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The Vermont State Police released this photo of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV that caught fire on July 1, 2021 in the driveway of state Rep. Timothy Briglin, a Democrat.
Vermont State Police

Automakers are spending billions of dollars to transition to cleaner and greener battery-powered vehicles, but the new technology has come with an even steeper cost: Reputation-damaging vehicle fires, recalls, sudden power loss and problems getting some of the cars started.

The learning curve with batteries is steep for traditional automakers, and battery technology remains challenging even for Tesla, which has faced similar issues. But automakers are eager to embrace the new technology with President Joe Biden in the White House pushing for half of new car sales to be electric by 2030, a plan that will likely come with billions of dollars in tax and other incentives.

While costly recalls occur in traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines, many of the current trouble spots for electric vehicles are software and batteries – two areas crucial to EVs that are not historically core areas of expertise for Detroit automakers.

“Anytime you go into a new area of technology, there’s more to be learned that there is that you know,” Doug Betts, president of J.D. Power’s automotive division, told CNBC. “There are risks and there are things to be learned.”

The problems are already showing up on corporate balance sheets. Three high-profile automaker recalls within the last year — General Motors, Hyundai Motor and Ford Motor — involving about 132,500 electric vehicles cost a combined $2.2 billion. Most recently, GM said it would spend $800 million on a recall of its Chevrolet Bolt EV following several reported fires due to two “rare manufacturing defects” in the lithium ion battery cells in the vehicle’s battery pack.

Recalls are a common in the automotive industry, especially for new vehicles. It’s one of the reasons vehicles with the newest technologies traditionally perform poorly in some J.D. Power studies.

“When you go from gas to electric, there’s going to be a whole new set of problems you have to deal with, and we just have to figure out how to how to deal with those issues that you know that we haven’t had to deal with in the past,” said Guidehouse Insights principal analyst Sam Abuelsamid.

Recent recalls or problems with batteries or software of new EVs have included:

  • GM last month issued a second recall of its 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs after at least two of the electric vehicles that were repaired for a previous problem erupted into flames. The automaker said that officials with GM and LG Energy Solution, which supplies the vehicle’s battery cells, identified a second “rare manufacturing defect” in the EVs that increases the risk of fire. The $800 million recall covers about 69,000 of the cars globally, including nearly 51,000 in the U.S.
  • Porsche recalled the Taycan, its flagship EV, due to a software problem that caused the vehicle to completely lose power while driving.
  • In April, Ford Motor said a “small number” of early customers of its Mustang Mach-E crossover EV reported the 12-volt batteries in their vehicles wouldn’t charge, preventing those cars from operating. Ford said it was due to a software issue.
    In Europe, Ford last year recalled about 20,500 Kuga plug-in hybrid crossovers and suspended sales of the vehicles due to concerns that the battery packs in the vehicles could potentially overheat and cause a vehicle fire. It cost the automaker $400 million.
  • Hyundai Motor earlier this year said it would spend $900 million for a recall following fires in 15 of its Kona EVs.
  • BMW, Volvo and others also have recalled EVs, including plug-in hybrid models, due to issues with battery systems.

Betts, whose career has included turns at Toyota, Fiat Chrysler and Apple, said he believes legacy automakers will figure such problems out as they release more electric vehicles. He said it’s just a matter of time.

“I wouldn’t say that the traditional OEMs have had more or less trouble than Tesla,” he said. “There have been fires with Teslas, too. Obviously, they have a lot more experience now.”

Tesla

While Tesla has avoided massive recalls of its EVs due to battery issues, litigation and investigations by federal officials in the U.S. and Norway could spell trouble for the company.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation in October 2019 into Tesla’s high-voltage batteries.

This Tesla Model S Plaid caught fire while the driver was at the wheel, according to a local fire department chief and attorneys representing the driver, on June 29, 2021, in Haverford, Pennsylvania
Provided by Geragos & Geragos

The probe was opened after NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation received a petition alleging that Tesla rolled out one or more software updates to control and conceal a potential defect that could result in non-crash fires in affected battery packs.

California-based attorney Edward Chen, who submitted the petition, also filed a class action complaint for the issue against Tesla in August 2019. While Tesla recently agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle the lawsuit, NHTSA’s investigation remains open.

After the settlement, CEO Elon Musk said on Twitter: “If we are wrong, we are wrong. In this case, we were.”

Another proposed class action lawsuit in California, Fish v. Tesla Inc., alleges that Tesla knowingly over stated the capacity of the high-voltage batteries in its cars, and has used remote “battery health checks,” and software updates to conceal battery degradation, and deny owners battery replacements to which they were entitled under warranty.

The complaint says the lead plaintiff’s 2014 Tesla Model S lost more than half of its range over just six years, dropping to the equivalent of 144-mile range on a full charge from a 265-mile range when he first bought it.

The battery complaints in the U.S. were similar to one in Norway in which more than 30 Tesla drivers told the courts that a 2019 software update slashed their Teslas’ battery life, decreased the range and lengthened the time the cars took to charge, according to Norwegian newspaper Nettavisen.

The court preliminarily sided with the owners and told Tesla it may have to pay customers affected by the battery throttling software up to $16,000 each, which could amount to a $163 million payout.

In April, Tesla CEO Elon Musk during an earnings call said there had been “more challenges than expected” in developing new versions of the Tesla Model S and X – the company’s more expensive vehicles. That included the recently released Model S Plaid and “quite a bit of development to ensure that the battery of the new S/X is safe.”

Tesla did not respond for comment on the federal inquires or allegations. The company is not yet delivering the updated version of its luxury SUV, the Model X and has delayed deliveries of many customers’ Model S vehicles this year.

Fires

Vehicle fires are common, generally. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were 212,500 vehicle fires that caused 560 civilian deaths, 1,500 civilian injuries and $1.9 billion in direct property damage in the U.S. in 2018.

Most of those fires did not involve EVs, which still only make up about 2% to 3% of new vehicle sales in the U.S. annually. However, automakers and their battery cell suppliers are going to have to be extremely careful in the manufacturing of battery electric vehicles and their parts.

“The manufacturing processes are really going to have to be tightened up,” Abuelsamid said. “It’s part of dealing with the way batteries behave. They don’t like heat and they don’t like contamination. They’re very sensitive.”

Something as small as an errant spark from welding or another process can cause a serious problem in battery cells.

Experts are still trying to determine EV fire incident rates; the data is hard to collect from disparate fire departments. Fleet Auto News previously reported on London Fire Brigade records that suggest, based on a small local sampling, “an incident rate of 0.04% for petrol and diesel car fires, while the rate for plug-in vehicle [sic] is more than double at 0.1%.”

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Mercedes gives first look at the GLB EV interior and it’s loaded with massive screens [Images]

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4 hours ago

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November 11, 2025

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Mercedes gives first look at the GLB EV interior and it's loaded with massive screens [Images]

Mercedes-GLB-EV-first-look

The Mercedes GLB EV will be here in less than a month. With its debut just around the corner, Mercedes offered a first look at the new GLB EV’s interior, and yes, it’s loaded with massive screens.

First look at the new Mercedes GLB EV interior

Mercedes is putting the new electric GLB through the paces at the Mercedes Technology Center (MTC) in Singlefingen, Germany, ahead of its world premiere on December 8.

The testing is conducted in wind tunnels that range in temperature from -40 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, snow cannons shoot various types of snow while high-powered fans generate winds up to 124 mph, simulating fierce blizzard conditions.

Although it’s covered in snow, you can still see that the new EV version maintains a similar boxy design to the current gas-powered GLB.

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If you look a little closer, it appears to have a larger grille design, like the new GLC EV, which Mercedes said “redefines” the face of the brand.

Mercedes also unveiled the new GLB EV’s interior for the first time, which looks pretty similar to the GLC’s. The optional floating MBUX Superscreen is the highlight, extending the entire width of the dash.

Mercedes-GLB-EV-first-look
The new Mercedes GLB EV during cold-weather testing (Source: Mercedes-Benz)

It also features Mercedes’ new multifunction steering wheel, which reintroduces a rocker switch for the cruise control.

Another new feature is the concave door handle design, which features a floating center panel that opens a storage space. The center console has a similar design, offering an optional wireless charging cradle and cup holders.

Mercedes-GLB-EV-interior-first-look
The interior of the new Mercedes GLB EV (Source: Mercedes-Benz)

Mercedes said the new SUV offers “noticeably more headroom for first and second row occupants” compared to its predecessor. It will offer standard seating for five, with the option to add a third row for seven.

According to Mercedes, the new GLB takes “interior climate comfort” to the next level. For example, the climate control heats up twice as fast as its predecessor during a 20-minute drive at 19 degrees Fahrenheit. Mercedes said that since it only requires half the energy of the current GLB, it helps maximize range.

We will learn more about the Mercedes GLB EV on December 8. Check back soon for updates.


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Segway early Black Friday takes hundreds off EVs from $150, exclusive $1,082 savings on refurbished Anker SOLIX units, Jackery, more

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November 11, 2025

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Segway early Black Friday takes hundreds off EVs from 0, exclusive ,082 savings on refurbished Anker SOLIX units, Jackery, more


If you didn’t know, today is Singles’ Day, and as such, our Green Deals edition has some great opportunities to celebrate and treat yourself with, starting at Segway’s early Black Friday Sale with up to 30% discounts on several e-scooters and e-bikes starting from $150. We also secured exclusive deals with up to $1,082 savings on nine refurbished Anker SOLIX power stations and solar panels, like the renewed F3800 Portable Power Station at a new $1,597 low. There’s also the new Jackery Explorer 240D Portable Power Station back at its $139 low, as well as a new Worx Intellicut mower low, DEWALT’s 6-tool combo kit at an annual low, and our Singles’ Day roundup bringing up the rear. And don’t forget about the hangover deals that are collected together at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s full Anker SOLIX early Black Friday Sale lineup, 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.

Save hundreds in early Black Friday/Singles’ Day savings on Segway EVs to upgrade your commute, starting from $150

Segway has officially kicked off its early Black Friday Sale that will also coincide with Singles’ Day, giving lone riders a great opportunity at hundreds in savings on the brand’s select lineup of e-scooters and accessories. One such notable deal is the E2 Pro Electric Scooter that is dropping to $379.99 shipped, and also matching at Amazon. While it carries a $600 MSRP direct from the brand’s website, you’ll more often find it posted up at $500 in full over at Amazon, with most of the discounts we’ve seen over 2025 having kept costs above $400, save for the few drops to $330 we saw earlier in the year. During these early holiday promotions, you can score it at the second-best price we have tracked, giving you $120 off the going rate and $220 off the MSRP. Head below to browse the full lineup of Segway’s early Black Friday deals.

A great commuter for folks who don’t want to shell out too much money, but still want one of the more premium brands supporting them through travels around town, the Segway E2 Pro electric scooter has you covered for up to 21.7 miles on a single charge, thanks to the 275Wh battery. That battery runs the 750W motor and rear-wheel drive system, with enough power to handle up to 18% inclines while giving you top speeds of 15.5 MPH.

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One notable inclusion here is the Apple Find My integration for greater security, allowing you to keep track of your scooter and hunt it down in case of theft, which has been needed for such models that utilize push-button starts without keys. Your riding experience will also benefit from the front and rear turn signals, anti-skid traction control, 10-inch air-leakage-proof tubeless tires, 2.8-inch integrated LED dashboard for setting adjustments, and more.

Segway’s full early Black Friday Sale lineup:

  • C2 Lite eKickScooter for kids: $150 (Reg. $180) | matched at Amazon
    • 9.9 MPH for up to 5.9 miles
  • C2 eKickScooter for kids: $160 (Reg. $200) | matched at Amazon
    • 9.9 MPH for up to 6.8 miles
  • C2 Pro eKickScooter for kids: $230 (Reg. $280) | matched at Amazon
    • 12.4 MPH for up to 9.3 miles
  • E2 Plus II Electric Scooter: $280 (Reg. $350) | matched at Amazon
    • 15.5 MPH for up to 16 miles
  • E2 Pro Electric Scooter: $380 (Reg. $500) | matched at Amazon
    • 15.5 MPH for up to 21.7 miles
    • Apple Find My, more
  • MAX G30LP Electric Scooter: $500 (Reg. $600) | matched at Amazon
    • 18 MPH for up to 25 miles
  • MAX G30P Electric Scooter: $550 (Reg. $1,000) | not available at Amazon
    • 18 MPH for up to 40 miles
  • Max G2 Electric Scooter: $700 (Reg. $1,000) | matched at Amazon
    • 22 MPH for up to 43 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, more
  • GoKart Kit2: $800 (Reg. $999) | matched at Amazon
    • Requires a compatible Segway Ninebot S, S2, or S MAX
  • F3 Electric Scooter: $850 (Reg. $1,000) | matched at Amazon
    • 20 MPH for up to 44 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, more
  • ZT3 Pro All-Terrain Electric Scooter: $1,000 (Reg. $1,200) | matched at Amazon
    • 24.9 MPH for up to 43.5 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, more
  • MAX G3 Electric Scooter: $1,200 (Reg. $1,300) | matched at Amazon
    • 28 MPH for up to 50 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, more
  • Xafari Electric Bike: $1,800 (Reg. $2,400)
    • 20 MPH for up to 88 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, and much more
  • Xyber Electric Bike: $2,900 (Reg. $3,300)
    • 35 MPH for up to 112 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, and much more

Segway’s early Black Friday accessory deals:

You can browse Segway’s early Black Friday lineup on the main landing page here, too.

Anker's SOLIX F3800 plus power station in kitchen with various appliances

Score up to $1,082 in exclusive savings on nine refurbished Anker SOLIX units at new lows starting from $112

We’ve secured a collection of nine exclusive deals on refurbished Anker SOLIX power stations and solar panels from Welbots, which provide up to $1,082 in total savings and even give our readers some new low prices on these units. The largest of these deals is on the Anker SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station down at $1,597.07 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5RBANK6 for an additional 6% savings. The deal on this renewed unit starts with a drop from $2,679 to $1,699, and the exclusive code cuts another $102 off the tag. Last month, we secured similar deals that only took costs down to $1,709, with that rate beaten here by the combined 40% markdown that lands it lower than ever to the best new price we have tracked.

You can learn more about this power station, as well as the full lineup of refurbished units, by checking out our original coverage of these nine exclusive deals here.

person riding bike with Jackery's Explorer 240D power station hanging from shoulder on strap

Jackery’s new Explorer 240D 256Wh compact power station returns to $139 low for Singles’ Day, more from $176

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Jackery is offering its new Explorer 240D Portable Power Station at $138.99 shipped, beating out the brand’s direct website pricing by $70. This new model hit the market at the tail end of September with a full $209 price tag, with its initial launch deals to this rate holding on through Prime Day, before keeping above $149 with discounts in the time since. Today’s deal brings you another opportunity to jump on it at the best price we have tracked, saving you $70 in the process. You’ll also find a few bundle options available at discounted rates, too, like the station with a 40W mini solar panel at its lowest rate of $217.54 shipped.

If you want to learn more about this new power station, or browse its bundle offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

man mowing lawn with Worx 40V 14-inch Cordless Intellicut lawn mower

Worx’s 40V 14-inch cordless mower with adaptable Intellicut feature at new $129 low for Singles’ Day

Amazon is now offering the best price yet on the Worx 40V 14-inch 2-in-1 Cordless intellicut Lawn Mower with two 4.0Ah batteries for $129 shipped during Singles’ Day, which has been going strong for us for 2.5 years now, and currently beats out the brand’s direct website pricing by $61. It may carry a $300 MSRP direct from Worx, but at Amazon we’ve been seeing it down at $220 and more recently $199 for long stretches, with discounts having taken things as low as $165 this year. While this deal continues, you’re looking at a total $171 off the MSRP that lands it lower than ever for the best price we have tracked in its history, making it quite the Singles’ Day steal for homeowners and renters who need a means to keep their lawns maintained without running up a significant bill.

If you want to learn more about this budget-friendly mower, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

DEWALT's 20V MAX Cordless 6-tool combo kit for singles' day

Amazon is offering the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit with two 5.0Ah batteries at $729 shipped, which matches the price we’re seeing from Home Depot. It’s coming down from $1,049 here, and beats out all the discounts we’ve seen during 2025 from Amazon, which mostly kept costs above $815, except for the one-time and short-lived drop to $799. While we have seen it only beaten by the $649 low in the past, you’re still looking at the best price of the last few years, with $320 cut from the tag for the second-best overall price that we have tracked at Amazon.

If you want to learn more about what you’re getting in this kit, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Best Fall 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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From $189 a month: 5 of the best EV lease deals in November [Updated]

Published

6 hours ago

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November 11, 2025

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From $189 a month: 5 of the best EV lease deals in November [Updated]

Hyundai-new-IONIQ-6-EV

Photo: Hyundai

We’re now two months out from the end of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit on September 30, and there are still solid deals to be had on some pretty spiffy EVs. In fact, three of our top five November specials are cheaper than what was offered in September, and two come with home EV chargers and free installation. Here are November’s top 5 EV lease deals, as spotted by our friends at CarsDirect.

Hyundai-EV-IONIQ-5
Photo: Hyundai

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 lease from $189/month

The updated 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range is still a standout EV lease deal, holding steady even after the end of the federal EV tax credit and new import tariffs. Through December 1, you can lease one for $189 a month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year) with $3,999 due at signing. That works out to an effective monthly cost of about $300.

The price bump is far smaller than many expected, especially considering Hyundai’s $17,000 in lease cash. And if you’re tempted by an upgrade, the SEL RWD trim is just $50 more per month under the same terms. You’ll get a model that’s roughly $7,000 more in value and $18,750 in savings. The IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range offers an EPA-estimated 245 miles of range, and this particular offer is available in the Los Angeles and greater California metro areas.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Hyundai IONIQ 5 in stock. –trusted affiliate link

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Hyundai-IONIQ-6-facelift-US

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 lease from $189/month

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 SE RWD Standard Range is tied with the IONIQ 5 for the most affordable EV lease deal this month, offering standout value even after the federal EV tax credit era. In the California metro area, you can lease it for $189 per month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year) with $3,999 due at signing, and Hyundai is sweetening the deal with $13,000 in lease cash.

That brings the effective monthly cost to around $300. With an EPA-estimated 240 miles of range, 149 horsepower, fast-charging capabilities, and a sleek, distinctive design, the IONIQ 6 remains a fan favorite. This offer is valid through December 1.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Hyundai IONIQ 6 in stock. –trusted affiliate link

Ford Mustang Mach-E
Photo: Ford

2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E from $219/month

The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select RWD with Package 100A is offering bigger savings this month, making it an even stronger pick for EV shoppers. Known for its premium design and an EPA-estimated 300 miles of range, the Mach-E remains a favorite among drivers who want style and substance.

You can now lease it for $219 per month for 24 months (10,500 miles per year), with a down payment of $4,499 due at signing. That’s $20 less per month than the September advertised deal, although the term is shorter. With an effective monthly cost of around $406, it’s only $45 more than before the tax credit ended.

The offer includes $6,750 in lease cash for qualified lessees, plus a free Ford Charging Station Pro with complimentary home installation – a rare perk. If you already have a home charger, you can opt for an additional $2,000 in bonus cash instead. This deal is currently available in California through January 5, 2026.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Ford Mustang Mach-E in stock. –trusted affiliate link

Honda-Prologue-EV
Photo: Honda

2025 Honda Prologue from $239/month

Until January 5, the 2025 Honda Prologue, with a 308-mile range, can be leased for $239 a month for 36 months (10,000 miles) and $1,199 due at signing in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maryland. That means the Prologue has an effective monthly cost of $272, making it a great value.

For those in California and other CARB-emission states, you can lease for $279 for 36 months (10,000 miles) and $1,299 due at signing, resulting in an effective monthly cost of $315. This was the best-priced lease deal before the new East Coast three-state offer.

The price includes a $3,300 loyalty discount or conquest cash, available only to those currently leasing a Honda or planning to switch from another manufacturer in select states. If you aren’t living in California, Florida, New York, or other select states, you’re still eligible for a bonus of $2,000.

These bonuses are stackable with the $5,000 dealer cash, $8,250 Honda lease cash, and a $1,500 additional lease bonus, which replaces the $7,500 tax credit.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Honda Prologue in stock. –trusted affiliate link

Ford-F-150-lightning-XLT
Ford F-150 Lightning XLT Source: Ford

2025 Ford F-150 Lightning from $279/month

You can now lease a 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning 4×4 Super Crew XLT w/ Pkg 311A for a low monthly payment of $279 for 36 months (10,500 miles) and $6,729 due at signing. With an MSRP of $65,190, that makes the effective monthly cost of $466. It has an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles and 452 hp.

That’s $23 less a month than the advertised September lease deal with the federal tax credit. The offer includes $9,500 in lease cash and, like the Mach-e, a complimentary home EV charger and installation or an additional $2,000 in savings. This offer is available in California through January 5, 2026.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Ford F-150 Lightning in stock. –trusted affiliate link

The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.


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