Connect with us

Published

2 years ago

on

Nikola truck fire

Nikola Corporation had a significant safety defect in the battery modules used in its electric semi trucks that can result in fires. Yet, the company was quick to claim “foul play” when five trucks caught on fire at its headquarters last week.

Nikola says that it is still investigating the situation.

Last week, we reported on the Phoenix fire department confirming that five Nikola semitrucks caught on fire at their headquarters. The company was quick to tell the public it believed “foul play” was involved in the fire, but it didn’t have a lot of evidence to back the claim. It only mentioned that a vehicle was seen on the scene prior to the fire.

The Phoenix fire department was still investigating the fire at the time Nikola made that statement. We contacted the fire department to ask for an update on the investigation when it is available, but we haven’t received an update yet.

In the meantime, we received concerning information about the battery modules that Nikola uses in its electric trucks, which company insiders believe could have led to the fire.

Nikola gets its battery modules for its Tre semitruck from Romeo Power, a company that it acquired last year after already being its main client for battery pack design and manufacturing. Romeo designed and produced the Hermes and Legion battery modules for the Nikola Tre.

Last year, engineers working on the battery modules detected a major problem where the cells were corroded and would self-discharge.

Electrek saw an internal report that investigated the issue:

A team inspected a number of modules in production, and many had the same issue.

They eventually tracked the problem down to the laser welding puncturing some of the battery cells in the modules.

The tests in the report were performed on the Hermes module because, unlike the Legion module, it doesn’t have potting on the cells, which can hide the puncture issue, but the problem was first identified in the Legion module, which is the one that was delivered to Nikola during the time it started production of the Tre, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Electrek was shown a video of the problem with the cells corroding within only two cycles in some cases:

The corrosion can create heat generation and increase resistance at the joint.

It can create several problems, including lithium plating and an imbalance in the voltage delta, which was mentioned in Romeo Power’s report on the issue:

These issues could all lead to potential thermal events in the battery packs, according to the insider, especially as they continue to cycle.

According to a former Romeo employee with knowledge of the problem, engineering executives recommended shutting down the production of the modules, but Susan Brennan, who was CEO of Romeo at the time, decided to keep production going and to try to fix the issue in parallel.

Electrek reached out to Brennan for an interview, but we didn’t get a response.

Nikola’s leadership was also made aware of the issue, but they already had millions of dollars worth of battery modules meant for its electric semitrucks, which the company was in a hurry to bring to production as it was hemorrhaging cash.

On top of it, the relationship of buyer-supplier between Romeo and Nikola was blurred now that the latter was acquiring the former.

A company insider told Electrek that Romeo kept producing potentially damaged battery modules for Nikola, and it is possible some of those battery modules could have made it into Nikola trucks.

While we can’t confirm that it led to the trucks catching on fire at its headquarters last week, it is a possibility, as punctured cells can lead to thermal events in batteries.

We contacted Nikola about this issue, and the company acknowledged that they were aware of the problem, but they believe no damaged modules have made their way into Nikola production trucks.

A spokesperson wrote in an email:

For production Nikola vehicles, Nikola requested Romeo not to ship known leaking modules. When weld issues were identified at Romeo’s end-of-line process, a quarantine process was implemented which required performance of a thorough inspection on every module, including end-of-line functionality checks. To our knowledge and based upon assurances made by our supplier Romeo, Nikola did not put any modules with weld issues in our production vehicles. 

They claim to know that based on “assurances made by [their] supplier Romeo.” Romeo is now owned by Nikola, and we have seen evidence that the problem was ongoing when Nikola was producing the Tre. A company insider disputed that there was “a quarantine process.”

Also, it’s hard to confirm which modules have punctured cells, as the Legion module has potting hiding the joints of the cells.

A Nikola spokesperson tried to convince Electrek that the problem was only with the Hermes module while the Legion module was the one that ended up in the Tre, but a source familiar with both modules told Electrek that the cell puncture issue was first identified on a Legion module at Romeo Power’s Vernon facility. It was also identified in the production modules at the Cypress facility later on.

On top of the known battery problem, a company insider told Electrek that Nikola’s claim of “foul play” was a stretch. We were shown reports and videos of fire resistance testing showing the battery modules surviving extended exposure to powerful flames:

A company insider familiar with the battery modules told Electrek that “you could literally throw burning fuel on these packs and unless it’s sustained for a long period of time, you wouldn’t even notice.” Therefore, the insider finds it hard to believe that someone was able to light the trucks on fire – leading to battery pack fires.

Obviously, the situation looks better for Nikola if someone had set the trucks on fire rather than the fire potentially originating from the batteries.

When asked by Electrek if the company is still considering “foul play,” Nikola said that it is “not ruling out anything” and it is running “multiple investigations” that “could take weeks.”

The fire comes at a difficult time for Nikola. The company has only a few weeks left to convince its shareholders to let them issue more shares in order to raise more cash to keep the company going.

Issuing more shares would further dilute Nikola’s stock, which is already down almost 94% over the last two years.

Electrek’s Take

Obviously, we need an independent investigation into this issue by experts, but it is not a good look.

As for the foul play claim, I feel like we would already have clear information on this if it were true. I doubt that Nikola wouldn’t have cameras pointed at what was millions of dollars worth of brand-new electric trucks. If there had been any foul play, it would have been identified and made public by now.

On the other side, I saw clear evidence that Nikola had a major defect in its battery modules and solid insider sources that say those modules were shipped to Nikola with no clear evidence that the problem was ever fully solved before it produced the Tre truck.

The question seems to be if Nikola really understood the situation or not and the risk that came with using the modules amid the acquisition of Romeo, but it’s not a good look either way.

Normally, I’d find it hard to believe that a company would knowingly take the risk of putting those modules inside its vehicles, but it’s not impossible, considering the company was under tremendous pressure to deliver the truck.

Nikola has been working hard to distance itself from the era of Trevor Milton, its founder, and all the fraud that happened at the time, but I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see them cut corners again. But it sounds like there’s also the potential that Nikola thought that the Legion modules were fine when they put them in their trucks.

And before all the NKLA investors jump on me for this report, no, I don’t have and never had a short position on Nikola. I would love for Nikola’s electric truck program to be successful, as I think removing emissions from trucking is an extremely important mission.

With that said, it needs to be made safely and sustainably. That doesn’t seem to be the case with Nikola right now.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Environment

Jackery Father’s Day Sale takes up to $3,300+ off power stations, Ride1Up e-bikes $400+ off, EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale, more

Published

1 hour ago

on

June 11, 2025

By

Jackery Father's Day Sale takes up to ,300+ off power stations, Ride1Up e-bikes 0+ off, EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale, more

Green Deals for Dads are in full swing, as today’s savings are led by Jackery’s Father’s Day Sale that is taking up to $3,300 off power stations alongside three tiers of bonus savings and reward point benefits for members for even more discounts, free gear, and more. Among the lineup we’re seeing, the brand’s upgraded Explorer 2000 v2 Solar Generator bundle with a 500W panel is back at $1,424, which can cover most of your off-grid backup power needs this summer and beyond. There’s also the Father’s Day savings from Ride1Up, which is taking $400 off e-bikes and offering up to $300 in extra savings when buying two together – all from $995. EcoFlow has also launched a 48-hour flash sale on three offers, giving you either the RIVER 3 Plus power station, an expanded DELTA Pro setup, or a 500W solar panel add-on starting from $239. Lastly, we spotted the first savings on Greenworks’ 24V 12-inch Cordless String Trimmer/Edger with a brush cutter bundle for $100. Plus, there’s all the rest of the hangover Green Deals in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Heybike Father’s Day e-bike sale, the six (now extended) Bluetti flash offers, 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.

Jackery Father’s Day Sale returns Explorer 2000 v2 bundle with 500W panel to $1,424

Jackery has launched its Father’s Day Sale running through June 18 with up to $3,300 in savings on power stations, solar generator bundles, and accessories – plus, there are three different tiers of extra savings, and members can use reward point benefits to score additional savings, gear, and more. Among the many solid backup options we’re seeing, one of the best middle-ground options is the Explorer 2000 v2 Solar Generator bundle with a 500W panel for $1,424.05 shipped, after using the code DAD5 at checkout for an additional 5% off. At full price, you’d have to shell out $2,499 for this newer package, which we’ve only seen beaten out once before during the brand’s Earth Day Sale when it was offered for $25 less. This is otherwise the best deal we have tracked, giving you a $1,075 price cut and beating out Amazon’s current pricing by $175.

Jackery’s Father’s Day Sale is offering a nice array of extra savings opportunities, starting with the three bonus discount tiers. You can use the code DAD5 at checkout for an extra 5% off orders over $1,300, while the code DAD7 takes an extra 7% off orders over $2,500 and the code DAD10 takes 10% off orders over $3,000. On top of these, those who are registered members (free signup) can trade in collected points to get up to $450 off coupons, Jackery gift cards, third-party gift cards, or free gear.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Jackery’s Explorer 2000 v2 was redesigned last year with LiFePO4 battery cells and comes as a well-rounded option to cover outdoor leisure, off-grid living, jobsite needs, emergency backup during power outages, and more. It has a 2,042Wh capacity and delivers up to 2,200W of steady output through the seven port options, able to go as high as 4,400W. The battery can be recharged to 80% in around 66+ minutes through a wall outlet, with a supercharge feature that can boost speeds to reach a full battery in 102+ minutes. You can even plug it into your car’s auxiliary port for a 24-hour charge, or invest in solar panels (max 400W input) to utilize the sun’s rays to refill the battery.

Thanks to Jackery’s honeycomb design paired alongside exclusive CBT tech, it comes in a much smaller and lighter form factor than you may expect, complete with 62 different forms of charging protections and a silent mode for when you plug it in while you sleep.

***Note: The following prices have not had any of the extra savings factored in, so be sure to use the three promo codes DAD5, DAD7, or DAD10 where eligible to score the biggest savings during this event.

Jackery’s Father’s Day Sale compact travel backup deals:

Jackery’s Father’s Day Sale appliance backup deals:

Jackery’s Father’s Day Sale home backup deals:

Jackery’s Father’s Day Sale add-on accessory deals:

You can browse Jackery’s entire Father’s Day Sale lineup of deals by heading to the landing page here.

Ride1Up Portola folding e-bike

Ride1Up’s Portola folding e-bike makes a great budget-friendly and space-saving commuter for Dad at $995

Ride1Up has some Father’s Day savings that are carrying over the e-bike deals we saw during its Memorial Day Sale, with the added bonus of select extra savings at up to $300 off when buying two models together. The most budget-friendly model amongst the bunch is the Portola Compact Folding e-bike that starts from $995 shipped for its 10.4Ah model, while the upgraded 13.4Ah model is down at $1,095 shipped. Going for $1,095 and $1,195 normally, it doesn’t often see price cuts, with most of the discounts we have spotted being these $100 markdowns, aside from the $200 markdown we last saw during Black Friday. You’re looking at the second-lowest price we have tracked, which will get an additional $100 in savings when two are bought together.

A well known option among the brand’s models, the Portola Folding e-bike brings budget-friendly pricing along with space-saving capabilities. As I previously mentioned, there are two battery configurations to choose from, with the standard 10.4Ah battery giving you up to a 40-mile travel range, while the 13.4Ah battery increases that to 45+ miles – achieving the best mileage when its PAS levels are activated. Speaking of the PAS, when its turned on you’ll gain assistance up to its max 28 MPH speeds, while using the throttle for pure-electric riding only reaches 20 MPH.

There’s plenty of solid features here for the low prices, with both models sporting 3-inch wide cross-country tires with fenders over each, a suspension travel fork, dual piston hydraulic brakes, Shimano Altus 8-speed derailleur, front and rear LED lights (with brake lighting), an integrated rear cargo rack (which is compatible with the brand’s passenger kit), the folding frame, and a 2.2-inch LCD display for setting adjustments and real-time performance data. You can learn more in our hands-on review.

Ride1Up’s other Father’s Day e-bike deals:

  • Roadster V3 Lightweight Premium Belt-Drive e-bike: $1,395 (Reg. $1,495)
    • 25 MPH for up to 40 miles
  • Roadster V3 Lightweight Premium chain-drive e-bike: $1,395 (Reg. $1,495)
    • 28 MPH for up to 40 miles
  • Prodigy v2 Brose Mid-Drive 9-Speed e-bike: $2,095 (Reg. $2,495)
    • 28 MPH for up to 50 miles
    • gets extra savings when buying two
  • Revv 1 Full Suspension Moped-Style e-bike: $2,395 (Reg. $2,595)
    • 20+ MPH for up to 60 miles
    • gets extra savings when buying two
  • Revv 1 DRT Off-Road Moped-Style e-bike: $2,495 (Reg. $2,595)
    • 20+ MPH for up to 60 miles
    • gets extra savings when buying two
  • Prodigy v2 Brose Mid-Drive Gates Belt CVT e-bike: $2,595 (Reg. $2,795)
    • 28 MPH for up to 50 miles
    • gets extra savings when buying two
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus portable power station

EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale offers up to 46% off two power station setups and a solar panel option starting from $239

As part of its ongoing Father’s Day Sale, EcoFlow has launched its one scheduled 48-hour flash sale that will run through June 12, with up to 46% off three offers. Things start with the new RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station for $239 shipped. It released back in February at a $299 full price, which we’ve seen discounted a few times already and which is seeing a 20% markdown here during this flash event. While we have seen it go as low as $189 in the past, you’re still looking at a solid $60 price cut at the best rate we can find, with Amazon currently offering it for $269.

If you’d prefer to travel or go camping with a more compact means to get backup power for your devices and small appliances, EcoFlow’s RIVER 3 Plus is the latest model to serve that need at 10 pounds. It starts with a 286Wh LiFePO4 capacity that can be invested in and expanded as high as 840Wh with either the EB300 or EB600 expansion batteries (sold separately). With six output options to connect to (three ACs, two USB-As, and a high-speed USB-C), it dishes out a steady stream of power at up to 600W, surging to 1,200W when necessary, thanks to the equipped X-Boost tech.

Plugging it into a standard wall outlet goes much faster with its X-Stream charging tech, taking just an hour to get the battery back to full. There’s also the 220W max solar input that can do the same in 1.5 hours with ideal conditions. You’ll also have a nice array of protection from any surging that may happen when it’s connected to an outlet, with the unit also giving you both LED and app-based notifications should it ever occur, keeping you in the know while ensuring nothing gets fried.

The second of these offers takes the backup power game to much larger levels, as you can get the DELTA Pro Portable Power Station bundled with a Smart Extra Battery for $3,499 shipped, coming down from $6,498. You’ll be getting a 3,600Wh starting LiFePO4 capacity that is doubled to 7,200Wh with the expansion battery, and which can go as high as 25kWh with more. Through its 14 port options you’ll get up to 3,600W of steady power and as much as 7,200W when it surges for larger needs, covering home appliances in emergency cases. It recharges either through a wall outlet, with a max 1,600W solar input, or with a car’s auxiliary port. Of course, you can take advantage of the last of these flash offers to grab it with solar capabilities while the brand’s 500W Bifacial Modular Solar Panel (125W x 4) is at $549 shipped from $899, which normally only gets discounted to $600 to $649 during sales.

You can browse EcoFlow’s entire Father’s Day Sale lineup in our original coverage here.

Greenworks 24V 12-inch cordless string trimmer/edger

First savings on Greenworks’ 24V 12-inch cordless string trimmer/edger with brush cutter attachment bundle at $100

Amazon is now offering the first chance at savings on an all-new bundle that gives you the 24V 12-inch Cordless String Trimmer/Edger with a 4.0Ah battery, brush cutter attachment, and 20 replacement blades for $99.99 shipped. It landed at Amazon back in April carrying a $130 price tag in full, which is where it’s kept at until now. This is the first deal we’ve spotted, giving you a solid $30 in savings – plus, it’s not available directly from Greenworks’ website at the moment either, only the tool with a lesser 2.0Ah battery for $4 more.

This 24V cordless string trimmer/edger from Greenworks makes a great option for first-time homeowners or just beginners taking care of uneven lawns and/or tight fence lines. It provides a 12-inch cutting swath, and can easily switch between trimming and edging with the press of a button. The included 4.0Ah battery delivers enough juice for up to 45 minutes of continuous use, with the whole thing weighing just over five pounds, making it easily manageable.

There’s a single-line auto-feed head that stands up to jamming, along with a push-button start, a safety lock switch to prevent accidental starts, a seven-position pivoting head, and a telescoping shaft to match users’ varying heights/postures. What’s more, it comes with the brush cutter attachment and 20 replacement blades so you can mow through tougher terrain and thicker buildups.

There’s plenty more Greenworks deals that we’ve already spotted this week, like the 80V 18-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw at its $320 low, or the first discount hitting the 60V 30-inch CrossoverT Riding Lawn Tractor bundle with four 8.0Ah batteries, one 20.0Ah battery, a wall charger, and a rear add-on bagger system at $1,000 off.

Best Spring 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.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

The 2025 Kia EV9 sold out faster than expected

Published

1 hour ago

on

June 11, 2025

By

The 2025 Kia EV9 sold out faster than expected

Kia-EV9-sold-out

Kia’s three-row electric SUV sold out faster than expected. The 2025 Kia EV9 is already sold out in the US, just as the 2026 model begins arriving at dealerships.

The 2025 Kia EV9 is sold out in the US

After setting its second consecutive US sales record last year, Kia boasted that it had “solidified its position within the EV market.”

Sean Yoon, CEO of Kia North America, credited the successful launch of its flagship EV9 for the company’s growing share of the EV market.

Kia sold over 22,000 EV9 models in the US in 2024. However, sales have slowed recently, with only 37 units sold in May. Now, we may know why.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

According to national inventory data (via CarsDirect), the 2025 Kia EV9 sold out sooner than expected. Although the 2026 models are starting to arrive at dealerships, they are still pretty hard to come by right now.

Up until last week, Kia was offering some pretty significant discounts on 2025 EV9 models, including a $10,000 customer cash rebate or 0% APR.

Kia-EV9-sold-out
2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line (Source: Kia)

Kia is offering a few discounts on the 2026 EV9, but not as substantial as those on the outgoing model. The 2026 EV9 is available with up to $5,000 in savings, including a $4,000 rebate and a $1,000 EV (or PHEV) conquest bonus. Or, you can opt for 3.49% APR financing for 72 months.

Since Kia is now building all EV9 models in Georgia, outside of the GT, it qualifies for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. At least, for now.

Kia-EV9-sold-out
2026 Kia EV9 (Source: Kia)

Including the EV tax credit, you can potentially score up to $12,500 off MSRP, which is even more than the $10,000 on the outgoing model.

Kia improved the 2026 model year with a few upgrades, including more range and features at no extra cost. The base 2026 Kia EV9 Light Standard Range model starts at $54,900 with up to 230 miles of range.

Kia EV9 trim 2025MY price 2026MY price
EV9 Light Standard Range $54,900 $54,900
EV9 Light Long Range $59,900 $57,900
EV9 Wind $63,900 $63,900
EV9 Land $69,900 $68,900
EV9 GT-Line $73,900 $71,900
2025 and 2026 Kia EV9 price by trim

For $57,900, you can upgrade to the Long Range variant, which offers a range of 305 miles. All AWD models now come with Terrain Mode, offering various drive modes, including Snow, Mud, and Sand. This replaces the 4WD on the outgoing model.

With leases starting at $399 per month, the EV9 remains a relatively good deal for a three-row electric SUV, considering its MSRP of $54,900.

Looking to test one out for yourself? You can use our link to find Kia EV9 models at a dealer near you (trusted affiliate link).

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra snags all-time fastest lap for a mass-produced EV at Nürburgring [Video]

Published

3 hours ago

on

June 11, 2025

By

Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra snags all-time fastest lap for a mass-produced EV at Nürburgring [Video]

fastest Nürburgring

Move over, Rimac. There’s a new all-electric speed leader at the famed Nürburgring track. Veteran smartphone manufacturer and young automotive arm Xiaomi recently achieved the fastest time for a production EV at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

If you’re trying to prove to the world that you have the fastest EV, the Nürburgring is likely the proving ground. The world-renowned German track has seen an immeasurable number of hot laps in its nearly 100 years of existence.

As BEVs have emerged as not only the future of passenger mobility, but as a significantly faster and more powerful option to combustion vehicles, Nürburgring has seen some of the fastest laps of the past decade.

EVs like the Tesla Model S Plaid and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT have garnered blistering times at the Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop). Until today, the previous record for a production model BEV was 7:05.298, achieved by Martin Kodrić behind the wheel of a Rimac Nevera in 2023.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Now, a new champion has emerged as the world’s fastest production EV at Nürburgring, and you may recognize its logo on Curve 12 of the track’s Grand Prix Circuit. The SU7 Ultra – the only model on the market from young EV automaker Xiaomi- has achieved the fastest time of 7:04.957 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

fastest Nürburgring
Source: Xiaomi Automobile/Weibo

Xiaomi delivers the fastest EV model at Nürburgring

Today’s record-setting news is part of a young but blossoming relationship between the automotive arm of Xiaomi Inc. and the renowned German race track.

In July 2024, Xiaomi founder, chairman, and CEO Lei Jun confirmed a production version of the SU7 Ultra was in the works and would arrive in the first half of 2025. At the time, Xiaomi shared plans to take a prototype version of the tri-motor BEV to Nürburgring that October, chasing records of some of the fastest models on the planet.

That version snagged its own record for a four-door vehicle, completing its lap around the Nordschleife in 6:46.874. After Xiaomi’s record-breaking drive on the Nordschleife last fall, the Chinese automaker was invited to join Nürburgring’s “Industriepool” – a members-only program where automakers and suppliers test and develop new vehicles and their components at Nürburgring sixteen weeks each year.

That invite was also part of a “far-reaching partnership” announced in May that included advertising around the site, including “Xiaomi Curve” on the Grand Prix Circuit. As an Industriepool member, the Xiaomi team recently took a production version of the SU7 Ultra around the Nürburgring Nordschleife before garnering a fresh title as the fastest. Per the company’s Weibo post:

7 minutes 04 seconds 957, the fastest mass-produced electric car in the history of the Nürburgring Nordschleife! The mass-produced version of the #SU7Ultra first lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife, breaking the lap record of mass-produced electric cars on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

With its official track time of 7:04.957, Xiaomi has usurped Rimac as the fastest lap for production BEV at Nürburgring Nordschleife. Some may argue that the Nevera is not a mass-produced BEV, so in that case, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra also beat out the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT’s 2024 lap time of 7:07.55.

Either way, Xiaomi is the new speed leader for production EVs at Nürburgring, although it may not be for long. When announcing the new record on Weibo, Xiaomi founder Lei Jun said, “I believe this record will be broken again in the near future.”

Will that record be broken by Xiaomi or another BEV manufacturer? Time will tell. For now, you can check out Xiaomi’s unedited lap video here.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending