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Volkswagen says it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) Friday with Ellia Group to explore V2G technology and how it can potentially help stabilize the energy grid while rewarding EV drivers.

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology has immense potential as more electric vehicles hit the road. EV chargers and the technology behind connectors have evolved as automakers work with tech leaders, charging companies, and utility companies to allow their vehicles to be used for more than zero-emission driving.

For example, Ford, Hyundai, Porsche, Nissan, Tesla, and others have explored how drivers can utilize V2G technology to send energy back from their vehicles to the energy grid.

EV batteries have incredible storage ability, which is a significant advantage as countries move to renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar hold incredible value, but they also come with hurdles.

For one thing, wind and solar cannot be produced on demand, making storage solutions essential. Although the transition will require more transmission capacity, electric vehicles offer a unique solution.

Elia is Belgium’s high voltage transmission operator, maintaining electricity supply and demand. The company believes electric vehicles can be a key asset for balancing the grid, referring to them as “batteries on wheels.”

Volkswagen is joining Elia’s mission as the automaker accelerates its transition to sustainable transportation and explores how V2G technology can help integrate EVs for a superior energy grid.

Volkswagen-V2g-1
Volkswagen V2G promotion Source: V2G UK

Volkswagen, Elia agree on plans to integrate V2G into the grid

Over the next few years, Volkswagen, Elli (VW’s energy and charging division), Elia, and its startup re.alto will explore the benefits of V2G integration and the potential challenges that come along with it.

According to the press release, VW’s new partnership aims to show how electric vehicle drivers “will be able to charge their EVs when there are high amounts of renewable energy” available on the grid and “inject the electricity stored in the EVs back into the grid when it needs it most” with V2G technology.

Elli’s CEO, Elke Temme, talks of the benefits of using bi-directional power, stating:

An essential key to achieving climate neutrality lies in linking of the energy and mobility sectors. Using the electric vehicle battery as a mobile power bank delivers a triple benefit: Firstly, the climate benefits as renewable energy can be stored and therefore be used more efficiently; secondly, the electric grid benefits, as the car can contribute toward grid stability, and thirdly, the customer can earn additional revenue with vehicle-to-grid services. To explore the benefits of this consumer-centric approach, this cooperation with Elia Group is crucial for us.”

The technology, when deployed properly, can benefit all parties involved. With less stress on the energy grid, utility companies can offer lower rates to consumers. On top of this, for sending energy back when it’s needed most, EV drivers can earn incentives.

Volkswagen and its partners will focus on four critical areas that would lead to the successful integration of V2G, including:

  • Price signals (incentives) – Exploring ways to incentivize EV drivers to use their vehicles to store and send energy back to the grid.
  • Market design – Working to remove barriers preventing EV owners from being able to choose their energy supplier.
  • Trusted data – EVs must have some verification process to plug into the grid for security purposes.
  • Secure connectivity – Ensuring the connection is secure and any data transferred is safe.

For V2G to work on a wide scale, Volkswagen and its partners recognize these critical factors must be addressed first.

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Here’s a curated list of Black Friday E-bike deals that are actually worth it

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November 28, 2025

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Here's a curated list of Black Friday E-bike deals that are actually worth it


It’s Black Friday and that means there are even better deals than usual on some of the highest value electric bikes in the US e-bike market. If you’re on the hunt for a deal on a good e-bike that will get you where you need to go or have you out there enjoying a recreational ride, all without breaking the bank, then I think I’ve got you covered here.

Sure, there are tons of “best e-bike deals” lists already floating around out there. Most of them are simply lazy publications or AI-concoctions, usually finding any two-wheeler with an affiliate link and then throwing dozens or even hundreds of links at you.

And yes, unfortunately, our own deals team takes that spray and pray approach, too… but rest assured that I’m not involved in that. As the internet’s longest-running e-bike reviewer, here’s my carefully compiled list of some of the best value e-bike deals out there today (and for several days to come), all of which are bikes I actually ride myself and would put my friends and family on.

This isn’t some spammy list… It’s my real, honest-to-goodness recommendations.

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The following are in no particular order other than how they popped out of my head after scouring my favorite e-bike company’s sites for current deals. Also, this is far from an exhaustive list, so let me know in the comments section at the bottom of the article if you found some great deals. I’ll try to update the list over the next few days as more interesting opportunities for high-value e-bike finds pop up.

Lectric eBikes

It’s hard to go wrong here if you’re looking for bang-for-your-buck. Lectric eBikes offers some of the best value anywhere, with surprisingly good performance e-bikes at shockingly good prices. Plus (and critically), they actually stand behind their e-bikes, which is not something you can say for the slightly cheaper Amazon-specials.

As part of Lectric’s current deals, they’re largely discounting their bundles as opposed to simply dropping the base price on just a lonesome bike. While I’d love a straight up “shave some off the top” deal, Lectric’s year-round prices are already so fair that it makes sense that they can’t cut base prices too much farther. Even so, their huge bundles bring some impressive value to the table.

The Lectric XP4 is the go-to high-value electric folder on the market right now, and they are offering savings of over $300 on their 500W version of the bike and over $500 off their 750W version of the bike. The two packages start at an incredibly reasonable $999 and $1,299, respectively, and bundle in things like suspension seat posts, upgraded headlights, locks, phone holders, and more.

I’d also recommend checking out their XP Lite2 if you want an even lighter and more compact e-bike (and don’t mind giving up the suspension fork and multiple gear ratios).

My third favorite option is the Lectric XPedition2, which is an amazing value for a heavy-hauling cargo e-bike that starts at just $1,399.

And while I don’t ride it as much myself (yet), the XP Trike2 starts at just $1,499 and is great for riders who need that extra help with balance or just prefer a three-wheeled ride!

It should also be noted that Lectric invests more in philanthropy than any other e-bike company, and it’s something I highly respect. Last year, I bought an e-bike from them just to give it away to someone in need since Lectric was donating $250 to charity for every bike sold. I like to support good companies, and they’re good people.

Priority Bicycles

Priority Bicycles is my go-to recommendation for anyone who wants a higher-quality e-bike than a typical direct-to-consumer model. While I love a good budget bike as much as the next guy, no one expects a $1,000 e-bike to last forever. Entry-level e-bikes definitely start showing their age with everyday riding. But a Priority bike? These are built to last for years and years and years, thanks to the higher tolerances, upper shelf components, and better quality manufacturing.

The New York City-based bicycle company got its start with pedal bikes before expanding into electric bikes, so they know how to make a ‘real’ bicycle instead of just a powerful two-wheeled commuter machine. These are bike-first people.

My favorite model is the Priority Current Plus, which has a 750W mid-drive motor, Gates carbon belt drive, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and a large 720 Wh battery. It also comes with two options for internally geared hubs: either a 5-speed Shimano Nexus or a slick Enviolo continuously variable transmission (CVT).

It’s normally a $3,299 e-bike, but it’s reduced to just $2,749 for the rest of the month (you won’t see the discount until it’s actually in your cart).

That over $500 savings is huge, and Priority has deals that are almost as good on the company’s more moderately priced models, too. The Priority Glide e-bike is marked down to just $1,499 and the Priority E-Coast is marked down to just $1,699! (And I found that if I put more than one bike in the cart, the discounts are even higher!)

These are much higher quality bikes than you’d get from other companies at these prices, so they’re definitely worth a look if you like the idea of a low-maintenance, high-end belt-drive electric bike.

Ride1Up

Ride1Up has long been a solid option for high value in the commuter space, and has spent the last few years expanding beyond merely road roles and into most of the key e-bike categories.

The company’s Vorsa model is an incredible all-around e-bike that can handle just about anything, from commuting to nature trails to cargo hauling and more. Just about the only thing it can’t do is fold (though they’ve got the Portola for that).

Ride1Up currently has a $225 off sale on the Vorsa if you add in a free touring package (suspension seat post, foam saddle, and mirrors), bringing it down to $1,595 for everything.

