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Vapor rises from the cooling towers of the Turow coal powered power plant, operated by PGE SA, in Bogatynia, Poland.
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Surging natural gas prices have led to a jump in coal use, with plants in Europe and Asia firing back up as temperatures decline and the world grapples with worsening gas shortages.

Total CEO Patrick Pouyanne on Wednesday stressed the need to achieve price stability, contending that lower gas prices will reduce the need to rely on the higher-polluting coal, but that the transition to cleaner energy has also created an imbalance in the market. 

“High pricing is not good news — of course immediately for my company results are better, but for customers” is it not, Pouyanne told CNBC’s Hadley Gamble during a Russia Energy Week panel in Moscow.

Replacing coal with gas “is good for climate change, but to do that, we need to have a lower price,” the CEO said. “Because coal today is a king, because coal is cheaper than all the other sources of energy.”

Coal-produced electricity has shot up in Europe, and European coal futures have more than doubled since the start of the year. And the irony is clear, as this is happening just as Europe is trying to reduce its use of the polluting fuel. Gas prices in Europe, meanwhile, have nearly quadrupled since the start of the year. 

“So for us today prices are too high. We have to find stability, going back to something more normal,” Pouyanne said. 

He added that this is not merely a European gas crisis, but a global one, stemming from both a “huge hike in demand for gas from China and Asia,” as well as “more demand for gas because of energy transition, going from coal to gas, which is good for climate change.”

“So that is I think a lesson,” Pouyanne said. “Another is that the more we put renewables in our electric system, we put in intermittent sources which depend on the weather.”

Pouyanne, like many other oil and gas company executives, has noted the risk of renewables that rely on weather. Brazil, which has increased its reliance on hydropower, saw less rain this year, while other parts of the world that have invested heavily in solar and wind power saw less sun and wind.  

BP CEO Bernard Looney, speaking on the same panel, echoed Pouyanne’s concern.

“I think that this crisis in Europe has reminded us that energy is part of the lifeblood of society and that energy use is only going in one direction — and that is upwards,” Looney said. “We all understand that the sun doesn’t shine at night and the wind doesn’t always blow so we have that question of renewables’ intermittency to deal with.” 

‘A more volatile system’

Talking about governments’ pushes to reduce fossil fuel production and use, Looney said: “At the end of the day, if supply goes away and demand doesn’t change, that only has one consequence, and that is an escalation in price rises. So I’m not suggesting that the onus needs to be put on customers or society, but this is a system, and both the supply and the demand side have to work together.”  

“Just simply correcting a supply-side issue without affecting demand will not result in a more stable system, it’ll result in a more volatile system,” Looney added.

Higher gas use due to colder weather earlier in the year “has lowered all the inventories on gas, and so we see today an exceptional circumstance,” Pouyanne said. “I think that after wintertime we should be able to come back to lower prices which would be good for everybody.”

Gas prices are surging to record highs in Europe. Power shortages are also impacting households and businesses across Asia, and have forced factories to shut down.

This has been brought on by supply shortfalls and the transition to cleaner energy, which has spurred higher demand for gas, considered a cleaner fuel. Demand is also rebounding from its Covid-induced slowdown as economies reopen and travel resumes around the world.

Other energy commodities including oil have also soared in recent weeks, with international benchmark Brent crude trading at $83.37 at 12:00 p.m. ET, its highest level since 2018 and up 64% since the start of this year.

U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate hit a seven-year high this week, and was trading at $80.63 at noon ET.

The spike in energy prices comes amid supply chain disruptions and a shortage of shipping containers, both of which have contributed to rapidly rising inflation.

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Fast charging just got sleeker: Delta’s 50kW Wallbox launches in US

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14 hours ago

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April 23, 2025

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Fast charging just got sleeker: Delta's 50kW Wallbox launches in US

Delta 50kW Wallbox
Photo: Delta Electronics

Fremont, California-based Delta Electronics just rolled out a sleek new 50kW DC Wallbox charger that’s designed for tight spaces at ACT Expo 2025.

This charger packs a punch in a surprisingly slim, 10-inch-thick, and lightweight (just 225 pounds!) casing that can be wall-mounted or set up on a pedestal. It’s specifically designed for tight spaces like urban parking lots, busy corporate campuses, or crowded fleet operation hubs.

Delta plans to manufacture these 50kW DC Wallbox chargers in Plano, Texas, keeping it local and supporting the rapid EV infrastructure growth across North America.

A 50 kW charger is at the low end of Level 3 fast charging speed, because you don’t always need to charge your car in 25 minutes. It’s the ideal charging speed for shopping, lunch, or seeing a film. Eng Taing, Delta’s senior VP and GM of energy & telecom Infrastructure, says, “Our focus is on seamlessly integrating high efficiency charging into the diverse scenarios of everyday life, including commercial operations, not just maximizing power output.”

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With a 97% efficiency rate, the Wallbox can juice up two EVs simultaneously using either CCS1 or NACS connectors. Plus, the 23-foot cable makes it easy to accommodate nearly any parking layout, eliminating headaches during installation.

Delta’s vertical integration approach means it handles everything from design to manufacturing. But it doesn’t stop at hardware; the charger also connects to Delta’s IoT platform, offering remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and over-the-air updates. That hopefully means fewer disruptions and smoother operations for fleet managers and EV users.

If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. 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. They have 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 Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

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Used EV prices fell 40%, and buyers are searching like never before

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16 hours ago

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April 23, 2025

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Used EV prices fell 40%, and buyers are searching like never before

Used EVs

More car buyers are hunting for used EVs – CarMax says searches filtered by “electric vehicle” have nearly doubled since January 2022.

CarMax saw EV searches surge in March 2022 and again in June 2024. The first spike lined up with the gas price shock after Russia invaded Ukraine, and the second came right as the Biden administration rolled out its $4,000 federal tax credit for used EVs.

The online used car marketplace’s Spring 2025 Electric Vehicle Consumer Report shows just how far used EV prices have tumbled, down over 40% between January 2022 and February 2025. By comparison, prices for gas cars, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids only slipped about 12% over the same period.

For the third year running, the Tesla Model 3 and the Model Y were in the No. 1 and No. 2 slots, respectively, from September 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025. The Chevy Bolt jumped into third place from its previous spot at No. 7 in 2024 and 2023. The Ford F-150 Lightning (7) and the Rivian R1T (10) made the top 10 for the first time, while the Tesla Model S and the Audi e-tron dropped out. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Nissan Leaf were at Nos. 5 and 6, and the Volkswagen ID.4 (4), Nissan LEAF (6), and the Ford Mustang Mach-E (9) made the list for the third year in a row.

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What people are trading in

For the first time ever, more people are ditching sedans and coupes for EVs than SUVs. CarMax says sedans and coupes made up 44% of all EV trade-ins, up from 36% in 2024 and just 29% the year before. It’s a clear sign that the EV switch is picking up speed across more than just SUV drivers.

When customers traded in sedans for EVs during this report’s measurement period, the most common EVs they purchased were the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, and Chevy Bolt EUV. 

The top traded-in model for an EV at CarMax was the Tesla Model 3, and those who traded in a Model 3 usually went for a Model Y. The rest of the top five include the Honda Civic and Accord, the Nissan LEAF, and the Toyota Prius. The Ford F-150 truck, the top trade-in alongside the Accord in the 2024 report, dropped off the list.

Since this is CarMax’s report, it’s of course based on data sourced from its 250 stores across the US. In 2025, Oregon beat California to become the state with the highest percentage of EV sales compared to each state’s total sales at CarMax. California has previously held the top ranking since 2023. 

The West Coast continued to dominate when it came to used EV sales. California and Washington were in second and third place, respectively. Nevada and Arizona were fourth and sixth, while Utah and New Mexico (new to the top 10 list this year) held spots five and seven. On the East Coast, New York (10) appeared on the list for a second time, dropping two spots from No. 8 in 2024. 

The newcomers include Minnesota, which jumped 24 spots in a year to No. 8, and New Jersey, which moved up six slots to No. 9.

