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This week’s entry in the Awesomely Weird Alibaba Electric Vehicle of the Week series isn’t a minivan, it’s a mini-van. And amazingly, the company claims it can carry up to nine passengers – though you might need to start measuring each other if you plan to actually cram that many people into this little electric van.

You see, this definitely isn’t a full-size van, even though you might mistake it for a typical contractor van at a passing glance.

OK, a very passing glance.

From a distance, though, you might be fooled by the scale. With eight windows and either two or three doors depending on the model, the little electric mini-van looks nearly job-ready.

It’s even outfitted with the typical accoutrements you might expect, like mirrors, wiper (just the one), roll-up windows, backup camera, and a full light package.

But when you get closer, you realize just how small this thing really is.

It’s only 3.6 meters (11’9″) long, putting it about one salad plate shorter than a Mini Electric.

Inside you’ll find a pair of captain’s chairs up front and then two long benches in back, where the company claims you can fit another seven passengers SWAT-team style.

As you can see from the photos, the two benches aren’t exactly roomy church pews. I assume they expect you to load the back up with kids, or perhaps seven adults that are extremely comfortable with each other.

One cool feature is that the benches fold up against the sidewalls.

That means you can load the back up with cargo – or perhaps go for the record and stuff a baker’s dozen passengers back there.

I tried to pitch this van to my publisher as the perfect second car for parents in charge of the neighborhood carpool. He wasn’t buying it though, sarcastically retorting that it “looks like it has 5-star crash test rating written all over it.”

Fair enough, but maybe that just makes everyone a safer driver when they know the stakes are higher.

In terms of performance, you’ll find fairly typical Chinese mini-car figures. The factory can spec the vehicle with up to a 5,000W (6.7 horsepower) electric motor.

With that much power, putting the pedal to the plastic gets you a blistering top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). I’m still waiting for an answer from the factory regarding whether that top speed is measured with a single driver or with eight screaming passengers on board.

And I know what you’re probably thinking: “Six horsepower doesn’t sound like very much for a van – especially one designed to carry around half a kindergarten class. This thing probably couldn’t even climb a steep, rusty ramp obstacle that looks like it was stolen from a shady bicycle park.”

That’s exactly what I was thinking too! At least until I saw the demonstration video below provided by the factory.

Jokes aside, that’s actually some impressive climbing for this little fellow!

How far can this electric van travel on a charge?

What good is a high-capacity electric mini-van if it doesn’t have decent range?

Our little van here is powered by a 60V and 120Ah bank of 12V lead acid batteries, adding up to 7.2 kWh of capacity. That’s actually pretty decent, and it’s the same amount of battery capacity you’ll find crammed into many of Zero’s electric motorcycles here in the US.

The factory claims that’s enough battery for 120 km (75 miles) of range.

Those lead acid batteries are old tech, though, so a new lithium battery upgrade would be a big win. You could toss in a half dozen 60V 20Ah lithium-ion batteries to save a ton of weight and improve your battery pack’s range and lifespan. Each brick seems to cost around $180 these days from the usual budget sources – not too shabby.

To really increase your range, though, you’ll want to check out their solar panel option. The factory claims that the giant panel can add 40 km (25 mi) of range per day with decent sun. That’s almost as much solar charger per day as Aptera’s crazy three-wheeled solar-powered vehicle.

This mini-van certainly costs a lot less than the Aptera, at just $4,000 for the base model or $4,800 for the slightly longer version.

As much as I love this funny little electric mini-van, I’m not sure what I’d do with it.

I only have five nieces and nephews – definitely not enough to test the full nine-passenger capacity of the van.

The only other use I can think of for me is that it would actually be great for utility jobs. Like for example, last year I bought a ton of candy for halloween but we didn’t get many trick-or-treaters due to COVID. I’ve been looking for a way to distribute it to the neighborhood kids, and a slow-moving cargo van like this would be perfect. I just need to think of some type of sign to put on it so everyone knows I’m giving out treats.

Nailed it.

