Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods on Saturday said the “problem statement” that countries need to focus on at the COP28 climate summit is reducing emissions, in contrast to calls for a collective commitment to phase out all fossil fuels.
For many at the summit, which is being held in the United Arab Emirates, COP28 can only be recognized as a success if it results in a deal to “phase out” all fossil fuels, whose burning is the chief driver of the climate crisis.
The language of the final agreement, expected by or around the Dec. 12 end of the conference, will be closely monitored. A “phase out” commitment would likely require a shift away from fossil fuels until their use is eliminated, while a “phase down” could indicate a reduction in their use — but not an absolute end.
There’s also an ongoing debate about whether an agreement should center on “abated” fossil fuels, which are trapped and stocked with carbon capture and storage technologies, or “unabated” fossil fuels, which are largely understood to be produced and used without substantial reductions in the amount of emitted greenhouse gases.
Asked by CNBC’s Steve Sedgwick at COP28 whether it would be the wrong scenario for countries to agree to the phase out of abated fossil fuels, Woods replied, “I think what society ought to focus on is the true problem here, which is emissions.”
“The challenge here is eliminating emissions,” he continued. “How we do that will be a function of where the technology goes, and what the circumstances are, and where those emissions are being emitted.”
‘Keep your mind open’
In a speech delivered to world leaders on Friday, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres was unequivocal in his call for the burning of fossil fuels to be stopped outright, in order to prevent the worst effects of the climate crisis.
“We cannot save a burning planet with a firehose of fossil fuels,” Guterres said. “The 1.5-degree limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning all fossil fuels. Not reduce. Not abate. Phaseout — with a clear timeframe aligned with 1.5 degrees.”
Not everyone is on board with calls to phase out fossil fuels, however. Russia has previously said it would oppose this language being used in the final agreement, while COP28 host the United Arab Emirates has instead signaled its preference for a “phase down.”
Darren Woods, chairman and chief executive officer of Exxon Mobil Corp, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in San Francisco, California, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. Executives from large multinationals are converging on the sidelines of APEC in San Francisco this week for an audience with the Chinese president and other Asian leaders as long-frosty US-China relations show only tentative signs of warming. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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“I don’t think there is a one-size fits all. I actually think that part of the thing that has slowed us down is this focus on making a step change and getting out of our existing energy system and starting something brand new. That is going to be a long, costly process that is going to be very, very expensive,” Exxon Mobil’s Woods said.
“Instead, what we ought to be looking at is how do we get from where we’re at today to a future with lower emissions, and that involves step changes in some areas. It certainly involves wind, solar and [electric vehicles], but it also involves decarbonizing what we currently have.”
Woods said that there are currently options to start reducing the carbon intensity of existing technologies “at a much lower cost.”
“So, stay focused on the problem statement of emissions. Keep your mind open to a variety of different solutions and make sure that the work that everybody is putting into this is focused on the areas of strength that we can make the most reduction the quickest,” he added.
Big Oil executives have previously sought to defend their core business model from climate criticism, saying it is not possible to keep everyone happy during the transition away from fossil fuels. Officials of large oil producing nations, including of the UAE, have likewise advocated for the energy security and affordability of using fossil fuels while transitioning toward the exclusive use of green energy.
Tengku Muhammad Taufik, president and group CEO of Malaysia’s state energy firm Petronas, said in early October, “So, the debate has always been posed here, I’m reminded of an old saying: ‘If you want to keep everyone happy, sell ice cream.’ We are not in the business of ice cream — and, I’m reminded, there are people who are lactose intolerant.”
‘Win-win-win’
Exxon announced in mid-October that it had agreed to buy shale rival Pioneer Natural Resources for a whopping $59.5 billion in an all-stock deal. The agreement was Exxon’s largest buyout since acquiring Mobil nearly 25 years ago and was seen to leave no doubt about its future support for fossil fuels.
Asked about criticism the U.S. oil giant has received from climate campaigners over the Pioneer deal, Woods said, “Well, the way we’re looking at this is, there is a demand for oil and gas today, and there will be demand for oil and gas going forward in the future.”
An Exxon Mobil gas station in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 203.
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“What exactly that level is, we all have our different views on, but as long as there is demand out there, I think what society wants are the most responsible operators meeting that demand. And what we’re committing to do is [to] be the most responsible operator,” he added.
“We will basically produce more oil at a lower cost, more efficiently with less environmental footprint. That’s a win-win-win. And we’re improving U.S. energy security so there’s a lot to like about that deal,” Woods said.
Can-Am, a subsidiary of BRP, has officially entered the electric age. After bringing their electric motorcycle to market, they electrified another segment of their line-up: ATVs, starting with the Outlander Electric.
Last month, I visited Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to test out the electric ATV, and I came away impressed by the experience.
Can-Am Outlander Electric
The new Outlander Electric is built for work, and its specs back that up. The electric motor delivers 47 hp and 53 lb-ft of torque, providing instant and silent power. But the headline feature is its impressive 1,830 lb towing capacity, which surpasses even high-end gasoline-powered ATVs from competitors and Can-Am’s own lineup.
The ATV is powered by an 8.9 kWh battery, which is relatively small, offering a range of up to 50 miles (80 km).
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While this might not seem like a massive range for recreational users, it’s more than enough for a day’s work on the farm or for hunters and park rangers who need to move quietly through natural environments, which is the intended use of this ATV. It’s not a trail vehicle.
When it comes to charging, the Outlander Electric supports Level 2 charging, which can replenish the battery from 20% to 80% in just 50 minutes. You can also recharge the ATV on a regular 120-volt outlet overnight.
Can-Am has also included several features tailored to the needs of its customers. The Outlander Electric has three selectable ride modes: Normal, Sport, and Work, allowing the rider to adjust the power delivery to the task at hand. It also comes equipped with a 5-inch color display, XPS Recon Force tires, and a full skid plate for protection.
Priced at US $12,999, the Can-Am Outlander Electric ATV is now available on Can-Am’s site and from its dealers.
Outlander Electric First Drive
I’ve been pushing for electric ATVs for years. They make so much sense. Suppose you are using a vehicle to experience nature. In that case, it makes sense that the vehicle doesn’t pollute the nature you are trying to experience, whether this pollution is from emissions or noise.
The near-silent operation of the electric motor is a game-changer for many applications. The lack of engine noise is a significant advantage for farmers working around livestock, hunters who don’t want to scare away game, and anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors without the disruptive roar of a gas engine.
Speaking of the lack of noise, Can-Am did its homework in this regard. Just like legacy automakers making electric cars for the first time, they realize that the vehicles are noisier than expected, as their internal combustion engines bury some of the quieter clicks and rustles.
At lower speeds, I couldn’t hear a thing coming from the Outlander Electric. Only at higher speeds can you start to hear the winding of the electric motors and the tires throwing back dirt.
Here I was just having fun on the trails near the Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming:
It is the level of polish and refinement that you’d expect from Can-Am – it just happens to be electric.
The Outland Electric is also very capable. With the electric torque and the speed limiter, you find yourself easily pulling heavy loads without even feeling it.
Here I was pulling heavy tree trunks, and I had to look back to make sure they were still attached:
Electrek’s Take
This is a significant move from a major player in the off-road vehicle market. For years, we’ve seen smaller startups and conversions in the electric ATV space, but a full-fledged electric model from a brand like Can-Am signals a real shift in the industry.
The focus on utility and work is a smart one, as Can-Am limited itself to the same powertrain as on its electric motorcycles.
While the 50-mile range might be a sticking point for some recreational riders who want to spend all day on the trails, it’s more than adequate for the target audience of this vehicle: ranchers, farmers, and small farm owners.
The high towing capacity and quiet operation are killer features for anyone who needs to get work done, and the instant torque of the electric motor will be a welcome advantage on the farm or in the field.
The starting price of $17,799 is certainly a premium, but it’s not out of line with high-end gas-powered utility ATVs. When you factor in the reduced maintenance (no oil changes, filters, or spark plugs) and the lower cost of electricity compared to gasoline, the total cost of ownership could be very competitive.
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Jeep’s flagship SUV will be the first range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) in the US. The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is more powerful, more electric, and more stylish than ever.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer becomes first extended-range EV
The Grand Wagoneer, Jeep’s biggest SUV, has undergone a significant overhaul for the 2026 model year. Jeep updated the SUV with more than just a stylish new design.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will arrive next year as America’s first range-extended EV (REEV), bringing a few changes to the lineup.
For one, Jeep is dropping the smaller Wagoneer name with all 2026 models unifying under one name: The Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Previously, Jeep offered Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, each with different trims, which made things too confusing for buyers.
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Every Grand Cherokee will now wear the Jeep badge up front as part of its refreshed design. Jeep updated the front face with a slimmer grille and full-length LED lights.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer REEV (Source: Stellantis)
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will be available in two powertrains, an REEV or a 3.0 Hurricane Twin Turbo engine.
Jeep said the REEV version will draw power from a liquid-cooled 92 kWh battery pack that lies flat on the floor, helping to preserve interior space.
Power is transferred from a 3.6-liter V6 engine to a 130 kW generator. When the battery gets low, the gas engine acts as a generator, extending the driving range to upwards of 500 miles in total.
Jeep said the Grand Wagoneer “sets a new benchmark in flagship performance.” With an estimated 647 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque, the big body SUV can move from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds, making it the most powerful Grand Wagoneer yet.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will be offered with three trims: an entry-level, Limited, and Summit, starting at $62,145.
2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Trim
4X2
4X4
LWB 4X2
LWB 4X4
Grand Wagoneer
$62,145
$65,145
$65,145
$68,145
Limited Altitude
NA
$71,140
NA
$74,140
Summit Obsidian
NA
$93,390
NA
$96,390
2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer prices by trim (*Excludes $2,595 destination and options)
The Limited trim starts at $71,140, while the Summit will cost at least $93,390. Upgrading to the long wheelbase (LWB) version costs an extra $3,000.
Jeep will begin production later this year of the 2026 Grand Cherokee with the 3.0 Hurricane engine. The extended-range EV version will be built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan alongside its ICE counterparts.
Meanwhile, Jeep has yet to reveal prices or when it will begin production on the REEV version. We should find out soon.
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Here’s how to score $1,000 savings on EcoFlow’s upcoming DELTA Pro Ultra X power station
Right alongside its ongoing Prime Day Sale that has been extended through October 15, EcoFlow has launched the super early-bird savings promotion for its upcoming DELTA Pro Ultra X Whole-Home Power Station (1 inverter and 2x batteries) ahead of its release on November 3, 2025. At this time, pricing information is surprisingly limited, with the brand simply offering the deal of a $500 deposit made between now and November 2, scoring you a $1,000 discount upon its launch from November 3 to November 30. The predecessor model carries a $6,098 tag at full price, with it regularly keeping under $5,000 most of the time, so it’s safe to say that this new model’s MSRP will land somewhere around those rates. Along with the initial discount, the brand is also promising up to $1,000 in installation subsidies when grabbing the station bundled with the brand’s new Smart Home Panel 3. Head below to learn more about this all-new backup power solution.
If you thought EcoFlow couldn’t get more expansive with its whole-home backup solutions, think again, as the new DELTA Pro Ultra X station starts with the same 6,144Wh LiFePO4 capacity (though it seems the base model may be a 2x battery setup starting at 12,288Wh) that you can scale upwards with future investments as high as 180kWh (over the standard DELTA Pro Ultra’s max 90kWh capacity). Like the older model, this one also boasts an expanding output rate from 12,000W to 36,000W, and provides a wide array of output ports to cover devices, appliances, your RV, and so much more – especially if you plan to utilize it to cover your at-home breakers with the new Smart Home Panel 3.
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That new Smart Home Panel 3 comes as a 200A hub that can be installed to cover up to 32 circuits in your home, allowing you to easily turn off non-essential loads when the grid fails. Recharging information for the DELTA Pro Ultra X so far shows inputs for an AC outlet, as well as gas generators, solar panels, and even EV chargers – plus, it supports Time-of-Use to automatically charge and discharge the battery based on your regions real-time pricing and electrical forecasts. We will update you with more information as it becomes available to us, and in the meantime, be sure to check out EcoFlow’s introductory video for its DELTA Pro Ultra X station here:
Save up to 56% on EcoFlow DELTA 2 and 3 Pro expansion batteries or a home hub starting from a $349 low for 48 hours
As part of its soon-to-end extended Prime Day Sale, EcoFlow has launched a 48-hour flash sale on three different units to either expand or upgrade your backup support, with prices starting lowest on the DELTA 2 Smart Extra Battery for $349 shipped, which beats out Amazon’s pricing by $60. This add-on unit normally carries a $799 MSRP direct from the brand, though it can often be found down around $599 on average, with discounts having usually dropped the costs further between $449 and $409, save for the one-time fall to this rate we spotted during the 2-day Prime event last week. Now, EcoFlow is bringing that low price back for the remaining days of its extended promotions, giving you a second-ever opportunity at $250 off its going rate ($450 off the MSRP) for the lowest price we have tracked. Head below for more on this and the other two units in this flash sale.
Popping in on its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering its IrriSense Smart Sprinkler Irrigation System at $499.98 shipped. Since releasing in May with a $700 full price, discounts started by dropping the costs to $600, with things going further to this rate for the first time mid-August. After spending Prime Day last week down at this low, it’s sticking around for prolonged savings, cutting $200 from the going rate and keeping it down at the all-time lowest price we have tracked.
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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