Autonomous technology developer Aurora Innovation, Inc. announced it has opened a specific lane for driverless commercial vehicles in Texas, supported by two terminals located on either side of the route. Aurora is touting this new autonomous truck lane as an industry first as it prepares for a commercial launch next year.
Aurora Innovation, Inc. ($AUR) is a developer of autonomous commercial vehicles and adjacent technologies that continues to evolve in its quest to reach commercial operations. Its technology has shown a lot of promise to date, garnering the attention (and checkbooks) of multiple automakers, including Toyota, Peterbilt, and Uber Freight.
In 2019, Aurora acquired LiDAR company Blackmore, enabling it to begin developing a sensing suite finally capable of safely operating large trucks autonomously at high speeds and through inclement weather conditions.
Since 2020, the company has been deploying Class 8 trucks integrated with its own Aurora Driver technology utilizing said proprietary LiDAR. This led to a reunion with former partner Volvo, which has since integrated Aurora Driver into its own trucks.
Last we spoke of Aurora, it was continuing its work toward the launch of self-driving trucks as a service (TaaS) called “Aurora Horizon” in 2024, following a massive round of funding to the tune of $820 million.
As it prepares to begin sending autonomous trucks out between its two new terminals in Texas, it has opened up a driverless-specific lane for them to safely navigate.
Aurora’s new Houston terminal / Credit: Aurora Innovation, Inc.
Aurora stays in its own lane… for autonomous trucks
According to details from the company, it has officially opened the autonomous commercial vehicle industry’s first driverless truck lane across I-45 between Dallas and Houston. Aurora currently has commercial-ready terminals in place in those two cities to support the trucks as they navigate back and forth.
Per Aurora, nearly half of all truck freight in the state of Texas moves along I-45, where the new driverless lane has been implemented, so it sees the corridor as an ideal route for its commercial launch of autonomous operations. Per Aurora co-founder and chief product officer Sterling Anderson:
Opening a driverless trucking lane flanked by commercially-ready terminals is an industry-first that unlocks our ability to launch our driverless trucking product. With this corridor’s launch, we’ve defined, refined, and validated the framework for the expansion of our network with the largest partner ecosystem in the autonomous trucking industry.
The terminals Anderson references are already being used by Aurora to store, maintain, prepare, inspect, and deploy autonomous trucks between destinations. The company shared that it has developed a specific terminal blueprint to implement a myriad of features to make each terminal commercial-ready when driverless truck services officially begin.
By designing and implementing these commercial-ready terminals, Aurora says it already has the capabilities to support driverless trucks 24/7, 365 days a year. These two initial terminals are already operating day and night, supporting trucks that haul over 75 loads per week for nearby pilot customers.
In addition to the terminals and new autonomous truck lane, Aurora shared that it is working to implement a new Command Center to further support its around-the-clock operations. Per the release:
Aurora’s Command Center includes a team of remote specialists who monitor and provide guidance to the active fleet of Aurora-powered trucks, and dispatchers who allocate trucks, trailers, and vehicle operators to missions. Aurora’s Command Center already supports commercial pilot hauls and is prepared to support driverless missions.
With more and more commercial infrastructure being put into place, Aurora appears poised to reach its target of commercial truck services in late 2024. This will be an operation to keep an eye on. For now, here’s a video Aurora recently provided showcasing its new autonomous truck lane and terminals in Texas.
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For many homeowners, the conversation about adding rooftop solar panels starts with cutting utility bills — but there are plenty of other reasons to make the switch. One of them is that adding a home solar system could actually increase your home’s resale value … but is that true?
The short answer is: yes (kinda).
In theory, the more features a house has, the more it costs. A pool, a bigger garage, or a finished basement — all those upgrades add value to a home when it’s compared to a home without them. By that logic, then, rooftop solar panels should make a house more desirable, too. And they often do. But, as with most things, the reality is a bit more complicated.
One of the biggest complications when it comes to selling a home with solar panels comes down to who owns the solar panels. If you’ve leased your solar setup through a company like Sunrun, for example, the solar company that sold you the panels still owns the panels, not you. That could mean that any potential buyers would have to assume the lease themselves, or that the seller has to buy out the lease before selling.
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Leasing reduces a homeowner’s up-front and monthly costs, making it a popular choice – but the process of transferring a lease can complicate a sale, slow down negotiations, or even limit the pool of potential buyers. That’s especially true in areas where rooftop solar panels aren’t common, or have been heavily politicized.
By contrast, many homeowners choose to finance their solar system through a “conventional” loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). In these cases, you own your panels from day one, even if you’re still paying them off over time. And, because ownership is clear in those cases, the solar panels can more easily be considered part of the home, like kitchen appliances or a washer/dryer set.
While this avenue might have a higher up-front or monthly cost for the seller, there’s no lease to assume and no third-party approval or contracts required to complete the sale.
Financing also offers flexibility in structuring payments, with some homeowners choosing short-term loans to pay off the system quickly and others use longer-term HELOCs to spread costs out over a longer timeline. In either case, ownership ensures that the value of your solar installation can be transferred seamlessly to the next buyer. Plus, a savvy realtor can even highlight a fully-owned solar array in the listing as a long-term cost saver rather than a leased add-on.
That’s not to say that leasing, financing, or even paying cash is the best way to go for everyone (after all, if inflation is higher than your interest rate, the best thing you can do is borrow today’s “good” money and pay it back with tomorrow’s “garbage” money at what is, effectively, a discount). Get several quotes from reputable installers and find out about what options they recommend, then work with a trusted financial expert to determine the best path for you.
From theory to practice
Installing solar panels; via Sunrun.
A realtor named Alisha Collins recently posted a video to TikTok where she walks us through the sale of a house and the role that the home’s $50,000 rooftop solar panel installation played in that sale. The sale was something that, while it might seem common enough to Electrek readers, was a first for Collins.
“This is a great benefit because the buyers are getting the solar panels to use in the future to save them money on their electricity, and they weren’t gonna have to buy them,” Alisha remarks. “So I focused on marketing what the positives of solar panels are — less utilities, lower utility bills if any, clean energy, and also, the buyers were getting an almost new system.”
Collins keeps calling the lease a “loan” throughout the video, but (in my opinion) makes some solid observations and is thinking about things the right way, keeping an open mind, and trying to do right by her clients. You can watch the video for yourself, below, then let us know what you think of Collins’ take in the comments.
@alishacollinsrealestate Just sold my first house with solar panels ☀️🏡 and honestly… I thought it was going to be way more challenging than it was. But the strategy the seller and I used made all the difference: ✅ We decided to pay off the solar panels at closing so the cost was basically built into the price — simple and clean. We got an offer after a price reduction and then… crossed our fingers for the appraisal 🤞 Because let’s be real — some appraisers value solar differently and that can make or break a deal. This one worked out — but solar definitely adds a layer to navigate. 💬 Have you ever bought or sold a house with solar? What was your experience? #alishacollins#realestatebestie#casperwyoming#solarhomes#homesellingtips#realestatetalk#appraisals#solarpanels#greenhome#realestatewin#listingstrategy♬ Soft Sunlight (Lofi) – Prodbyecho
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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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Lease deals get all the headlines, but 75% of new car buyers still finance their cars, indicating that they want to own their vehicles once the payments are done. If that sounds like you, and you’ve been holding out for relief from sky-high payments, a wave of new EVs are now available with 0% financing — making it one of the best months yet to buy a new EV.
UPDATE: two more sporty electric crossovers make the list!
Every month, Electrek readers looking for great deals on a new EV flock to our lease deal posts. Recently, however, the comments have been asking another crucial question: what about EV deals for the people who want to buy, instead of leas?
You asked, we listened. This roundup is for that 75% of new car buyers who choose to finance their cars instead of lease — so here’s a list of all the 0% financing deals on EVs you can get in September, 2025.
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As I put this list together, I realized there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. In the end, I decided to present these deals in alphabetical order, by brand name (make). And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to check the list. Enjoy!