Can you really buy stuff like this on Alibaba?

My regular readers know that this column is lighthearted and not meant to convince anyone to actually buy these things. I’m not saying anyone should pull out their credit card and start googling sea freight prices.

Of course some people actually have bought my Awesomely Weird Alibaba EV finds, and the results are usually pretty worth it. Hell, I’ve even accidentally convinced myself to buy some of these things.

But if anyone actually does want to go down that path, know that the advertised prices on Alibaba are just the beginning. You’ll usually get nickeled-and-dimed along the way, then there will be exorbitant shipping charges, and lastly you’ll still need to fork over for a customs broker and final delivery from your closest port to your home.

If you’re prepared for that, my best advice is to communicate slowly and carefully with the vendor to ensure you’re both on the same page. Then prepare for a long wait and a rollercoaster ride until your fancy new electric mini-van finally shows up.

While you wait, why don’t you check out some of my other fun Awesomely Weird EVs below. And if you should discover any of your own that you think I should check out, shoot me a message! You can find my contact info in my author bio below.


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Dermot Murnaghan: Former Sky News presenter diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer

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Dermot Murnaghan: Former Sky News presenter diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer

Former Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The 67-year-old announced his diagnosis on social media, saying it was one of stage four “advanced” cancer.

He said he was “fortunate to have a simply outstanding medical team” looking after him that was “administering the best possible care with expertise, compassion and sensitivity”.

“I’m responding positively to their excellent treatment, and feeling well,” he added.

“I’m blessed to be fortified by the monumental love and support of my wife, family and close friends.

“Needless to say, my message to all men over 50, in high risk groups, or displaying symptoms, is get yourself tested and campaign for routine prostate screening by the NHS.

“Early detection is crucial. And be aware, this disease can sometimes progress rapidly without obvious symptoms.”

Dermot Murnaghan
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Murnaghan also presented on BBC News and ITV News

Murnaghan said he would be taking part in Sir Chris Hoy’s charity bike ride in Glasgow in September, which aims to “shine a spotlight” on stage four cancer.

Sir Chris was himself diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in September 2023.

Advanced prostate cancer is when the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, according to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Murnaghan is a familiar face to Sky News viewers as one of its main presenters from 2007 until 2023.

In September 2022, he announced the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II on the channel.

Read more from Sky News:
Bride ‘shot dead on wedding day in France’
GPs can now prescribe weight loss jabs on NHS

Before joining Sky, he presented ITV’s News At Ten and the BBC Ten O’Clock News – now known as BBC News At Ten – as well as Channel 4 News.

Murnaghan also presented quiz show Eggheads on BBC Two for 11 years.

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Why are activists protesting against Jeff Bezos’s Venice wedding?

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Why are activists protesting against Jeff Bezos's Venice wedding?

Billionaire Jeff Bezos is marrying Lauren Sanchez, a former TV journalist, in a glitzy multi-day event in Venice.

While city officials haven’t confirmed the wedding details, Italian media have reported it will be a three-day affair between Tuesday and Thursday.

They also say it will take over the whole island of San Giorgio opposite St Mark’s Square – but that the location of the ceremony itself remains private.

Oprah Winfrey, Mick Jagger and Ivanka Trump are expected to attend, as is pop star Katy Perry, who joined Ms Sanchez in the all-female celebrity crew that travelled to space in April.

They and other celebrity guests – rumoured to include Leonardo Dicaprio and Eva Longoria – are expected to be joining the couple for parties on Amazon owner Bezos’s super yacht, worth about $500m (£371m), which will dock in the port of Venice for the wedding, Sky News Italy reports.

But not everyone in the iconic city is excited.

What protests are planned?

More on Jeff Bezos

Members of the group No Space for Bezos are planning to disrupt celebrations and have already made clear that, to them, the billionaire is not welcome in the city.

They unfurled a massive banner on 12 June from the bell tower of the San Giorgio Maggiore basilica with Bezos’s name crossed out.

Anti Jeff Bezos sign hung by protesters on the bell tower of the San Giorgio Maggiore basilica. Pic: Federica Toninelli
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An anti-Bezos sign hung on the bell tower of the San Giorgio Maggiore basilica. Pic: Federica Toninelli

They are planning another demonstration on 28 June where they will block guests from arriving at a party by blocking the canals with boats and their bodies.

They say the protest will be peaceful.

“We want to take back our city that we are seeing constantly being privatised and taken away from us,” Federica Toninelli, an activist associated with No Space for Bezos, told Sky News.

Why are there protests?

Protesters do not have an issue with the marriage itself but with what they say is the “privatisation” and “exploitation” of the city.

From left, Mark Zuckerberg, Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos and Sundar Pichai arrive before the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States takes place inside the Capitol Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., Monday, January 20, 2025. It is the 60th U.S. presidential inauguration and the second non-consecutive inauguration of Trump as U.S. president. Kenny Holston/Pool via REUTERS
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Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos at Donald Trump’s inauguration. Pic: Reuters

“He is basically going to treat the whole city as a private ballroom, as a private event area, as if the citizens are not there,” said Alice Bazzoli, also an activist with No Space for Bezos.

Both told Sky News that the event will close parts of the city and make it difficult for locals to get around, as well as posing environmental concerns with the use of yachts in the canals.

“This is not what Venice needs. This is not what a city that is already suffering from overtourism needs,” said Ms Toninelli.

No Space For Bezos protesters gather in Venice. Pic: Federica Toninelli
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No Space For Bezos protesters gather in Venice. Pic: Federica Toninelli

The city has long struggled with high tourism numbers.

Millions come to see a World Heritage Site famous around the world for its medieval architecture, crammed into a picturesque canal network.

But this pushes up the cost of living for locals and tends to create only low-paid temporary employment.

“It’s going to bring money, yes, but we are not going to see any money,” said Ms Toninelli.

St Mark's Square, in Venice. The city has felt pressure from tourist numbers in recent years. Pic: Reuters
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St Mark’s Square filled with tourists. Pic: Reuters

The protests are also linked to wider issues around affordable housing and a dwindling local population in Venice’s historic centre.

“Do we want our city even more invaded by tourists, by oligarchs, and people who buy and privatise the city, or do we want services, jobs, health services, schools, universities? Do we want to live in the city like normal people, or sell it to the best offer?” said Ms Bazzoli.

What has the response been to the protests?

The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, says he is “honoured” that the city is hosting the event.

“Once again Venice proves to be a world stage,” he said.

“Those 20 people who are putting up posters are clearly capitalising on [Jeff Bezos’s] image.”

The city of Venice has previously denied that the event would disrupt locals, saying water taxi services would run normally and that only 200 guests had been invited.

“Venice is used to being the stage for events and shows every week, without significant impacts,” the city said, citing G20 and G7 summits, the Architecture and Cinema Biennales, as well as private events.

They say the city has previous experience of hosting big events successfully.

Is this the first celebrity Venice wedding?

No, George and Amal Clooney famously got married there in 2014.

The actor arrived at his ceremony at the Aman Grande Canal Hotel on a boat, alongside guests including Matt Damon and model Cindy Crawford.

The city also hosted world leaders for the 2021 G20 summit, as well as the annual Venice Film Festival.

Is tourism a problem in Venice?

Day-trippers take a gondola tour, on the last day of the experimental 5 euro entry fee to visit Venice, in Venice, Italy, July 14, 2024. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri
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Day-trippers take a gondola tour in July 2024. Pic: Reuters

Venice has been struggling with the impacts of overtourism – when the number of visitors to an area worsens the experience of being there for locals or other tourists.

There were around 50,000 people living in the historic city centre in 2023 when there were around 4.9 million tourist arrivals, according to the data gathering website Statista.

In 2024, it became the first city in the world to introduce a payment system for tourists, with officials carrying out random checks to make sure people beyond entry points have a QR code.

As it stands, those visiting between April and July for a day trip pay a standard fee of €5 – unless they have booked less than four days before their visit, in which case they must pay double.

The city has also put in place a size limit of 25 people for tourist groups to reduce crowds.

Where else have there been tourist protests?

Venice isn’t the only European city where locals are frustrated with tourist numbers.

Protesters in Barcelona sprayed tourists with water guns as part of demonstrations over the number of visitors.

Anti-tourism activists have also staged protests in other popular holiday destinations across Spain, including Palma, Malaga and the Canary Islands, saying visitors drive up housing costs and lead to residents being unable to afford to live in city centres.

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Festival season is here, but does politics have a place on the stage?

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Festival season is here, but does politics have a place on the stage?

Festival season is under way, and leading the charge: the Isle of Wight Festival – dubbed “Europe’s Woodstock” – with headliners including Sting and the Stereophonics.

Former N-Sync star Justin Timberlake – a man who’s crooned about his love of “dance, dance, dance” and has recently become a meme for his mic-centric moves on stage – is a headliner too.

Pic: Reuters
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Justin Timberlake – and his trusty mic stand. Pic: Reuters

Meanwhile, Glastonbury Festival will see headline acts including Olivia Rodrigo, the 1975, and Charli XCX.

But along with the headline stars and hot weather, politics has also found its way into the spotlight.

Youth culture and political expression have long been part of the festival experience, with Vietnam, nuclear disarmament, Brexit and the Russian invasion of Ukraine all attracting attention over the decades.

This year, with geopolitics seemingly at a boiling point, the Israel-Hamas war has had far-reaching implications. As the Israel-Iran war follows in its wake, the conflict has prompted strong opinions on both sides.

Irish-language rap trio Kneecap‘s upcoming Glastonbury Festival set has become a flashpoint for robust debate, drawing protests from those calling for their set to be cancelled, as well as those championing their right to speak out.

More on Glastonbury

The root of the contention? Kneecap band member Liam O’Hanna, 27, was charged with a terror offence earlier this year, accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in the UK, at a gig last year.

Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court in London
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Kneecap’s Liam Og O hAnnaidh leaves Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London. Pic: PA

Hezbollah was proscribed in its entirety in 2019 because the government classed it as a terrorist organisation and said its attacks on Israel were “attempts to destabilise the fragile situation in the Middle East”.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he did not think Kneecap’s planned Glastonbury Festival performance was “appropriate” and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she thought the BBC “should not be showing” the band’s performance at the festival next weekend.

Read more:
‘Scary spotlight’ on music stars amid Kneecap charge
Kneecap release new single after member charged

Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Somerset, 2019. Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP
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Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Somerset. Pic: PA

Although “removed” from playing at Scottish music festival TRNSMT next month due to “safety concerns”, Kneecap have remained on the Glastonbury bill, prompting the question: Is the stage a place for political opinion?

‘If we think we’re separate from world events, we’re kidding ourselves’

Faithless star Sister Bliss, who performed at the first of the re-instated Isle of Wight Festivals and is performing again this year, tells Sky News: “If we think that we’re separate from world events, we’re absolutely kidding ourselves. Our lives are tied intrinsically to everybody else’s on the planet.

“You can have certain people that express that in a way that is perhaps a tad crass, but I love that lyrically – especially on our records, in songs that we’ve made over the last 30 years – I feel that you can combine the personal and political in a way that’s not tub-thumping or simplistic. These issues are very nuanced that are going on in the world right now.”

Sister Bliss of Faithless. Pic: Callum Baker
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Sister Bliss of Faithless. Pic: Callum Baker

Speaking to Sky News at the Isle of Wight Festival, Clean Bandit star Grace Chatto says artists are right to use the stage to amplify their voice.

“It is such a great place for political speech, like when Jeremy Corbyn spoke at Glastonbury – it was the most attended thing of the whole event, and it just brought such a feeling of unity and hope in that field on that day”.

The 39-year-old cellist adds: “Then recently, Kneecap and Massive Attack have just been so important, I think, and amazing.”

