At a recently held technical briefing, Toyota revealed plans for several new technologies, including next-gen EV batteries, aerodynamic drag reduction, and manufacturing upgrades to help transform the company in the electric era. After discovering a breakthrough, Toyota says it aims to offer solid-state state EV batteries that could potentially offer over 900 miles driving range.
Several Toyota executives spoke at the event, explaining the automaker’s upcoming EV tech strategy with concepts that are under development.
Although governments and investors are urging Toyota to go all-electric, the Japanese automaker continues to stick to a hybrid strategy that includes EVs, PHEVs, HEVs, and fuel cell vehicles (FCEV).
Toyota did reveal several new innovations to support its next-generation EVs, including the following:
Manufacturing upgrades to reduce costs
Hypersonic tech to enhance aerodynamics
EV battery tech, including solid-state batteries
Fundamental changes to improve EV product appeal
To ensure its future EVs are profitable, Toyota says it will incorporate a simple and slim vehicle body structure through Giga casting. The process used by Tesla simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of pieces needed to make the car.
Gigacast (Source: Toyota)
Toyota will also integrate technology like a self-propelling assembly line to enable mass-produced cars to move along the assembly line independently.
Through the investments, Toyota aims to cut production lead time, production processes, and factory investment for mass-produced EVs by 50%, a significant fixed cost reduction.
The Japanese automaker is also studying new technology that can reduce drag, such as hypersonic tech used in rockets, for its EVs. Toyota says it’s exploring innovations with the Space Systems Division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Rocket hypersonic tech for aerodynamics (Source: Toyota)
Toyota’s new EV battery tech roadmap
One of the biggest takeaways from Toyota’s briefing was its next-gen EV battery tech. Toyota says it’s advancing its efforts to introduce its next generation of electric vehicles in 2026 with a cruising range of over 620 miles (1,000 km).
The automaker plans to expand its lineup to provide various options to offer buyers more driving range at lower costs.
EV battery tech timeline (Source: Toyota)
Toyota will offer two next-gen battery types in 2026 and 2027, including performance and popularized versions. The performance will use the same lithium nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery chemistry as the bZ4X electric SUV, but will offer 20% more driving range with a 20% cost reduction.
The bZ4X offers 382 miles (615 km) CLTC driving range (however, only 252 miles EPA range), so a 20% increase would be just over 458 miles CLTC.
The popularized version is expected to also offer 20% more driving range, but with a 40% reduction in costs, compared to its first electric model, using a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry.
Its “further evolution” includes a high-performance battery that combines a bipolar structure with a high nickel cathode to increase cruising range by 10%, reduce costs by 20%, and offer quick charging (10% to 80%) in 20 minutes or less.
Toyota bZ4X (Source: Toyota)
Toyota has also discovered a technological breakthrough with solid-state EV battery tech. The battery is expected to offer a 20% improvement in cruising range.
The automaker says it’s accelerating development and aims for mass production from 2027 to 2028, targeting 20% more range and a 10-minute quick charge. A higher-performance version is under research and development, which Toyota says will deliver 50% more cruising range, suggesting it would be over 900 miles.
Small eAxle (Source: Toyota)
Toyota also plans to downsize key EV components, including the motor, gear, train, and inverters, with a “small eAxle” to offer more range and less drag. With next-gen SiC wafers, Toyota aims for 50% less power loss to improve EV energy consumption.
At the end of the briefing, Toyota previewed its multi-pathway platform by converting the powertrain of a Crown into an electric car (shown at the top).
Electrek’s Take
Let’s be clear – there are a lot of bold claims in Toyota’s latest tech briefing. Keep in mind many of these are concepts Toyota is researching and plans to develop or is developing already.
Toyota, and many automakers, have made bold claims in the past like this that have never come to fruition, so don’t get your hopes up too much.
Meanwhile, the new strategy comes a day after several Toyota shareholders revealed they have voted or plan to vote to oust longtime leader and well-known EV critic Akio Toyoda from the board over the automaker failing to set a date to go all-electric.
Toyota may be feeling the pressure to accelerate BEV development, but it continues investing in other areas, including fuel cell and hybrid technology, which will likely be a costly strategy going forward. That’s why shareholders are urging the automaker to pick up the pace or risk losing out on profits.
