Connect with us

Published

3 years ago

on

battery recycling tech

Nth Cycle, a Beverly, Massachusetts-based battery recycling tech firm, has been awarded a $2.15 million grant from the US Department of Energy.

The grant for Nth Cycle, a small company with around 26 employees, was awarded under the Battery Materials and Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Funding Opportunity (BMBMR) program of the Biden administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which became law in November 2021.

The grant is in conjunction with battery recycling firm Cirba Solutions in Charlotte, North Carolina. On December 15, Cirba Solutions announced that it had secured over $82 million from two recent Department of Energy grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Nth Cycle uses a technology that CEO and cofounder Megan O’Connor explained to Electrek in February:

We leverage the power of electro-extraction: clean and modular technology for reliably recovering critical minerals from e-waste and low-grade mine tailings using only electricity. Our electro extraction technology is clean, customizable, consistent, and mobile.

Electro-extraction is a cleaner, more efficient, and lower-cost alternative to the conventional dirty pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy processes currently used by battery recyclers and miners.

Nth Cycle produces a mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) that contains nickel and cobalt. Production of MHP through laterite ore refining is growing in popularity as a precursor chemical for battery cathode manufacturers.

The company’s domestic supply of MHP meets compliance standards for EV tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act while reducing the carbon footprint of domestic refining.

O’Connor said in a statement today:

Recent legislation mandates the deployment of a compliant supply of critical minerals like nickel and cobalt that are mined, refined, or recycled locally. Unfortunately, there’s not enough compliant supply today to meet America’s increasing demand for electrification.

We expect Nth Cycle’s electro-extraction technology to be a pivotal solution in closing the resulting gap between supply and demand for domestic critical materials through cost-effective, efficient and environmentally conscious refining at home. The DOE’s BMBMR program will help us and others accelerate those efforts.

Electrek’s Take

This is not an enormous amount of money awarded by the DOE. But Nth Cycle is a small company that carries the big stick of really impactful technology, and its partnership with Cirba Solutions demonstrates that.

O’Connor also previously told us that in theory, the number of times that these materials can be recycled is unlimited. So US domestic battery recycling would prove to be a vital part of the electrification journey, and would also reduce dependency on using the MHP supply that is refined in Indonesia by Chinese companies using an environmentally harmful process.

Photo: Nth Cycle

UnderstandSolar is a free service that links you to top-rated solar installers in your region for personalized solar estimates. Tesla now offers price matching, so it’s important to shop for the best quotes. Click here to learn more and get your quotes. — *ad.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Environment

EcoFlow early Prime Day Sale takes up to 60% off power stations, Lectric e-bike bundles up to $703 off in 4th of July Sale, more

Published

42 mins ago

on

June 23, 2025

By

EcoFlow early Prime Day Sale takes up to 60% off power stations, Lectric e-bike bundles up to 3 off in 4th of July Sale, more

We’re starting this week’s Green Deals off strong, as today’s edition is headlined by EcoFlow’s newly launched early Prime Day Sale with 60% discounts, bonus savings, free gear, subsidies, and more. Among the lineup, we spotted the DELTA 2 Solar Generator bundle with a smart extra battery and two 110W panels at a new $997 low. Right behind it is Lectric’s 4th of July Sale, which is taking up to $703 off its e-bike bundles, including continued savings on the new XP4 e-bikes that start from $999 with up to $356 in free gear. We also have a spotlight on Rad Power’s RadCity 5 Plus Commuter e-bike in its gorgeous burgundy red colorway at $1,499 through June 25. Lastly, we have two electric lawn care solutions at their best rates to date, with the Worx 20V 5-inch Cordless Mini Chainsaw at $84, while the Greenworks 82V Commercial 760 CFM Cordless Axial Leaf Blower comes with two Bluetooth 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger for $300. Plus, there’s all the rest of the hangover Green Deals from last week in the links at the bottom of the page, collected together in our Electrified Weekly roundup.

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.