Again, this is more of a bundled deal than a straight discount (similar to how Lectric runs most of their sales), but it still means you’re getting a better price and more value, which is the goal.

If you’re looking for a more dedicated mountain bike and want the advantages of a mid-drive from Brose, the Ride1Up TrailRush is a BEAUTIFUL example of bringing electric mountain bikes to the masses with quality parts at a reasonable price. It’s $100 off at $1,995. That’s even better than the launch price, and will get you on a bike that feels right at home on technical off-road trails.

Despite the price, this is absolutely not an entry-level electric mountain bike. This is the real deal, just at a great, direct-to-consumer price! Check out my video testing it below.

And lastly, that Portola I mentioned earlier as Ride1Up’s folding e-bike, it’s marked down to just $995. That’s an incredible deal for a slick-looking, excellent-performing 28 mph folding e-bike that offers 750W of power and hydraulic disc brakes wrapped inside of 20×3″ tires, all held in a classy hydro-formed frame.

JackRabbit

JackRabbit doesn’t actually electric bicycles, but these feel more like a typical throttle e-bike than they do an electric scooter, which is probably the better technically-correct classification.

Instead of pedals, they have foot pegs. That means you can’t pedal them, but you get a simpler, lighter, more stripped-down ride that feels like a bike, at least for the vast majority of US e-bike riders that use throttle more than they do pedal assist.

Stores usually don’t even give me a problem when I bring it inside… that’s how compact it is (and check out those swivel handlebars!)

The company is running free shipping on all of their models through December 2nd and offering 25% off of all accessories, but their main sale is on the OG2 Pro, an e-bike I just finished reviewing, and which is marked down by $150. It’s still not exactly low cost, now at just $1,499, but that’s the best price I’ve ever seen it at, and I doubt we’ll see a sale like this again for a long time… likely 12 months!

The OG2 Pro is perhaps one of JackRabbit’s best models, in my opinion. It still features their smallest frame to keep it nice and compact, but boasts big power from a 500W motor and long range from the RangeBuster battery. This is basically a mini motorbike that feels like an e-bike yet only weighs 30 pounds. When I want something small and lightweight, the JackRabbit OG2 Pro is THE bike I go to.

Aventon

Aventon has long been another staple of the value-priced electric bicycle market in the US. They’ve invested heavily in a wide dealership footprint and so in addition to an online e-bike company, they’re also found in hundreds of local bicycle shops.

While they’ve got a model for just about every type of riding, their new Aventure M is definitely one of my favorites from their lineup. It’s a fat tire off-road e-bike so it’s great for trails or where there simply aren’t any trails, but it’s also got a mid-drive motor that gives you the best balance and responsiveness, not to mention great hill climbing power and startup torque.

It’s $100 off from its normal $2,899 price, marking it down to $2,799, so it’s not a huge deal, but it’s an awesome bike if you can afford a higher-end fat tire bike.

It feels like a fat tire-inspired upgrade over the Aventon Ramblas, in many ways, which is a full-featured electric mountain bike marked down from $2,899 to just $2,499. This is definitely another to look into if you’ve got the cash for something nicer like this.

On the budget-friendly end, the brand’s Soltera 2.5 is priced at just $999, marked down by $200, and is an excellent modest-power commuter if you’re on the hunt for something lightweight and easy to ride.

Velotric

One of my favorite parts about Velotric is how heavily they’ve invested in a few key features that I rarely see yet: hardcore waterproofing and location tracking.

Velotric has some of the most waterproof e-bikes out there (and their batteries can be submerged in up to 3 feet deep of water), and they include Apple FindMy tracking in most of their models.

One of my favorite models is the Velotric Fold 1 Plus, which is currently marked down to $1,399, and comes with a free suspension seat post upgrade and free pannier bag.

Between the location tracking, UL-certified batteries that can be drowned in water, and the wide color range including fun options like bright yellow and bright blue, this is definitely one to consider.

What other deals are waiting out there? Let me know in the comments if you found something good and I’d love to check it out!

Stay safe out there, everyone. Happy trails, and may your battery always be charged!


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‘Time to act now’: The push to develop Europe’s blockbuster rare earths discoveries

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7 hours ago

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November 28, 2025

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‘Time to act now’: The push to develop Europe’s blockbuster rare earths discoveries

In this aerial view, the Kiruna Kyrka church is transported by road to a new location on August 20, 2025 in Kiruna, Sweden. The church, weighing 672,4 tons, is being transported as a whole to a new location 3 km away to avoid damages caused by LKAB´s iron ore mine.

Bernd Lauter | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Two Nordic mining companies at the heart of Europe’s push to achieve resource security are taking novel — albeit very different — approaches. One is pursuing the concept of an “invisible mine,” while the other is taking on one of the world’s most radical relocation projects.

It forms part of a strategic shift for the European Union. Under its forthcoming “RESourceEU” initiative, the 27-nation bloc intends to step up its efforts to secure access to domestic sources of critical raw materials in both the short- and long-term.

The plan, which intends to boost investment in strategic projects, is designed to help break China’s long-held mineral dominance.

Alf Reistad, CEO of mining firm Rare Earths Norway, told CNBC that there’s been a clear shift in terms of how both domestic and EU policymakers are thinking about mineral supply chains.

“What we see now is really a sense of urgency. Everybody is speaking about the need for actions,” Reistad told CNBC by video call. “It is really the time to act now. We have always said that we are too early until we are too late.”

In June last year, Rare Earths Norway announced the discovery of Europe’s largest known rare earths deposit, reflecting what was seen as a watershed moment in the region’s pursuit of strategic autonomy.

It’s estimated that the firm’s Fen Carbonatite Complex, situated in the small industrial town of Ulefoss in southern Norway, contains 8.8 million metric tons of total rare earth oxides (TREOs).

It’s not a given that this is a business case. It looks like it is for us at the moment, but it’s not something that you’d say, ‘oh it’s a no brainer, just run for it.’

Niklas Johansson

Spokesperson at LKAB

Notably, roughly 1.5 million tons of these TREOs are thought to contain highly prized magnet-related rare earths, such as neodymium and praseodymium. These are critical components for a range of modern technologies, from electric vehicles and wind turbines to robotics and defense applications.

Rare Earths Norway said it is currently in close cooperation with the local municipality and national authorities over a zoning plan and hopes to present a prefeasibility study by the end of the year.

Ultimately, however, it faces a long road ahead to deliver on its rare earths potential. The company is targeting the delivery of rare earths to market by the first half of the 2030s.

The Enhanced Games?

To help reach these targets, Rare Earths Norway has been lobbying for domestic and EU policymakers to consider fast-track permitting and price guarantees, saying such measures will be pivotal to its success.

Reistad compared the firm’s push to deliver on its resource potential to participating in the Enhanced Games, a controversial event that allows athletes to take banned performance enhancing drugs under medical supervision.

“If you look now at what you see with China and the U.S., they are competing in a kind of Enhanced Games, and it’s not possible for us to compete at all if we have no security,” Reistad said.

“You see that the actions that have been made by [U.S. President Donald] Trump. He has been fast and bold. So, if there is no level playing field then it will not be possible to come true with this project,” he added.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers her speech during a debate on the new 2028-2034 Multi-annual Financial Framework at the European Parliament in Brussels on November 12, 2025.

Nicolas Tucat | Afp | Getty Images

A spokesperson for the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, told CNBC that the bloc has a “clear vision” to ensure the secure and sustainable access to raw materials. By 2030, the bloc wants to extract 10%, process 40% and recycle 25% of what it consumes each year.

The EU is also aiming to limit reliance on any single external supplier to 65%.

An ‘invisible mine’

To develop its discovery, Rare Earths Norway is planning to extract rare earths from its Fen site using an “invisible mine” concept to avoid surface disruption and environmental impact.

This concept involves drilling a long, narrow tunnel diagonally beneath the village of Ulefoss and backfilling extracted voids with waste materials.

