Business
Ford to follow Tesla Cybertruck with electrical tech in new EV pickup
A Ford F-150 Lightning next to a Tesla Cybertruck.
Michael Wayland / CNBC
DETROIT — Ford Motor‘s $5 billion “bet” on its next generation of all-electric vehicles will feature a budding technology that Tesla commercialized in the U.S. on its Cybertruck, the Detroit automaker said Tuesday.
The system, known as a 48-volt electrical architecture, had been discussed in the automotive industry for decades but Tesla was the first to bring it to consumers in 2023.
The auto industry has historically used a 12-volt system with a lead-acid battery for all vehicles to power the car’s accessories — but that’s been problematic and caused recalls for many EVs. The new architecture instead uses the EV’s high-voltage battery to power everything.
The 48-volt system improves efficiency, allows for additional electrical bandwidth and saves weight through the reduction of wiring, officials have said. The power also can be “stepped down” to 12 volts, when needed, through the use of new electronic control units, or ECUs, that handle different groups of an EV’s architecture.
The new electrical system is one of many innovations that Ford believes will allow its next-generation EVs — starting with a $30,000 small electric pickup truck in 2027 — to compete against Tesla as well as rapidly expanding Chinese brands in global markets.
“At Ford, we took on the challenge many others have stopped doing. We’re taking the fight to our competition, including the Chinese,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said during an August event at a plant in Kentucky that will produce the unnamed electric pickup. “For too long, legacy automakers played it safe.”
Farley has called it a “Model T moment” for the company, referring to the company’s flagship vehicle that came out more than a century ago and led to the mass adoption of vehicles during the early 1900s. He’s also called it a “bet” for Ford given the amount of changes it will make to the EVs as well as the company and its processes.
Ford expects the new EVs, which will be based on a common “Universal Electric Vehicle,” or UEV, to have comparable costs to gas-powered vehicles through new technologies and efficiencies. Currently, the massive batteries that power EVs have made them far more expensive to produce and have been infamously unprofitable.
The Detroit automaker has said the new EVs will reduce parts by 20% versus a typical vehicle, with 25% fewer fasteners, 40% fewer workstations dock-to-dock in the plant and 15% faster assembly time.
“It represents the most radical change on how we design and how we build vehicles at Ford since the Model T,” Farley said at the plant. “Now is time to change the game once again.”
Ford CEO Jim Farley speaks at the Louisville Assembly Plant as the company shares its plans to design and assemble breakthrough electric vehicles in the United States, Aug. 11, 2025.
Courtesy: Ford
Ford said those improvements, as well as price points that are more similar to gas-powered models, will lead to greater adoption of EVs. That’s despite a significant slowdown in U.S. EV sales amid changes to federal support by the Trump administration as well as less-than-expected consumer adoption.
U.S. EV sales peaked in September, ahead of the federal incentives ending, at 10.3% of the new vehicle market, according to Cox Automotive. That demand plummeted to preliminary estimates of 5.8% during the fourth quarter.
Those market conditions recently led Ford to announce $19.5 billion in write-downs, largely related to a pullback in EV plans, but the company said it will continue to invest $5 billion for its new UEV platform through 2027.
“Our focus has been on giving them everything they would get in a nice vehicle and more, and we think that that will allow us to ultimately not just make an affordable vehicle, but make one that’s extremely desirable,” Alan Clarke, Ford’s executive director of advanced EV development, said during a media briefing.
48-volt system
The 48-volt system provides significant benefits to other parts of the vehicle aside from just the battery and is expected to continue to do so as the bandwidth of 12-volt batteries gets maxed out, according Clarke, a former Tesla executive.
“It’s less expensive, has smaller wires and is the future of automotive,” he said. “So, if you want to future-protect this platform to exist for more than a decade … it’s very clear that 48 made the most sense.”
Alan Clarke, Ford’s executive director of advanced EV development, during a video presentation on Ford’s Universal Electric Vehicle platform.
Courtesy Ford
Ford said the wiring harness in the new midsize truck will be more than 4,000 feet shorter and 22 pounds lighter than the wiring harness used in Ford’s first-generation electric SUV.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk sent competitors such as Ford and General Motors a “how-to” guide on developing a 48-volt system in 2023.
Clarke said Ford had already decided on a 48-volt platform before getting the letter but that it “certainly added fuel to the fire” and was a “helpful starting point to see how they thought about” it. It also helped suppliers get ready to assist with 48-volt systems, he added.
Gigacastings
In addition to the 48-volt system, the company on Tuesday released additional details on how it’s achieving its targets with the new EV through aerodynamics, team “bounties” to increase vehicle efficiency and turning to Tesla-pioneered “gigacastings.”
