The first American-assembled electric mini-truck? AYRO opens pre-orders
We’ve been eagerly following the AYRO Vanish since late last year, when the electric mobility company unveiled the mini-truck platform and touted its final assembly in AYRO’s Texas facility. Finally reaching a critical milestone, AYRO has just announced that the multi-use platform is now available for pre-order.
We’ve watched the Vanish roll closer and closer to production throughout early 2023, which would make it the first commercially available electric mini-truck assembled in the US.
Now pre-orders are finally open for the versatile platform, allowing prospective owners to get a spot in line with just a $250 deposit.
Once it reaches full production, the AYRO Vanish will join a select group. There are very few actual electric mini-trucks available in the US, with most of the rare examples being imported Chinese models.
But as excitement grows for a smaller class of electric utility vehicles and small format trucks, the Vanish could be set to enter a ripening market.
The company describes the Vanish as perfect for roles “where full-size trucks or vans are too large and golf and utility carts are too small.”
The pre-order announcement marks a big day for the company, as CEO Tom Wittenschlaeger explained:
We see ourselves as a pioneer in the LSEV space. Our lightweight architecture, adaptable configurations, and efforts in sustainability are, in my view, unsurpassed in today’s marketplace. Announcing the availability of pre-orders is a significant step in bringing the Vanish closer to market.
The Vanish truly is a multi-role EV thanks to its modular design. The base Vanish comes with the “common core chassis,” which is basically a pint-sized flatbed truck, but there are multiple options for loadouts that can help customize it for various utility tasks.
The flatbed is likely a good candidate for all-around hauling needs, especially with oversized loads. But operators can also spec the AYRO Vanish with fold-down tailgate and sidegates for a pickup-style bed to help contain loose cargo. There’s also an enclosed cargo box to create something of an electric mini box truck or cargo van.
AYRO’s vice president of Dealer Sales, Terry Kahl, pointed to the advantages of a modular platform:
With swappable bed configurations, we believe dealers can find a use case for the Vanish with almost any of their existing clientele. We have indications of interest from a rapidly growing number of dealers and now incoming dealers can find added value in that AYRO is accepting their pre-orders even before they join our dealer network. It should be an absolute win-win for our existing and onboarding dealers as well as future dealers.
Other options include various style doors – or no doors at all – and the option to choose between a street-legal LSV (Low Speed Vehicle) and a non-street-legal version for off-road/closed campus use.
It’s not immediately clear what differentiates the two models, but LSVs are a federally regulated motor vehicle category that is limited to a rather slow 25 mph (40 km/h), and so there could be performance variations on a model not intended for use on public roads.
Pricing was originally estimated to start at around US $25,000, though AYRO’s online configurator shows that the base price is actually US $33,900. That price doesn’t include taxes, fees, or accessories, and specific pricing details for the various modular packages are not yet clear.
Electrek’s Take
I love the vehicle; it’s exactly what we need to see more of in the US. There are too many cases of massive trucks and vans that make deliveries with a nearly empty bed or box.
However, I’m a bit bummed to see that the price is unfortunately higher than we were all hoping for. Even at $25K, it was going to be a bit pricey, but $34K before any useful add-ons is starting to get fairly lofty.
I get it though – it’s not easy being the first one in the market, developing a new product and doing US final assembly (though I wonder how much initial assembly is done overseas).
And as far as pricing goes, it’s not that far out of line compared to the closest things I can reasonably compare it to. Speccing out a comparable WAEV GEM utility cart puts me at around US $31,000, though the GEM’s lithium-ion battery upgrade over the stock lead acid batteries is a nearly $10K option by itself. You could get out the door for closer to $17,000 if you’re okay with decades-old battery technology.
At this price, the AYRO Vanish isn’t likely to find a large consumer market, but it wasn’t really intended to. For commercial operators that specifically need a small, nimble electric truck like this, it could be perfect. And as the company scales up production (and inevitably faces increased competition once the category grows), perhaps prices will come down to the point where average Joes like you and me can buy one.
Until then, I’ll have to be content with my Chinese electric mini-truck.
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Costco members looking for a break on car prices can tap into a new Volvo deal this fall. Members can tap into limited-time manufacturer incentives through the Costco Auto Program, a year-round auto-buying service that secures prearranged low pricing. The latest: a Certified by Volvo Limited-Time Special launched this week.