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Pair your existing batteries with Greenworks’ 80V Venture 20-inch all-terrain utility e-bike at new $1,425 low
Amazon is dropping the price lower than ever on the brand’s 80V Venture 20-inch All-Terrain Fat Tire Utility e-bike (EV only) to $1,424.99 shipped. Priced at $2,100 direct from Greenworks, it carries a lower $1,900 tag at Amazon, where it rarely sees discounts compared to its commuter and mountain bike counterparts. Of the price cuts we have seen, things have only really been brought down between $1,600 to $1,700, with today’s deal giving you a greater $475 in total savings off its going rate at Amazon and $675 off Greenworks’ direct pricing, where a 60V counterpart is currently seeing no discounts – marking a new all-time low. You can also find it at Best Buy coming with a battery and charger for $1,649.99 shipped, which is the only bundle option available among the three retailers.
One of the three e-bikes from Greenworks’ e-transportation lineup, the Venture Utility model comes as an all-terrain means to get around, whether that’s via paved streets or dirt trails. It comes equipped with a 750W brushless rear hub motor that can hit 20 MPH top speeds and can utilize any of your 80V batteries you own for the ecosystem’s tools. When we have seen it with an included battery, it’s been an 80V 4.0Ah model that affords up to 22 miles of travel with its three PAS levels on a single charge of up to 60 minutes.
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The 26-inch by 4-inch Kenda fat tires provide solid traction for on and off-road riding, with a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, dual mechanical disc brakes, an LED headlight, an IPX4 water-resistance rating against light rain, and a digital LCD display. Along with the real-time performance data the display provides, you’ll also be able to connect via Bluetooth for personalization of its settings and tracking your journeys around town.
Get more power for longer jobs with EGO’s 56V 21-inch cordless dual-port mower with two 5.0Ah batteries at new $550 low
Amazon is offering the EGO POWER+ 56V 21-inch Cordless Electric Dual-Port Self-Propelled Lawn Mower with two 5.0Ah batteries at $549.99 shipped. Carrying a $799 price tag, in 2025 we’ve mainly seen it bouncing between $743 and $647 after it went as low as $591 during Christmas sales. Today’s deal is bringing costs down even further, as this 31% markdown cuts $250 off the tag for a new all-time low price, beating our previous mention by $57.
Much like the brand’s cordless electric pressure washer, this EGO mower merges a brushless motor with the brand’s PeakPower system for more power and longer-lasting runtimes. This design provides you with two slots to utilize the included 5.0Ah batteries simultaneously for up to 80 minutes of continuous use. There are six positions of cutting height levels available here, from 1.5 inches to 4 inches, as well as a variable speed control and 3-in-1 functionality for rear bagging, side discharging, and/or mulching. You’ll be able to tackle lawn duties at lower light levels thanks to the LED headlights, with the whole thing sporting a weather-resistant construction for times you may be suddenly interrupted by rain and need to get it out of the elements.
Cruise up to 75 miles on Hiboy’s ergonomic EX6 step-thru e-bike at $900
Hiboy currently has four e-bikes at discounted rates, with the brand’s popular EX6 Step-Thru Fat Tire e-bike down at $899.98 shipped. While this EV carries a $1,580 MSRP on its tag, we more regularly see it discounted down at or below $1,000, including Amazon and Best Buy – the latter of which is currently matching this sale’s price. While we have seen it go as low as $800 in the past, you’re still looking at the third-lowest price we have tracked, which gives you $100 off its usually discounted rate and $680 off its MSRP.
A great starter model for new riders, as well as a more budget-friendly option for folks looking for some serious commuting power, Hiboy’s EX6 e-bike provides up to 25 MPH top speeds and up to 75 miles of travel on a single charge, depending on your riding conditions. The 500W brushless geared hub motor is paired with a removable 48V waterproof battery to achieve this performance, with three pedal assistance modes optimizing its power output for the higher end of its travel range. There is also a standard bicycle mode for the usual cardio, as well as a throttle to go pure electric when you don’t want to pedal, though keep in mind this reduces the mileage.
