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A pump jack operates in front of a drilling rig at sunset in an oil field in Midland, Texas U.S. August 22, 2018.

Nick Oxford | Reuters

Senior U.S. lawmakers believe the International Energy Agency has “strayed from its core mission” of safeguarding energy security and has emerged as a “cheerleader” for the green transition.

“We would argue that in recent years the IEA has been undermining energy security by discouraging sufficient investment in energy supplies — specifically, oil, natural gas, and coal. Moreover, its energy modeling no longer provides policymakers with balanced assessments of energy and climate proposals. Instead, it has become and ‘energy transition’ cheerleader,” said a letter dated March 20, penned by Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming — ranking member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources — and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., chair of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

“IEA forecasts have a tremendous influence on shaping how the world sees future energy trends. Consequently, the IEA must conduct its energy security mission in an objective manner. We believe the IEA is failing to fulfil these responsibilities,” said the letter, which is addressed to IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “It should disturb you that biased parties are exploiting the IEA’s forecasts and other products to advocate for policies that undermine energy security.”

The IEA has taken a vanguard role in advocating for global decarbonization, and in a landmark 2021 analysis called for no new oil, gas, or coal development, if the world intends to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Among other items, the letter signatories accused that the IEA’s 2021 report is “long on aspiration but short on the things that matter most to policymakers: objective analysis of energy flows, trade patterns, security impacts, and economic effects.”

They further inquired into the IEA’s forecast and modeling methodology, as well as into the extent of funding that the agency has received from the U.S. The IEA does not outright disclose its donors, stating that its budget and the scope of its work are determined every two years by its governing board and comprise voluntary contributions from countries, energy stakeholders and private sources.

The IEA on Thursday confirmed receipt of the letter to CNBC and stressed that its mandate remains maintaining energy security and accelerating clean energy transitions.

“In this context, we welcome feedback on our work and attach great importance to our dialogue with the U.S. Congress, where we regularly participate in hearings to provide expert testimony across a wide range of energy policy issues,” it said in a statement.

“As part of the IEA’s long-term energy system modelling, we produce a number of scenarios that are built on different underlying assumptions about how the energy system might evolve over time. As we highlight in our work, the different scenarios aim to help inform decision making by showing the effects of different policy, technology and investment choices. The scenarios are not predictions of exactly what will happen.”

The IEA’s peak demand projections, in particular, have repeatedly come under open fire from heavyweight oil producer Saudi Arabia and members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. OPEC itself is no stranger to U.S. pressure, with the oil alliance’s de-facto leader Saudi Arabia and the White House engaging in a brief but diplomatically visceral war of words in late 2022 over crude production cuts. OPEC has also been targeted by Congress’ long-protracted and yet-to-be-enacted No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartel (NOPEC) bill.

Talk of $100 oil is 'definitely premature,' says financial services firm

The lawmakers’ letter comes seven months ahead of presidential polls in the United States, where oil production has been breaking records and historically loomed as a sticking point with the domestic electorate. Incumbent U.S. leader Joe Biden has championed decarbonization, while frontrunner Donald Trump has stood by further drilling. U.S. energy major Exxon Mobil, which is battling activist investors on climate policies, has meanwhile extolled the merits of focusing on dialing down emissions, rather than extirpating the use of hydrocarbons.

The U.S. was a founding member of the IEA in the 1970s, joining a mission of responding to global oil shocks after the crisis of 1973 — when the Organization of the Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) declared an oil embargo against countries that supported Israel. As part of their membership commitments, IEA countries must ensure they retain oil stock levels equivalent to at least 90 days of their net imports, with which they can respond in the event of global supply disruptions.

Two years ago, IEA countries agreed their largest and fifth-ever oil stock release in response to Russia’s full-fledged invasion of Ukraine.

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Podcast: Tesla texting and driving, Trump kills mpg, Aptera update, and more

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December 5, 2025

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Podcast: Tesla texting and driving, Trump kills mpg, Aptera update, and more

electrek podcast

In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss Tesla allowing texting and driving on FSD v14, Trump killing CAFE’s MPG standard, an Aptera update, and more.

The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek’s YouTube channel.

As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.

After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:

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We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.

Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:

Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET:


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Kia EV2 sheds camo, giving us our best look at the new SUV [Image]

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December 5, 2025

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Kia EV2 sheds camo, giving us our best look at the new SUV [Image]

Kia-EV2-spotted-camo

Kia’s most affordable electric SUV will be here in just over a month. Ahead of its debut, the EV2 was spotted with light camo, offering our best look yet.

Kia EV2 looks more like an SUV with less camo

Just days after Kia confirmed the EV2 will debut at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9, 2026, the small electric SUV was spotted in Europe with barely any camo.

