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12 months ago

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six-wheeled electric mini-truck

I love my wife, but I’ve got a whole section of my heart fully reserved for electric mini-trucks. They live rent free in my mind and I consider them to be one of the coolest innovations that trucks have seen in the last several decades.

As American cars and trucks continue to become more bloated, turning themselves into lifestyle vehicles instead of work tools, electric mini-trucks have been picking up the slack.

I own a Chinese electric mini-truck and it has seen more real work usage than most pickup trucks on the road today. It ain’t no grocery-getter, to say the least.

Unlike with many new pickups, whose owners seem to be afraid of actually hauling anything in back lest they scratch it, I just had to install a new bed liner in mine after 18 months of shovel dings and drag marks.

chang li minitruck mini-truck micah toll
My mini-truck is already awesome, but it can’t compare to today’s find below

I’ve had as much as 800 pounds (360 kg) of dirt in the back of my mini-truck, and the hydraulic dumper hasn’t even complained.

But enough about my truck. The Chinese electric mini-truck I’ve selected for this week’s Awesomely Weird Alibaba Electric Vehicle of the Week would positively laugh at such a small load as a mere 800 lb of dirt!

That’s because this little wonder is purpose-built for hauling heavy loads. “How heavy?”, you may ask. Heavier than your truck can handle, that’s how heavy.

And the secret to its heavy-hauling nature is the inclusion of a second rear axle. Yep, compared to all the fun little four-wheeled mini-trucks out there, this one has 50% more rubber on the road.

Tri-axle trucks exist for basically one purpose and one purpose only: handling heavier loads. They’re built to haul.

And this little guy, he can haul with the best of them. At least, if his vendor is to be believed.

The little truck comes rated with 2,000 kg (4,410 lb) of hauling capacity. That’s 800 kg (1760 lb) on the front axle and 1,200 kg (2,650 lb) on the rear axles.

Compared to a Ford F-150 Lightning, which has a max hauling capacity of between 1,800 to 2,000 lb (816 to 907 kg), this little Chinese mini-truck can handle twice as much.

Of course I’m not talking about towing capacity. The F-150 crushes this little thing in towing, mostly since our Chinese tri-axle truck lacks a tow hitch and thus has a towing capacity of zero. That’s one of the reasons I had to add a DIY towing hitch to my mini-truck.

Then there are other issues to consider, like is this little mini-truck even capable of operating under that much load? Can it get rolling, and then can it even stop?

To be fair, it’s got twice the motors as mine. Both rear axles have a 4 kW motor mounted to their differentials, offering a 4×6 drive setup. Combined they only offer a 45 km/h (28 mph) top speed, but that’s pretty standard when it comes to Chinese micro-cars.

For $4,200, it’s hard to complain about the speed. Though as we’ve often discovered, that advertised price is usually far below what you’d actually pay to get one of these sent stateside. My Chinese imports have usually wound up costing me around 4x the sticker price, after all is said and done.

But still, $16,000 for one of these might be pretty tempting if all you need is a heavy-hauler and don’t mind small details like bare bones creature comforts or a lack of street legality!

Since none of us is likely to buy one though, let’s just enjoy seeing it in action in the video below.

And since this truck has an extra helping of axles, why not an extra helping of mini-truck videos.

Here’s another one for you!

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China’s first large-scale sodium-ion battery charges to 90% in 12 minutes

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7 hours ago

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May 17, 2024

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China's first large-scale sodium-ion battery charges to 90% in 12 minutes

China sodium-ion
Photo: China Southern Power Grid Energy Storage

China’s first major sodium-ion battery energy storage station is now online, according to state-owned utility China Southern Power Grid Energy Storage.

The Fulin Sodium-ion Battery Energy Storage Station entered operation on May 11 in Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in southern China. Its initial storage capacity is said to be 10 megawatt hours (MWh). Once fully developed, the Station is expected to reach a total capacity of 100 MWh.

The state utility says the 10 MWh sodium-ion battery energy storage station uses 210 Ah sodium-ion battery cells that charge to 90% in a mindblowing 12 minutes. The system comprises 22,000 cells.

Once the project reaches 100 MWh, it could release 73,000 MWh of clean energy each year. That’s enough to power 35,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50,000 tonnes annually.

In an interview with China Central Television, Gao Like, a manager at the Guangxi branch of China Southern Power Grid, said that the energy conversion efficiency of its sodium-ion battery energy storage system exceeds 92%. It’s comparable to the efficiency of common lithium-ion battery storage systems, at 85-95%.

Chen Man, a senior engineer at China Southern Power Grid, said [via the South China Morning Post] that once sodium-ion battery energy storage enters the stage of large-scale development, its cost can be reduced by 20-30%. He continued:

This can be achieved through further improvements in the sodium-ion battery structure, manufacturing process, material utilization, and cycle life, thus lowering the energy storage cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity.