“It’s important that people on top of the deposit are safe,” Reistad said, who compared the concept to that of a “Kinder Egg.”

“So, if you have seen in the project by LKAB in Kiruna, they have to move the town. We need to prevent that, and its approximately 300 properties on top of the deposit and a lot of people living there,” he added.

Reistad said the company has had “very good” dialogue with the people living on top of the rare earths deposit. Early community surveys have reportedly shown strong local support for the project, alongside some concerns about stability and waste management.

An Arctic city on the move

Swedish state-owned mining firm LKAB, which operates far above the Arctic Circle in the city of Kiruna, is taking a completely different approach to Europe’s growing appetite for raw materials.

The company announced in January 2023 what was then considered to be Europe’s largest known deposit of rare earths, describing the discovery as “good news” for Sweden, Europe and the climate.

Rain falls as a general view taken on August 21, 2025 shows the LKAB iron ore mine and a sign bearing the company’s logo in Kiruna, northern Sweden.

Jonathan Nackstrand | Afp | Getty Images

The discovery of the so-called Per Geijer deposit sits in close proximity to the world’s largest underground iron ore mine. Indeed, it is LKAB’s plans to expand its iron ore mine that has prompted the move of thousands of city residents to a brand-new city center.

The extensive urban relocation project received international attention in August, when workers successfully moved a 113-year-old wooden church five kilometers (3 miles) down the road over the course of two days.

Later that same month, LKAB announced that 6,000 more people and approximately 2,700 homes would be affected by the relocation. The transformation is estimated to come at a cost of 22.5 billion Swedish kronor ($2.4 billion).

Niklas Johansson, senior vice president of public affairs and external relations at LKAB, said the relocation is not related to the rare earths discovery, but rather the firm’s sprawling iron ore mine.

A worker is pictured in the underground tunnels of the LKAB iron ore mine in Kiruna, northern Sweden, on August 21, 2025.

Jonathan Nackstrand | Afp | Getty Images

Like Rare Earths Norway, LKAB’s Johansson said the company is currently in discussion with European lawmakers to ensure that it will be economically viable to develop its resources.

“We’ve already got the material up to the ground. That’s all been paid for by the iron ore. Still, it’s not a given that this is a business case. It looks like it is for us at the moment, but it’s not something that you’d say, ‘oh it’s a no brainer, just run for it,'” Johansson told CNBC by telephone.

“I also tell them that if it looks like this for us, who has most of the infrastructure and everything in place, how do you think it will look for others in Europe?”

Mineral sovereignty

Anthony Heron, deputy editor of the Arctic Institute think tank, said the projects overseen by Rare Earths Norway and LKAB are “strategically significant” because they represent some of the most credible paths to reduce Europe’s near total dependence on imported rare earths, especially from China.

“Estimates suggest the Norwegian Fen deposit could cover a sizeable share of future EU demand for rare earth minerals, and the exploration of Arctic deposits has been framed by analysts as pillars of Europe’s emerging ‘mineral sovereignty’ agenda,” Heron told CNBC by email.

“That aligns the Arctic squarely with the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, which has set targets for a minimum share of extraction to take place within Europe,” he added.

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Rad Power expands e-bike Black Friday Sale with more savings + lows from $999, Anker smart security devices 50% off, GE appliance, more

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November 27, 2025

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Rad Power expands e-bike Black Friday Sale with more savings + lows from 9, Anker smart security devices 50% off, GE appliance, more


Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! To celebrate the day, we’ve got another jam-packed edition of Green Deals, with plenty more that you can browse in our official Black Friday Green Deals hub here, encompassing all the sales/deals we’ve collected over the last few weeks that are still alive and well. Headlining today’s features is Rad Power’s expanded Black Friday Sale, which is seeing increased prices to new lows, like the RadExpand 5 Plus Folding e-bike at $1,399, among others. From there, we also have a large collection of Anker eufy solar cams, and other smart security devices starting from $50, as well as GE’s Profile Smart Electric Ventless Heat Pump Washer/Dryer Combo at $2,000, the next EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale, Aiper’s robot pool cleaners, smart composters, hydroponic gardens, and so much more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals that are collected together at the bottom of the page (and also in our Green Deals hub), like yesterday’s first post-launch price cuts on the Heybike Mars 3.0 and Ranger 3.0 Pro e-bikes, the Tesla universal EV charger retaining a $50 discount, 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.

Rad Power expands Black Friday e-bike lineup and increases savings to new lows starting from $999

Rad Power Bikes has expanded its Black Friday Sale with additional offers while retaining the previous lineup of new lows and more. Among the bunch, we’re seeing the biggest price cut yet on the RadExpand 5 Plus Folding e-bike at $1,399 shipped. Coming down from the full $1,899 price tag that it has spent much of 2025 keeping to, we’ve mostly seen a mix of free bundle offers (without price cuts) and occasional discounts as low as $1,699. Now, for Black Friday, this newer model is getting a larger-than-ever $500 markdown to a new all-time low price. Head below to learn more about it and the expanded/increased Rad Power Black Friday savings.

The Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus comes as the latest iteration of the brand’s space-saving, folding series, able to condense down to 29 inches high by 25 inches wide by 41 inches long to fit inside closets, car trunks, on RVs, and more. The 750W rear hub motor is paired with a 720Wh battery to carry you for up to 60+ miles with its five PAS levels activated at up to 20 MPH top speeds (supported by a torque sensor). Among its updated features, you’ll be getting a hydraulic suspension fork alongside hydraulic disc brakes for smoother rides and greater stopping power. There’s also the puncture-resistant tires, fenders to go over top of them, a rear cargo rack for added versatility, an LED headlight, a brake-activated taillight, a Shimano 7-speed derailleur, a color display with a USB-C port, and more.

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With the brand going through financial turmoil, now’s your chance to cash in on some of Rad Power’s deep clearance-meets-Black Friday savings.

Rad Power’s full Black Friday Sale lineup:

anker eufy solar security camera outside in rain

Anker’s eufy solar security cameras, smart locks, more get up to 50% Black Friday savings to new lows starting from $50

With Amazon’s Black Friday Week Sale in full momentum, Anker’s official eufy storefront is offering up to 50% discounts across its lineup of smart security devices, and the best rate yet on the SoloCam S220 Wireless Solar Security Camera that starts from $49.99 shipped, while its 4-camera package is a great get for multi-point coverage at $179.99 shipped. Normally going for $100 without any discounts, we’ve seen the cost get taken down as low as $60 previously in the year, with this holiday deal bringing even more savings to the mix by cutting the price in half. You’ll save $50 off the going rate for a 50% markdown on the single-cam package, while the 4-camera kit is seeing a 36% cut of $100 – dropping both options to new all-time lows.

If you want to learn more about this model, or check out the full lineup of deals on other cameras, video doorbells, smart locks, and more – be sure to check out our original coverage of these Black Friday deals here.

woman doing laundry with GE 2-in-1 washer dryer

GE’s 2-in-1 Profile smart ventless electric washer/dryer combo with heat pump at $2,000 (Reg. $2,700)

As part of its Black Friday Appliance Sale, Best Buy is offering the GE Profile 4.8 Cubic-Foot Smart Combo Electric Washer & Dryer with Ventless Heat Pump at $1,999.99 shipped. While it carries a $2,999 MSRP direct from the brand, at Best Buy we normally see it starting lower at $2,700, with the discounts we’ve spotted over the year regularly dropping the rate between $2,200 and $2,000, with things having gone as low as $1,750 once this year back during July’s Prime Day event. You’re still looking at a solid $700 markdown off the going rate (and $999 off the MSRP) to land at the third-lowest price we have tracked. There are also alternate options in Samsung’s massive Black Friday Appliance Sale here to weigh your options.

If you want to learn more about this specific model, be sure to check out our original coverage of these savings here.

ecoflow delta pro power station outside with extra battery and solar panel
banner for Aiper robot pool cleaner black friday sale
Govee smart electric composter being used to make soil for garden
AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 indoor hydroponic system

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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