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A ConocoPhillips refinery in Wilmington, California.
Jonathan Alcorn | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The world needs to reduce carbon levels, and one way is through a carbon tax, a strategy the U.S. has been debating for decades.   

With urgent calls to lower greenhouse gas emissions globally, putting a price on carbon was one of the major points of discussion among world leaders at the COP26 conference in Glasgow earlier this month. Consensus on a global carbon price is growing, according to Lord Greg Barker, executive chairman at EN+ and co-chair of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition. 

“We need countries to come together to agree on international standards in order to make that big shift to the low carbon economy,” Barker told CNBC in an interview from COP26 last week. ”It would be much better for the world if there was a common carbon price.” 

As of now, Barker says there are 69 countries with a carbon price ranging from $1 to $139 per metric ton. The U.S. is not one of them.  

Barker told CNBC most economists agree that carbon pricing is the most effective tool there is to transition to a low carbon economy. Carbon pricing shifts the liability for the consequences of climate change to the polluters who are responsible, according to the World Bank.

The Biden administration has outlined $555 billion in spending to confront climate change, though the plan does not address carbon pricing. The bill does include a proposed methane fee incentivizing oil and gas companies to reduce their methane emissions. 

A policy to apply a carbon tax was considered as a “plan B” during negotiations over the current climate package, according to the New York Times, after Biden’s clean electricity program was cut from the spending bill last month.

If the U.S. administration can’t get behind the rest of the world on carbon pricing, there are other ways to follow through with the initiative, says Barker, such as regulations, taxes, and emissions trading. 

The U.S. has considered carbon import fees and emissions trading that would apply to carbon-intensive products imported to the country. “But carbon import fees only make sense if you have some kind of domestic U.S. carbon policy,” says Richard Newell, president of Resources for the Future, a nonpartisan energy and environment research organization.   

He thinks a price on carbon ultimately is achievable as part of U.S. policy as the world grapples with the seriousness of climate change and turns more to financial incentives to reach a low-carbon ecosystem that supports the entire economy.

The Biden administration has a government-wide plan addressing how climate change could affect all sectors of the U.S. economy. The plan was part of a larger agenda to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and transition to a net-zero emissions economy.  

“There is also going to be a desire to raise revenue to deal with climate change, and for other public purposes, and carbon pricing does all those things,” Newell said. He added that while an economy-wide carbon fee would be the best solution, the administration could start by applying carbon fees to individual sectors. 

As the U.S. decarbonizes areas like the power sector and automotive sector, Newell says pressure on government regulation will intensify. “There will be an increasing recognition that to really decarbonize the economy, across all sectors, there is going to be a need for some comprehensive policies,” he said.

“There has been a significant shift across the country in terms of the seriousness with which people and legislators are confronting climate change,” Newell said. ”And that will continue to build beyond the focus on particular sectors.”  

The debate over a carbon pricing mechanism right now takes place at a time of rising concerns about inflation and prices at the gas pump that have led to discussions about whether the government should tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The methane fee sparked a debate with some worrying that raising the price of methane would increase electric and heating costs for individual consumers.  

Fears of rising prices for low-income households and increasing costs for businesses will need to be considered. 

“If politicians are smart and anticipate that they need to compensate, say families that might see their bills go up as a result of a carbon price, you can drive [carbon pricing] through,” Barker said.  

In a plan put together by the Climate Leadership Council, a climate advocacy group co-founded by former Secretary of State James Baker, who served in the Bush and Reagan administrations, the idea isn’t to fund government efforts to fight climate. The Climate Leadership Council’s plan outlines that revenue collected from a carbon fee is “to be returned to American households,” said Carlton Carroll, Climate Leadership Council spokesperson.  

“Nothing would do more to accelerate innovation and invest all citizens in a clean energy future than an economy-wide carbon fee, with corresponding dividends for the American people,” Carroll said. 

The group’s carbon dividends plan cites four major benefits to consumers, including an increase in household disposable income nationwide.  

Increasing carbon pricing could be done by taxing greenhouse-gas intensive goods and services, like gasoline, or by taxing carbon emitters individually. The Climate Leadership Council is among groups advocating for pricing carbon-intensive goods as part of a U.S. climate plan, “because it will go further, faster than any other single climate policy intervention,” says Carroll, “while also driving innovation throughout the economy and making families better off financially.” 

Historically, there has been some bipartisan support for a carbon tax. The first carbon pricing proposal was introduced in 1990, and there have been several other propositions since. Though none have passed, Newell said the most recent carbon pricing proposal in Biden’s social safety and climate plan piqued the interest of Congress far more than anticipated. 

The carbon tax proposed as part of the Build Back Better plan would impose a $20 fee per metric ton of carbon.

“I would say there was a surprisingly strong interest in a carbon fee as part of the ongoing budget reconciliation process,” Newell said. 

But Mindy Lubber, CEO of sustainability investment organization Ceres, told CNBC earlier this year that while a carbon tax is one way to prevent the U.S. from being locked into a fossil fuels economy and spur the development of new energy and transportation systems, it has proven controversial in the past, and is a complicated policy tool, making it harder for all sides to reach agreement on, especially in a Senate where the votes are so tight.

