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Members of the rescue teams from the Egyptian army carry a dead body as they walk in the mud between the destroyed buildings, after a powerful storm and heavy rainfall hit Libya, in Derna, Libya September 13, 2023. 

Ahmed Elumami | Reuters

Storm Daniel has left Libya, a country grappling with conflict and economic crisis for over a decade, in catastrophe. With little resource for search and rescue, experts warn that humanitarian partners will need tens of millions of dollars to respond to the needs of those impacted on the ground. 

According to the UN Development Programme, “humanitarian partners are requesting $71.4 million to respond to the most urgent needs of 250,000 people targeted out of the 884,000 people estimated to be in need, over the next three months.” Roula Abubaker, a spokesperson for UNDP, told CNBC the organization is still gathering data from the mission on the ground to determine the full cost of the damage.

Over 3,000 people have been killed and more than 9,000 remain missing with the toll expected to rise, according to the World Health Organization, but numbers have been difficult to verify.  Meanwhile the International Organization for Migration estimates 40,000 people have been internally displaced following the storm. Medical centers are struggling to treat civilians and morgues are running out of space for the deceased.

Maxar satellite imagery of streets amd neighborhoods after the catastrophic flooding that struck the Libyan coastal city of Derna. 

Maxar Technologies | Getty Images

“No matter how many pictures you see about Derna, you did not see anything. We don’t need water or food. We need specialized and experienced rescue teams,” Mohamed Elkwafi, a volunteer with the Eastern Libyan National Army Security Units in Derna, told CNBC. 

The rare Mediterranean hurricane tore through dams in Libya’s eastern port city of Derna, Soussa, Benghazi, Albayda and several other cities, leaving a grim aftermath. The storm moved over land, resulting in severe flash floods and extreme rainfall that collapsed infrastructure and homes. Storm Daniel developed in early September over Greece causing fatalities before migrating to Turkey and Bulgaria and through North Africa.

Libya’s political challenge

Libya’s government has been marred by conflict since 2011 after the fall of dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who ruled the oil-rich North African country for four decades. The government was split into two administrations after renewed tensions from the rise of militias in 2014. One administration is based in the country’s east and the other in the capital Tripoli. A ceasefire was brokered in 2020 but Libya remains deeply fragmented after the Government of National Unity was formed in Tripoli in 2021.

A man sits on a damaged car, after a powerful storm and heavy rainfall hit Libya, in Derna, Libya September 12, 2023.

Esam Omran Al-Fetori | Reuters

Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh rules as the internationally recognized prime minister in Benghazi. Another rival government was formed in 2022 in the east called the Government of National Stability, leaving two parties vying for control.

Despite the deep divisions between the east and the west, when it comes to search and rescue, Mohamed Elkwafi told CNBC he has been working “with all the security units, medical teams, and rescue teams as one team.”

Libya’s reconstruction

The Central Bank of Libya convened an emergency meeting last Thursday to discuss support for the impacted areas. The bank shared the outcome on X, formerly known as Twitter: “The committee reached a number of recommendations, the most important of which is opening a bank account with the Central Bank of Libya, specifically dedicated to collecting donations from commercial banks.” The financial institution was previously split in two entities in 2014 for nearly a decade but reunified in August.

Libya’s economy has struggled since the fall of Gadhafi with decentralization, but the country’s vast oil and gas reserves, which are the biggest in Africa, remain its dominant source of revenue. While terminals initially closed, the storm has not impacted Libya’s output, which is around 1.2 million barrels per day. The World Bank projected this year a potential uptick in economic growth with help from monetary contributions if conflict ceases.

The International Monetary Fund has yet to announce financial aid but Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva tweeted: “The IMF stands ready to provide the Libyan authorities any assistance they may need.” The IMF began re-surveilling Libya in June after a decade-long hiatus.

General view of flood water covering the area as a powerful storm and heavy rainfall hit Al-Mukhaili, Libya September 11, 2023, in this handout picture.

Libya Al-Hadath | via Reuters

Jalel Harchaoui, a Libya specialist and fellow at the London-based think tank Royal United Services Institute says that Derna’s road to recovery will be an expensive one. 

“The 2.5 billion dinars ($51M) carved out by the Tripoli authorities is a big amount to mobilize out of budget for rebuilding, but it’s still nothing compared to the damage that was experienced,” he told CNBC.

“I think you would have to multiply this number by probably 10 or 20 to rebuild all the other municipalities.”

Last week UN Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths announced a $10 million emergency financial aid package for Libya.  Other countries that pledged support include the EU, U.S., UK, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Tunisia, Kuwait, Turkey, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates.

But Harchaoui is skeptical it will be enough, adding “I think if we don’t reach $5 billion dinars then it means that there’s no real possibility of dignified reconstruction efforts.”

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Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 coolers + bundles $200 off, G-Force’s new DE-S cargo e-bike $1,399, EcoFlow DELTA 2 bundle flash sale, more

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May 5, 2025

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Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 coolers + bundles 0 off, G-Force's new DE-S cargo e-bike ,399, EcoFlow DELTA 2 bundle flash sale, more

We’re starting off this week’s Green Deals with a spotlight on Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 Electric Cooler discounts that are running as part of the brand’s ongoing Mother’s Day Sale, which start from $700. Next, we have G-Force’s extended e-bike savings, including its newest DE-S Premium All-Terrain Fat Tire Wide Cargo e-bike that is down at $1,399. Lastly, there’s EcoFlow’s latest flash sale that is offering a DELTA 2 bundle with an expansion battery and bag for $849, as well as an additional solar panel bundle offer. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals from last week are in the links at the bottom of the page, rounded together in our Electrified Weekly coverage, including the free extra battery preorder deal on Rad Power’s new RadRunner Max Cargo Utility e-bike and Lectric’s teasing of its upcoming XP 4 e-bike that will be revealed tomorrow, May 6, 2025.

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 $200 on Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 40L and 58L electric coolers and bundles starting from $700

Looking back in on Anker’s SOLIX Mother’s Day Sale which is continuing through May 11, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the deals for brand’s latest release, the EverFrost 2 Portable Electric Coolers. You’ll find the 40L model discounted to $699.99 shipped here (matching at Amazon), while its 58L counterpart is down at $899.99 shipped (also matching at Amazon), as well as alternate bundles that give you a secondary removable battery below. These two models would normally run you $900 and $1,100 at full price, with these prices only having been beaten out by the February pre-sale launch discounts to $600 and $800 from Anker, while the 58L model saw a drop to $809 from Wellbots. We’ve been seeing these same discounts repeat in recent sales, bringing you another chance at $200 off the going rates for the best post-launch prices we have tracked. Head below for more information on these coolers and their bundle options, or you can get our hands-on take from our review here.

Currently only sporting the two mentioned model sizes (though there is a smaller 23L cooler slated to hit the market later in the year), Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 Electric Coolers see to it that ice runs will no longer be needed during gatherings and other events. There’s currently the 40L model that provides a single compartment with dual functionality and the 58L model that has two compartments – each with dual functionality – that can cover simultaneous cooling and freezing. The big change from its predecessors is the trading of a direct cooling system for the new air-cooled system, providing compartment cooldowns at much faster speeds.

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Both the 40L and 58L models have been given dual battery ports (with the second battery either being sold separately or within bundles that you can find below), which provide up to 104 hours of continuous runtime when set to Eco Mode, according to Anker. Each of these batteries come with a 288Wh capacity and can also be repurposed as power banks when not running the coolers, giving you a little added versatility to keep personal devices juiced up with either the 60W USB-C or 12W USB-A ports. There are four ways to recharge the batteries – with a max 100W solar input, plugging the cooler into a wall outlet or 12V car port, or you can use a USB-C connection directly to the batteries. Both models sport IPX3 water-resistance ratings, as well as large 6-inch wheels for semi-rough terrain and a fold-down tray that is also used as a handle. You can get a full rundown on what to expect in our hands-on review here.

Anker’s SOLIX Mother’s Day EverFrost 2 deals:

If you’re looking to electrify your life with a backup power solution, be sure to browse the power station discounts while the Anker SOLIX Mother’s Day Sale continues through May 11, complete with free gifts that accompany select purchases. We also spotlighted the brand’s deals on its other latest release, the F3800 Plus Portable Power Station that start from $3,199.

G-Force DE-S e-bike

Get serious cargo-hauling power on G-Force’s DE-S premium all-terrain e-bike with 160-mile range for $1,399

Despite G-Force’s Spring Sale e-bike offers slated to end with April, it appears that the brand has extended the savings, giving folks a little more time to score them at these lower prices before rates are raised down the road due to tariffs. Among the continuing deals, the brand’s latest release, the DE-S Premium All-Terrain Fat Tire Wide Cargo e-bike is still being offered at $1,399 shipped. This new model normally carries a $1,799 price tag, with things uncertain as to how high it may rise in the future, with the brand’s previous Spring Sale bringing costs down to this same rate last month. It’s a solid $400 off the going rate while things last, with this being the lowest price we have tracked since the brand came onto our radar.