Gigacasting is a manufacturing process that can replace dozens of traditionally small, stamped parts with larger pieces. The process requires massive machines to pressurize large sheets of metal into parts such as a vehicle’s facia or underlying structure.
Ford said the new pickup will only have two structural front and rear parts compared with 146 such components on its current gas-powered Maverick small pickup.
Ford also said its aluminum castings for the upcoming EV are more than 27% lighter than those features on a Tesla Model Y.
“We’re still on a really steep decline of EV costs, and you can only get that by innovating, and you can only get that by system level, optimizing into what eventually becomes a product that a customer wants,” Clarke said.
Business
The Light System on Building a New Category in Wellness Technology
The Light System is an emerging wellness technology company built on decades of foundational work by inventor Robert J. Religa.
The brand launched under the leadership of President Jarrod Barakett, with headquarters in Sheridan, Wyoming and operations supported by a warehouse in Miami, Florida.
The company sits at the intersection of light-based technology and holistic health. Its core product uses proprietary software, polychromatic and bio-photonic light, and a scalar field to engage the body’s energy systems. The concept is rooted in the idea that the body has an innate ability to restore balance when supported by coherent energetic inputs.
From a business perspective, The Light System™ represents a new category within wellness technology. It blends elements of photobiomodulation, geometry, and frequency-based systems into a single platform. Early adoption has come from private users, retreat centres, and holistic practitioners seeking non-invasive tools for stress regulation and overall well-being.
One of the company’s key challenges has been translating complex scientific and energetic concepts into accessible language. Leadership has responded by focusing on user experience and real-world outcomes rather than technical explanation alone.
Barakett and his team have prioritised disciplined growth. Their strategy balances operational execution, customer feedback, and long-term expansion into global markets. At its core, the company positions itself around measurable impact, both in user experience and in building a sustainable, mission-driven organisation.
Inside The Light System™: Leadership, Innovation, and the Business of Frequency-Based Wellness
Q: Can you take us back to the origins of The Light System™? How did this begin?
The foundation actually goes back decades. Robert J. Religa spent years developing the core technology, exploring how light, colour, and frequency interact with the body’s energy systems. What we launched is the commercial evolution of that work. The challenge was not just building the product, but building a company around it at the same time.
Q: What does that early stage of building the company look like in practical terms?
It meant doing everything at once. We were establishing operations in Sheridan, Wyoming while also setting up a warehouse in Miami, Florida. At the same time, we were refining messaging, building credibility, and delivering product. It required very structured execution and a clear sense of priorities.
Q: The technology itself is complex. How did you approach explaining it to people?
At first, we tried to explain everything. Scalar fields, bio-photonic light, encoded frequencies. It was too much. People disengaged. We learned quickly that experience matters more than explanation. So we simplified how we communicate. We let people sit in the system and form their own understanding.
Q: Was that a turning point for the business?
Yes, it changed engagement significantly. Once we stopped leading with technical detail and started leading with user experience, people became more open. Testimonials and real-world feedback became central to how the business grows.
Q: How would you describe your position within the broader wellness industry?
We see ourselves as part of an emerging category. There is growing interest in energy-based and frequency-based approaches, but it is still early. Our role is to bridge that gap between innovation and understanding without overstating what we do.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge so far?
Bridging credibility. These concepts are not yet mainstream. There is natural scepticism. We do not try to overcome that with persuasion. We focus on education and let results speak over time.
Q: How do you measure success at this stage?
It is both quantitative and qualitative. On one side, we track production timelines, delivery, and growth. On the other, we look at user feedback and repeat engagement. If people return to the system and report meaningful experiences, that matters.
Q: What role does leadership play in a business like this?
A large one. In wellness, alignment matters. If leadership is not grounded or clear, the business becomes inconsistent. We focus on clarity, communication, and long-term thinking. This is not a short-cycle industry.
Q: How do you balance short-term operations with long-term vision?
We run two tracks. Short-term is execution. Product delivery, customer support, partnerships. Long-term is scaling access globally and continuing research and development. You cannot ignore either.
Q: Where does ongoing learning fit into your strategy?
It is essential. We stay engaged with research in photobiomodulation, energy systems, and nervous system science. At the same time, we are learning from manufacturing, logistics, and entrepreneurship. It is a constant process.
Q: What continues to drive the company forward?
The individual user. Often it is someone who feels they have tried many things and are still looking for balance. When someone reports a shift, whether physical or emotional, that reinforces the purpose behind the work.
