BLUETTI POWER Inc. is a global leader in portable and solar energy solutions and is showing no signs of slowing down its innovation. After launching a funding campaign for the AC500 power station and B300S expansion battery pack combo system this past September, BLUETTI has already garnered close to $9.5 million across nearly 4,000 backers – and the funding round isn’t even over yet. As BLUETTI completes milestone after milestone, there’s no better time to purchase an AC500 power station of your own and receive a complimentary gift pack for backers only.
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BLUETTI continues to soar on wings of AC500 campaign
BLUETTI POWER Inc. has always been a top-three player among clean energy solution providers, and its ability to consistently innovate and outperform everyone else has helped set the brand apart. A recent example is BLLUETTI’s recent launch of the new AC500 portable power station, once again pushing the limits of mobile energy. Combined with several B300S expansion batteries, this modular system can deliver over 18,000Wh of energy, perfect for outages, off-grid trips, and RV living.
Following the launch of its sales campaign for the AC500 and B300S on Indiegogo in early September, BLUETTI found an early audience of interested buyers. That statement is backed by $5 million raised in the first 15 days of the campaign and a milestone of $8 million after 40 days.
Since it has soared through all three of its stretch goals so far, the BLUETTI team is adding massive perks to say thanks to its backers. The company recently added a a free gift pack for every AC500 backer, including a 100W type-c cable, a mug, and a t-shirt. That’s not all either. BLUETTI has already set additional milestones for the remaining days of its campaign – the more it sells, the more you as customers benefit.
We will get into those pledged bonuses later, but first, let’s learn a bit more about the features of this potentially industry-leading portable power storage technology.
What is the BLUETTI AC500 plus B300S Power Station?
As a combined system, the BLUETTI AC500 and B300S can delivery a holistic, all-in-one energy solution to meet nearly any energy need. Whether it’s back up power during an emergency or blackout, limiting dependency on your local electricity, or the dream of living completely off the grid, the AC500 plus B300S system can help.
A key feature of the BLUETTI AC500 plus B300S system is that it is 100% modular, offering anything from 3 to 36 kWh of battery capacity by adding more B300S external expansion batteries. A single AC500 power station is compatible with up to six B300S batteries, totaling 18 kWh in capacity. Add a second AC500 unit and more batteries and you’re looking at a whopping 36 kWh of stored energy – more than enough power to support your home or life off the grid.
As a standalone energy storage device, BLUETTI’s B300S expansion battery gains advantages over competition that requires a separate power station. The B300S is equipped with a 100W USB-C, a 12V/10A car outlet, and an 18W USB-A port as its power source.
The BLUETTI AC500’s 5,000 watts of continuous power means it’s well-equipped to keep your household appliances going, whether its a window A/C unit, a washing machine, or any other larger device.
Need higher power than 5,000 watts during an outage? No problem. Tie two AC500 systems directly to your home’s main panel using a transfer switch to bolster your home’s supply up to 10,000-watts – enough juice to safely power all your home’s circuits, including 240V outlets. BLUETTI recently introduced a brand new transfer switch, which costs just $639 to connect a single AC500 system and $679 for the AC500 split phase system (two AC500 units).
Charging versatility, no matter where you are
If and when your BLUETTI AC500 system runs out of power, you can recoup in a relatively short amount of time. With a single B300S battery pack, you can recharge in just 80 minutes – 3.5 times faster than BLUETTI’s competitors. How you recharge your system is nearly as versatile as the station itself. Whether it’s a wall outlet, car, generator, roof solar or portable panels, you will be able to replenish your AC500 plus B300S system no matter where you are.
Additional, the system’s dual charging capabilities allow for quicker speeds and higher power inputs, wether its AC and solar or AC + AC. A BLUETTI AC500 with one B300S battery can receive up to 4,500W input, while an AC500 with two B300S batteries can achieve a maximum of 8,000W.
Especially if you’re looking to utilize your AC500 plus B300S system off the grid, BLUETTI solar panels could prove quite fruitful in providing clean, unlimited energy to keep your batteries full. Luckily, BLUETTI’s PV40 portable solar panels are available in its crowdfunding campaign.
These 420W monocrystalline solar panels are more durable and can better withstand high temperatures compared to polycrystalline panels, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. You can combine up to six BLUETTI PV400 solar panels to charge the AC500 plus B300S system, pushing it back to full capacity in just two hours.
Pricing and shipping times
To begin, the AC500 plus B300S system starts at a price of $1,699 (CONFIRM THIS). A single B300S battery pack is currently available at a discounted price of $1,899. Better yet, get yourself the AC500 combo that comes with not one, but two B300S batteries, currently on sale for $4,999 and will come with the aforementioned gift pack (and hopefully additional perks).
The PV400 solar panels is currently on sale for $799 (27% off), but there are fewer than 200 left at that price. After those panels are sold, the price will go up to $899.
According to BLUETTI sources, 50% of US orders have already been shipped while orders for the EU and the UK are still on the way. All that said, BLUETTI expects 95% of backers to receive their product(s) before year’s end.
