As Aptera Motors looks to reach its long-sought scaled solar EV production milestone, it has secured a tier-1 battery supplier and a hefty investment from Korean manufacturer CTNS.
Solar EV startup Aptera Motors hit us with an encouraging progress update as we shut the book on 2023 and look toward 2024, the year we may finally see scaled production of the company’s solar EV by the same name.
Since the startup debuted in its second iteration years ago, we’ve shared its progress nearly every step of the way – from beta models through gamma, securing state grants, and the debut of its Launch Edition solar EV, alongside an accelerator crowdfunding program to purchase the necessary equipment to get production going.
If and when that production process gets underway, Aptera will gain manufacturing expertise from Creative Technology & Surprise (CTNS) – a South Korean battery technology company founded in 2017.
Credit: Junmo Kim / LinkedIn
Aptera nabs investment and battery contract from CTNS
Per a LinkedIn post from CTNS chief strategy officer Junmo Kim, the battery technology company and Aptera Motors signed a master supply agreement on December 22. The visit from Aptera cofounder Chris Anthony to CTNS’ Seoul headquarters also included signing an investment agreement in Aptera totaling millions.
As part of the two agreements, CTNS will install battery production lines for Aptera and supply the battery packs for its solar EVs as a tier-1 supplier. Per Kim, the total size of the contract equates to more than $15 million dollars. CTNS CEO Ki-jeong Kwon spoke during the signing ceremony in Seoul:
I believe that this is an important moment for CTNS to leapfrog to the future unicorn in global market, and sincerely appreciated to Chris Anthony & Aptera Motors to become our partner for the journey.
Batteries are a vital component on any EV production line, so securing a tier-1 supplier in CTNS is a key milestone as Aptera continues its validation phase of production intent solar EVs. Together, Aptera and CTNS hope to bring the former’s production dreams to reality sooner rather than later. Per Aptera Motors co-founder Chris Anthony:
Happy to invite CTNS as an official partner for Aptera Motors and was impressed a lot by the enthusiasm & spirit of the Korean startup.
As of December 28, 2023, Aptera’s Accelerator program has less than 350 spots remaining. Aside from the investment program, you can still reserve an Aptera SEV of your own for $100 down, $70 if you use the following link.
Featured image credit: Junmo Kim / LinkedIn
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Hiboy kicks off its sixth anniversary with $580+ in launch savings on its new EX6F low-step folding e-bike from $950
Hiboy is celebrating its sixth anniversary with a massive sale through June 25 that is taking up to 55% off its EV models, accessories, all while also offering daily limited-stock flash sales on select units to ridiculously low prices (found on sale’s main page here). Among the lineup, this sale is the first chance at savings on Hiboy’s new EX6F Low-Step Folding e-bike for $949.98 shipped, after using the promo code IMEX6F50 at checkout for an additional $50 off. There’s also an optional bundle promotion running on this model, which the first 50 buyers of this e-bike can choose over the $50 in extra savings – just add the e-bike to your cart without the above code and you’ll get two free pannier bags along with your purchase ($95 value, automatically added in cart). This new model is hitting the scene with a $1,580 price tag, with the $580+ savings here being quite the starting launch deal. Head below to learn more.
A predecessor to Hiboy’s popular EX6 model, the new EX6F low-step e-bike arrives with one major upgrade standing out, namely the tri-fold frame that makes saving space when it’s not in use all the easier, while also providing a more convenient way to transport it in trunks, on RVs, and the like. It comes with a 500W motor (peaking at 750W) that works with the removable 14.5Ah waterproof battery to reach top speeds of 25 MPH for up to 75 miles with its pedal assistance mode activated, or for up to 41 miles when its pure electric mode is utilized. There’s also a third mode for manual pedaling for those who like to get some cardio in during their journeys.
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Among the Hiboy EX6F e-bike’s features, you’ll also be getting 20-inch by 4-inch fat tires and a hydraulic front suspension for all-terrain fun, as well as a Shimano 7-speed derailleur, a rear cargo rack with a 110-pound payload, a clear LED display for monitoring and adjusting settings, and more.