Business
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Vertex Pharmaceuticals: Label Expansions For ALYFTREK & TRIKAFTA Plus Strong Demand (VRTX)
Terry Chrisomalis is a private investor in the Biotech sector with years of experience utilizing his Applied Science background to generate long term value from Healthcare. He is the author of the investing group Biotech Analysis Central which contains a library of 600+ Biotech investing articles, a model portfolio of 10+ small and mid-cap stocks with deep analysis for each, live chat, and a range of analysis and news reports to help Healthcare investors make informed decisions.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Business
A Modern Gaming Experience Built for Smart Players
Betpanda emerges as a vibrant destination where players can explore a dynamic gaming universe, enjoy seamless navigation, and experience a sense of control over their play.
Whether you are a seasoned bettor or someone stepping into online gaming for the first time, Betpanda offers a balanced environment that feels both welcoming and engaging.
A Platform Designed with the Player in Mind
What sets Betpanda apart is its commitment to simplicity without sacrificing sophistication. From the moment you enter the platform, the interface feels intuitive. Menus are clean, categories are clearly defined, and games are easy to locate. This thoughtful design allows players to focus on what truly matters, which is enjoying the experience.
Betpanda understands that modern users value speed and convenience. The platform is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring that gameplay remains smooth whether you are at home or on the move. This flexibility adds a layer of comfort that enhances the overall user journey.
A Diverse Library of Games
Variety is the heart of any successful gaming platform, and play at Betpanda does not disappoint. The platform hosts an impressive selection of games that cater to different preferences and skill levels. From classic table games to modern slot adventures, there is always something new to explore.
Players who enjoy strategy can dive into games that require careful decision-making, while those seeking quick entertainment can choose fast-paced options that deliver instant excitement. This diversity ensures that boredom rarely finds a place within the Betpanda ecosystem.
Additionally, the platform frequently updates its game collection, keeping the experience fresh and aligned with current trends. This ongoing evolution reflects a deep understanding of player expectations.
Secure and Transparent Environment
Trust is a crucial factor in online gaming, and Betpanda takes this responsibility seriously. The platform incorporates advanced security measures to protect user data and financial transactions. Players can engage with confidence, knowing that their information is handled with care.
Transparency is another key strength. Clear terms, fair gameplay policies, and straightforward processes contribute to a sense of reliability. When players feel secure, they are more likely to enjoy the experience without hesitation.
Smooth Payment Options
A seamless financial system can greatly enhance user satisfaction. Betpanda offers multiple payment methods, allowing players to deposit and withdraw funds with ease. The process is designed to be quick and efficient, minimizing delays and reducing frustration.
Flexibility in payment options also means that users from different regions can find methods that suit their needs. This inclusivity adds to the platform’s global appeal.
Bonuses and Promotions That Add Value
One of the most exciting aspects of playing at Betpanda is the range of bonuses and promotions available. These offers provide players with additional opportunities to extend their gameplay and explore more features.
Welcome bonuses create a strong first impression, while ongoing promotions reward loyal users. Instead of feeling like temporary incentives, these bonuses become part of a larger experience that encourages continued engagement.
However, it is always wise for players to review the terms associated with each offer. Understanding the conditions ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Responsible Gaming Approach
While the thrill of gaming can be captivating, Betpanda promotes a balanced approach. The platform encourages responsible gaming practices, reminding users to play within their limits. This focus on well-being reflects a mature and ethical perspective.
Features that allow players to manage their time and spending contribute to a healthier gaming environment. By prioritizing responsibility, Betpanda creates a space where entertainment remains positive and controlled.
Customer Support That Listens
Even the most well-designed platforms can present occasional challenges, which is why reliable customer support is essential. Betpanda offers responsive assistance to help users resolve issues quickly.
Support channels are accessible and designed to provide clear solutions. Whether it is a technical question or a payment inquiry, players can expect prompt and helpful responses. This level of care strengthens trust and enhances the overall experience.
A Community Driven Experience
Beyond games and features, Betpanda fosters a sense of community. Players are not just users but participants in a shared environment. This subtle yet powerful aspect adds depth to the platform.
Engaging with others, exploring new games together, and sharing experiences creates a more immersive atmosphere. It transforms gaming from a solitary activity into a connected journey.
Final Thoughts
Playing at Betpanda is more than just placing bets or spinning reels. It is about entering a thoughtfully crafted digital space where entertainment meets reliability. The platform’s combination of diverse games, secure systems, user-friendly design, and responsible practices makes it a compelling choice for modern players.
As the online gaming industry continues to grow, platforms like Betpanda stand out by focusing on what truly matters. A smooth experience, a sense of trust, and the freedom to enjoy gaming on your own terms. For those seeking a refined and engaging environment, Betpanda offers a journey worth exploring.
