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Aptera Motors has inched closer than ever to customer deliveries of its flagship solar EV donning the company name. During a webinar presentation earlier today, the California-based startup unveiled new details its Launch Edition solar EV – a unified configuration that includes all-wheel drive and 400 miles of range, but Aptera still has a few financial and infrastructural hurdles to overcome before it can start delivering these solar EVs to the masses. More below.

Since first unveiling its flagship solar EV, Aptera Motors has been continuously working to deliver it to its growing number of loyal reservation holders, some of which were fans of the company during its first attempt at scaling solar EVs back in the late 2000’s.

During its second go around, Aptera has been doing a lot of things right. In the past two years alone, we’ve ridden in an Alpha prototype, watched the Beta destroy a Tesla and an Audi R8 Spyder in a drag race, and have gotten transparent monthly check-in videos from cofounder Chris Anthony on YouTube.

Last September, we got to see the Gamma version of the Aptera solar EV up-close and spoke with the team about its plans for the production-intent Delta design. Aptera unveiled video footage of Delta a couple weeks ago, ahead of today’s presentation promising to deliver more exact specifications.

More specifically, today’s news pertains to the Launch Edition solar EV that will kick off the first of many long-anticipated customer deliveries… if and when production begins. According to the startup’s founders, that moment could still be a year away.

Aptera shares specs of new solar EV, production timelines

Following today’s live webinar from Aptera HQ led by cofounders Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony, there is a lot to be excited about in regard to the Launch Edition solar EV and Aptera vehicles in general. However, it comes with a tinge of caution ever-present in the rollercoaster world of EV startups.

Let’s focus on the positives to begin.

Aptera is reporting that it is essentially “pencils down” on the overall design of its flagship solar EV, aside from some lighting and other validations. Additionally, the method for how the SEV will be produced and scaled is also locked in, another check mark. Supply agreements are also being worked out.

To begin, Aptera has been advised to start with one product, sell the hell out of it, homogenize the supply chain, and scale from there. Smart. Exhibit A and why we all gathered online today, is the Launch Edition.

This unified, preconfigured design will be the first Aptera solar EV to be delivered to customers (current reservation holders can easily switch to the Launch Edition now for an earlier delivery, more on that in a bit). Here are some of the more pertinent specifications that will be present in all Launch Editions (no customizations):

  • 0.13 drag coefficient
  • 40 additional miles per day from solar panels whether parked or driving
  • Codex color interior with rose gold accents
  • Luna (silver) exterior wrap which offers UV protection, is cost effective, enhances body longevity, and is more sustainable
  • 42 kWh battery pack that delivers around 400 miles of range per charge
  • 13 mi per hour or 150 miles per night on an 120V charger (Level 1)
  • Tesla NACS plug capable of 57 miles of range per hour (240V Level 2)

Notice no mention of Level 3 charging? So far, Aptera’s founders believe the solar EV does not require DC fast charging capabilities thanks to its additional range gathered from the sun each day. Furthermore, that capability adds complexity to the vehicle itself including robustness of the battery pack required to handle such charge rates.

That being said, the team said they are still exploring the possibility of DC fast charging capabilities in the future and could one day add it. Don’t expect to see it in the Launch Edition Aptera, however.

Aptera intends to build 5,000 Launch Edition solar EVs to begin, but said it’s open to expanding that number should the startup see overwhelming demand for its first model. Cofounder Steve Fambro spoke during the presentation:

The production of our Launch Edition vehicles symbolizes a dawn of a new era. It’s about introducing Aptera’s unique and revolutionary capabilities to the world as quickly and as safely as we can, because we all know time is of the essence when it comes to saving the planet.

Fellow founder Chris Anthony then chimed in as well:

It’s also the foundation of our shift as a company toward manufacturing and production. It’s about building the team and the processes to ensure we get solar technology to the masses. It’s our desire as a movement to show the world the capabilities of Aptera.

According to Aptera, it intends to have its assembly lines operational nine months from now, followed by vehicles that are ready for solar panels and interior components about 12 months from now. Before then, however, Aptera will need to re-up on cash to ensure it can meet customer demand and finally deliver.

Aptera continues its success, but will require more capital

Aptera’s movement is certainly growing as is its list of reservation holders following today’s presentation. However, Aptera’s founders admitted that the startup is in need of at least $50 million in additional capital this year to reach merely the first gate of volume SEV production.

To date, the company says it has raised $85 million from over 15,000 investors, including previous crowdfunding campaigns, explaining that it has been quite nimble with its money. That said, it will need more to implement the necessary tools and machinery to mass produce its vehicles.

