Energy
Energy Sources 101: These Short Videos Explain the Basics
If you’ve ever searched online for unbiased and fact-driven articles on energy, you’ve probably noticed that they can be quite rare. Almost every information source seems to be pushing an agenda.
Energy is a touchy subject, and billions of dollars are spent each year to campaign on issues surrounding fossil fuels, renewable energy funding, pipelines, environmental concerns, and fracking.
With so much at stake, special interest groups, governments, and corporations are constantly engaged to “win the war” on information by putting their own spin on facts. This creates a tangled web that is tough to navigate for any inquisitive person.
Energy Sources 101
Well, we have good news – recently, we came across a pretty nifty Youtube channel that is visual, intuitive, and fact-driven. It focuses on providing introductory information on different energy sources.
The Student Energy Movement aims to be a “universal entry point for learning about the energy system” by delivering accurate and unbiased energy information. Here’s some of the videos we thought were worthwhile, highlighting both the pros and cons of different energy sources:
Hydro
Explains how hydro power works, but also touches on pumped hydro (energy storage) and pros/cons.
Nuclear
The difference between fission and fusion, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of nuclear energy.
Oil
Explains how oil is formed, and also how it is processed and transported.
Natural Gas
Explains wet and dry gas, as well as how gas is extracted and processed.
Solar
Discusses both photovoltaic and solar thermal. For more information on how each of those types work, go here and here.
Also, here’s links to additional videos on energy sources such as geothermal, biofuels, coal, wind, and tidal.
Other Energy Topics
But that’s not all – the organization has also produced great videos on topics like fracking, in situ oil sands production, liquefied natural gas, and hydrogen.
Here are those videos in case you want to dive deeper into other energy topics:
Hydraulic Fracturing
Explains how “fracking” works.
In Situ Oil Sands Production
An alternative to mining in the oil sands, this video show how in situ production works.
Liquefied Natural Gas
This video shows how natural gas is liquefied, and transported to other markets.
Hydrogen
Examines the potential of hydrogen, along with the issues surrounding it. Also explains how fuel cells work.
Energy
Ranked: Electric Vehicle Sales by Model in 2023
Today, electric vehicle sales make up 18% of global vehicle sales. Here are the leading models by sales as of August 2023.

Ranked: Electric Vehicle Sales by Model in 2023
Electric vehicle (EV) sales are gaining momentum, reaching 18% of global vehicle sales in 2023.
As new competitors bring more affordable options and new performance features, the market continues to mature as customers increasingly look to electric options.
This graphic ranks the top-selling EVs worldwide as of August 2023, based on data from CleanTechnica.
The Best Selling EVs in 2023 (Through August)
Below, we show the world’s best selling fully electric vehicles from January to August 2023:
Model | Country | Vehicles Sold (Jan-Aug 2023) |
---|---|---|
Tesla Model Y | 🇺🇸 U.S. | 772,364 |
Tesla Model 3 | 🇺🇸 U.S. | 364,403 |
BYD Atto 3 / Yuan Plus | 🇨🇳 China | 265,688 |
BYD Dolphin | 🇨🇳 China | 222,825 |
GAC Aion S | 🇨🇳 China | 160,693 |
Wuling HongGuang Mini EV | 🇨🇳 China | 153,399 |
GAC Aion Y | 🇨🇳 China | 136,619 |
VW ID.4 | 🇩🇪 Germany | 120,154 |
BYD Seagull | 🇨🇳 China | 95,202 |
As we can see, Tesla‘s Model Y still holds a comfortable lead over the competition with 772,364 units sold. That’s more than double the sales of the #2 top selling vehicle, Tesla’s Model 3 (364,403)
But it’s hard to ignore the rising prevalence of Chinese EVs. The next five best selling EV vehicles are Chinese, including three from BYD. The automaker’s Atto 3 (or Yuan Plus, depending on market), is being sold in various countries including Germany, the UK, Japan, and India.
Meanwhile, Chinese automaker GAC Group also had two models of its Aion EV brand make the rankings, with the Aion S selling 160,693 units so far.
Regional market strength is also clear. For Volkswagen’s ID.4 model (120,154 units sold), Europe and China account for the majority of sales.
Given growing cost efficiencies and changing consumer behavior, global EV sales are projected to make up half of new car sales globally by 2035, according to forecasts from Goldman Sachs.
-
Markets1 week ago
Recession Risk: Which Sectors are Least Vulnerable?
-
Revenue2 weeks ago
Ranked: The Biggest Retailers in the U.S. by Revenue
-
Globalization2 weeks ago
The Top 50 Largest Importers in the World
-
Maps2 weeks ago
Mapped: Which Countries Recognize Israel or Palestine, or Both?
-
Education2 weeks ago
Ranked: America’s Best Universities
-
Countries1 week ago
Ranked: Share of Global Arms Imports in 2022
-
Countries1 week ago
Ranked: Share of Global Arms Exports in 2022
-
Globalization1 week ago
Charted: The Industries Where Asian Companies are the Strongest