Proterra’s new Powered 1 factory in Greer, South Carolina, has produced its first EV battery.
The Burlingame, California-based maker of electric buses, drive trains, and chargers for heavy-duty commercial vehicles is expected to begin deliveries of battery systems from its South Carolina factory in the first quarter of 2023.
Powered 1 has started production of drivetrains and other ancillary systems, such as high-voltage junction boxes, that are part of electric medium- and heavy-duty EVs.
Powered 1 is Proterra’s first battery production plant in the Eastern US with multiple gigawatt hours of annual production capacity planned at the factory. It’s Proterra’s third battery factory in the US.
Proterra has already created more than 100 new jobs at the 327,000-square-foot Greer factory, which it announced only a year ago. Proterra currently has a facility in Greenville, South Carolina, but batteries aren’t made there.
Proterra CEO Gareth Joyce said in a statement:
At full scale, we believe Powered 1 will be the largest battery manufacturing facility in the United States dedicated exclusively to electric commercial vehicles and we’re poised to meet the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for zero-emission transportation.
The company is headquartered in Silicon Valley, where it performs much of its R&D and battery engineering. In December 2020, Proterra opened a battery factory in the same location as its EV bus manufacturing facility in metro Los Angeles.
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Even with the new US auto tariffs, Hyundai is not planning to raise vehicle prices anytime soon. Hyundai Motor Company, along with Kia, is ramping up EV production in the US as it shifts its focus to larger electric SUVs. The new IONIQ 9 and Kia EV9 are a key part of Hyundai’s growth plans.
Hyundai and Kia bet on electric SUVs in the US
Hyundai reached a milestone last month, surpassing 17 million vehicles sold in the US since its entry into the market in 1986.
The Korean automaker said the feat “underscores Hyundai’s position as a major force in the US auto industry and sets the stage for continued success in the years ahead.”
Even with the Trump administration eliminating federal electric vehicle incentives, Hyundai is moving ahead. After delivering the first IONIQ 9 models to customers last month, Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV is already earning praise with impressive range, interior space, and style.
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It’s also relatively affordable for a three-row electric SUV with starting prices at just over $60,500. Hyundai sold 302 IONIQ 9 models in May, its first month on the market, but it’s quickly ramping up output in Georgia.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 (Source: Hyundai)
The IONIQ 9 is built at the new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), alongside the popular IONIQ 5.
Hyundai’s new EV plant is capable of producing up to 300,000 vehicles annually. However, output could be increased to around 500,000 if needed.
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 at a Tesla Supercharger (Source: Hyundai)
Although IONIQ 5 sales slipped last month (-12%) to 3,898 units, they are still up through the first five months of 2025. Hyundai has sold nearly 16,000 IONIQ 5s in the US through May, representing a 6% increase from the same period last year.
Hyundai has upgraded the 2025 IONIQ 5, which now offers increased range (up to 318 miles), enhanced style both inside and out, and an NACS port, allowing you to recharge at Tesla Superchargers.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 interior (Source: Hyundai)
Like the new IONIQ 5, Hyundai’s three-row IONIQ 9 has a built-in NACS charge port. Prices for the base 2026 IONIQ 9 RWD S start at $60,555 (including destination), with a range of up to 335 miles. Hyundai’s three-row electric SUV boasts more interior space than a Ford Explorer with up to 2,472 liters (87 cubic feet).
Both the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 are eligible for the $7,500 EV tax credit, while it’s still here. Like Hyundai, Kia is betting on its three-row electric SUV, the EV9, to help drive growth in the US.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Model
EV Powertrain
Drivetrain
Driving Range (miles)
Starting Price (including destination fee)
Lease Price (per month for June 2025):
IONIQ 9 RWD S
160-kW (215-HP) Electric Motor
Rear- Wheel Drive
335
$60,555
$419
IONIQ 9 AWD SE
226.1 kW (303-HP) Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel Drive
320
$64,365
$449
IONIQ 9 AWD SEL
226.1-kW (303-HP) Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel Drive
320
$67,920
$499
IONIQ 9 AWD PERFORMANCE LIMITED
314.6-kW (422-HP) Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel Drive
311
$72,850
$589
IONIQ 9 AWD PERFORMANCE CALLIGRAPHY
314.6-kW (422-HP) Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel Drive
311
$76,590
$689
IONIQ 9 AWD PERFORMANCE CALLIGRAPHY DESIGN
314.6-kW (422-HP) Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel Drive
311
$78,090
$729
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 prices and driving range by trim (*including a $1,600 destination fee)
Kia only sold 37 EV9 models last month, which is likely due to the 2025 model year selling out. The 2026 Kia EV9 is now arriving at US dealers across the US.
After cutting lease prices again last month to just $179 per month, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 remains one of the most affordable EVs on the market.
