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Amid new leadership changes, Toyota is reshuffling its business structure, claiming the “time is right” to accelerate battery electric vehicle (BEV) development. Toyota says it will take a new EV-first approach, starting with its luxury brand Lexus.

Last week, Electrek reported Toyota’s longtime CEO Akio Toyoda was stepping down from his position amid mounting pressure to accelerate EV development and keep up in a rapidly changing industry.

The news comes after the 66-year-old grandson to the company’s founder has been one of the most outspoken opponents of going all in on electric vehicles.

Toyoda insisted on sticking with a hybrid approach (including fuel cell, EV, hybrid, and gas vehicles) despite the industry moving forward with zero-emissions EV technology, putting the company on track to rank as one of the world’s most obstructive companies in 2022 with oil industry leaders.

After announcing his departure, Toyoda alluded to the fact that his successor will be tasked with leading the automaker’s transformation as it enters a new mobility era.

Incoming president Koji Sato is set to take the reins on April 1, 2023. Sato addressed the situation, saying Toyota will prove it’s committed to making cars better through “concrete actions and products, such as accelerating the shift to electrification.” He added the timing is now right to accelerate EV development with a new approach.

Toyota-EV-approach
Toyota’s first electric vehicle, the bZ4X (Source: Toyota)

Toyota will accelerate EV development with new approach

Sato, previously the chief branding officer at Lexus, says he is looking to ramp up Toyota’s EV efforts with a new business structure and approach beginning in April.

In a press release Monday, Toyota announced it would implement several changes to transform the automaker into a mobility company.

First, Toyota will focus on electrification, claiming, “Toyota must create cars with energy security in mind and contribute to achieving a carbon-neutral society.” Sato added:

Now that the time is right, we will accelerate BEV development with a new approach.

Toyota plans to use its luxury brand Lexus to spearhead the approach with a full lineup of fully electric zero-emission vehicles by 2030. In particular, the automaker plans to make EV-specific parts like batteries and a dedicated platform to optimize and help expand its lineup and streamline production.

Lexus just revealed the price of its first EV, the RZ 450e, starting at $59,650 with up to 220-mile range.

Electrek’s Take

After it was announced Sato would take over as president of Toyota, we questioned whether or not he could pull the automaker out of the past and into the modern era.

It seems that’s what he’s trying to achieve with the new EV-first approach. However, Sato still hinted at providing “diverse options” and stood by its “multi-pathway” strategy without getting too specific.

We’ve said it for a while now if Toyota doesn’t turn things around quickly and get on board, they will fall behind as the industry moves forward without them. Many automakers are already achieving double-digit sales (or 100% EV sales) while Toyota’s zero-emissions sales accounted for less than 1% of its total US volume.

Hopefully, Sato can get the new team on board. Otherwise, it will be a long road ahead for Toyota.

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Podcast: Tesla is now Elon’s, Xpeng goes AI, Rivian earnings, and more

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November 7, 2025

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Podcast: Tesla is now Elon's, Xpeng goes AI, Rivian earnings, and more

electrek podcast

In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss how Tesla is now Elon’s after the shareholders’ meeting, Xpeng going all-in on AI, Rivian’s earnings, and more.

The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek’s YouTube channel.

As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.

After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:

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We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.

Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:

Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET:


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The Nissan Juke looks way better as an EV: Here’s your first look

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2 hours ago

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November 7, 2025

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The Nissan Juke looks way better as an EV: Here's your first look

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Following the LEAF, the new all-electric Nissan Juke is next in line to receive a glow-up. The Juke EV was spotted for the first time rocking a new look ahead of its debut.

First look at the new electric Nissan Juke

Let’s be honest, the Juke wasn’t exactly what you’d call a head-turner. At least not for the right reasons. Nissan pulled the Juke from its North American lineup after the 2017 model year, replacing it with the Kicks.