In addition to more crowdfunding, Aptera’s founders explained they are seeking government loans and grant programs to reach that additional $50M and beyond. They also mentioned that consumers can still get in as an investors “pre-IPO,” whatever that means. We should learn more following Aptera’s webinar with investors next week.

In terms of production timelines, Aptera says the recently revealed production-intent Delta prototypes will continue through crash testing and validation this year. Physical versions of the Launch Edition Aptera solar EVs will debut after that, followed by test drives (sign me up!)

Current reservation holders – You may want to consider changing your configuration to the Launch Edition if you’re absolutely itching to get your hands on an Aptera first. According to the team, here’s the order of priority the SEVs will be built if and when production begins:

  • First 5,000 (possibly more) Launch Editions
  • 400 mile range battery pack option
  • 250 mile range option
  • 600 mile range option
  • 1,000 mile range battery pack Aptera

You can update your reservation on the Aptera website, or if you haven’t done so yet, you can still reserve an Aptera solar EV of your own today for only $100 down.

Use this link to get $30 off your reservation.

Check out the full 40-minute webinar from earlier today as well.

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Why repowering wind farms is wind power’s next big thing

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Why repowering wind farms is wind power's next big thing

Renewables developer Exus Renewables North America is giving a $200 million upgrade to Somerset County, Pennsylvania’s 139 megawatt (MW) Twin Ridges Wind Farm – here’s why repowering projects like this are the future of the wind industry.

Wind energy repowering is all about breathing new life into older turbines or entire wind farms. By swapping out aging parts like turbines, blades, and nacelles for the latest tech, wind farms can see significant boosts in efficiency, power capacity, and overall lifespan. Other infrastructure and control systems can also get a second life, too.

Adding new components to existing infrastructure and grid connections mean it’s less expensive to extend the life of the wind farm with fewer resources. New components make the turbines less prone to breakdowns which means less maintenance, so there are fewer operational costs. Plus, a wind farm’s debt is usually paid off at around 10 years, and it qualifies for new tax credits and new financing at around that time. Existing wind farms often have power purchase agreements in place, and data companies are increasingly chasing power sources as demand grows.

Repowering Twin Ridges meant keeping all 68 towers and foundations while swapping out the nacelles and blades. Vestas, which has identified the repower market as a huge opportunity and engineered a solution that’s compatible with most turbines, supplied US-made nacelles, hubs, blades, and tower adaptors for the project. (Twin Ridges’ original supplier, RES, is no longer in business.)

Jim Spencer, CEO of Exus Renewables North America, said of Twin Ridges, “This upgrade will increase the power generation by 30%, which is a lot more power going into the grid. Repowering will allow it to use more of its allotted grid capacity since wind farms don’t operate at maximum capacity 100% of the time.”

Unlike a new wind farm, which comes online all at once, a repowered wind farm sees refurbished turbines turned on one at a time since the infrastructure is already in place. Out of its 68 upgraded turbines, Twin Ridges has brought 40 repowered turbines online, and a 41st turbine will soon follow.

Industry estimates suggest that up to 50 GW of US onshore wind capacity will be assessed for repowering in the next few years.

Read more: Renewables now make up 30% of US utility-scale generating capacity


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*

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New Honda battery electric lawn mowers will be made in the USA

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New Honda battery electric lawn mowers will be made in the USA

Honda is set to introduce a full line of battery electric walk-behind consumer and zero turn electric riding lawnmowers to its US power equipment dealers for 2025.

Gas-powered lawn equipment is horrible for public health — so much so that a single two-strike leaf blower can produce significantly more harmful carbon emissions than a conventional car. That’s why a growing number of cities and states have passed regulations restricting the use of gas-powered lawn equipment.

As our own Jamie Dow put it, “It’s important to mention how horrendous gas lawn equipment is all the time, and how it’s often possible to get electric stuff for cheap because air quality districts know this is some of the lowest hanging fruit. The issue is that ‘small off-road engines‘ (SOREs) usually don’t include any sort of pollution controls, and are often dirtier two-stroke engines that create more power in a small package, but emit orders of magnitude more pollution in the form of unburned particulates from the incomplete combustion process they undergo when compared to four-stroke engines.”

With that in mind, then, we have to consider the recent announcement that Honda will be offering its battery electric HRX, HRN, and HRC walk-behind consumer lawn mowers and a zero-turn-radius (ZTR) commercial electric riding lawn mower at select Honda Power Equipment dealers nationwide in 2025.

Honda electric lawn mower line

Screencap, via Honda Power Equipment.

