Sandy Munro Is Amazed, Mystified by World’s Cheapest EV, the Changli

 Sandy Munro Is Amazed, Mystified by World’s Cheapest EV, the Changli

28 Oct 2020, 6:36 UTC · 

by Elena Gorgan 

Home > News > U-turn

China has a reputation for making cheap stuff, whether it’s (knockoff) clothing items, gadgets of all types and even e-bikes and electric cars. Many of them are worth the money you pay, but the Changli seems to be the exception to that rule.

 11 photos

The Changli is currently the world’s most famous tiny EV. Bought by Jason Torchinsky, senior editor of Jalopnik, and delivered to the U.S. in July this year, it is now a star on its own, having been branded the world’s cheapest EV (that’s actually a decent tiny car and not some piece of junk that comes apart at the first porthole).

Ever since Torchinsky had it delivered to his home and unboxed, he was amazed about how sturdy it was and the quality of the build. Since then, he’s taken the Changli racing and made steps towards having it registered for the road. More recently, he took it to teardown expert and engineer Sandy Munro, to see if he could learn how the makers in China were able to put together such a decent car at $1,200.

He didn’t get a definite answer to that, but he got something better than this: Munro’s sincere amazement that the Changli could be such an amazing car at this kind of money. You can see the full video at the bottom of the page.

Together, the two looked over everything, from the interior and finishing touches on the exterior, to the motor, suspension and brakes, and the wiring. Munro’s conclusion was that most of the Changli was put together by hand and that it was “mystifying” that the makers could do such an impressive job without taking the price higher.

The Changli, or the Changli Nemeca, is made by Changzhou Xili Car Industry and is offered with a variety of options as regards seating inside (you get two- or three-seat configuration) and battery packs. Torchinsky has the least powerful motor, at 1.1 hp, which takes him as fast as 25 mph (40 kph), but that’s an estimate, since the display is never right. Battery is good for 23 miles (37 km) and takes under 4 hours for a full charge.

Of course, the Changli is not technically a car, even though it has AC, radio FM and even a rearview camera. It’s much closer to a golf cart or a neighborhood vehicle (NEV), but it’s still built with due consideration to quality and durability. For $1,200.

Trump logra victoria con confirmación en Senado de jueza para la Corte Suprema AFP

 

Trump logra victoria con confirmación en Senado de jueza para la Corte Suprema

AFP

26 DE OCTUBRE DE 2020 08:19 PM, 

ACTUALIZADO 1 HORA 6 MINUTOS ATRAS

Duration 1:14

Trump nomina oficialmente a Amy Coney Barrett como próxima jueza de la Corte Suprema

El sábado 26 de septiembre de 2020, el presidente Donald Trump nominó a Amy Coney Barrett para ser la próxima jueza de la Corte Suprema después de la muerte de Ruth Bader Ginsburg. BY ERIC GARLAND

El Senado dominado por los republicanos confirmó este lunes a la jueza conservadora que el presidente Donald Trump propuso para la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos, una victoria para el mandatario a ocho días de los comicios en los que busca reelegirse.

El Senado votó por 52 voces a favor y 48 en contra, la nominación de la jueza Amy Coney Barrett, ajustándose a las líneas partidistas.

Barrett, una católica ferviente opuesta al aborto, cambiará la configuración del máximo tribunal que a partir de ahora contará con seis jueces conservadores de nueve, tres de ellos nombrados por el mandatario republicano. En la corte de nueve miembros se sientan también tres magistrados progresistas.

La nueva jueza llenará la vacante dejada por el fallecimiento en septiembre de la progresista Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

La magistrada podría participar en su primera audiencia a partir del 2 de noviembre, la víspera de las elecciones presidenciales. Por lo tanto, teóricamente actuará en caso de que se examinen posibles apelaciones contra los resultados de la votación.

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La Corte Suprema decide en Estados Unidos sobre los debates sociales más espinosos, desde el aborto hasta el porte de armas pasando por los derechos de las minorías sexuales. Durante la audiencia de confirmación, la jueza Barrett se cuidó de no revelar sus puntos de vista sobre estos temas candentes.

