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Image via NBC 9News.

A lot of fuss was made this winter when some Tesla owners in Chicago experienced difficulty charging – but that wasn’t the experience for the majority of EV owners. In Colorado’s West Grand School District, electric school buses didn’t perform as well as their diesel counterparts. They performed better.

The town of Kremmling, Colorado is one of the coldest towns in the country, where high altitudes and northen winds combine to drive morning temperatures in the winter more than 30 degrees below zero. And it’s precisely in those super-cold temperatures that the school district’s electric school bus (which they’ve had since 2020) really shines.

“What we are seeing is that these buses are doing great in cold weather they still maintain a battery charge even when it’s cold,” said Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) representative, Casey Becker.

It’s little wonder that the Kremmling school district is pleased with the performance of its electric bus. Even though it’s true that EV experience reduced range in extreme weather conditions, gas and diesel vehicles do, too. And, in the case of diesel, the vehicles might not start at all in Colorado’s bitter winter cold.

“Most of the winter it’s 30 to 35 below (zero),” offers West Grand County School District Director of Transportation, Bethany Aurinwhen. “When it’s up to 20 below that’s good day, and (the electric school bus) has performed extremely well.”

The local NBC affiliate 9News’ reporter, Matt Renoux, recently did a story on the success of the electric bus program, which I’ve included here.

Matt Renoux Electric Bus Report on 9News

The school district’s electric buses were paid for, in part, by grants from the EPA, along with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Becker adds that a total of 49 electric school buses will be heading to nine Colorado School Districts in the coming months, with two more earmarked for Kremmling.

Electrek’s Take

It’s almost universally true that school buses are prime candidates for electrification. They tend to operate on short, local routes, in stop-and-go traffic, and in close proximity with some of the most vulnerable populations in the country, in terms of respiratory illness and physical safety (just imagine a kid trying to yell “STOP!” at a bus driver and being heard over the din of noisy kids and a revving diesel). The fact that electric school buses can reduce a district’s operating costs and serve the public as a portable power center in an emergency are just icing on the electric cake.

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That Silverado EV that went 1,059 miles? These guys predicted it!

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August 14, 2025

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That Silverado EV that went 1,059 miles? These guys predicted it!

Chevy set a new EV range record going nearly 1,060 miles on a single charge in an optimized, but unmodified Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck that no one saw coming. No one, that is, except Chargeway founder Matt Teske. His EV route-planning map predicted the Silverado’s record-setting run with better than 99% accuracy – and he’s here to talk about it on today’s electric episode of Quick Charge!

We’ve also got a deep dive into what I think the biggest issue facing more widespread EV adoption might be, and a new solution from Blink Charging that might solve it.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec—makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure. Check out Retrospec’s viral city ebike, the Beaumont Rev 2, made with a vintage-inspired frame design and modern electric features, all for just $999!

The best part: Electrek listeners can get 10% off their next ride until August 14 with the exclusive code ELECTREK10 only at retrospec.com

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Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (most weeks, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news.

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.

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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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Aventon Abound SR smart cargo e-bike gets first discount to $1,799, Jackery Explorer 300 at $169, Rachio sprinkler controller, more

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August 13, 2025

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Aventon Abound SR smart cargo e-bike gets first discount to ,799, Jackery Explorer 300 at 9, Rachio sprinkler controller, more

Headlining our hump day Green Deals is Aventon’s final summer sale that is taking up to $500 in increased savings off e-bikes, including new models, with the Abound SR Smart Cargo e-bike getting its first-ever discount to $1,799. We also spotted Jackery’s Explorer 300 Portable Power Station falling to $169, as well as Rachio’s 3rd gen 8-zone Smart Sprinkler Controller also dropping back to $169. From there, we have additional savings a budget-friendly e-scooter, a new low on a pro-grade cultivator, dual one-day-only pressure washer/attachment deals, and more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings are at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s exclusive new low price on Anker’s SOLIX F2600 power station bundle, or the brand’s PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh station dropping to $80, and much 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.

Aventon’s final summer sale gives the new Abound SR smart cargo e-bike its first discount to $1,799, more from $1,199

Aventon has launched its final summer sale through September 3 with up to $500 being taken off its e-bike lineup, including increased savings on legacy models, and two of its newest smart models seeing price cuts. Alongside the second-ever discount on the new Pace 4 Step-Through e-bike, we’re seeing the first cash savings on Aventon’s Abound SR Cargo e-bike to $1,799 shipped. This smart commuting solution has been fetching $1,899 since hitting the market at the end of 2024, with discounts having been placed on its predecessor model (currently down at $1,599). This is the first time we’ve spotted any savings being attached to this model, setting the bar for future discounts. Head below to learn more about it or to check out the full lineup of deals during this sale.

The new Aventon Abound SR e-bike takes all that we love about its predecessor and steps up the game with smarter features. To start, there is a 750W rear hub motor (1,188W peak) paired with a 733Wh battery (which you can conveniently unlock and remove without keys via the LCD screen) that provides you with up to a 60-mile travel range at up to 20 MPH speeds (that can be adjusted to 25 MPH). There are three riding modes available here, with the added Ride Tune customization letting you alter their performances to suit your preferences.

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There are some great structural features like the Tektro hydraulic disc brake system, the 8-speed Shimano Altus derailleur, and the rear cargo rack with an increased 143-pound payload, but what really makes this cargo hauler truly special is the large array of new features we’ve only seen on the latest releases. First, there’s the Sensor Switch tech, allowing you to choose between a cadence sensor and a torque sensor as you ride, as well as other in-ride functions like cruise control, a boost mode to increase power for steep hills, and even a hold mode when you’re on said inclines and don’t want the bike rolling backwards. Of course, there’s also the security measures in the form of a startup password, an integrated kickstand lock, and in-app geofencing settings, which cuts the power and sends you alerts should it ever leave your designated areas.

If you want to check out the full lineup of e-bike deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

jackery's explorer 300 power station sitting on picnic table charging drone and camera

Jackery’s Explorer 300 power station is a compact companion keeping your personal devices running for $169

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Jackery is offering its compact Explorer 300 Portable Power Station for $169 shipped, beating out its pricing directly from the brand’s website by $70. While it carries a $279 MSRP from the brand, it keeps down at a $259 full price tag here at Amazon, with discounts having kept the costs even lower between $199 and $169 over 2025, with a one-time appearing $159 low back during Prime Day. Aside from that short-term discount, you’re otherwise looking at another shot at the best price we have tracked, which gives you an easy-to-manage compact backup power solution with $90 in savings ($110 off the MSRP). Head below for more on this model and its bundle options.

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

rachio 8-zone smart sprinkler controller with phones displaying app-based controls

Streamline your water system with smart controls through Rachio’s 8-zone sprinkler controller at $169

Amazon is now offering the Rachio 3rd Gen 8-zone Wi-Fi Smart Sprinkler Controller at $169 shipped. While it may carry a $230 MSRP, we’ve been seeing it keep down to $200 at full price here at Amazon. Aside from the short-term Prime Day discounts, which first took the price down to $165 before falling to $160, this is the best rate we’ve seen since mid-March. While it’s gone as low as $143 in the past, you’re still looking at a solid $31 off the going rate ($61 off the MSRP) that lands it among the best prices we’ve tracked in 2025.

If you want to learn more about this 8-zone device, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man aerating garden soil with greenworks pro 80V 10-inch cordless cultivator

Take advantage of up to 50% off this pro-grade 80V Greenworks cordless cultivator at a new $175 low

Amazon is offering the Greenworks Pro 80V 10-inch Cordless Cultivator at $174.99 shipped, which beats out its tool-only option that is sitting $75 higher in price. While this package carries a $400 MSRP, which is where it’s currently priced on the brand’s direct website, it is now 50% off the price we have been tracking on Amazon since the spring and is now at the lowest price we have tracked all-time.

If you want to learn more about this pro-tier model, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 50% deal here.

man riding gotrax apex xl electric scooter through walkway

Get a budget-friendly commute to your college or work on Gotrax’s APEX XL e-scooter at its $235 low

Amazon is offering the Gotrax APEX XL Electric Scooter at $234.90 shipped. While it carries a $349 price tag, we’ve been seeing it keep more at $320 at Amazon lately, with discounts having mostly kept the costs above $243, with one previous fall to this same rate at the end of July. That low price is coming back around here, with the 27% markdown cutting $85 off the going rate for the best price we have tracked – and just in time to cover any last-minute back-to-school commuting needs.

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

man clearing driveway with greenworks 1900 PSI electric pressure washer

Greenworks’ framed 1,900 PSI electric pressure washer hits $120 with the 12-inch cleaner attachment at $25 (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering back-to-back discounts on Greenworks’ 1,900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer for $119.99 shipped, while also offering the add-on 12-inch Surface Cleaner Attachment at $24.99 shipped (more on this below the fold). This pressure washer normally goes for $200 at full price, with it currently out of stock at Amazon and only down to $150 directly from the brand’s website. While we have seen it go as low as $118 before in a one-time discount back in April, you’re otherwise looking at the best price we have tracked, giving you a reliable means to tackle outdoor cleaning with $80 savings.

If you want to learn more about this model or the attachment, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.

Best Summer 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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Kia’s first electric van ‘unboxed’ and ready to take on the world

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7 hours ago

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August 13, 2025

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Kia's first electric van 'unboxed' and ready to take on the world

Kia's-first-electric-van-unboxed

The PV5, Kia’s first electric van, was “unboxed” after arriving in parts of Europe this week. After opening pre-orders in new markets, the PV5 is ready to take on the world.

Kia’s first electric van unboxed in Europe

It’s not just a futuristic-looking electric people mover, but the PV5 is the first van from Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business.

Kia opened pre-orders for the PV5 in the UK earlier this year, starting at £32,995 ($44,000). Now, it has officially arrived in a few more European markets.

The PV5 went on sale with pre-orders opening in Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden, and other global markets. In Germany, the PV5 Passenger is priced from €38,290 ($45,000) or €249 per month. In France, it starts at €39,550 ($46,300).

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Kia Sweden posted a video on social media of the PV5 arriving on a car carrier with the caption “Unboxed, washed, and ready to face the world!”

Kia’s electric van is available in Passenger (for everyday use) and Cargo (for businesses) with various seating options.

The PV5, Kia’s first electric van, arrives in Sweden (Source: Kia Sweden)

The PV5 Passenger is offered with two battery packs: 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh, rated with WLTP ranges of 179 miles and 249 miles, respectively. Although it has the same battery pack options, the Cargo variant is rated with ranges of 181 miles and 247 miles.

During its PV5 Tech Day last month, Kia announced plans to launch seven PV5 body types, including a Light Camper, an Open Bed (similar to a pickup), and a premium “Prime” version.

Kia's-first-electric-van-unboxed
Kia PV5 tech day (Source: Kia)

After launching the PV5 in its home market, Kia will begin delivering the vehicle in Europe and other global markets over the next few months.

For those in the US, Kia has yet to say if it will launch the PV5 in the States. It was spotted testing in the US again last month, but it would face hurdles due to Trump’s tariffs on imported vehicles from South Korea.

Kia builds all PBVs at its Hwaseong EVO plant in South Korea. The plant can produce up to 150,000 units a year. In its first full sales year, Kia aims to sell around 3,000 to 4,000 PV5s. Kia will expand its electric van lineup with the larger PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029.

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