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Warm spring weather is being matched with a pair of e-bike sales today as we head into the weekend. We love Rad Power Bikes, and the brand is making their EVs even easier to recommend with $400 in savings across three different models as well as bundled $100 accessories. That sale is joined by some more rugged Heybike models starting at $999 and all of the other Green Deals you’ll find below.

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.

Rad Power Bikes has launched a new flash sale through April 10 that is taking up to $400 off three select e-bike models and also giving you one free accessory of your choice that is worth up to $100. The biggest discount is on the RadRover 6 Plus High-Step model for $1,199 shipped. Usually fetching $1,599 since the company lowered prices across its lineup of models, this e-bike saw plenty of discounts over 2023, with most of them being limited-time flash sales that often brought costs down to $1,399. Since the new year began we’ve already seen one flash sale bring the cost down further to the current $1,199 low, with today’s deal coming in to repeat the trend as a 25% markdown off the going rate that lands at the lowest price we have tracked. You can learn more about this model by heading below or checking out our hands-on review.

Equipped with a 750W brushless geared hub motor and a semi-integrated 672Wh battery, Rad Power’s RadRover 6 Plus e-bike is able to reach top speeds of 20 MPH and travels with a range of up to 45 miles on a single charge. It offers a variety of features like the 5-level pedal assist with a 12-magnet cadence sensor, and a full digital display that relays real-time information such as battery level, clock, odometer, speedometer, pedal assist settings, and even a wattage meter to keep track of the motor’s output. It also comes stocked with a pair of 26-inch by 4-inch puncture-resistant fat tires alongside water-resistant connectors and wiring harness for when your joy ride diverts off-road. The frame has been designed for maximum ergonomic comfort and solid handling – especially for riders at the bottom end of the height recommendation range.

You’ll also find the RadCity 5 Plus Commuter e-bike and the RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike included in the sale as well, with both models sitting at a discounted rate of $1,599 shipped. Both come equipped with a 750W geared hub motor alongside a 672Wh capacity battery that gives them a max speed of 20 MPH at a range of 50+ miles for the RadCity 5 Plus and 45+ miles for the RadWagon 4. Both models offer five levels of pedal assistance with a 12-magnet cadence sensor, and a wide array of features like a water-resistant wiring harness, integrated taillight with brake light functionality, an LED headlight, fenders for both wheels, an integrated rear storage rack, and a backlit LCD display that gives you a battery level indicator, speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, pedal assist level, and wattmeter. The RadWagon 4’s display also includes a USB port to charge your devices.

Rad Power’s flash sale will continue through April 10, with the discount being automatically applied in cart when you add one of the three above e-bikes and an accessory under $100. You can browse through Rad Power’s included accessories here.

Heybike’s rugged e-bikes now start from $999

Heybike has launched a spring sale through April 22 that is taking up to $700 off a selection of its e-bikes as well as giving you $297 in free accessories along with your purchase. One of the most affordable options of the bunch is the Mars 2.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike for $999 shipped. Down from its $1,499 price tag, it has seen far fewer discounts over the last year than older models like the original Mars e-bike. We have seen it included in a few 24-hour flash sales over at Best Buy, usually to $999 at the lowest, and we also saw it drop down to the $899 low back during February. Today’s deal comes in as a 33% markdown off the going rate and lands at the second-lowest price we have tracked – just $100 above the all-time low. We also recently reviewed Heybike’s Horizon e-bike, the company’s latest release which you can learn more about here.

The Mars 2.0 e-bike comes in four colors (pumpkin orange, dusty blue, granite grey, and leather black) and equipped with a 750W (1,200W peak) rear hub motor alongside a removable 48V battery that can carry the bike up to 28 MPH for up to 45 miles on a single charge. You can customize your riding experience through its five levels of pedal assist modes or switch over to the 7-speed gears while the 4-inch wide fat tires ensure effortless handling when you go off the beaten path – “offering superior traction, stability, and a smoother ride compared to conventional bikes.” The bike’s frame can easily be folded up in seconds for quick storage or transport and also features hydraulic disc brakes, a rear cargo rack, head and taillights with braking functionality, a shock-absorbing seat, as well as a smart LCD display that gives you real-time performance statuses and allows for setting adjustments.

Heybike spring sale discounts:

Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller returns to $100 low

B&H is offering the Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller for $99.95 shipped. Down from a $150 price tag, this device saw relatively few discounts over 2023, with the lowest among them occurring in early Christmas sales before falling again in the first week of the new year and then dropping further at the end of January. Today’s deal comes in to repeat this trend as a 33% markdown off the going rate that beats our previous mention by $13 and lands as a return to the all-time low. It even beats out Amazon’s higher $120 rate, as well as Eve’s website where it remains at its MSRP.

This smart device gives you full control of your sprinkler or irrigation system via the Eve app or Siri. It comes with HomeKit support, does not require a bridge or gateway network, and is fully compatible with Thread out of the box. You’ll be able to set schedules to automatically water your garden, with functions to keep track of how much water you’re using and an auto shut-off feature so you won’t have to eye your water meter constantly or worry about accidental flooding. It is also compatible with all popular hose systems and multi-channel water distributors like Gardena or Kärcher.

Spring e-bike deals!

EGO Power+ Electric Mini Bike on dirt road within post for Rad Powers flash sale

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.

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McDonald’s puts 10 Volvo VNR Electric class 8 semi trucks to work

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June 30, 2024

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McDonald's puts 10 Volvo VNR Electric class 8 semi trucks to work

Martin Brower orders more Volvo electric trucks for MacDonald’s in Canada

Ten brand-new Volvo VNR Electric semi trucks will be supporting food and beverage deliveries to select McDonald’s restaurants in the greater Montreal and Toronto areas in the coming weeks.

Martin Brower is a supply chain solutions provider for global restaurant chains, and it’s actually Martin Brower, as McDonald’s logistical partner, that’s taking delivery of the ten electric Volvo semi trucks. “McDonald’s has been a like-minded collaborator for many decades with aligned goals,” said Julie Dell’Aniello, president, Martin Brower Canada. “Together, our companies share similar commitments to test alternative-fuel vehicles.”

The deployment of these 10 trucks by Martin Brower follows on from a pilot with the electric tractor in Montreal that was launched back in 2022.

“It’s exciting to see a powerhouse brand like McDonald’s working with their partners to help decarbonize the transportation of goods,” said Matthew Blackman, managing director for Canada, Volvo Trucks North America. “It’s a testament to the performance and reliability of the Volvo VNR Electric that these global leaders are choosing to scale their trial of battery-electric vehicles where feasible.”

Earlier this month, Volvo Trucks North America announced a new Truck-as-a-Service (TaaS) business model called Volvo on Demand designed, “to enable small and medium-sized truck fleets to minimize the upfront investments typically associated with transitioning to battery-electric vehicles, and free up credit lines that can be used towards business growth.”

Volvo began delivering electric trucks in 2018, and has continued to expand its commercial lineup with dedicated refuse models from both its Volvo and Mack Truck brands, as well as the new Mack MD Electric, production of which began earlier this year.

Electrek’s Take

Volvo Trucks electric

Volvo’s first-mover position in the North American market has led to a number of companies choosing to adopt its HDEVs, and the anticipated next-generation VNL Electric will only give it a bigger lead in the space.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Volvo Trucks.

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Walmart first major retailer in North America to deploy hydrogen semi truck

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June 30, 2024

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Walmart first major retailer in North America to deploy hydrogen semi truck

Nikola semi truck Walmart Canada

Walmart Canada continues its march towards a 100% alternative fuel fleet with the deployment of its first hydrogen fuel cell-powered Nikola Tre.

With the deployment of this truck, Nikola says Walmart Canada has become the first major retail chain in North America to introduce a hydrogen fuel cell electric semi truck to its fleet.

“We’re proud to be introducing Walmart Canada’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle as a major milestone on our journey to becoming a regenerative company,” said Gonzalo Gebara, president and CEO, Walmart Canada. “This is a first for a retailer in Canada and is an example of how we will continue to push forward, embrace new technology and spark change within the industry.”

The Nikola HFCEV is a Class 8 tractor with a range of about 800 kilometers (over 400 miles) “per tank” and an 82,000,000 GCWR that can, when compared to a conventional semi, avoid putting nearly 100 metric tons of CO2 tailpipe emissions into the air each year – which is one of the reasons electrifying the commercial truck sector is so critical.

“People might wonder why build a semi truck?” said Elon Musk, at Tesla’s Nevada gigafactory in late 2022, when the company delivered a handful of semi trucks to Pepsi. “It’s 20% of US vehicle emissions.”

Walmart isn’t waiting on Tesla

Walmart Canada and the Nikola Tre HFCEV.

Back in April, Reuters reported that retailers like Walmart and Pepsi were becoming frustrated by long waits and continued delays for Tesla’s electric semi trucks, and were turning to rival electric-truck makers as the moved to decarbonize their trucking fleets.

“Walmart Canada has an ambitious plan to power 100% of our fleet with alternative power. We’re proud to be the first retailer in Canada to introduce a hydrogen fuel cell semi-truck to our fleet as a major milestone towards achieving that goal,” said Michael Buna, senior director, national fleet, Walmart Canada. “As we work to be more sustainable in our day-to-day fleet operations, embracing additional types of alternative power allows us to go further, faster.”

Electrek’s Take

Coyote Container completes historic trip in fuel cell truck
Image via Coyote Container.

Nikola’s hydrogen-powered trucks seem to be a popular choice among fleet buyers – a group that seems especially susceptible to the not-quite-true promise of five-minute refueling stops that proponents of hydrogen often repeat on social media.

Still, it seems to be a solution that’s slightly better than diesel. And, until hydrogen’s fans figure out that battery-electric is the best way forward, it seems like this change might be better than no change at all.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Nikola; Reuters.

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Failure to meet surging data center energy demand will jeopardize economic growth, utility execs warn

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June 30, 2024

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Failure to meet surging data center energy demand will jeopardize economic growth, utility execs warn

The sun sets behind power lines near homes during a heat wave in Los Angeles, Sept. 6, 2022.

Patrick T. Fallon | Afp | Getty Images

The largest utility companies in the U.S. are warning that the nation is facing a surge of electricity demand unlike anything seen in decades, and failure to rapidly increase power generation could jeopardize the nation’s economy.

After a more than decade-long period of largely flat growth, electricity demand is poised to skyrocket by 2030 as the artificial intelligence revolution, the expansion of chip manufacturing, and the electrification of the vehicle fleet all coincide as the U.S. is trying to address climate change.

The tech sector’s build out of data centers to support AI and the adoption of electric vehicles alone is expected to add 290 terawatt hours of electricity demand by the end of the decade, according to a report released by the consulting firm Rystad Energy this week.

The expected demand from data centers and electric vehicles in the U.S. is equivalent to the entire electricity demand of Turkey, the world’s 18th largest economy, according to Rystad.

“This growth is a race against time to expand power generation without overwhelming electricity systems to the point of stress,” said Surya Hendry, a Rystad analyst, in a release following the report’s publication.

‘The stakes are really, really high’

The major tech players – Amazon, Alphabet’s Google unit, Microsoft and Meta – are urgently requesting more power as they bring data centers online that in some cases require a gigawatt of electricity, said Petter Skantze, vice president of infrastructure development at NextEra Energy Resources. To put that in context, a gigawatt is equivalent to the capacity of nuclear reactor.

NextEra Energy, parent of Skantze’s subsidiary, is the largest power company in the S&P utilities sector by market capitalization and it operates the biggest portfolio of renewable energy assets in the nation.

“This is a different urgency coming. They need this load to drive the next iteration of growth,” Skantze told the Reuters Global Energy Transition conference in New York City this week. “They’re showing up now at the utility and they’re banging on the door and they’re saying I need to put this resource on the grid,” the executive said.

A big challenge will be whether enough resources are available to connect those large data center projects to the power grid, Skantze said. The stakes are high for the U.S. economy, the executive said.

“If I can’t get that power capacity online, I cannot do the data center. I cannot do the manufacturing. I can’t grow the core businesses of some of the largest corporations in the country,” Skantze said. “The stakes are really, really high. This is a new environment. We have to get this right.”

NextEra CEO John Ketchum told investors earlier this month that U.S. power demand will increase by 38% over the next two decades, a fourfold increase over the annual rate of growth in the previous 20 years. NextEra expects much of the demand to be met by renewables and battery storage, Ketchum said. The company has a 300-gigawatt pipeline of renewable and storage projects.

‘Energy security brings national security’

Southern Company, the second-largest utility in the U.S. by market cap, is also seeing a historic wave of electricity demand. The power company is headquartered in Atlanta, one of the fastest growing data center markets in the U.S. with 723 gigawatts under construction in 2023, up 211% over the prior year, according to real estate services firm CBRE.

Southern Company CEO Chris Womack said the company is seeing a level of demand not seen since the advent of air conditioning and heat pumps in the South in the 1970s and 1980s. The utility is expecting demand to grow by three or four times, he said.

“A lot of this is dependent and contingent upon what we see with artificial intelligence and all those large learning models and what data centers will consume,” Womack said. “You’re also seeing in the Southeast, this incredible population growth and you’re seeing all this onshoring with manufacturing.”

Supplying the demand with reliable power is a matter of economic and national security, Womack said. Southern expects 80% of the demand through the end of the decade to be met by renewables, he said.

But he argued that nuclear and natural gas will be crucial to backing up wind and solar, which still face challenges in supplying power when weather conditions are not at their peak.

“Nuclear has got to be a big part of this mix, of [the] decarbonization focus as we go forward to make sure we’re having the power and the energy and the electricity this economy needs,” Womack told the Reuters Global Energy Transition conference. The U.S. needs more than 10 gigawatts of new nuclear power to help reliably meet demand while meeting climate goals, he said.

“Energy security brings national security, also brings about and supports economic security,” Womack said. “We’ve got to balance and meet the needs of sustainability. But — to ensure that we can continue to have a growing, a thriving economy — we got to get the energy piece right.”

In Northern Virginia, the largest data center market in the world by a wide margin, Dominion Energy is navigating three transitions simultaneously, CEO Robert Blue said. The transition toward clean energy is occurring as the U.S. is simultaneously moving to run everything on electric power and turn everything into data, Blue told the Reuters conference.

Echoing the Southern’s CEO, Blue said Dominion is adding “an incredible amount of renewables” to keep the system operating, but other energy sources will also be needed.

“We’re going to need to look at natural gas, and potentially even further technologies, whether that’s small modular reactors or hydrogen, if we’re going to manage our way through those, the intersection of those three transitions,” Blue told the Reuters conference.

Small modular reactors are an evolution of nuclear power that is still under development. The small reactors are viewed by many in the industry as potential breakthrough technology because they are, in theory, less capital intensive and easier to site than traditional nuclear power.

Blue also warned that electrifying everything comes with the trade off of making people even more dependent on the grid. This makes security of the grid crucial the country’s future, he said.

“As we electrify everything, people are going to become more and more reliant on the grid,” Blue said. “And so we need to make sure that we keep that secure from physical and cyber threats.”

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