Acura ZDX
2024 Acura ZDX; via Acura.
New for the 2024 model year, the Acura ZDX uses GM Ultium battery and drive technology, but the styling, interior, and infotainment are all Honda, delivering GM-level parts support with Honda-level fit, finish, and quality. Add in standard Apple CarPlay support, 0% financing for up to 72 months, and $7,500 customer cash through September 30th, and the ZDX becomes easily one of the best sporty crossover values on the market.
Chevy Equinox EV
2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV; via GM.
With an impressive combination of affordability, practicality, and advanced features, the Chevy Equinox is a standout EV. And with an EPA-estimated range of up to 319 miles and a starting price under $35,000, it’s no wonder they’re flying off dealer lots.
For well-qualified buyers, Chevrolet is offering 0% APR financing for up to 60 months through GM Financial through September 30th. That offer can be paired with the $7,500 federal EV tax credit (which you can claim at the dealer), along with up to $1,250 in additional discounts for Costco members, depending on membership level.
Dodge Charger
Electric Dodge Charger; via Stellantis.
Dodge is hoping that at least a few muscle car enthusiasts with some extra cash will find their way to a Dodge store and ask for the meanest, loudest, tire-shreddingest muscle car on the dealer’s lot without caring too much about what’s under the hood.
For them, Dodge has the new electric Charger with up to 670 battery-backed horsepower. And if you still owed money on the Hemi you just totaled, Dodge will help get the deal done on its latest retro-tastic ride with a $7,750 retail cash allowance or 0% financing for up to 72 months — and that’s before any dealer discounts.
Ford F-150 Lightning
F-150 Lightning pickup; by Ford.
America’s best-selling electric truck offers V2x technology, a nationwide dealer network, a universe of aftermarket accessories, and a look that blends into the crowd. This month, this proven pickup adds 0% interest financing for up to 72 months. Ford Pro customer can get access to advanced telematics and, in some cases, even get help sourcing additional grants and rebates, too.
The biggest of GM’s Ultium-based EVs are seriously impressive machines, with shockingly quick acceleration, plus on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics once you understand that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks. This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory with 0% financing for well-qualified buyers plus $1,250 in discounts for select Costco members. So, if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer EV a test drive.
2025 Honda Prologue Elite in Snowfall Pearl, via Honda.
Like the Acura ZDX at the top of this list, the Honda Prologue was blends the excellent GM Ultium EV platform with Honda sensibilities and Apple CarPlay to create a winning combination. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the top-selling electric crossovers — and to move out as many as possible before the $7,500 federal tax credit goes away, Honda is offering 0% APR for up to 60 plus up to an additional $2,000 in Honda Loyalty or Conquest cash.
Hyundai IONIQ 6
Hyundai IONIQ 6; via Hyundai.
The last of the streamliners, the IONIQ 6 has influences from Ferry Porsche and Raymond Loewy without looking like a copy of either. In addition to being a future classic, it’s efficient, comfortable, quick, offers up to 361 miles of range, can charge just about anywhere, and (now through the end of the month), can be financed with 0% interest for up to 48 months or $7,500 in customer bonus cash on all trims.
If you’re flexible on color, Hyundai dealers with “aged inventory” will give you an extra $1,000, for $8,500 total incentive dollars on your IONIQ 6.
Jeep Wagoneer S
Jeep Wagoneer S; via Stellantis.
The Jeep Wagoneer S is a slick, capable, street-oriented EV that’s been inexplicably saddled with a sloping roof and spoiler that eats away at the electric SUV’s ultimate utility (that’s the “U” part), but if you can get past that minor caveat, this first-ever battery-powered Jeep is ready to deliver. With $7,750 retail cash allowance or 0% financing for up to 72 months before dealer discounts through September 30th, the Wagoneer S might just be the best EV deal going.
Kia Niro EV
2025 Kia Niro EV; via Kia.
Kia is doing a phenomenal job moving its supercar-baiting EV6 and ultra-capable EV9 family trucksters, but the under-mentioned and underrated little Niro EV seems like it could use a little help. To that end, Kia is offering 0% interest financing or up to $7,500 customer cash on select examples of the little urban runabout now through September 30th.
Lexus RZ
Lexus RZ 450e; via Toyota.
Starting at “just” $55,175, the Lexus RZ promises up to 266 miles of EPA-rated range from a 72.8 kWh battery in the base RZ300e (and 224 from the top-shelf RZ450e). With up to 308 hp and over 195 lb-ft of instant, all-electric torque, the RZ promises to be one Lexus’ sportier rides in any trim.
This month, several Lexus dealers are advertising interest-free financing on select RZ models for up to 72 months. Check with your local Lexus dealer for more informatoin.
Nissan Ariya
Nissan Ariya; via Nissan.
I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With up to 289 miles of EPA-rated range, Tesla Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months or up to $10,000 Customer Cash (that’s not a typo) undecided EV buyers could do a lot worse than to give the Ariya a chance to win them over.
Polestar 3
Polestar 3; via Polestar.
Sleek, Scandinavian, and seriously quick, the Polestar 3 is the lovechild of Swedish brand Volvo and Chinese brand Geely’s billions. As such, it delivers both Scandinavian style and high-tech substance with dual-motor power, a minimalistic, luxurious cabin, and Android Auto baked right in. The Polestar 3 was designed to turn heads while keeping daily driving effortless, and through the month of September, it’s sure to turn even more heads with 0% financing for up to 72 months through Polestar Financial Services and a $10,000 Clean Vehicle Incentive in some markets.
Put it all together, and the Polestar 3 stands out as one of the most compelling premium EV SUV deals of the month.
Subaru Solterra
Subaru Solterra EV; via Subaru.
The first-ever electric Subaru had a rocky start (no pun intended), but this off-road-ready sibling of the Toyota bZ4X seems like a solid mid-size electric crossover with some outdoorsy vibes and left-leaning granola style that offers more than enough utility to carry your mountain bikes to the trail or your inflatables out to the pond. Add in 227 miles of range, some big discounts, and 0% financing for up to 72 months, and this should be a great month for electric Subaru fans to drive home in a new Solterra.
Volkswagen ID.4
VW ID.4; via Volkswagen.
One of the most popular legacy EVs both in the US and Europe, the ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality and zippy around-town handling. Everyone I know who has one loves it, and VW dealers are getting aggressive with discounts, making this fast-charging, 291 mile EPA-rated range, 5-star safety rated EV a value proposition that’s tough to beat.
This month, get a Volkswagen ID.4 with 0% financing for up to 72 months or up to $5,000 customer cash. You’ll need to do some math to see which offer works best for you.
Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirect, CarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 15SEP2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard lines of “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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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True to Lamborghini’s legacy of speed and excess, the first battery-electric vehicle to wear the raging bull is also the fastest of its kind. Only this time, the badge isn’t on a car — it’s on a personal watercraft. Meet the all-new Seabob SE63 jet sled.
Co-developed with the Italian supercar brand, the Lamborghini-badged Seabob SE63 features a more powerful jet propulsion system than any of the company’s existing personal jet sleds, and is fitted with a carbon fiber motor shaft as a further nod to the Italian luxury brand’s high-performance heritage.
The riding experience is not just ‘a bit faster’, but thrillingly intense and unrestrained. Acceleration off the start line delivers an immediate adrenaline rush. Thrust, agility, top speed: everything is designed for maximum performance and pure emotion.
The new SE63 backs up those claims with a 6.3 kW (~8.5 hp) electric motor. And, while that hardly makes it a supercar, in the world of ePWCs, it’s enough to make the SE63 a monster. The SE63 also features a bigger, more energy-dense battery than other Seabobs, a combination good for up to 60 minutes of go-fast, water-based fun.
Seabob SE63 Lamborghini
The SE63 can recharge its batteries with a standard power outlet in just 1.5 hours, and be back on the water for even more fun in the sun.
The Seabob SE63 made its debut earlier this week at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Production is set to begin in early 2026, meaning you’ll be able to get yours just in time for the summer 2026 beach season. Prices have yet to be announced – but, like any Lamborghini product, if you have to ask you probably can’t afford it.
Check out the world premier of the Seabob SE63 for Automobili Lamborghini (the sled’s official name) in the video, below, then let us know what you think of the brand’s first BEV in the comments.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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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