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Mercedes-Benz kicks off EQS SUV production in Alabama (Source: Mercedes-Benz)

Hot on the heels of a historic victory where VW workers in Tennessee voted to join the United Auto Workers union, Mercedes workers in Vance, Alabama have narrowly voted against joining UAW themselves. The plant makes several cars, among which are the electric EQS and EQE SUVs.

The vote comes a day after another union victory in Alabama, where the New Flyer bus plant, which makes some EV buses, joined UAW.

Workers at the Mercedes plant voted over the course of the last week, with voting ending this morning. The votes are still being counted, but with ~4,700 out of ~5,200 votes cast and counted at press time, the vote stands at 44% yes and 56% no, meaning remaining votes wouldn’t be able to overcome the deficit. The vote total isn’t finalized so things could change somewhat, but the result seems clear from the numbers we’ve seen.

The vote was initiated by Mercedes workers, who approached UAW rather than the other way around. UAW has recently signaled its intent to unionize all other US automakers – an idea which President Biden lent support to.

Workers had complained about difficulties with new management and schedule changes implemented against the complaints of workers.

And it would have been a historic vote – only the second time a plant owned by a foreign automaker had voted to unionize in the US South, after VW did last month. The VW vote failed narrowly two times before it passed by a wide margin last month, whereas the Mercedes vote failed on its first count, by a larger margin than VW’s first two ballots did.

Mercedes had commented ahead of the vote that it looks forward “to participating in the election process to ensure every Team Member has a chance to cast their own secret-ballot vote, as well as having access to the information necessary to make an informed choice.”

But reports from employees said that they have been made to watch anti-union videos at the beginning of their shifts, and Reuters reports that Mercedes hired anti-union firms to sway employees away from joining, and that anti-union signs have been hung around the plant.

The vote also came in the midst of a hostile regional political environment for workers’ rights. The South as a whole tends to have lower unionization rates and lower levels of workers’ rights, with lower minimum wages and “right-to-work” laws, a deceptively-named category of laws that are intended to sideline workers’ unions.

In addition, prior to the VW vote, six Southern governors, including Kay Ivey of Alabama, made a joint statement to encourage workers against voting to join UAW, but VW workers went ahead and joined the union anyway. And earlier this week, Ivey signed a law that would retaliate against companies that voluntarily recognize unions by withholding economic incentives from them. The bill was signed during the Mercedes union voting period.

Auto-related manufacturing in Alabama has faced scrutiny lately, including Mercedes specifically. The National Labor Relations Board – which has been working overtime under the Biden administration, collecting a lot of wins for workers’ rights – is currently investigating both Mercedes and Hyundai in Alabama for unfair labor practices. And not long ago, a Hyundai supplier was found to be using child labor in Alabama.

The German government is also investigating Mercedes in Alabama. It is mandatory for German companies above a certain size to have labor representation on their board of directors, and the German auto industry is almost universally unionized.

However, not all is bad for UAW in Alabama. Just yesterday, the New Flyer factory in Anniston, Alabama voted to join UAW. Among other things, the plant builds New Flyer’s Xcelsior CHARGE NG battery-electric bus. That plant has around 600 employees, much smaller than the ~5,200 workers at the Mercedes plant.

Prior to today, the UAW had had quite a year, launching an unprecedented strike against all three major US automakers at the same time last September. The tactic worked, and six weeks later the UAW had made a deal with all three automakers, winning big pay increases and other assurances from each of them.

The win didn’t just help UAW workers, though, as soon after the strikes closed, several other companies announced big pay increases. Workers at VW, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda and Tesla all earned pay increases of about 10% or more as companies recognized the need to compete for skilled workers with better packages. Mercedes also recently raised pay ahead of this week’s union vote.

UAW President Shawn Fain called this “the UAW bump,” and said UAW stands for “U Are Welcome,” highlighting to non-union workers that strong unions help workers across the economy, not just at their own respective shops.

These wins are what encouraged UAW to open its recruitment drive at all other automakers in the US. UAW encouraged employees from other plants to signal their intent to join up by signing a union card through the website uaw.org/join/.

Fain even said that when the newly-negotiated contracts with the “Big Three” come up for renegotiation (on May 1, 2028 – International Workers’ Day), that this time the negotiations “won’t just be with a Big Three, but with a Big Five or Big Six” – meaning that the UAW plan to have unionized other automakers by that timeframe.

Today’s setback won’t put them closer to that goal, and it remains to be seen what strategy UAW will take going forward after this initial blow to the momentum it has built over the last year.

Electrek’s Take

I’ve used the same take several times in these UAW articles, which I will copy again here.

Unions are having a bit of a moment in the US, in recent years reaching their highest popularity ever since surveys started asking about them.

Much of union popularity has been driven by COVID-19-related disruptions across the economy, with workers becoming unsatisfied due to mistreatment (labeling everyone “essential,” companies ending work-from-home) and with the labor market getting tighter with over 1 million Americans dead from the virus and another 2-4 million out of work due to long COVID.

Unions have seized on this dissatisfaction to build momentum in the labor movement, with successful strikes across many industries and organizers starting to organize workforces that had previously been non-union.

However, union membership has been down over several decades in the US. As a result, pay hasn’t kept pace with worker productivity, and income distribution has become more unequal over time. It’s really not hard to see this influence when you plot these trends against each other.

It’s quite clear that lower union membership has resulted in lower inflation-adjusted compensation for workers, even as productivity has skyrocketed. As workers have produced more and more value for their companies, those earnings have gone more and more to their bosses rather than to the workers who produce that value. It all began in the ’80s, around the time of Reagan – a timeline that should be familiar to those who study social ills in America.

All of this isn’t just true in the US but also internationally. If you look at other countries with high levels of labor organization, they tend to have more fair wealth distribution across the economy and more ability for workers to get their fair share.

We’re seeing this in Sweden right now, as Tesla workers are still striking for better conditions. Since Sweden has 90% collective bargaining coverage, it tends to have a happy and well-paid workforce, and it seems clear that these two things are correlated. That strike is still continuing, but Tesla CEO Elon Musk – who just fired 14,000 people while holding the company hostage and begging for a $55 billion payday for himself which he’s even spending Tesla ad money to pitch – is seemingly uninterested in negotiating.

These are all reasons why, as I’ve mentioned in many of these UAW-related articles, I’m pro-union. And I think everyone should be – it only makes sense that people should have their interests collectively represented and that people should be able to join together to support each other and exercise their power collectively instead of individually.

This is precisely what companies do with industry organizations, lobby organizations, chambers of commerce, and so on. And it’s what people do when sorting themselves into local, state, or national governments. So naturally, workers should do the same. It’s just fair.

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Podcast: Tesla is now Elon’s, Xpeng goes AI, Rivian earnings, and more

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3 hours ago

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November 7, 2025

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Podcast: Tesla is now Elon's, Xpeng goes AI, Rivian earnings, and more

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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 how Tesla is now Elon’s after the shareholders’ meeting, Xpeng going all-in on AI, Rivian’s earnings, 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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The Nissan Juke looks way better as an EV: Here’s your first look

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4 hours ago

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November 7, 2025

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The Nissan Juke looks way better as an EV: Here's your first look

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Following the LEAF, the new all-electric Nissan Juke is next in line to receive a glow-up. The Juke EV was spotted for the first time rocking a new look ahead of its debut.

First look at the new electric Nissan Juke

Let’s be honest, the Juke wasn’t exactly what you’d call a head-turner. At least not for the right reasons. Nissan pulled the Juke from its North American lineup after the 2017 model year, replacing it with the Kicks.

The Juke is still Nissan’s second-best-selling vehicle in Europe, behind the Qashqai. As part of its up to £3 billion ($3.9 billion) investment to upgrade its Sunderland, UK plant, Nissan revealed plans to launch three new EVs: the LEAF, Qashqai, and Juke.

After launching the new, third-gen LEAF, Nissan plans to introduce the electric Juke in 2026 and Qashqai EV in 2027.

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With its official debut coming up, the electric Nissan Juke was spotted for the first time out in public. Although it’s camouflaged, you can already see that it’s shaping up to be a big improvement over the outgoing Juke.

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Nissan Juke and Qashqai (Source: Nissan)

The images from Motor.es (you can view them below), reveal the EV version still has a profile similar to the current Juke, but the front and rear ends appear to be closer in style to the new LEAF. The grille is now closed off, and the front features Nissan’s new V-Motion front fascia. Meanwhile, the rear gains a new light bar connecting the taillights.

We also got a sneak peek at the interior, revealing dual central infotainment and driver-cluster screens. Like the LEAF, 12.3″ screens will likely come standard with 14.3″ screens available on higher trims.

Nissan has yet to reveal final specs or prices, but the electric Juke is expected to be based on the same CMF-EV platform as the new LEAF. The new Nissan LEAF is available in the UK with two battery options: 52 kWh and 75 kWh, offering WTLP ranges of 271 miles and 386 miles, respectively.

Although the electric Juke is set to arrive next year, an Automotive News report in August claimed Nissan may continue offering the gas version due to slower-than-expected EV demand.


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Velotric early Black Friday Sale up to $600 off e-bikes, Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus at new $999 low, Heybike lows from $999, more

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November 7, 2025

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Velotric early Black Friday Sale up to 0 off e-bikes, Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus at new 9 low, Heybike lows from 9, more


We’re closing out this week’s Green Deals with a full e-bike edition, led by Velotric’s early Black Friday Sale with up to $600 savings on a selection of models, like the Discover 2 Step-Thru Commuter e-bike at $1,899 and getting $120 in FREE gear. Right behind it is Rad Power’s RadRover 6 Plus e-bike at a new $999 low, as well as Heybike’s ALPHA All-Terrain Mid-Drive e-bike getting $266 in FREE gear at a new $1,299 low, and the Ranger S Folding e-bikes (750W and 1,000W) down at annual lows starting from $999 – but keep in mind that these two are only staying at these rates for four days – plus, other ongoing early Black Friday deals waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals that are collected together at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s full Rad Power Black Friday e-bike sale lineup, the Jackery early Black Friday deals + an exclusive solo deal, 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.

Save up to $600 in early Black Friday savings on Velotric e-bikes starting from $1,099

Velotric has launched its early Black Friday Sale with up to $600 in e-bike savings in the form of price cuts and FREE bundled gear. Among the lineup, we’re seeing a rare price cut on Velotric’s Discover 2 Step-Thru Commuter e-bike to $1,899 shipped, which is also getting $120 in FREE gear. In 2025, the MSRP on this newer model increased from $1,899 to $1,999 from tariff hikes, with the largest discount we saw in 2024 being a one-time drop of $200, while we’ve only seen one previous cut to $1,899 that happened back in August. Today’s deal is bringing back that same second-best rate, giving you $100 off the tag while also providing you with a $120 FREE suspension seat post. Head below to check out Velotric’s full early Black Friday lineup.

The second-generation of Velotric’s flagship Discover 1 Plus model (which has been sold out since the Prime Sale last month), the Discover 2 commuter e-bike is a more advanced solution that still retains a reasonable price despite its notable upgrades. Things start at the newer 750W 75Nm rear hub motor (peaking to 1,100W) alongside a 705.6Wh battery to reach up to 20/28 MPH top speeds (depending on your state’s laws) and provide pedal-assistance support for up to 75 miles on a full charge. One big improvement here is the SensorSwap tech that lets you switch between a cadence or torque sensor as you need them, with the PAS boasting three modes that each have five levels.

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There’s plenty more to love about this model, with additional features including Apple Find My integration, hydraulic disc brakes, Kenda puncture-resistant tires, an auto-on integrated LED headlight, a rear cargo rack with an integrated taillight (complete with turn signaling, as well as brake, flashing, and steady lighting), an 8-speed Shimano Altus derailleur, a 3.5-inch full-color display with a USB-C port, and more.

Velotric’s early Black Friday deals on new e-bikes:

  • Fold 1 Plus Folding e-bike: $1,499 (No price cut)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 68 miles
    • comes with $120 in FREE gear
  • Breeze 1 Cruiser e-bike: $1,699 (Reg. $1,799)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 70 miles
    • comes with $270 in FREE gear
  • Discover 2 Step-Thru Commuter e-bike: $1,899 (Reg. $1,999)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 75 miles
    • comes with $120 in FREE gear
  • Nomad 2X Multi-Terrain Full Suspension e-bike: $2,399 (No price cut)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 75 miles
    • comes with $50 in FREE gear

Velotric’s early Black Friday legacy e-bike deals:

You can browse the full Velotric early Black Friday Sale on the main landing page here.

rad power's radrover 6 plus e-bike standing on boulders

Rad Power’s RadRover 6 Plus e-bike gets $600 Black Friday discount to a new $999 low (Reg. $1,599)

As part of Rad Power’s ongoing Black Friday Sale that will only last as long as supplies hold out, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru Fat-Tire e-bike at $999 shipped. You’d be paying a full price of $1,599 outside of sales, with the discounts we’ve seen this year having taken things down between $1,399 and $1,299, with some rare cuts as low as $1,199. Now, with these early Black Friday savings, we’re seeing it go lower than ever with a $600 markdown that lands $200 under the former low for the best new price that we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this e-bike, be sure to check out our original coverage of this early Black Friday deal here, or check out the full lineup of deals during this sale here.

man riding up steep incline on Heybike's ALPHA e-bike

For four days, get Heybike’s ALPHA all-terrain mid-drive e-bike with $266 in FREE gear at a new $1,299 low

As part of Heybike’s ongoing early Black Friday Sale, and running alongside the short-term Ranger S $999 annual low, there is also a 4-day flash sale on the ALPHA All-Terrain Mid-Drive e-bike at $1,299 shipped with it also getting $266 in FREE gear. It carries a $1,699 MSRP, but over the year, we’ve regularly seen it drop to $1,599 and $1,499, with a flash sale that took things to $1,399 last month for the first time. Now, during this 4-day window, you can score a larger-than-ever $400 markdown that drops things to a new all-time low price. On top of this price cut, you’re also getting a steel cable lock, helmet, a waterproof backpack, a large cargo basket, and a gift pack.

If you want to learn more about this e-bike, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 4-day early Black Friday flash sale here.

woman with Heybike's Ranger S e-bike on beach with dog in front basket

Heybike’s 4-day early Black Friday flash sale cuts $500 off Ranger S folding e-bikes to $999 and $1,199 annual lows

As part of Heybike’s early Black Friday Sale, the brand is giving folks a 4-day flash sale on two models, with a surprise price cut on the Ranger S 750W Folding Fat-Tire e-bike to $999 shipped that also comes with a FREE Black Friday gift pack, or you could go with the upgraded 1,000W variant at $1,199 shipped and get the same gift pack. These two models would normally run you $1,499 and $1,699 at full price, which discounts have almost exclusively dropped as low as $1,099 and $1,299 over the year, if not at higher rates. While we have seen the price go as low as $899 and $1,099 in the past, those rates haven’t been seen since last year, making the $500 markdowns here the best prices we’ve tracked in 2025.

If you want to learn more about this e-bike, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 4-day early Black Friday flash sale here.

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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