Large-scale sodium-ion batteries are gaining momentum due to their lower cost and abundance of raw materials compared to lithium-ion batteries. The challenges with sodium-ion batteries have been lower energy density and shorter lifespans that can limit efficiency and long-term performance in large-scale applications.

Read more: A new sodium-ion battery breakthrough means they may one day power EVs

To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to 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 you 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. – ad*

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You can now lease a Rivian R1T for cheaper than the Nissan Titan, starting at $559/month

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8 hours ago

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May 17, 2024

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You can now lease a Rivian R1T for cheaper than the Nissan Titan, starting at 9/month

Rivian-R1T-lease-cheaper

If you’ve been eyeing a new Rivian R1T, now may be the time to start shopping. Rivian is offering R1T lease rates as low as $559 per month, which is even cheaper than the Nissan Titan.

After introducing leasing for the R1T last November, Rivian is already offering some massive savings opportunities.

Rivian is offering R1T lease configurations for as low as $559 per month. That’s for a new 2024 Rivian R1T Standard Adventure Package and includes $7,500 in lease cash.

The offer is for a 36-month lease with 30,000 total miles with $7,454 due at signing. That amounts to $766 per month. Total vehicle pricing totals $71,700, including Dual Motor AWD, 21″ Wheels, LA Silver Paint, Black Mountain interior, and a $1,800 destination fee.

Although the Nissan Titan’s MSRP is about $24,000 cheaper, the Rivian R1T is still the better lease deal.

Nissan has the 2024 Titan listed at $659 for 36 months. That’s with $5,949 due at signing, according to online research firm CarsDirect. The offer is based on an MSRP of $52,380 for the SV 4×2 Crew Cab model and 10,000 miles a year, which amounts to $824 a month.

Rivian-R1T-lease-cheaper
Rivian R1T (left) and R1S (right) (Source: Rivian)

Rivian R1T is not the only EV lease getting cheaper

The difference maker is the incentives. We’ve seen it with other models like the Hyundai IONIQ6/5 and Kona Electric.

Kia is also offering up to $12,000 off 2024 EV6 and EV9 models with massive stackable incentives.

GM cut prices on its Blazer EV, while deliveries of the new Equinox EV are now underway. The Equinox EV (2LT) currently starts at $43,295, but the $34,995 (1LT) version will be available later this year. With the $7,500 credit, the Equinox EV can be bought for as little as $35,795.

Rival Ford also slashed prices on the Mach-E by 17% earlier this year, driving triple-digit volume growth. Meanwhile, Ford has introduced several incentives for the F-150 Lightning as it looks to keep its title of top-selling EV pickup in the US.

With up to 410 miles range, an 83.9″ long extendable tailgate, up to 11,000 lbs towing, and a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3 seconds, the R1T is built to upgrade your next adventure.

Rivian-R1T-lease-cheaper
Rivian R1T (left) and R1S (right) (Source: Rivian)

Rivian added R1S leasing options in January. The Rivian R1S can be leased for as little as $639 per month. That’s also for 36 months (30,000 miles total), with $8,534 due at signing.

Rivian’s R1S electric SUV was the seventh best-selling EV in the US last year, topping the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Model X, as demand for large electric SUVs continues to grow.

If you’re ready to see what Rivian has to offer at some of the lowest prices so far, we can help you get started. You can use our links below to view deals on the Rivian R1S and R1T in your area.

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Save up to $400 on Jackery’s new Explorer 1000 v2 power station starting from $679, Greenworks tools 50% off, and more deals

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8 hours ago

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May 17, 2024

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Save up to 0 on Jackery's new Explorer 1000 v2 power station starting from 9, Greenworks tools 50% off, and more deals

Today’s Green Deals are ones of maximum savings on old and new devices alike, headlined by the launch of the pre-order discount on Jackery’s new Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station for $679. It is joined by an early Memorial Day sale that is taking up to 50% off Greenworks tools, including chainsaws, mowers, blowers, trimmers, pressure washers, and more – starting from $97. There’s also a double one-day sale on the NIU KQi3 Pro Electric Kick Scooter for $600 and the GoTrax FLEX VOYAGER Electric Scooter at $370. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals that are still alive and well.

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.

Jackery’s new Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station now available for pre-order at $679

Jackery has launched an early bird pre-order deal on its new Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station for $679 shipped, after using the on-page code E1000V2 at checkout for $120 off. This is the very first opportunity to save on this newly upgraded power station before it begins shipping out next month, giving you until May 31 to lock down your very own ahead of summer. Its predecessor, the standard Explorer 1000, has regularly been discounted between $640 and $650 during most major sales we’ve seen since the new year began, meaning for the same general price you’ll be able to get this updated model instead of settling for its older version.

The new Explorer 1000 v2 arrives upgraded from its standard NMC lithium battery to a LiFePO4 battery for greater efficiency and better operations at lower levels of charge. It’s been given a slight bump up from a 1,002Wh capacity to a 1,070Wh of capacity, with its power output being raised as well from 1,000W to 1,500W. Charging times are also more significantly improved, with what used to take 7.5 hours through a 180W max solar input now only taking 3 hours with a 600W solar input or 1.6 hours via a wall outlet (as well as 12-hour charging through a car port). It features the next generation of Chargeshield 2.0 that provides a whopping 62 forms of all-round protection, so don’t worry about accidental surges from storms, sudden outages, etc. It also has seven output ports for your charging needs: three ACs, two USB-Cs, one USB-A, and one car port.

And if you were just thinking to yourself, “I wish there was a way to grab this model with a solar panel,” you’re in luck – cause Jackery also is giving you the first chance to save on the Explorer 1000 v2 Solar Generator bundle for $899 shipped, down from $1,299, after using the on-page code SG1000V2 at checkout for $400 off. The regular Explorer 1000’s bundle gives you two 100W solar panels (whereas the new Explorer 1000 v2 bundle simplifies it into one 200W panel) and is currently marked down to $1,099, meaning this pre-order deal gives you far more for even less – but keep in mind it also only lasts until May 31, so don’t dawdle too long on making a decision.

As part of its early Memorial Day sales, Amazon is taking up to 50% off a large collection of Greenworks mowers, blowers, trimmers, pressure washers, chainsaws, pole saws, bundles, and more. A standout amongst the bunch is the 24V 6-inch Cordless Electric Mini Chainsaw for $99.97 shipped. Regularly fetching $160, this tool has only seen three discounts since the start of the new year, with the first two keeping at $136, while last month we saw it fall to the $100 low. Today’s deal is a slightly bigger 38% markdown off the going rate that lands it at a new all-time low with only a few cents of difference. We’ve also curated a list of our other top picks in this sale below.

This 6-inch mini chainsaw is an ideal addition for travelers and homeowners alike, equipped with a brushless motor and 2.0Ah battery that is able to make up to 100 cuts on a single charge and fully recharges in up to an hour. Plus, as is common with the brand, the battery can be interchanged with over 125 other devices and tools within the Greenworks ecosystem for more convenient power needs. Its compact design allows it to better fit in tight spaces than any standard chainsaw and it lessens arm fatigue at just 3 pounds. And with its multiple, built-in safety features, like the anti-splash baffle or the safety lock, you’re ensured a much more controlled experience whether it’s for garden or tree pruning, home DIY projects, cutting up firewood, or more.

Other notable Greenworks Memorial Day discounts:

Notable Greenworks Memorial Day bundle discounts:

NIU KQi3 Pro Foldable Electric Kick Scooter hits $600 for today only

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the NIU KQi3 Pro Foldable Electric Kick Scooter for $599.99 shipped. Usually fetching $799, this model has seen very few discounts since the new year began, with its successor, the KQi3 Max often receiving discounts over it. We’ve seen it go for as low as $599 in the past, meaning today’s deal gives you the second-lowest price we have tracked at just $1 above the all-time low from Black Friday sales. Regardless, it’s still a great opportunity to snag this commuting option at its lowest prices – but don’t forget, the deal only lasts until the end of the day.

The NIU KQi3 Pro offers an affordable, longer-than-normal-commuting solution of 31 miles on a single charge at 20 MPH top speeds, matching or coming near many popular e-bike models that go for more. It sports a 350W rear drive motor and a 48V battery that can handle 20% inclines together, as well as wider 21-inch handlebars and 9.5-inch rubber pneumatic tires. Its triple braking system gives you superior stopping power, with braking lights on its backside and a bright Halo headlight for evening or night time cruises, ensuring a safer journey. You’ll also get complete smart controls through the NIU app, letting you monitor or adjust settings, but more importantly it allows for the scooter to be locked for added security. You can also find the upgraded KQi3 Max model on sale as well for $750, down from $1,000.

As a cheaper option for those with a shorter travel distance or perhaps for your teens to start off with, Best Buy is also offering a one-day discount on the GoTrax FLEX VOYAGER Electric Scooter for $370, down from $600. You’re looking at a much more simplified sit-down option here, with a 15.5 MPH top speed for up to 19 miles on a single charge with its 350W motor and 36V battery. Its cushioned seat, working alongside the 14-inch shock-absorbing pneumatic tires and its rear suspension, will ensure a much smoother ride as opposed to other basic standing models. You’ll also get an integrated storage basket for errand running – or perhaps for your kids to ride to school or to a friend’s house.

Spring e-bike deals!

Hover-1 multi-color Instinct Electric Bike parked with kickstand with NYC skyline in background within post for Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station

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.

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