It’s been designed to be more ergonomically comfortable for those longer ventures around town, especially if you’re using it to get some cardio in. There’s some other solid features like the 7-speed Shimano derailleur, a hydraulic suspension fork, 20-inch all-terrain fat tires, fenders, dual disc brakes, a bright headlight, a rear cargo rack, an IPX4 splash/waterproof rating, and an LCD display.
Hiboy’s other current e-bike deals:
Pick up EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro with a transfer switch or the Smart Home Panel 2 starting from $1,399 (Today only)
As part of its ongoing second phase of Spring-to-Summer savings, EcoFlow has launched the next of its 24-hour flash deals, with two offers running through midnight PDT. The first of these offers bundles the brand’s DELTA Pro Portable Power Station with a transfer switch for $1,999 shipped. This home backup combo normally goes for $4,098 at full price, with the few discounts we’ve seen, mostly in the form of past flash offers, have taken the price down to $2,099 at most, which is where Amazon currently has it priced at. We’re getting an even better deal while the savings last here though, totaling $2,099 that goes back in your pocket for a new all-time low.
One of the brand’s tried and true expansive backup power solutions, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro comes ready to support you through trips and emergencies with a 3,600Wh LiFePO4 capacity that can be added to with the dedicated smart extra batteries and additional power stations to bump things all the way to 25kWh. It covers appliance needs with up to 3,600W of steady output power, which can surge up to 7,200W for hungrier devices, provided through its 14 port options: five AC ports, four USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, two DC ports, and a car port.
Plugging the station into a wall outlet can have you back to a full battery in 1.8 hours, while connecting up to its max 1,600W of solar input with ideal sunny conditions can do the same in 2.8 hours. You’ll get the usual array of remote smart controls through its app, and the included transfer switch in this bundle allows for support of your home or RV, coming pre-wired for an easier time installing it. When utilizing it for your home, you’ll have selective backup over your indoor circuit breaker, which you can learn more about here.
The second of these flash offers is taking the brand’s Smart Home Panel 2 and dropping it down to $1,399 shipped from its full $1,899 tag, returning it to the second-lowest price we have tracked and also matching over at Amazon. The successor to the brand’s transfer switch is a whole-home hub option for folks with the brand’s DELTA Pro Ultra or DELTA Pro 3 power station setups that gives you smarter management control over multiple sources, including any solar roof panels and/or gas generators.
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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Some of my regular readers may remember that I backed a risky-looking Indiegogo campaign for an ultra-low-cost electric bicycle that sounded almost too good to be true. I clearly advised readers against it, but I figured it might still be interesting to take on the risk myself to see what would happen.
And so when I saw an Indiegogo campaign for a super weird-looking electric bike called the Mihogo Mini, I knew I had to have one. With a starting price of $390, it sounded too good to be true, but that has rarely stopped me before.
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When this story last left off, I had thrown down the cash and started my waiting game. Despite the promise of delivery a mere two months later, it actually took around eight months, but a bike box did eventually arrive in my family’s driveway. And to answer the question many of you are wondering, yes, this was pre-tariff insanity, back when a $390 e-bike only cost $390 instead of $899.
If you want to see my full unboxing and testing of the bike, check out my fun video here, which includes a super catchy riding song à la the Simpson’s “Canyanero”.
As promised, my tiny e-bike emerged in all its glory from that small bike box! It wasn’t big or powerful, but it was still pretty awesome. The little thing immediately got up to around 20 mph (32 km/h) despite its modest 350W rear hub motor. The 48V 16Ah battery is even surprisingly large at 768 Wh of capacity! These figures might not sound mindblowing, but for a cheap and diminutive e-bike, they’re downright impressive.
The front suspension fork might be tiny with what appears to be around an inch (25 mm) of travel, but it still counts as suspension. And the 12″ tires, each wrapped in an equally tiny fender, add a smidge more cushion to the ride.
For such a small and inexpensive e-bike, you may be surprised to see that it comes with a fairly detailed color LCD screen that can project turn-by-turn navigation arrows from your phone, a folding handlebar stem, and even front & rear LED lighting. It’s also IP65 rated, meaning you can get it splashed without worrying about instantly shorting out the electronics.
But the coolest feature of all, at least in my opinion, is the wishbone-style frame that creates a hollow cavity in the middle to fit a storage bag (included with the bike). While riding around, you can reach down into your mid-trunk and fish out a water bottle, your phone, or a bag of snacks to keep you going strong.
At just $390, of course there are several sacrifices to be made here. The saddle is pretty far from what most would consider to resemble any form of ‘comfort’, and the small wheels paired with the single-speed drivetrain means that pedaling at above 10-12 mph (16-20 km/h) doesn’t add much more speed. You’re almost entirely reliant on using the hand throttle to go any faster.
Despite its small size, it’s also a bit chunky at 41 lb (19 kg), meaning you’re not going to want to carry it up too many flights of stairs by yourself.
The bike is also quite compact and thus it probably wouldn’t fit someone over 5’10” (178 cm). I’m 5’7″ (170 cm) and it felt ok to me, but it’s obviously built with a domestic Chinese audience in mind, not taller Westerners. They claim it will fit riders up to 6’4″ (195 cm), but only so much as those circus bears technically fit on those tricycles.
For $390 though, it is hard for me to complain about it too much. You even get disc brakes and five color options, which is around three more color options than a lot of big-name e-bike brands in the US!
Don’t risk it like I did
Please don’t do what I did – there are plenty of Indiegogo campaigns that have ended badly, with folks never getting the e-bike or e-scooter they ordered. I went into this accepting that I was taking a big risk and knowing full well that I’d have to be ok with getting screwed over. I figured if a bike arrived, I’d get a nice video and article out of it. And if a bike didn’t, perhaps there’d be an article in that, too. But please don’t take this as a blanket endorsement for backing largely unknown e-bike companies in somewhat questionable crowdfunding campaigns.
I’m glad it paid off for me, and I honestly really like the little thing. It’s a shame that they raised the price up to $599 after the campaign ended (and briefly raised it up to $899 after my video came out and they apparently tried to capitalize on all the orders they were suddenly getting). For now it seems to be back to $599 while the company waits to see if they’ll have to raise prices again due to the Trump tariffs.
In the meantime, I’ll keep enjoying my weird little e-bike. Mihogo, Mihogo!
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GM announced that it has hired Sterling Anderson, who is known for being the early head of Tesla Autopilot and co-founder of self-driving startup Aurora.
Anderson joined Tesla in 2014 to lead the Model X program, but he is better known for being the early leader of the Autopilot program at Tesla from 2015 to 2016.
He left the automaker to co-found Aurora, a self-driving startup, with Chris Urmson, a founding member of Google’s self-driving project, which became Waymo.
In recent years, Aurora has been focused on bringing self-driving technology to trucks.
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Today GM announced that Anderson will joined the company in a new role of “Chief Product Officer” starting on June 2.
GM wrote about the role in an email:
In this newly created role, Sterling will oversee GM’s end-to-end product lifecycle, ensuring a cohesive strategy that integrates hardware, software, and services to deliver exceptional quality, performance, and user experiences across our global portfolio of gas-powered and electric vehicles.
In his new role, Sterling will have several direct reports, including another former Tesla exec, Kurt Kelty, who now leads GM’s Battery, Propulsion and Sustainability team. He will also oversee Global Manufacturing & Product Engineering, Research & Development (led by Josh Tavel), Software and Services Product (led by Bariş Cetinok), and Vehicle Product Programs, Product Safety, Integration & Motorsports (led by Ken Morris).
GM president Mark Reuss:
“With decades of leadership in automotive engineering, tech start-ups, and software innovation, Sterling is absolutely the right person to help us accelerate the pace of progress across the entire portfolio and to build vehicles with the design, performance, and technology that our customers want and expect.”
Anderson has an extensive educational background in robotics and expertise in motion planning and autonomous controls, which could indicate the direction GM is taking for its products.
Electrek’s Take
Former Tesla execs are now holding prominent roles on the product side of several major US automakers.
Doug Field leads Ford’s electric vehicle division, and Anderson has the top product role at GM.
What I like about this is that many of Tesla’s early employees, like Field and Anderson, were true believers of Tesla’s mission to accelerate the advent of electric transport.
Now they get to push this agenda in legacy automakers, which can have a great impact on that mission.
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