manufacturing. 20 years ago, Wanxiang Group entered the clean energy industry and invested billions of yuan in batteries, electric cars, natural gas, and wind energy. Wanxiang is partners with many American companies and car enterprises such as Karma and BMW. It is acknowledged as one of the 16 most competitive Chinese businesses in the world. One of Wanxiang’s major planned advancements in the future is the Wanxiang Innovative Energy Fusion City. It will span 10 square kilometers in Hangzhou. The city will feature several centers of clean energy and possibly research centers for American universities including MIT and the University or Chicago. One important challenge that Wanxiang will face in the future regarding clean energy is the cost. In general, clean energy is more costly than energy produced by pollution-causing substances. However, the catastrophic effects caused by fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum have prompted more development in clean energy. Especially in the area of clean energy cars, the problem of cost is prominent because this increases the cost of the cars and decreases the size of the market for those cars. Despite these challenges, Wanxiang has been at the forefront of science, striving to become, in their own terms, “a world respected historical enterprise”.
Trang Tsan
One of their biggest advances and challenges that Wanxiang will face is their future plan to make a green energy town. A future with a green energy town would be very difficult to achieve and require lots of new technological advancement. Their models shows an underground facility that can elevate to the surface which is a great achievement to do. The idea would also need lots of funding and profit to sustain itself but once it’s achievable, it would greatly improve our planet. Another of Wanxiang’s greatest achievement is their cars and batteries. Their Karma cars has solar panels on its roof and uses kinetic from its breaks to put back into the car. Although their car is a great concept and idea, it is not affordable for a regular consumer. The price of the car is around 300,000 usd and can not support the company financially. If in the future they could produce the car cheaper, it would be a great help to the environment. The batteries that Wanxiang is producing is one of the best and smallest in the market. Their batteries are small but also very powerful and have lots of energy stored in its components. The problem with the batteries is that it’s not 100% green energy yet but they are trying to achieve it in the future.
One of their biggest advances and challenges that Wanxiang will face is their future plan to make a green energy town. A future with a green energy town would be very difficult to achieve and require lots of new technological advancement. Their models shows an underground facility that can elevate to the surface which is a great achievement to do. The idea would also need lots of funding and profit to sustain itself but once it’s achievable, it would greatly improve our planet. Another of Wanxiang’s greatest achievement is their cars and batteries. Their Karma cars has solar panels on its roof and uses kinetic from its breaks to put back into the car. Although their car is a great concept and idea, it is not affordable for a regular consumer. The price of the car is around 300,000 usd and can not support the company financially. If in the future they could produce the car cheaper, it would be a great help to the environment. The batteries that Wanxiang is producing is one of the best and smallest in the market. Their batteries are small but also very powerful and have lots of energy stored in its components. The problem with the batteries is that it’s not 100% green energy yet but they are trying to achieve it in the future.
Alexa Fuad
As Wanxiang continues to expand as a global company, there are many challenges they must overcome and many advancements they must produce. One of the Wanxiang Group’s investments is in the Karma electric car. This car is entirely sustainable and runs solely on solar and electric energy. While the Karma car is environmentally conscious and is able to run without fuel, it isn’t the most affordable option available. The cars that we viewed were listed around $300,000 and can be customizable. For most people this is an insane price. The Karma car already has a small market and only sells a few cars: it is not well known, and a foreign company isn’t always well-received in the United States. So why is this car so expensive? One fifth of the price is just from their lithium ion battery, which is a renewable option. However the process for extracting lithium ions to create this battery is not as green as we originally thought. Because a lot of energy is required to obtain the ions, coal is used as an energy source which slightly undermines the green initiative. So while this battery is good on smaller scales, it is inefficient for production on a bigger scale. Some of the challenges Wanxiang faces have to do with their pricing and over-all sustainability. However, Wanxiang also has many plans for advancement in store. They have plans to expand their influence by partnering with more companies and research institutes, such as MIT. As Wanxiang increases their global impact, they’ll be able to work towards an entirely green enterprise. One of their biggest plans for the near future is to build an exclusively green city that will rely only on sustainable energy. This city will also take in more CO2 emissions than it produces, which will ultimately benefit both the atmosphere and environment as a whole. Wanxiang has many obstacles they must overcome, but their plans for the future will lead to a cleaner, more sustainable world.