Certified by Volvo vehicles are pre-owned Volvos that must pass a rigorous test with 170+ points, have less than 80,000 miles, and receive a detailed CARFAX Vehicle History Report. They come with roadside assistance, and EVs and plug-in hybrids also include an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
Until October 31, 2025, eligible Costco members can score an exclusive bonus when buying select Certified by Volvo vehicles from model years 2022 through 2025.5. Gold Star and Business Members get $1,000 off, and Executive Members get $1,250 off. The offer applies to hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and BEVs. What makes this deal sweet is that the Costco perk stacks with any other manufacturer incentives you qualify for.
Among the vehicles on the eligible list: The Volvo EX30, the EX90, the XC90*, the most requested premium midsize SUV among Costco members last year, and the Volvo C40 EV, which also topped requests in the premium electric compact SUV category.
To cash in on the offer, Costco members must register online for a certificate, then bring it to a Volvo dealership where they present it at the time of purchase. Full details are on the Certified by Volvo Limited-Time Special page.
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The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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. It has 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 Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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The GV90 is set to arrive as the most luxurious Genesis vehicle to date. With its debut approaching, Genesis is showcasing the ultra-luxe SUV at its new flagship brand space.
Genesis opens new brand space based on the GV90
Although it’s not yet in production form, Genesis is still showcasing its stunning new full-size electric SUV. The Neolun concept, unveiled last March at the New York Auto Show, will soon arrive as the brand’s new flagship model.
When Genesis launches the GV90, expected in mid-2026, it will become the brand’s largest and most luxurious electric vehicle yet.
According to Genesis, the GV90 is “an ultra-luxe, state-of-the-art SUV” that will take the luxury brand to the next level. We’ve seen camouflaged prototypes out testing a few times, revealing advanced new features and luxury design elements, such as coach doors, adaptive air suspension, and more.
The GV90, or Neolun concept (for now, at least), is the centerpiece of the company’s new “Night in Motion” space, which Genesis opened on Thursday.
Based on the Neolun concept, the new exhibition is “the starting point of the Genesis brand’s spatial philosophy.” It’s designed to showcase the brand’s latest design and the beauty of Korean aesthetics.
Genesis is expected to launch the GV90 in mid-2026, but we could see an official debut before the end of the year.
We will learn prices, range, and other specs soon, but the GV90 is expected to debut on Hyundai’s new eM platform. Hyundai claimed the new platform will “provide 50% improvement in driving range” compared to current EVs. It will also offer advanced Level 3 autonomous driving features.
One thing is sure: The Genesis GV90 won’t be cheap. As its largest and most luxurious SUV, the GV90 is expected to start at around $100,000. Higher trim levels could reach upwards of $120,000 or more.
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Ampion Renewable Energy has introduced a new way to expand community solar access – one that breaks barriers by crossing state lines.
The company just launched Synthetic Community Solar, a tool that lets developers extend the financial benefits of solar projects to subscribers in other states. That’s a big shift from the usual model, where subscribers need to live in the same utility territory as the solar farm. This new approach also helps low-income households save more on energy bills while giving developers a faster route to federal tax incentives.
Here’s how it works: When a solar farm is built in one state, Ampion works with utilities to transfer the financial benefits through solar credits to income-qualified households in another state. For example, a 2.5 MW project in Maine already provides Illinois subscribers with up to 20% savings on their electricity bills.
For developers, the timing is critical. The Inflation Reduction Act gives bonus tax credits, known as Category 4 Investment Tax Credits (ITCs), to projects that deliver at least half of the financial benefits to low-income households. Synthetic Community Solar makes it easier to meet those requirements, which in turn improves project economics and long-term site viability.
This model is especially useful when a project is in an area where recruiting low-income subscribers is expensive or challenging. Instead of letting credits go unused, developers can cross state lines, making the project more financially sustainable while supporting households that need savings the most.
Ampion’s CEO and founder, Nate Owen, said the goal is to solve a geographic barrier that has historically limited community solar growth. By bridging programs across different states, the initiative supports the company’s aim to make renewable energy accessible “everywhere, for everyone.”
With the IRA’s major incentives set to expire, solutions like Synthetic Community Solar could help keep projects viable while spreading the financial benefits of clean energy further.
Read more: Nexamp found a faster way to build solar – it did the utility’s job, too
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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. It has 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 Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
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