Remember those additional milestone bonuses we teased earlier? Well here they are. If BLUETTI reaches $10 million in pledged backing, it will offer backers a four-year warranty on their AC500 plus B300S system. $12 million? That warranty gets bumped up to five years.
BLUETTI’s special campaign combos are in limited quantity and available on a strictly first-come-first-served basis. You’d better hurry too, because BLUETTI’s Indiegogo campaign will close by the end of October and with it will end the perks and exclusive pricing mentioned above.
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Tesla’s Full Self-Driving computer failure leaves customers in bad situations without many important features and depletes battery packs faster for months.
We found examples of the issue arising as far back as July. The problem can start quickly, within a few miles on a brand-new car or after a few hundred to a few thousand miles.
When the computer fails, many vehicle features stop working, like active safety features, cameras, and even GPS, navigation, and range estimations.
Tesla’s fix was to replace the computer completely, but sources also mentioned a temporary software fix to enable some of the features in the meantime.
It’s hard to estimate precisely the affected population. At the time of the article, we had received dozens of customer complaints and had sources inside Tesla estimating that, based on service requests, thousands of new Tesla owners are experiencing this issue.
We reported that this should lead to a recall since features like backup cameras are now considered a safety feature and required on new vehicles by NHTSA, but Tesla hasn’t released a service bulletin nor has a notice been posted with NHTSA.
Electrek contacted NHTSA to ask if they were aware of this issue. We will update if we get an answer.
Since publishing our original report on this issue last month, dozens of other customers reached out about the problem. They are reporting long wait times to get a new computer as Tesla tells them that it needs more parts, presumably the new computers.
Some showed documents to Electrek that showed they didn’t have an appointment to replace their computers until into February. For some customers, that would mean more than two months with severely handicapped vehicles.
On top of the previously mentioned disabled features, customers have voiced other problems living with their brand-new vehicles without a working computer. The computer appears to get stuck in an “auto-update loop”, which drains the battery faster.
A customer with this issue estimated that his Model 3 is consuming about 5 kWh per day when parked, doing nothing with this computer issue.
Some owners expressed concerns about faster battery degradation and wear on other components because of this issue. It’s also a major issue for people who don’t have home charging yet, and their vehicles are stuck discharging faster with this issue.
Electrek has seen documents showing that Tesla acknowledges that the computer issue is an “internal short.”
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Just over a year after unveiling its flagship solar-electric travel trailer called the Flow, recreational mobility startup Pebble has revealed its updated production-intent design. We got a chance to do a walkthrough of the optimized trailer design, which features several upgrades and some truly intuitive features. Today’s unveiling also marks Pebble’s continuance of Flow pre-orders, but we now have a timeline for when initial deliveries will begin.
Pebble is a California-based startup and one of a few new tech companies attempting to reinvigorate a stale RV segment. The company was founded by Bingrui Yang, who previously led iPhone development at Apple for nine years before leading hardware development for major players in the autonomous robotaxi space, including Cruise and Zoox. Yang described the company in detail in June of 2023:
Pebble was developed to create a hassle-free way to live, work and explore. Consumers have been stuck with the same RV experience for decades. A lot of people want to get into such a lifestyle of freedom but are turned off by the pain points in today’s products. At Pebble, we are automating the hardest parts of the RV experience with the same technologies that power the most advanced automotive innovations, making the whole experience simply effortless and magical. If you know how to use an iPhone, you’ll be comfortable using our product.
That strategy to bring more advanced technologies to the world of RVs and travel trailers culminated in Pebble’s flagship product, Flow. In the summer of 2023, the startup emerged out of stealth mode with $13.6 million in seed funding to help get the Flow into production, teasing brief glimpses of the luxury travel trailer along the way.
The following October, Pebble officially unveiled the Flow to the public, opening pre-orders for an iteration of the travel trailer that started at $109,000. We learned then that the Flow trailer is 300% more aerodynamic than a conventional travel trailer, reducing drag and extending range.
Furthermore, the Flow comes equipped with its own dual-motor active propulsion assist system, which helps it bear the brunt of its load while helping it maximize range and efficiency regardless of whether an ICE or electric vehicle is towing it.
Today, just over 14 months after initially unveiling the pre-production version of the Flow, Pebble has emerged with a production-intent design featuring some welcomed upgrades in its space utilization and some genuinely remarkable functions – all controllable from a single tablet.
Pebble Flow to begin deliveries in first half of 2025
Pebble unveiled its production-intent version of the Flow this morning. According to the company, it was updated with features and optimized design elements based on feedback from its community to improve the overall experience for future owners.
Pebble shared that the community that worked closely with its design and engineering teams to identify key opportunities for improvement consisted of over 3,000 members, including “digital nomads,” young families, retirees, and tech enthusiasts (bummed I didn’t get an invite).
Last month, we took a virtual tour of a production-intent Flow travel trailer and explored several upgrades that make an already unique and innovative electric mobility vehicle even better. For example, Pebble optimized the interior of the production-intent Flow, increasing storage and moving some of the walls to utilize more of the interior. The startup also redesigned the interior cabinets to flip upward rather than down for easier access, especially for vertically challenged people.
