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Climate activists have been turning up the heat on two Democratic holdouts who are on the verge of smothering President Biden’s ambitious climate plans, the well known coal stakeholder Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia and the somewhat lesser known but spotlight-grabbing Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. Whether or not they continue to hold out is an open question as of this writing. However, one thing is certain: Coal is on the way out. Perhaps perovskite solar cells will help fully close the door one day.

The Disruptive Potential Of The Perovskite Solar Cell

Ever since the US fell out of the global silicon solar cell race in the 1980s, policymakers have been lusting after an alternative photovoltaic technology that could be manufactured in the US, at scale, and at a price point that could beat imported silicon solar cells.

Somewhere around 2009, the Department of Energy hit upon synthetic perovskite as a potential solution. Instead of a solid mass that needs to be tailored mechanically, the meat of a perovskite solar cell is a solution of relatively inexpensive, lab-grown nanoscale crystals that can be applied like ink to practically any surface.

If you’re thinking roll-to-roll, run right out and buy yourself a cigar. If all goes according to plan, a perovskite solar cell facility could be run like a print shop, churning out reams of solar cells at high volume with minimal waste.

Perovskites could be the next big thing after plastics, but it’s not that simple. Not just any old synthetic perovskite nanocrystals can get the job done. They need to be tailored with other substances for durability. That can jack up the cost, which kind of pulls the rug out from under the whole idea of the perovskite solar cell to begin with.

Perovskite Solar Cell Activity Heats Up

Energy is energy, and it seems that some oil and gas stakeholders have taken the model of plastics to heart in pursuit of the next big thing. The company Hunt Perovksite Technologies, for example, is an offshoot of Hunt Consolidated Group, which has a long history in the fossil energy field. In an interesting move, earlier this year HPT merged with the perovskite solar cell startup 1366 Technologies to form a new perovskite venture called CubicPV.

Shell is another fossil stakeholder with a hand in the perovskite solar cell pot. In 2018, the company kickstarted the GCxN clean technology accelerator at the Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and GCxN has the perovskite solar cell startup BlueDot Photonics under its wing.

Last May, NREL also organized a consortium of perovskite solar cell stakeholders, consisting of BlueDot, Energy Materials Corporation, First Solar, Hunt Perovskites Technologies (now CubicPV), Swift Solar, and Tandem PV.

Perovskite Promise Gets Real

That brings us to the latest news in the perovskite solar cell area. Last year CleanTechnica caught up with GCxN program manager Adam Duran, and he had this to say about BlueDot:

“It’s promising technology, nascent technology that they are developing quickly. They are working on a creative manufacturing technology that will help reduce costs,” he said. “It’s a novel approach to how they go through the production. This is an opportunity to take their laboratory technology and start thinking about what it would look like to do production-sized panels.”

It seems that others have caught on, including the cleantech investor group Volo Earth, which is an affiliate of NREL and the influential green organization RMI.

Last spring BlueDot raised a $1 million round of Series Seed financing through VoLo Earth Ventures. Boston-based Clean Energy Venture Group and the Seattle firm E8 were also involved, to be joined later by the nonprofit firm VertueLab of Portland, Oregon.

In the latest development, last week, Japan’s Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. announced that it had jumped into the BlueDot pool through its US branch.

“We’ve been impressed with BlueDot Photonics, which is developing a unique optical technology to improve the efficiency of solar power generation, and through investment, we hope to contribute to climate change countermeasures,” said HP President and CEO Akira Hiruma.

The seal of approval from one of the top optoelectronics marketers in the world probably won’t do much to change the minds of perovskite skeptics. However, the Hamamatsu edge could finally jolt the entire perovskite field out of the lab and onto the shelves of your local hardware store.

“Having Hamamatsu as a strategic partner is a big win for us. They are photonics experts, and their engagement will help us avoid commercialization pitfalls and identify new opportunities for our products. This will also help BlueDot consider markets outside of North America as we grow in the future,” explained BlueDot CEO Jared Silvia.

They may not be alone. Our friends over at the journal Nature recently noted that at least one legacy optoelectronics company has dipped a toe in the perovskite solar cell waters, only to bail. However, Nature also lists Panasonic and Toshiba among those still in hot pursuit of perovskite PV, along with the leading wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind of China.

Perovskites, Solar Tariffs, & The Manchin-Sinema Dance

In an echo of Silvia’s comment about “new opportunities,” Nature also teased out some hints that early markets for perovksite solar cells will be niche ones. If you have any thoughts about that, drop us a note in the comment thread.

In the meantime, NREL has been dropping hints that its 30-year collaboration on thin-film solar technology with the US firm First Solar could help push perovskites into the big leagues.

If the name First Solar brings to mind that new super secret solar tariff petition filed before the US Department of Commerce by an anonymous group companies reportedly in the solar field, you are probably not alone. However, the attorney who filed the petition is partners in a law firm that has counted the fossil-friendly organization ALEC among its roster of clients, so it’s not particularly obvious that the companies behind the petition have any significant stake in the US solar industry, especially not on the level of First Solar. It’s virtually the only true soup-to-nuts solar manufacturer in the US with domestic roots.

If you have any other guesses, drop a note in the comment thread — but you may not have to guess much longer. Last week the Commerce Department was apparently not impressed by the content of the petition, and it asked for the names of the companies behind it.

Meanwhile, the transformative potential of the perovskite solar cell dovetails neatly with President Joe Biden’s legislative agenda, which he and others have characterized as a transformative step that will save the planet from catastrophic climate change, undo generations of structural inequality in the US, and establish American democracy as the unstoppable 21st century counterforce to authoritarianism, fascism, dictatorship, autocracy, oligarchy, and whatever else.

That’s a pretty full plate, and last week it looked like Senators Manchin and Sinema were on track to blow it all up — or not, as the case may be.

On Friday evening, President Biden apparently put his foot down, so let’s see what happens next.

Follow me on Twitter @TinaMCasey.

Photo (screenshot via YouTube): Perovskite solar cell courtesy of Shell Game Changer Accelerator at NREL.

 

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Anker SOLIX Early Prime Day Sale with up to 65% power station discounts from $299, Exclusive DELTA 2 + 5,000mAh power bank low, more

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September 26, 2025

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Anker SOLIX Early Prime Day Sale with up to 65% power station discounts from 9, Exclusive DELTA 2 + 5,000mAh power bank low, more

As yesterday was particularly EV heavy, today’s Green Deals is being led by multiple power station discounts, with the headliner being Anker’s SOLIX Early Prime Day Sale with up to 65% initial discounts, free gifts, extra savings, and more starting from $299. Among the massive lineup, we spotted Anker’s SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station starting at a new $1,449 low. There’s also an exclusive $690 in savings on EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 Power Station with a FREE 5,000mAh magnetic power bank at a $379 low, as well as the brand’s latest 48-hour Early Prime Day flash sale, which has dropped the DELTA Pro 3 440W solar bundle to a new $2,999 low. From there, we have Birdfy feeders/birdhouse lows, Velotric’s $699 folding e-bike, a rare Husqvarna tool discount, and more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about all the hangover deals collected at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Lectric Ultimate Tailgating Flash Sale, or the Segway Roll into Fall Savings Sale, 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 up to 65% on power stations during Anker’s SOLIX Early Prime Day Sale with extra savings, free gifts, and more from $299

Anker has launched its SOLIX Early Prime Day Sale through October 6 with up to 65% initial discounts, plus there are three tiers of extra savings, free gifts on select units, and you can score an additional 7% savings by subscribing and becoming a member, if you’re not one already. Amongst the massive lineup of deals, we spotted Anker’s new SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station with a FREE protective cover ($99 value) dropping to $1,449 shipped right now, which beats out Amazon’s pricing by $50 that doesn’t come with any cover. It’s been carrying a $2,599 full price since hitting the market in June, which we’ve seen drop as low as $1,599 until today, which was the one-time rate seen during July’s Prime Day event. Now the costs are going lower than ever, as you score $1,249 in savings at a new all-time low price. Head below for more on this unit, the sale’s promotions, and the rest of the SOLIX lineup of deals.

Let’s rundown all the extra savings opportunities while Anker’s SOLIX Early Prime Day Sale continues, starting with the 7% extra savings you can earn by subscribing on the site (for free), which will be emailed to you. From there, orders over $3,000 will receive an additional $120 discount, orders over $4,000 get a $200 discount, and orders over $5,000 get a $350 discount – all off the cart’s total. Depending on which units you’re buying, you might also be getting FREE included gear like protective covers, cables of various kinds, and more.

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If you want significantly more backup power than smaller, more compact units afford, then Anker’s SOLIX F3000 power station is likely the perfect companion to join your at-home and out-of-home life. It starts with a 3,072Wh LiFePO4 capacity that you can invest further in to expand up to 24kWh. It boasts 11 output ports (including a TT-30R AC port for RV support), through which it can deliver up to 3,600W of power that will double to 7,200W if you pair two stations together (with the appropriate cable).

This newer model brings along passthrough charging functionality from gas generators for up to 3,600W of input that adds versatility to its emergency backup capabilities after sudden power loss. You can also plug it into an AC outlet, as well as charge from your EV too, and don’t forget the 2,400W of solar input that can fully recharge its battery in under two hours with enough sunlight.

***Note: Extra savings – particularly the 7% discount you may be able to score – has not been factored into the prices below, so be sure to subscribe if you’re not already a member to score even better deals! Also be aware that any free gear accompanying particular purchases are shown on the unit’s varying landing pages.

Anker’s other SOLIX Early Prime Day F3000 deals:

Anker’s Early Prime Day SOLIX F2000 deals:

Anker Early Prime Day Standard F3800 station/solar deals:

Anker Early Prime Day Standard F3800 home backup deals:

Anker Early Prime Day SOLIX F3800 Plus station/solar deals:

Anker Early Prime Day SOLIX F3800 Plus home backup deals:

Anker’s Early Prime Day SOLIX C1000 Gen 1 and 2 deals:

Anker’s Early Prime Day under 1kWh SOLIX station deals:

Anker’s Early Prime Day SOLIX electric cooler deals:

For Anker’s full lineup of SOLIX Early Prime Day Sale accessory deals on expansion batteries, solar panels, and more – be sure to scroll to the bottom of the landing page here to check them out.

ecoflow delta 2 power station sitting on windowsill surrounded by plants

Pick up EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 1,024Wh LiFePO4 station with a FREE 5,000mAh magnetic power bank at an exclusive $379 low ($690 savings)

We have an exclusive deal for our readers from Wellbots on EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 Portable Power Station with a FREE Rapid 5000 Magnetic Power Bank for $379 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5FREEBIE at checkout. It’s starting off already down from its $999 tag to $429, which is the second-best price we have tracked on the standalone power station, behind its $399 all-time low. Not only does the extra savings cut that price further to land $20 under that low price, but you’re also getting additional value in the free power bank that would run you $70. All-in-all, you’re looking at a total of $690 savings at the best price we can find anywhere.

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

man using EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 power station to run computer in blackout

EcoFlow’s latest Early Prime Day flash sale drops the DELTA Pro 3 440W solar bundle to a new $2,999 low, more

As part of its ongoing Early Prime Day Sale, EcoFlow has launched the second of its 48-hour flash sales, taking up to 61% off four units – though, if you want to score the DELTA 2 power station, you’ll get it at $379 and coming with a 5,000mAh magnetic power bank with our exclusive deal we secured. Among the other three offers, we’re seeing EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station bundled with two 220W solar panels for $2,999 shipped, with the closest bundle at Amazon being with a single 400W panel that sits $100 lower. This bundle would normally run you $3,699 at full price, with discounts up until this sale only having seen it go as low as $3,099. You’re looking at a $700 discount through September 27, dropping the price lower than ever to the best rate we have tracked.

If you want to learn about this power station’s impressive capabilities, as well as the other offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 48-hour flash sale here.

Birdfy Smart Hummingbird feeder and solar panel set up with birds flying around it

Enjoy up-close Hummingbird visits with this smart solar-powered Birdfy feeder at its $110 low, more from $100

Through its official Amazon storefront, Birdfy is offering a massive amount of discounts on its eco-friendly and solar-powered smart feeders, birdhouses, and more, like the Hummingbird Feeder with a solar-powered camera at $109.99 shipped. This device has only been on the market since June, first launching with a $200 price tag on Amazon, which has been keeping lower at $130 since August. This rate first appeared as a series of short-term discounts that are now extending for a much longer period, giving you more time to take advantage of the $20 markdown off the going rate for the best price we have tracked. Head below for more on this device and the others seeing discounts right now.

If you want to learn more about this smart feeder, or the other devices seeing discounts, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

Velotric's Fold 1 Lite e-bike

Velotric’s space-saving Fold 1 Lite e-bike with a 440-pound payload and up to 48-mile range at second-best $699 rate

Velotric has some looming discounts on a selection of e-bikes at the moment, with a notably low price on the Fold 1 Lite e-bike at $699 shipped. It would normally cost you $1,099 were you buying it at full price, which we’ve mainly seen dropped down to $999 and $899 rates over 2025, with some falls as low as $599 that only appeared once back in July. You’re looking at the next-best price while the $400 savings last here, giving you a much more affordable commuter that doubles on saving space when not in use.

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

woman shaping up grass around flower bed with Husqvarna WeedEater 320iL 16-inch cordless string trimmer

Husqvarna’s WeedEater 320iL 16-inch cordless string trimmer comes with a 4.0Ah battery at $269

Amazon is now offering the Husqvarna WeedEater 320iL 16-inch Cordless String Trimmer with a 4.0Ah battery at $269 shipped, after clipping the on-page coupon. Normally going for $319 in full, we saw it drop to its $200 low for July’s short Prime Day period, with things since the middle of that month having kept costs at its full rate, with two drops to $280 in the time since. While this isn’t the lowest price, it is one of the rarer instances of a significant discount on Husqvarna equipment recently, with the 16% markdown here providing a solid $50 in savings while giving you a heavy-duty means to keep weeds and grass under control.

If you want to learn more about this string trimmer, 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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Hyundai wants you to feel how smooth its EVs drive with a unique 24-hour ‘Rest Drive’

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14 mins ago

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September 26, 2025

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Hyundai wants you to feel how smooth its EVs drive with a unique 24-hour 'Rest Drive'

Hyundai-Rest-Drives-EVs

Hyundai wants to give you the chance to see for yourself just how peaceful the ride is in its EVs. In the UK, Hyundai is offering a new 24-hour “Rest Drive” for the new Kona Electric, allowing you to experience it on your daily travels.

Hyundai UK launches 24-hour ‘Rest Drive’ to test EVs

If you haven’t driven an electric vehicle, it’s hard to describe how much more relaxing the drive is compared to a traditional gas-powered car.

Without a massive internal combustion engine (ICE) under the hood and drastically fewer moving parts, EVs are nearly silent to drive. This is why most places require them to have some sort of alert system when backing up now.

Hyundai sees it as an opportunity. After conducting a study, Hyundai Motor UK found that 73% of parents admit to taking their child for a ride in the car to help them fall asleep.

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Apparently, those laps around the neighborhood add up quickly. On average, it added up to nine hours a month behind the wheel. The biggest frustrations for parents trying to get their kids to sleep were sitting in traffic (42%), engine noise (41%), and stopping for gas (36%).

Hyundai-Rest-Drives-EVs
Hyundai launches “Rest Drives,” a 24-hour test drive of the Kona Electric (Source: Hyundai UK)

On the other hand, parents said a smooth ride (65%) was the top factor that would help their child fall asleep more easily.

To allow parents in the UK to experience the peacefulness of EVs, Hyundai launched “Rest Drives.” The new program offers 24-hour test drives of the Hyundai Kona Electric.

Hyundai-Rest-Drives-EVs
The Hyundai Kona Electric (Source: Hyundai UK)

The Kona EV offers a WLTP range of 319 miles, fast charging capabilities, and is equipped with Hyundai’s latest safety and connectivity tech.

Hyundai offers an electric vehicle for almost everyone, including the Inster, Kona Electric, IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9. Next year, it will launch the IONIQ 3, the production version of the Concept THREE unveiled at IAA Mobility 2025 earlier this month.

Hyundai-Rest-Drives-EVs
The interior of the Hyundai Kona Electric (Source: Hyundai UK)

Looking to try out the Kona Electric? Hyundai is offering the extended Rest Drive offer until October 31, 2025, at the following participating retailers. You can apply and find more information on Hyundai’s UK website.

  • Marshall – Gatwick
  • Berry – Chiswick
  • Vertu – Banbury
  • Evans Halshaw – Milton Keynes
  • Howards – Taunton
  • Paul Rigby – Stratford upon Avon
  • Wessex – Cardiff
  • Read – Burton
  • West Riding – Manchester
  • Drive Hyundai – York
  • Vertu – Edinburgh West
  • Vertu – Nottingham
  • Vertu – Bristol
  • Arnold Clark – Glasgow

At the end of the test, retailers will offer parents a “Rest Drives” baby box. The gift includes a soft Jellycat toy, cosy travel blanket, engaging baby book, and healthy snacks, which Hyundai said were carefully chosen to keep kids “calm, content, and rested on the road.”