The EV2 is a fully electric B-segment SUV set to be Kia’s new entry-level EV. It will sit below the EV3, which is already the UK’s most popular retail electric vehicle and among the top-sellers in Europe.

“With the EV2, we reaffirm our commitment to make electric mobility truly accessible to a broader audience,” Kia Europe president and CEO, Marc Hedrich, said earlier this month.

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Despite its compact size, the EV2 looks and feels much bigger in person. It has a similar high-riding, blocky design as Kia’s latest electric SUVs, such as the EV5 and three-row EV9.

Kia-EV2-teaser-affordable-EV
Kia EV2 teaser (Source: Kia)

In the teaser images Kia posted a few days ago, the EV2 was shown under a drape with a design that looked nearly identical to the EV2 Concept from earlier this year.

Now, we can finally confirm it. The Kia EV2 was recently spotted in Europe in light camo, rocking a tall, SUV-like stance. The latest image from KindelAuto gives us a solid look at its profile, which still resembles a mini EV5 or EV9.

Kia will begin EV2 production alongside the EV4 hatch at its Zilina, Slovakia, plant shortly after its debut at the Brussels Motor Show next month, ramping up output throughout 2026.

Although Kia has yet to reveal specifics, the EV2 is expected to be about 4,000 mm (157″) long, or slightly smaller than the EV3 at 4,300 mm (169.3″). It will be closer in size to the Hyundai Inster EV.

Kia-EV2-most-affordable-EV
The Kia Concept EV2 at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich (Source: Kia)

Prices are expected to start at around €30,000 ($35,000) in Europe, given that the EV3 starts at about €36,000 ($42,000).

The compact electric SUV is expected to ride on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, with similar battery pack options as the EV3. The EV3 is available with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery options, delivering a WLTP range of 410 km (255 miles) and 560 km (348 miles), respectively.

The EV2 will debut at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9, 2026. Kia will hold a press conference at 10:40 am CET to introduce the new entry-level EV. Check back for updates leading up to the event.


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Segway Christmas Holiday Sale drops EV prices by hundreds to lows from $150, EcoFlow expansion battery flash sale, more

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December 5, 2025

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Segway Christmas Holiday Sale drops EV prices by hundreds to lows from 0, EcoFlow expansion battery flash sale, more


We’re ending this week’s Green Deals with a mix of new holiday events alongside ongoing Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, headlined by Segway’s Christmas Holiday Sale that gives you hundreds in savings on popular EVs, like the ZT3 Pro All-Terrain Electric Scooter back at its $850 low, among many others. There’s also EcoFlow’s latest Cyber Week flash sale (ending tonight) that gives you up to 62% savings on an expanded DELTA 2 Max Power Station bundle and three battery bundles – at new lows starting from $329, as well as Ride1Up’s extended Cyber Monday Sale (lasting through the weekend) with up to $600 savings on an expanded lineup of e-bikes and extra batteries starting from $195, and much more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals from the holiday event and this week that are collected together in our Black Friday/Cyber Monday Green Deals hub, which we have updated over the week, like yesterday’s EcoFlow RAPID + 25W MagSafe Christmas promotional deals, the new low price on Anker’s SOLIX C300 DC 90,000mAh power station (ending tonight), 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.

Cross Segway e-scooters and e-bikes off gift lists with hundreds of savings for Christmas Holiday Sale – models start from $150

It didn’t take much time at all for Segway to change lanes from its Black Friday event into the now live Christmas Holiday Sale that saves you hundreds on the brand’s EVs, including the returning pricing on the ZT3 Pro All-Terrain Electric Scooter at $849.99 shipped, which matches the pricing over at Amazon. While it may carry a $1,300 MSRP from Segway, you’ll more often find it down around $1,000 instead, especially at other marketplaces like Amazon, with this same low rate having previously appeared during July and October’s Prime Day events, as well as the most recent Black Friday sale. Now, you’re getting a longer period of getting it at this all-time low price, complete with $150 off the going rate (and $450 off the MSRP). Head below to learn more about it and the other models included in the Segway’s Christmas Holiday Sale.

Segway’s ZT3 Pro electric scooter is a solid all-terrain option that can certainly go the distance, as many riders are learning while riding around on them through the streets of NYC, with the full suspension and additional 6 inches of deck clearance from the ground serving urban riders well on more pothole-lined streets. What’s more, in a city so massive and populated, having the included Apple Find My and auto-proximity locking/unlocking functionality definitely adds peace of mind should you ever be leaving it unattended for a set amount of time.

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The whole system – which includes a 1,600W brushless motor as its heart – comes powered by a 597Wh battery, providing up to 43.5 miles of commuting assistance at speeds as high as 24.9 MPH. Another nice feature is the regaining of 6.2 miles for just 30 minutes of charging, allowing you to get moving faster to tackle last-minute plans. Along with everything already mentioned, there’s also 11-inch tubeless tires, a Segride stability enhancement system, a traction control system, six inches of extra clearance from the ground, and more.

Segway’s Christmas Holiday Sale gifts ‘made to wow’

Segway’s commuting Christmas Holiday Sale gifts under $750

  • E2 Plus II Electric Scooter: $280 (Reg. $350) | matched at Amazon
    • 15.5 MPH for up to 16 miles
  • DLX2 Pro Electric Scooter: $380 (Reg. $500)
    • 18.6 MPH for up to 24.9 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, more
  • MAX G30LP Electric Scooter: $450 (Reg. $600) | buy used at Amazon
    • 18 MPH for up to 25 miles
  • MAX G30P Electric Scooter: $550 (Reg. $1,000) | not available at Amazon
    • 18 MPH for up to 40 miles
  • E3 Pro Electric Scooter: $600 (Reg. $700)
    • 20 MPH for up to 34 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, app/passcode locking, more
  • Max G2 Electric Scooter: $700 (Reg. $1,000) | matched at Amazon
    • 22 MPH for up to 43 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, more
  • F3 Electric Scooter: $750 (Reg. $1,000) | matched at Amazon
    • 20 MPH for up to 44 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, more

Segway’s other Christmas Holiday gift deals

  • ZT3 Pro All-Terrain Electric Scooter: $850 (Reg. $1,000)
    • 25 MPH for up to 43.5 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto-proximity locking, more
  • MAX G3 Electric Scooter: $1,100 (Reg. $1,300) | matched at Amazon
    • 28 MPH for up to 50 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, more
  • GT3 SuperScooter: $1,500 (Reg. $1,900) | matches at Amazon
    • 31 MPH for up to 45 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, more
  • Xafari Electric Bike: $1,800 (Reg. $2,400)
    • 20 MPH for up to 88 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, and much more
  • Xyber Electric Bike: $2,900 (Reg. $3,300)
    • 35 MPH for up to 112 miles
    • Traction Control System, Apple Find My, auto proximity locking, and much more

And be sure to check out all the hangover November shopping holiday deals while they last through the weekend, which we’ve collected into our Black Friday/Cyber Monday Green Deals hub here.

man reading book while camping with EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max power station and expansion battery

EcoFlow Cyber Week flash sale cuts up to 63% off expanded DELTA 2 Max bundle + batteries at new lows from $329 (ends tonight)

As part of EcoFlow’s ongoing Cyber Week Sale, the first of this new extended event’s flash sales has officially launched with up to 63% savings on three expansion battery bundles and alongside the DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station bundled with a smart extra (expansion) battery for $1,369 shipped. This flash deal lasting through tomorrow night (Friday, December 5) beats out its Amazon pricing by $130 and its direct Cyber Week pricing by $230 (which does offer a $99 waterproof bag for FREE). While this bundle carries a $3,298 MSRP direct from the brand, you’re more likely to find it down around $2,149 at full price elsewhere, with it having kept between $1,699 and $1,499 since late September, with all the sales. Discounts have previously gone as low as $1,424, but these flash savings are cutting a larger than ever $780 off the going rate (and $1,929 off the MSRP) and landing it at a new all-time low price.

If you want to learn more about this expanded bundle, or the three other flash offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals before they end tonight at midnight.

man riding Ride1Up Revv1 DRT Off-Road e-bike through grass field

Extended Ride1Up Cyber Monday sale continues up to $600 savings on e-bikes and extra batteries from $195

Ride1Up has an ongoing Cyber Monday Sale with up to $600 savings on e-bikes and extra batteries, which doesn’t provide any end dates, but is likely following the trend we’ve seen from several other brands and continuing through the weekend. Among the bunch, one model that is getting more and more attention from riders is the Revv1 DRT Off-Road e-bike that is down at $2,295 shipped. Normally running at $2,595 without discounts, we mostly saw sales bring the cost down to $2,495 or $2,395 over 2025, with more recent events seeing returns to the $2,295 low. That low price circled back around the track for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with it holding strong for an unknown time longer at the best price tracked, courtesy of the $300 markdown.

You can learn more about this specific e-bike in our hands-on review here, or within our original coverage of this extended sale here, which includes the full lineup of deals.

split image of Allpowers SOLAX P100 mini power station in suitcase and being hand carried
woman making compost with East Oak's compost tumbler
patio lined with Govee S14 Outdoor String Lights 2

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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