Connect with us

Published

1 year ago

on

Smoke billows after Ukraine’s SBU drone strikes a refinery, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Ryazan, Ryazan Region, Russia, in this screen grab from a video obtained by Reuters, March 13, 2024. 

Video Obtained By Reuters | Via Reuters

Ukraine’s campaign of attacks against Russian oil refineries is demonstrating how relatively cheap drones that utilize artificial intelligence could pose a major threat to global energy markets.

Ukraine-launched drones have hit 18 Russian oil refineries this year with a combined capacity of 3.9 million barrels per day, according to report published by JPMorgan earlier this month. Some 670,000 bpd of Russian refining capacity is currently offline due to the strikes, according to the bank.

Ukraine’s capabilities are growing with its drones now demonstrating a substantially longer range. Earlier this month, Kyiv hit Russia’s third-largest oil refinery, Taneco, which is located up to 1,300 kilometers — roughly 800 miles — from the frontlines, according to JPMorgan.

Ukraine is increasingly using drones that are enabled with AI, which helps the weapons navigate and avoid jamming, according to the bank.

“The AI guidance also delivers strike precision, maximizing the impact of the strikes by targeting specific areas like distillation towers, repairs of which requires Western technology,” Natasha Kaneva, head of global commodities strategy at JPMorgan, told clients in the April report. “This makes the repairs costly and often require equipment that the country is not able to produce.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made clear Tuesday that the Biden administration is worried about the strikes in a rare airing of public disagreement with U.S. allies in Kyiv.

“Certainly, those attacks could have a knock-on effect in terms of the global energy situation,” Austin told the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Quite frankly, I think Ukraine is better served in going after tactical and operational targets that can directly influence the current fight.”

The U.S. has urged Ukraine to stop the attacks on Russian energy infrastructure out of concern that they could drive up crude oil prices and instigate retaliation from Moscow, three people familiar with the discussions told the Financial Times last month.

The losses to Russian refining capacity could worsen as Ukraine aims to build a full-fledge drone industry and produce a million units domestically this year, according to the JPMorgan report. If Kyiv is able to extend the drones’ range to 1,500 kilometers (about 932 miles), they could potentially hit 21 refineries with more than 4.4 million bpd of refined capacity, according to the report.

“There’s room for this to become a bigger problem, because we’ve come to count on Russian supply getting to the global market, which allows other non-Russian supply to go to other places,” said John Kilduff, an energy expert and founding partner at Again Capital.

The deployment of AI drones also has broader implications for global energy markets, according to Bob Brackett, a senior research analyst at Bernstein. The drones are cheap to produce compared to the millions of dollars in damage they can cause and could empower nonstate actors to challenge superior fighting forces, Brackett told clients in Friday note.

“These drones can easily and asymmetrically disrupt global seaborne trade,” Brackett wrote, warning that oil exporters such as Russia aren’t the only countries that need to be worried. Oil importers, like China and India, will now have to worry about disruptions to crude flows from drone attacks, he said.

Impact on oil, gasoline prices

Ukraine’s campaign of drone strikes comes at the same time as tensions are running red hot in the Middle East, with OPEC member Iran and Israel now teetering on the brink of a direct confrontation.

U.S. crude oil has rallied nearly 20% this year, while the global benchmark Brent has gained 17% as the wars in Middle East and Eastern Europe rage against the backdrop of rising crude demand and tightening supply. Gasoline futures have surged about 33% since the year began.

Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy, said the drone strikes are not a major issue for oil prices right now because the attacks on refineries are primarily affecting Russia’s production of diesel at a time when the market is already glutted.

But Russia is also major exporter of a gasoline feedstock called naphtha. If naphta markets were to tighten because of the attacks it could have an impact on gas prices and balances, said McNally, who served as a senior energy official in the George W. Bush administration.

Goldman Sachs said in a research note last month that the strikes are bullish for diesel prices, but the impact on crude oil is mixed. Outages can lead to reduced oil demand from refineries, which is bearish for prices. But the market is worried Ukraine could increasingly hit oil production and transportation infrastructure, which would weigh on Russian crude exports, according to Goldman.

Bart Melek, head of commodity strategy at TD Securities, said the current strikes could have an indirect effect on oil markets. As Russian fuel exports decline due to the attacks, countries that rely on those exports then need to source fuel from refineries in other jurisdictions, Melek said. Those refiners need more crude to meet the demand which can stress oil supplies, he said.

Russian production already poses a problem for the Biden administration. Moscow has pledged to cut its oil output and exports by an additional 471,000 barrels per day in the second quarter to meet its commitments to OPEC+.

