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A new Tesla Megapack project has become Europe’s biggest battery system capable of backing up power to around 300,000 UK homes for two hours.

Megapack has quickly emerged as the leading battery system for large utility-scale energy storage systems.

It helped Tesla’s energy division accelerate storage deployment, and the company has now built an impressive backlog of orders.

But Tesla is now working faster than ever through its backlog with 42 Megapacks per week produced at Gigafactory Nevada, in addition to the new Megafactory in California recently coming online and trying to ramp up to an ambitious capacity of 40 GWh of Megapacks per year.

The new output is resulting in more projects coming online like this 196 MWh battery system, the Pillswood Project, near Hull in the UK.

Harmony Energy Limited, the project developer, announced that they completed the installation of the Tesla Megapacks and brought the project online – becoming what they believe to be the largest battery system in Europe:

The project will provide critical balancing services to the GB electricity grid network whilst also enabling the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy.

Tesla has been deeply involved in the project and managed the installation.

Harmony also confirmed that the project will be operated with Tesla’s Autobidder software:

The project will be operated through Autobidder, Tesla’s algorithmic trading platform, which has demonstrated a strong track record over the past two years in managing the Holes Bay and Contego projects – two existing battery storage projects also developed by Harmony Energy Limited in conjunction with FRV.

In 2020, Electrek spotted a previously unknown new product from Tesla: Autobidder.

It’s a real-time trading and control platform for energy assets like Tesla’s Powerpacks, Powerwalls, and Megapacks, optimized through machine learning to better use and more directly monetize the assets.

As of last year, Tesla Autobidder had over 1.2 GWh of energy storage under management, and it has been adding capacity fast.

Tesla Energy, the company’s energy division deploying stationary energy storage and solar power, is having record quarters one after the other.

Last quarter, Tesla deployed a record high of 2.1 GWh in battery capacity – mostly driven by Megapack growth. The record is expected to be broken again shortly thanks to the new capacity at the Megafactory.

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First discounts on new Goal Zero power stations, $500 off GoTRax Everest e-dirt bike, and more

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First discounts on new Goal Zero power stations, 0 off GoTRax Everest e-dirt bike, and more

Today’s Green Deals are lead by the fourth official discount on the GoTrax Everest Electric Dirt Bike that is back at $500 off. It is joined by the first official discounts on Goal Zero’s newest power stations, the Yeti 300, 500, and 700 models that start from $240, as well as dual one-day Best Buy sales on the WORX 40V PowerShare 14-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw for $189 and the WORX LeafPro Universal Collection System for $36. Plus all of the other days’ Green Deals that are still going.

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.

First deals live on latest Goal Zero Yeti power stations

The official Goal Zero Amazon storefront is taking up to $120 off its three newest power station models, with the biggest amount of savings being on the Yeti 700 Portable Power Station for $479.89 shipped. Down from $600, this is the very first chance to save on these new models after riding their MSRP since their release back in January. Today’s deal comes in as a 20% markdown off the going rate – for all three models – and lands them at new all-time lows going forward. For the Yeti 300 you’ll be saving $60, while the Yeti 500 scores you $100 in savings. The Yeti 300 is going for $239.89 shipped, while the Yeti 500 is going for $399.89 shipped. There are also bundle options which you’ll find below.

These three 6th generation power station models were designed for your casual outdoor explorations, like camping trips, tailgating parties, occasional nights spent under the stars, or more. All three share the same general designs and features while simply differing in capacity size and output levels; with the Yeti 300 sporting a 297Wh capacity, the Yeti 500 sporting a 499Wh capacity, and the Yeti 700 sporting a 677Wh capacity. All three have been given fast-charging capabilities via a wall outlet, with the Yeti 300 recharging in 50 minutes, the Yeti 500 in 90 minutes, and the Yeti 700 in under 2 hours. All three can be hooked up to a solar panel with a max input level of 200W, with recharging ranging from 1.7 hours to 4 hours, depending on your model. All three offer the same output options: two ACs, two USB-As, two USB-Cs, and a car port.

You’ll also find bundle options for the two larger power stations, with the Yeti 500 being bundled alongside a Nomad 50W Solar Panel for $600. The Yeti 700 has two different bundles to choose from, the first being with a Boulder 100W Solar Panel for $720, and the second being with a Nomad 100W Solar Panel for $720 as well.

GoTrax Everest Electric Dirt Bike now $5,999

Best Buy is offering the GoTrax Everest Electric Dirt Bike for $5,999 shipped. Normally fetching $6,500, this model has only seen three previous discounts since its release in the summer of 2023, with two of them bringing costs down to $6,000 during August and December’s Christmas sales, and a one-day sale last month that saw it fall to a new $5,500 low. Today’s deal comes in as a repeat of its first two discounts, taking $501 off the going rate and returning it to the second-lowest price we have tracked.

The Gotrax Everest electric dirt bike comes equipped with a 4,000W (8,000W peak) rear-drive motor and a removable 72V battery that work together to reach top speeds of 53 MPH and travel up to 50 miles on a single charge. It fully recharges from empty in just four hours, and features dual-shock suspension, rugged deep-tooth off-road tires, hydraulic disc brakes, dual headlights, a taillight with turn signal functionality, multiple speed modes, an LED digital display, mudguards, and a surprisingly light 172-pound weight thanks to its aluminum-magnesium alloy frame.