La jueza Amy Coney Barrett, propuesta para la Corte Suprema, se reúne con la senadora republicana Martha McSally el miércoles 21 de octubre de 2020 en el Capitolio, en Washington. (Greg Nash/Foto compartida vía AP) GREG NASH AP

 

No $1,200 stimulus check? IRS extends key deadline for those who never received the money

PUBLISHED TUE, OCT 6 202011:15 AM EDTUPDATED TUE, OCT 6 202011:31 AM EDT

Lorie Konish@LORIEKONISH

KEY POINTS

• If you don’t typically file tax returns and never received a stimulus check, you now have until Nov. 21 to file your information with the IRS in order to get your payment.
• The deadline extension comes as the tax agency is reaching out to millions of Americans who could still be eligible for the money.
• The $1,200 stimulus checks were authorized by Congress earlier this year. Lawmakers are still negotiating on a new stimulus package that could include a second round of similar payments.

Images By Tang Ming Tung

If you typically don’t file tax returns and haven’t yet received a $1,200 stimulus check, you now have five more weeks to submit your information to the IRS in order to get your money.

The IRS announced on Monday that it has extended the deadline for non-filers to Saturday, Nov. 21, from the previous Oct. 15 cut-off date.

The deadline applies specifically to people who do not typically file tax returns, usually because they have little to no income, and therefore do not have their information on file with the IRS.

Those who are eligible to use the non-filer tool include individuals with incomes below $12,200 who were not claimed as dependents by someone else, and married couples who earn less than $24,400. Homeless individuals and families also qualify.

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Those who use the IRS non-filer tool can request their stimulus check payment either by direct deposit or paper check. They can also keep tabs on the status of their payment using the agency’s Get My Payment site.

Remember, this deadline not apply to tax filers who still need to file their federal returns by Oct. 15.

“Time is running out for those who don’t normally file a tax return to get their payments,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement. “Registration is quick and easy, and we urge everyone to share this information to reach as many people before the deadline.”

The deadline extension comes as the IRS has also sent letters to 9 million Americans who may have missed out on their stimulus payments.

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VIDEO02:45

Market is vulnerable without second stimulus: Stephanie Link

Individuals and families who do not submit their information to the IRS will still be eligible for a tax credit once they file their federal tax returns next year.

Washington lawmakers, who had previously called for a deadline extension, applauded the move.

“The IRS decision to provide millions of non-filers with five extra weeks to complete this process is a welcome relief,” said Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. “The Covid recession is not over, and [economic impact payments] can help struggling families afford essentials during these extremely trying times.”

The government sent out millions of stimulus checks in the spring after Congress authorized the payments. They included up to $1,200 per individual or $2,400 per married couple filing jointly, plus $500 per child under age 17.

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The payments are targeted at low- to middle-income individuals and families. Individuals with up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income, head of household filers with up to $112,500 and married couples who file jointly with up to $150,000 qualified for full payments.

The checks were reduced for income above those amounts, and phased out completely for individuals who earned more than $99,000, heads of household with more than $136,500 and married couples with more than $198,000.

Washington lawmakers are still negotiating over new stimulus legislation that could include a second round of $1,200 stimulus checks.

“To further assist Americans in need, Senate Republicans should pass the updated HEROES Act, which includes a second round of economic impact payments,” Neal said. “House Democrats passed this bill last week, because we know that workers, families, and the broader economy need additional support as the Covid crisis continues to ravage our nation.”

If you didn’t file tax returns, the IRS may still owe you a $1,200 COVID-19 stimulus check

If you didn’t file tax returns, the IRS may still owe you a $1,200 COVID-19 stimulus check
By Stephanie Weaver
Published September 18
News
FOX TV Digital Team

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How to check the status of your stimulus payment

The IRS anticipates sending more than 150 million payments as part of a massive coronavirus rescue package.

LOS ANGELES - The Internal Revenue Service is notifying roughly 9 million Americans who have yet to collect their $1,200 stimulus payments that their checks are available.

On Friday, the IRS announced that it will mail letters to people who did not file a return for either 2018 or 2019, but still may qualify for an Economic Impact Payment.




According to IRS internal analysis, these are people who don't typically have a tax return filing requirement because they appear to have very low incomes based on Forms W-2 and 1099, and other third-party statements available to the IRS.

RELATED: Dozens of Austrians reportedly received COVID-19 stimulus checks in mail from US government


"The IRS continues to work hard to reach people eligible for these payments," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "These mailings are the latest step by the IRS to reach as many people as possible for these important payments."

The IRS released a breakdown of the number of people in each state to whom the IRS is sending a letter, so that “state and local leaders can better understand the size of this population in their communities and assist them in claiming these important payments.”

The letter urges recipients to visit IRS.gov before the Oct. 15 deadline to see if they're eligible to claim an Economic Impact Payment and register for the payment in order to receive it by the end of the year.

So far, more than 7 million people have already used the Non-Filers tool to register for a payment.

RELATED: IRS extends deadline to claim extra $500 for children from COVID-19 stimulus checks

The IRS said people can qualify for a payment, even if they don't work or have no earned income. However, low- and moderate-income workers and working families eligible to receive special tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, cannot use the Non-Filers tool and will need to file a regular tax return.

The IRS suggests non-filers choose to receive their payment using direct deposit in order to speed up the arrival of payment.

Those who miss the Oct. 15 deadline but are not required to file a federal income tax return may still be eligible to file a 2020 tax return next year to potentially claim a tax credit.

The IRS said the letters are part of the a final stage of the IRS’s effort to reach out and create public awareness on the Economic Impact Payment.

The payments, which were part of the CARES Act passed in March, still offer up to 1,200 for individuals and up to $2,400 for married couples. People with children under age 17 at the end of 2019 can get up to an additional $500 for each child.

Second stimulus check update: US coronavirus relief bill

Second stimulus check update: US coronavirus relief bill
The logjam in negotiations on covid-19 support continues, with both sides remaining hopeful that a deal can be struck, but no indication of when.
Will Gittins
Emily France
Update: 25/10/2020 00:51
0
Chris Kleponis / POOL EFE


The GOP's latest "skinny" relief bill for which a vote was held in the Senate this week, was dead on arrival. Meanwhile, talks between Pelosi and Mnuchin continue for a much larger package and chances of a bill being approved before election day are slim to none.

Millions of Americans will be hoping that the package includes provision for a second round of the $1,200 stimulus checks that were first issued six months ago.
No stimulus, no hope for latest GOP "skinny" bill


Senate Democrats on Wedneday blocked a new Republican "skinny" coronavirus relief bill. The total was $500 billion and included expanded unemployment benefits, funding for schools and a second round of the Payment Protection Program. It did not include a second round of Economic Impact Payments (the $1,200 checks for individuals).

The Democrat-led House of Representatives passed a $2.2 trillion bill called the HEROES Act, which had little chance of passing in the Republican-controlled Senate where many are fiercely opposed to any bill exceeding a total of $1 trillion.

This new bill didn't come close to the figure that the Democrats are holding out for and may include funds initially provided for by the CARES Act. When asked about the disparity between his and Pelosi's current positions, McConnell said: “Republicans do not agree that nothing is better than something for working families."
Pelosi - Mnuchin negotiations continue, so does the blame game

Both Democrat Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Republican Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin have reverted to finger-pointing in the face of mounting criticism and frustration among citizens desperate for another relief payment. When asked by MSNBC on Friday if a deal could be struck, Pelosi said “We could do that before the election, if the president wants to.”

Mnuchin told reporters that the two sides had made significant progress, but put the responsibility on Pelosi for further movement. “We’ve offered compromises,” he said. “The speaker, on a number of issues, is still dug in. If she wants to compromise, there will be a deal.”

Both Pelosi and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached soon. “Hopefully we can get a deal in the next day or so,” Meadows said. “We’re still working through it, Secretary Mnuchin and I have talked and we’re still working with her teams, but actually making adjustments and trying to look at language to reach a compromise.”




Trump wants stimulus, can't offer big enough total

In recent weeks Trump has weighed into the negotations, until this month largely headed up by his Treasury Secretary Setevn Mnuchin. The President called for Republicans to support a more expensive bill despite it clashing with the party's ideological resistance to large-scale government spending.



