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The rise of electric bicycles is leading to a critical shift in urban transportation, bringing with it the potential for cleaner cities, reduced traffic congestion, and a boost to riders’ physical and mental health. However, there are still two significant barriers preventing many from adopting this green mode of transportation. The strange thing though is that neither of the two biggest problems with e-bikes are even about e-bikes themselves.

The deadly risk of cycling on roads

Riding an e-bike is almost entirely a positive experience in and of itself – at least if you ignore outside factors. Riders get where they’re going faster, they save money, and they get healthy.

But if you ask those who are bike-curious why they haven’t made the switch from their car to a bike, the most common answer will be something to do with getting hit by a car.

And it’s not an irrational fear. While most cyclists are likely never to get hit, especially when employing safe riding tips and practices, there’s no getting around the fact that the rate of cycling injuries and deaths is increasing in the US.

There’s plenty of blame to go around for this problem. Part of it can be related to car bloat, where every year we see cars growing a little bit bigger and heavier, resulting in today’s massive SUVs and trucks. Part of it can be attributed to distracted drivers who are increasingly tied to their phones instead of looking out for other road users. But the biggest culprit of all – and the one thing that can help negate all of those other issues – is a distinct lack of widescale safe cycling infrastructure.

Every year, countless cyclists lose their lives in collisions with motor vehicles. The juxtaposition of lightweight bicycles and heavy, fast-moving vehicles, especially in areas without designated bike lanes, means that cyclists are always the losers regardless of who’s at fault in a crash.

Cities worldwide must recognize this urgent issue and invest in creating safer infrastructure for cyclists. This means constructing protected bike lanes, especially those separated from traffic by barriers or a safe distance.

But it also means more comprehensive road safety campaigns, focusing on educating drivers about sharing the road. And lastly, penalizing dangerous driving. Speed cameras are a simple and easy way to enforce the most common cause of accidents (and the largest risk that an accident leads to injury or death), speeding cars. Other methods should also be explored. There’s no reason to allow dangerous driving that threatens other road users to go unchecked.

An AI-generated image of a bike lane has the right idea, even if it’sk a bit bollard-heavy. And yet, there’s still a van in the bike lane…

The lurking threat of bike theft

Even if we suddenly solved the issue of dangerous car drivers killing cyclists, there’d still be one other major hurdle to promoting widespread e-bike adoption: bike theft. It’s one of the main concerns potential e-bike riders face, with rampant theft of bicycles in urban areas now increasingly focusing on electric bikes for their higher value and ability to part out the expensive components.

E-bikes are often pricier than their traditional counterparts due to their motors and battery systems, making them especially attractive targets for thieves. The anxiety of leaving a pricey investment locked in public has deterred many potential riders.

electric bike stolen

One solution to this problem lies in strengthening security infrastructure. Cities can invest in more secure bike parking stations, equipped with surveillance systems and secure locking structures. Property owners can also contribute by providing safe indoor storage spaces for residents and employees. I recently spoke with LeGrand Crewse, the CEO of California-based e-bike company SUPER73, who told me about a local project where the company partnered with high schools to help build secure locking rooms on campus to ensure students wouldn’t have to worry about an expensive bike being stolen during the day.

Focusing on locking education, especially on which locks are higher quality and how to use multiple locks in unison, can help riders feel more confident about protecting their rides. I’ve used a Foldylock Forever from Seatlylock for the last few months and found it to be one of the best, most secure locks I’ve ever tried.

Education is key, but the best and most effective option relies upon cities helping to create safer locking locations. You don’t have to go full-Amersterdam, though that’d be a good place to draw inspiration. Check out the impressive bike parking garages I saw on my last visit to The Netherlands.

A call to action

While e-bikes offer a promising solution to many urban transportation problems, their potential remains needlessly limited by theft concerns and safety issues. These are issues with solutions, and we should work to implement those solutions.

As cities look to a more sustainable future, it’s imperative to tackle these challenges head-on. Safe and secure bike parking and dedicated protected bike lanes are not luxuries; they are necessities in a world where we rely on smaller and more efficient alternatives to the cars and SUVs that have taken over our cities.

It’s time to fix these problems and reimagine our urban spaces to ensure that everyone, from e-bike riders to pedestrians, can move about safely and confidently.

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Maxeon Solar bets big on America: sells global assets to focus on US market

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Maxeon Solar bets big on America: sells global assets to focus on US market

Singapore-headquartered Maxeon Solar Technologies (Nasdaq: MAXN) is restructuring to focus exclusively on the US market, but it’s put its $1 billion Albuquerque solar cell factory on ice.

Maxeon Solar bets on the US

Maxeon is selling off its global sales and marketing assets in EMEA, Latin America, and Asia Pacific to its parent company, TCL Group, which will also acquire Maxeon’s Philippines manufacturing operations. TCL will then operate them under a new name, TCL SunPower International. The transactions are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Maxeon will continue to operate as an independent, publicly traded Nasdaq-listed company solely focused on the US residential, commercial, and utility-scale markets to “drive growth and profitability.” The company also announced that it has executed a five-year lease of an existing building in Albuquerque and plans to begin solar panel manufacturing in this 2-gigawatt (GW) capacity facility in early 2026. 

George Guo, Maxeon’s CEO, said, “Assuming successful financing, this site will allow Maxeon to rapidly deploy a 2 GW module assembly facility while we continue to evaluate our longer-term objective of also establishing solar-cell manufacturing capacity.”

What Guo is referring to when he mentions solar-cell manufacturing is the $1 billion factory. In August 2023, the company said it would build a 3-gigawatt (GW) solar-cell and panel factory in Mesa del Sol, Albuquerque, from the ground up. It had planned to start construction on the plant in early 2024, but after delays, it’s now been put on hold. Mesa del Sol, which says it’s still working with Maxeon on the construction project, has extended the solar company’s purchase agreement for 100 acres of land, according to the Albuquerque Business Journal. If built, it will be the largest factory of its kind in the US.

Electrek’s Take

Maxeon has had a tumultuous year. In May, it was investigated for violating US federal securities laws, and it got a slap on the hand from Nasdaq for the delayed release of quarterly financial reports. Then it got a financial boost in the form of a nearly $200 million investment from China’s TCL Zhonghuan, which gave the latter an over 50% stake in the company. It also saw a 99% drop in stock value this year.

Recently, Maxeon ran into trouble with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Earlier this month, it disclosed that CBP had detained its solar panels assembled in Mexico with solar cells from Malaysia. CBP has ramped up its scrutiny of solar panel supply chains to ensure they are free from links to forced labor involving the Uyghur community.

Maxeon emphasized that its panels have no ties to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The sale of Maxeon’s Asian assets to TCL should help streamline the CBP documentation process, but Trump’s recent Mexico tariff announcement is a potential fly in the ointment, too.

No wonder this majority Chinese-owned company with a tanked stock value wants to build panels in solar-industry-friendly New Mexico as soon as possible.

Read more: Maxeon is going to open a 3 GW solar factory in New Mexico


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These EVs are a steal with lease prices under $300 a month this Black Friday [Updated]

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These EVs are a steal with lease prices under $300 a month this Black Friday [Updated]

With big discounts and lower-priced models hitting the market, electric vehicles are getting more and more affordable. Here are the EVs you can drive off in this Black Friday with lease prices under $300 a month.

New EVs, like the Honda Prologue, Chevy Blazer, Equinox, and Silverado, are rolling out nationwide, giving buyers more options than ever.

According to Cox Automotive, over 100,000 EVs were sold in the US in September, the sixth straight month topping the 100,000 mark. Electric vehicles account for 9% of the US auto market, the highest percentage to date.

The average transaction price (ATP) for new EVs was $56,328, but drastically higher incentives bring prices on par with or even under many comparable gas cars.

For example, the Honda Prologue electric SUV is available to lease for as low as $259 per month, including the down payment. That’s cheaper than a Honda Civic at $376 per month. Honda recently extended the offer to 17 additional US states after introducing it in California last month.

EVs-lease-$300-Black-Friday
2025 Chevy Equinox EV LT (Source: GM)

EVs for lease under $300 a month for Black Friday 2024

The Honda Prologue is one of the best EVs to lease this Black Friday. Here are the other models worth considering this month.

Lease From Term
(months)
Due at Signing Effective rate per month
(including upfront fees)
2024 Nissan LEAF $109 36 $2,529 $179
2024 Kia Niro EV $169 24 $3,999 $336
2024 Kia EV6 $179 24 $3,999 $346
2024 VinFast VF 8 $199 36 $894 $244
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 $199 24 $3,999 $366
2024 Honda Prologue $229 36 $1,299 $259
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV $299 24 $3,169 $431
2024 Subaru Solterra $299 36 $0 $299
EVs for lease under $300 per month Black Friday 2024

According to online auto research firm CarsDirect, the Nissan LEAF retained the title of the cheapest EV you can lease in November listed at just $109 per month in Colorado.

With $2,529 due at signing, the effective monthly rate is just $179. However, the deal only includes state incentives, which are not offered elsewhere.

EVs-lease-$300-Black-Friday
Kia EV6 (Source: Kia)

Kia’s Niro EV and EV6 are two of the best EV lease options this month, with monthly rates of $169 and $179.

After a recent price cut, the EV6 is offered at its lowest monthly rate since hitting the market. That’s for the Light Long-Range model with up to 310 miles of range.

EVs-lease-$300-November
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Source: Hyundai)

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 remains a top lease option in November, with the updated 2025 model set for deliveries later this year. With lease prices starting at just $199 per month, Hyundai is offering its best-selling electric SUV at closeout prices.

EVs-lease-$300-Black-Friday
2024 Honda Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)

Honda factors in a $1,000 conquest or loyalty offer in the lease deal. However, for a $48,000 electric SUV, the Prologue is still a steal.

The Subaru Solterra is worth considering at just $299 for 36 months with no money down. Subaru dropped lease prices from $329 per month on November 21.

With the long-awaited $35,000 Chevy Equinox LT arriving, GM is sweetening the deals on 2024 models with leases starting as low as $299 per month.

EVs-lease-$300-Black-Friday
Ford Mustang Mach-E (left) and F-150 Lightning (right) (Source: Ford)

Ford is also offering significant discounts on the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E in a new end-of-year promo. New EV buyers also get a free Level 2 home charger, and Ford is covering the cost of standard installation.

Although not under $300 a month, with up to $21,150 in potential savings, the 2024 Acura ZDX is another steal this Black Friday.

With the incoming Trump administration reportedly planning to end federal incentives, the savings may not last long. Take advantage of them while they are still here.

Ready to find your new EV? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to find the best deals on popular models in your area.

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Genesis is set to shake up the ultra-luxury SUV market with its flagship GV90 coming soon

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Genesis is set to shake up the ultra-luxury SUV market with its flagship GV90 coming soon

Genesis is preparing to launch its new ultra-luxury GV90 electric SUV. After the first prototypes were caught near Hyundai’s facility, we are learning more about what to expect from the flagship SUV.

Genesis introduced the Neolun concept in March, a preview of its upcoming full-size SUV. The SUV will serve as a tech beacon as Genesis looks to move upward, challenging ultra-luxury brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

The concept features a “reductive design,” giving it a clean, minimalistic look. One of the standout features is the connected two-tone headlamp in the shape of the iconic Genesis crest grille.

Genesis even included coach doors. With the B-pillars removed, the electric SUV has that smooth, premium look.

Meanwhile, the interior is fit for royalty. Upon opening the coach doors, you are met with electric side steps that automatically deploy. The interior seats swivel, providing a flexible, spacious interior.

The SUV also includes an immersive audio experience, almost “concert hall-like,” with each speaker strategically placed.

Genesis-GV90-ultra-luxury-SUV-side
Genesis Neolun ultra-luxury electric SUV concept (Source: Genesis)

Genesis GV90 to launch as new ultra-luxury SUV

A massive 24.6″ infotainment screen can be adjusted or integrated into the dash. Genesis also included an “Ondol” heating system based on a Korean underfloor heating method. Genesis says it will help improve heating efficiency while providing a lounge-like experience.

Reports from Korea surfaced this summer claiming that the first GV90 prototypes would be built in October. According to TheKoreanCarBlog, the first prototypes have already been spotted outside Hyundai’s R&D facility in Korea.

Genesis is preparing to launch two models, a Standard and an Exclusive trim. The Standard model will get standard doors, but the Exclusive trim is expected to retain the coach doors from the concept.

The Exclusive model will be limited to just a few units as Genesis looks to move up the luxury ranks. It’s expected to rival the top-selling larger luxury SUVs like the Mercedes Benz GLS-Class and Bentley Bentayga.

According to the report, Genesis is finishing production prototype development after overcoming issues with the coach door. Hyundai’s R&D facility reportedly solved the problem, and GV90 prototypes are ready to be tested on public roads.

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