That’s bigger news than you might think, too. That’s because Honda actually stopped producing new lawn mowers in 2023 amid tightening emissions regulations amid shifting customer preferences. The new battery-powered lineup will, therefor, re-establish Honda dealers as full-line outdoor power equipment (OPE) stores while, at the same time, supporting the company’s electrification vision.

“With the new line of Honda battery-powered lawn mowers, we will deliver the exceptional ownership experience that our customers have come to expect while providing lawn care options for a variety of users, conditions and applications,” says Mark Kohls, vice president of Honda Power Sports & Products at American Honda. “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is only part of the challenge, as battery-powered power products must meet Honda standards for rugged performance, ease of use and comfortable operation to meet the high expectations of our residential and commercial customers.”

Honda ZTR electric riding mower

On the commercial front, Honda’s new ZTR mowers are powered by 5 separate, 48V brushless electric motors — 3 motors under the machine’s 60″ cutting deck (12″ wider than the Kubota‘s) that each power a rotating set of twin blades, and 2 drive wheel motors to maneuver the mower with precise control. The company says it’s engineered to, “stand up to the rigors of commercial landscaping, with power to mow at maximum efficiency while maintaining pristine cut quality.”

Honda says the ZTR’s six 48-volt lithium-ion battery packs offer enough power to mow up to 15 acres of lawn on a single charge, and can be recharged in under 6 hours on a 220V outlet.

The new ZTR will be the first electrified power product produced at Honda North Carolina Manufacturing (NCM) facility in Swepsonville, and will be assembled using both “using “domestic and globally sourced parts.”

“Technology is aggressively shaping the future of the world, including the landscaping industry, and trends show that buyers are integrating battery-powered products into their fleets,” said Kohls. “Honda Sports & Products is providing the battery-powered Honda ZTR lawn mower to introduce flexibility into the fleet, help increase operating efficiency and comfort, address labor shortages and support the sustainability goals of commercial landscapers.”

No word, yet, on pricing.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Honda Power Equipment, via Power Progress.

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Black Friday sales take $4,000 off EcoFlow power stations and up to $1,350 off e-bikes from ENGWE, Xtracycle, more

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Black Friday sales take ,000 off EcoFlow power stations and up to ,350 off e-bikes from ENGWE, Xtracycle, more

We’ve got a ton more Black Friday sales for you in today’s Green Deals, with EcoFlow being the first of the major backup power brands to launch its savings event and offering up to $4,000 in savings on units like the new DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station that is at a new $2,789 low. There’s also ENGWE’s sale that has a bunch of savings options too, which has lowered the L20 2.0 e-bike to $699, among others. Xtracycle has taken up to $1,350 off its cargo e-bike bundles starting from $3,999, while Greenworks’ 80V Venture Commuter and Mountain e-bikes are at some of their lowest rates from $1,281. We even have a surprise last-minute entry that was too sweet to pass up as four Juiced e-bikes are getting up to $1,899 taken off their price tags in a massive clearance sale, dropping them to new low prices across the selection that start from $1,300. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s early Black Friday savings from Velotric, the limited Hiboy EX6 e-bike low, and more.

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.

EcoFlow Black Friday sale drops 4,096Wh DELTA Pro 3 power station to new $2,789 low (Reg. $3,699)

EcoFlow has launched its early Black Friday sale through November 20 which is taking up to $4,000 off its lineup of power stations, bundle packages, and accessories. One of its newest releases, the DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station is now down at $2,789.07 shipped. Normally fetching $3,699, we’ve only seen a few varying discounts since releasing back in July, with it launching at $3,199, and subsequent discounts only bringing costs down to $3,399 at best. This sale though is giving folks the best rate to date as it falls $700 from its price tag and lands at a new all-time low price – but that’s not where the savings stop, as you’ll be getting an additional $210 (7%) off thanks to the bonus savings we discuss more below.

Now, as is often the case with EcoFlow’s big sales, there are some great additional savings that you can get right now. Aside from double points for members and a 30-day price-matching guarantee, you’ll also benefit from extra savings based on reaching certain order thresholds. For orders between $1,000 to $1,999 you’ll receive an additional 5% discount, while orders between $2,000 and $4,999 will receive 7% off discounts, and orders over $5,000 will receive a further 9% taken off the tag. Discounts will be automatically applied in your cart.

EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro 3 power station provides a 4,096Wh LiFePO4 battery capacity that you can expand further up to 48,000Wh, while also dishing output power up to 4,000W – surging to 6,000W and also expandable up to 12,000W when you have three power stations connected together. There’s a massive variety of recharging methods for this model, with seven solo-source options and 18 combination options. A standard wall outlet, for example, gets the battery back to 80% in just 50 minutes, with other options including solar (2,600W input max), EV, automotive cigarette outlets, dual PV charging, and so much more.

