New Blix Vika X Folding e-bike launches at $1,699 with free bonus gear
Alongside its ongoing Labor Day sale, Blix has launched its new Vika X Folding e-bike at a discounted $1,699 rate and some free gear thrown in too. It will be normally priced at $1,799, but today you’re getting a pleasant $100 shaved off, which isn’t a whole lot, but seeing as a lot of company’s are releasing new models at their MSRPs lately, it’s appreciated here. You’ll also be getting Vika X carrying bag, valued at $99, that folds into itself, making it simple to attach to the rear carrier.
Blix’s Vika X Folding e-bike arrives onto the micromobility scene with a rear-geared 500W hub motor paired with a 614.4Wh battery (barely beating the Vika+ Flex’s 614Wh). It offers three levels of pedal assistance that is supported by the newly added torque sensor. You can actively switch between either class 2 or class 3 settings here, giving you a 20 MPH to 28 MPH top speed range depending on what you prefer while getting up to 70 miles of travel range depending on what settings you go with.
The Vika X e-bike has been given an optional automatic shifting functionality that will adjust gear shifting and motor power to match the rider’s pedaling, or if you prefer making those decisions on your own, gears can be switched between electronically at the simple press of a button, bringing some convenience into the build. Along with this new feature, there’s a bunch more that enhances riding safety, like the added brake light and turn signal capabilities to the integrated taillight, an auto-adjusting backlit color display, a more powerful integrated high-beam headlight – plus, there’s even a speaker-based electronic horn and hydraulic disc brakes that have been thrown on too. Of course, as the name implies, its frame folds down to a 36-inch x 21-inch x 28.5-inch size for easier storage and transport options.
Blix Labor Day sale offers up to $687 in combined savings on three e-bikes starting from $1,399
Blix Bikes’ ongoing Labor Day sale that is taking $500 off three e-bikes and giving away up to $187 in free gear. As a lover of versatility in EVs, the standout for me is the Packa Genie Cargo e-bike for $1,599 shipped. It would normally run you $2,099 most days outside any such sale, and has often been dropping between $1,699 and $1,899 for most of the sales in 2024, though we did see it drop as low as $1,499 once back in April. It lands here at its second-lowest price that we have tracked and even beats out its Black Friday and Christmas pricing from last year by $100, with nearly as much free gear too. Speaking of the free gear, you’ll be getting a pair of running boards alongside a cushioned seat for its rear rack to provide either a comfortable place for a passenger or a dedicated space for other cargo/packages/bags. You can get an in-depth rundown on what to expect in our hands-on review or head below to learn more.
The Packa Genie cruises onto the scene stocked with a 750W geared rear hub motor (peaking at 1,350W) alongside the 672Wh battery and five levels of pedal assistance that comes supported by a 12-magnet cadence sensor (sorry, torque sensor purists). It is a class 2 model so it hits a maximum 20 MPH speed with a 40-mile travel distance for the single battery model, or you can double up the batteries for double the travel range at $400 more. There is also a throttle for pure electric action, though keep in mind relying on it alone will likely drop the travel range down around 25 miles somewhere.
It comes with some nice extra features too, with a full digital display that even has a USB port for charging your phone as you ride – which is always appreciated as someone who uses my phone’s GPS to navigate the city streets. There’s also puncture-resistant tires, fenders over top both of those, integrated head and taillights, a smart bell, hydraulic disc brakes, 7-speed gear shifter, as well as the obvious mounting points along the rear rack which boasts a 200-pound payload. A rear wheel net guard has even been thrown on, which is essential, in my opinion, if you plan to take any kids on the ride with you.
comes with fender set, rear rack, and city tote worth $187
Save up to $1,100 on three Velotric e-bikes starting from $1,249 as Summer Sale approaches its end
Velotric’s ongoing Summer Sale that is offering up to $900 in combined savings will be ending September 2. With the weekend between us and the upcoming holiday, the brand has added some opportunities to get extra savings on three of the e-bikes that are on clearance, with one being the lightweight T1 e-bike that we covered earlier in the sale with smart features and a range extender battery that is getting an additional $200 taken off to a new $1,399 low (use code VLDeals200 at checkout). Diving into the other two models benefiting from this deal, let’s start with the Go 1 Utility e-bike for $1,249 shipped, after using the promo code VLDeals150 at checkout for an additional $150 off. Normally going for $1,699, we’ve seen it dip in and out of sales across 2024, with the lowest of the year being $1,299, though we have seen it go as low as $1,099 in past years. Today, though, the usual second-lowest price is getting undercut by $50, giving you the best rate we’ve seen in a while. You can get a hands-on rundown from our reviewor head below to learn more.
