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Hyperloop, hydrogen-powered trains, and air-taxis. As the 21st century progresses, the way people get from A to B is on the cusp of a significant shift driven by design and innovation.

While the above technologies may be a few years off from widespread adoption, that’s not to say change isn’t already afoot.

Around the world, national and municipal governments are attempting to slash emissions and boost urban air quality, with many putting their faith in a growing sector: battery electric vehicles. 

There’s undoubtedly momentum behind the industry. A recent report from the International Energy Agency stated roughly 3 million new electric cars were registered last year, a record amount and a 41% rise compared to 2019.

Looking ahead, the IEA says the number of electric cars, buses, vans and heavy trucks on roads — its projection does not include two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles — is expected to hit 145 million by 2030.

If governments ramp up efforts to meet international energy and climate goals, the global fleet could increase further still, expanding to 230 million by the end of the decade.

A changing world 

As the number of electric vehicles on the planet’s roads increases, society will need to adapt.

Extensive charging networks, for example, will need to be rolled out to meet increased demand and dispel lingering concerns around “range anxiety” — the idea that electric vehicles aren’t able to undertake long journeys without losing power and getting stranded.

Another area where we will notice change relates to noise: As well as boasting zero tailpipe emissions, electric vehicles are far quieter than their diesel and gasoline cousins.

This means less noise pollution in urban areas — clearly a good thing — but also throws up a potential challenge for other road users, especially those with sight problems. 

“For people who are blind or partially sighted, judging traffic can be really difficult,” Zoe Courtney-Bodgener, policy and campaigns officer at the U.K.-based Royal National Institute of Blind People, told CNBC in a phone interview.

Courtney-Bodgener explained that an increasing number of “quiet” modes of transport were now being used, giving the example of bicycles and larger electric and hybrid vehicles.

“If you can’t always or reliably use vision to detect those vehicles, then sound is even more important,” she went on to state.

“And when the sound is not there, or is not loud enough to be able to reliably detect those vehicles, obviously that presents danger because … you’re not reliably able to know when a vehicle is approaching you.”

The law of the land

It should be noted that, around the world, legislation and technology have already been introduced in a bid tackle this issue.

In the European Union and U.K., for example, all new electric and hybrid vehicles will have to use an acoustic vehicle alerting system, or AVAS, from July 1. This will build upon and broaden previous regulations which came into force in 2019. 

Under the rules, the AVAS is supposed to kick in and make noise when a vehicle’s speed is under 20 kilometers per hour (around 12 miles per hour) and when it’s in reverse.

According to a statement from the U.K. government in 2019, the sound “can be temporarily deactivated by the driver if judged necessary.”

The EU’s regulation says the noise made by the AVAS “shall be a continuous sound that provides information to the pedestrians and other road users of a vehicle in operation.”

“The sound should be easily indicative of vehicle behaviour,” it adds, “and should sound similar to the sound of a vehicle of the same category equipped with an internal combustion engine.”

The RNIB’s Courtney-Bodgener told CNBC that while her organization was “happy” the AVAS directive had been translated into U.K. law, it did not “do all of the things that we want it to do.”

She went on to explain how the speed at which the AVAS cuts in perhaps needed to be increased to 20 or 30 miles per hour.

“We’re not convinced that if … a vehicle is travelling at, say 13 miles per hour, it would generate, on its own, enough noise for it to be reliably detectable by sound.”

Another area of concern relates to older vehicles. “There are already lots and lots of electric and hybrid vehicles that were produced before this legislation came into force and do not have the sound technology on them,” she said.

There was currently no provision to retrofit these, she added. “That is a concern because there are already thousands of vehicles on roads around the U.K. that do not have the AVAS technology.”

From the industry’s point of view, it seems to be content with the regulations already in place. In a statement sent to CNBC via email, AVERE, The European Association for Electromobility, told CNBC it supported the “current legislative status quo.”

“The limit of 20 km/h is sufficient, since at this level other noises — notably rolling tyre resistance — take over and are sufficient for pedestrians and cyclists to hear EVs and hybrids approaching,” the Brussels-based organization added.

“In fact, mandating additional noise beyond 20 km/h would rob European citizens of one of the primary benefits of electrification: reduced noise levels at city speeds.”

Noise pollution can indeed be a serious issue. According to the European Environment Agency, over 100 million people in Europe “are exposed to harmful levels of environmental noise pollution.” The agency singles out road traffic noise as being “a particular public health problem across many urban areas.”

On the subject of older cars needing to be updated, AVERE said: “Only a very small share of EVs on European roads would be subject to retrofitting requirements, given the fact that many existing vehicles have already been fitted with AVAS in anticipation of the new requirements, and that the rules have been put in place in time to support the expected mass uptake of EVs in coming years.”

If “additional requirements” were found to be necessary, AVERE said it stood ready to engage with policymakers.