Through the EcoFlow app you’ll have full smart controls available via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, while the 14 output ports offer plenty of ways to power and recharge your devices/appliances. This is one of three models (alongside the DELTA 3 Plus and RIVER 3 stations) that boasts the brand’s X-Core 3.0 tech, an integrated architecture system that is designed to offer far superior host safety, performance, and intelligence improvement. This upgrade also boosts its surge power rating for your more demanding appliances too, as well as increasing charging speeds, letting it run quieter and cooler than previous models, improving the battery management system and its overall lifespan, and more.

EcoFlow early Black Friday DELTA 3 Pro bundle deals:

EcoFlow’s early Black Friday DELTA power station deals:

EcoFlow’s early Black Friday RIVER power station deals:

EcoFlow’s best early Black Friday DELTA series bundle deals:

EcoFlow’s best early Black Friday accessory deals:

You can view all the main featured deals from EcoFlow’s Black Friday sale on the landing page here, or if you instead want to browse the sale’s offerings in their entirety, check out everything discounted here.

EcoFlow Black Friday

ENGWE’s Class 3 entry-level L20 2.0 e-bike hits $699 in Black Friday sales + bonus savings

ENGWE’s Black Friday sale has kicked into gear through December 2, taking up to $600 off e-bikes and also offering discounted accessories, free gear, and multiple chances to get your order paid back in full (more info below). A notable price cut from previous sales is the entry-level L20 2.0 e-bike that is going for $699 shipped. It’s normally priced at $999 since it was released in March, with the lowest we saw it go being a fall to $659 at the end of summer. Since summer’s end, it’s kept at above $799, most recently during the previous Halloween sale, but that price is getting beaten out today with a total $300 markdown that lands it at the second-lowest price we have tracked – just $50 above the all-time low from summer. Learn more about the sale’s bonus savings and this e-bike below, or you can learn about it in our hands-on review.

For all the orders placed during this sale, ENGWE will have four different drawing periods (Nov 11, 18, 25, and Dec 2) with two winners in each – all of them receiving a full refund on their orders. Along with this, ENGWE is also giving away a free accessory mystery box with every order over $600 that gives you free gear worth up to $109.

One of the newer models coming out of ENGWE, the L20 2.0 e-bike makes for a solid entry-level commuter that will weigh far lighter on your wallet than many other brands. Its 750W geared hub motor provides a 28 MPH top speed when utilizing the pedal assistance, and 20 MPH speeds cruising on pure electric power. The 52V 676Wh battery delivers a range of up to 68 to 80 miles on a single charge (depending on conditions), while only using the throttle cuts that down to around 28 miles, which is still plenty to get you around.

It has a folding frame, making its off-riding storage and transport an easier task, plus is weighs just about 68 pounds making it easy to manage for most folks living in apartment buildings. And for the price, it also comes with some decent additional features, like the mechanical disc brakes on 180 mm rotors, a rear cargo rack, integrated head/tail/brake LED lights, front fork and post suspension, a SHIMANO 7-speed derailleur, puncture-resistant fat tires, and a color LED display.

Best ENGWE Black Friday e-bike deals:

  • Engwe EP-2 Pro e-bike: $949 (Reg. $1,498)
    • Up to 75-mile range
    • with extra battery (up to 150-mile range)
  • M20 Dual-Suspension e-bike: $899 (Reg. $1,199)
    • up to 75-mile range
    • dual-battery option $200 more
  • X20 Triple-Suspension Folding e-bike: $999 (Reg. $1,599)
    • Up to 93-mile range
    • Dual-battery options start for $100 more
  • M20 2.0 Full-Suspension Double-Range e-bike: $1,199 (Reg. $1,499)
    • with dual batteries for up to 150-mile range
    • single battery model $200 cheaper
  • LE20 Step-Thru Cargo e-bike: $1,249 (Reg. $1,499)
    • Up to 109-mile max range
  • And much more…
Xtracycle Stoker cargo e-bike

Save $1,350 on Xtracycle’s Stoker off-road cargo e-bike with free gear at $3,999 in Black Friday sales

Xtracycle has begun its early Black Friday sales through November 18, offering up to $1,350 in savings on three different e-bike bundles. Among the three discounted models here, the prices start lowest for the brand’s Stoker Off-Road Cargo e-bike which is down at $3,999 shipped. This higher-end model normally sits at its $4,499 price tag most of the time, not seeing as many discounts as some of its higher-priced counterparts, though we did see a similar bundle offer back during the brand’s Labor Day sales. This month’s sale is giving us a bigger bundle than previously seen, as the included Everyday Rider Bundle also gives you an everyday bike pack, a 40L cargo bag that attaches to the bike’s frame, a padded cushion for passengers, a Hooptie rail system, and a Snackbar rail system – plus, you’ll also be getting free shipping and local assembly fees waived, giving you a total of $1,350 in savings ($260 more value than Labor Day).

