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Early this morning, the Fremantle Highway, a large cargo ship, caught fire in the North Sea, off the coast of Ameland in the Netherlands. The fire has killed one person on board and injured several more, though all 23 crew members have at this point been evacuated from the ship.

The cargo ship was carrying 2,832 gas-powered cars, complete with a large amount of volatile energy stored in their gas tanks, and 25 electric ones, from Germany to Egypt. Naturally, the media seems to have taken one statement from the Dutch Coast Guard and misinterpreted it, jumping to exactly the premature conclusion that you probably did when you saw this headline pop up on our site.

An early article about the cargo ship fire quoted Lea Versteeg, a spokesperson for the Dutch Coast Guard, as having made this statement over the phone:

It’s carrying cars, 2,857, of which 25 are electrical cars, which made the fire even more difficult. It’s not easy to keep that kind of fire under control and even in such a vessel it’s not easy.

We’re not sure who made the phone call, but since it’s in the Associated Press article, we suspect they might be the first who got this statement directly from Versteeg’s mouth.

NOS, the Dutch public broadcaster, cites a “Coast Guard spokesperson” as saying that presumably the fire was started by an EV. But unlike AP, NOS does not name the spokesperson nor does it have a direct quote from said spokesperson. So we really don’t know whether NOS talked to a spokesperson, or is cribbing from the Versteeg quote above – and changing its meaning in the process.

Reuters echoed NOS’s statement in its original article on the fire, but in a more recent article, it has now walked that back, stating “the coastguard said on its website that the cause of the fire was unknown, but a coastguard spokesperson had earlier told Reuters it began near an electric car” (emphasis ours).

But what the Versteeg quote above seems to mean is that in a ship full of vehicles, each of which is carrying their own at least partially full energy storage container (whether that be a gas tank or a battery), it’s going to be hard to put out a fire because there is a lot of fuel available for that fire. Further, given that there is a mix of fuels, it’s hard to pick a single tactic to put all of them out at once, because firefighting methods are different for different types of fires.

What the quote clearly doesn’t mean is that the Coast Guard is blaming this fire on an electric car.

And how do we know that? Well, we called them and asked them. And they told us that, no, they have not made a statement to that effect, because they don’t know the cause of the fire yet, and that this seems to be speculation in the media.

We also checked the Dutch Coast Guard’s liveblog about the firefighting efforts, and their Twitter page, and neither said anything about electric cars. In fact, the liveblog has now been updated to say, “The cause of the fire is still unknown.” And it makes sense that the Coast Guard would not know yet what the source of the fire is, and it would be unprofessional of them to say so, given that the fire isn’t even contained yet.

So we must conclude that this is being misreported. An official statement in writing says the cause is unknown. There is nothing from officials in writing mentioning the speculation about electric cars. We don’t have a direct quote, and we don’t have a name for the spokesman who said it. The misreported information seems like it could have come from a misinterpretation of a direct quote that we do know of, and at least one of the sources has now walked it back. It was confirmed to us over the phone that the Coast Guard has not come to this conclusion and that this is all media speculation.

One thing we do know is that cargo ship fires are not uncommon, with hundreds happening last year. We also know that another cargo ship carrying ~1,200 gas cars (and zero electric) caught fire earlier this month in New Jersey, killing two. And we know that gasoline is literally supposed to combust, that’s its entire purpose, and it does, commonly, since gas cars are several times more likely to catch fire than EVs are.

And yet, you probably have a strong association in your subconscious between fires and electric cars.

This association is why events like the aforementioned reporting on the 1,200-car ship had to specifically mention that “there were no electric cars on board.” Because the last time a ship made headlines for burning, it was one that had a lot of electric cars on board (and notably also several gas-powered Lamborghini Aventadors, which have been recalled for fires). And despite burning ships being a not-uncommon event, this one made so many headlines precisely because of the nature of the electric cars on board.

That event also had several early reports laying blame on said electric cars, but that was also early speculation, by media, never by official authorities, and the cause of that fire is still unclear to this day. But the association remains.

There is a concept in journalism that is summarized as “Man Bites Dog.” The saying goes that you would never report on a dog biting a man, because that’s a common occurrence, but if a man bites a dog, well, that’s interesting and rare, so that belongs in the paper.