A serious model with equally serious cargo-hauling capabilities, G-Force’s DE-S e-bike comes with a 750W brushless geared hub motor alongside a waterproof and flame-retardant 45Ah removable battery in order to provide you with 28 MPH top speeds and up to 160 miles of pedal-assisted travel on a single charge. While this bike comes with a cadence sensor, the brand has also equipped it with an additional PAS sensor that allows the rider to control the e-bike’s output power, “eliminating the need for a torque sensor to achieve a smooth riding experience,” according to the brand.

It’s got a solid array of features that make the riding experience all the better, like the smoothed-out cruising thanks to the adjustable front fork suspension paired with the rear suspension system, further bolstered by the fat tires. Alongside these, there’s also hydraulic mineral oil brakes, a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, a 48V LED “ultra bright” headlight, an integrated taillight, an extended rear cargo rack that supports multiple load modes (cargo, passenger, child seat installation, more), hidden cable routing, removable pedals, a telescopic comfort saddle, and a backlit LCD display.

G-Force’s other e-bike deals:

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station

EcoFlow offers flash sale on 2,048Wh LiFePO4 DELTA 2 bundle with an expansion battery and bag at $849 (Today only)

As part of its ongoing Spring-to-Summer sale, EcoFlow has launched another 24-hour flash sale with two offers – one to provide backup power support while the other provides solar support to your power stations. The first of these offers gives you a DELTA 2 Portable Power Station bundled alongside a Smart Extra Battery (expansion battery) and a bag for $849 shipped. The combination of the station and battery would normally cost you $1,798 at full price, which we’ve been seeing in the brand’s direct 2025 sales usually falling to $949. This means that you’re getting the additional travel bag with a further $100 markdown, one of the best prices we have tracked that is also currently matching on Amazon, though, without the bag.

This is quite a solid combination for short-term off-grid power needs, as well as at-home emergency backup. With the inclusion of the extra battery, EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 power station goes from a 1,024Wh to 2,048WH LiFePO4 capacity, which you can further expand to 3,072Wh with another battery connected. It delivers up to 1,800W of steady output through its 15 port options, which surges to 2,200W for larger needs. There’s the usual array of smart controls available through its companion app, as well as the unit coming with an IP68 waterproof construction, knowing that it’ll likely accompany you out into the wilds of the world.

The station’s battery can be recharged in a short time thanks to the fast-charging tech that the brand has given it, letting you refill 80% of its battery in just 50 minutes via a wall outlet, with things taking a little longer at 80 minutes to get it back to full. Of course, there’s also the solar charging capabilities if you have or plan to buy the appropriate panels, with a max 500W input that can recharge the battery in three to six hours, depending on weather conditions.

EcoFlow is also providing the opportunity to grab two of its 110W Solar Panels at $329 shipped while these flash savings last. Outside of this discount, the panels are currently going for $209 each (and regularly run $399), making this is a great chance to score both at about $165 each, giving you the means to recharge the above station’s – or any other model – battery with the sun’s rays.

Be sure to check out the full lineup of deals we’re seeing from EcoFlow’s Spring-to-Summer Sale while they last – which is only a few days longer. You’ll also find some additional coverage of the deals on the brand’s new WAVE 3 AC/Heater and GLACIER electric coolers that are starting from $807.

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.

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Rivian CEO posts image of the new Maximus drive unit that will power the upcoming R2 EVs

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May 5, 2025

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Rivian CEO posts image of the new Maximus drive unit that will power the upcoming R2 EVs

Rivian R2

Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe just posted a fresh image of a Maximus drive unit—a vital component teased for some time now that will be a key piece in Rivian’s goal to reduce the cost per drive unit in its R2 EV builds.

Rivian continues to show strength during uncertain times in the automotive industry, particularly regarding legacy automakers’ electrification strategies. While threats to EV adoption linger, demand for Rivian’s American-made BEVs has stayed high despite a slight dip in deliveries last quarter.

The company is still riding the success of its first two flagship models—the R1S and R1T, which are now in the second generation. Better still, fans of the brand and EV enthusiasts alike are highly anticipating the arrival of Rivian’s encore to the R1 models, the R2, which will then be followed by a smaller R3 and a rally-like R3X.

As a young automaker, Rivian has overcome hurdles to establish itself in the EV industry, finally achieving scaled production at its Normal, Illinois, facility. Part of that strategy includes consistent innovation and improvement to improve vehicle function and performance for its customers and optimize manufacturing to reduce overall cost.

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An excellent example of that evolution is Rivian’s Enduro drive unit, which was implemented on dual-motor versions of the R1T and R1S. Since then, Rivian has been teasing a new drive unit called Maximus, which we thought may also make its way into R1 builds, but have since learned will debut in the upcoming R2 EVs.

Today, Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe offered a close-up look at Maximus being developed within the R2 design. Check it out:

Rivian R2
The Maximus drive unit / Source: @RJScaringe / Instagram

RJ teases the Maximus drive unit in the Rivian R2

According to RJ Scaringe, the image above is Rivian’s new Maximus drive unit configuration implemented in the R2. There’s not much else of the upcoming BEV to see here, but an exciting little tidbit nonetheless.

While most consumers have been attracted to the Rivian R2’s size and look, Maximus will play a key role in Normal as the American automaker works to reduce the per-unit cost of its drive units—a primary goal it has previously shared with the public.

One key improvement we already know about is Maximus’ stator windings—one of the key components of any electric motor. Previously, Rivian shared that Maximus uses a new continuous winding technique that reduces the total welds per stator and thus the total overall cost of building each one. For comparison, Rivian’s current Enduro drive unit requires 264 stator welds, while Maximus only needs 24.

Rivian has also integrated the front rotor shaft and gear into a single forged, CNC-milled component and reduced the number of required bearings. The result is a simpler, more compact drive unit that is cheaper to build and weighs less, which is excellent news for EV range and efficiency.

With Maximus development underway, Rivian appears to remain on track to officially launch the R2 next year as promised. Be sure to check back with Electrek often for the latest Rivian news about the R2 and beyond.

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Rivian (RIVN) gets $16 million for a new supplier park: A ‘key enabler’ to ramp EV production

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May 5, 2025

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Rivian (RIVN) gets million for a new supplier park: A 'key enabler' to ramp EV production

Rivian-$16,000-EV-supplier-park

Rivian (RIVN) is charging ahead with another major project. The EV maker is building a new 1.2 million-square-foot supplier park near its Normal, Illinois, manufacturing plant as part of a nearly $120 million investment. With a $16 million incentive package from the state, Rivian expects it to be “a key enabler” as it ramps up EV production.

Rivian to get $16 million for a new supplier park

Rivian and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced the new supplier park on Monday. The nearly $120 million investment will create about 100 direct jobs “while bolstering the supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem” in the state.

“In Illinois, we aren’t just making electric vehicles: we are creating an entire ecosystem,” Pritzker said in a statement.

A subset of Rivian’s suppliers will complete light assembly and manufacturing at the new 1.2 million-square-foot site. Then, to accelerate output, the parts will be moved to Rivian’s main plant through an underground tunnel connecting the two.

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Construction is slated to be completed in 2026. Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, said the new supplier park will be “a key enabler to increasing production” when the company launches its midsize R2.

The state of Illinois is offering Rivian a $16 incentive package to offset some of the upfront costs, including a $5 million Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV Illinois) tax incentive over 20 years.

Rivian-$16-million-EV-supplier-park
Production at Rivian’s Normal, IL plant (Source: Rivian)

Rivian said the new supplier park will also help boost production of its current EVs, the R1S, R1T, and Commercial Van, all built in Illinois.

In addition to the new supplier park, Rivian is upgrading its manufacturing plant with a 1.1 million-square-foot expansion to prepare for R2. Once the upgrades are complete, Rivian expects an annual production capacity of around 215,000 vehicles, up from 150,000.

Rivian-$16-million-supplier-park
Rivian EV production plans (Source: Rivian)

Rivian said R2 is still on track to launch in 2026. It will start at around $45,000, or nearly half its current R1S and R1T.

Rivian plans to open its new plant in Georgia in 2028. Once up and running, it’s expected to increase annual vehicle production capacity to around 400,000 units.

As it upgrades the facility, Rivian expects fewer vehicle deliveries. After delivering 8,640 vehicles in the first quarter, the company reaffirmed plans to deliver between 46,000 and 51,000 in 2025.

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