The Juke is still Nissan’s second-best-selling vehicle in Europe, behind the Qashqai. As part of its up to £3 billion ($3.9 billion) investment to upgrade its Sunderland, UK plant, Nissan revealed plans to launch three new EVs: the LEAF, Qashqai, and Juke.

After launching the new, third-gen LEAF, Nissan plans to introduce the electric Juke in 2026 and Qashqai EV in 2027.

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With its official debut coming up, the electric Nissan Juke was spotted for the first time out in public. Although it’s camouflaged, you can already see that it’s shaping up to be a big improvement over the outgoing Juke.

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Nissan Juke and Qashqai (Source: Nissan)

The images from Motor.es (you can view them below), reveal the EV version still has a profile similar to the current Juke, but the front and rear ends appear to be closer in style to the new LEAF. The grille is now closed off, and the front features Nissan’s new V-Motion front fascia. Meanwhile, the rear gains a new light bar connecting the taillights.

We also got a sneak peek at the interior, revealing dual central infotainment and driver-cluster screens. Like the LEAF, 12.3″ screens will likely come standard with 14.3″ screens available on higher trims.

Nissan has yet to reveal final specs or prices, but the electric Juke is expected to be based on the same CMF-EV platform as the new LEAF. The new Nissan LEAF is available in the UK with two battery options: 52 kWh and 75 kWh, offering WTLP ranges of 271 miles and 386 miles, respectively.

Although the electric Juke is set to arrive next year, an Automotive News report in August claimed Nissan may continue offering the gas version due to slower-than-expected EV demand.


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Velotric early Black Friday Sale up to $600 off e-bikes, Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus at new $999 low, Heybike lows from $999, more

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November 7, 2025

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Velotric early Black Friday Sale up to 0 off e-bikes, Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus at new 9 low, Heybike lows from 9, more


We’re closing out this week’s Green Deals with a full e-bike edition, led by Velotric’s early Black Friday Sale with up to $600 savings on a selection of models, like the Discover 2 Step-Thru Commuter e-bike at $1,899 and getting $120 in FREE gear. Right behind it is Rad Power’s RadRover 6 Plus e-bike at a new $999 low, as well as Heybike’s ALPHA All-Terrain Mid-Drive e-bike getting $266 in FREE gear at a new $1,299 low, and the Ranger S Folding e-bikes (750W and 1,000W) down at annual lows starting from $999 – but keep in mind that these two are only staying at these rates for four days – plus, other ongoing early Black Friday deals waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals that are collected together at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s full Rad Power Black Friday e-bike sale lineup, the Jackery early Black Friday deals + an exclusive solo deal, 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.

Save up to $600 in early Black Friday savings on Velotric e-bikes starting from $1,099

Velotric has launched its early Black Friday Sale with up to $600 in e-bike savings in the form of price cuts and FREE bundled gear. Among the lineup, we’re seeing a rare price cut on Velotric’s Discover 2 Step-Thru Commuter e-bike to $1,899 shipped, which is also getting $120 in FREE gear. In 2025, the MSRP on this newer model increased from $1,899 to $1,999 from tariff hikes, with the largest discount we saw in 2024 being a one-time drop of $200, while we’ve only seen one previous cut to $1,899 that happened back in August. Today’s deal is bringing back that same second-best rate, giving you $100 off the tag while also providing you with a $120 FREE suspension seat post. Head below to check out Velotric’s full early Black Friday lineup.

The second-generation of Velotric’s flagship Discover 1 Plus model (which has been sold out since the Prime Sale last month), the Discover 2 commuter e-bike is a more advanced solution that still retains a reasonable price despite its notable upgrades. Things start at the newer 750W 75Nm rear hub motor (peaking to 1,100W) alongside a 705.6Wh battery to reach up to 20/28 MPH top speeds (depending on your state’s laws) and provide pedal-assistance support for up to 75 miles on a full charge. One big improvement here is the SensorSwap tech that lets you switch between a cadence or torque sensor as you need them, with the PAS boasting three modes that each have five levels.