While we’ve yet to enter July, EcoFlow has launched its early Prime Day Sale running through July 7, taking up to 60% off in initial discounts while also offering bonus savings, free gear giveaways, member-only benefits, and even subsidies on a selection of bundles. Among the great offers we’re seeing, you can more affordably equip your travels and home life with backup support through the DELTA 2 Solar Generator bundle with a smart extra battery and two 110W panels for $996.55 shipped, after using the sitewide code EFPDAFF5 at checkout for an additional 5% off. This package would normally cost you $2,596 at full price, with it not featured in sales as much as the smaller bundles of either the expansion battery or the solar panels, though we did last see it drop to $999 during the brand’s Mega Sale in April. It’s coming in $2 lower than before for a total 62% markdown that cuts $1,599 off the tag, making it the best price we have tracked and one that is exclusive to the brand’s direct sales.

EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale features plenty of additional savings that are worth going over here. First, there’s the sitewide 5% extra savings you’ll get on orders using the code EFPDAFF5 at checkout, which can be increased to 7% extra savings on orders over $4,000 using the code EFPDAFF7 at checkout. Members have a few select pricing deals (sign up is free), while also getting 2x EcoCredits on the select website-only deals and the option to redeem EcoCredits for up to another 5% off orders at checkout. From there, you’ll also be getting a free RAPID 5,000mAh power bank with orders of $500 or more, which you can choose to swap for a free 250W solar panel when your order total reaches $2,500. Lastly, some select bundles require installation, but the brand is offering up to $500 subsidies for these, which you’ll find curated into a separate section below.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

This EcoFlow DELTA 2 solar generator bundle makes a solid low-budget option to equip your out-of-home trips and home emergencies with reliable backup power support. With the smart extra battery, the usual 1,024Wh LiFePO4 capacity is doubled to 2,048Wh here, which can go further up to 3,072Wh with an additional battery. This setup provides 1,800W of steady output power through the 15 port options, surging as high as 2,200W when you have appliances with larger needs. You’ll get the usual lineup of remote smart controls – plus, the station has been given an IP68 waterproof construction considering it’ll likely accompany you into nature.

There’s also the brand’s fast-charging tech here to get the battery back to 80% in just 50 minutes through a wall outlet, or you can reach a full battery in 80 minutes. There’s a 500W max solar input, which would put the battery to full in three to six hours, so the combination here would take a bit longer. You can also recharge it via the DC port or the car port.

***Note: the prices below have not had the additional sitewide savings factored in (and don’t forget it’s going off order total), so be sure to use the code EFPDAFF5 on orders up to $3,999 and the code EFPDAFF7 on orders over $4,000 for the maximum savings!

EcoFlow’s website early Prime Day Sale deals (2x EcoCredits):

EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale member-priced deals:

EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale installation subsidy deals:

EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale best home backup deals:

EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale adventurous power deals:

EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale solar panel deals:

EcoFlow’s other early Prime Day Sale add-on accessory deals:

You can check out the full lineup of deals from EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale on the landing page here.

Lectric XP4 e-bike

Celebrate America’s birthday with Lectric’s new XP4 e-bikes and up to $356 in free gear from $999 in 4th of July Sale

Lectric has launched its 4th of July Sale that will run through July 7, offering up to $703 in savings on the brand’s e-bike bundles. It’s a great time to ring in the celebrations of America’s birthday with the latest generation of the country’s favorite e-bike, which has the standard XP4 e-bikes coming with $79 in free gear at $999 shipped, while the XP4 750 Long-Range e-bikes are getting $356 in free gear at $1,299 shipped. You’d normally have to shell out $1,078 and $1,655 for these packages at full price, which has been the continued deal since launching two weeks ago. The free gear on the standard models is the brand’s new LevelUp rack, which expands the cargo rack’s size, while the long-range models are getting that on top of a wider comfort saddle, a suspension seat post, an Elite headlight, and an accordion-style bike lock. Head below to learn more about these new models and to check out all the other deals from this sale.

Coming in a wider array of colorways than many of Lectric’s other models, Lectric’s XP4 e-bikes have a number of upgrades from its predecessors, with the standard XP4 e-bikes equipped with a 500W brushless gear hub motor (that peaks at 1,092W) while the XP4 750 e-bikes sport larger 750W motors (that peak at 1,310W) – both of which utilize Stealth M24 tech for quieter performance. You’ll be able to max out at 28 MPH speeds in states that permit such, otherwise you’ll be able to top out at 20 MPH. The standard models sport a 10.4Ah battery for up to 50-mile travel ranges when PAS is activated, while the 750 long-range models boast a 17.5Ah battery for up to 85-mile journeys.