The future

Discussions and debate surrounding this topic look set to continue for a good while yet and it’s clear that a balance will need to be struck going forward.

Regardless of whether one thinks the current legislation goes far enough or not, the fact remains these types of systems are set to become an increasingly important feature of urban transport in the years ahead.

Robert Fisher is head of EV technologies at research and consultancy firm SBD Automotive.

He told CNBC via email that testing conducted by the company had “found AVAS to be quite effective” but went on to add that if a pedestrian wasn’t familiar with the noise, “they may not automatically associate it with the presence of an approaching vehicle.”

“Currently, AVAS is mostly hindered by inconsistent legislation and a lack of innovation,” he said, before going on to strike a positive tone regarding the future.

“As we move away from the internal combustion engine, this technology has the potential to become a key part of a car’s character, a point of brand differentiation, and has the ability to save lives.”

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Aventon Soltera 2.5 e-bike’s first discount to $999, Autel’s new 80A EV charging station at $899 low, EcoFlow 4-day flash sale, more

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August 28, 2025

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Aventon Soltera 2.5 e-bike's first discount to 9, Autel's new 80A EV charging station at 9 low, EcoFlow 4-day flash sale, more

Leading today’s Green Deals is the first-ever discount on Aventon’s newest Soltera 2.5 Lightweight Commuter e-bike at $999 that is joining the brand’s Final Summer/Labor Day Sale. We also spotted Autel’s latest and most powerful MaxiCharger AC Pro 80A Level 2 EV Charger dropping back to its $899 low for the second time, as well as one of its cheaper 40A alternatives. There’s also EcoFlow’s final Labor Day Flash Sale lasting through the weekend, as well as some dash cam options, an EcoFlow solar bundle, a BougeRV electric cooler to fit any vehicle, a one-day-only Anker SOLIX bundle, and more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings are at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Lectric Long-Range XP Trike2 750 preorder deal, the Bluetti flash sale lows that will be ending tonight, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Review: The ST3 Pro e-scooter brings serious suspension alongside smart controls and more as Navee’s latest flagship

As a long-time rider of Segway electric scooters, my expectations are quite high for new brands looking to climb their way up to the standard that the household-name has set in stone at this point. Only within the last few months did Navee come onto my radar, with the brand offering me the chance to test out its latest flagship model, the ST3 Pro Electric Scooter, which has been quite the surprise, to say the least. At first, it seemed like it was full of gimmicks that were destined to fail, but after riding around for several weeks now, I can happily say that Segway may just have found a new challenger. Head below to get my hands-on impressions of this high-end e-scooter that still retains accessible pricing for the stunning list of features.

To get our full hands-on impression of this new flagship e-scooter, be sure to check out our review here.

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woman riding Aventon Soltera 2.5 e-bike through street

Aventon slashes $200 off new Soltera 2.5 lightweight commuter e-bike for first time, now $999

As part of its ongoing Final Summer Sale/Labor Day Sale through September 3, Aventon has given us the first discount on its new Soltera 2.5 Lightweight Commuter e-bike for $999 shipped. While it hit the market back at the start of the year, it’s been spending all the time since keeping at its $1,199 MSRP, which we’re finally seeing brought down during this sale thanks to these first-ever savings. You’re looking at a $200 markdown that drops the costs down to where its predecessor sat for most of last year, giving you an affordable and lightweight commuter at its best price yet.

Like its predecessors, the Aventon Soltera 2.5 e-bike is a lightweight commuter that is perfect for those living in urban environments, with the 46-pound weight being much more manageable when it comes to carrying it up and down stairs. This model brings much of the same specs and features we saw on the Soltera.2 model, like the 350W brushless rear-hub motor (peaking at 540W) and 9.6Ah battery combo for a 20 MPH top speed for up to 46 miles of pedal-assisted travel (four mode options) on a single charge. One notable upgrade here, though, is the inclusion of a thumb throttle so you’re not just limited to pedal assistance, but keep in mind this lowers its overall mileage.

And for the price, you’re getting a solid array of features with Aventon’s Soltera 2.5 e-bike that only makes the experience here better, including the hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear integrated lighting that offers turn signal functionality, Kenda tires, the continuance of a torque sensor, a Shimano Tourney 7-speed derailleur, a backlit LCD screen for setting adjustments on top of the USB port for charging devices, and more.

Be sure to check out Aventon’s full updated lineup of Final Summer/Labor Day deals that will be continuing through September 3.

man charging EV with Autel's MaxiCharger AC Pro 80A EV charger
Photo: BLUETTI

Autel’s newest and most powerful MaxiCharger AC Pro 80A level 2 EV charger drops back to $899 low, more

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Autel is offering the second-ever chance to pick up its new MaxiCharger AC Pro 80A Level 2 EV Charger back at $899 shipped, which matches the price we’re seeing directly from the brand’s website. We saw the first discount bring costs down from its full $1,299 price tag at the end of July, when it fell to this same rate. Now, you’re getting a second chance at this all-time low price, complete with $400 in savings, which gives you the brand’s newest and largest EV charging option for residential use.