Although it has just become available, the 2026 IONIQ 9 is surprisingly affordable, with a generous $13,000 lease cash offer available right now. It’s currently listed starting at just $419 per month.
Looking to test one out for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to find deals on Hyundai and Kia EV models in your area.
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Get free center cargo consoles with orders of Rad Power’s new RadRunner Plus and RadRunner Max e-bikes from $1,799
With the popularity of Rad Power Bikes’ new RadRunner Plus and RadRunner Max Cargo Utility e-bikes driving the stock to sell out, the brand is now offering a backorder promotion through June 25. By ordering either the RadRunner Plus e-bike at $1,799 shipped and/or the RadRunner Max e-bike at $2,299 shipped within the timeframe, you’ll be getting a free center cargo console along with your purchase (Up to a $129 value) – just be sure to add both to your cart from the individual landing pages for the automatic discount to apply. It appears as though, while backordered, it won’t take all that long to arrive as the listing pages are labeled “Estimated by June 25th.” This is the first-ever deal we’ve seen offered on the Plus model, while the Max model got a five-day preorder deal for an extra battery back at the top of May. Head below to learn about these two advanced and versatile rides, or check out our original launch coverage here.
Rad Power’s RadRunner Plus is a passenger-ready utility e-bike that comes with a 750W rear hub motor paired to a 624Wh SafeShield battery in order to provide up to 55+ miles of support through the five pedal assistance levels, reaching top speeds of 20 MPH, and being compatible with the brand’s new Range Extender (along with the Max model). As you may notice, this model comes ready to offer rides, as the rear cargo rack features a passenger seat (and 120-pound payload), retractable foot pegs, and a protective wheel skirt. There are tons of great features on this model, like the passcode protections over the controls so only you can have access, as well as the front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-protected all-terrain tires, a color display with a USB port, and more.
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On the other side of the promotion is Rad Power’s RadRunner Max e-bike, which comes with even more advanced systems. To start, there’s the 750W rear hub motor and 672Wh semi-integrated battery pairing for 60+ miles of pedal-assisted travel (120+ with the range extender and an additional battery) and a 28 MPH top speed. Like the other models under the brand’s flag, there is a throttle for electric-only riding, though this significantly reduces travel ranges to 19+ miles. As I mentioned, this model comes with the most advanced smart features, including Apple Find My, Bluetooth proximity locking, a radar with a 100-meter range (328 feet), and more. You’ll also have a heightened riding experience from the Exsho suspension, hydraulic brakes, multi-surface puncture-resistant tires, rear cargo rack (120-pound payload), and others.
Hit the perfect angles with Greenworks’ 60V 20-inch cordless pole hedge trimmer at a new $165 low
Amazon is offering the Greenworks 60V 20-inch Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer for $164.99 shipped and also matching in price directly from the brand’s website. This newer model hit the scene back in September 2024, carrying a $300 price tag, which we’ve only seen brought down to $230 a few times before and $225 last month. Today’s deal takes the price lower than ever, cutting $135 off the tag to land at a new all-time low price.
Sometimes, keeping your hedges and taller shrubbery pruned takes extra reach and this Greenworks 60V pole trimmer is ready to tackle the job. The included 2.0Ah battery provides it with a 45-minute runtime, while the 20-inch dual-action, laser-cut blades can handle branches up to 1.2 inches thick. The pole extends for 7.5 feet of additional reach for those hard-to-access areas, with the head able to pivot between seven different positions. Like all the other tools under the brand’s flag, this model starts up at the press of a button, tossing out pull-string annoyances along with the fumes and noise associated with gas motors.
Worx’s Nitro 20V 5-inch cordless mini chainsaw goes where larger models can’t reach at $109
Amazon is offering the Worx Nitro 20V 5-inch Cordless Mini Chainsaw for $109 shipped. Normally, you’d pay $150 for this device at full price, but the 27% markdown we’re seeing is cutting $41 from that tag. While we’ve seen it go lower to $100 and the $99 low in the past – the latter last being seen during Black Friday and Christmas sales – you’re otherwise getting the third-lowest price we have tracked, coming in just $10 above the low.
The compact design of Worx’s Nitro mini chainsaw makes it an ideal tool for working in tight spaces, especially for pruning jobs in your garden or heavily populated areas of your lawn. The 5-inch bar and chain is kept lubricated by the automatic oiler and can make up to 160 cuts with the included 2.0Ah battery on a single charge, able to perform at a cutting speed of 33 feet per second. It starts up by squeezing the trigger, complete with a range of built-in safety features to maintain control and comfort.
Get low-cost soil from food scraps with this compact NutriChef electric composter at a new $171 low
Amazon is offering the Nutrichef 3L Electric Kitchen Composter for $171.11 shipped. While it’s been carrying a $270 price tag at Amazon (and a $350 MSRP directly from the brand), we’ve been seeing a steady stream of falls that drop the price lower and lower since April, with the 37% markdown here today being the best we have tracked. This model comes in as a more budget-friendly alternative to higher-end competitors, like Govee’s smart electric composter, with the price here sitting $179 under its MSRP at a new all-time low.