Among the biggest changeups in these e-bikes’ designs, standouts include the new redesigned frames that have a zero-degree stem, as well as the detachable TFT display and the repositioned non-drive side key location and charging port (plus, keyless riding options). There’s plenty more to love here, like the integrated taillight with brake lighting and turn signal functionality, the puncture-resistant mixed-terrain tires, hydraulic brakes, the 8-speed Shimano Altus derailleur, and much more. You can get a full rundown on what to expect in our original launch coverage here.

Lectric’s new XP4 e-bikes with up to $356 bundles:

Lectric’s XP 3.0 Long-Range e-bike clearance offers (price cuts only):

XPedition 2.0 offers with up to $703 bundles:

XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bike offers with $414 bundles:

XP Electric Trike with $405 bundle

Lectric XPress 750 Commuter e-bikes with $336 bundle

XPeak 2.0 offers with up to $316 bundles:

ONE LR e-bike with $220 bundle

rad power radcity 5 plus commuter e-bike

Rad Power’s stunning red burgundy RadCity 5 Plus commuter e-bike carries you up to 50+ miles at $1,499

As part of Rad Power’s ongoing Father’s Day Sale that will continue through June 25, and also running parallel to the new RadRunner Plus and Max free gear promotions, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the brand’s RadCity 5 Plus Commuter e-bike that is down at $1,499 shipped. Normally priced at $1,699 outside of sales, we haven’t seen this model included among the savings events since March. During last year’s Labor Day sale, we saw it fall to $999 while on clearance (and originally scheduled to be discontinued), but since the model was reintroduced, it’s only ever been discounted to this same rate, which comes in as the second-best non-clearance price that we have tracked.

I was very happy to see Rad Power continue offering the RadCity 5 Plus after its original discontinuation, as I regularly take rides on my mom’s e-bike when visiting Virginia – and I much prefer this burgundy red colorway that it now comes in. The 750W rear hub motor and 672Wh battery pair together to provide up to 50+ miles of travel on a full charge at top speeds of up to 20 MPH. It has five pedal assistance levels to support you through your journeys, or you can use the throttle to cruise on pure electric power, though this does drastically limit its mileage.

There’s plenty of solid features that make the ride all the better, like the water-resistant wiring harness and puncture-resistant tires. There’s also the hydraulic disc brakes, an integrated taillight that provides brake lighting, fenders to go over each tire, an integrated rear cargo rack, and a backlit LCD for setting adjustments and at-a-glance performance information.

Be sure to also check out the other deals we’re seeing in Rad Power’s long-lasting Father’s Day Sale, which includes a rare discount on the RadTrike and a new $999 low price on the RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike. And if you’ve been wanting to jump aboard the newest releases, you can score a free center cargo console for either the RadRunner Plus or RadRunner Max Cargo Utility e-bikes starting from $1,799.

Worx 20V 5-inch cordless mini chainsaw

Amazon is offering the Worx 20V 5-inch Cordless Mini Chainsaw at $84 shipped. Down from its $130 price tag, we’ve mostly seen it drop to $99 over the last year, with it more recently going lower to $89 while occasionally dipping to $85. Those rates are all getting beaten by the deal here, which comes as a 35% markdown that saves you $46 at the best price we have tracked. You can also find its upgraded Nitro counterpart down at $109 from $150 right now.

While it may not be the upgraded Nitro model that provides more cuts on a single charge, Worx’s first-generation mini chainsaw offers much of the same functionality for pruning tree branches at up to 100 cuts per charge of its 2.0Ah battery (which can also power 140+ other 20V, 40V and 80V tools). Its slim 3.9-pound design makes it handy when having to make cuts in tighter spaces, especially when you’re deep in the weeds and branches. You’ll be able to dial in your preferred tension level using the onboard tool, with it also providing an upper chain guard, as well as a hand guard, for added safety – plus, there’s a lock-out switch to prevent accidental start-ups.

greenworks 82V commercial 760 CFM cordless axial leaf blower

Greenworks’ 82V commercial 760 CFM cordless axial blower with two Bluetooth 4.0Ah batteries at new $300 low (50% off)

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 82V Commercial-Grade 760 CFM Cordless Axial Leaf Blower bundle with two 82V Bluetooth 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger at $299.99 shipped. This combination of the blower with the two smart batteries would normally fetch $600 at full price. Discounts usually hit its one-battery package, which is currently down at the exact same rate, meaning you’ll be getting the additional 4.0Ah battery for free (valued at $250). All-in-all, you’re looking at a 50% markdown from the cost of buying everything separately, giving you $300 in savings at the best price we have tracked.

