Ford introduced a new artificial intelligence-based technology called Ford Pro Trailer Hitch Assist that can automatically back up and align the F-150 Lightning pickup’s hitch ball to a trailer with the push of a button.
With over 100 years of experience in making trucks, Ford knows a thing or two about what owners are looking to get out of it.
Using the expertise it has built over the years, the American automaker introduced its first fully electric pickup, the F-150 Lightning, in 2021, or what Ford calls “the smartest, most innovative F-150 yet.”
With impressive power and features, the Lightning EV pickup has quickly become a favorite among buyers and automotive journalists alike.
Since the first Lightning customers received their trucks last May, we have learned a lot about what it can do as owners have used it to provide mobile power after several hurricanes and floods last year.
In fact, according to recently gathered consumer data (anonymous to ensure confidentiality), Lightning owners use the bed of their pickup more often for activities like camping, hauling, and home projects.
Ford released a new tool this week to make towing with the Lightning a breeze with new AI-based technology.
Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup towing (Source: Ford)
Ford releases new Trailer Hitch Assist for the Lightning
We’ve all been there, backing up and lining up to hitch a trailer is no walk in the park, especially with bigger trailers or campers.
To allow Lightning owners to get the most out of their trucks, the new Trailer Hitch Assist from Ford Pro uses machine learning and computer vision to automate the process of backing up to a trailer.
Ford’s new system works by using the rear camera and corner radars to align the truck’s hitch to the trailer while also controlling the truck’s speed, steering, and braking at the same time to stop at the perfect position for up to 20 feet.
The system’s ultrasonic reverse parking aid will alert the driver if an obstacle gets in the way. Drivers can view the progress on the truck’s display screen as it backs up.
John Emmert, Ford Truck general manager, explained how it can make life easier for work or for play with less time spent trying to maneuver the truck into position, saying:
Pro Trailer Hitch Assist is another smart solution to save time for our customers. Instead of struggling to hitch a trailer alone or with a spotter, customers can now get hitched more confidently and on their way to the lake or a jobsite.
Ford says the Pro-Trailer Hitch Assist system was developed in-house with over 60 patents and will get better over time with Ford Power-Up software updates.
Electrek’s Take
With the help of AI, Ford is automating one of the most time-consuming and aggravating aspects (for most) of owning a truck.
The move shows Ford knows its audience and what they want to get from their trucks. The Lightning continues to improve and attract new buyers, now Ford just needs to make more of them.
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Can-Am, a subsidiary of BRP, has officially entered the electric age. After bringing their electric motorcycle to market, they electrified another segment of their line-up: ATVs, starting with the Outlander Electric.
Last month, I visited Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to test out the electric ATV, and I came away impressed by the experience.
Can-Am Outlander Electric
The new Outlander Electric is built for work, and its specs back that up. The electric motor delivers 47 hp and 53 lb-ft of torque, providing instant and silent power. But the headline feature is its impressive 1,830 lb towing capacity, which surpasses even high-end gasoline-powered ATVs from competitors and Can-Am’s own lineup.
The ATV is powered by an 8.9 kWh battery, which is relatively small, offering a range of up to 50 miles (80 km).
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While this might not seem like a massive range for recreational users, it’s more than enough for a day’s work on the farm or for hunters and park rangers who need to move quietly through natural environments, which is the intended use of this ATV. It’s not a trail vehicle.
When it comes to charging, the Outlander Electric supports Level 2 charging, which can replenish the battery from 20% to 80% in just 50 minutes. You can also recharge the ATV on a regular 120-volt outlet overnight.
Can-Am has also included several features tailored to the needs of its customers. The Outlander Electric has three selectable ride modes: Normal, Sport, and Work, allowing the rider to adjust the power delivery to the task at hand. It also comes equipped with a 5-inch color display, XPS Recon Force tires, and a full skid plate for protection.
Priced at US $12,999, the Can-Am Outlander Electric ATV is now available on Can-Am’s site and from its dealers.
Outlander Electric First Drive
I’ve been pushing for electric ATVs for years. They make so much sense. Suppose you are using a vehicle to experience nature. In that case, it makes sense that the vehicle doesn’t pollute the nature you are trying to experience, whether this pollution is from emissions or noise.
The near-silent operation of the electric motor is a game-changer for many applications. The lack of engine noise is a significant advantage for farmers working around livestock, hunters who don’t want to scare away game, and anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors without the disruptive roar of a gas engine.
Speaking of the lack of noise, Can-Am did its homework in this regard. Just like legacy automakers making electric cars for the first time, they realize that the vehicles are noisier than expected, as their internal combustion engines bury some of the quieter clicks and rustles.
At lower speeds, I couldn’t hear a thing coming from the Outlander Electric. Only at higher speeds can you start to hear the winding of the electric motors and the tires throwing back dirt.
Here I was just having fun on the trails near the Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming:
It is the level of polish and refinement that you’d expect from Can-Am – it just happens to be electric.
The Outland Electric is also very capable. With the electric torque and the speed limiter, you find yourself easily pulling heavy loads without even feeling it.
Here I was pulling heavy tree trunks, and I had to look back to make sure they were still attached:
Electrek’s Take
This is a significant move from a major player in the off-road vehicle market. For years, we’ve seen smaller startups and conversions in the electric ATV space, but a full-fledged electric model from a brand like Can-Am signals a real shift in the industry.
The focus on utility and work is a smart one, as Can-Am limited itself to the same powertrain as on its electric motorcycles.
While the 50-mile range might be a sticking point for some recreational riders who want to spend all day on the trails, it’s more than adequate for the target audience of this vehicle: ranchers, farmers, and small farm owners.
The high towing capacity and quiet operation are killer features for anyone who needs to get work done, and the instant torque of the electric motor will be a welcome advantage on the farm or in the field.
The starting price of $17,799 is certainly a premium, but it’s not out of line with high-end gas-powered utility ATVs. When you factor in the reduced maintenance (no oil changes, filters, or spark plugs) and the lower cost of electricity compared to gasoline, the total cost of ownership could be very competitive.
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Jeep’s flagship SUV will be the first range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) in the US. The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is more powerful, more electric, and more stylish than ever.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer becomes first extended-range EV
The Grand Wagoneer, Jeep’s biggest SUV, has undergone a significant overhaul for the 2026 model year. Jeep updated the SUV with more than just a stylish new design.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will arrive next year as America’s first range-extended EV (REEV), bringing a few changes to the lineup.
For one, Jeep is dropping the smaller Wagoneer name with all 2026 models unifying under one name: The Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Previously, Jeep offered Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, each with different trims, which made things too confusing for buyers.
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Every Grand Cherokee will now wear the Jeep badge up front as part of its refreshed design. Jeep updated the front face with a slimmer grille and full-length LED lights.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer REEV (Source: Stellantis)
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will be available in two powertrains, an REEV or a 3.0 Hurricane Twin Turbo engine.
Jeep said the REEV version will draw power from a liquid-cooled 92 kWh battery pack that lies flat on the floor, helping to preserve interior space.
Power is transferred from a 3.6-liter V6 engine to a 130 kW generator. When the battery gets low, the gas engine acts as a generator, extending the driving range to upwards of 500 miles in total.
Jeep said the Grand Wagoneer “sets a new benchmark in flagship performance.” With an estimated 647 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque, the big body SUV can move from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds, making it the most powerful Grand Wagoneer yet.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will be offered with three trims: an entry-level, Limited, and Summit, starting at $62,145.