A simpler and more budget-friendly means to turn food scraps into low-cost soil, NutriChef’s 3L electric kitchen composter will support your gardening efforts through its drying, crushing, and cooling functions. The compact design saves space and allows folks with smaller apartments to get in on the composting action – all without any worry over odors filling your space thanks to the filtration system. You’ll have simplified controls on its display, including the means to activate its self-cleaning mode, but doesn’t offer any remote smart controls like we’ve seen elsewhere.
If you would prefer having those smarter capabilities alongside the composting functionality, you’ll currently find Govee’s Smart Electric Composter at $300.99 shipped, after redeeming/using the on-page 30% off promo code, bringing it down from $430. You’ll be able to monitor and control its setting through the companion app, with options to go hands-free via voice commands by connecting it to your Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. It comes with two changeable filters to contain foul odors, as well as three different operating modes and tons of safety notifications for when anything goes wrong.
Anker’s solar-charging eufy SoloCam S220 only requires three hours of sun to keep running at its $65 low
By way of its official eufy Amazon storefront, Anker is offering a returning low price on its SoloCam S220 Solar Security Camera for $64.99 shipped while also matching in price directly from the brand’s website. It’s coming down off its $100 price tag, which we’ve been seeing more regularly drop to $70, with an uptick in falls to the $65 low over the last six months. That low price is back again today, giving you a $35 markdown off the going rate for another shot at the best price we have tracked.
Anker’s eufy SoloCam S220 tosses out the need for constant recharging by you thanks to the integrated solar panel that only requires “3 hours of sunlight daily to keep it running.” The brand promises a fast and easy installation by “drilling one hole, once,” with the entire thing also ready to stand against adverse weather with its IP67 waterproof and dustproof construction.
With everything installed and running, you’ll have 2K views of everything and anything that goes on in front of its lens, complete with infrared LEDs and an f/1.6 aperture for clearer night vision. As you would expect from a smart camera, this model has AI that can detect when people enter your yard, with there even being facial recognition available when connected to HomeBase 3. Another standout that’s always nice to have is the lack of any additional fees or costs to keep it running.
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.
Jeep may have a secret to unlock even more capability with its upcoming electric off-roader. A new patent suggests that Jeep’s new Recon might just be the Wrangler of EVs, as the brand has been promising.
Will Jeep’s new Recon be the Wrangler of EVs?
Built from the ground up with its signature 4×4 off-road system, Jeep says the Recon EV will be its first true off-road electric SUV.
When it was first unveiled as a concept in 2022, Jeep said the Recon was “inspired by the legendary Wrangler” with features like removable doors and windows.
A newly discovered patent suggests that the Recon will borrow more than just its looks from the Wrangler, including its legendary off-road capabilities. The patent, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), is for a three speed gearbox for EVs. It was published on May 1, 2025.
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Most current electric vehicles use a single-speed gearbox, which is perfect for everyday travel. Rather than sacrificing range or performance, Stellantis has a better idea for added on and off-road capability.
Stellantis three speed gearbox patent for EVs (Source: USPTO)
The new unit features two planetary gear sets and three clutches, allowing for three distinct gear ratios. The first gear limits output speed with more torque for off-roading, rock crawling, and towing. It also improves control on sand, snow, mud, and more.
The second gear is more useful during typical everyday driving, while the third is designed to improve efficiency on highways.
Jeep Recon EV (Source: Stellantis)
Although Stellantis has yet to officially reveal the new EV tech, Jeep’s new Recon would be the perfect fit as the brand’s first true off-road EV. It could be used in Ram’s upcoming electric pickup or an electric Dodge muscle car.
Based on the STLA Large platform, the same one underpinning the Jeep’s first EV, the Wagoneer S, the Recon is expected to have a driving range of around 300 miles.
After the Recon EV was spotted in Michigan last year by a user on Jeep Recon Forum, we caught a glimpse of the interior, featuring Jeep’s signature Selec-Terrain system, which includes Rock, Mud, and several other modes.
A display screen showed a range of 147 miles with 66% battery remaining. That would suggest a range of around 223 miles, but the production model is expected to be closer to 300 miles.
You can expect it to include standard four-wheel drive, packing around 400 to 600 horsepower. At least three trims are expected to be available, including Willys, Overland, and a Moab edition.
Prices and final specs will be revealed closer to launch, but Jeep’s Recon EV is expected to start at around $60,000. More expensive trims, like the Moab, will likely cost upwards of $80,000.
We should learn more soon, with Stellantis planning to launch the Wrangler-like Recon EV later this year.
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