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There’s plenty more to love about this model, with additional features including Apple Find My integration, hydraulic disc brakes, Kenda puncture-resistant tires, an auto-on integrated LED headlight, a rear cargo rack with an integrated taillight (complete with turn signaling, as well as brake, flashing, and steady lighting), an 8-speed Shimano Altus derailleur, a 3.5-inch full-color display with a USB-C port, and more.

Velotric’s early Black Friday deals on new e-bikes:

  • Fold 1 Plus Folding e-bike: $1,499 (No price cut)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 68 miles
    • comes with $120 in FREE gear
  • Breeze 1 Cruiser e-bike: $1,699 (Reg. $1,799)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 70 miles
    • comes with $270 in FREE gear
  • Discover 2 Step-Thru Commuter e-bike: $1,899 (Reg. $1,999)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 75 miles
    • comes with $120 in FREE gear
  • Nomad 2X Multi-Terrain Full Suspension e-bike: $2,399 (No price cut)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 75 miles
    • comes with $50 in FREE gear

Velotric’s early Black Friday legacy e-bike deals:

You can browse the full Velotric early Black Friday Sale on the main landing page here.

rad power's radrover 6 plus e-bike standing on boulders

Rad Power’s RadRover 6 Plus e-bike gets $600 Black Friday discount to a new $999 low (Reg. $1,599)

As part of Rad Power’s ongoing Black Friday Sale that will only last as long as supplies hold out, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru Fat-Tire e-bike at $999 shipped. You’d be paying a full price of $1,599 outside of sales, with the discounts we’ve seen this year having taken things down between $1,399 and $1,299, with some rare cuts as low as $1,199. Now, with these early Black Friday savings, we’re seeing it go lower than ever with a $600 markdown that lands $200 under the former low for the best new price that we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this e-bike, be sure to check out our original coverage of this early Black Friday deal here, or check out the full lineup of deals during this sale here.

man riding up steep incline on Heybike's ALPHA e-bike

For four days, get Heybike’s ALPHA all-terrain mid-drive e-bike with $266 in FREE gear at a new $1,299 low

As part of Heybike’s ongoing early Black Friday Sale, and running alongside the short-term Ranger S $999 annual low, there is also a 4-day flash sale on the ALPHA All-Terrain Mid-Drive e-bike at $1,299 shipped with it also getting $266 in FREE gear. It carries a $1,699 MSRP, but over the year, we’ve regularly seen it drop to $1,599 and $1,499, with a flash sale that took things to $1,399 last month for the first time. Now, during this 4-day window, you can score a larger-than-ever $400 markdown that drops things to a new all-time low price. On top of this price cut, you’re also getting a steel cable lock, helmet, a waterproof backpack, a large cargo basket, and a gift pack.

If you want to learn more about this e-bike, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 4-day early Black Friday flash sale here.

woman with Heybike's Ranger S e-bike on beach with dog in front basket

Heybike’s 4-day early Black Friday flash sale cuts $500 off Ranger S folding e-bikes to $999 and $1,199 annual lows

As part of Heybike’s early Black Friday Sale, the brand is giving folks a 4-day flash sale on two models, with a surprise price cut on the Ranger S 750W Folding Fat-Tire e-bike to $999 shipped that also comes with a FREE Black Friday gift pack, or you could go with the upgraded 1,000W variant at $1,199 shipped and get the same gift pack. These two models would normally run you $1,499 and $1,699 at full price, which discounts have almost exclusively dropped as low as $1,099 and $1,299 over the year, if not at higher rates. While we have seen the price go as low as $899 and $1,099 in the past, those rates haven’t been seen since last year, making the $500 markdowns here the best prices we’ve tracked in 2025.

If you want to learn more about this e-bike, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 4-day early Black Friday flash sale here.

Best Fall 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.


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