2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Trim
4X2
4X4
LWB 4X2
LWB 4X4
Grand Wagoneer
$62,145
$65,145
$65,145
$68,145
Limited Altitude
NA
$71,140
NA
$74,140
Summit Obsidian
NA
$93,390
NA
$96,390
2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer prices by trim (*Excludes $2,595 destination and options)
The Limited trim starts at $71,140, while the Summit will cost at least $93,390. Upgrading to the long wheelbase (LWB) version costs an extra $3,000.
Jeep will begin production later this year of the 2026 Grand Cherokee with the 3.0 Hurricane engine. The extended-range EV version will be built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan alongside its ICE counterparts.
Meanwhile, Jeep has yet to reveal prices or when it will begin production on the REEV version. We should find out soon.
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Here’s how to score $1,000 savings on EcoFlow’s upcoming DELTA Pro Ultra X power station
Right alongside its ongoing Prime Day Sale that has been extended through October 15, EcoFlow has launched the super early-bird savings promotion for its upcoming DELTA Pro Ultra X Whole-Home Power Station (1 inverter and 2x batteries) ahead of its release on November 3, 2025. At this time, pricing information is surprisingly limited, with the brand simply offering the deal of a $500 deposit made between now and November 2, scoring you a $1,000 discount upon its launch from November 3 to November 30. The predecessor model carries a $6,098 tag at full price, with it regularly keeping under $5,000 most of the time, so it’s safe to say that this new model’s MSRP will land somewhere around those rates. Along with the initial discount, the brand is also promising up to $1,000 in installation subsidies when grabbing the station bundled with the brand’s new Smart Home Panel 3. Head below to learn more about this all-new backup power solution.
If you thought EcoFlow couldn’t get more expansive with its whole-home backup solutions, think again, as the new DELTA Pro Ultra X station starts with the same 6,144Wh LiFePO4 capacity (though it seems the base model may be a 2x battery setup starting at 12,288Wh) that you can scale upwards with future investments as high as 180kWh (over the standard DELTA Pro Ultra’s max 90kWh capacity). Like the older model, this one also boasts an expanding output rate from 12,000W to 36,000W, and provides a wide array of output ports to cover devices, appliances, your RV, and so much more – especially if you plan to utilize it to cover your at-home breakers with the new Smart Home Panel 3.
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That new Smart Home Panel 3 comes as a 200A hub that can be installed to cover up to 32 circuits in your home, allowing you to easily turn off non-essential loads when the grid fails. Recharging information for the DELTA Pro Ultra X so far shows inputs for an AC outlet, as well as gas generators, solar panels, and even EV chargers – plus, it supports Time-of-Use to automatically charge and discharge the battery based on your regions real-time pricing and electrical forecasts. We will update you with more information as it becomes available to us, and in the meantime, be sure to check out EcoFlow’s introductory video for its DELTA Pro Ultra X station here:
Save up to 56% on EcoFlow DELTA 2 and 3 Pro expansion batteries or a home hub starting from a $349 low for 48 hours
As part of its soon-to-end extended Prime Day Sale, EcoFlow has launched a 48-hour flash sale on three different units to either expand or upgrade your backup support, with prices starting lowest on the DELTA 2 Smart Extra Battery for $349 shipped, which beats out Amazon’s pricing by $60. This add-on unit normally carries a $799 MSRP direct from the brand, though it can often be found down around $599 on average, with discounts having usually dropped the costs further between $449 and $409, save for the one-time fall to this rate we spotted during the 2-day Prime event last week. Now, EcoFlow is bringing that low price back for the remaining days of its extended promotions, giving you a second-ever opportunity at $250 off its going rate ($450 off the MSRP) for the lowest price we have tracked. Head below for more on this and the other two units in this flash sale.
Popping in on its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering its IrriSense Smart Sprinkler Irrigation System at $499.98 shipped. Since releasing in May with a $700 full price, discounts started by dropping the costs to $600, with things going further to this rate for the first time mid-August. After spending Prime Day last week down at this low, it’s sticking around for prolonged savings, cutting $200 from the going rate and keeping it down at the all-time lowest price we have tracked.
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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