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spiro electric motorbike

Battery swapping for electric motorbikes isn’t new technology, but its adoption rate has proven to be remarkably inconsistent around the world. One of the biggest surprises recently has been one of the places where such technology has grown rapidly: Africa.

Electric motorbike battery-swapping often takes hold in areas where car usage is outnumbered by motorbikes, meaning any advances in electrification have a much bigger impact on the population and the environment. Battery swapping allows an electric motorbike to operate essentially indefinitely, removing the need for recharging stops in favor of simply swapping out a depleted battery for a fully charged one.

Africa certainly doesn’t come up often in conversations around electric vehicle hotspots, but perhaps it should. The continent has quietly become a hub of electric motorcycle activity as multiple homegrown startups expand country by country and bring along a series of battery-swapping platforms.

Spiro, one of the largest players in the African electric motorbike market, counts a ridership of over 12,000 and a total network of at least 600 battery-swapping stations. Those stations have largely been manually run, requiring an employee to perform the swapping operation, but have still racked up over 7 million battery swaps so far.

Now, the company is announcing its first 50 automated battery-swapping stations. These stations use smart cabinets similar to those we have seen from other companies such as Vammo in South America, allowing riders to roll up, authenticate themselves, and then swap their own battery into an empty space for recharging while simultaneously receiving a freshly charged battery.

As Spiro’s CTO Samir Mishra explained:

“Our automated swap stations, paired with Spiro batteries, represent the pinnacle of safety and quality in the EV market. These stations are designed to offer our customers a seamless and secure experience, ensuring that every swap transparently conveys the exact value customers are paying for. The batteries are connected to the cloud around the clock making sure they meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. 

At Spiro, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of technology to provide solutions that are not only innovative but also trustworthy, impactful and life-changing, bringing smiles to customers faces by adding a bit more cash to their pocket each day. We are raising the bar for electric mobility across Africa.”

By far the largest users of electric motorbikes in Africa are boda boda operators, or motorbike taxis. These are incredibly common in many African cities and are seen as the quickest way to get around town. In order for those riders to effectively switch to electric motorbikes though, they need a way to operate throughout the day. Battery swapping provides that solution, letting them “refuel” as quickly as a gas station fill-up but without the same harmful emissions – and without as much cost.

So could initiatives like Spiro’s automated battery-swapping stations leapfrog past the rest of the world? Potentially, though it depends on where you look. It’s likely not the case when compared to major competitors like Gogoro’s systems, which dominate in Asia. There’s an argument to be made when compared to electric motorbike battery swapping systems in Europe and South America, where progress exists but isn’t as well developed or proliferated as Gogoro’s technology. However, when compared to some of the most underdeveloped regions of the world such as North America – at least when considering battery swapping – Africa appears to not only hold a sizeable lead but is growing at a much faster rate.

Electrek’s Take

Perhaps one day the United States can look towards Africa and learn a thing or two about efficient, right-sized electric vehicles.

Or, you know, we can just keep crushing people under 8,000 lb electric SUVs on the way to the supermarket. Why mess with what’s working?

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Kia just showed the PV5 electric van can pretty much do it all

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2 hours ago

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November 18, 2025

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Kia just showed the PV5 electric van can pretty much do it all

Kia-PV5-Chassis-Cab

The PV5 is more than just an electric van. It can do it all. After revealing the PV5 Chassis Cab, Kia showed how it can turn into a food truck, a camper, and plenty of other setups you wouldn’t expect.

Kia launches the PV5 Chassis Cab

Kia’s electric van can do it all. The PV5 is a mid-size all-electric van and the first from Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business.

The PV5 Passenger and Cargo variants are already rolling out across Europe and South Korea, with more markets planned over the next few months.

At SOLUTRANS 2025 in Lyons, France, on Monday, Kia revealed another new version: The PV5 Chassis Cab. As Kia’s first electric chassis cab model, it marks a significant step toward the company’s goal of becoming a leader in light commercial electric vans by 2030.

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Like all PBV vans, the Chassis Cab is built on the flexible E-GMP.S platform. Depending on the configuration, the PV5 Chassis Cab offers up to 1,005 kg (2,200 lbs) of max payload and eight cubic meters of cargo space (High Box).

Kia-PV5-Chassis-Cab
Kia reveals the PV5 Chassis Cab at SOLUTRANS 2025 (Source: Kia)

The PV5 Chassis Cab “combines compact efficiency with the carrying capacity of larger vans to offer customers across Europe a responsible, flexible solution for daily operations,” Kia Europe’s CEO, Marc Hedrich, said during the launch event.

Kia developed the new Chassis Cab model with European converters as the most flexible PV5 variant yet. The Dropside can be used for farming or construction equipment, the Tipper for waste collection.

Kia-PV5-Chassis-Cab-interior
An interior setup for the Kia PV5 Chassis Cab (Source: Kia)

It also supports three types of Box Vans for e-commerce deliveries, as well as a refrigerated option for grocery delivery.

To showcase its abilities, Kia converted one into a food truck and will offer drinks and “brioches aux pralines roses,” a traditional pastry from Lyon.

The PV5 Chassis Cab will be available with two battery packs: 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh. The driving range will vary based on the setup, but Kia said, for reference, the L2H1 Cargo delivers a WLTP range of up to 297 km (185 mi) with the standard battery and 416 km (258 mi) with the long-range battery.

With DC fast-charging speeds of up to 150 kW, the electric van can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes, getting you back on the road.

Kia also introduced the Kia Business Solutions Ecosystem, its new suite of connectivity and charging services for fleets.

Kia-PV5-Chassis-Cab
The interior of the Kia PV5 Chassis Cab (Source: Kia)

The new Kia Android OS infotainment system is at the center with AI Assist, regular OTA updates, and readiness for the PLEOS app market. Drivers can manage and sync profiles on the 12.9″ touchscreen.

Kia’s new Chassis Cab variant follows the PV5 Cargo Long Range, which set a new Guinness World Record in September for “The greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge.”

Kia-PV5-World-Record
The Kia PV5 Cargo Long Range sets a new Guinness World Record (Source: Kia)

Using the 71.2 kWh battery with 665 kg (1,466 lbs) payload, Kia’s electric van traveled 693.38 km (430.84 mi) on a single charge.

On Friday, Kia opened its first dedicated PV5 production hub in South Korea. The new EVO Plant East is a 98,433 square-meter site with an annual production capacity of 100,000 units. Kia will build PV5 Passenger, Carog, Chassis Cab, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) models at the facility.

The entire hub will be about the size of 42 soccer fields. Once complete, it will be able to crank out 250,000 electric vans a year.


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Navee Black Friday Sale takes up to 41% off e-scooters at lows from $315, Heybike Hauler dual-battery cargo e-bike at new $1,099 low, more

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November 18, 2025

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Navee Black Friday Sale takes up to 41% off e-scooters at lows from 5, Heybike Hauler dual-battery cargo e-bike at new ,099 low, more


Headlining today’s Green Deals is Navee’s official Black Friday Sale, which is not only offering up to 30% in initial discounts on its e-scooters, but you’ll also be able to score an additional $100 sitewide savings using the given code below (up to 41% total savings). Among the lineup, we’re seeing Navee’s flagship ST3 Pro Electric Scooter, which I’ve been loving for months now, dropping to its $660 low for the second-ever time. Behind it is Heybike’s Dual-Battery Hauler Cargo e-bike that is getting some FREE gear alongside the price cut to a new $1,099 low, as well as EcoFlow’s latest 48-hour early Black Friday flash sale, a Greenworks yard-clearing solution, and more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals that are collected together at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Bluetti Elite 400 power station and bundled launch deals, 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.

Save up to 41% on Navee’s smart e-scooters, like the flagship ST3 Pro at its second-ever $660 low, more from $315

Navee has officially launched its Black Friday Sale, which is not only seeing up to 30% initial discounts across its lineup of e-scooters, but is also offering a bonus $100 sitewide savings using the code BFVIP at checkout. One notable returning low price during this sale is on the flagship ST3 Pro Smart Electric Scooter at $659.99 shipped, after using the promo code BFVIP at checkout, beating out its Amazon pricing by $100. It carries a $950 MSRP, but we usually see it keeping down between $760 and $850 on average, with today’s rate having only appeared once before back during July’s Prime Day event. Now, you’re getting a second chance to score $190 off the going rate (and $290 off the MSRP) for the lowest price we have tracked since it hit the market in January. Head below to learn more about this scooter that I cannot stop raving about after going hands-on in our review, as well as the massive lineup of deals we’re seeing across the brand’s e-scooters.

There’s so much to love about Navee’s ST3 Pro electric scooter, from its significant commuting power to its wide array of smart features, including Apple Find My, proximity locking, and more. Of course, the first thing I and others have immediately noticed is its damping arm suspension system that has served me well through the streets of NYC, smoothing out rides down unpaved or pot-hole lined sections.

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The comfortable deck (which comes sporting dual RGB light strips) houses a 600W motor (1,350W peak), bringing the power to tackle up to 28% inclines with ease, while also providing fast acceleration to its max 20/28 MPH speeds (which depend on your local laws). There’s also a sizeable 597Wh battery here that keeps things running for up to 46.6 miles of travel, which I have yet to fully run down during cross-borough trips and joyrides. There’s plenty more to boast about here, like the traction control system, the triple-brake system (hydraulic, mechanical, and electronic regenerative brakes), self-healing puncture-resistant tires, an auto-on headlight, a taillight with brake lighting, turn signals on the handlebars, 15 ambient lighting modes, and more. Get the full rundown of what you can expect in my hands-on review from over the summer.

***Note: The prices below have not had the extra sitewide savings factored in, so be sure to use the promo code BFVIP at checkout to score the very best deals during Navee’s Black Friday Sale!

Navee’s city-cruising Black Friday Sale offers:

  • V25 Electric Scooter: $315 (Reg. $380)
    • 15.5 MPH for 15.5 miles
    • Smart controls, and more
  • V40N Electric Scooter: $329 (Reg. $470)
    • 20 MPH for up to 25 miles
    • Smart controls, hidden AirTag holder, customizable lighting, regen brakes, and more
  • V50i Pro Electric Scooter: $420 (Reg. $600)
    • 20 MPH for up to 31 miles
    • Smart controls, hidden AirTag holder, one-tap unlocking, and more.
  • ST3 Electric Scooter: $599 (Reg. $850)
    • 20/25 MPH for up to 37.3 miles
    • Apple Find My, smart locking, damping arm suspension, triple braking, and more.
  • ST3 Pro Electric Scooter: $760 (Reg. $950)
    • 20/25 MPH for up to 46.6 miles
    • Apple Find My, smart locking, damping arm suspension, triple braking, and more.

Navee’s all-road Black Friday Sale offers:

  • GT3 Electric Scooter: $400 (Reg. $550)
    • 20 MPH for up to 31 miles
    • Apple Find My, smart locking, quad shock absorption, dual braking, and more.
  • GT3 Pro Electric Scooter: $460 (Reg. $650)
    • 20 MPH for up to 37.3 miles
    • Apple Find My, smart locking, quad shock absorption, dual braking, and more.
  • GT3 Max Electric Scooter: $490 (Reg. $700)
    • 20 MPH for up to 46.6 miles
    • Apple Find My, smart locking, dual suspension, and more.
  • N65i Electric Scooter: $630 (Reg. $900)
    • 20/25 MPH for up to 40 miles
    • Bluetooth locking, triple braking system, and more.
  • XT5 Pro Long-range Off-road Electric Scooter: $1,500 (No initial price cut)
    • 31 MPH for up to 46.6 miles
    • Apple Find My, smart locking, damping arm suspension, triple braking system, and more

You can also find the brand’s latest e-scooter releases (with no starting discounts), as well as a kids-friendly model on Navee’s main Black Friday Sale page here.

father and son on trail with Heybike hauler e-bikes

Get up to 85 miles of pedal-assisted cargo carrying on Heybike’s dual-battery Hauler e-bike at a new $1,099 low

Heybike is now offering its Hauler Dual-Battery Cargo e-bike at $1,099 shipped, with it also coming with an $89 dual rear side basket bundle and a Black Friday gift pack for FREE. Normally going for $1,899 at full price, we usually see this model dropped down to $1,599, with occasional falls lower to $1,499 or $1,399. The deal here is going lower than ever, as $800 is cut from the tag for the lowest price we have tracked, while the single-battery model is now sold out.

If you want to learn more about this e-bike, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

woman walking with EcoFlow DELTA Pro power station down driveway

EcoFlow’s next 48-hour flash sale drops DELTA Pro 400W solar bundle to new $1,599 low

As part of its ongoing early Black Friday Sale, EcoFlow has launched its final early Black Friday 48-hour flash sale before it kicks into its second phase on November 20, with up to 67% discounts on four offers – two power station bundles and two dual expansion battery bundles. The standout for folks wanting more versatile charging options is EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Portable Power Station with a 400W solar panel at $1,599 shipped, beating out its Amazon pricing by $300. This bundle would normally run for $4,898 at full price here, while it keeps down at $3,999 at Amazon when in full, though Prime members have had the opportunity to score it under $2,000 for months now. Discounts over the year have only taken the costs on this bundle down as low as $1,799 up until today, with this greater 60% markdown taking $2,400 off the going rate (67% taking $3,299 off the MSRP) and landing it at a new all-time low price. Head below to learn more about it and the other offers lasting through November 19.

If you want to learn more about this or the other offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 48-hour flash sale here.

man clearing yard of leaves with Greenworks leaf blower

Get more clearing power for seasonal debris with Greenworks’ 80V 700 CFM cordless blower at $175

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 80V 700 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower with 2.5Ah battery at $174.99 shipped. Dropped down from its usual $250 full price, we only saw it dipping to $200 up until July, when discounts grew and we saw more savings. While it did go as low as $165 during last month’s Prime Day event, you’re still looking at a solid 30% markdown here, cutting $75 off the going rate for the third-lowest price we have tracked – just $10 above the one-time low.

If you want to learn more about this leaf blower, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Best Fall 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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Waymo announces expansion: autonomous rides coming to Miami, Dallas, Houston, and more

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3 hours ago

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November 18, 2025

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Waymo announces expansion: autonomous rides coming to Miami, Dallas, Houston, and more

Waymo cities

Waymo is significantly accelerating its rollout. After years of slow and methodical expansion, the Alphabet-owned company is now moving at a faster speed, announcing today that it is bringing its autonomous driving technology to five new major cities, starting with Miami.

This comes just days after the company finally unlocked driverless freeway rides for passengers in its core markets.

For a long time, the criticism of Waymo was that while its technology was impressive, it couldn’t scale. It took them years to go from a geofenced area in Chandler, Arizona, to covering the full metro area of Phoenix and expanding to San Francisco.

But that narrative is officially dead.

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In a press release titled “Safe, routine, ready: Autonomous driving in new cities,” Waymo confirmed it is launching operations in Miami, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando.

The company says operations start today in Miami, with the other four cities following in the “coming weeks.”

Tekedra Mawakana, Waymo’s co-CEO, commented on the expansion:

“Safe, routine, ready… We’ve built a generalizable Driver, powered by Waymo’s demonstrably safe AI, and an operational playbook to reliably achieve this milestone.”

It’s worth noting the distinction here between “operations” and “commercial rides.” Waymo says it is starting operations (likely testing) now, with plans to “open our doors to riders next year.” This aligns with their recent strategy in Austin and Atlanta, where they tested for a few months before opening up the app to the public.

Waymo’s Expansion Timeline

With today’s news, Waymo’s map is getting quite a bit more crowded – albeit with some asterisks. Here is the current breakdown of where the service is live and where it is coming next:

Live Commercial Service (Bookable now)

  • Phoenix, AZ: Fully public. Includes freeway access.
  • San Francisco, CA: Fully public. Includes freeway access.
  • Los Angeles, CA: Fully public. Includes freeway access.
  • Austin, TX: Commercial operations active (partnership with Uber).
  • Atlanta, GA: Commercial operations active.

Imminent Launch / Testing Operations

  • Miami, FL: Operations started Nov 18, 2025. Rider access in 2026.
  • Dallas, TX: Operations starting late 2025. Rider access in 2026.
  • Houston, TX: Operations starting late 2025. Rider access in 2026.
  • San Antonio, TX: Operations starting late 2025. Rider access in 2026.
  • Orlando, FL: Operations starting late 2025. Rider access in 2026.

The inclusion of three more Texas cities (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio) alongside Austin means Waymo is effectively aiming to cover the “Texas Triangle,” a massive transportation corridor.

It is made possible by Texas’s relaxed autonomous-driving laws.

This expansion follows the huge milestone earlier this month when Waymo began allowing rider-only trips on freeways in Phoenix, SF, and LA, a capability that is essential for competing with human Uber/Lyft drivers on longer routes.

Electrek’s Take

I sure hope we are going to start the calls of “Waymo can’t scale” fade away.

In the next few months, Waymo will be operating driverless in 10 of the biggest cities in the US.

No one else is doing that in North America right now. There are companies in China that have similar deployment capabilities, but that’s about it.

Tesla shareholders will try to tell you that the automaker is right on Waymo’s heels. Still, Tesla is currently operating something it calls “Robotaxi” that requires a safety driver inside at all times.

Even if Tesla is set up to scale faster, it is still not at square one when it comes to operating an autonomous vehicle ride-hailing service.


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