Your outdoor adventures – no matter how rugged, rough, wet, or muddy – are in capable hands with the latest innovation of power products provider BLUETTI: the BLUETTI AC240 Weatherproof Portable Power Station. The first of its kind to feature a truly systemwide IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, this durable power station can handle any kind of weather you throw at it, on land or even at sea, making it the ideal companion to your RV, boat, or any other vehicle.
Launching April 2, this rugged powerhouse is game-ready for pelting rain, splashing waves, heavy-caked mud and dust, and even sea breeze corrosion – delivering an impressive 2,400W output. It’s dust-tight to stave off intrusion from particles, and resilient to low-pressure water jets from all angles, so you can clean it off without worrying about water leaking inside.
The BLUETTI AC240 also features patented technology that includes independent air ducts, sealed electronic compartments, special drainage, vacuum-coated fans, and double-layer protected ports. Of course, some water may sneak its way in, but no fear because a built-in exhaust fan swiftly expels water, while the heat-dissipation system ensures rapid water evaporation. This safeguard system keeps it airtight so that no job or adventure is too demanding. That makes the AC240 perfectly suited for off-grid power for RVs, boats, outdoor adventures, and first responders.
Powerful and portable – with powerlifting mode
Packing the BLUETTI AC240 along in your truck, RV, or boat is easy too. It weighs just 72 pounds (33 kilograms) and is about the same size as a microwave oven. The station comes with an impressive 2,400W output to power up a host of devices, everything from heaters and coffeemakers to microwaves, air conditioners, TVs, and refrigerators. Its 1,536Wh (30Ah) lithium iron phosphate battery can sustain a 20-cubic-foot fridge for at least one day at 1.2kWh/day. For heavy power loads (a hot plate, for one, can draw up to 3,500 watts), its Power Lifting mode has an output of 3,600W, ensuring that no task is too demanding.
Integrated power solution for land and sea
Even better, it comes with a plethora of outlets including a direct power supply for RVs and boats through the TT-30 port. In addition, you get two standard AC outlets, a car outlet, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a 12V/30A RV port. Whether you are on a long trip or just a weekend getaway, the AC240 is the best way to power up what you need for self-sustained travel and off-grid living.
Plus it fast-charges with AC charging at 2,400W max in just 70 minutes, and 80% in 45 minutes. To get that power output of 2,400 max, you can pair the AC240 with BLUETTI’s B210 expansion battery to always keep ahead of the power curve – in fact, the AC240 can accept up to four B210 packs at 2,150Wh each, for a total capacity of 10,135Wh. These packs can also function independently as water-resistant power banks with three DC outputs and charging options.
For longer hauls, take along BLUETTI’s foldable solar panels for 1,200W solar intake, which recharge in two hours. As long as the sun is shining, you are guaranteed a steady supply of clean energy wherever your adventures take you.
Parallel functionality for double the power
The AC240’s output is also expandable with a truly parallel connection. You can link two AC240 units via the Parallel Box P480, delivering a substantial 4,800W/120V output without altering voltage – that’s a feat you won’t find anywhere else in the industry. What this gives you is incredible ease in charging even large 120V appliances without the hassle of complex manual settings.
Even more, it’s the first energy storage system that allows parallel connection to the grid while still powering your devices. Coupled with its UPS function, the AC240 detects outages and automatically switches to battery power within 15 milliseconds – that’s a speed you won’t find anywhere else. As a home backup power system, it offers a straightforward and robust solution to keep things up and running, without all the worry.
Sturdy, reliable, and packed with smart tech
The BLUETTI AC240 uses the safest and most reliable lithium iron phosphate battery to achieve up to 100% depth of discharge and maintain 80% of its original capacity even after enduring 3,500 charge cycles – that’s equal to a decade of consistent use. Plus it comes equipped with the BLUETOPUS AI BMS, an AI-powered battery management system, to ensure smooth, safe operation and optimal performance. Plus its app lets you manage power, adjust charging speeds, switch UPS modes, and more via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. For extra peace of mind, it comes backed by a six-year warranty.
The BLUETTI AC240 is available for purchase on BLUETTI’s official website and Amazon store now at an initial price of just $1,399 – a 26% savings from its retail price of $1,899. But act fast because this amazing deal only lasts through April 15.
As a special bonus, Electrek readers can get an extra discount of $100 by using the code electrek240 on both the AC240 and AC240 bundles. Check out the AC240+B210 bundle for a special discount of $2,468, a whopping 27% savings from the original price of $3,398. But don’t wait: This offer is only valid from April 2 to April 29.
About BLUETTI
Backed by more than 10 years of experience and a fierce commitment to the environment, BLUETTI has curated an extensive and reliable product portfolio tailored for adventures, emergency backup power, and off-grid living, making a tangible and positive impact on minimizing its carbon footprint for the planet. That’s why BLUETTI is an industry leader available in more than 100 countries and trusted by millions of customers around the world.
Photos: Courtesy of BLUETTI
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The Kia EV4 will be “delayed until further notice” in the US, according to a Kia rep and reported by InsideEVs. Kia said the change is because “market conditions for EVs have changed.”
The EV4 was expected to be released in 2026 at a price in the ~$30k range, entering Kia’s model like alongside the existing EV3 as the smaller, more affordable electric models below the EV6 and EV9. The EV4 will have the style of a boxy sedan, while the EV3 is a small SUV.
The EV3 is already available in Korea, Europe and other territories, but has not made it to the US (and may not ever).
Bringing that car to a US auto show with an official reveal suggested that the US would get access to this smart, more affordable Kia. And Kia said that the car would hit US roads in early 2026, which would have been just a few months from now.
Kia abruptly “delays” EV4’s introduction to the US
But now, a Kia rep has confirmed that the car won’t come to America after all, at least until further notice. Kia gave a statement to InsideEVs, saying:
“Kia’s full range of vehicles offers meaningful value and inspiring performance to customers. However, as market conditions for EVs have changed, the release of the upcoming EV4 electric sedan will be delayed until further notice.”
We reached out to Kia to confirm, and received the same statement back.
The reversal is a bit of a surprise, and we’re not sure why we’re hearing this today in particular. Heck, we wrote a story about the EV4 GT’s interior just a couple hours ago.
So, unfortunately it looks like Americans will have one less potential choice to get away from the land-yacht disease currently infecting our populace. For what it’s worth, the EV4 is still listed as “coming 2026” on Kia Canada’s website.
We’ve seen models get delayed suddenly before, and while Kia did not directly say that the model will never come to the US, the fate of other “delayed” EV models in the past does not give us significant hope. Usually, a “delay” like this ends up meaning that the car just won’t ever make it to US roads (see: VW ID.7, Gen 2 Kia Soul EV, Ram 1500 EV, and others).
While Kia did not state a specific reason for the reversal, it’s not hard to guess what some of the influences are.
Electrek’s Take – EV4 likely delayed due to US policy changes favoring higher costs, dirty air
Many companies have recently cited a claimed but not substantiated lack of EV demand in the US as reasons for delaying their EV ambitions. To be clear, EVs have seen a long string of consistent sales growth in the US, stretching back more than a decade (with only a few interruptions to that growth, the largest being the start of COVID).
But this likely drop in demand is hitting right around the same time the EV4 was supposed to launch in the US, so it’s not unreasonable for Kia to look at a market in a temporary downswing, especially when considering all the other factors laid out above (and the country’s current hostility to foreign investment, specifically investment from Kia’s partner company Hyundai), and wonder why they’ve gotten cold feet right now of all times.
While Kia didn’t lay out these reasons above in its statement, it sure seems likely that each of them could have had an effect on this decision.
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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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New data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) shows that the US solar supply chain has been fully reshored, with manufacturing capacity growing across every part of the solar and storage sector.
A US solar system from start to finish
With Hemlock’s new ingot and wafer facility coming online in Q3 2025, the US can now produce every major solar component domestically, from polysilicon to modules. According to SEIA, 65 new or expanded solar and storage factories have come online this year, bringing $4.5 billion in private investment to US communities.
However, SEIA warns that more than 100 factories and $31 billion in the pipeline could be at risk if the Trump administration continues its attacks on solar energy.
Solar manufacturing is booming – for now
The SEIA Solar & Storage Supply Chain Dashboard reports major capacity growth across every segment since late 2024. As of October 2025, US module production capacity has surpassed 60 gigawatts (GW), a 37% increase from December 2024. Solar cell production has more than tripled, jumping from 1 GW to 3.2 GW.
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Battery cell manufacturing for stationary storage has climbed to over 21 gigawatt-hours (GWh), which SEIA says is enough to power the city of Houston from sunset to sunrise.
“This growth is a testament to the power of American innovation,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA’s president and CEO. “We’re building factories, hiring American workers, and showing that solar energy means made-in-America energy.”
Inverter manufacturing, which converts solar power into usable electricity, has jumped nearly 50% since the end of 2024, rising from 19 GW to 28 GW of capacity. Mounting system production is also up 14%, with 23 new factories added since 2024.
A pipeline under political threat
The US solar pipeline remains strong, with 23 GW of new module capacity, 34 GW of cell capacity, 25 GW of inverter capacity, and 95 GWh of battery cell capacity either under construction or announced. But SEIA says that Trump administration policies, regulations, and trade actions are creating uncertainty that could hurt progress.
“We’re seeing strong growth today, but that momentum isn’t guaranteed,” Hopper said. “If the administration continues down this path, they risk driving investment overseas, stifling job creation, raising costs on consumers, and handing America’s manufacturing advantage to our competitors.
“If the administration does not reverse its harmful actions that have undermined market certainty, energy costs will rise even further, and the next wave of factories and jobs could be at risk.”
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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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Kia’s electric hot hatch will be here before you know it. After getting a sneak peek of the EV4 GT’s interior for the first time, it looks a bit familiar.
First look at the Kia EV4 GT’s interior
Kia’s bringing the hatchback back in style. The EV4 is Kia’s first all-electric hatchback, also available as a sedan or fastback.
Although it’s already pretty cool-looking with Kia’s new design elements like the Digital Tiger Face grille, Star Map Lighting, and aggressive stance, the GT version promises even more style, performance, and fun features.
Kia revealed the electric hot hatch for the first time earlier this week, showcasing its new GT Wrap. The new foil design “infuses models in development with the energy and attitude that define Kia’s GT production models.”
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By reimagining the Gran Turismo for a new generation of drivers, Kia said it’s bridging the gap between its heritage and future innovation. The GT Wrap will be used for a new generation of Kia performance vehicles. It still features the signature neon color, which has become a “symbol of electricity,” Kia said.
Now, we are getting our first look at the interior. The video from HealerTV offers a closer look at the EV4 GT’s interior, free of camouflage.
Right off the bat, you can see this is clearly a Kia GT. It has about the same setup as the EV9 GT and EV6 GT, including the steering wheel, infotainment, and seat design.
Kia EV9 GT interior (Source: Kia)
The EV4 GT’s interior is essentially a blend of the regular EV4 and the EV9 GT. One slight difference is that the GT’s armrest has storage space rather than just a flat surface.
The back seats also look about the same as Kia’s other GT models. It appears to include ambient lighting on the door panel and back of the driver’s seat, like the EV9 GT.
Kia EV4 GT prototype with “GT Wrap” design (Source: Kia)
Although it has similar features, HealerTV noted that the EV4 GT still has a unique interior and decent design, which should help differentiate it. According to Autocar, which saw it firsthand, the interior “received a significant makeover” with lower-sitting seats, neon green accent colors throughout, and an added GT Mode button on the steering wheel.
Like Kia’s other GT vehicles, the electric hot hatch will be equipped with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain with around 400 horsepower.
The EV4 GT will launch in 2026, joining the EV6 GT and EV9 GT in Kia’s expanding performance EV lineup. Looking ahead, the EV3 and EV5 are also in line for a GT upgrade.
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