On today’s thrilling episode of Quick Charge, Kia posts an all-time sales record driven by EVs, we find you some great, 0% financing deals, there’s a brand-new Volvo XC90 for 2025, and we explain why the Oakland police might be towing your Tesla.
But wait, there’s more! Ford’s upgraded e-Transit van offers a bigger battery with more range and faster charging, US solar and wind are building up the grid, and we hear a word from our friends at Volvo CE.
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Hiboy kicks off its sixth anniversary with $580+ in launch savings on its new EX6F low-step folding e-bike from $950
Hiboy is celebrating its sixth anniversary with a massive sale through June 25 that is taking up to 55% off its EV models, accessories, all while also offering daily limited-stock flash sales on select units to ridiculously low prices (found on sale’s main page here). Among the lineup, this sale is the first chance at savings on Hiboy’s new EX6F Low-Step Folding e-bike for $949.98 shipped, after using the promo code IMEX6F50 at checkout for an additional $50 off. There’s also an optional bundle promotion running on this model, which the first 50 buyers of this e-bike can choose over the $50 in extra savings – just add the e-bike to your cart without the above code and you’ll get two free pannier bags along with your purchase ($95 value, automatically added in cart). This new model is hitting the scene with a $1,580 price tag, with the $580+ savings here being quite the starting launch deal. Head below to learn more.
A predecessor to Hiboy’s popular EX6 model, the new EX6F low-step e-bike arrives with one major upgrade standing out, namely the tri-fold frame that makes saving space when it’s not in use all the easier, while also providing a more convenient way to transport it in trunks, on RVs, and the like. It comes with a 500W motor (peaking at 750W) that works with the removable 14.5Ah waterproof battery to reach top speeds of 25 MPH for up to 75 miles with its pedal assistance mode activated, or for up to 41 miles when its pure electric mode is utilized. There’s also a third mode for manual pedaling for those who like to get some cardio in during their journeys.
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Among the Hiboy EX6F e-bike’s features, you’ll also be getting 20-inch by 4-inch fat tires and a hydraulic front suspension for all-terrain fun, as well as a Shimano 7-speed derailleur, a rear cargo rack with a 110-pound payload, a clear LED display for monitoring and adjusting settings, and more.
Hiboy’s other anniversary e-bike deals:
Hiboy’s anniversary e-scooter deals:
Get a sizeable 3,500Wh CATL battery capacity through Mango’s Power E station with $2,800 in exclusive savings at $999
We’ve secured another exclusive deal from Wellbots on the Mango Power E Portable Power Station for $999 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5MANGO600 at checkout. It’s already been cut down to $1,599 from its $3,799 price tag, with the additional $600 in savings from our exclusive code taking things even further. While it lands $100 above the all-time low from our previous mention in mid-March, you’re still looking at the second-best price we have tracked, which gives you a total $2,800 in savings on a power station with some serious backup power.
Mango’s Power E is a sizeable unit for the price, which also comes built using CATL battery cells that are typically found in EVs from brands like Mercedes Benz, Tesla, BMW, and more. It boasts a 3,500Wh capacity, which can be expanded as high as 14kWh with the addition of two expansion batteries. It delivers an impressive 3,000W of output power, which increases to 7,000W with the two-battery expansion setup, and sports 16 port options to cover appliances and devices: four ACs, six USB-As, two USB-Cs, two DCs, one car port, and an RV port. If you get yourself an mSocket Pro accessory, its capabilities can extend to become a split-phase generator that covers larger heavy-consumption appliances, including heaters, dryers, water pumps, and much more.
You can recharge its battery to 80% via a wall outlet in one hour’s time, with the solar option to connect up to a max 2,000W input, as well as a 3,000W input it can receive from any generator you have. Not only does it come with a 10-year warranty, but according to the brand, you can also be eligible for a 30% IRS tax credit once you pick it up, which adds future savings to the already large pot.
Here’s your second chance at ECOVACS’ Goat O1000 RTK robot mower with a fish-eye cam for an $850 low
Amazon is giving folks another chance to score the new ECOVACS Goat O1000 RTK Robot Lawn Mower at $849.99 shipped, which is beating out the brand’s direct pricing by $150. This model (alongside its four counterparts) released back in February carrying a $1,000 price tag, which we saw regularly dropping to $900 from March until early May when this $850 low first appeared. Now, you’re looking at the second chance at this all-time low price, with $150 cut from the tag. Head below for more on this model and the two counterparts that are also seeing discounts.
The standard model among the five new ECOVACS Goat robot mowers, the Goat O1000 model is designed to cover up to 1/4-acres of lawn on a single charge, with it able to pick up where it left off after charging. There’s advanced AI here that utilizes RTK navigation for more accurate location tracking and route planning, as well as integrated AIVI 3D obstacle avoidance. The programming for the obstacle avoidance isn’t only limited to inanimate objects either, as it can identify small animals that may come and go through your yard, even during the dead of night. Its performance is further bolstered by the LiDAR (3D-ToF) and fisheye camera, which takes over navigating when entering heavily shaded areas that the satellites can’t see.
This robot comes sporting a more compact and narrow design, allowing it to fit in tighter spaces where a normal push mower cannot tread, with the whole thing even boasting an IPX6 waterproof construction to better stand against inclement weather changes. There’s plenty of remote smart controls available via its companion app, giving you the means to adjust settings, monitor its real-time performance, and edit the 3D maps it creates. Head below for more.
