Volvo and battery giant CATL are teaming up to turn old EV batteries into new ones. The partnership aims to further reduce the carbon footprint of EVs by recycling key battery materials.

As one of the first legacy automakers to commit to an all-electric future, Volvo is already making massive strides to reduce its carbon footprint.

In fact, Volvo’s last diesel-powered car rolled off the production line last month as the automaker looks toward a cleaner future.

Last year was a “key milestone” for Volvo, according to CEO Jim Rowan. Volvo sold over 113,000 fully electric vehicles in 2023, up 70% compared to 2022. Electric cars accounted for 16% of Volvo’s total vehicle sales in 2023, but this year is expected to be even bigger.

Rowan told Reuters he expects “tremendous growth” this year as new models like the low-cost EX30 roll out.

Volvo’s EX30 starts at $34,950 in the US and €36,590 in Europe as one of the most affordable EVs.

The EX30 is already impacting sales. Volvo sold 18,021 EVs in March, up from 12,621 the year before. More importantly, fully electric vehicles accounted for 23% of total sales.

Volvo’s new compact electric SUV “contributed to the sales growth,” according to Volvo Cars’ COO and deputy CEO, Björn Annwall. He added that Volvo would “focus on ramping up sales of our EX30” in the coming months.

Volvo expects EVs to account for 50% of total sales by the end of next year as it works toward an all-electric future by 2030.

Volvo and CATL to turn old EV batteries into new ones

Volvo and CATL announced a new partnership this week as they work to reduce the carbon footprint of electric vehicles.

As electric vehicle sales continue climbing, many batteries will eventually be retired, and Volvo believes it has an answer. Volvo and CATL are teaming up to recycle old and scrapped EV batteries.

Volvo suppliers will take apart the batteries to use over 90% of the key materials like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and others.

According to Volvo, CATL will then use the materials to make new EV batteries that will be used to power its new electric cars.

Volvo and CATL signed a long-term agreement in 2019 to supply batteries for electric Volvo and Polestar models.

Volvo aims to reduce CO2 emissions per average vehicle by 75% by 2030. In its 2023 annual report, the company revealed that it had reduced average CO2 emissions per vehicle by 20% compared to the 2018 baseline.

Source: CnEVPost, Volvo Cars

GM Energy just debuted vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional EV chargers – here’s how GM’s EVs will keep the lights on.

Once installed, GM Energy’s home EV chargers will enable customers to send power from a compatible GM EV to their home in the face of increasing power outages across the US.

Customers can purchase GM Energy’s V2H bundle through current GM mobile brand apps. It’s initially rolling out in five states – California, Florida, Michigan, New York, and Texas – with plans to expand over time.

At $7,299, the bundle doesn’t come cheap. It consists of the GM Energy Powershift Charger at $1,699, and GM Energy V2H Enablement Kit at $5,600. Installation costs and taxes won’t be included and will vary, depending on a home’s existing setup and other things. GM has partnered with home EV charging installer Qmerit.

But it’s comparable to other battery storage costs – a Powerwall costs $11,500 with a solar installation through Tesla – and GM’s system eliminates the need to install battery storage.

The first of GM’s EVs to be compatible with the GM Energy home product suite is the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV First-Edition RST, which is expected to be available to customers this summer.

The Silverado will be equipped with V2H bidirectional charging technology. With an enormous 200 kWh battery pack that can provide up to 10.2kW of power flow, the electric pickup is capable of powering an entire house for 21 days.

GM says it will continue to roll out V2H bidirectional charging technology across its Ultium-based EVs by model year 2026. That will include the 2024 Sierra EV Denali, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, and the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ.

Some eligible 2024 GM EVs will require a dealership or over-the-air update to enable bidirectional charging.

Electrek‘s Jameson Dow will demo GM Energy’s new V2H products on May 9 and will report back with insights.

GM Energy is ready to compete with the likes of Tesla and its Powerwalls – it says it will sell stationary battery storage and solar integration later this year.

Read more: Chevy just revealed the Silverado EV First-Edition RST specs and it’s got 440 miles of range

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It’s been a week of new beginnings in the e-bike market, with today’s green deals once again headlined by a special pre-order discount, this time on Lectric’s all-new XPress Commuter e-bikes, with some models receiving $500 off discounts along with free extra batteries – all starting from $999. It is joined by Anker’s latest SOLIX C800 Plus Portable Power Station returning to its $499 low, as well as a return 1-day sale on the NIU KQi3 Max Folding Electric KickScooter for $760. Plus, you’ll also find all of the other day’s best Green Deals below.

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.

Pre-order the new Lectric XPress Commuter e-bikes with $500 launch discount and extra battery

Lectric eBikes has launched its new XPress Commuter e-bikes line with four specific models to choose from. You can read up on what’s new in our initial announcement coverage. The biggest savings are to be had on the XPress 750 High-Step model for $1,299 shipped or the XPress 750 Step-Thru model which is also going for $1,299 shipped. Both are down from a $1,799 price tag, with today’s $500 off deal being the first official discount on these new models as well as the new all-time low going forward. Jumping on this deal now not only gets you $500 off the going rate until it begins shipping in June, which is when we expect it to return to its MSRP but also scores you a free extra battery that is valued at $500 as well.