If you want to learn more about this new model, or its cheaper alternative, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

computer on desk kept running by EcoFlow's DELTA 3 Plus portable power station

EcoFlow’s final Labor Day flash sale lasts through the weekend with up to 47% discounts on four units starting from $649

We’re in the final days of EcoFlow’s Labor Day Sale running up to the holiday, with the brand having launched a 4-day flash sale that is taking up to 47% off four different units. Among them, you’ll find the DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station bundled with a waterproof protective bag for $649 shipped, which beats out Amazon, where you’d have to buy the station and the bag separately for $778 right now. This bundle normally fetches $878 at full price, which we’ve seen brought as low as $616 in past sales direct from the brand while three past exclusive deals have seen it go as low as $541. You’re looking at a 26% markdown here for the next few days of the sale, giving you $229 in savings at the best price we can find. Head below for more on this and the other units seeing discounts during this sale.

If you want to learn more about this power station or the other units seeing discounts, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 4-day flash sale here.

VIOFO A229 Plus dual dash cam system

Save up to 32% on VIOFO’s A229 series of two and three-channel dash cams starting from $170

Over at VIOFO’s official Amazon storefront, you can find its A229 Plus Front and Rear Dash Cam down at $169.99 shipped. This dual-cam setup has mostly been keeping between $230 and $200 throughout 2025, though we did see it drop earlier in the year to $180, while more recently repeating falls to $170 and getting a one-time-only appearance of the $160 low during July’s Prime Day event. Aside from that short-lived low price, you’re otherwise looking at the best rate we have tracked thanks to the $60 price cut from its tag. Head below to learn more about this model and its two upgraded counterparts that are also seeing discounts.

If you want to learn more about this dash cam, or the other upgraded counterparts seeing discounts, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

Man in grass field connecting EcoFlow's DELTA 2 power station to solar panels

Get off-grid support with EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 solar generator bundle with a 220W panel at $699

Through its official Amazon storefront, EcoFlow is undercutting its own direct sale pricing on the DELTA 2 Solar Generator bundle that includes a 220W panel for $699 shipped, which beats out its direct pricing by $8 (including the bonus 5% savings). While the package would normally cost you $1,648 at full price direct from the brand, it starts off at Amazon at $1,299, which we’ve seen keeping between $899 and $749 regularly in 2025, with several drops lower – including a one-time fall to the new $659 low that has only appeared during July’s Prime Day sale. Aside from that one-time deal, you’re otherwise looking at the best price we have tracked, giving you $600 in savings ($949 off the MSRP).

If you want to learn more about this solar generator’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

two women loading BougeRV's 30-quart electric cooler into trunk of SUV

This BougeRV 30-quart electric cooler plugs into any vehicle’s power supply to keep things chilled/frozen at $207

By way of its official Amazon storefront, BougeRV is offering a return of the best pricing on its 12V 30-quart Electric Vehicle Refrigerator/Freezer at $206.99 shipped. It normally fetches $270 at full price, which we’ve mostly seen dropping between $230 and $220 for most of 2025, with more recent falls to $210 and this first-time drop to $207. While we have seen it go a bit lower to $204 in the past, you’re otherwise looking at the best price we have tracked, which equips any of your vehicles with a low-energy cooler at $63 off the going rate.

If you want to learn more about this electric cooler, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

woman charging tablet using Anker SOLIX C300X DC power station and 60W solar panel

For today only, you can get Anker’s SOLIX C300X DC station with a book-sized 60W panel back at $237

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Anker SOLIX C300X DC Portable Power Station with 60W foldable solar panel back at $236.99 shipped. We saw this same one-day-only deal pop up two weeks ago, bringing the costs down from its $330 tag, though it fetches a lower $300 rate directly from Anker’s website (currently at $270), while at Amazon, you can only find its grey variant that currently sits $13 higher. Discounts over the year have mostly taken the price down to $250 with drops as low as $220 back in February. You’re looking at the third-best price we’ve tracked in 2025 and the fourth-best overall, coming in $47 above the low last seen during Black Friday.

If you want to learn more about this setup’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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The Chevy Blazer and Equinox EVs are the most affordable electric vehicles to insure

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August 28, 2025

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The Chevy Blazer and Equinox EVs are the most affordable electric vehicles to insure

most-affordable-EVs-insure

The electric Chevy Equinox and Blazer are the most affordable EVs to insure. According to a new study, Chevy’s electric SUVs topped the list, but Hyundai had the most models in the top ten.

What are the top 10 most affordable EVs to insure?

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that electric vehicles can be more costly to insure than internal combustion engine (ICE) or hybrid vehicles.

Insurance rates vary throughout the US, but much of the higher cost is due to parts repairs. For example, according to a recent study from Insurify, the Tesla Model X is the most expensive EV to insure.

Why? Because it has more expensive parts, like the falcon-wing doors, which can cost thousands to repair alone, depending on the severity.

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The report also points out that fewer EVs in a certain area means fewer insurance claims. To protect themselves, insurers will set higher premiums. Electric vehicles cost $4,058 on average to insure, according to Insurify, which is 49% more than the average cost of insuring a gas-powered car.

2026-Chevy-Blazer-EV
Chevy Blazer EV SS (Source: Chevrolet)

For those looking to save, we now have a list of the cheapest electric vehicles to insure. Leading California-based auto insurer, Mercury Insurance, revealed its annual top 10 list of the most affordable EVs to insure.

The Chevy Blazer and Equinox EVs topped the list, followed by the Nissan Leaf, Kia Niro EV, and Ford F-150 Lightning.

Hyundai-IONIQ-EVs-insurance
Hyundai’s new 2025 IONIQ 5 Limited with a Tesla NACS port (Source: Hyundai)

Hyundai’s Kona Electric ranked sixth, followed by the Mini Cooper SE, all Hyundai IONIQ models (IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9), and the Fiat 500e. The Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X tied for tenth.

“With federal EV tax credits set to expire in the near future, now is the time to get into an EV for consumers who are interested in one,” Chong Gao, Director of Product Management R&D for Mercury Insurance, said.

Rank Electric Vehicle
1 Chevy Blazer EV
2 Chevy Equinox EV
3 Nissan Leaf
4 Kia Niro EV
5 Ford F-150 Lightning
6 Hyundai Kona EV
7 Mini Cooper SE
8 Hyundai IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, IONIQ 9 (all EV models)
9 Fiat 500e
10 Subaru Solterra/ Toyota bZ4X
Top 10 most affordable EVs to insure (Source: Mercury Insurance)

Gao said that although insurance costs can be higher, there are still clear benefits to owning an EV, including lower operating costs.

Looking to secure the $7,500 EV tax credit while it’s still here? We can help you find electric vehicles in your area. Check out our links below to find deals on top-selling EV models near you.

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Slate to retool a production facility in Indiana, where it expects to create 2,000 jobs

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August 28, 2025

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Slate to retool a production facility in Indiana, where it expects to create 2,000 jobs

Slate Indiana

Young “Bare bones” BEV startup Slate announced it is making Indiana the home of production of its flagship model. The company opened the door to the site of its future Slate EV production today, kicking off a process that intends to bring trucks to the public by the end of next year.

It’s always exciting to see an update from young American startups like Slate. This company piqued our interest after launching a tongue-in-cheek website this past March and then coming out of hiding a month later with one helluva flagship model.

It was then that we learned about the startup’s “Blank Slate” design, which revolves around a simplified all-electric pickup with over 100 accessories and a five-seat SUV configuration kit. We also learned that this new model was expected to start below $20,000 after US tax incentives, but that target seems far less likely now that the Trump administration has nixed many of those incentives.

Still, an all-electric pickup starting under $30k should entice many American consumers, and it appears it already has. Back in mid-May, a representative for Slate told Electrek that it had already secured 100,000 reservations for its flagship BEV.

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Granted, those reservations only required a $50 deposit, so we’d expect a mere fraction of that to come to fruition if and when Slate reaches production, but the initial appetite is clearly there.

Speaking of production, Slate hit a noteworthy milestone today, opening the doors to an existing facility in Indiana. It intends to retool and repurpose it to support BEV manufacturing in 2026.

Slate Indiana
Slate CEO Chris Barman speaking at the Warsaw facility/ Source: Slate

Slate looks to build its EVs in Warsaw, Indiana next year

Today, Slate began its “Demo Day” in Warsaw, Indiana – home to its first planned manufacturing facility. The startup opened its doors and entered the facility in Kosciusko County, which is about an hour Northwest of Fort Wayne, for the first time this morning.

The existing Indiana structure, a former printing plant, will be refurbished to suit Slate’s production needs as it looks to achieve series production and roll its first customer-built EVs off those pending assembly line by Q4 2026. Slate CEO Chris Barman spoke:

What Slate is about to build for America begins in Warsaw. We’re retooling the factory in such a way that truly allows for manufacturing simplicity and rapid scaling. The Blank Slate is made the same way, each and every time: designed to be accessorized and wrapped by the customer after it leaves the factory.

By calling Warsaw, Indiana, home, Slate said it expects to create over 2,000 new jobs and contribute up $39 billion to the local economy over the next 20 years. For now, the immediate focus will be on retooling the Warsaw plant to gear up for BEV production next year. Reservations are still open.

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