The President had baulked at the Democrat’s initial $2.2 trillion package when he was first presented with it and refused to go any higher than $1.6 trillion in financial relief. However he upped that to a new $1.8 trillion package but the Democrat-led House of Representatives appears unlikely to accept any deal below $2 trillion.

Pelosi described Trump's latest offer as "insufficient" and claimed that it "amounted to one step forward, two steps back" in negotiation.
Trump desperate for pre-election economic boost

The matter of financial support for an ailing economy would always have caused a rift between the two major parties but the proximity to the election on 3 November makes these discussions even more contentious. The President is behind in the polls and needs to offer the electorate something significant if he is to see off challenger Joe Biden and secure a second term. After last week’s announcement that he was ending negotiations on a stimulus bill, the market suffered a sharp downturn as the pospect of immediate financial support appeared unlikely.

The far-reaching political implications of these discussions is no secret and Pelosi has accused Trump of now attempting to force through any financial support to strengthen his standing before Americans head to the polls, saying: “[Trump] only wants his name on a check to go out before Election Day and for the [stock] market to go up.”


The Brookings Institution: New stimulus package could rescue economy by mid-2021

While negotiations between the two sides continue the non-profit research body The Brookings Institution has conducted a series of studies into the economic consequence of potential stimulus packages.


They found that a total government expenditure of $2 trillion could see the economy return to pre-pandemic levels by the third quarter of next year, with GDP increasing by 4%. The package suggested by Brookings would be comprised of five sets of $400 billion programmes: stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, state and local aid, another round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and other provisions like airline help and testing.

It remains to be seen if and when the government will be able to pass a new stimulus bill to include another round of Economic Impact Payments but the evidence from Brookings seems to suggest that it could have a substantial effect on the US economy.

 

The Real Flying Broom Exists and It’s Electric, Of Course

25 Oct 2020, 5:44 UTC · 

by Elena Gorgan 

Home > News > Gadgets

For all those times when, as a grown man / woman, you still play-pretended to be part of the Hogwarts universe and wept at not having a convincing enough broom, weep no more: it exists and it’s fully electric.

 6 photos

Micromobility and the electric revolution are coming to wizards and witches from all over the world, assuming they’re willing to take a chance and invest in a crowdfunding project. That project, now live on KickStarter, is called the Real Flying Broom and consists of a pack that turns your unicycle / uniwheel into the closest thing to a flying broom. Ok, sure, it doesn’t fly, despite what its name implies, but Nuvem claims it replicates the feeling of flying. That’s gotta count for something.

Nuvem is founded by Brazilian designer Alessandro Russo Silveira, with the goal of bringing this flying, electric broom to the international market. If you already own a unicycle, you’re in the target audience for this, since the pack doesn’t include the actual means of transportation, just the support frame and the broom.

They turn the wheel into a broom-like device. You install the support frame, which is made of carbon steel, and then attach the broom to it. The broom comes with a small saddle and you control the wheel much like you’d expect: lean forward to accelerate, lean back to brake and to the sides for turns.

Nuvem is actually offering four models of the broom, so there’s a little something fancy for the taste of every witch and wizard. The Nuvem 1.0 is a “training broom, developed for first flights and old-school wizards,” the Nuvem 2.0 comes with “wooden handle and a beautiful tail, made in traditional brown and gold colors,” the Nuvem 2.1 is “aerodynamic and fast,” thanks to the slightly straighter handle, and Nuvem 2.2, aka Silver Arrow, has “metallic silver handle, curved for comfort, and a beautiful tail with a gradient of colors that go from gold to a soft copper.”

Delivery for the RFB (Real Flying Broom) pack is set for March 2021, with prices estimated at $38 to $48 for the broom, and $55 to $68 with the support frame. Should more funding be unlocked, Nuvem promises upgrades on the frame: curved edges for more comfort and even the possibility to make it extendable to fit all sizes of uniwheels.

“Don’t be a muggle and support this project!” Nuvem says. This sounds like the most useless, ridiculous idea, but oh so fun. And silly fun is what we need these days.