Urban Commuting is made easy with Aventon’s lightweight Soltera.2 e-bike at $999
Aventon currently has several free extra battery offers on e-bike models that are sitting at their usual MSRPs, while the brand’s Soltera.2 Commuter e-bike stands alone with a price cut to $999 shipped, but sadly no extra battery. Recently fetching $1,199 in our post-tariff market, we saw it fall as low as $799 back during Memorial Day sales, which happened to be the last we saw it fall under $999 (again, because of the tariffs). Today you’re getting the best rate we’ve seen since the company had to tack on the additional $200 to its price tag, which provides a rare chance to add a quality e-bike at a lower-than-average rate to your commute (especially for first-time buyers/riders). You can learn all about this model below or in our hands-on review.
Aventon’s Soltera.2 e-bike cruises into view at a top speed of 20 MPH, and comes built with the brand’s usual levels of durability, reliability, and affordability in mind – plus, the whole thing only weighs 46 pounds and boasts a 300-pound payload. The ergonomic frame houses a 9.6Ah battery that powers the 350W brushless rear-hub motor, with the whole system supported by four different levels of pedal assistance – Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo – that allow it to travel up to 46 miles on a single charge. It’s even been updated from past models with a torque sensor (which we love to see), giving it a much smoother ride. There’s also a throttle for pure electric action, though keep in mind this will shorten the travel distance.
It comes with a few key add-on upgrades for a more enhanced experience, while still keeping itself lightweight and easier to handle in urban settings, like the backlit LCD display that has a hidden USB port to charge your smart phone as you ride (especially if using it as a GPS). There’s also front and rear integrated lights with turn signal functionality here, as well as a 7-speed Shimano derailleur and 700c x 38c Kenda tires.
EcoFlow’s new RIVER 3 Portable LiFePO4 Power Station gets first discount to $169
Running alongside the fourth phase of its ongoing Disaster Campaign, EcoFlow’s official Amazon storefront is offering the first post-launch discount on its new RIVER 3 Portable Power Station to $169 shipped, after clipping the on-page $70 off coupon. Normally sitting at $259 since first releasing back at the end of July, you’re looking at the first chance to save on this new personal portable backup power solution that comes in with a solid $90 taken off its price tag, setting its new all-time low rate going forward.
EcoFlow’s new RIVER 3 arrives in compact style with a 245Wh LiFePO4 battery capacity and X-GaNPower technology that increases its energy efficiency by “delivering double runtime for appliances under 100W while reducing the size and controlling the volume to less than 30 dB at a distance of 1.5 ft.” There are six output ports on this model to handle your devices, with two AC ports, two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and on car port. After being emptied, the battery can be brought back to full in just one hour when plugged into a standard wall outlet or in 2.6 hours with a 110W solar panel connected.
It’s been given X-Boost tech that allows it to run larger 600W heating appliances with just 300W of power, giving you reliable camping support on those autumn camping trips ahead. It sports built-in X-Guard tech too, which combines an advanced algorithm alongside cloud-based battery monitoring to provide 40+ safety measures, including protections against various currents, voltages, temperatures, and circuit risks. The whole unit boasts waterproof and fireproof safeguards too, as well as coming drop-resistant – plus, the battery has a IP54 rating to minimize potential water damage in unexpected circumstances.
Head over to EcoFlow’s main sales page here to check out the larger units and bundles that are currently up to $2,817 off through September 22.
Tesla’s level 2 Universal Wall Connector EV charging station gets rare price cut to new $575 low
You can find a rare price cut on Amazon for Tesla’s Universal Wall Connector that is now at $575 shipped. Originally priced at $620, we saw it permanently fall from its MSRP to $580 back in May, which beat out last year’s Black Friday and Christmas sales prices that only saw short-lived discounts to $595. While today’s price is only a slight shaving of $5 off the recent rate, it’s still a rare sight and chance to take advantage of – especially with Tesla products – and lands costs down at a new all-time low price.
With this official EV charger, you’ll add a customizable output of up to 48A charging speeds to your home, which you can alter while installing it indoors or outdoors to complete your EV setup. There is a cheaper, standard model that sits at $450 most days, though it only supports Tesla vehicles and doesn’t provide the universal compatibility via the J1772 adapter that this more advanced version does. When set to its maximum amperage, you’ll be benefitting from upward of 44 miles of travel for every hour that your EV is plugged in. The charger even keeps itself updated with the latest firmware for sustained efficiency as long as it is connected to a local Wi-Fi network or through the Tesla app.
Rexing’s J1772 Extension EV Charging Cable gives you 17 additional feet of length at $110 for the rest of the day
Looking through its Deals of the Day, you’ll notice Best Buy has marked down the Rexing J1772 Extension EV Charging Cable to $109.99 shipped. We usually see its price tag unmoved at $200 most of the time, with only two previous discounts in 2024 showing up in the form of these one-day sales – one to the second-lowest $110 rate in May and an earlier drop to the $100 low in January. This handy extension cord goes right along with your existing EV charging setup to provide an increased reach of 17 feet. It arrives compatible with level 1 and level 2 chargers that feature a J1772 connector, supporting up to 40A charging speeds. Outdoor use is no concern here either as it’s been given a high-strength ABS plastic design that boasts an IP66 waterproof rating to tackle the job at hand no matter the adversity from nature. Head below for more.
While you’re home setup may be taken care of now with the extended reach, have you considered grabbing a portable EV charger for those sudden needs while away from home? Well, Amazon currently has the VEVOR 40A Level 2 Portable EV Charger with a NEMA 14-50 plug marked down to $160 from $200. Compatible with vehicles and plug-in hybrids that comply with the J1772 standard, you’ll just need the appropriate outlet to get started here. It provides remote monitoring and controls that you can access via your personal device, including scheduling charge times any hour of the day for up to 12 hours at a time.
Anker’s PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Power Bank Station returns to $100
Heading over to its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its popular PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Power Bank Station for $99.99 shipped. Starting at $170 at the top of the year, it settled at its recent $150 list price after the brand switched its design from a standard battery to a LiFePO4 one. We’ve been seeing consistent discounts dropping costs every one to two months, with May seeing the greatest of these cut the price down to the $95 low, followed by its second-lowest price at the beginning of August. Today, you’ll be benefitting from a substantial 33% markdown that gives you a solid $50 taken off the tag and the third-lowest price we have found, only $5 above the all-time low from four months ago.
Looking for a reliable and portable companion to take with you on your next venture out of the house? Well, the PowerCore Reserve arrives ready to support your personal devices with a 60,000mAh/192Wh LiFePO4 capacity in a compact 4.59-inch by 4.59-inch by 8.17-inch form factor that weighs in at just five pounds. It provides two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports and ensures enough juice for an iPhone 14 to be recharged over 10 times or a MacBook Air to get 2.9 recharges.
It also boasts solar charging functionality here, with its battery returning to full in about four hours when connected to a 60W solar input. A notable standout feature on this model is the built-in retractable light that can illuminate your campsites and outdoor hangouts or even assist during emergencies, as it has two different brightness levels and a button that triggers S.O.S to flash out into the darkness. While it’s already been given a durable design that can withstand much of the outside world, you can add an additional level of protection in the form of the custom co2CREA Hard Case for $28.
Save 50% on Bluetti’s AC180 Portable Power Station at new $499 low
Coming to us through its official Amazon storefront, Bluetti is offering its AC180 Portable Power Station for $499 shipped. Normally you’ll find this unit priced at $999 on Amazon and at higher $1,249 rates elsewhere, with consistent discounts every one to two months that have been dropping costs between $649 and the former $549 low. Today, you’re looking at an even greater 50% markdown that takes $500 off the price tag and lands it at a new all-time low price – just in time to be included in your fall travel/camping plans.
The AC180 power station takes care of device charging and portable appliance power needs while you’re away from home (or just outside it even). It provides a 1,152Wh LiFePO4 battery capacity, 1,800W of output power, and 11 output ports for versatility and multi-tasking – with four ACs, four USB-As, one USB-C, one DC, and even a wireless charging pad for your smaller, more personal devices. You’ll have the usual array of smart controls that are expected out of most power station brands, which you can access via the BLUETTI app on your tablet or smartphone. Recharging times come significantly reduced with this unit too, as you can get to 80% battery in as little as 45 minutes when your plug it into a wall outlet, or in 2.8 to 3.3 hours when connected to a 500W solar input.
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes with $177 in free gear: $999 (Reg. $1,176)
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 e-bikes with $49 in free gear: $799 (Reg. $848)
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.
Lectric Ebikes appears to be preparing for a major new product launch, teasing what looks like the next evolution of its wildly popular folding fat tire electric bike. Based on the clues, it looks like a new Lectric XP 4 could be inbound.
In a social media post released over the weekend, the company shared a minimalist graphic reading “XP4” along with the message “Tune in 5.6.2025 9:30AM PT.” That date – this Tuesday – suggests we’re just hours away from the big reveal of the Lectric XP 4.
If true, this would mark the next generation of the most successful electric bike in the U.S. market. The current model, the Lectric XP 3.0, has become an icon of accessible, budget-friendly electric mobility. Starting at just $999, the XP 3.0 offers a foldable frame, fat tires, a 500W motor, a rear rack, lights, and hydraulic brakes – all packed into a highly shippable design that arrives fully assembled. It’s the kind of package that has helped Lectric claim the title of best-selling e-bike brand in the U.S. for several years in a row.
With the XP 3.0 still going strong, the teaser raises plenty of questions. Will the XP 4.0 be a modest update or a major leap forward? Could we see new features like torque-sensing pedal assist, a location tracking option, or upgraded performance? Or is Lectric preparing a more comfort-oriented variant, maybe even with upgraded suspension or even more accessories included standard?
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The teaser image, which features stylized stripes in grey, blue, and black, may hold some clues. One theory is that the colors represent new trim options or component upgrades. Another possibility is that Lectric is preparing multiple variants of the XP 4.0 – perhaps targeting commuters, adventurers, and off-road riders with purpose-built versions. We took the liberty of a bit of rampant speculation late last year, so perhaps that’s now worth a revisit.
At the same time though, Lectric’s penchant for launching new models at unbelievably affordable prices has never run up against such strong pricing headwinds as those posed by uncertainty in the current US-global trade war fueled by rapidly changing tariffs for imported goods.
Previous versions of the Lectric XP e-bike line have seen sky-high sales
Whatever the case, Lectric’s knack for surprising the industry with high-value, customer-focused e-bikes means expectations will be high. The brand has built a loyal following by delivering reliable performance at a price point that few can match, and any major update to the XP lineup is likely to ripple across the market.
As a young and energetic e-bike company, Lectric is also known for throwing impressive parties around the launch of new models. It looks like I may need to hop on a red-eye to Phoenix so I can see for myself – and so I can bring you all along, of course.
Be sure to tune in Tuesday at 9:30AM PT to see what Lectric has in store – and you can bet we’ll have all the details and first impressions as soon as they drop.
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Logo of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
Andrey Rudakov | Bloomberg | Getty Images
U.S. crude oil futures fell more than 4% on Sunday, after OPEC+ agreed to surge production for a second month.
U.S. crude was down $2.49, or 4.27%, to $55.80 a barrel shortly after trading opened. Global benchmark Brent fell $2.39, or 3.9%, to $58.90 per barrel. Oil prices have fallen more than 20% this year.
The eight producers in the group, led by Saudi Arabia, agreed on Saturday to increase output by another 411,000 barrels per day in June. The decision comes a month after OPEC+ surprised the market by agreeing to surge production in May by the same amount.
The June production hike is nearly triple the 140,000 bpd that Goldman Sachs had originally forecast. OPEC+ is bringing more than 800,000 bpd of additional supply to the market over the course of two months.
Oil prices in April posted the biggest monthly loss since 2021, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs have raised fears of a recession that will slow demand at the same time that OPEC+ is quickly increasing supply.
Oilfield service firms such as Baker Hughes and SLB are expecting investment in exploration and production to decline this year due to the weak price environment.
“The prospects of an oversupplied oil market, rising tariffs, uncertainty in Mexico and activity weakness in Saudi Arabia are collectively constraining international upstream spending levels,” Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli said on the company’s first-quarter earnings call on April 25.
Oil majors Chevron and Exxon reported first-quarter earnings last week that fell compared to the same period in 2024 due to lower oil prices.
Goldman is forecasting that U.S. crude and Brent prices will average $59 and $63 per barrel, respectively, this year.
In a bid to keep up with the rapid growth of EVs, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT is currently seeking public feedback on a plan called “Chicago Moves Electric Framework.” The city’s first such plan, it outlines initiatives that include a curbside charging pilot through the city’s utility, ComEd, and expanded charging access in key areas throughout the city.
Unlike other such plans, however, the new plan aims to focus on bringing electric vehicle charging to EIEC and low income communities, too.
“Through this framework, we are setting clear goals and identifying solutions that reflect the voices of our residents, communities, and regional partners,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “By prioritizing equity and public input, we’re creating a roadmap for electric transportation that serves every neighborhood and helps drive down emissions across Chicago.”
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Neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Chicago experience a disproportionate amount of air pollution and diesel emissions, largely due to vehicle emissions according to CDOT. Despite that, most of Chicago’s public charging stations are clustered in higher-income areas while just 7.8% are in environmental justice neighborhoods that face higher environmental burdens.
“Too often, communities facing the greatest economic and transportation barriers also experience the most air pollution,” explains Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By prioritizing investments in historically underserved areas and making clean transportation options more affordable and accessible, we can improve both mobility and public health.”
The Framework identifies other near-term policy objectives, as well – such as streamlining the EV charger installation process for businesses and residents and implementing “Low-Emission Zones” in areas disproportionately impacted by air pollution by limiting, or even restricting, access to conventional medium- and heavy-duty vehicles during peak hours.
The Chicago Moves Electric Framework includes the installation of Level 2 and DC fast charging stations in public locations such as libraries and Chicago’s Midway Airport, “supporting not only personal EVs but also electric taxis, ride-hail and commercial fleets.”
Chicago has a goal of installing 2,500 public passenger EV charging stations and electrifying the city’s entire municipal vehicle fleet by 2035.
Electrek’s Take
ComEd press conference at Chicago Drives Electric, 2024; by the author.