The Go 1 e-bike arrives with an equipped 500W hub motor that peaks at 900W, as well as a removable 691.2Wh battery and five levels of pedal assistance that all work in conjunction to carry you up to 55 miles on a single charge at up to 20 MPH (which can be unlocked to 25 MPH).
It has some nice bang-for-your buck features here too, like the SHIMANO 7-speed derailleur, the puncture-resistant tires (which I am always happy to see being a New Yorker), a removable thumb throttle, an a 3.5-inch LCD display with a USB port to charge your phone if you use it for navigation, an integrated LED headlight, a taillight that’s been integrated into the rear rack that also boasts brake light functionality. A nice little touch here is the inclusion of Apple Find My that offers some peace of mind for those who are concerned with theft.
The third e-bike benefitting from these extra savings is the Packer 1 Cargo e-bike at $1,549 shipped, after using the promo code VLDeals150 at checkout for an additional $150 off. This model arrives sporting the longer ‘cargo’ rear rack as opposed to the above’s shorter ‘utility’ one, with some notable features that were praised in our hands-on review. The e-bike cruises into view with a 750W rear-geared hub motor (peaking at 1,200W for areas with more hills as well as larger hauls) and a 691.2Wh battery like the Go 1. You can hit top speeds of 20 MPH (which can be unlocked to 25 MPH too), with a 52 miles on a single charge when primarily using the pedal assistance, though there is the throttle to go pure electric when you want it.
You’re looking at a SHIMANO 8-speed derailleur here, 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-resistant tires once again, the same headlight and taillight integrated into the rack as above, as well as the same 3.5-inch LCD display with a USB port and Apple Find My capabilities. Plus, it has a 440-pound payload, meaning it can handle some bigger riders while smaller riders can easily take passengers along with them.
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes with $148 in free gear (pre-order): $999 (Reg. $1,245)
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 e-bikes with $148 in free gear (pre-order): $799 (Reg. $947)
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.
The new EV6 GT is the fastest Kia vehicle to date, packing nearly 650 horsepower. It’s quicker than a Ferrari and less than half the cost. Kia’s first electric sports car just got a big upgrade with added power, style, in-car tech, and more “GT” than ever before. And somehow, it’s even cheaper than the outgoing model in the UK.
Meet the new Kia EV6 GT, an affordable electric sports car
In 2021, Kia introduced the EV6 GT, its most powerful production vehicle ever made, boasting 576 hp. With a significant mid-life refresh, the new model takes it to the next level.
Powered by a dual-motor AWD powertrain, the new Kia EV6 GT is now capable of producing up to 650 hp (+11% from the outgoing model) and 770 Nm (+4%) max torque.
The added power is good for a 0 to 62 mph sprint in just 3.5 seconds. It’s also equipped with a new 84 kWh battery pack, 8.5% bigger than the previous EV6 GT, providing a WLTP range of up to 279 miles.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
With 800V ultra-rapid charging capabilities, the Kia EV6 refresh can recharge from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes, even with the bigger battery.
The new Kia EV6 GT (Source: Kia UK)
Kia added a few fun features, including an enhanced GT Mode, which “unleashes the full, untapped potential of the EV6” with max power and torque at the push of a button. A dedicated neon button on the steering wheel activates the new dedicated drive mode.
The new model features the popular Virtual Gear Shift, a first for a Kia vehicle. Borrowed from the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, the feature simulates the feeling and sounds of a six-speed paddle-operated transmission.
The new Kia EV6 GT interior (Source: Kia UK)
Kia refined the interior with “a significant overhaul,” including new materials and its next-gen infotainment system.
The new Kia connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system features dual 12.3″ navigation and driver display screens in a curved panoramic setup.
Kia EV6 GT refresh interior (Source: Kia UK)
Kia opened orders for the EV6 GT refresh in the UK on Wednesday, June 18, starting at £59,985 ($80,500), a £2,690 ($3,500) price reduction from the previous model. Deliveries in the UK will begin over the next few days.
The new EV6 GT was first launched in Korea last November, starting at 72.2 million won ($50,000). According to a Kia official, the upgraded model “will become a new standard that will change the paradigm of high-performance electric vehicles.”
The 2025 EV6 GT starts at $63,800 in the US, with up to 641 hp. That’s nearly half the cost of the Porsche Taycan 4S, which starts at $119,400. It also has a built-in NACS port, allowing you to recharge at Tesla Superchargers.
Looking to test out Kia’s electric sports car for yourself? We’ve got you covered. You can use our link to find 2025 Kia EV6 GT models in your area (trusted affiliate link).
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Nobitex, was hacked for more than $90 million Wednesday, according to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic.
The funds were drained from platform wallets into addresses bearing anti-government messages explicitly referencing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, pointing to a politically motivated cyberattack, Elliptic said.
Pro-Israel hacking group Gonjeshke Darande, or “Predatory Sparrow,” claimed responsibility for the attack and said it would release the exchange’s source code. Elliptic said the exchange was offline at the time of its post.
Predatory Sparrow also claimed credit for a separate cyberattack on Iran’s state-owned Bank Sepah this week.
Fighting erupted between Israel and Iran on Friday and the countries have continued to trade missile fire. Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened the U.S. with “irreparable damage” Wednesday in response to President Donald Trump’s demand that the country surrender.
Read more CNBC tech news
Though the stolen assets have not been conclusively attributed to the group, Elliptic said the funds were sent to cryptographic addresses the hackers likely cannot control — suggesting the money was intentionally destroyed as a symbolic act rather than stolen for profit.
Elliptic’s research linked the exchange to the IRGC, a powerful branch of the military designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Canada.
Past investigations have connected the platform to sanctioned IRGC-linked ransomware operatives and individuals close to Khamenei.
Blockchain data also shows activity between the Nobitex exchange and wallets associated with Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Houthis.
Elliptic said it’s continuing to monitor virtual asset flows tied to Iranian entities and has updated its compliance tools to reflect emerging threats in the region’s crypto ecosystem.
Rolls of steel are seen before the US president speaks during a rally at US Steel – Irvin Works in the Pittsburgh suburb of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, on May 30, 2025.
Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images
U.S. Steel shares stopped trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday after Japan’s Nippon Steel completed its acquisition of the iconic American industrial name.
President Donald Trump has insisted for weeks that the companies would form a “partnership” in which U.S. Steel would remain American owned.
But the New York Stock Exchange notified the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday that U.S. Steel’s shares would be removed from listing, after the company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Steel North America.
U.S. Steel shares stopped trading at 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday after Nippon completed its acquisition, according to a notice from the NYSE. The delisting will be effective on June 30, NYSE said.
Trump opposed Nippon’s bid to acquire U.S. Steel in the runup to the 2024 presidential, but he changed his mind after he took office. Trump ordered a new review of the deal in April after former President Joe Biden had blocked Nippon’s acquisition in January, citing national security concerns.
Trump announced a “partnership” between U.S. and Nippon in a May 23 post on his social media platform Truth Social, causing confusion among investors and union members about whether the structure of the original deal had changed somehow.
U.S. Steel and Nippon started adopting the president’s “partnership” language, though they never backed off from the terms of the original December 2023 merger agreement in their filings with SEC. U.S. Steel will continue to operate under its name though it will be subsidiary of Nippon.
Golden share
Trump did compel U.S. Steel and Nippon to sign a national security agreement with the U.S. government as condition for him clearing the deal.
The U.S. president will wield a “golden share” under the terms of the agreement. U.S. Steel said Wednesday that the golden share gives the president veto power over the following decisions:
Changing U.S. Steel’s name or moving its headquarters from Pittsburgh
Moving U.S. Steel outside the U.S.
Moving production or jobs outside the U.S.
Some decisions regarding the closure or idling of U.S. Steel’s domestic manufacturing facilities, trade, labor, and sourcing outside the U.S.
Reductions in capital investments under the national security agreement.
Material acquisitions of competing businesses in the U.S.
A majority of U.S. Steel’s board members and its CEO will be U.S. citizens, according to the terms of the national security agreement. Nippon also agreed that U.S. Steel will remain incorporated in the U.S.
Nippon will invest $11 billion in U.S. Steel by 2028, including $1 billion in initial spending on a greenfield project that will be completed after 2028, according to the agreement.