Hyundai doesn’t offer this kind of program in the US. At least, not yet. But, if you want to get behind the wheel of the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, IONIQ 9, or Kona Electric, you can use our links below to find models near you.


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Rivian patent filings hint at a deployable rear diffuser, on screen ‘gadgets,’ and new architecture

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23 mins ago

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September 26, 2025

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Rivian patent filings hint at a deployable rear diffuser, on screen 'gadgets,' and new architecture

Rivian patent

American EV automaker Rivian submitted a slew of patent applications with the USPTO this week, including a deployable rear diffuser mechanism to adjust a vehicle’s drag and some software systems related to infotainment, navigation, and video playback.

Okay, with Rivian news like this (on a Friday afternoon no less), we just want to dig right into to the juicy, patent-clad details. And we will… but first, we have to have the olbigatory conversation around patents and patent filings.

Just because it was submitted to the USPTO does not mean it will EVER come to fruition. Automakers like Rivian submit hundreds of patent applications to protect potential IP. For example, we’ve covered patent filings for Rivian’s revamped Camp Kitchen, and “Front Dig Mode,” among other rumored tech.

Many of these designs will never be more spotlighted than those submitted patent pages or our ensuing coverage. That said, this round could be different! This week, Rivian submitted several patent applications to the USPTO alongside some cool images. Let’s start with the deployable diffuser.

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Source: Rivian/USPTO

Breaking down Rivian’s latest patent filings

The image above is from patent application US 12,420,876 В2, submitted by Rivian on September 23, 2025. It describes a rear diffuser that can automatically deploy from the rear of a vehicle and use sensors to adjust itself and affect drag. Per the patent filing’s abstract:

The system can include a diffuser disposed at a rear of a vehicle. A side of the diffuser can be positioned to face the earth. The system can include an actuator coupled with the diffuser and configured to deploy the diffuser to adjust drag on the vehicle. The system can include a sensor configured to detect an obstacle. The system can include one or more processors that are in communication with the sensor and the actuator. The one or more processors can be configured to identify a mode of operation of the vehicle. The one or more processors can be configured to determine, based on input from the sensor and the mode of operation, a position to which to move the diffuser. The one or more processors can be configured to transmit a command to the actuator to move the diffuser to the position.

  • Rivian patent
    Telling navigation the route is incorrect
  • Rivian patent
    Acknowledging feedback
  • Rivian patent
    Rating chargers in real time on the screen

On September 25, 2025, Rivian submitted three additional patent applications, including software detailed in US 2025/0297863 A1 that enables real-time contextual feedback to Rivian’s navigation system. As you can see in the images above, the software enables users to tap through a series of menus to report issues with a given route. In the example above, the desired destination was in the wrong location (fig. 48).

The system then acknowledges that submitted feedback, so it hopefully doesn’t happen to the next driver using that route (fig. 49). Additionally, the patent describes grades for a charger session on an A to F scale, which drivers can submit in real-time following a visit.

Source: Rivian/USPTO

Rivian also filed US 2025/0296443 A1, which showcases a “Visual Gadget Management System” or VGMS for short. The system focuses on video playback and metadata displays on the infotainment screen. Per the patent, the system allows metadata to be captured alongside video footage from the Rivian vehicle’s cameras in the form of an MP4, meaning owners can access coinciding drive data metrics tied to the vehicle during the recording.

From the image above, it appears that Rivian owners would be able to customize what “gadgets” they want on display, similar to widgets on iOS. The featured image of El Capitan also comes from the same Rivian patent filing, hinting that the system could act as a sort of tour guide in real-time by displaying landmarks and other data metrics on the infotainment screen.

Last but not least, Rivian submitted a third patent application for a BEV architecture design without any low-voltage batteries. This would alleviate the need for an EV’s 12V battery to power specific modules—dated tech that has affected the ability of several EVs across multiple brands to start up effectively. I drive an R1S and recently had my 12V battery replaced due to a recall. This design (which is far too complex and filled with jargon for me to grasp fully) would alleviate that reliance.

That’s all for now. Do with that information what you will, but take it with a grain of salt. At the very least, it’s cool to dream about, and if Rivian does enact one of these patents into its EVs, you’ll be able to say you remember when you first heard about it.

If you haven’t ridden in a Rivian yet, I highly recommend you do so, so you can understand what we’re talking about. Schedule a test drive today.


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