Those cuts could push the price of Brent crude to $100 by September, which will put pressure on the Biden administration just before the presidential election, according to a JPMorgan report last month.

The investment bank expects U.S. gas prices to hit $4 per gallon by May, the highest level since the summer of 2022.

“There are few issues that terrify a sitting American president in an election year more than surging gasoline prices,” said Rapidan’s McNally.

Don’t miss these exclusives from CNBC PRO

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Environment

Prime Day-2 Green Deals: Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus, GE 2-in-1 washer/dryer, Lectric e-bikes, EcoFlow, Jackery, Aiper, Greenworks, more

Published

38 mins ago

on

July 9, 2025

By

Prime Day-2 Green Deals: Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus, GE 2-in-1 washer/dryer, Lectric e-bikes, EcoFlow, Jackery, Aiper, Greenworks, more

It’s the second day of the Prime Day seasonal savings and we’ve got another jam-packed edition of Green Deals focusing on some of the best discounts we’ve spotted so far, with all the others rounded up in our Prime Day Green Deals hub here, which is regularly being updated throughout the days, so be sure to check back often. Leading our top three picks today is Anker’s SOLIX F3800 Plus Portable Power Station and its bundle packages, which are seeing up to $7,994 in savings to new low prices starting from $2,564. Next, we have GE’s Smart Combo Electric Washer & Dryer with Ventless Heat Pump at its $1,750 low, as well as Lectric’s full Better Than Prime Day sale that is taking up to $654 off e-bike bundles starting from $799. All that and much more are waiting for you 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.

You can save up to $7,994 on Anker’s SOLIX F3800 Plus station + bundles at new low prices for Prime Day starting from $2,564

As part of its ongoing Prime Day Sale running through July 13, Anker SOLIX is dropping the prices lower than ever on its new F3800 Plus Portable Power Station starting at $2,564.05 shipped, after using the promo code PDSG5OFF at checkout for an extra 5% in savings – plus, you’ll be getting a free protective cover to boot! We saw this model drop from its $4,799 MSRP to hit a short-lived former $2,649 low in the brand’s early Prime Day sale, which is getting beaten out here by $85. It’s also beating out its current Amazon pricing of $2,699 (usually keeping between $2,999 and $3,899), with the combined 47% markdown here giving you a massive $2,235 in savings at the best new price that we have tracked. And don’t forget about all its bundle options we’ve collected below that are also down at new lows through the weekend.

Anker’s SOLIX F3800 Plus, as well as its standard F3800 predecessor, are the brand’s largest expanding backup units that start at a sizeable 3,840Wh LiFePO4 capacity, with further investments bolstering that capacity up to a 26,900Wh maximum (when six batteries are attached). It has 15 output port options to connect devices, appliances, and vehicles – with the latter being covered by the L14-30R and TT-30R ports for EVs and RVs. You’ll get up to a steady 6,000W power output normally, while it can surge as high as 9,000W when needed. That output even expands when two stations are paired together, raising the rate to 12,000W for home backup coverage.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

In terms of recharging, the F3800 Plus brings an additional method to the table with its 6,000W input it can receive from a gas generator, while its solar input max has increased to 3,200W (from 2,400W). Of course, there’s also the usual AC outlet charging and more to keep it juiced up and running.

***Note: these prices below haven’t had the extra savings factored in yet, so don’t forget to use the promo code PDSG5OFF at checkout to score the very best deals!

Anker SOLIX’s Prime Day F3800 Plus standard deals/bundles:

Anker’s SOLIX Prime Day F3800 Plus home backup bundles:

To also checkout the pricing on its standard F3800 counterpart and bundles, be sure to check out our full coverage here.

GE 2-in-1 smart combo electric washing machine and dryer

Save space or double up with GE’s 2-in-1 smart combo electric washer/ventless heat pump dryer at its $1,750 low

As part of its Black Friday in July Sale, which is running parallel to Amazon’s Prime Day Sale event, Best Buy is offering a returning low price on the GE Profile 4.8 Cubic-Foot Smart Combo Electric Washer & Dryer with Ventless Heat Pump down at $1,749.99 shipped, which is beating out the brand’s direct pricing by $249. While it usually goes for $2,900 at full price, at Best Buy it’s been more recently fetching $2,700, with discounts having kept the costs between $2,000 and $2,200 in 2025. The last time we saw prices fall this low was during Best Buy’s Black Friday sale, with this being the first time it showed up in the new year with $950 in savings at the best price we have tracked.

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

Lectric XPress 750 e-bike

Lectric’s Better Than Prime Sale offers up to $654 in free gear with e-bikes starting from $799

Lectric’s Better Than Prime Sale is in full swing with up to $654 discounts across its e-bike lineup, which includes the preorder deal on the new XP Trike2 and increased bundles on the new XP4 e-bikes. Sadly, if you were hoping to score the XPedition 2.0 Dual-Battery Long-Range Cargo e-bikes, they are out of stock following the July 4th sale, but the brand has since restocked another popular model, the XPress 750 Commuter e-bikes that come with $336 in free gear at $1,299 shipped. The bundles are the same as the last few sales we’ve seen, which would normally run you $1,635 in full were it not for the usual savings – not to mention the $200 off option for a spare battery to double its range (found on its landing page). All-in-all, you’ll be getting a steel-encased rear cargo rack, fenders to go over both tires, an Elite headlight upgrade, and a suspension seat post. Head below for more on this and the other models seeing savings during this limited-time event.

If you want to learn more about this model or get the full rundown of e-bike deals we’re seeing during this sale, be sure to check out our original coverage here.

EcoFlow Prime Day power station sale

Power outdoor adventures with EcoFlow’s stations and bundles at up to 62% off in Prime Day savings starting from $199

EcoFlow’s Prime Day Sale is in full swing and lasting through July 11 with up to 62% off its power stations and solar generator bundles – plus, there’s extra savings to score using the promo code EFPDAFF5 at checkout for an additional 5% off your order. Among the many units we’re seeing at some of their lowest rates, a notable standout to cover your trips into the wilds, jobsites, and emergency needs is the DELTA 2 Max Solar Generator bundle that comes with a 500W solar panel (4 x 125W) for $1,281.55 shipped, after using the promo code. This newer package would usually run you $2,699 at full price, with it only available directly from the site. At Amazon, the closest matching bundle you can find gives you the station with a 400W panel for $1,279, meaning you’re getting the brand’s largest portable panel for just $3 more. The combined 53% markdown here gives you $1,417 in savings at the best price we have tracked. Head below for more of the best deals we’re spotting during this sale.

If you want to learn more about this power station or get the full lineup of power station, solar generator bundles, and add-on accessory savings, be sure to check out our full coverage of the sale here.

Aiper Surfer S2 robotic solar pool skimmer

Let Aiper’s Surfer S2 robot worry about skimming your pool while being powered by the sun at new $280 low

As part of its ongoing Prime Day event, the official Aiper Amazon storefront is offering its popular Surfer S2 Robotic Solar Pool Skimmer at $279.99 shipped. It carries a $400 MSRP, but at Amazon, we’ve been seeing it keep down at $340 lately, with discounts usually taking things to $320, and one previous discount to $300 from last month. Today’s deal brings you a new all-time low, giving you $120 off its price tag for the best deal we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this popular model, be sure to check out our full coverage of the deal here.

Jackery Prime Day power station sale

Jackery’s full Prime Day Sale with up to 65% discounts, bonus savings, free gifts, and more sees return and new lows from $89

Jackery has switched over to its full Prime Day Sale through July 11 with up to 65% discounts on power stations, solar generators, and more – plus, there are extra savings, limited stock free gifts, and membership benefits too. Among the offers this time around, we’re seeing returning and new low prices on Jackery’s new HomePower 3000 Portable Power Station and its bundle options, starting from the station on its own at $1,614.05 shipped, after using the promo code PRIME5 at checkout for an additional 5% off, which beats out the Amazon pricing by $85. This new model (also known as the Explorer 3000 v2) hit the market back in May carrying a full $2,499 price tag, and which discounts brought down to $1,699 for the first time during the early Prime Day Sale. That low price is returning here, with the extra 5% savings making things all the better for a second chance at the best pricing we have tracked, saving you $885 in the process.

If you want to learn more about this all-new power station, or browse the full lineup of deals we’re seeing during this sale, be sure to check out our full coverage here.

greenworks pro 2,700 psi electric pressure washer

Greenworks’ Pro-tier 2,700 PSI electric pressure washer falls to new $285 low for Prime Day, more

As part of its ongoing Prime Day deals event, Amazon is offering the Greenworks Pro 2,700 PSI Electric Pressure Washer at $284.99 shipped, which is beating out the brand’s direct pricing by $15. It normally fetches $400 at full price, with discounts having kept above $320 before this week. It fell to $300 at the beginning of Prime Day, but has since dropped lower to this new all-time low price. You’ll be saving $115 off the going rate while the savings last, upgrading your outdoor cleaning game at the best price to date.

If you want to learn more about this model’s capabilities, as well as browse the lineup of electric pressure washer deals we’re seeing, be sure to check out our original coverage 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.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Volkswagen’s 47% BEV sales jump includes a 24% boost in the US

Published

2 hours ago

on

July 9, 2025

By

Volkswagen’s 47% BEV sales jump includes a 24% boost in the US

Volkswagen-EV-sales-Europe
Volkswagen ID.4 (Source: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen Group‘s global EV deliveries surged by about 50% in the first half of 2025 year-over-year, with 465,500 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) delivered globally by the end of June.

That’s a 47% jump in BEV deliveries from 317,200 in the first half of 2024. BEVs made up 11% of Volkswagen Group’s total global sales, up from just 7% a year ago.

Europe saw the biggest growth in BEVs in H1 2025, where deliveries nearly doubled, up 89%. The US saw solid gains too, with a 24% increase. China was the outlier, with BEV sales slipping 34%, thanks to stiff competition from domestic brands. Even so, Volkswagen Group remains the BEV market leader in Europe, holding onto a 28% share. “One in five vehicles we delivered in Western Europe is now purely electric,” noted Volkswagen Group’s Marco Schubert.

Plug-in hybrids saw a solid boost, too. Volkswagen Group delivered 192,300 PHEVs worldwide in the first half of the year – a 41% jump from the 136,800 sold during the same period in 2024. The latest wave of second-gen PHEVs, with all-electric ranges of up to 143 km (about 89 miles), is helping drive that demand.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

VW Group reports that its best-selling BEVs globally are:

  • Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5 84,900
  • Volkswagen ID.3 60,700
  • Audi Q4 e-tron (incl. Sportback) 44,600
  • Volkswagen ID.7 (incl. Tourer) 38,700
  • Škoda Enyaq (incl. Coupé) 38,700
  • Audi Q6 e-tron (incl. Sportback) 36,500
  • Škoda Elroq 34,300
  • Volkswagen ID. Buzz (incl. Cargo) 27,600
  • Porsche Macan 25,900
  • CUPRA Born 22,100

Read more: Say hello to the ID. Buzz AD: VW’s fully autonomous ride is here

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.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

The new Nissan LEAF EV is already facing production cuts, but that’s not the whole story

Published

3 hours ago

on

July 9, 2025

By

The new Nissan LEAF EV is already facing production cuts, but that's not the whole story

New-Nissan-LEAF-EV-production

Nissan is already pulling back production plans for the new LEAF, which is set to launch later this year. As it scrambles to turn things around, this could further complicate Nissan’s recovery plan. And there’s even more going on behind the scenes.

Nissan scales back new LEAF EV production plans

The new LEAF is expected to be one of the most significant factors in Nissan’s comeback. In May, Nissan announced plans to reduce its global workforce by around 15% and close seven plants as part of its restructuring.

Last week, it began talks with workers at its Sunderland, UK, plant, where the new LEAF will be built, over voluntary retirement.

According to a new report from Japan’s Kyodo News (via Reuters), Nissan is already cutting production plans for the next-gen LEAF ahead of its launch later this year. The report cites a shortage of rare earth minerals due to China’s new export restrictions.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

No specific details were mentioned, but a separate Automotive News report claims Nissan is also delaying two EVs that were scheduled to be built at its Canton, Mississippi, plant.

Nissan-LEAF-EV-production
2026 Nissan LEAF (Source: Nissan

An internal memo revealed it would delay production by around 10 months. Nissan cited “recent slowing EV demand in the US,” thanks to the Trump Administration eliminating the federal tax credit.

It will now begin production of the Nissan-branded model in November 2028 and the Infiniti-branded version in March 2029.

Nissan-leaf-EV-production
2026 Nissan LEAF (Source: Nissan)

Nissan spokesperson Kyle Bazemore said, “We’ve made the strategic decision to slightly adjust the production timeline for our EVs at the Canton plant.” It looks like Nissan is adjusting more than just that.

Adding to that, Nissan suspended production of three vehicles made in the US, according to a report from Nikkei on Wednesday. Nissan halted production of the Pathfinder and Murano at its Tennessee plant in May, as well as the Frontier pickup, which is built in Mississippi.

Electrek’s Take

As part of its recovery plan, Re:Nissan aims to cut costs by 250 billion yen as it seeks to return to profitability by the end of fiscal year 2026.

However, if it continues to delay production, Nissan will only fall further behind. The Japanese automaker is already losing market share to EV giants like BYD due to its aging vehicle lineup.

The new LEAF is expected to be a key growth driver over the next few years, with significant improvements in range, style, and charging capabilities. Facing a shortage, how many LEAFs will Nissan be able to build?

Nissan is the latest automaker to adjust its EV plans following Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Honda recently canceled plans to launch its three-row electric SUV in the US.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending