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Sony is now on its fifth year of showing off its upcoming electric car in its CES press conferences, which we learned last year will be named AFEELA and is planned hit the market in 2026.

This year, the press conference focused on Sony’s software plans for its new vehicle – along with a heap of the latest buzzwords, mostly to do with AI.

To recap, the AFEELA concept was originally stated to have 400kW (536hp) dual-motor all-wheel-drive, 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 4.8 seconds, and a top speed of 240km/h (149mph). As far as we’re aware, those are still the specs Sony is aiming for. We still have no information on price or battery size, but we do have two more years until this car hits the road, so price will surely come later.

Sony is focusing on its electronics expertise by highlighting the car’s sensing and infotainment systems. Like just about every electric car coming out these days, the AFEELA will have a wide array of sensors for potential autonomous driving tasks.

And inside the car, Sony thinks that it can provide better infotainment due to its experience in consumer entertainment. It wants to implement continuous over-the-air software updates, and has shown interior photos of large displays in both the front and back seats, seeming to indicate that there could be PS5-level performance available for gaming tasks in the car (potentially giving Tesla a run for its money in the $100,000 gaming device market).

But lest we think this is just an electronics company putting up a pipe dream of a product to get more eyes on their CES conference presentation, Sony has taken steps to show that its serious about building this car. It has already partnered with Honda to form Sony Honda Mobility, Inc. Interestingly, Sony got top billing in the partnership, rather than Honda – perhaps a reflection of the Japanese automaker’s hesitance towards anything EV.

New details on the AFEELA – or not

In today’s press conference, Sony brought Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe on stage to talk about the partnership and how mobility is going through a “once in 100 year” transformation” – though in his speech, he didn’t use the word “electric” once.

Then Yasuhide Mizuno, CEO of Sony Honda Mobility Inc., came on stage to talk about the in-car software experience. He started off by showing the car’s software-defined nature by… driving the car onto stage with a PS5 controller.

But don’t get too excited – he stated that this was “for the purpose of stage showcase only.”

Nevertheless, what the demonstration shows is that cars are becoming more defined by software, rather than hardware. With software having deep control of vehicle functions, over-the-air updates can change several characteristics of the drive experience, and can improve vehicles over time.

But it also means that these vehicles can have software problems, perhaps moreso than vehicles used to experienced before they were so software-driven.

Sony says that the software-defined nature of the car will turn the car into a “digital playground” for creators to invent new in-car experiences. It showed an example game that renders a vehicle in a mock world alongside escaped godzilla-like monsters, which you can get points for catching.

It also said it wants to “foster a creative community between users and creators” with “access to vehicle data” in order to “realize unique ideas.” Which frankly sounds a little Orwellian, not particularly helped by the fact that it then brought “Big Brother” Microsoft on stage to announce a partnership that… had something (?) to do with AI. Frankly, I blanked out a bit during this part, because I’ve heard enough AI buzzwords this year.

And then Sony closed up the press conference, without any new details on price, battery, the SUV version which appeared two years ago and hasn’t since, or a reiteration of the previously-announced 2026 availability.

Here’s a replay of the full conference (AFEELA presentation starts at 34:23):

Electrek’s Take

When Sony originally surprised everyone with a concept EV in 2020, we thought it was a bit crazy that everyone seemed to be showing off concept EVs now. We’ve seen lots of concept EVs over the years, with varying levels of seriousness.

Sony’s could have been another one of the less-serious ones… but it wasn’t. It looked relatively refined and reasonable and didn’t make as many outlandish claims as some others might have.

At the time, we thought there was actually a decent chance this might happen, and each year since then, Sony has inched a step closer to actually releasing this car. Between the original concept, some on-road testing, an SUV variant (which now has only been shown once, and been absent two years straight), its partnership with Honda, and a product name and production date (with reasonable timeline – at least 7 years after development started on the car), there’s more progress each time we hear about this car.

Of course – by the time this car comes out, they will have talked about it in seven straight CES conferences, if this trend holds. Sure building a car is a huge change for a company that has focused on consumer electronics, but at this point they’re milking this concept for all its worth. I know I just praised them for taking their time with it, and that praise holds, and I’m glad we’re getting updates and all… but that’s still a lot of press conferences for one car.

In contrast, another consumer electronics company that has been rumored to be developing a car, Apple, has never talked about it publicly. Personally I’ve always thought that getting into cars would be an unwise move for Apple (recall Tim Cook’s famous “all of Apple’s products can fit on this one table” presentation) and am therefore skeptical that this will ever happen, but it’s definitely a contrast in press strategy from Sony’s approach.

And that was perhaps particularly apparent this year. While each previous presentation has included meaningful new information beyond the previous year’s, this one seemed like fluff to me. The tech buzzword of the last year has been AI, and every company wants to somehow attach their image to that of AI, hoping to do as well as, say, NVDA has.

So I’m a little disappointed in this specific press conference. Going into it, I didn’t expect much, since Sony has already shown off the car so many times and, frankly, it doesn’t need to show it off seven times before it comes out.

But the AI stuff just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It’s a car, tell us how it’s going to function as a car. Don’t just blow buzzwords at us.

Yes, being software-defined is neat and enables new experiences, and can even make a car better over time (I’ve seen this with my early Tesla Model 3, which is a better car today than it was when I first took delivery). It potentially unshackles us from the previous yearly update cycle which has encouraged overconsumption of vehicles for more than half a century.

But hunting dinosaurs in your car and letting creators spy on your vehicle data is just weird. So lets focus on the car, instead of trying to be another “EV for gamers” (and this is coming from a person who plays entirely too many video games).

Regardless, we’re still really looking forward to trying this thing out when it’s ready. Hopefully next year – since that will be Sony’s last opportunity before its planned 2025 preorder availability for a 2026 model year release.

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Jackery flash sale takes $2,500 off select units with extra savings + gift, Heybike Mars 2.0 hits $899 low, Autel EV charger, EGO, more

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March 18, 2025

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Jackery flash sale takes ,500 off select units with extra savings + gift, Heybike Mars 2.0 hits 9 low, Autel EV charger, EGO, more

Today’s Green Deals are headlined by Jackery’s Sustainable Power Flash Sale that is only running for a few days with up to $2,500 being taken off its power stations – there’s even some hangover St. Paddy’s Day extra savings and a free gift offer on select purchases. In a rare occurence directly from Jackery, we spotted the brand’s popular Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station dropping to $90, among other notable offers. Heybike has also switched to its Limited Spring Sale, with some short-term discounted bundle sale offers being led by the Mars 2.0 Fat Tire e-bike that is back down at its $899 low for the next few days. We also have Autel’s MaxiCharger AC Lite Home Level 2 EV Charger down at a limited-supply $455 Amazon low, as well as EGO’s Nexus Escape 400W Inverter Kit that helps you get more usage out of your batteries, returning to its $249 low. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Anker SOLIX Spring Sale offers, Tenways’ $895 in e-bike savings, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Jackery’s Explorer 100 Plus 99Wh power station hits $90 in flash sale + bonus savings and free gear on other units

Jackery is having a Sustainable Power Flash Sale through March 19 with up to $2,500 in discounts on a selection of power stations and solar generators for your spring adventures, with some bonus St. Paddy’s Day savings on the brand’s Explorer 5000 series of offers. Among what we’re seeing, we spied the popular Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station down at $89.99 shipped. Usually going for $149 most of the time, since Black Friday we’ve been seeing more frequent falls to its $89 low, normally as individual Amazon deals over any inclusion in these direct sales. Today’s deal is a 39% markdown that saves you $59 off the going rate, giving you the chance to grab it here at the second-lowest price we have tracked – only $1 above the lowest rate. For once, it’s even beating out Amazon, where it’s only discounted to $109 right now.

***Note: While there are no extra sitewide savings during Jackery’s Sustainable Power Flash Sale, we are seeing Jackery offer up St. Paddy’s Day extra savings through March 19 when you purchase any of its modular Explorer 5000 series units. You’ll score 15% off either the Explorer 5000 power station or its bundle options by using the code GREEN15 at checkout, as well as getting a FREE Explorer 100 Plus that will be automatically added to your cart.

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Jackery’s palm-sized, two-pound Explorer 100 Plus power station is the brand’s compact, airline-approved backup solution that beats out most popular sizes of power banks on top of offering solar charging capabilities. It provides you with a 99Wh (31,000mAh) LiFePO4 capacity with up to 128W of output through its dual USB-C and single USB-A ports. By plugging it into a wall outlet, you’ll regain 70% of the battery in about an hour, with a full battery taking a bit longer at up to two hours. As I mentioned, there are solar charging capabilities here, with a maximum 100W solar input giving you a full charge in around two hours – plus, you could also connect it to your car’s auxiliary port to regain a full charge in three hours time.

Jackery’s Sustainable Power Sale home and outdoor deals:

Jackery’s Sustainable Power Sale accessory deals:

You can check out the full lineup of deals for Jackery’s Sustainable Power Flash Sale on the landing page here.

Heybike Mars 2.0 Fat Tire e-bike

Heybike’s Mars 2.0 folding fat tire e-bike with free gear returns to $899 low in limited spring savings

Following in the footsteps of its previous flash sales, Heybike is offering a Limited Spring Sale on a selection of e-bikes, with the next few days giving folks another chance to score the Mars 2.0 Folding Fat Tire e-bike at $899 shipped through March 21. Coming down off its $1,499 price tag, we see this model prominently featured in most of the brand’s sales, often dropping to either $1,099 or lower to $999, though occasionally we do see it go lower to $899, like today. You’ll be benefitting from a $600 markdown, returning it to the all-time lowest price we have tracked just in time to secure it for your upcoming spring adventures. You’ll even get a free large cargo basket with your purchase. Head below for more details and to check out the other models benefitting from the savings.

While it doesn’t sport any fancy bells and whistles like higher-end models on the market, Heybike’s Mars 2.0 gives you some solid performance and features for such a budget-friendly price – especially this low. It arrives ready to support you through your commute with a removable 600Wh battery for up to 45 miles on a single charge with its five PAS levels, providing you with top speeds of 28 MPH. That’s with the standard’s 750W motor, which you can upgrade to a 1,000W model for $200 more, bumping your maximum speed up to 32 MPH while also providing more power for inclines, increased load capacity, and more.

Its folding frame will certainly be a blessing to folks with limited storage space, and you won’t have to worry about being caught with a flat on the two 4-inch puncture-resistant fat tires (each with fenders). There’s also the Shimano 7-speed derailleur, integrated cargo rack, an LED headlight and taillight, and LED display – plus, if you upgrade to the 1,000W motor, you’ll also have the brakes upgraded to hydraulic disc brakes to ensure stopping power at those higher speeds.

Heybike’s Limited Spring Sale offers:

  • Ranger S Folding Fat Tire e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,499)
    • 28 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • Can upgrade to 1,000W motor for $200 more
    • Comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Cityrun Urban Commuter e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,599)
    • 21 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • Comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Horizon Full-Suspension e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,999)
    • 28 MPH for 55 miles
    • Comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Brawn Off-Road e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,799)
    • 28 MPH for 65 miles
    • Comes with free large basket
  • ALPHA Mid-Drive All-Terrain e-bike (new model): $1,599 (Reg. $1,699)
    • 28 MPH for up to 60 miles
Autel MaxiCharger AC Lite EV charger

Autel’s MaxiCharger AC Lite level 2 EV charger gets limited-supply discount to $455 Amazon low

Amazon is offering a Lightning Deal on the Autel MaxiCharger AC Lite Home Level 2 EV Charger for $455.20 shipped while supplies last. Coming down off its usual $569 MSRP, we’ve been seeing frequent Lightning savings like today over the last year, along with some longer-lasting discounts too, often dropping costs to the same rate. Taking advantage of the limited savings here nets you $114 to go back in your pocket while you score it at the lowest price we have tracked on Amazon. At the time of writing this, 6% of the available units have been claimed. Head below for more.

Autel’s 240V MaxiCharger AC Lite arrives as an affordable alternative for non-Tesla drivers, compatible with any EV that takes a J1772 connector. It provides you up to 50A charging speeds once installed, averaging at around 37 miles for every hour your EV is hooked up (and assuming you’re setting it to the maximum output), with smart controls for monitoring and setting adjustments available through your smartphone. Built to stand against year-round elements, it sports a 25-foot cable that will continue to function in as low as -40 degrees, with Autel rating it to withstand “snow, rain, hail, and sleet.”

EGO Power+ Nexus Escape 400W Inverter Kit

Get more use out of your EGO batteries with the Nexus Escape 400W 3-Port Inverter Kit at a $249 low

Amazon is offering the third-ever savings hitting the EGO Power+ Nexus Escape 400W Inverter Kit with a 4.0Ah battery and a charger for $249 shipped, after clipping the on-page $50 off coupon. Normally this model carries a $300 price tag, which we saw the previous discount bring down only by $1 back in January. At the end of February we saw this same additional $50 off discount pop up, disappearing for a short time before being brought back today. You’re looking at a $51 markdown here, which returns costs to the all-time lowest we’ve seen.

Perfect for anyone who has collected a solid arsenal of EGO tools, this Nexus Escape inverter provides you with the means to get more out of your acquired batteries – beyond simply powering the brand’s equipment. Not only can you use the included 100W charger to refill your 56V EGO brand ARC batteries by connecting it to the inverter, but you’ll also be able to power up to three devices simultaneously through the two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. It delivers up to 400W of continuous power normally, peaking at 800W for anything needing the boost. You’ll even be getting a 4.0AH battery along with this kit, in case you’re just starting your investments into one of the top electric tool brands on the market.

We’ve got quite of few deals on EGO’s lineup of tools at the moment, like the 56V 21-inch Cordless Self-Propelled model that comes with two 6.0Ah batteries for a 100-minute runtime still sitting at its new $700 low, or there are also the brand’s T6 riding tractor or Z6 zero-turn riding mowers that are down at their lowest rates – up to $1,500 off and starting from $3,499.

Best New Year EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

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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Several Tesla vehicles burned down in Las Vegas and Kansas City, arson suspected

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30 mins ago

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March 18, 2025

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Several Tesla vehicles burned down in Las Vegas and Kansas City, arson suspected

Tesla Las Vegas fire

Several Tesla vehicles were set on fire at Tesla service center in Las Vegas. More Tesla vehicles were also set on fire in Kansas, arson is also suspected in this case, but it’s not confirmed.

Tesla is facing protests at stores across the US over masses trying to negatively affect Elon Musk who many believes is establishing himself as a oligarch in the US.

On top of the peaceful legal protests, more extremist groups are also attacking Tesla with vandalism.

Cars have been burned down, keyed, and Tesla stores had windows broken, have been graffitied, and even shot at.

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Protests are not slowing down with over 100 planned for the next 2 weeks and unfortunately, the vandalism attacks on Tesla also don’t appear to be slowing down.

Just last night, there were two instances.

The first one was at Tesla’s service center in Las Vegas were several vehicles were reportedly set on fire (pictured above).

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said that they were told that an individual set the vehicles on fire, but they are still investigating:

“LVMPD Communications received information that an individual had set several vehicles on fire in the parking lot and caused damage to the property,”

The FBI is reportedly being involved.

President Trump said last week that he wants to classify vandalism against Tesla as “domestic terrorism.” We previously reported that the FBI has already gotten involved in several instances of vandalism at Tesla stores.

In a separate instance in Kansas City last night, two Tesla Cybertrucks burned down at the local Tesla store.

A KCPD officer spotted the fire and tried to extinguish it himself but couldn’t. Firefighters had to come and the fire spread to a second Cybertruck in the meantime.

The KCPD Bomb and Arson unit is investigating the cause – therefore, arson is also suspected but not confirmed yet.

Tesla vehicles have at times caught on fire on their own – although it’s a rare occurrence.

Electrek’s Take

As we have often mentioned in the last few weeks, we sympathize with the people peacefully protesting and boycotting Tesla, but we condemn any violence, including vandalism.

The protests and boycotts are much more efficient in affecting Tesla than any form of violence, including setting cars on fire. Tesla will just collect the insurance anyway.

Everyone getting involved in this is actually eroding the credibility of the “Tesla Takedown” movement.

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Rivian CEO shows off R2 body progress ahead of production

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44 mins ago

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March 18, 2025

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Rivian CEO shows off R2 body progress ahead of production

Rivian-R2-body-EV

Rivian is plowing ahead with its new midsize R2 electric SUV. As it gears up for production, Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, gave us a sneak peek at the R2 body being built with production dies.

First look at the Rivian R2 body with production dies

Starting at $45,000, the R2 will be about half the cost of Rivian’s current R1S ($77,700) and R1T ($71,700). Despite a smaller size, the company promises it will still have that “Rivian essence” that has helped get the EV maker to where it is today.

Rivian’s CFO, Claire McDonough, said the team was “working around the clock” earlier this month to prepare its Normal, IL facility for R2 production.

McDonough confirmed that the sourcing for R2 was about 95% complete, and the start of production was still scheduled for the first half of 2026.

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In the meantime, Scaringe is giving us a closer look at the R2 as it goes through development. Earlier this month, he posted a picture of the R2’s highly efficient Maximum drive unit.

Rivian-R2-drive-unit
Rivian-R2-drive-unit

The new unit uses continuous winding in the stator to reduce the total welds per stator assembly from 264 to just 24. With an integrated rotor shaft and gear, Maximum uses just two bearings, down from four on its Enduro drive unit.

As Rivian moves closer to production, we’re getting an up-close look at the R2 body being built. Rivian’s CEO shared a picture on X showing the R2 body, now built with production dies.

Although Rivian will begin building R2 models in Normal, it will significantly ramp up production at its new plant in Georgia. McDonough said the GA facility is still on track to come online in 2028.

Rivian-R2-body-EV
Rivian R2 midsize electric SUV (Source: Rivian)

Once fully up and running, it’s expected to have up to 400,000 annual vehicle production capacity. To put that into perspective, Rivian built just shy of 50,000 EVs last year.

After scaling production, Rivian will launch the R2 in Europe as it takes the brand overseas. The company promises that R2 is just the start. Next up, Rivian will launch the smaller R3 crossover and R3X, a tri-motor electric hot hatch.

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