Headlining today’s Green Deals is the NIU Mother’s Day sale that is taking up to 46% off a selection of electric scooters, like the KQi1 Pro Electric Kick Scooter at $270. It is joined by Anker’s latest C800 Plus Portable Power Station that’s fallen back to its $499 low, as well as the EGO Power+ 10-inch Telescopic LED Cut Line Indicator Pole Saw Kit at $304. Plus, more hangover Green Deals still alive and well.

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.

NIU Mother’s Day sale takes up to 46% off electric scooters

NIU has launched a Mother’s Day sale that is taking up to 46% off a selection of its electric scooter models through May 19. The biggest of these discounts and subsequently the most affordable of the models (aside from one for kids) is the NIU KQi1 Pro Electric Kick Scooter for $269.98 shipped. Normally fetching $499, this model saw a handful of discounts over the last year, often to its lowest rates during major sales events, with higher rates being more long-term at other retailers like Best Buy. Most recently we saw it fall to $300 during NIU’s Earth Day sale last month, with this month’s deal coming in as an even greater 46% markdown off the going rate that beats our previous mention by $30, giving you $229 in savings and landing it at the lowest price we have tracked.

Equipped with a 250W motor (450W peak) and a 243Wh battery, the NIU KQi1 Pro can reach top speeds of 15.5 MPH with a range of 15.5 miles on a single charge and it can handle up to a 14% incline. You’ll have four riding modes to choose from (E-save, sport, custom, pedestrian) as well as a dual braking system of a front drum brake with rear regenerative braking alongside pneumatic tires with “excellent shock absorbtion.” It also features a headlight, taillight, a foldable frame, a backlit LED display, and an array of smart capabilities through the NIU app, such as allowing you to lock your scooter, check your riding statistics, and even customize your scooter’s settings.

More NIU Mother’s Day discounts:

• KQi Youth Electric Kids Kick Scooter, 6.2 to 10 MPH for 7-mile range: $210 (Reg. $299)
• KQi2 Pro Electric Kick Scooter, 17.4 MPH for 24.9-mile range: $480 (Reg. $599)
• KQi3 Sport Electric Kick Scooter, 17.4 MPH for 24.9-mile range: $600 (Reg. $699)
• KQi3 Pro Electric Kick Scooter, 20 MPH for 31-mile range: $640 (Reg. $799)
• KQi3 Max Electric Kick Scooter, 23.6 MPH for 40.4-mile range: $750 (Reg. $999)
• KQi Air RD Electric Scooter, 20 MPH for 31-mile range: $998 (Reg. $1,399)
• KQi Air Electric Scooter, 20 MPH for 31-mile range: $1,049 (Reg. $1,399)
• KQi Air X Lightest Electric Scooter (pre-order), 20 MPH for 31-mile range: $1,399 (Reg. $1,799)

Anker’s latest SOLIX C800 Plus Portable Power Station returns to $499 low

The official Anker Amazon storefront is offering its SOLIX C800 Plus Portable Power Station for $499 shipped, after clipping the on-page $150 off coupon. Down from its $649 price tag, this is only the third official discount since the device’s release in March, which saw a similar launch discount down to the $499 low. You can get a full rundown on what to expect from our initial launch coverage, or head below. All-in-all, you’re looking at a repeat 23% markdown off the going rate, which also matches the current discount on Anker’s website as well and returns costs to the all-time lowest price we’ve seen. You’ll also find bundle options available, with it coming with a 100W or 200W solar panel for $698 or $1,048, after clipping the on-page coupons.

The SOLIX C800 Plus sports a compact 768Wh capacity with 1,600W of power output. It can fully recharge in just 58 minutes via a wall outlet, 7.2 hours via your car, or just under three hours when paired with 300W of solar panel input. It features two water-resistant LED camping lights that have three modes to choose from: a candlelight mode that covers up to 10m², a flood light mode that covers up to 20m², and a flashlight mode that covers up to 20m² – all of them lasting up to eight hours.

The lights can be easily recharged by stowing them back inside the top of the power station’s case, and they even come with a versatile retractable pole arm that can be used as a hanger, tripod, or selfie stick when not being used to extend the camping light’s reach. To cover your other devices and appliances, you’ll have five AC ports, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a car port. You’ll also be able to completely monitor and control its settings through the Anker SOLIX app, including enabling and disabling ports via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. You can also score the same model without the camping lights for $50 less, after clipping the on-page $150 off coupon.

EGO Power+ 10-inch Telescopic LED Cut Line Indicator Pole Saw Kit now $304

Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 10-Inch Telescopic LED Cut Line Indicator Pole Saw Kit for $304 shipped. Down from its $399 price tag, it only saw a few discounts over the last year, with four of them dropping costs to the same $299 low – the most recent being in February. Today’s deal comes in as a 24% markdown off the going rate and lands at the second-lowest price we have tracked. This 10-inch pole saw introduces an LED cut line indicator that improves visibility and accuracy when working under dark, shaded canopies and low light conditions. It’s brushless motor gives low vibrations for better control and extended life, while the 56V ARC lithium-ion battery allows it to make up to 100 cuts on a single charge. It features a telescopic carbon fiber shaft that extends out to a maximum length of 16 feet, a 10-inch bar, and 1/4-inch chain which all together can deliver smooth, precise cuts with a chain speed of 20 meters-per-second. It also has a quick-adjust handle and a shoulder strap for added comfort and control.

Spring e-bike deals!

• GoTrax Everest Electric Dirt Bike: $5,999 (Reg. $6,500)
• Super73 RX Electric Motorbike: $2,999 (Reg. $3,695)
• Juiced JetCurrent Pro Foldable e-bike (pre-order): $2,499 (Reg. $2,799)
• Juiced’s HyperScrambler 2: $1,999 (Reg. $3,499)
• Vanpowers UrbanGlide Ultra e-bike: $1,899 (Reg. $2,499)
• Aventon Aventure.2 All-Terrain e-bike with free extra battery: $1,799 ($2,499 value)
• Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike with $372 in free accessories: $1,799 (Reg. $2,199)
• Blix Packa Genie Cargo e-bike with $465 in free accessories: $1,499 (Reg. $2,099)
• Blix Ultra Fat-Tire All-Terrain e-bike with $328 in free accessories: $1,399 (2,099)
• Electric Bike Co. Model J e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,499)
• Lectric XPress 750 High-Step e-bike with extra battery (pre-order): $1,299 (Reg. $1,799)
• Lectric XPress 750 Step-Thru e-bike with extra battery (pre-order): $1,299 (Reg. $1,799)
• Vanpowers UrbanGlide Pro e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,899)
• Velotric Nomad 1 e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,799)
• Velotric Discover 1 e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,599)
• Vanpowers UrbanGlide Standard e-bike: $999 (Reg. $1,299)
• Schwinn Ridgewood Electric Mountain Bike: $800 (Reg. $1,500)
• Schwinn Ingersoll Electric Hybrid Bike: $700 (Reg. $1,500)

Other 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.

• Jackery flash sale takes up to 42% off power stations, bundles, and accessories from $100
• Juiced Mother’s Day sale is taking $100 off all purchases over $500, e-bikes start from $1,049
• Camplux’s 18kW tankless electric water heater lowers ‘costs by 60%’ for $300 ($50 off)
• Lectric Mother’s Day sale offers up to $483 in free accessories with e-bikes starting from $999
• Goal Zero’s Yeti 200X 187Wh portable power station with 7 ports hits new $161 low (Reg. $300)
• EGO Power+ 10-inch pole saw and power head hits $269 (Save $50), more from $70
• EVOLV’s PRO V2 electric scooter offers 44 MPH speed for 37 miles at $1,799 (Save $200)
• Rad Power drops RadRunner 2 e-bike to $1,299 ($100 off), offers accessories for other models
• ‘World’s first’ smart indoor smoker from GE receives third discount to $719 (Reg. $999)
• MAREY Power Pak 12kW electric tankless water heater covers small homes for new $118 low
• Denago Earth Month Sale is taking up to $500 off e-bikes for limited time starting from $999
• Snapcycle’s 2024 R1 Pro all-terrain e-bike sees first discount to $1,699 (Save $300)
• Save $729 on Hiboy’s EX6 step-thru fat-tire e-bike at $850, more EVs and bundles from $300
• Get up to $1,065 in savings on Blix e-bikes with free accessory bundles starting from $1,399

Daimler Truck North America has just debuted a demonstrator electric semi-truck with autonomous driving technology.

The electric autonomous Freightliner eCascadia technology demonstrator is based on a production electric Freightliner eCascadia. It’s equipped with Torc Robotics‘ autonomous driving software and the latest Level 4 sensor and compute technology that will eventually enable Level 4 autonomous driving.

Level 4 is considered fully autonomous, meaning the truck can handle most driving situations independently, but a driver still needs to be behind the wheel. 

Torc is a self-driving truck specialist based in Blacksburg, Virginia, and it’s Daimler Truck’s independent subsidiary for autonomous driving technology.

Daimler’s goal is to develop this research and engineering project into a modular, scalable platform for different trucking applications to offer bespoke solutions for customers.

Daimler’s autonomous electric semi-truck

The electric Class 8 Freightliner eCascadia went into production in 2022 and is now being driven in more than 55 fleets in the US. It comes equipped with the proprietary Detroit ePowertrain. Several battery and drive axle options are available with range options of 155, 220, or 230 miles, and the battery can be charged to 80% in as little as 90 minutes.

The autonomous sensor suite and computer power are packaged to fit the eCascadia’s smaller day cab configuration. Daimler Truck North America’s engineering team developed an advanced prototype air-cooling concept for the compute stack, which is positioned between the driver and passenger seats.

Customized software provides the autonomous system with control interfaces and feedback on vehicle status. Cameras, lidar, and radar sensors are above the windscreen, and the in-house designed sensor bar cover protects from damage and soiling. Four additional 12-volt batteries provide enough power to ensure uninterrupted operation and increased efficiency and safety.

Daimler says the autonomous eCascadia could be used on shorter, repeatable routes, and it’s currently testing the autonomous electric semi-truck demonstrator between freight centers along US highway corridors. 

Daimler Truck has been developing and testing autonomous truck technology since 2015, and it aims to enter the market with production SAE Level 4 autonomous trucks in the US by 2027.

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Approximately six months after taking a $1.6 billion stake in Chinese OEM Leapmotor, Stellantis is reportedly poised to officially launch a new joint venture between the two automakers to sell the former’s China-built EVs globally. The joint venture is expected to be announced very soon as Leapmotor International.

The ongoing saga appears closer than ever to a solidified joint venture between China’s Leapmotor and Europe’s Stellantis ($STLA). The journey began last fall when Stellantis announced it had acquired an approximately 20% stake in Leapmotor in exchange for an investment of 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion). The investment also plans for a new joint venture with Leapmotor in which Stellantis owns a 51% stake.

At the time, we reported the plan was to call the new joint venture with Leapmotor “Stellantis International,” in which the latter would help sell the former’s EVs in new markets outside of China, including Europe and possibly the US.

By March 2024, the new partners announced their joint venture had been approved after Stellantis gained regulatory approval in China to continue its stake. This deal was the first of its kind for a Western automaker, awarding Stellantis exclusive rights to build, export, and sell Leapmotor brand EVs outside of China.

Furthermore, as you’ll see in the image below, the business review of the joint venture following approval showed that it will operate under the name “Leapmotor International.”

Today, we have learned that all the necessary paperwork appears to have been completed, and executives from Stellantis and Leapmotor are preparing to officially launch the JV and announce its core team as early as next week.

Stellantis and Leapmotor to announce “Leapmotor Intl”

According to local Chinese media outlet Cailian, Leapmotor chairman Zhu Jiangming and Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares are scheduled to attend a joint press conference next week, where the two respective companies plan to jointly announce the official launch of Leapmotor International.

Around the same time as March reports that the joint venture had received regulatory approval to move forward, Leapmotor shared that it had already established its executive team and shared images of them on its Weibo page.

Other users on Weibo have said the new partners have already established plans for the production of Leapmotor EVs in Europe, more specifically, Italy. Reuters has previously reported EV production could begin at Stellantis facilities in Poland.

Production is rumored to begin as early as 2026 with a targeted output of 150,000 vehicles per year ahead of plans to sell approximately 500,000 Leapmotor-branded cars outside of China by 2030. Neither Stellantis nor Leapmotor have confirmed these targets.

We should learn more if and when the partners confirm Leapmotor International’s start of business. If that doesn’t happen next week, it should be very soon.