Hiboy’s other anniversary e-bike deals:
Hiboy’s anniversary e-scooter deals:
Get a sizeable 3,500Wh CATL battery capacity through Mango’s Power E station with $2,800 in exclusive savings at $999
We’ve secured another exclusive deal from Wellbots on the Mango Power E Portable Power Station for $999 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5MANGO600 at checkout. It’s already been cut down to $1,599 from its $3,799 price tag, with the additional $600 in savings from our exclusive code taking things even further. While it lands $100 above the all-time low from our previous mention in mid-March, you’re still looking at the second-best price we have tracked, which gives you a total $2,800 in savings on a power station with some serious backup power.
Mango’s Power E is a sizeable unit for the price, which also comes built using CATL battery cells that are typically found in EVs from brands like Mercedes Benz, Tesla, BMW, and more. It boasts a 3,500Wh capacity, which can be expanded as high as 14kWh with the addition of two expansion batteries. It delivers an impressive 3,000W of output power, which increases to 7,000W with the two-battery expansion setup, and sports 16 port options to cover appliances and devices: four ACs, six USB-As, two USB-Cs, two DCs, one car port, and an RV port. If you get yourself an mSocket Pro accessory, its capabilities can extend to become a split-phase generator that covers larger heavy-consumption appliances, including heaters, dryers, water pumps, and much more.
You can recharge its battery to 80% via a wall outlet in one hour’s time, with the solar option to connect up to a max 2,000W input, as well as a 3,000W input it can receive from any generator you have. Not only does it come with a 10-year warranty, but according to the brand, you can also be eligible for a 30% IRS tax credit once you pick it up, which adds future savings to the already large pot.
Here’s your second chance at ECOVACS’ Goat O1000 RTK robot mower with a fish-eye cam for an $850 low
Amazon is giving folks another chance to score the new ECOVACS Goat O1000 RTK Robot Lawn Mower at $849.99 shipped, which is beating out the brand’s direct pricing by $150. This model (alongside its four counterparts) released back in February carrying a $1,000 price tag, which we saw regularly dropping to $900 from March until early May when this $850 low first appeared. Now, you’re looking at the second chance at this all-time low price, with $150 cut from the tag. Head below for more on this model and the two counterparts that are also seeing discounts.
The standard model among the five new ECOVACS Goat robot mowers, the Goat O1000 model is designed to cover up to 1/4-acres of lawn on a single charge, with it able to pick up where it left off after charging. There’s advanced AI here that utilizes RTK navigation for more accurate location tracking and route planning, as well as integrated AIVI 3D obstacle avoidance. The programming for the obstacle avoidance isn’t only limited to inanimate objects either, as it can identify small animals that may come and go through your yard, even during the dead of night. Its performance is further bolstered by the LiDAR (3D-ToF) and fisheye camera, which takes over navigating when entering heavily shaded areas that the satellites can’t see.
This robot comes sporting a more compact and narrow design, allowing it to fit in tighter spaces where a normal push mower cannot tread, with the whole thing even boasting an IPX6 waterproof construction to better stand against inclement weather changes. There’s plenty of remote smart controls available via its companion app, giving you the means to adjust settings, monitor its real-time performance, and edit the 3D maps it creates. Head below for more.
ECOVACS’ other new robot mower deals:
Get an adaptive cut with this Worx Nitro 40V 21-inch cordless mower and two 5.0Ah batteries at new $289 low
Amazon is offering the Worx Nitro 40V 21-inch Cordless Intellicut Lawn Mower for $289 shipped. It normally carries a $500 MSRP directly from the brand, while at Amazon, we usually see it priced at $350 to $400. We’ve seen regular drops to $299 over the last 12 months, but today the savings are increasing to go lower than ever. The deal here offers a 28% markdown off the going rate, giving you $111 in savings at a new all-time low price, beating out our previous mention by $10. Head below for more on this newer, smarter lawn care solution from Worx.