WORX 40V 14-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw hits $189

Best Buy is offering the WORX 40V PowerShare 14-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw with two 2.0Ah batteries for $188.99 shipped through the rest of the day. Normally fetching $270, this chainsaw saw regular ups and downs over the last year mainly keeping above $199, with drops as low as $170 after the start of the new year. Today’s deal comes in as a 30% markdown off the going rate that gives you $81 in savings and lands at the fourth-lowest price we have tracked – $37 above the all-time low from 2022. Equipped with a brushless motor alongside a 14-inch bar and chain that automatically adjusts tension levels to their optimal points, this chainsaw also sports a quick-stop chain brake to keep you in control and prevent accidental cutting. Its two 2.0Ah batteries are compatible across the WORX PowerShare ecosystem, allowing you to interchange batteries between 20V, 40V, and 80V cordless tools. It even has a battery indicator that tells you at a glance how much juice is left for the tasks at hand. You’ll also receive a dual-port charger and a sheath along with your purchase.

Best Buy is also offering the WORX LeafPro Universal Collection System for $36, down from $55 through the end of the day. With this attachment you’ll be able to severely cut down on the time you spend collecting leaves around your yard. You can hook it up to most leaf blowers and leaf vacuums on the market, including Black & Decker, Husqvarna, Poulan, Craftsman, Ryobi, Toro, Murray, and many more. It has an 8-foot hose with a tear-resistant collection hood at one end and a multi-fit adapter that forms tight seals with the output valve of your leaf blower/vac. Do keep in mind, however, that this model is not compatible with WORX’s TURBINE Fusion blower.

Spring e-bike deals!

Lectric XP e-Trike sitting in grass next to picnic area and surrounded by trees - within post for GoTrax Everest Electric Dirt Bike

Other 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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BYD teases bold Ocean-M electric car powered by its new EV platform

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BYD teases bold Ocean-M electric car powered by its new EV platform

Another fully electric BYD vehicle is set to debut this week. Ahead of its official reveal, BYD is teasing the upcoming Ocean-M electric car, which will be based on its new EV platform.

BYD previews new Ocean-M EV ahead of its debut

BYD is on a roll lately. Although Tesla took back its title as the top-selling EV maker in Q1, BYD is launching new models at lightning speed.

Best known for its low-cost EVs like the Dolphin and Seagull, with updated models starting at $13,900 (99,800 yuan) and $9,700 (69,800 yuan), respectively, BYD is expanding into new territory.

BYD is launching new luxury models, mid-size electric EVs, and don’t forget all-electric supercars. Although many pin BYD against Tesla, the automaker sees gas-powered vehicles as its main competitor.

China’s EV leader declared a “liberation battle” against ICE vehicles earlier this year, launching a series of lower-price versions of its best-selling EVs.

BYD believes new energy vehicles (EVs and PHEVs) have already entered the “knockout round” but expects the momentum to accelerate over the next few years with better tech and lower prices.

BYD-Ocean-M
BYD Ocean-M (Source: BYD)

Its latest EV, the Ocean-M, is being previewed as a cornerstone for the design of future EV models.

BYD announced the Ocean-M on social media, saying it would be based on a new pure electric platform.

According to BYD, it will be the first electric performance hatchback with rear-wheel drive. It will officially debut at the Beijing Auto Show starting April 25.

BYD-Ocean-M
BYD Ocean-M (Source: BYD)

BYD also revealed the luxurious interior of its new Sea Lion 07 mid-size electric SUV. It’s expected to compete in Tesla’s best-selling Model Y segment.

China’s largest EV maker sold 300,114 fully electric vehicles in the first three months of 2024, up 13.4% YOY. Meanwhile, NEV sales (including PHEVs) reached 626,263, up 13.4% compared to last year as BYD expands into new markets.

Check back tomorrow for more details on BYD’s Ocean-M and new EV platform.

Source: CnEVPost, BYD

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EPA announces $1B in grants for electric school buses and heavy-duty vehicles

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EPA announces B in grants for electric school buses and heavy-duty vehicles

Today, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $1 billion in grants to replace gas heavy-duty vehicles and school buses with electric vehicles.

The Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program will support the adoption and deployment of eligible Class 6 and 7 electric vehicles while also funding charging infrastructure and workforce development and training.

There are two program sub-competitions for the EPA grants:

  • The School Bus Sub-Program for applicants replacing school buses (70% of funding)
  • The Vocational Vehicles Sub-Program for applicants replacing non-school bus Class 6 and 7 vehicles. That includes box trucks, refuse haulers, dump trucks, street sweepers, delivery trucks, bucket trucks, and utility trucks (30% of funding)

The Inflation Reduction Act statute requires that at least $400 million of the program’s funding go to projects that will serve one or more communities dealing with significant pollution as defined by EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Over 3 million Class 6 and Class 7 vehicles are currently in use in the US, spanning a wide variety of vehicle types and vocations, including school buses, refuse haulers, and utility and delivery trucks.

The grant program is funded through the Inflation Reduction Act under President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda.

“In addition to all the progress we’re making to electrify light-duty vehicles, today’s funding from the EPA will catalyze projects that bring electric school buses, garbage trucks, and delivery vans to neighborhoods across America – reducing pollution in our communities and creating good-paying manufacturing jobs,” said John Podesta, senior advisor to the President for International Climate Policy.

The transportation sector is the US’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and a leading source of health-harming pollution.

Most of the vehicles eligible for replacement are powered by internal combustion engines that pre-date recent EPA emission standards. Pollution from these vehicles is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular disease, among other serious health problems. Children, older adults, those with preexisting cardiopulmonary disease, and those of lower socioeconomic status are at higher risk.


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