To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to 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. They have 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 you share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

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Heybike Hauler cargo e-bike at new $1,099 low, EcoFlow multi-day power station flash offers from $349, Aiper solar pool skimmer, more

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17 hours ago

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April 23, 2025

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Heybike Hauler cargo e-bike at new ,099 low, EcoFlow multi-day power station flash offers from 9, Aiper solar pool skimmer, more

Headlining today’s Green Deals is Heybike’s Mother’s Day Sale that is taking up to $500 off e-bikes on top of offering some additional free gear, with the brand’s Hauler Cargo e-bike getting brought down to a new $1,099 low, among others. We also have EcoFlow’s final flash offers that will be running for the duration of its Mega Sale through April 15, with notable returning low prices on the RIVER 2 Pro power station, a DELTA Pro 3 solar generator bundle, an EcoCredits purchase opportunity from $1, and more. You can prep for swimming season by grabbing Aiper’s latest Surfer S2 Solar Pool Skimmer while it’s back at its $320 low, as well as gear up for camping and storm cleanup needs with Greenworks’ second-generation 40V 12-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw at $128. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s exclusive $2,000 in savings on EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Ultra station at a new low price, 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.

Heybike’s latest Hauler cargo e-bike with a 440-pound payload for up to 85 miles starts from new $1,099 low

Heybike is launching its Mother’s Day Sale through May 11 with up to $500 taken off initial e-bike prices while also offering free gear along with your purchase. Amongst the bunch, we spotted Heybike bringing its latest Hauler Cargo e-bike down to $1,099 shipped during this sale. Recently, it’s been carrying a full $1,499 price tag since the start of 2025, which we saw drop to $1,199 in February before staying at $1,399 in the sales since. Today’s deal, though, is coming in better than ever as a $400 markdown that takes things to a new all-time low price. You’ll also be getting the bonus of a large rear cargo basket that attaches to the rear rack. Head below for more.

A solid option for folks who are looking for an alternative for errand running over their car, the Heybike Hauler e-bike sports a 750W brushless geared hub motor that reaches a top speed of 28 MPH and can peak at 1,400W for inclines and better pick-up when hauling packages, groceries, and the like. There are two removable battery options here, depending on just how much travelling you plan to do, with a single 18Ah setup for up to 55 miles on a single charge with its PAS levels activated, or you can upgrade with an additional 12.5Ah battery at $300 more to increase its range up to 85 miles.

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Heybike’s Hauler e-bike sports a nice 440-pound payload capacity and even comes with foldable running boards if you end up hauling a passenger along too. And for the price right now, it also offers some solid stock features, like the hydraulic front suspension fork, front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-protected tires with fenders over each, a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, an LED headlight with an auto-on feature, an integrated taillight with braking functionality, a kickstand, the obvious rear cargo rack, and an LCD for your real-time data and setting controls.

Heybike’s other Mother’s Day Sale offers:

  • Mars 2.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike: $999 (Reg. $1,499)
    • 28 MPH for up to 45 miles
    • 1,000W motor (32 MPH speed) costs $100 more
    • comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Ranger S Folding Fat-Tire e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,499)
    • 28 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • 1,000W motor (32 MPH speed) costs $200 more
    • comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Cityrun Urban Commuter e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,599)
    • 21 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Tyson Uni-Body e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,699)
    • 28 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • comes with free large basket
  • Horizon Full-Suspension e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,999)
    • 28 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Brawn Off-Road e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,799)
    • 28 MPH for up to 65 miles
    • comes with free large basket
  • ALPHA All-Terrain e-bike: $1,599 (Reg. $1,699)
    • 28 MPH for up to 60 miles
  • Hero Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bike: $2,499 (Reg. $2,599)
    • 35 MPH for up to 60 miles
    • comes with free large basket
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station

EcoFlow launches multi-day flash offers on DELTA and RIVER power stations + EcoCredits purchase from $1

As we approach the end of EcoFlow’s ongoing Mega Sale through April 25, the brand has launched its last and longest flash sale offers, taking up to 48% off three units while also offering a major EcoCredits purchase opportunity. Alongside the return of the DELTA Pro 3 bundle we saw on Friday, you can now grab the RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station for $349 shipped. Normally fetching $599 outside of discounts, we first saw it come down to this rate during similar flash offers in the first phase of this sale. It’s returning as a second-chance opportunity for $250 in savings, giving you a solid traveling companion at the best rate we have tracked. It’s also beating out the pricing we’re seeing from Amazon by $10.