The interior also feels much roomier thanks to new side and rear windows that flip open for better airflow and a vast new skylight moved to the front of the trailer above the dinette area. Per Pebble, the revamped Flow exterior now features integrated tail lamps, enhanced aerodynamics, and a more streamlined appearance, including several color variations for early adopters:
During our virtual tour, a few exterior upgrades truly stood out. First, the Flow’s pass-through storage tunnel has been made larger, and Pebble has added a hitch receiver to accommodate accessories like bike racks. However, the new technologies introduced were the most impressive.
For example, Pebble added optional all-terrain levelers through an “InstaCamp” feature that can balance and level out the trailer, no matter where it is parked. The images above show Pebble Flow’s new motorized awning, which can be deployed using the app. Other features include four exterior cameras for better visibility and safety on the road and when parking.
Pebble has also introduced a re-engineered dual-motor drivetrain and a new caster wheel, making the Flow’s Remote Control and Magic Hitch capabilities (arguably the two most remarkable features in the entire trailer) possible and easy to use. What’s perhaps most impressive is how virtually all of the Flow’s features are controllable from a single tablet, as seen here:
From our experience, the most exciting features include the 1.1 kW solar array on the roof, the Magic Hitch capabilities, InstaCamp, and the Remote Control option using the Pebble App. We highly recommend checking out all those core features in action in Pebble’s video below.
The Pebble Flow starts at $109,500, with an option to upgrade to the Magic Pack. This adds the re-vamped dual-motor drivetrain, enabling features like Active Tow Assist, Magic Hitch, and enhanced Remote Control. The Flow configuration with the Magic Pack starts at $135,500.
According to Pebble, Flow production is expected to begin in early 2025, with initial deliveries beginning this spring. These early delivery customers will receive an exclusive Founders Edition of the Pebble Flow, fully loaded with all options and upgrades, plus the opportunity to select a limited-edition color (seen above), all for $175,000.
If you’re interested in a Pebble Flow, you can reserve one with a fully-refundable $500 deposit at pebblelife.com/preorder, and customize it to your liking.
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Genesis is giving its first all-electric vehicle a stylish new design, even more tech, and more in the updated model. The new Genesis GV60 EV is finally here. Check out the first look below.
Genesis reveals the updated new GV60 EV
The GV60 is the first dedicated EV to wear the Genesis badge. Launched in October 2021, the electric SUV helped establish Genesis as a true luxury brand in the EV space.
Four years later, Genesis is revamping it with its first major refresh. The new Genesis GV60 EV gains even more style, tech, and features.
Genesis unveiled the updated GV60 on Monday, showcasing its improved exterior and interior design for the first time. After the refreshed EV was spotted several times last year leading up to its official debut, we had a good idea of what design updates would be included.
One of the most noticeable features is the new front bumper. You can see Genesis fine-tuned the front end with a new bumper and headlamps.
The new GV60 features Genesis’ signature Two Line headlamps with Micro Lens Array (MLA) tech shown on other updated models like the Electrified GV70. The new Electrified GV70 was caught in public last month for the first time, revealing similar design updates.
Genesis infused its new “Athletic Elegance” design theme on the outside, while the luxurious interior features its “Beauty of the White Space” in-cabin experience.
The tech-loaded interior includes a new 27″ connected car Integrated Cockpit (ccIC) infotainment system. Genesis says the new design “eliminates the bezel between the cluster and audio, visual and navigation (AVN) screen.”
In other words, it makes the interior feel more spacious. The sporty new three-spoke steering wheel also enhances the interior. Other signature elements, like the Crystal Sphere, included in the outgoing model remain.
Genesis will reveal prices and additional specs closer to launch. However, like the updated Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6, the new Genesis GV60 is expected to feature a bigger battery for more range.
The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 has an 84 kWh battery that provides an EPA-estimated range of up to 318 miles, compared to the 2024 model, which has a 77.4 kWh battery that offers a range of up to 303 miles.
2025 Genesis GV60 trim
Range (EPA-est)
Starting Price*
Standard RWD
294 miles
$52,350
Standard AWD
264 miles
$55,850
Advanced AWD
248 miles
$60,900
Performance AWD
235 miles
$69,900
2025 Genesis GV60 prices and range by trim (*excluding $1,350 destination fee)
The 2025 Genesis GV60 starts at $52,350. A new AWD trim costs $55,850, $5,000 less than the Advanced AWD model. With up to 294 miles range on the current model, the new Genesis GV60 could get upwards of 300 miles.
Check back for more info soon. Genesis will launch the new model in Korea in Q1 2025, followed by other markets.
What do you think of the new Genesis GV60 design? Would you buy one for just over $50,000? Let us know in the comments below.
Are you ready to check out the electric luxury SUV for yourself? With the 2025 models arriving, Genesis is offering closeout prices on the 2024 lineup while they are still in stock. You can use our link to find offers on 2024 and 2025 Genesis GV60 models at a dealer near you today.
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