Business
SpaceX prepares for largest ever IPO with potential $1.75 trillion valuation
SpaceX is preparing for what could become the largest stock market debut in history after confidentially filing for an initial public offering that may value the company at more than $1.75 trillion.
The Elon Musk-led group has submitted a draft IPO registration to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, according to reports, setting the stage for a landmark listing that would dwarf previous tech flotations.
The move comes amid a surge of interest in artificial intelligence and space-based infrastructure, with other high-profile firms such as OpenAI and Anthropic also exploring potential public listings.
SpaceX’s IPO plans follow its recent merger with xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence venture behind the Grok chatbot. The combined entity has already been valued at around $1.25 trillion, with SpaceX accounting for the bulk of that figure.
The integration of space technology with AI capabilities is central to the company’s strategy, positioning it at the intersection of two of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy.
The company is reportedly preparing investors for the listing through a series of briefings, including an analyst day scheduled for April 21 and further meetings with banks in early May.
Analysts are also expected to be given insight into xAI’s operations, highlighting the increasing importance of artificial intelligence within the broader SpaceX ecosystem.
Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX has become the dominant force in the global launch market, conducting more rocket launches annually than any other company.
Its operations span advanced rocket development, satellite deployment and the fast-growing Starlink network, which provides broadband connectivity worldwide.
The company is also exploring ambitious new projects, including plans to deploy up to one million satellites designed to function as orbital data centres, potentially transforming how computing power is delivered globally.
Beyond its commercial operations, SpaceX continues to pursue Musk’s long-standing vision of expanding human presence beyond Earth.
The company is working towards establishing a self-sustaining lunar base within the next decade and has outlined plans to begin building a city on Mars within five to seven years, although Musk has indicated that the Moon remains the immediate priority.
A successful IPO at the scale envisaged would have significant implications for global financial markets, potentially becoming the largest listing ever and reshaping investor exposure to both space and AI technologies.
It would also mark a major milestone in the commercialisation of space, signalling that the sector has matured into a core component of the global technology landscape.
While details of the listing, including timing and final valuation, remain subject to market conditions and regulatory approval, the scale of the proposed IPO underscores the rapid evolution of both the space and AI industries.
For investors, the offering represents a rare opportunity to gain exposure to a company that sits at the forefront of multiple transformative technologies.
For the broader market, it could set a new benchmark for tech valuations and further accelerate competition in sectors that are already redefining the future of the global economy.
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NFL asks prediction markets to refrain from ‘objectionable bets’
The NFL shield logo on the field during a preseason game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston on Aug. 24, 2024.
Ric Tapia | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
The NFL is asking prediction market operators to keep specific event contracts that the league deems “objectionable bets” off of their platforms.
In a letter obtained by CNBC, the league outlines examples of event contracts that could be easily manipulable by a single person, inherently objectionable, related to officiating and knowable in advance — and asks that operators refrain from offering such trades.
The NFL declined to comment on which companies received the letter, but said it was sent to operators that are registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and that offer NFL trades.
Prediction platforms Kalshi and Polymarket have dominated the burgeoning predictions industry in recent months, spurring sports betting incumbents like FanDuel and DraftKings to enter the predictions space, as well.
“Sports prediction markets are not effectively regulated currently,” NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller said in a statement. “We will continue to engage with the CFTC in pursuit of the necessary guardrails to protect both the integrity of the game and consumers participating in these rapidly evolving markets.”
While some leagues such as the NHL, MLB and MLS have embraced prediction markets, signing operators as partners, the NFL has been more cautious.
“There is no greater priority for the NFL than protecting the integrity of our games and the welfare of our players,” the letter stated.
In the letter, signed by NFL Chief Compliance Officer Sabrina Perel, she says it is encouraging that the CTFC recognizes that sports-related prediction markets should be regulated differently than other futures contracts.
The examples provided in the letter of events that could be easily manipulated by a single person included whether a kicker would miss a field goal, a quarterback’s first pass being incomplete or a receiver missing their first target.
The list also included nongame-related event contracts, such as broadcast mentions, or appearances by fans or celebrities at the games. During the Super Bowl, these types of wagers were extremely popular, such as whether Jeff Bezos would be in attendance.
Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour told CNBC after the February championship game that the prediction platform saw more than $100 million in trading volume alone on a question of what halftime performer Bad Bunny’s first song would be.
The league also took issue with “inherently objectionable” wagers such as play injuries, fan safety and play misconduct.
The letter concludes by saying the NFL would be happy to meet to discuss “our views on sports prediction markets in greater detail, including prohibited bettors, information sharing with leagues and responsible betting measures.”
Disclosure: CNBC and Kalshi have a commercial relationship that includes a CNBC minority investment.
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