As Wanxiang continues to expand as a global company, there are many challenges they must overcome and many advancements they must produce. One of the Wanxiang Group’s investments is in the Karma electric car. This car is entirely sustainable and runs solely on solar and electric energy. While the Karma car is environmentally conscious and is able to run without fuel, it isn’t the most affordable option available. The cars that we viewed were listed around $300,000 and can be customizable. For most people this is an insane price. The Karma car already has a small market and only sells a few cars: it is not well known, and a foreign company isn’t always well-received in the United States. So why is this car so expensive? One fifth of the price is just from their lithium ion battery, which is a renewable option. However the process for extracting lithium ions to create this battery is not as green as we originally thought. Because a lot of energy is required to obtain the ions, coal is used as an energy source which slightly undermines the green initiative. So while this battery is good on smaller scales, it is inefficient for production on a bigger scale. Some of the challenges Wanxiang faces have to do with their pricing and over-all sustainability. However, Wanxiang also has many plans for advancement in store. They have plans to expand their influence by partnering with more companies and research institutes, such as MIT. As Wanxiang increases their global impact, they’ll be able to work towards an entirely green enterprise. One of their biggest plans for the near future is to build an exclusively green city that will rely only on sustainable energy. This city will also take in more CO2 emissions than it produces, which will ultimately benefit both the atmosphere and environment as a whole. Wanxiang has many obstacles they must overcome, but their plans for the future will lead to a cleaner, more sustainable world.
Grace Tapia
Since the year of 1969, WanXiang Corporation has found their purpose as a “internationalized, high tech new energy enterprise”. When WanXiang began to shift their focus to clean energy industry in 1999 they invested billion of dollars on new energy product components. Although the investments in clean energy products were successful there are still many challenges that interferes with their future plans. Eventually , the biggest challenge that WanXiang group faces is the higher cost of clean energy compared to fossil fuels sources of energy. According to the Seminar: “China’s Plan and Recent Development in Clean Energy”, lectured by Zhou Zhanggui, he mentions that by 2014 China's main energy consumption was still Fossil Fuels. Coal had a high net energy yield so therefore it is much more effective, time and cost wise, for industries to use coal to produced high masses of energy. This prevents WanXiang from successfully replacing fossil fuel energy sources to other form of clean energy sources since it does not benefit other industries. Not only is it not effective for other industries to use clean energy sources but it’s also too expensive for low-income families. When dealing with Renewable energy WanXiang group has to find strategies that satisfy the high demand of energy and finding a way to make it effective and beneficial so industries can get motivated to changed from fossil fuel energy to clean energy.
Since the year of 1969, WanXiang Corporation has found their purpose as a “internationalized, high tech new energy enterprise”. When WanXiang began to shift their focus to clean energy industry in 1999 they invested billion of dollars on new energy product components. Although the investments in clean energy products were successful there are still many challenges that interferes with their future plans. Eventually , the biggest challenge that WanXiang group faces is the higher cost of clean energy compared to fossil fuels sources of energy. According to the Seminar: “China’s Plan and Recent Development in Clean Energy”, lectured by Zhou Zhanggui, he mentions that by 2014 China's main energy consumption was still Fossil Fuels. Coal had a high net energy yield so therefore it is much more effective, time and cost wise, for industries to use coal to produced high masses of energy. This prevents WanXiang from successfully replacing fossil fuel energy sources to other form of clean energy sources since it does not benefit other industries. Not only is it not effective for other industries to use clean energy sources but it’s also too expensive for low-income families. When dealing with Renewable energy WanXiang group has to find strategies that satisfy the high demand of energy and finding a way to make it effective and beneficial so industries can get motivated to changed from fossil fuel energy to clean energy.
Amanda Masiello
As Wanxiang continues to expand their Green Energy Initiative, they will face challenges of going global in their initiative as well as advancing their already great achievements. Living in America, I had never heard of Karma as a car before coming here. Although the company is partnered with many well known companies such as Tesla, BMW, and Nissan, not many know the name Wanxiang in America. The challenge will be creating a more well known brand to help spread their Green Energy Initiative and spread the popularity of their electric vehicle. Wanxiang focuses on improving their technology instead of expanding. The advancements they have made in the batteries they've made are great and they currently do not have competition for in the market. If they continue to made these advancements, Wanxiang as a company will hopefully become more well known around the world.
As Wanxiang continues to expand their Green Energy Initiative, they will face challenges of going global in their initiative as well as advancing their already great achievements. Living in America, I had never heard of Karma as a car before coming here. Although the company is partnered with many well known companies such as Tesla, BMW, and Nissan, not many know the name Wanxiang in America. The challenge will be creating a more well known brand to help spread their Green Energy Initiative and spread the popularity of their electric vehicle. Wanxiang focuses on improving their technology instead of expanding. The advancements they have made in the batteries they've made are great and they currently do not have competition for in the market. If they continue to made these advancements, Wanxiang as a company will hopefully become more well known around the world.
Chloe McCurry
After learning more about China’s plans in STEM and in green energy through seminars and visiting Wanxiang facilities, I have learned many things about the Wanxiang group. Wanxiang has some very impressive advancements in natural gas production. Most of their clean energy is made through the production of natural gas, which has been able to reduce the amount of pollution that is given off into the air. Wanxiang is also very efficient in absorbing clean energetic when it comes to the production of their electric cars. The cars have solar panels on the roof to absorb energy from the sun which gives the car an abundance of energy. There is also the battery in the back of the car which allows the car to not run on gas, reducing the amount of pollution given off from fuel. The electric cars the Wanxiang group has been making are very energy efficient and a huge advancement for the group. Some challenges they have faced is that the batteries they use in their electric cars are not as efficient as they could be. The batteries are made with cobalt which is a very rare material and very hard to find. Hopefully in the future Wanxiang is able to find a replacement for cobalt which is much more efficient. Another challenge that the group faces is that their production of energy is not 100% clean. There is still a small amount of pollution that is produced when creating their solar panels and car batteries. However as the group keeps growing and learning new ways to solve these challenges they will build a very efficient clean energy group.
After learning more about China’s plans in STEM and in green energy through seminars and visiting Wanxiang facilities, I have learned many things about the Wanxiang group. Wanxiang has some very impressive advancements in natural gas production. Most of their clean energy is made through the production of natural gas, which has been able to reduce the amount of pollution that is given off into the air. Wanxiang is also very efficient in absorbing clean energetic when it comes to the production of their electric cars. The cars have solar panels on the roof to absorb energy from the sun which gives the car an abundance of energy. There is also the battery in the back of the car which allows the car to not run on gas, reducing the amount of pollution given off from fuel. The electric cars the Wanxiang group has been making are very energy efficient and a huge advancement for the group. Some challenges they have faced is that the batteries they use in their electric cars are not as efficient as they could be. The batteries are made with cobalt which is a very rare material and very hard to find. Hopefully in the future Wanxiang is able to find a replacement for cobalt which is much more efficient. Another challenge that the group faces is that their production of energy is not 100% clean. There is still a small amount of pollution that is produced when creating their solar panels and car batteries. However as the group keeps growing and learning new ways to solve these challenges they will build a very efficient clean energy group.
Rachel Deem
While our group toured the Wanxiang Facilities, we learned about their recent advancement in green energy concerning electric cars, solar energy, and environmental science. One of the advantages of their Green Energy Initiative is that they are international, thanks to their collaborations with larger car companies, such as Kia and Nissan. This is also a disadvantage for them, as they are mostly unknown to the larger public, even though their products are, for the most part, successful in the American market. Additionally, Wanxiang Facilities is developing Solid State batteries, which are smaller, safer, and more efficient than the lithium batteries we currently use. This innovation will help us greatly in developing newer and stronger technology that utilize green energy, and refining the tech we already use. One of their newest car models, Karma, is a testament to this. A disadvantage to their Green Energy Initiative is their price, which makes them largely more expensive than traditional cars. In time, we can hope to see that the process of manufacturing electric and hybrid cars is made more efficient, so they can begin to become more available to the general public.