The Lectric XPress 750 e-bike has two color schemes that also go along with its designs, with the high-step model coming in black and the step-thru model coming in white. They are equipped with a 750W rear hub motor (1,310W peak) and a removable 48V battery that pushes the e-bikes up to 28 MPH for up to 60 miles normally (doubled with your extra battery). They have five levels of pedal assistance that are monitored by a unique torque sensor combined with the company’s PWR+ technology, as well as an ergonomic below-the-bar trigger throttle for pure electric action. It also comes with a variety of features like puncture-resistant tires, hydraulic mineral oil brakes, a 7-geared freewheel paired with a Shimano derailleur, removable pedals, a thru axle wheel attachment system for tool-free installations, kickstand, a hidden cable routing system, an integrated headlight and taillight, and a full-color LCD display with a USB-A port to charge your personal device.

You’ll also find the standard models available for pre-order as well, with the black high-step model going for $999 shipped, and the white step-thru model also going for $999 shipped. Unlike the above models, these do not have the upgraded 750W motors but instead sport 500W rear hub motors (1,092W peak) alongside the same removable 48V batteries that can also reach a 28 MPH top speed, but with a lesser 45-mile range. Aside from those differences though (and the inclusion of the extra battery) these e-bikes offer the same features as the 750 models, all the way down to the USB-A port for device charging.

Anker’s new SOLIX C800 Plus Portable Power Station returns to $499 low

The official Anker Amazon storefront is offering its newest SOLIX C800 Plus Portable Power Station for $499 shipped, after clipping the on-page $150 off coupon. Down from its $649 price tag, this is only the second official discount since the device’s release last month, which saw a similar launch discount down to the $499 low. You can get a full rundown on what to expect from our initial launch coverage. All-in-all, you’re looking at a 23% markdown off the going rate, which also matches the current discount on Anker’s website as well and returns costs to the all-time lowest price we’ve seen. You’ll also find bundle options available, with it coming with a 100W or 200W solar panel for $848 or $1,048, after clipping the on-page $100 off coupons.

You’ll also find the standard C800 model on sale as well for $449, after clipping the on-page $150 off coupon. The only difference here is the lack of the two LED camping lights and their respective pole arm, giving you a $50 difference in price. Aside from this, you’ll receive all the same features as the Plus model, so decisions likely lie on how much lighting you already have for your campsite or for emergency power outages. You’ll also find some bundle options available as well, with the standard model paired along with a 100W or 200W solar panel for $798 or $998, after clipping the on-page $100 off coupons.

NIU KQi3 Max Foldable Electric KickScooter hits $760 in another 1-day sale

Best Buy is offering the NIU KQi3 Max Foldable Electric KickScooter for $759.98 shipped through the end of the day. Normally fetching $1,000, this model saw few discounts over 2023, dropping to $559 with the biggest of them. Last month we saw this same 1-day discount down to $760, with today’s deal coming in as a repeat 24% markdown off the going rate that lands at the fourth-lowest price we have tracked. Equipped with a 450W rear-wheel drive motor and a 48V battery, this scooter can reach top speeds of 23.6 MPH with a range of up to 40 miles and can handle up to a 25% incline. It features a triple braking system alongside self-healing tires that are able to seal themselves if and when punctured, giving you a more worry-free ride. It also features a halo headlight, brake lights, a foldable frame, and an array of smart capabilities through the NIU app or the LED display, such as allowing you to lock your scooter, check your riding statistics, and even customize your speed and cruise control functions.

Spring e-bike deals!

• Super73 RX Electric Motorbike: $2,999 (Reg. $3,695)
• Lynx All-Terrain e-bike: $2,999 (Reg. $3,999)
• Juiced’s HyperScrambler 2: $1,999 (Reg. $3,499)
• Aventon Aventure.2 All-Terrain e-bike with free extra battery: $1,799 ($2,499 value)
• Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike with $372 in free accessories: $1,799 (Reg. $2,199)
• Heybike Brawn Fat-Tire e-bike: $1,449 (Reg. $1,800)
• Electric Bike Co. Model J e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,499)
• Velotric Discover 1 e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,599)

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.

• Jetson’s Canyon folding electric scooter with 22-mile range falls to $412 ($488 in savings)
• UGREEN’s PowerRoam 1200 power station sees first discount in months to $749 low (Reg. $999)
• Jackery’s Earth Day sale takes up to $1,800 off power stations, bundles, more starting from $100
• Juiced debuts new JetCurrent Pro foldable e-bike with $300 off launch discount at $2,499
• Save $650 on Juiced Bikes’ RipCurrent Base fat-tire e-bike with 45-mile range for $1,049 low
• EcoSmart’s ECO 36 240V electric tankless water heater falls 47% to new all-time $399 low
• ALLPOWERS Pet Day sale has power stations from $79, solar panels at $99, and bundles at up to $1,600 off
• Schwinn’s regularly $1,500 Ingersoll and Ridgewood e-bikes start from $700 (New lows)
• Greenworks’ 80V CrossoverZ electric zero-turn riding mower sees another $1,000 drop to $4,500
• Sun Joe 24V IONMAX electric power cleaner tackles your vehicle’s cleaning needs for $40
• Jackery’s Explorer 1000 Plus portable power station hits new $849 low (Reg. $1,199)