Earlier this month, Massive Attack, who have previously been critical of Israel, included footage of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his family as part of a video montage at one of their concerts.

(R-L) Grace Chatto and Jack Patterson of Clean Bandit. Pic: @photosbychloeh
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(R-L) Grace Chatto and Jack Patterson of Clean Bandit. Pic: @photosbychloeh

‘I’ve got loads of friends who are absolute idiots politically’

Fresh from the Isle of Wight Main Stage, Mae Muller tells Sky News: “With what’s happening in Gaza, I know that’s been a very prominent theme with people saying, ‘Should we speak out about it or not?’ But that’s not political, it’s a human rights issue.

“It’s important for us to use our voice, because not everybody can. If we feel strongly about something, and we can stand behind it, I think [the stage is] definitely a place to do it.”

Pic: Sarah Louise Bennett
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Mae Muller. Pic: Sarah Louise Bennett

Muller, who represented the UK at last year’s Eurovision Song Competition – which became a highly politicised event despite the attempts of the organisers to keep it from the stage – continues: “Art is inherently political, and you can’t really escape it. And we shouldn’t want to escape it. It can be two things at once. [Politics] and fun can coexist.

Meanwhile, Razorlight front-man Johnny Borrell, ahead of his Main Stage performance, tells Sky News: “Why not say what you believe in? Why does everyone get so precious?

“You can disagree with people. I’ve got loads of friends who are absolute idiots politically – they think the earth is flat. I like them as people, but I completely disagree with them in politics”.

Pic: Sarah Louise Bennett
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Johnny Borrell. Pic: Sarah Louise Bennett

Borrell adds: “We don’t have a problem with disagreeing, but if everyone’s tapping away [mimes typing on a phone] and they’re like, ‘No, I’m really angry, I’m going to tap back,’ that’s a different thing. That’s what’s changed recently.”

A ‘disruptor’ festival, showing the world that anything is possible’

Regardless of the polarised times, Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings, 72, says the Isle of Wight Festival experience should be a break from activism rather than a call to arms.

The 72-year-old, who represents artists ranging from Blondie to Phil Collins, told Sky News: “We’re purely about music and entertainment, and we are to switch off from politics for three or four days. We’re in the business of entertaining people, not preaching to people. And I don’t understand why people attempt to. That’s a different forum.”

Isle of Wight Festival promotor, John Giddings. Pic: PA
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Isle of Wight Festival promotor, John Giddings. Pic: PA

Giddings, who relaunched the iconic festival after it was outlawed by authorities in 1970, fearing the crowds and rowdy behaviour could detract from the island, may be keen to avoid political controversy, but he’s keen to break the mould in other areas.

Following a long line of stars before him, including Bob Dylon, Jimi Hendrix and Joni Mitchell, singer Emmanuel Kelly has become the first physically differently-abled artist to perform on the Isle of Wight Festival’s Main Stage.

The 31-year-old former X Factor star, who supported Coldplay on their Music Of The Spheres tour last year, says as far as accessibility is concerned, the Isle of Wight Festival is a trailblazer.

Emmanuel Kelly – Pic: James Millington Photography
Image:
Emmanuel Kelly. Pic: James Millington Photography

Kelly tells Sky News: “Somebody that’s different is on the stage and is able to show the world that anything’s possible.”

Echoing the festival’s early rebel roots, he credits it with being a “disruptor”, adding, “They make the extra effort to teach the others around the world to make the extra effort as well… It’s important and it’s happening and I’m excited for it.”

In response to Sir Keir’s call for Kneecap to be removed from the line up at Glastonbury next weekend, and whether the performance would be available on any BBC platforms if it goes ahead, a BBC spokesperson said: “As the broadcast partner, the BBC will be bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers.

“Whilst the BBC doesn’t ban artists, our plans will ensure that our programming will meet our editorial guidelines. Decisions about our output will be made in the lead up to the festival.”

The Isle of Wight Festival runs until Sunday 22 June, with the Glastonbury Festival kicking off on 25 June.

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