The Xtracycle Stoker e-bike is an all-terrain cargo-hauling model that can traverse streets, trails, and more with ease. A Shimano STEPS EP-8 motor and a 630Wh battery reside within its chromoly steel frame, providing a 20 MPH top speed with its pedal assistance system (without any throttle) for up to 60 miles on a full charge. The terrain isn’t much of a concern thanks to the 24-inch NICA’GNAR Cargo Tires which come with fenders over each, and it has 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power the moment it is needed. The entire bike is rated for a total 400-pound payload, coming with an integrated rear cargo rack that only has its capabilities bolstered by the free gear. Among its other features, there’s the Sram NX11 X-HORIZON derailleur, integrated LED headlights and taillights, and an E-series cycling computer that gives you easy handlebar access to controlling your settings as you ride.

More Xtracycle early Black Friday e-bike deals:

  • RFA Urban Scout e-bike: $4,499 (Reg. $4,999)
    • 20 to 28 MPH top speeds for up to 60 miles
    • comes with $600 in free gear + free shipping/local assembly ($200 value)
  • Swoop Family Cargo e-bike: $4,499 (Reg. $4,999)
    • 20 to 28 MPH top speeds for up to 60 miles
    • comes with $650 in free gear + free shipping/local assembly ($200 value)
JetCurrent Pro

Get up to $1,899 in massive savings on Juiced e-bikes at lowest prices ever in clearance sale starting from $1,300

Coming to us through Velowave Bikes, we’re seeing a large Black Friday Clearance sale taking up to $1,899 off a collection of Juiced e-bikes at some of the best rates we have tracked to date – including the brand’s newest JetCurrent Pro Foldable e-bike at $1,700 shipped, for example. It’s no secret that Juiced has been having financial troubles this year, with sales running dry over 2024 and folks seeing fewer and fewer differing offers coming from the brand while the stock has not been replenished after models sell out. Today though, thanks to Velowave’s warehouse, you can now score major savings on some of the popular models that bolstered Juiced’s reputation at the lowest prices we have ever seen, particularly its newest model. Head below for pricing.

Juiced e-bike clearance sale deals:

EcoFlow Black Friday

Greenworks’ 80V Venture 27.5-inch commuter e-bike hits new $1,520 low

Amazon is offering rare discounts on a pair of Greenworks’ Venture series e-bikes, with the Greenworks 80V Venture 27.5-inch Commuter e-bike for $1,519.99 shipped. Normally going for $1,900 since first releasing at the start of the year, we’ve only seen one previous discount on this model, which dropped costs to $1,615 back in February. It’s been keeping to its MSRP all this time since but is finally seeing its price come down thanks to the 20% markdown here that slashes $380 off the price tag and lands it at a new all-time low. It also beats out Greenworks’ direct site, where it’s still sitting at full price.

This 80V commuter e-bike is one of Greenworks’ new Venture series models, designed to expand the brand’s versatile battery ecosystem, which is standard across most of its tools. The 350W brushless rear hub motor (that peaks at 500W) is powered by the brand’s included 4.0Ah battery (and you’ll also get a rapid charger) that can also be switched out with other tools/batteries you may already own. Utilizing three different forms of pedal assistance as you ride, you’ll be able to cruise around at 20 MPH top speeds for up to 22 miles on a single 40-minute charge. It also features a front suspension fork, an adjustable suspension seat, a 7-speed Shimano shifter, 27.5-inch Kenda tires, an LED headlight, a rear cargo rack, as well as an LCD display paired with a simple control panel along the handlebars.

If you would prefer an electric mountain bike instead, Amazon is also offering the Greenworks 80V Venture 26-inch All-Terrain Fat Tire e-bike for $1,280.99 shipped, down from $2,100. This model sports a larger 500W brushless rear hub motor (peaking at 750W) to better support you through off-road travels, providing the same speed and mileage as the above model with its three pedal assist modes. You’re getting the same general features too, aside from the 26-inch by 4-inch all-terrain Kenda fat tires and minus the rear cargo rack.

Best Black Friday e-bike 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.

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