While our group toured the Wanxiang Facilities, we learned about their recent advancement in green energy concerning electric cars, solar energy, and environmental science. One of the advantages of their Green Energy Initiative is that they are international, thanks to their collaborations with larger car companies, such as Kia and Nissan. This is also a disadvantage for them, as they are mostly unknown to the larger public, even though their products are, for the most part, successful in the American market. Additionally, Wanxiang Facilities is developing Solid State batteries, which are smaller, safer, and more efficient than the lithium batteries we currently use. This innovation will help us greatly in developing newer and stronger technology that utilize green energy, and refining the tech we already use. One of their newest car models, Karma, is a testament to this. A disadvantage to their Green Energy Initiative is their price, which makes them largely more expensive than traditional cars. In time, we can hope to see that the process of manufacturing electric and hybrid cars is made more efficient, so they can begin to become more available to the general public.
Sammi Farley
Wanxiang has made numerous advancements towards creating technology that both provides consumers with ideal product experiences and reduces the damage being inflicted upon the planet. One of Wanxiang Groups main businesses is in manufacturing automotive components. Within the last 20 years, Wanxiang has become heavily invested in the clean energy market and have gradually arisen in it on an international scale, collaborating with the United States and various other countries. Examples include becoming producers of lithium-ion batteries, which are rechargeable, can hold renewable energy, and emit no gas as a byproduct. Wanxiang is also investing huge amounts of money into building an "Energy Fusion City." This industrial park will be a clean energy city. However, Wanxiang and any other corporation involved in developing green energy solutions face the problem of fossil fuels and other nonrenewable energy sources being cheaper and easily available to people right now. Individuals have to be willing to take the effort to switch to an electric car or solar panels. Because we don't currently see any massive impacts of a depleting supply of nonrenewable energy sources, there's not enough encouragement to have people voluntarily switch over to using the greener solutions that Wanxiang has been developing. Along the same lines, green energy solutions are significantly more expensive then their ordinary counterparts. On the tour of Wanxiang, we had the opportunity of seeing a Wanxiang produced electric car. Despite the positives of having a fully electric car, the higher price compared to a standard car is simply not an option for many people. Wanxiang has to find ways to make green energy technologies affordable to the standard person. Overall, in the future Wanxiang faces the problem of finding a way of getting their technology innovations into the hands of the masses. Green energy solutions are gradually becoming more and more prominent as humanity is forced to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and world. Wanxiang's innovations and the vastly growing field of clean energy solutions have the potential to change energy consumption and usage as we know it, and it would be for the good of the future. People just have to be incentivized to invest in and use these technologies.
Wanxiang has made numerous advancements towards creating technology that both provides consumers with ideal product experiences and reduces the damage being inflicted upon the planet. One of Wanxiang Groups main businesses is in manufacturing automotive components. Within the last 20 years, Wanxiang has become heavily invested in the clean energy market and have gradually arisen in it on an international scale, collaborating with the United States and various other countries. Examples include becoming producers of lithium-ion batteries, which are rechargeable, can hold renewable energy, and emit no gas as a byproduct. Wanxiang is also investing huge amounts of money into building an "Energy Fusion City." This industrial park will be a clean energy city. However, Wanxiang and any other corporation involved in developing green energy solutions face the problem of fossil fuels and other nonrenewable energy sources being cheaper and easily available to people right now. Individuals have to be willing to take the effort to switch to an electric car or solar panels. Because we don't currently see any massive impacts of a depleting supply of nonrenewable energy sources, there's not enough encouragement to have people voluntarily switch over to using the greener solutions that Wanxiang has been developing. Along the same lines, green energy solutions are significantly more expensive then their ordinary counterparts. On the tour of Wanxiang, we had the opportunity of seeing a Wanxiang produced electric car. Despite the positives of having a fully electric car, the higher price compared to a standard car is simply not an option for many people. Wanxiang has to find ways to make green energy technologies affordable to the standard person. Overall, in the future Wanxiang faces the problem of finding a way of getting their technology innovations into the hands of the masses. Green energy solutions are gradually becoming more and more prominent as humanity is forced to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and world. Wanxiang's innovations and the vastly growing field of clean energy solutions have the potential to change energy consumption and usage as we know it, and it would be for the good of the future. People just have to be incentivized to invest in and use these technologies.
Danielle Weyl
As Wanxiang looks towards the future, they will inevitably face some challenges on the path to their newest advancements. The biggest project they have currently in the works is the New Energy City, which aims to run on a number of different renewable energy sources. With such a large scale project, there are bound to be dissenters. Obtaining the land and resources necessary to complete this project will be costly, and the construction is bound to take several years of work. Based on the three models we saw on our tour of the facility, the city will not be small, either. It may require the relocation of families and businesses that are in the way of construction, which while unwanted and unintentional, is still an issue that may need to be addressed when the project officially begins. Outside of the New Energy City, Wanxiang is also in the process of researching new advancements in efficient solar panels for buildings and power plants, as well as for the new car models that are in development. One realization made was that the production of green energy advancements calls for the use of other non-renewable energy sources which often result in the air pollution that is so prominent in eastern Chinese cities. Wanxiang is currently working on finding solutions to make green energy more accessible and better to produce.
As Wanxiang looks towards the future, they will inevitably face some challenges on the path to their newest advancements. The biggest project they have currently in the works is the New Energy City, which aims to run on a number of different renewable energy sources. With such a large scale project, there are bound to be dissenters. Obtaining the land and resources necessary to complete this project will be costly, and the construction is bound to take several years of work. Based on the three models we saw on our tour of the facility, the city will not be small, either. It may require the relocation of families and businesses that are in the way of construction, which while unwanted and unintentional, is still an issue that may need to be addressed when the project officially begins. Outside of the New Energy City, Wanxiang is also in the process of researching new advancements in efficient solar panels for buildings and power plants, as well as for the new car models that are in development. One realization made was that the production of green energy advancements calls for the use of other non-renewable energy sources which often result in the air pollution that is so prominent in eastern Chinese cities. Wanxiang is currently working on finding solutions to make green energy more accessible and better to produce.
Matt Shanahan
Throughout our Hangzhou trip, I was able to learn a lot about STEM and renewable energy. What specifically interested me was the efficiency of the energy made and the process of which it is made. We got to go to the Wangxiang facility to learn about the lithium ion batteries being made there and were given a brief introduction into how they are engineered. We were then given information about how these batteries are used in electric cars, specifically how efficient these batteries are. I learned that while electric cars are a more eco-friendly method of transportation, they may only be able to go 50 miles on one charge while a full tank of gas could take a regular car much farther. Also, charging stations are not as common at gas stations, and it may take a while for an electric car to charge while a tank can be filled in minutes. When looking at transportation alone, electric cars seem to be less efficient. Also, we learned about solar panels at a separate seminar, and for the efficiency of renewable energy made, I learned that solar panels are actually not that efficient at producing energy. This made me think about how, in the grand scheme of things, renewable energy will change over time to become more efficient and maybe a better alternative to fossil fuels.
Jonus Ho
I think the main factor that will affect Wanxiang’s Green Energy Initiative is the cost of producing clean energy and vehicles. As we learned in the seminar on photovoltaics, solar panels such as the ones on the Karma are expensive to manufacture when compared the same cost of energy from other sources. One factor of the cost is the expensive raw materials needed such as platinum and ruthenium. In order to make a profit, and provide a well priced product to customers, new innovations need to happen, such as more efficient solar panels. But most likely the main innovation that will help decrease the prices and increase the appeal of electric vehicles is the battery. According to the lecture at the Wanxiang facilities, the battery takes up about 1/5 of the total cost of the car. Something like the innovation of a state of the art solid state battery could increase the range of the car while decreasing the price of the car, while keeping the same general design and aesthetic. Another problem that i can see Wanxiang having now with their car is the lack of significant manufacturing infrastructure with their cars. Compared to other high end electric vehicles in the US, the Karma Revero is relatively expensive, without being drastically different from a car like one from Tesla. To conclude, one of the main factors hindering a wider use of green energy is the price. It is not always profitable to use renewable resources over conventional methods, for example, photovoltaics or wind power. In addition, current rechargeable lithium ion batteries are not ideal at the moment. They pack less electricity than other kinds of batteries, meaning not all modern electric cars can effectively catch up to gas cars in terms of range. At this point in time, conventional methods of generating energy are just usually more profitable than clean energy.
I think the main factor that will affect Wanxiang’s Green Energy Initiative is the cost of producing clean energy and vehicles. As we learned in the seminar on photovoltaics, solar panels such as the ones on the Karma are expensive to manufacture when compared the same cost of energy from other sources. One factor of the cost is the expensive raw materials needed such as platinum and ruthenium. In order to make a profit, and provide a well priced product to customers, new innovations need to happen, such as more efficient solar panels. But most likely the main innovation that will help decrease the prices and increase the appeal of electric vehicles is the battery. According to the lecture at the Wanxiang facilities, the battery takes up about 1/5 of the total cost of the car. Something like the innovation of a state of the art solid state battery could increase the range of the car while decreasing the price of the car, while keeping the same general design and aesthetic. Another problem that i can see Wanxiang having now with their car is the lack of significant manufacturing infrastructure with their cars. Compared to other high end electric vehicles in the US, the Karma Revero is relatively expensive, without being drastically different from a car like one from Tesla. To conclude, one of the main factors hindering a wider use of green energy is the price. It is not always profitable to use renewable resources over conventional methods, for example, photovoltaics or wind power. In addition, current rechargeable lithium ion batteries are not ideal at the moment. They pack less electricity than other kinds of batteries, meaning not all modern electric cars can effectively catch up to gas cars in terms of range. At this point in time, conventional methods of generating energy are just usually more profitable than clean energy.
Rajeev Sashti
During our visit to Wanxiang we were given the opportunity to explore their facility and inquire about the present and the future of Wanxiang from the CFO of A123. Considering information given by the CFO of A123, as well as general information about the future of green energy and the future of international economies, I believe that in the coming years Wanxiang's advancements will continue, but will slow down. Although major steps on green energy are being taken in China's major cities, this is not enough to combat the massive amounts of pollution already emitted. This situation is not improving, as according to the CFO of A123, green energies are only getting marginally more efficient every couple of years; for example, it takes years to increase the efficiency of solar energy by a single percentage. These energies, like solar panels, are also produced by traditional fossil fuels. Wanxiang being a Chinese company with facilities around the world, can potentially have negative consequences based on continued foreign relations, like the recent U.S.-China trade wars. Despite these recent events and the potential future of green energy, Wanxiang can still advance in their vision as a green energy provider. New types of green energy, like nuclear energy, and reduced foreign tensions can enable Wanxiang to realize their goal.
During our visit to Wanxiang we were given the opportunity to explore their facility and inquire about the present and the future of Wanxiang from the CFO of A123. Considering information given by the CFO of A123, as well as general information about the future of green energy and the future of international economies, I believe that in the coming years Wanxiang's advancements will continue, but will slow down. Although major steps on green energy are being taken in China's major cities, this is not enough to combat the massive amounts of pollution already emitted. This situation is not improving, as according to the CFO of A123, green energies are only getting marginally more efficient every couple of years; for example, it takes years to increase the efficiency of solar energy by a single percentage. These energies, like solar panels, are also produced by traditional fossil fuels. Wanxiang being a Chinese company with facilities around the world, can potentially have negative consequences based on continued foreign relations, like the recent U.S.-China trade wars. Despite these recent events and the potential future of green energy, Wanxiang can still advance in their vision as a green energy provider. New types of green energy, like nuclear energy, and reduced foreign tensions can enable Wanxiang to realize their goal.
Paige Morrill
During the trip to the wanxiang facilities, it was really interesting how they started there business from little, and how they have expanded since then. Also the EV facilities have been working on energy efficiency and clean energy to use, with solar and wind power plants, with making enough energy to give energy to 56,000 families for one hour. The wanxiang facilities work on batteries and energy, but also electric cars. They made no plans to keep expanding, but plans to develop on other things, like more efficient clean energy production. They spend a lot of money into their business and make a lot of technology that can be beneficial to people and the environment, like electric cars, reducing pollution from gas. Plus the plan to build an industrial city was shown to us, and we were given a tour of the facilities, showing us how the company works.
During the trip to the wanxiang facilities, it was really interesting how they started there business from little, and how they have expanded since then. Also the EV facilities have been working on energy efficiency and clean energy to use, with solar and wind power plants, with making enough energy to give energy to 56,000 families for one hour. The wanxiang facilities work on batteries and energy, but also electric cars. They made no plans to keep expanding, but plans to develop on other things, like more efficient clean energy production. They spend a lot of money into their business and make a lot of technology that can be beneficial to people and the environment, like electric cars, reducing pollution from gas. Plus the plan to build an industrial city was shown to us, and we were given a tour of the facilities, showing us how the company works.
Nathan Poplos
My reflection on the Wanxiang tour and stem classes is that overall they were very informative. The thing that we were being told are some of the most up to date info on the topics. That being said the more specific thing about the Wanxiang your that stood out to me were the idea that they plan to invest into solid state batteries, a new battery that is essentially better in every way, which was amazing to me. There are differences in the views though, for example in America developments happen when private companies invest and risk their own money but in China the government will invest and risk their money. Also the plan to invest into new energies like fusion and new green energies, they want to use fusion in their new city. Another amazing thing that Wanxiang planned to do was remove cobalt and replace it with a better metal that is more environmentally friendly. Also they plan to find a more efficient solar panel material. Finally they seem to actually want to lower their carbon footprint and find viable solutions to the environmental problems.
My reflection on the Wanxiang tour and stem classes is that overall they were very informative. The thing that we were being told are some of the most up to date info on the topics. That being said the more specific thing about the Wanxiang your that stood out to me were the idea that they plan to invest into solid state batteries, a new battery that is essentially better in every way, which was amazing to me. There are differences in the views though, for example in America developments happen when private companies invest and risk their own money but in China the government will invest and risk their money. Also the plan to invest into new energies like fusion and new green energies, they want to use fusion in their new city. Another amazing thing that Wanxiang planned to do was remove cobalt and replace it with a better metal that is more environmentally friendly. Also they plan to find a more efficient solar panel material. Finally they seem to actually want to lower their carbon footprint and find viable solutions to the environmental problems.
Lerone Joyner
In the past week, I was provided with a plethora of information about the Wanxiang group and their plans toprovide the world with cleaner energy solutions. While learning about them, we also learned about the problems that Wanxiang group faces now and will face in the future. For example, although these green energy solutions would lower emissions in the future, the production of these solutions such as solar panels and lithium ion batteries would increase emissions. Also, public support of EVs(electronic vehicles) is difficult to draw due to the lower traveling distance between charges and lower durability in comparison to standard petrol vehicles. Therefore, the decision to move forward with mass producing cleaner energy solutions is not as straightforward as it seems.
In the past week, I was provided with a plethora of information about the Wanxiang group and their plans toprovide the world with cleaner energy solutions. While learning about them, we also learned about the problems that Wanxiang group faces now and will face in the future. For example, although these green energy solutions would lower emissions in the future, the production of these solutions such as solar panels and lithium ion batteries would increase emissions. Also, public support of EVs(electronic vehicles) is difficult to draw due to the lower traveling distance between charges and lower durability in comparison to standard petrol vehicles. Therefore, the decision to move forward with mass producing cleaner energy solutions is not as straightforward as it seems.