A more ample backup solution among the brand’s RIVER series, the RIVER 2 Pro is ideal for short-term needs at campsites, on road trips, and the like, providing you with a 768Wh LiFePO4 capacity to cover your essential devices and appliances. Through its eight output ports it can deliver up to 1,600W of power, with X-boost tech allowing it to “run 80% of home appliances.” It’s a great option for those who often make last-minute plans too, as plugging it into a wall outlet regains the battery in about 70 minutes, with it also having the options for USB-C and car port recharging, as well as a max 220W solar input, which can put it back at full in 3.5 hours to 4.5 hours in sunny conditions.

EcoFlow’s other flash sale offers ending April 25:

EcoFlow’s massive lineup of Mega Sale deals will only be lasting through April 25, complete with larger EcoCredit rewards, extra savings, and plenty of low prices – don’t miss it while it’s still around!

Aiper Surfer S2 Solar Pool Skimmer

Keep floating debris out of your pool with Aiper’s Surfer S2 solar skimmer back at its $320 low

Through its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering its latest Surfer S2 Solar Pool Skimmer for $319.98 shipped. Only on the market for a few months now, it usually carries a $540 price tag, which we first saw drop to this same rate at the top of February, which repeated last month in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, and has otherwise kept between $340 and $400. You can pick one up while the $220 in savings last for your pool at the lowest price we have tracked, with the price also matching direct from Aiper’s website.

Building upon the success of its predecessor, Aiper’s second-generation Surfer S2 pool skimmer has been upgraded with features like the DebrisGuard anti-leak design, an improved brushless motor, an expanded suction inlet, and a 150-micron filtration system – all to provide better performance when collecting small and large debris alike from your pool’s surface. It’s also been given a larger battery that ramps up its runtime to 35 hours, with recharging available through the onboard solar panel for sunny days or its DC adapter as a backup option.

Working alongside the brand’s algorithms, it’s been equipped with dual dToF sensors to improve its obstacle avoidance – plus, there are even four retractable anti-standing columns to keep it from getting stuck on pool steps as it works. Should the columns fail to impede any such situations, the programming here knows to use its automatic self-rescue capabilities to get it back into the water to continue on its routines. There are the usual smart controls through the companion app that you’d expect, allowing you to monitor and adjust settings with the added bonus of being able to manually steer it.

Be sure to also check out the ongoing discounts across Aiper’s robotic pool cleaners that work right alongside the above pool skimmer to keep your pool clear and swim-ready, as well as the first discount we’re seeing on the new HydroComm 24/7 Smart Pool Monitor that provides 5-in-1 testing for your pool’s pH, ORP, EC, TDS, and temperature, as well as coming solar-powered.

Greenworks 40V 12-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw

Expand your arsenal with this 2nd-gen Greenworks 40V 12-inch cordless chainsaw at $128

Amazon is offering the 2nd generation Greenworks 40V 12-inch Cordless Compact Chainsaw for $127.99 shipped. Coming down from its usual $170 price tag, discounts have been repeating to this same rate throughout the months since July of last year, with things before then only having gone as low as $120. Today’s deal is a 25% markdown off the going rate, saving you $42 while equipping your arsenal with the latest of the brand’s 12-inch compact chainsaws.

Coming in a more compact form, this 40V Greenworks chainsaw makes a reliable companion for firewood needs at home or while camping, as well as storm cleanup with hurricane season on the horizon. Powered by the included 2.0Ah battery, it sports a 12-inch bar and chain with an auto-oiler to ensure everything remains lubricated and running smoothly, delivering up to 50 cuts on a single charge. It weighs in at just six pounds, making it easy to operate for most users, complete with a safety lock and push-button start to save you time and energy over the frustrations caused by pull-strings.

Other notable Greenworks chainsaw deals:

Best Spring 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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