More from Automotive & Transport

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  Flight Cuts Hit Thailand's Outbound Travel

  Cancelled flights in Thailand are expected to cause a 15-20% drop in outbound trips during the low season and a 10% decline for the full year. Airlines like Thai AirAsia X and Thai Airways have reduced or merged routes due to rising fuel costs and weak demand. Despite these challenges, tour groups remain largely unaffected as this is not peak travel season, and some travelers are postponing trips until conditions improve. Industry insiders predict a rebound in demand next winter, especially for long-haul destinations like Europe.

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  Fuel Costs Drive KiwiSaver Hardship Spike

  KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals in New Zealand surged in March amid soaring fuel prices and living costs, surpassing first-home withdrawals since late 2023. Experts like Sian August from ANZ Investments link this trend to widespread financial strain across all age groups. Budgeting advisors warn that many are 'robbing their future selves' to cover immediate expenses, highlighting the crisis's severity. With no relief in sight, more Kiwis may tap into retirement savings, risking long-term financial security.

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  B.C. Deploys AI to Combat Drug Crisis

  British Columbia has launched the Track and Trace pilot program, leveraging robotics and AI to disrupt the illicit drug trade. With a $300,000 annual investment over two years, this first-of-its-kind Canadian initiative aims to analyze toxic drugs and alert law enforcement early to emerging threats. Developed by Aidos Innovations and UBC, the program promises sharper insights into drug supply chains and improved public safety coordination. Authorities hope this tech-driven approach will save lives amid the province's ongoing toxic drug crisis.

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  Earn Cash with Your Parked EV

  Electric vehicle owners in Delaware are proving that their idle cars can become money-makers by supporting the power grid. Through a pilot project led by University of Delaware's Willett Kempton, EVs acted as giant batteries, storing excess renewable energy and supplying it during peak demand, potentially earning owners up to $3,359 annually. This vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology could revolutionize energy storage and grid reliability, but widespread adoption hinges on overcoming technical challenges and standardizing charging systems. As more automakers develop V2G-capable cars, experts predict a major shift in how we manage electricity supply and demand.