You can get a smart mower on a budget with this newer Worx Nitro 40V model that comes with the brand’s intellicut system that can automatically adjust cutting speeds based on the thickness of the grass you’re working through. The 21-inch aerodeck increases air volume through its vented design, optimizing its performance efficiency while preventing clogs and clumping, with the whole thing surrounding a brushless motor 2.0 for “40% more power and 10% longer runtime than first-gen models.”
The two included 5.0Ah batteries gives you the juice to cover up to 1/2 an acre on a full charge – plus, they come as part of the PowerShare family, making them compatible across the tool ecosystem. The mower provides seven cutting height levels via the lever, giving you a range of 1.5 to 4 inches to choose from, and that’s on top of the three-in-one functionality for rear-bagging, mulching, or side-discharging your clippings. Storage is a bit easier here too, as the handle collapses and folds to save you space when it’s not in use.
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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ENGIE North America is taking a big step toward making solar power more sustainable by baking recycling into the foundation of four upcoming clean energy projects.
The company is partnering with tech-based solar panel recycler SOLARCYCLE to roll out a new kind of agreement that ensures about 1 million solar panels will get recycled once they reach end of life. The panels come from 375 megawatts (MW) worth of solar projects across the Midwest, and ENGIE says this move will help keep 48 million pounds of material out of landfills and cut around 33,000 tons of carbon emissions.
What makes this different is that recycling isn’t being tacked on at the end – it’s being planned from day one. This “precycling” approach builds recycling directly into power purchase agreements, so developers and energy buyers can make circularity part of their sustainability goals from the start.
It also helps that SOLARCYCLE can track every panel to make sure it actually gets recycled, with recovered materials fed back into the domestic supply chain to form the next generation of clean energy products.
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ENGIE says the partnership with SOLARCYCLE shows that a circular solar economy is possible, with no new regulations or upfront payments required. And it sends a strong message: clean energy shouldn’t just be renewable, it should be recyclable too.
These four pilot projects are part of ENGIE’s growing North American footprint, which already includes more than 12 gigawatts (GW) of wind, solar, and battery storage.
To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check outEnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have 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 you share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get startedhere. –trusted affiliate link*
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Ford is recalling over 300,000 Mustang Mach-E models globally due to a glitch that could leave you locked out or potentially trapped inside the vehicle.
Ford is recalling over 300,000 Mustang Mach-E models
If you were planning to pick up your new Mustang Mach-E, you might have to wait a little longer. Ford told dealers to halt sales of the electric SUV until there’s a fix.
In the event of an unexpected 12V battery discharge, the front door electronic latch may not function, which could leave you stuck outside or, worse, inside the vehicle.
Ford is recalling around 317,000 Mustang Mach-E models in the US and globally as it works to resolve the issue. The recall impacts model years 2021 through 2025. Ford said it’s not aware of any reports of accidents related to the glitch.
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A fix is coming soon. Ford is working on a software update, which is expected to roll out in Q3, or over the next few weeks. Until then, the stop-sale will remain in place.
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E (Source: Ford)
The update is expected to be available for current Mach-E owners. However, according to an owner on Mach-E Forum, it may require a visit to the dealer rather than an easy OTA software update.
When the software fix is available, Ford will notify owners through the mail to schedule an appointment with their local dealer. Dealers will fix the issue, free of charge.
Ford Mustang Mach-E (left) and F-150 Lightning (right) (Source: Ford)
Last month, a Ford spokesperson confirmed with Electrek that the company is raising prices on vehicles built in Mexico, including the Mustang Mach-E. The higher prices impact vehicles shipped after May, which are expected to arrive at dealerships in late June.
The spokesperson explained that the price raises are part of Ford’s “usual mid-year pricing actions, combined with some tariffs we are facing.
Ford is still offering employee prices on most 2024 and 2025 models. With the discount, the 2025 Mustang Mach-E starts at just $36,005.
Last month, Ford sold 4,724 Mach-Es in the US, up 11% from May 2024. Through the first five months of 2025, Ford has sold 19,258 Mustang Mach-Es in the US, a 2.8% increase from the same period last year.