This 82V Greenworks axial leaf blower bundle comes as one of the brand’s commercial products for professional landscapers and groundskeepers, giving you “38% more power than a 27cc gas blower,” without the noise and fumes that those models tend to produce. It reaches a maximum of 760 CFM, providing up to 140 MPH air flow to clear out debris, all controlled via the trigger-activated variable speed and cruise controls. The batteries here are higher-end models than we see on its non-commercial tools, as they come with both digital and Bluetooth readouts, and allow for the blower’s 120-minute continuous runtime on a full charge of a single battery (so 240 minutes with both here).

Speaking of commercial-grade models, you can still pick up the brand’s 82V 18-inch Commercial-Grade Cordless Chainsaw that comes with 4.0Ah and 2.5Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger at a new $400 low right now.

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.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Jim Cramer: Why Wall Street is actually going higher after the U.S. bombed Iran

Published

54 mins ago

on

June 23, 2025

By

Jim Cramer: Why Wall Street is actually going higher after the U.S. bombed Iran

Continue Reading

Environment

$15.5B in EV, renewable projects vanish as Senate eyes rollbacks

Published

2 hours ago

on

June 23, 2025

By

.5B in EV, renewable projects vanish as Senate eyes rollbacks

EV renewables
Image: GM

EV and renewable investments in the US are stalling – and May was another tough month. Businesses canceled $1.4 billion worth of clean energy factories and projects last month, according to the latest numbers from E2 and the Clean Economy Tracker. That pushes total canceled investments to $15.5 billion this year, wiping out nearly 12,000 potential jobs.

The reason for the slowdown: the Senate is preparing to vote on the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a Republican-led tax and spending bill to raise taxes on clean energy and roll back key tax credits. A similar measure passed in the Republican-majority House. Those credits, passed in 2022, had helped drive a surge in US EV and renewable manufacturing.

As a result, renewable and EV momentum are reversing. GM scrapped plans to build EVs at its Tonawanda plant in New York. Instead, the automaker will use that money to expand production of gas-powered V8s.

Republican-led districts are ironically losing out the most. In 2025 alone, more than $9 billion in clean energy investments and nearly 10,000 jobs have been canceled, delayed, or closed in GOP districts.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

May’s cancellations weren’t just on paper. About 600 workers lost their jobs thanks to the five site closures announced last month.

“The consequences of continued policy uncertainty and the expectation of higher taxes on clean energy businesses are becoming painfully clear,” said E2’s communications director, Michael Timberlake. “These cancellations are just the first shoe to drop.”

Still, there were some bright spots. Companies announced $450 million in new clean energy investments last month, including:

  • Rivian’s $120 million supplier park in Illinois, expected to bring 100 new jobs
  • A $140 million electricity transformer factory from Prolec-GE Waukesh in North Carolina, which could create 330 jobs

If completed, the eight new projects announced in May would create at least 1,310 permanent jobs if they come to fruition.

So far in 2025, Republican districts have claimed the majority of clean energy activity: 62% of project announcements, 71% of jobs, and 82% of investment.

But if Congress repeals clean energy tax credits, everyone will feel the impact. The Clean Energy Buyers Association estimates households could pay $110 more a year for electricity, and businesses could see energy costs spike by 10% or more.

Since the Inflation Reduction Act passed in August 2022, 397 major clean energy projects have been announced across 42 states and Puerto Rico. These projects total nearly $132 billion in planned investment and 123,000 permanent jobs. But 53 have already been canceled, closed, or scaled back, taking $18.2 billion and 21,000 jobs with them.

Read more: US solar just had a record-breaking Q1 but the GOP bill could wreck it

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*

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending