Weeks after introducing a potentially game-changing “Uni-wheel” drive system for EVs, Hyundai and Kia are showing off another next-generation technology to keep EV drivers safer during inclement weather. Today, Kia and Hyundai introduced a new snow chain-integrated tire that utilizes shape memory alloy modules inside the wheel. See how this incredible new tech works in the video below.
As EVs continue to saturate the global automotive market, their respective technologies are evolving to benefit consumers. Now more than ever, these electric vehicles drive farther, charge faster, and come equipped with exciting new technologies like vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities and Plug & Charge.
Hyundai Motor Group has been one of the early proponents of such technologies, featuring them in EVs atop its E-GMP platform. In fact, Hyundai and Kia especially have rolled out some exciting technologies throughout the electric mobility segment and allocated considerable funds to R&D to explore new engineering breakthroughs.
Last month, the Korean automotive conglomerate introduced a new “Uni Wheel” system, described as a potential “paradigm shift” in drivetrain configurations. Traditional ICE vehicles utilize CV joints, but moving them closer to the wheels requires a short drive train length and, as a result, a decrease in efficiency and durability – especially over bumpy terrain. Hyundai and Kia’s Uni Wheel system, on the other hand, can transmit power with almost zero changes to efficiency, regardless of wheel movement.
The last breakthrough was met with some confusion as to how it worked, but once you watched the video, it garnered a lot of hype as a breakthrough technology. Today, Hyundai Motor Group has shared another exciting video about tires it has developed with alloy “snow chains” built in. Check it out.
Credit: Hyundai Motor Group/YouTube
Snow problem! Hyundai’s new tires come well equipped
As if Hyundai and Kia EVs weren’t already exploring the bleeding edge of efficiency, the automakers have developed a new tire/wheel combination that alleviates the need to haul around and install snow tires – a common practice for drivers in wintery regions that trek up mountains.
Hyundai explains that this new tire technology can automatically deploy shape memory alloy at the push of a button in the cabin, quickly offering EV drivers a snow chain-like grip during wintery road conditions.
This snow chain-integrated tire technology consists of a wheel and tire assembly consisting of radial, evenly spaced grooves that house modules made from shape memory alloy that can be deployed when an electric current is applied and can return to its natural shape inside the tire.
The video below showcases how it works best, but this could be a potential game-changer for snow tires if and when Hyundai and Kia integrate it into passenger EV models. When that may happen remains to be seen, but Hyundai appears to be working toward that goal. The automaker’s head of the advanced chassis development team, Joon Mo Park, elaborated:
This innovation, which will hopefully be introduced on Hyundai and Kia vehicles someday, reflects our commitment to turning advanced technologies into real-world solutions that benefit customers. We will continue to develop technologies that enhance safety and convenience of our vehicles and bring value to our customers.
Like the Uni-Wheel drive system mentioned above, Hyundai and Kia’s snow chain tires offer plenty of room for excitement about what technologies are yet to emerge within EVs, as long as their creators find a way to scale and integrate the technology as planned. While we wait for that, check out Hyundai Motor Group’s video explaining the new snow tire technology below:
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Honda’s electric SUV was the third most popular EV in the US in August, behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. Offering over $12,000 in average incentives, the Honda Prologue scored big as buyers rushed to claim the federal EV tax credit.
Honda Prologue registrations surge with huge incentives
As the $7,500 credit expired at the end of September, automakers were offering pretty notable discounts, many in the five digits with combined incentives.
The Honda Prologue has been one of the most discounted EVs over the past few months. Last month, buyers could score up to over $20,000 in combined savings, including a $7,500 credit, $9,500 in financing bonuses, trade-in offers, and 0% interest for six years.
According to the latest registration data from S&P Global Mobility (via Automotive News), the incentives helped propel the Honda Prologue to become the third most popular EV in August.
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A total of 138,457 EVs were registered in the US in August, up 24% from a year ago. Honda Prologue registrations surged 81% to 9,005 vehicles, the data showed.
2025 Honda Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)
Since some automakers don’t report monthly or US sales numbers, the S&P Global Mobility data offers a snapshot of sales performance.
The Prologue was yet again one of the most discounted models, with incentives of $12,704 in August, according to Motor Intelligence. Last August, Prologue incentives were just $5,813. Honda’s gas-powered CR-V had just $2,016 in incentives in August.
2025 Honda Prologue (Source: Honda)
Although the $7,500 credit expired on September 30, Honda is still offering generous incentives for Prologue buyers and lessees.
The 2025 Honda Prologue is available with up to $16,550 in lease cash in most states. Alternatively, Honda is offering 0% APR financing for up to 60 months.
2025 Honda Prologue trim
Starting Price*
EPA Range (miles)
EX (FWD)
$47,400
308
EX (AWD)
$50,400
294
Touring (FWD)
$51.700
308
Touring (AWD)
$54,700
294
Elite (AWD)
$57,900
283
2025 Honda Prologue prices and range by trim (*Does not include $1,450 D&H fee)
Although the Acura ZDX will not return for a 2026 model year, Honda is planning to launch the 2026 Prologue. We have yet to learn prices, but we could see it priced slightly lower due to the loss of the $7,500 EV credit.
Hyundai announced earlier this month it’s reducing 2026 IONIQ 5 prices by up to nearly $10,000 on some trims. The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 now starts at under $35,000. Will Honda match it?
XCharge North America (NA) has opened Oregon’s first solar + storage DC fast charging station at Arrowhead Travel Plaza in Pendleton, part of the Wildhorse Resort & Casino complex owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
NetZero Energy helped bring the project to life, handling system design and project management. The solar canopy provides renewable power to the chargers, while the integrated batteries make the site more resilient and capable of off-grid operation during outages.
The new station integrates four dual-dispenser 215kWh GridLink chargers with 40kW of solar that can output up to 194kW per unit, allowing drivers to charge quickly with CCS1 or NACS plugs while reducing strain on the grid. The site’s location on Interstate 84 is key because Arrowhead serves more than 1.7 million vehicles a year. Many drive the steep, rough weather-prone Cabbage Hill grade, where a full charge is essential for safety.
“We partnered with XCharge NA because they provide a grid-friendly charging solution with battery storage that seamlessly integrates with a custom solar canopy – a perfect fit for our climate,” said Tom Fine, general manager of Arrowhead Travel Plaza.
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Each GridLink charger includes bidirectional capability, meaning it can send power back to the grid or function off-grid in the event of an emergency. It also has a built-in safety system that monitors battery packs with multiple sensors and fire suppression technology.
With this project, XCharge North America now operates in 18 states. Cofounder and president Aatish Patel called Oregon’s first solar-supplemented DC fast-charging site a milestone: “Our Arrowhead Travel Plaza installation goes beyond simply delivering ultra-fast charging – it’s a powerful demonstration of how integrating our GridLink technology with solar power can offset grid demand, enhance a charging site’s resilience and flexibility, and even bolster the region’s energy architecture.”
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.
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Bluetti launches new Pioneer Na(Sodium) portable power station with exclusive savings starting from $735
Bluetti has launched its newest backup power solution, and we’ve secured some exclusive savings for our readers on it and its bundle options. You can now pick up Bluetti’s Pioneer Na(Sodium) Portable Power Station at $735.08 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS8OFF at checkout for an additional 8% savings. It’ll normally go for $1,299 at full price once these initial launch savings end, with the discount today starting things at $799, while our readers score a bonus $64 price cut further. All-in-all, that’s a combined 43% markdown that cuts a total of $564 off the tag and sets the bar for future discounts down the road.
The standout feature of Bluetti’s new Pioneer Na(Sodium) portable power station, as the name might hint to you, is its cold-proof construction and sodium-ion battery cells, which make it ideal for trips and/or emergencies during severe cold weather as low as -13 degrees. It’s also even more eco-friendly than typical power station designs, utilizing sustainable sodium over rare metals like lithium and cobalt. Great for ice fishing trips, snow camping, or blackouts in winter, this model brings along a 900Wh capacity that provides up to 1,500W of steady power for daily essentials, while surging up to 2,250W for high-demand appliances.
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The Bluetti Pioneer Na portable power station is built to last for 4,000+ charge cycles, with the brand rating it for a 10-year lifespan – plus, it even boasts ultra-low standby consumption of 1.5W, meaning it’ll always be ready to assist you with portable power regardless of it sitting idle for months. It sports five primary recharging methods, with a typical AC outlet putting it back to 80% in 45 minutes or to full in 65 minutes. Of course, there’s a 500W max solar input, which can also be used simultaneously with an AC outlet to cut down times to 35 minutes (80% battery) or 52 minutes (100% battery). There’s also the options to plug into your car’s auxiliary port, or you can get faster on-the-go charging from the brand’s 500W Alternator Charger 1 (bundle below).
***Note: Remember to use the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS8OFF at checkout to score the prices below; otherwise, you’ll be paying the normal launch rates.
Bluetti’s Na(Sodium) power station launch deals:
Save a total $1,116 on Tenways’ AGO X all-terrain mid-drive e-bike with FREE gear and 180Wh power bank at $1,999
Tenways is offering a special extra battery promotion (known as the Tenways Power Bank here) on its AGO X All-Terrain e-bike at $1,999 shipped that also comes with $307 in FREE additional add-on gear, while also offering a 50% discount on the standalone power bank, were you wanting to pick one up for any other models from the brand you may already have. The AGO X e-bike normally goes for $2,499 without discounts, which we’ve mostly seen taken down to this rate over the year, with some occasional drops lower to $1,899. This is the first bundle with the Tenways Power Bank ($309 value), however, giving you a total of $1,116 savings, which is the biggest deal we’ve tracked to date. Alongside this model, you can also find the CGO600 Pro Lightweight e-bikes with $300 price cuts and $118 in FREE gear, as well as the option for a 50% off Power Bank add-on.
Mount this tiltable BougeRV e-bike rack hitch to your vehicle and carry up to 200 pounds for a new $350 low
Through its official Amazon storefront, BougeRV is now offering the best rate yet on its 2-inch e-bike Rack Hitch with Ramp for cars, SUVs, and trucks at $349.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page coupon. Earlier in the week we spotted its more affordable e-bike-compatible counterpart returning to its $180 low, and now, this more premium model is coming down from its full $500 price tag to follow suit. Discounts here have only gone as low as $400 up until today, with that rate beaten out by this $150 markdown that lands costs at a new all-time low price.
Greenworks’ gen 2 13A 1,900 PSI portable compact electric pressure washer goes anywhere for $110
Amazon is offering the Greenworks 13A 1,900 PSI Portable Compact Electric Pressure Washer at $109.99 shipped, which matches the price direct from the brand’s website. While it carries a $160 MSRP, this newer cleaning model has been keeping down at $128 at Amazon since the summer began, with this rate only having been beaten by the one-time $104 low we spotted during the Prime Day event last week. If you missed your chance at that low price, you’re getting the next-best rate here with a total $50 savings from its MSRP. You can also shop all the brand’s current electric pressure washer deals by heading to its Amazon storefront here.
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.