A carbon tax could be closer than some people think, says Flannery Winchester, spokeswoman for the progressive Citizens Climate Lobby. ”It has gone from a hopeful idea to one that is on the verge of becoming a reality,” she said.  

The White House and 49 senators were on board with a carbon tax, but not the key vote from West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin. 

“But there is clearly a lot more consensus than there’s ever been that this policy is effective for meeting America’s climate goals,” Winchester said. 

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Podcast: Tesla texting and driving, Trump kills mpg, Aptera update, and more

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December 5, 2025

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Podcast: Tesla texting and driving, Trump kills mpg, Aptera update, and more

electrek podcast

In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss Tesla allowing texting and driving on FSD v14, Trump killing CAFE’s MPG standard, an Aptera update, and more.

The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek’s YouTube channel.

As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.

After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:

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We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.

Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:

Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET:


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Kia EV2 sheds camo, giving us our best look at the new SUV [Image]

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December 5, 2025

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Kia EV2 sheds camo, giving us our best look at the new SUV [Image]

Kia-EV2-spotted-camo

Kia’s most affordable electric SUV will be here in just over a month. Ahead of its debut, the EV2 was spotted with light camo, offering our best look yet.

Kia EV2 looks more like an SUV with less camo

Just days after Kia confirmed the EV2 will debut at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9, 2026, the small electric SUV was spotted in Europe with barely any camo.

The EV2 is a fully electric B-segment SUV set to be Kia’s new entry-level EV. It will sit below the EV3, which is already the UK’s most popular retail electric vehicle and among the top-sellers in Europe.

“With the EV2, we reaffirm our commitment to make electric mobility truly accessible to a broader audience,” Kia Europe president and CEO, Marc Hedrich, said earlier this month.

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Despite its compact size, the EV2 looks and feels much bigger in person. It has a similar high-riding, blocky design as Kia’s latest electric SUVs, such as the EV5 and three-row EV9.

Kia-EV2-teaser-affordable-EV
Kia EV2 teaser (Source: Kia)

In the teaser images Kia posted a few days ago, the EV2 was shown under a drape with a design that looked nearly identical to the EV2 Concept from earlier this year.

Now, we can finally confirm it. The Kia EV2 was recently spotted in Europe in light camo, rocking a tall, SUV-like stance. The latest image from KindelAuto gives us a solid look at its profile, which still resembles a mini EV5 or EV9.

Kia will begin EV2 production alongside the EV4 hatch at its Zilina, Slovakia, plant shortly after its debut at the Brussels Motor Show next month, ramping up output throughout 2026.

Although Kia has yet to reveal specifics, the EV2 is expected to be about 4,000 mm (157″) long, or slightly smaller than the EV3 at 4,300 mm (169.3″). It will be closer in size to the Hyundai Inster EV.

Kia-EV2-most-affordable-EV
The Kia Concept EV2 at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich (Source: Kia)

Prices are expected to start at around €30,000 ($35,000) in Europe, given that the EV3 starts at about €36,000 ($42,000).

The compact electric SUV is expected to ride on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, with similar battery pack options as the EV3. The EV3 is available with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery options, delivering a WLTP range of 410 km (255 miles) and 560 km (348 miles), respectively.

The EV2 will debut at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9, 2026. Kia will hold a press conference at 10:40 am CET to introduce the new entry-level EV. Check back for updates leading up to the event.


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Segway Christmas Holiday Sale drops EV prices by hundreds to lows from $150, EcoFlow expansion battery flash sale, more

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December 5, 2025

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Segway Christmas Holiday Sale drops EV prices by hundreds to lows from 0, EcoFlow expansion battery flash sale, more


We’re ending this week’s Green Deals with a mix of new holiday events alongside ongoing Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, headlined by Segway’s Christmas Holiday Sale that gives you hundreds in savings on popular EVs, like the ZT3 Pro All-Terrain Electric Scooter back at its $850 low, among many others. There’s also EcoFlow’s latest Cyber Week flash sale (ending tonight) that gives you up to 62% savings on an expanded DELTA 2 Max Power Station bundle and three battery bundles – at new lows starting from $329, as well as Ride1Up’s extended Cyber Monday Sale (lasting through the weekend) with up to $600 savings on an expanded lineup of e-bikes and extra batteries starting from $195, and much more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals from the holiday event and this week that are collected together in our Black Friday/Cyber Monday Green Deals hub, which we have updated over the week, like yesterday’s EcoFlow RAPID + 25W MagSafe Christmas promotional deals, the new low price on Anker’s SOLIX C300 DC 90,000mAh power station (ending tonight), and more.

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

Cross Segway e-scooters and e-bikes off gift lists with hundreds of savings for Christmas Holiday Sale – models start from $150

It didn’t take much time at all for Segway to change lanes from its Black Friday event into the now live Christmas Holiday Sale that saves you hundreds on the brand’s EVs, including the returning pricing on the ZT3 Pro All-Terrain Electric Scooter at $849.99 shipped, which matches the pricing over at Amazon. While it may carry a $1,300 MSRP from Segway, you’ll more often find it down around $1,000 instead, especially at other marketplaces like Amazon, with this same low rate having previously appeared during July and October’s Prime Day events, as well as the most recent Black Friday sale. Now, you’re getting a longer period of getting it at this all-time low price, complete with $150 off the going rate (and $450 off the MSRP). Head below to learn more about it and the other models included in the Segway’s Christmas Holiday Sale.

Segway’s ZT3 Pro electric scooter is a solid all-terrain option that can certainly go the distance, as many riders are learning while riding around on them through the streets of NYC, with the full suspension and additional 6 inches of deck clearance from the ground serving urban riders well on more pothole-lined streets. What’s more, in a city so massive and populated, having the included Apple Find My and auto-proximity locking/unlocking functionality definitely adds peace of mind should you ever be leaving it unattended for a set amount of time.

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The whole system – which includes a 1,600W brushless motor as its heart – comes powered by a 597Wh battery, providing up to 43.5 miles of commuting assistance at speeds as high as 24.9 MPH. Another nice feature is the regaining of 6.2 miles for just 30 minutes of charging, allowing you to get moving faster to tackle last-minute plans. Along with everything already mentioned, there’s also 11-inch tubeless tires, a Segride stability enhancement system, a traction control system, six inches of extra clearance from the ground, and more.

Segway’s Christmas Holiday Sale gifts ‘made to wow’

Segway’s commuting Christmas Holiday Sale gifts under $750

  • E2 Plus II Electric Scooter: $280 (Reg. $350) | matched at Amazon
    • 15.5 MPH for up to 16 miles
  • DLX2 Pro Electric Scooter: $380 (Reg. $500)
    • 18.6 MPH for up to 24.9 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, more
  • MAX G30LP Electric Scooter: $450 (Reg. $600) | buy used 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
  • E3 Pro Electric Scooter: $600 (Reg. $700)
    • 20 MPH for up to 34 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, app/passcode locking, more
  • 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
  • F3 Electric Scooter: $750 (Reg. $1,000) | matched at Amazon
    • 20 MPH for up to 44 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, more

Segway’s other Christmas Holiday gift deals

  • ZT3 Pro All-Terrain Electric Scooter: $850 (Reg. $1,000)
    • 25 MPH for up to 43.5 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto-proximity locking, more
  • MAX G3 Electric Scooter: $1,100 (Reg. $1,300) | matched at Amazon
    • 28 MPH for up to 50 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, more
  • GT3 SuperScooter: $1,500 (Reg. $1,900) | matches at Amazon
    • 31 MPH for up to 45 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

And be sure to check out all the hangover November shopping holiday deals while they last through the weekend, which we’ve collected into our Black Friday/Cyber Monday Green Deals hub here.

man reading book while camping with EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max power station and expansion battery

EcoFlow Cyber Week flash sale cuts up to 63% off expanded DELTA 2 Max bundle + batteries at new lows from $329 (ends tonight)

As part of EcoFlow’s ongoing Cyber Week Sale, the first of this new extended event’s flash sales has officially launched with up to 63% savings on three expansion battery bundles and alongside the DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station bundled with a smart extra (expansion) battery for $1,369 shipped. This flash deal lasting through tomorrow night (Friday, December 5) beats out its Amazon pricing by $130 and its direct Cyber Week pricing by $230 (which does offer a $99 waterproof bag for FREE). While this bundle carries a $3,298 MSRP direct from the brand, you’re more likely to find it down around $2,149 at full price elsewhere, with it having kept between $1,699 and $1,499 since late September, with all the sales. Discounts have previously gone as low as $1,424, but these flash savings are cutting a larger than ever $780 off the going rate (and $1,929 off the MSRP) and landing it at a new all-time low price.

If you want to learn more about this expanded bundle, or the three other flash offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals before they end tonight at midnight.

man riding Ride1Up Revv1 DRT Off-Road e-bike through grass field

Extended Ride1Up Cyber Monday sale continues up to $600 savings on e-bikes and extra batteries from $195

Ride1Up has an ongoing Cyber Monday Sale with up to $600 savings on e-bikes and extra batteries, which doesn’t provide any end dates, but is likely following the trend we’ve seen from several other brands and continuing through the weekend. Among the bunch, one model that is getting more and more attention from riders is the Revv1 DRT Off-Road e-bike that is down at $2,295 shipped. Normally running at $2,595 without discounts, we mostly saw sales bring the cost down to $2,495 or $2,395 over 2025, with more recent events seeing returns to the $2,295 low. That low price circled back around the track for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with it holding strong for an unknown time longer at the best price tracked, courtesy of the $300 markdown.

You can learn more about this specific e-bike in our hands-on review here, or within our original coverage of this extended sale here, which includes the full lineup of deals.

split image of Allpowers SOLAX P100 mini power station in suitcase and being hand carried
woman making compost with East Oak's compost tumbler
patio lined with Govee S14 Outdoor String Lights 2

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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