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Ikea is no stranger to embracing efficient technologies that help reduce the brand’s carbon footprint. The latest big move from the Allen-wrench-included furniture maker sees the company using three-wheeled electric bikes with solar panels for a home delivery pilot.

The testing has been part of a program run by the Delft Ikea store in The Netherlands.

The pilot included a bright yellow and blue IKEA-branded electric trike used for deliveries in urban areas around the store.

According to a release from the company, the success of the pilot program has led IKEA to expand the use of e-trikes for home deliveries around the world:

After evaluating the pilot, the worldwide IKEA franchisor (Inter IKEA Systems B.V.) now has decided to scale up and give all IKEA retailers around the world the possibility to add a more sustainable, accessible and cost-effective alternative to their home delivery fleet within their market.

ikea cargo e-bike sunrider

You might be wondering just how many of IKEA’s large products can actually fit into a cargo e-trike’s storage box.

As it turns out, the vast majority of the company’s product line is compatible with the bike.

As explained by Helene Davidsson, Sustainability Manager, Inter IKEA Systems B.V.:

This Sunrider bike can accommodate roughly 90% of the IKEA product range and emits 98% less CO2 than modern diesel vans. For IKEA, it’s important to explore new ways to improve the service offer for the customers, both from a more sustainable, affordable and accessible perspective. The solar-powered cargo bike does all that.

The electric cargo trike, known as the SunRider, has a range of around 100 km (62 miles) per charge. The solar panels surely help with that range, though the side-mounted panels might not be in the optimal position for peak energy generation.

The e-bike is no lightweight, rated for carrying a payload of up to 150 kg (330 lbs.). It was also piloted in Vilnius, Lithuania, though there IKEA customers were limited to orders weighing up to 30 kg (66 lbs.), presumably to ensure multiple orders could be delivered in a single trip.

IKEA cargo e-trike testing in Vilnius, Lithuania

The bike itself looks to feature a front hub motor, which is common among value-oriented electric trikes. Mid-drive motors are more popular in European cargo trikes, though they significantly increase the price of the vehicle.

In the US, electric trikes with front hub motors are starting to come into their own. Multiple companies have unveiled updated models that provide a more stable platform for riders that have trouble balancing or for those that want a three-wheeled setup for hauling heavy or bulky cargo.

The RadTrike is one of the most well-known of recent e-trike launches, marking the first major manufacturer in the US to tackle electric three-wheelers. Until then, most other e-trikes were either produced by smaller boutique brands or imported by lesser known Asian e-bike companies.

When it comes to true heavy-duty cargo e-trikes that are designed for commercial use, the Europeans still seem to take the cake. We’ve tested some massive cargo e-trikes in Europe before that feel more like trucks on bike wheels. Those types of heavy-duty cargo e-trikes are proving popular among delivery companies and other commercial customers.

What do you think of IKEA’s cargo e-trike? Check it out in action in the video below, then let us hear your thoughts in the comment section at the end of this article!

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GM warns ‘irrational discounts’ on EVs are ending

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GM warns 'irrational discounts' on EVs are ending

GM sold over 21,000 electric vehicles in the US last month, its best yet. Despite the surge in August sales, GM warned that with the “irrational discounts” on EVs set to end soon, the market is due for a shake-up.

GM sells record EVs in August as irrational discounts end

August was GM’s best month ever for EV sales. The company sold over 21,000 electric models under the Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac brands last month.

The higher demand comes as buyers rush to secure the $7,500 federal tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of September.

Driven by the hot-selling Chevy Equinox EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and GMC Sierra EV, GM remains the second-best seller of EVs behind Tesla.

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GM expects to see strong demand again this month, but without the credit, it expects changes next quarter. GM said, “There’s no doubt we’ll see lower EV sales next quarter.” The company anticipates it will take several months for the market to correct, adding that “We will almost certainly see a smaller EV market for a while.”

Chevy-Equinox-EV-discounts
Chevy Equinox EV LT (Source: GM)

Like several automakers in the US, GM will adjust production accordingly, promising not to overproduce. Despite slower sales, it remains confident that its EV market share will continue to grow.

Since affordable EVs and luxury models have been the strongest segments, GM believes it’s in a better position than most. It already has “America’s most affordable 315+ range EV,” the Chevy Equinox EV. The electric Equinox is one of the few EVs with a starting price under $35,000 in the US.

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Cadillac Optiq EV (Source: Cadillac)

Soon, the new Chevy Bolt EV will debut, which is expected to be even more affordable, starting at around $30,000.

With a full line-up of electric SUVs, Cadillac is the leading luxury EV brand, but that doesn’t include Tesla. And then there’s the Chevy and GMC electric pickup with segment-leading range, features, and more.

2026-GMC-Sierra-EV affordable
2026 GMC Sierra EV (Source: GM)

GM said as it adjusts to the “new EV market realities,” its ICE vehicles will provide flexibility while driving profits. We will learn more on October 1 when GM reports full third-quarter sales results.

Although I wouldn’t call it “irrational,” GM is offering generous discounts on EVs with the deadline approaching. The Chevy Equinox EV is listed for lease starting at just $249 per month with a new $1,250 conquest bonus. Chevy is also offering the $7,500 credit on top of 0% APR financing until the end of September.

Thinking about trying one of GM’s EVs for yourself? You can use the links below to find Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC models in your area.

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H1 2025: China installs more solar than rest of the world combined

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H1 2025: China installs more solar than rest of the world combined

Global solar installations are breaking records again in 2025. In H1 2025, the world added 380 gigawatts (GW) of new solar capacity – a staggering 64% jump compared to the same period in 2024, when 232 GW came online. China was responsible for installing a massive 256 GW of that solar capacity.

For context, it took until September last year to pass the 350 GW mark. This year, the milestone was achieved in June. That pace cements solar as the fastest-growing source of new electricity generation worldwide. In 2024, global solar output rose by 28% (+469 terawatt-hours) from 2023, more growth than any other energy source.

Nicolas Fulghum, senior energy analyst at independent energy think tank Ember, said, “These latest numbers on solar deployment in 2025 defy gravity, with annual solar installations continuing their sharp rise. In a world of volatile energy markets, solar offers domestically produced power that can be rolled out at record speed to meet growing demand, independent of global fossil fuel supply chains.”

China’s solar dominance

China is leading this surge by a wide margin. In the first half of 2025, the country installed more than twice as much solar capacity as the rest of the world combined, accounting for 67% of global additions. That’s up from 54% in the same period last year. Developers rushed to complete projects before new wind and solar compensation rules took effect in June, fueling the spike. While that may lead to a slowdown in the second half of the year, new clean power procurement requirements for industry and bullish forecasts from China’s solar PV association (CPIA) suggest that 2025 will still surpass 2024’s record high.

The rest of the world

Other countries are adding solar at a healthy clip, too. Together, they installed an estimated 124 GW in the first half of 2025, a 15% year-over-year increase. India came in second with 24 GW, up 49% from last year’s 16 GW. The US ranked third with 21 GW, a 4% gain year-over-year despite recent moves by the Trump administration to suppress clean power deployment. Germany and Brazil saw slight dips, while the rest of the world added 65 GW, a 22% rise over 2024.

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Africa’s solar market is also stirring. The continent imported 60% more solar panels from China over the past year, though a lack of reliable installation data makes it a challenge to track the true pace of deployment.

With installations surging across major markets and China driving the charge, 2025 is on track to be another record-breaking year for solar power.

Read more: China-made panels drive Africa’s 15 GW solar import milestone


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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. It has 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 Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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These beloved sports cars were just killed off, but EV successors are coming soon

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These beloved sports cars were just killed off, but EV successors are coming soon

Porsche just axed two of its most iconic models. The gas-powered 718 Cayman and Boxster sports cars have been discontinued, with their new EV successors set to debut next year. However, Porsche isn’t the only brand killing off a popular nameplate.

Sports cars are due for EV successors in 2026

As it prepares for the all-electric replacements, Porsche has stopped taking new orders for the 718 Cayman and Boxster. For now, you can still order the vehicles from stock.

We’ve known for years that an electric replacement was on the way for the 718 lineup. Porsche CEO Oliver Blume confirmed in 2022 that the electric 718 successor would follow the Taycan and Macan EVs.

Although the new Cayman and Boxster EVs were expected to launch by the end of this year, it was pushed back due to software and battery sourcing delays.

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Porsche initially planned to build the EV versions alongside the current ICE models at its Zuffenhausen plant, but that will no longer be the case. Despite rumors that Porsche was planning to extend 718 production, “high-ranking Porsche sources” told Autocar that’s not the plan.

sports-cars-EV-successors
Porsche 718 Boxster (Source: Porsche)

The luxury sports car maker has dialed back its EV plans recently, with ICE Macan and Cayenne models now due to be sold alongside the electric versions.

Meanwhile, Porsche isn’t the only sports car maker killing off models with new EV successors on the way. Audi confirmed with Autoblog that the A7 and S7 will be discontinued after the 2025 model year.

sports-cars-EV-successors
2025 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron (Source: Audi)

In a statement, Audi said, “There are no 2026 Model Year A7 or S7 being offered as production shifts to the new A6 TFSI coming later this year.” However, the RS7 will live on as a 2026MY. The ICE A7 will be rebranded as the A6 TFSI, while the EV version will retain the A6 E-tron name, featuring a similar sportback design to the outgoing model.

Porsche and Audi have leaned into a more flexible “multi-energy” strategy, blaming slowing EV sales and a changing market.

Just last week, Porsche announced it no longer plans to build EV batteries in-house. Instead, it will focus on research and development.

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