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volvo EX90

Volvo flew us to Newport Beach, California, to test its new EX90 7-seat AWD SUV. For many people, including my family, this is the holy grail of EVs. It is part electric luxury sports sedan, part four-wheel-drive off-roader and trailer hauler, and most importantly, part minivan.

How well do these come together? Let’s see…

Volvo EX90 appearance

The EX90 is unmistakenly a Volvo with the signature electric closed grill at the front and Thor’s hammer headlights. The rear is more subdued and could be mistaken for a traditional Volvo XC90 or similar. The vehicles they had us in were either sandstone tan or gray which felt stately but muted.

The front hump at the top of the windshield may seem like it is paying homage to London taxis or stealth police vehicles, but it is, in fact, the housing for Volvo’s very high-tech Lidar safety and eventually self-driving system.

There’s also a “Volvo for Life” tagline underneath, proudly displaying Volvo’s commitment to safety. Is it a little much? Perhaps.

Volvo, more than any other carmaker, is proud of its safety features and seems to want to show them off rather than hide them. See also: those yellow 3-point seat belts in other models, which the company invented and shared freely with the rest of the industry. They’ve saved countless lives, and Volvo expects its Lidar system to do the same.

I think the EX90 has the perfect stance between sedan and SUV, allowing for a good ride height for visibility and mild off-roading but not so far off the ground that handling and turns are too compromised.

High marks all around on outward appearance. But is the EX90 just good looks on the outside? Let’s look inward.

We got to sit in two different interiors, a synthetic leather and recycled cloth. Both exuded Volvo’s spartan luxury feel – not cluttered at all but also not Tesla minimalist either. The four main seats were more than comfortable in over three hours of driving and, my word, this vehicle is quiet and smooth. If you aren’t driving, prepare to nod off.

The third row is a little bit of a compromise and you can probably see why the Polestar 3, built on this same platform, only comes in a 5-seat configuration. Jamie at about 6′ tall found it to be quite uncomfortable unless moving the middle row seats up. This would be mostly for children or quick airport or school runs, not for seven adults on a road trip. We later got to see the 6-seat configuration with two middle row captain’s chairs (including armrests ahem Tesla Model X) which made the 3rd row significantly less cramped. I think the 6-seat option is where I’d go on this car.

Even with the 3rd row seats up you have two rows of grocery room in the back and there’s room under the false floor for more permanent items. It is a good thing too because the “frunk” is small and hard to get to (boo!). We’d like to see some smarter packaging up front to enable a deeper, more accessible frunk.

With the 3rd row down, you’ve got some massive storage space and still room for 5 people.

About that second-row middle seat, though: It sits higher, is firmer/less comfortable with a folded armrest in your back, and, to me, is another reason to go with the 6-seat configuration.

The EX90 center stack runs on Android for Automotive, which means you will get a very Google-centric experience. That, in my usage, is fantastic. Volvo, unlike some other automakers, decided to keep access to Apple’s wireless CarPlay open so that you can run iOS over Google’s OS. Many folks will just use the built-in Google Maps, which also shows up on the fantastic heads-up display. Google’s OS has many, if not all, of the apps you’d use on your iPhone, so it becomes a little bit redundant, but Volvo was adamant about giving their customers a choice here.

The 360 camera was solid all around but sometimes made for some interesting interpreted obstacles (see above). Overall, however, it was certainly helpful in navigating close and unfamiliar territory.

The Volvo EX90 Drive

The most unique aspect of the car was the drive performance, and it was certainly rewarding. With its electric motors and insulated interior, the drive was the quietest I can remember taking in recent years. Add to that the smooth, vibration-free feel of the road, comfy and vented seats, and the fantastic assisted handling, and it felt like a $100K+ Mercedes to drive. Torque vectoring brings incredible ease and confidence to curves. Great visibility is confidence-inspiring and inspiring, as is that Lidar-enhanced safety suite.

However, the performance of the motors was somewhat muted. Talking to engineers at the event, they admitted that they softened the acceleration on purpose here, though it isn’t certain if it was for drive quality, keeping parts from wear, or what. Jamie and I both railed on them, noting that their half-the-price EX30 is somehow over a second quicker to 60mph, and it is a better experience to have your foot deciding the speed, not some computer algorithms.

Still, 4.7 seconds 0-60 is respectable, and the Polestar 3, which is the same SPA platform drivetrain (slightly higher 517 hp), is only .2 seconds faster. I think Volvo could do better here but whenever I talk about speed, Volvo comes back with “safety” and I guess I get it.

Depending on what tire size you pick, the EX90 will get you somewhere north of 300 miles of range, which I think is the sweet spot for vehicles like this. Rivian’s R1S offers more range but at much bigger battery/higher price points. Tesla Model X offers more range on paper, but in reality, is often less than 300 miles. Kia’s EV9 is going to be similar.

Bidirectional Charging is a big hit

While this will go under the Lidar (lol) for some, Volvo really amped up the vehicle’s ability to power homes. Rather than the ~2kW many cars have, the Volvo can put out up to 20kW of power, meaning houses connected to the Volvo will even be able to be heated and cooled electrically. Here’s a quick demo of some use cases with a DCBEL system connected to the EX90:

Our fast charging experience was lackluster because we were on a busy Electrify America station but we still got a 185kW output with 30% state of charge. Volvo tells us that we can expect speeds up to and over 250kW at the right stations and it takes about 30 mins to take the battery from 10 to 80% or add about 210 miles.

Volvo EX90 wrap up

Volvo’s South Carolina-built EX90 is a big win in my book. Historically, the Rivian R1S and Tesla’s Model X have owned the third-row EV space. Recent newcomers like the Mercedes EQS SUV/BMW iX/Audi Q8 and, on the value end, the Kia EV9 have shaken up the market a bit. But I love the Volvo EX90 because it blends performance, style, luxury, and ride really well. Priced from $80-90K based on trim and before incentives, it is going to be a popular option in this growing space.

There’s no better test of a vehicle than the “Do I want one?” test. Often after reviewing a car, I’m happy to give it back. In this case the EX90 is something I’m following up on and therefore a big win. As a Rivian R1S owner, I often ask myself if I really need a 3-second 0-60, crazy offroading skills, or the last 100 miles of range, which I almost never use. I’d love captain’s chairs in the 2nd row (though I’d miss the fold flat). Most of all, I’d love the smoother, quieter ride and, most of all, the enhanced safety features that the EX90 offers. Like they say, it is all about safety.

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The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N gets a new Essentials trim in Korea and a lower price tag

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September 22, 2025

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The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N gets a new Essentials trim in Korea and a lower price tag

Hyundai-IONIQ-5-Essentials

Hyundai wants to make the electric sports car for everyone. Not just those who can afford it. The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Essentials trim was launched in Korea on Monday, offering a lower price tag but the same thrilling drive.

Hyundai launches new IONIQ 5 N Essentials in Korea

The IONIQ 5 N is Hyundai’s first EV sports car under the IONIQ series. Initially launched in 2023, the IONIQ 5 N marked a new era for Hyundai’s high-performance N division.

Hyundai’s electric hot hatch not only looks the part with added sporty “N” branded elements scattered inside and out, but it’s also packed with fun features, advanced tech, and a host of drive modes.

Based on a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain, the IONIQ 5 N delivers up to 641 horsepower when N Grin Boost is engaged. Even without it, the electric sports car packs 601 hp.

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It also draws power from an 84 kWh battery, good for an EPA-estimated range of 221 miles. On the WLTP scale, it’s rated with an official range of 278 miles (448 km). The added power results in a lower range than other IONIQ 5 trims.

Hyundai-IONIQ-5-Essentials
The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 Essentials trim (Source: Hyundai)

Although it was already one of the most affordable sports cars, EV or gas-powered, Hyundai is lowering the price even further.

After launching the new Essentials model in South Korea on Monday, Hyundai said the new trim “is characterized by lowering the barrier to entry so that customers can experience the overwhelming driving performance of the IONIQ 5 N at a reasonable price through optimized specifications.”

Hyundai-IONIQ-5-Essentials
The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 Essentials trim (Source: Hyundai)

Hyundai focused on core convenience features while including the same high-performance motors, battery, and N-specific elements as the base model.

A Hyundai official said, “The Essential trim of the IONIQ 5 N is a new trim that offers greater cost-effectiveness to lower the barrier to entry for high-performance electric vehicles.”

Hyundai-IONIQ-5-Essentials
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (Source: Hyundai)

The IONIQ 5 N features advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including highway driving assist and navigation-based smart cruise control. Hyundai has also added an exclusive new “Parking Assist Lite” package, offering safety and convenience features such as surround view monitoring and rear parking assistance.

The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Essentials trim starts at 74.9 million won ($54,000), including tax benefits. Hyundai said it will continue to make competitive products so more buyers can experience high-performance EVs.

Hyundai-IONIQ-5-N
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (Source: Hyundai)

Although the Essentials trim is not available in the US, the IONIQ 5 N is still more affordable than most sports cars. The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N starts at $66,200. But, with the $7,500 tax credit, which is set to expire on September 30, leases are currently listed as low as $549 per month.

Looking to test the IONIQ 5 out for yourself? You can use our link to find the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and high-performance N models near you today (trusted affiliate link).


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In a blow to Trump, judge clears Ørsted’s Revolution Wind to resume

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3 hours ago

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September 22, 2025

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In a blow to Trump, judge clears Ørsted’s Revolution Wind to resume

Revolution Wind
Photo: Revolution Wind

A federal judge has cleared the way for Ørsted’s nearly complete 704-megawatt (MW) Revolution Wind offshore wind farm to restart construction, overturning a stop-work order imposed by the Trump administration.

Reagan-appointed senior US District Judge Royce C. Lamberth granted a preliminary injunction in Washington, DC, calling the government’s conduct “the height of arbitrary and capricious government conduct.” He added, “If Revolution Wind cannot meet benchmark deadlines, the entire project could collapse. There is no doubt in my mind of irreparable harm to the plaintiffs.”

Ørsted welcomed the ruling and said in a statement, “Revolution Wind will continue to seek to work collaboratively with the US Administration and other stakeholders toward a prompt resolution. Revolution Wind will resume impacted construction work as soon as possible, with safety as the top priority.”

The decision marks a significant setback for the Trump administration’s attempts to stall offshore wind development. Revolution Wind is already about 80% complete, with all turbine foundations and 45 of 65 turbines successfully installed, and expected to power 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Earlier this month, the two states’ attorneys general announced they were suing the Trump administration to overturn its “baseless” decision to halt Revolution Wind. That underlying lawsuit challenging the stop-work order will continue to progress.

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Oceantic Network CEO Liz Burdock said, “Today’s decision allowing work to resume on Revolution Wind is welcome news for the hundreds of skilled workers who can now return to their jobs while the legal process continues. This Made in America energy project is putting Americans to work building reliable, affordable power to communities across New England that desperately need it.”

Read more: Connecticut, Rhode Island sue Trump to save 80% complete offshore wind farm

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.


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EcoFlow Early Prime Day Sale increases power station discounts up to 65% with free gifts, bonus + bulk savings all from $169, and much more

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3 hours ago

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September 22, 2025

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EcoFlow Early Prime Day Sale increases power station discounts up to 65% with free gifts, bonus + bulk savings all from 9, and much more

This week’s Green Deals are kicking off with EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale that is running right up to the official event with increased 65% discounts on power stations, as well as bonus sitewide savings, bulk savings, free gifts, and more starting from $169. Among the large lineup, we did spot the brand’s DELTA 2 Portable Power Station bundled with an extra battery and two 110W solar panels at a new $892 low. Behind that event, we also have BougeRV’s two different 2-Bike Mountable Carriers (which are e-bike compatible) for SUVs and trucks starting from a new $180 low, as well as a one-day-only sale on Anker’s SOLIX C300X DC 90,000mAh Power Station with a 60W foldable panel at $236 – plus, so much more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about all the hangover deals from last week collected at the bottom of the page, rounded together within our most recent edition of Electrified Weekly.

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.