What this means is that news tends to magnify rare events, and de-emphasize common ones. And in our media-saturated landscape, where everyone is constantly being bombarded by headlines that they don’t have the time or inclination to analyze (thank you to the ~.1% of people who saw the headline and actually clicked and read through to this sentence), this leads people to have a warped view of the commonality of certain events.

Unfortunately, in writing this article, we have become part of the problem. By posting about fires in an electric vehicle publication, we have created an association in the minds of anyone who sees this headline between electric cars and fires.

Which is why persistent associations like these are so hard to shake. Even the debunking itself can reinforce the association, through a concept known as the “backfire effect.”

Unfortunately, there is no single magic bullet to combat this. What we can do is encourage people to be critical but not cynical about the information you read, check several sources (that preferably do not look like they’re all cribbing from the same single statement), try to avoid sources that are clearly tabloids or have a clear ideological bias (e.g., Daily Mail, a climate denying publication, which wrongly put EVs in its headline on this story), and try to maintain perspective, especially when encountering purported problems with new technologies. (That is, if people bring up a problem with something new, does that problem also exist with the old thing it’s replacing? Have you merely accepted the devil you know, and are afraid of the devil you don’t know?)

And that goes double for journalists. This is your job, that phone call took all of a minute of my time to clear that up. The tweet was another couple minutes to find because I had to search in Dutch. The liveblog was a few minutes because it’s slammed with more traffic than the Dutch Coast Guard usually has to deal with.

None of this took longer than the amount of time it takes to write an article… but it did take longer than it takes to react with a 140-character quip via tweet. And thus, the lie travels halfway around the world while truth is still putting on its shoes.

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Mercedes gives first look at the GLB EV interior and it’s loaded with massive screens [Images]

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3 hours ago

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November 11, 2025

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Mercedes gives first look at the GLB EV interior and it's loaded with massive screens [Images]

Mercedes-GLB-EV-first-look

The Mercedes GLB EV will be here in less than a month. With its debut just around the corner, Mercedes offered a first look at the new GLB EV’s interior, and yes, it’s loaded with massive screens.

First look at the new Mercedes GLB EV interior

Mercedes is putting the new electric GLB through the paces at the Mercedes Technology Center (MTC) in Singlefingen, Germany, ahead of its world premiere on December 8.

The testing is conducted in wind tunnels that range in temperature from -40 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, snow cannons shoot various types of snow while high-powered fans generate winds up to 124 mph, simulating fierce blizzard conditions.

Although it’s covered in snow, you can still see that the new EV version maintains a similar boxy design to the current gas-powered GLB.

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If you look a little closer, it appears to have a larger grille design, like the new GLC EV, which Mercedes said “redefines” the face of the brand.

Mercedes also unveiled the new GLB EV’s interior for the first time, which looks pretty similar to the GLC’s. The optional floating MBUX Superscreen is the highlight, extending the entire width of the dash.

Mercedes-GLB-EV-first-look
The new Mercedes GLB EV during cold-weather testing (Source: Mercedes-Benz)

It also features Mercedes’ new multifunction steering wheel, which reintroduces a rocker switch for the cruise control.

Another new feature is the concave door handle design, which features a floating center panel that opens a storage space. The center console has a similar design, offering an optional wireless charging cradle and cup holders.

Mercedes-GLB-EV-interior-first-look
The interior of the new Mercedes GLB EV (Source: Mercedes-Benz)

Mercedes said the new SUV offers “noticeably more headroom for first and second row occupants” compared to its predecessor. It will offer standard seating for five, with the option to add a third row for seven.

According to Mercedes, the new GLB takes “interior climate comfort” to the next level. For example, the climate control heats up twice as fast as its predecessor during a 20-minute drive at 19 degrees Fahrenheit. Mercedes said that since it only requires half the energy of the current GLB, it helps maximize range.

We will learn more about the Mercedes GLB EV on December 8. Check back soon for updates.


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Segway early Black Friday takes hundreds off EVs from $150, exclusive $1,082 savings on refurbished Anker SOLIX units, Jackery, more

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4 hours ago

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November 11, 2025

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Segway early Black Friday takes hundreds off EVs from 0, exclusive ,082 savings on refurbished Anker SOLIX units, Jackery, more


If you didn’t know, today is Singles’ Day, and as such, our Green Deals edition has some great opportunities to celebrate and treat yourself with, starting at Segway’s early Black Friday Sale with up to 30% discounts on several e-scooters and e-bikes starting from $150. We also secured exclusive deals with up to $1,082 savings on nine refurbished Anker SOLIX power stations and solar panels, like the renewed F3800 Portable Power Station at a new $1,597 low. There’s also the new Jackery Explorer 240D Portable Power Station back at its $139 low, as well as a new Worx Intellicut mower low, DEWALT’s 6-tool combo kit at an annual low, and our Singles’ Day roundup bringing up the rear. And don’t forget about the hangover deals that are collected together at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s full Anker SOLIX early Black Friday Sale lineup, 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.

Save hundreds in early Black Friday/Singles’ Day savings on Segway EVs to upgrade your commute, starting from $150

Segway has officially kicked off its early Black Friday Sale that will also coincide with Singles’ Day, giving lone riders a great opportunity at hundreds in savings on the brand’s select lineup of e-scooters and accessories. One such notable deal is the E2 Pro Electric Scooter that is dropping to $379.99 shipped, and also matching at Amazon. While it carries a $600 MSRP direct from the brand’s website, you’ll more often find it posted up at $500 in full over at Amazon, with most of the discounts we’ve seen over 2025 having kept costs above $400, save for the few drops to $330 we saw earlier in the year. During these early holiday promotions, you can score it at the second-best price we have tracked, giving you $120 off the going rate and $220 off the MSRP. Head below to browse the full lineup of Segway’s early Black Friday deals.

A great commuter for folks who don’t want to shell out too much money, but still want one of the more premium brands supporting them through travels around town, the Segway E2 Pro electric scooter has you covered for up to 21.7 miles on a single charge, thanks to the 275Wh battery. That battery runs the 750W motor and rear-wheel drive system, with enough power to handle up to 18% inclines while giving you top speeds of 15.5 MPH.

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One notable inclusion here is the Apple Find My integration for greater security, allowing you to keep track of your scooter and hunt it down in case of theft, which has been needed for such models that utilize push-button starts without keys. Your riding experience will also benefit from the front and rear turn signals, anti-skid traction control, 10-inch air-leakage-proof tubeless tires, 2.8-inch integrated LED dashboard for setting adjustments, and more.

Segway’s full early Black Friday Sale lineup:

  • C2 Lite eKickScooter for kids: $150 (Reg. $180) | matched at Amazon
    • 9.9 MPH for up to 5.9 miles
  • C2 eKickScooter for kids: $160 (Reg. $200) | matched at Amazon
    • 9.9 MPH for up to 6.8 miles
  • C2 Pro eKickScooter for kids: $230 (Reg. $280) | matched at Amazon
    • 12.4 MPH for up to 9.3 miles
  • E2 Plus II Electric Scooter: $280 (Reg. $350) | matched at Amazon
    • 15.5 MPH for up to 16 miles
  • E2 Pro Electric Scooter: $380 (Reg. $500) | matched at Amazon
    • 15.5 MPH for up to 21.7 miles
    • Apple Find My, more
  • MAX G30LP Electric Scooter: $500 (Reg. $600) | matched at Amazon
    • 18 MPH for up to 25 miles
  • MAX G30P Electric Scooter: $550 (Reg. $1,000) | not available at Amazon
    • 18 MPH for up to 40 miles
  • Max G2 Electric Scooter: $700 (Reg. $1,000) | matched at Amazon
    • 22 MPH for up to 43 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, more
  • GoKart Kit2: $800 (Reg. $999) | matched at Amazon
    • Requires a compatible Segway Ninebot S, S2, or S MAX
  • F3 Electric Scooter: $850 (Reg. $1,000) | matched at Amazon
    • 20 MPH for up to 44 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, more
  • ZT3 Pro All-Terrain Electric Scooter: $1,000 (Reg. $1,200) | matched at Amazon
    • 24.9 MPH for up to 43.5 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, more
  • MAX G3 Electric Scooter: $1,200 (Reg. $1,300) | matched at Amazon
    • 28 MPH for up to 50 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, more
  • Xafari Electric Bike: $1,800 (Reg. $2,400)
    • 20 MPH for up to 88 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, and much more
  • Xyber Electric Bike: $2,900 (Reg. $3,300)
    • 35 MPH for up to 112 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, and much more

Segway’s early Black Friday accessory deals:

You can browse Segway’s early Black Friday lineup on the main landing page here, too.

Anker's SOLIX F3800 plus power station in kitchen with various appliances

Score up to $1,082 in exclusive savings on nine refurbished Anker SOLIX units at new lows starting from $112

We’ve secured a collection of nine exclusive deals on refurbished Anker SOLIX power stations and solar panels from Welbots, which provide up to $1,082 in total savings and even give our readers some new low prices on these units. The largest of these deals is on the Anker SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station down at $1,597.07 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5RBANK6 for an additional 6% savings. The deal on this renewed unit starts with a drop from $2,679 to $1,699, and the exclusive code cuts another $102 off the tag. Last month, we secured similar deals that only took costs down to $1,709, with that rate beaten here by the combined 40% markdown that lands it lower than ever to the best new price we have tracked.

You can learn more about this power station, as well as the full lineup of refurbished units, by checking out our original coverage of these nine exclusive deals here.

person riding bike with Jackery's Explorer 240D power station hanging from shoulder on strap

Jackery’s new Explorer 240D 256Wh compact power station returns to $139 low for Singles’ Day, more from $176

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Jackery is offering its new Explorer 240D Portable Power Station at $138.99 shipped, beating out the brand’s direct website pricing by $70. This new model hit the market at the tail end of September with a full $209 price tag, with its initial launch deals to this rate holding on through Prime Day, before keeping above $149 with discounts in the time since. Today’s deal brings you another opportunity to jump on it at the best price we have tracked, saving you $70 in the process. You’ll also find a few bundle options available at discounted rates, too, like the station with a 40W mini solar panel at its lowest rate of $217.54 shipped.

If you want to learn more about this new power station, or browse its bundle offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

man mowing lawn with Worx 40V 14-inch Cordless Intellicut lawn mower

Worx’s 40V 14-inch cordless mower with adaptable Intellicut feature at new $129 low for Singles’ Day

Amazon is now offering the best price yet on the Worx 40V 14-inch 2-in-1 Cordless intellicut Lawn Mower with two 4.0Ah batteries for $129 shipped during Singles’ Day, which has been going strong for us for 2.5 years now, and currently beats out the brand’s direct website pricing by $61. It may carry a $300 MSRP direct from Worx, but at Amazon we’ve been seeing it down at $220 and more recently $199 for long stretches, with discounts having taken things as low as $165 this year. While this deal continues, you’re looking at a total $171 off the MSRP that lands it lower than ever for the best price we have tracked in its history, making it quite the Singles’ Day steal for homeowners and renters who need a means to keep their lawns maintained without running up a significant bill.

If you want to learn more about this budget-friendly mower, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

DEWALT's 20V MAX Cordless 6-tool combo kit for singles' day

Amazon is offering the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit with two 5.0Ah batteries at $729 shipped, which matches the price we’re seeing from Home Depot. It’s coming down from $1,049 here, and beats out all the discounts we’ve seen during 2025 from Amazon, which mostly kept costs above $815, except for the one-time and short-lived drop to $799. While we have seen it only beaten by the $649 low in the past, you’re still looking at the best price of the last few years, with $320 cut from the tag for the second-best overall price that we have tracked at Amazon.

If you want to learn more about what you’re getting in this kit, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Best Fall 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.


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From $189 a month: 5 of the best EV lease deals in November [Updated]

Published

5 hours ago

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November 11, 2025

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From $189 a month: 5 of the best EV lease deals in November [Updated]

Hyundai-new-IONIQ-6-EV

Photo: Hyundai

We’re now two months out from the end of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit on September 30, and there are still solid deals to be had on some pretty spiffy EVs. In fact, three of our top five November specials are cheaper than what was offered in September, and two come with home EV chargers and free installation. Here are November’s top 5 EV lease deals, as spotted by our friends at CarsDirect.

Hyundai-EV-IONIQ-5
Photo: Hyundai

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 lease from $189/month

The updated 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range is still a standout EV lease deal, holding steady even after the end of the federal EV tax credit and new import tariffs. Through December 1, you can lease one for $189 a month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year) with $3,999 due at signing. That works out to an effective monthly cost of about $300.

The price bump is far smaller than many expected, especially considering Hyundai’s $17,000 in lease cash. And if you’re tempted by an upgrade, the SEL RWD trim is just $50 more per month under the same terms. You’ll get a model that’s roughly $7,000 more in value and $18,750 in savings. The IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range offers an EPA-estimated 245 miles of range, and this particular offer is available in the Los Angeles and greater California metro areas.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Hyundai IONIQ 5 in stock. –trusted affiliate link

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Hyundai-IONIQ-6-facelift-US

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 lease from $189/month

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 SE RWD Standard Range is tied with the IONIQ 5 for the most affordable EV lease deal this month, offering standout value even after the federal EV tax credit era. In the California metro area, you can lease it for $189 per month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year) with $3,999 due at signing, and Hyundai is sweetening the deal with $13,000 in lease cash.

That brings the effective monthly cost to around $300. With an EPA-estimated 240 miles of range, 149 horsepower, fast-charging capabilities, and a sleek, distinctive design, the IONIQ 6 remains a fan favorite. This offer is valid through December 1.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Hyundai IONIQ 6 in stock. –trusted affiliate link

Ford Mustang Mach-E
Photo: Ford

2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E from $219/month

The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select RWD with Package 100A is offering bigger savings this month, making it an even stronger pick for EV shoppers. Known for its premium design and an EPA-estimated 300 miles of range, the Mach-E remains a favorite among drivers who want style and substance.

You can now lease it for $219 per month for 24 months (10,500 miles per year), with a down payment of $4,499 due at signing. That’s $20 less per month than the September advertised deal, although the term is shorter. With an effective monthly cost of around $406, it’s only $45 more than before the tax credit ended.

The offer includes $6,750 in lease cash for qualified lessees, plus a free Ford Charging Station Pro with complimentary home installation – a rare perk. If you already have a home charger, you can opt for an additional $2,000 in bonus cash instead. This deal is currently available in California through January 5, 2026.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Ford Mustang Mach-E in stock. –trusted affiliate link

Honda-Prologue-EV
Photo: Honda

2025 Honda Prologue from $239/month

Until January 5, the 2025 Honda Prologue, with a 308-mile range, can be leased for $239 a month for 36 months (10,000 miles) and $1,199 due at signing in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maryland. That means the Prologue has an effective monthly cost of $272, making it a great value.

For those in California and other CARB-emission states, you can lease for $279 for 36 months (10,000 miles) and $1,299 due at signing, resulting in an effective monthly cost of $315. This was the best-priced lease deal before the new East Coast three-state offer.

The price includes a $3,300 loyalty discount or conquest cash, available only to those currently leasing a Honda or planning to switch from another manufacturer in select states. If you aren’t living in California, Florida, New York, or other select states, you’re still eligible for a bonus of $2,000.

These bonuses are stackable with the $5,000 dealer cash, $8,250 Honda lease cash, and a $1,500 additional lease bonus, which replaces the $7,500 tax credit.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Honda Prologue in stock. –trusted affiliate link

Ford-F-150-lightning-XLT
Ford F-150 Lightning XLT Source: Ford

2025 Ford F-150 Lightning from $279/month

You can now lease a 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning 4×4 Super Crew XLT w/ Pkg 311A for a low monthly payment of $279 for 36 months (10,500 miles) and $6,729 due at signing. With an MSRP of $65,190, that makes the effective monthly cost of $466. It has an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles and 452 hp.

That’s $23 less a month than the advertised September lease deal with the federal tax credit. The offer includes $9,500 in lease cash and, like the Mach-e, a complimentary home EV charger and installation or an additional $2,000 in savings. This offer is available in California through January 5, 2026.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Ford F-150 Lightning in stock. –trusted affiliate link

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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