ECOVACS’ other new robot mower deals:
Get an adaptive cut with this Worx Nitro 40V 21-inch cordless mower and two 5.0Ah batteries at new $289 low
Amazon is offering the Worx Nitro 40V 21-inch Cordless Intellicut Lawn Mower for $289 shipped. It normally carries a $500 MSRP directly from the brand, while at Amazon, we usually see it priced at $350 to $400. We’ve seen regular drops to $299 over the last 12 months, but today the savings are increasing to go lower than ever. The deal here offers a 28% markdown off the going rate, giving you $111 in savings at a new all-time low price, beating out our previous mention by $10. Head below for more on this newer, smarter lawn care solution from Worx.
You can get a smart mower on a budget with this newer Worx Nitro 40V model that comes with the brand’s intellicut system that can automatically adjust cutting speeds based on the thickness of the grass you’re working through. The 21-inch aerodeck increases air volume through its vented design, optimizing its performance efficiency while preventing clogs and clumping, with the whole thing surrounding a brushless motor 2.0 for “40% more power and 10% longer runtime than first-gen models.”
The two included 5.0Ah batteries gives you the juice to cover up to 1/2 an acre on a full charge – plus, they come as part of the PowerShare family, making them compatible across the tool ecosystem. The mower provides seven cutting height levels via the lever, giving you a range of 1.5 to 4 inches to choose from, and that’s on top of the three-in-one functionality for rear-bagging, mulching, or side-discharging your clippings. Storage is a bit easier here too, as the handle collapses and folds to save you space when it’s not in use.
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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Robotaxi developer Zoox has cut the ribbon on the first serial production facility for purpose-built robotaxi vehicles in the United States. This new cutting-edge facility will be able to assemble thousands of Zoox’s unique autonomous vehicles each year as its commercial services expand.
Zoox is a California-based Robotaxi developer that continues to expand its network of test vehicles to make way for the rollout of its unique purpose-built vehicle, unlike anything else on the roads.
While much of Zoox’s current test fleet consists of existing vehicles retrofitted with sensors and cameras, Zoox has designed and delivered an entirely purpose-built EV without pedals or a steering wheel. We’ve seen those Robotaxis roll off Zoox’s existing production line in Fremont, California, before hitting Bay Area and Las Vegas roads.
Today, Zoox officially opened a second production facility closer to its California headquarters. This facility will house dedicated assembly lines for its bespoke robotaxis. Zoox’s latest video, which you can view below, provides an in-depth look at those new production lines.
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Source: Zoox
Zoox moves Robotaxi production to new CA facility
This morning, Zoox shared an exciting look at its new production facility, which was described as a “first of its kind” for purpose-built robotaxi assembly in the US. Per Zoox, the 220,000 square-foot plant is located in Hayward, California, and consists of one assembly line which, at full scale, can produce 10,000 robotaxis per year.
In addition to serial production, Zoox’s second facility will house robotaxi engineering, software and hardware integration, component storage, shipping and receiving, plus the end-of-line testing required before any vehicles are deployed.
Zoox made efforts to ensure its new state-of-the-art plant was sustainable and based in the US to create an environment in which autonomous robots and humans work side by side to build fully autonomous robotaxis. Per Zoox:
Constructing a state-of-the-art facility also provided an opportunity to showcase our values at Zoox. The facility is situated near our Foster City headquarters, fostering collaboration between engineers and other teams. Zoox owns, operates, and assembles these purpose-built robotaxis, giving the company oversight of the entire process end-to-end and the opportunity to flex the production depending on expansion and market demand. As the robotaxi design advances, the facility’s unique layout and building equipment will be able to accommodate these future changes and features.
In an assembly facility focused on building autonomous robots, our Zoox crew remains an essential part of the manufacturing process. Robots on the floor are primarily used for specific tasks, such as applying adhesive for glass installation (which requires precision to avoid leaks and smudges) and transporting the robotaxi down the assembly line, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. The rest is done manually.
Zoox shared that its initial facility in the Bay Area has been repurposed into a dedicated facility for its retrofitted test fleet and sensor pod configuration. While production of the purpose-built robotaxis is exciting to see, much of Zoox’s US operations revolve around the retrofits for now.
Zoox has said that paid robotaxi rides to the public will begin in Las Vegas soon, followed by San Francisco. Other cities like Austin and Miami will join, but not for a few years. Meanwhile, Zoox continues testing other areas such as Los Angeles and, most recently, Atlanta.
In the meantime, Zoox provided a look at the assembly of its purpose-built robotaxi vehicles before they make their way out into the real world. Check it out:
Source: Zoox
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Federal prosecutors filed a civil forfeiture action targeting more than $225 million in cryptocurrency traced to a sprawling web of fraudulent investment platforms. Victims were tricked into believing they were investing in legitimate crypto ventures, only to be scammed by criminal networks often operating overseas.
“This seizure of $225.3 million in funds linked to cryptocurrency investment scams marks the largest cryptocurrency seizure in U.S. Secret Service history,” said Shawn Bradstreet, special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s San Francisco Field Office, in a statement.
Authorities said the network was connected to at least 400 suspected victims worldwide, including dozens in the U.S. Crypto fraud was responsible for more than $5.8 billion in reported losses last year, according to FBI data.
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The seized funds are now subject to forfeiture proceedings aimed at eventually returning money to victims.
The U.S. Secret Service and FBI used blockchain analysis and other tools to trace the cryptocurrency back to stolen assets. The DOJ credited Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, for assisting in the operation.
According to the complaint, the funds were linked to the theft and laundering of money from victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, commonly known as confidence scams that often involve romance.
The network relied on hundreds of thousands of transactions to obscure the origin of the funds, using sophisticated blockchain maneuvers to conceal the flow of stolen assets.