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale increases power station discounts up to 65% with bonus savings, free gifts, and more from $169

EcoFlow has launched its Early Prime Day Sale through October 6, which is increasing discounts on power stations up to 65% off, complete with bonus sitewide savings, free gifts at certain pricing thresholds, and even additional bulk savings when buying five or more items. Among the lineup, there is a direct-sale-only offer on the DELTA 2 Portable Power Station bundled with a smart extra battery and two 110W solar panels for $892.05 shipped, after using the sitewide code 25PDFAFF at checkout for an additional 5% savings. This bundle would normally run you $2,646 at full price, and would currently cost you $1,379 buying the power station/battery bundle with two 110W panels separately at Amazon. We’ve seen this kit dropped down to $999 in direct sales before this event, with the $1,754 markdown here dropping things to a new all-time low price. Head below to get the rundown on all the extra ways to save and the full lineup of deals.

As expected, EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale is bringing along plenty of bonus savings promotions while it lasts, including the 5% sitewide bonus discount you can score on any order using the code 25PDFAFF at checkout. There are also three gift with purchase options, with orders reaching $500 getting a free 45W portable solar panel, while orders reaching $1,500 get a free 220W panel and orders of $3,000 or more get a free 400W panel. There’s also the bulk savings with an extra 7% savings being given to orders of five to 10 pieces, an extra 9% savings on orders with 11 to 20 pieces, and an extra 10% savings on bulk orders of 20 or more pieces.

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EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 portable power station is a great well-rounded option for your off-grid living needs, as well as your at-home emergency backup, and with the extra battery included in the bundle, you’ll be starting with a doubled 2,048Wh LiFePO4 capacity that can bump up further to 3,072Wh with one additional battery. You’ll be getting a steady 1,800W of power through the 15 ports present here, surging up to 2,200W when needed. It’s been constructed with an IP68 waterproof rating to handle your outdoor adventures and the weather you may come across, and offers the usual array of in-app smart controls.

Seeing as you’re getting the 220W of solar panels with the bundle, you’re nearly halfway to its max 500W solar input that can put the battery back to full in three to six hours. There’s also the option to recharge from a standard AC outlet to 80% capacity in 50 minutes, or wait for 80 minutes for it to get back to full, with a car port available to plug into your car’s auxiliary cigarette lighter port for on-the-go charging too.

***Note: None of the prices below have had the extra savings factored in and currently represent the starting price listed on the brand’s direct site. Be sure to use the sitewide promo code 25PDFAFF at checkout for the best deals, with the other discounts/gifts automatically applied upon hitting their thresholds.

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale member-only deals:

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale outdoor power solutions:

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale home backup solutions:

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale solar panel deals:

EcoFlow’s other Early Prime Day Sale accessory deals:

You can also shop the entire EcoFlow Early Prime Day Sale in our original coverage here.

BougeRV bike rack attached to SUV

These BougeRV 2-bike mountable carriers for SUVs/trucks carry up to 200 pounds starting from a new $180 low

Amazon is now offering the BougeRV Lockable Hitch Mount 2-Bike Carrier for SUVs & Trucks, which comes e-bike compatible at $179.99 shipped. It’s coming down from its usual $260 listing price here, which we’ve only seen drop as low as $200 with previous deals. You’re looking at a 31% markdown that cuts $80 from the tag to land at a new all-time low price. You’ll also find the more heavy-duty variant with a higher payload at $379.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page coupon.

If you want to learn more about these two e-bike compatible racks, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

woman charging tablet with Anker SOLIX C300X DC power station bundle in wilderness

Equip your travels with Anker’s SOLIX C300X DC 90,000mAh power station and a 60W solar panel at $236 (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Anker SOLIX C300X DC 90,000mAh Portable Power Station with a 60W solar panel at $235.99 shipped. We’ve been seeing this combo bundle pop up every two to four weeks over the last few months, dropping from its usual $330 price tag, with it coming in $1 lower than the previous one-day sales. You’ll only find its grey variant sitting at higher rates at Amazon (currently $250) and Anker’s direct website (currently $270), with discounts on those alternate colorways having mostly dropped costs to $250 and had fallen as low as $220 in February. For the rest of the day only, you can pick up this solar generator bundle at the third-best price of 2025 and the fourth-lowest overall, which sits $46 above the all-time low that last appeared during Black Friday.

If you want to learn more about this compact solar generator bundle, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only sale here.

man sitting on Rad Power's RadRunner Cargo Utility e-bike
man using Autel's Home 3000 power station to power phone, laptop, lamp

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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