Exclusive $200 discounts on VMAX R40/R55 Pro full-suspension electric scooters start from $899 low
We’ve got a pair of 9to5toys-exclusive Green Deals for folks today, with Wellbots offering two VMAX e-scooters at $200 off, giving folks a chance at some quality commuting solutions at discounted rates. The first of the two is the VMAX R40 Pro Electric Scooter for $899 shipped, after using the promo code 9TO5VMAX200 at checkout. Normally priced at $1,099 here and direct from VMAX, we haven’t tracked any recent discounts since the brand hit our radar, with today bringing a solid $200 price cut that lands it down at the lowest price we can find anywhere.
The VMAX R40 Pro Electric Scooter arrives onto the scene with an equipped 1000W motor (peaking at 1,600W) and a 48V 13,000mAh battery that tops out at speeds of 25 MPH while carrying you up to 28 miles on a single charge – plus, any inclines up to 28% will be no concern of yours. Your mileage will also be extended thanks to the inclusion of regenerative braking from the rear brake on top of the front disc brakes to provide stopping power. There’s a full suspension system here too, which is nice to see on an e-scooter, with off-road tubeless tires supporting a more stable and comfortable ride. The frame sports a typical folding design and includes a 60-lux headlight, brake lights on the back, an IPX5 water-resistance rating, a wider footboard with a footrest, and a 4-inch TFT color display.
The second model benefitting from this deal is the VMAX R55 Pro Dual-Motor Electric Scooter for $1,299 shipped, after using the promo code 9TO5VMAX200 at checkout. An upgraded version of the above model, this one has been given 1,050W dual-motors that peak at a monstrous 3,200W (to conquer 40% inclines) alongside a larger 48V 18,200mAh battery, with an increased 40-mile travel range and three different speed settings that correspond to its single or dual-motor modes: 12 MPH, 25 MPH, and 34 MPH. Alongside the full-suspension build and 10-inch tubeless tires, its regenerative disc brakes have been expanded to the front and the back of the scooter. It features the same headlight, brake lights, IPX5 resistance rating, footboard, footrest, and 4-inch TFT color display, as well.
Anker’s new SOLIX C300 AC 90,000mAh portable power station hits $200 Amazon low
Through its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering folks another chance to score its new SOLIX C300 AC 90,000mAh Portable Power Station at $199.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $50 off coupon. Since first hitting the market back at the end of August, it’s been dipping down from its $250 price tag with discounts direct from Anker, while Amazon has previously only seen it go as low as $210. The last time we saw this same rate was back during its first post-launch discounts for a short period, but now it is returning today at the best rate we have tracked on the Amazon marketplace and the second-best overall rate that sits just $10 above its pre-order pricing. Plus, it currently beats out the price direct from Anker, which is sitting at a higher $220 rate.
Anker’s SOLIX C300 AC model delivers a 90,000mAh capacity to cover your on-the-go charging needs while also running smaller appliances with a 600W max power output. There are three included AC ports on this model, as opposed to its counterpart DC model that mainly focuses on USB needs, with three USB-C ports, a single USB-A port, and a 120W auxiliary/car port. Unlike the DC model, this one doesn’t offer dual-recharging capabilities but does reach similar speeds when plugged into a standard wall outlet, along with solar charging options. It’s a bit easier to carry thanks to the integrated handle on top, and includes a light bar above the display screen for nighttime support, especially great for when you’re in the dark at a campsite.
If you’d prefer the DC model to focus on your personal devices alone, Amazon has dropped it down to $170, after clipping the on-page $30 off coupon. This model offers boosted self-recharging speeds with its two bidirectional 140W USB-C ports being used together to hit 280W. Sharing most of the other qualities with its above sibling, it offers a 120W auxiliary/car port, two USB-A ports, and four USB-C ports – two of which are 140W ports, one being a 100W port, and the last one hitting 15W. It also sports a pop-up LED light in place of the carrying handle with multiple brightness levels. If you’re instead still wanting something smaller, I recommend checking out the PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh predecessor that is currently sitting at $120.
AeroGarden’s 9-plant Bounty Elite indoor hydroponic system falls to new $191 low
Amazon is offering the best rate we’ve seen on the AeroGarden Bounty Elite Indoor Hydroponic System at $190.51 shipped. Normally sitting at its $260 price tag most of the time, we have tracked very few discounts on this model since 2024 began, all of them keeping above $221. We did see it fall lower to its former $195 low last year during Black Friday sales, but that price is being usurped here today with a larger 27% markdown that cuts $69 off the tag and lands it at a new all-time low price.
Coming in far larger than the usual models that see more frequent discounts, the Bounty Elite arrives ready to give you your favorite vegetables, herbs, and flowers without needing soil – all at your fingertips and within the convenience of your home. Utilizing a spacious grow deck and water bowl design, it provides up to nine plants the chance to grow up to 24 inches “5x quicker than an outdoor garden.”
It sports a 50W adjustable LED grow light to accomplish this task, with a built-in automatic timer to better mimic the natural path of the sun at exactly the right times. Its full array of controls can be accessed via the touchscreen display or through the companion app when connected by Wi-Fi, and will even remind you when to add more water or plant food to keep growth progressing at a proper pace. You can also hook it up to your Alexa to go hands-free with voice control features too.
Prep your firewood with the Greenworks 40V 14-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw at new $140 low
Amazon is prepping folks for autumn and winter firewood collection by dropping the Greenworks 40V 14-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw to $139.99 shipped. Normally fetching $200 most days, for the first three months of 2024 we saw steadily increasing discounts from $180 down to $160 before things slowed and spent the next four months keeping mostly to its MSRP. August saw things finally fall lower to $151, which held out as the lowest price until today’s 30% markdown that lands it at a new all-time low.
The colder months are moving in and you know what that means for plenty of folks – the need for firewood! Whether you’re utilizing a fire pit for outdoor gatherings or cozying up indoors, you’ll likely need a means to cut and collect firewood and this Greenworks model comes ready to tackle the job. It’s equipped with a 14-inch bar and chain and comes powered by a 2.5Ah battery that lets you make 50 to 75 cuts per charge. The TruBrushless motor ensures “2x more torque,” while the automatic oiler keeps everything lubricated and running, with a push button start to toss out the pain of fighting with starter cords. You’ll also receive a fast charger and a scabbard with your purchase.
Jackery’s Explorer 290 Portable Power Station delivers on-the-go backup at new $160 low
There are plenty of great Green Deals in Best Buy’s Deals of the Day, with the Jackery Explorer 290 Portable Power Station dropping lower than ever to $159.99 shipped for the rest of the day. Usually priced at $250 most of the time, it ended 2023 at $190 from Black Friday and Christmas sales just to be immediately beaten out by the former $180 low in January, which repeated a handful of times across the months since. Today though, we’re looking at a better deal than we’ve ever seen, as it receives a one-day $90 markdown that beats our previous mention/low by $20 and carves out a place as the new lowest price we have tracked. You won’t find this model direct from Jackery or in new condition at Amazon either, only this refurbished option that is currently down at $125.
An ideal companion for those in need of on-the-go backup power for their devices, Jackery’s Explorer 290 weighs in at just 9.6 pounds, making it compact enough to easily carry along by its integrated handle or by stowing it away inside a backpack or tote. It provides a 290Wh capacity as well as 200W of power output that surges to 400W. It offers three ways to recharge itself – plugged into an AC outlet, solar charging, or connected to a car port – often taking five to seven hours on average depending on the method you choose. You’ll be able to charge up to four of your devices at once with its one AC port, two USB-A ports, and the car port.
Worx’s 600 CFM TRIVAC Blower, Vac, and Mulcher comes with universal collection system and bag for $110
Courtesy of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Worx 12A TRIVAC 3-in-1 Blower, Mulcher, and Vacuum for $109.99 shipped. Normally priced at $160, with a higher $200 MSRP direct from Worx, we haven’t seen prices fall as low as in previous years, though we have been seeing frequent discounts on this newer model that have taken costs as low as $95 in 2024, so far. It’s coming in today with a solid $50 markdown that lands it at the second-lowest price we’ve seen this year – sitting $38 above the $72 all-time low from early 2023. One thing to note here is that this bundle also includes the collection system attachment that is usually sold separately or added to the main device in place of the collection bag – but you get both options here for no added cost!
An updated version of the WG509 model we usually see benefitting from the most discounts, this WG524 TRIVAC from Worx delivers the same 3-in-1 functionality with increased power to tackle the annoying chore of gathering leaves and debris from your yard. It provides an increased 600 CFM of blower force (up from the WG509’s 350 CFM), and can also collect and mulch it all into the complimentary bag (up to 1.2-bushels) or use the included bonus attachment to have it dumped straight into a trashcan/bin of your choice. Keep in mind that this is a corded model, which means you can just plug and go rather than wait for a battery to fill back up first.
Murf’s new accessory sale kits out your e-bike at up to 25% off: Racks, baskets, seats, koozies, trailers, more
Murf Electric Bikes has launched a 4-day Buy More Save More sale through September 29 that is offering up to 25% off e-bike accessories when buying two or more together. At the moment, the only e-bike that is currently seeing a discount is the Fat Murf Step-Thru e-bike which is still benefitting from a massive $1,000 price cut down to $1,995 from Labor Day sales, with deals far more sparse from this brand. That being said, this accessory sale does offer some solid savings to folks who may already own one of Murf’s e-bikes or are considering buying one. You’ll find quality accessories like a rear rack package at $85, or maybe you want to add a front basket to your bike for $95? There’s smaller stuff like the Koozie cup holder at $40, as well as larger add-ons like the e-bike trailer that goes for $395, and plenty more too.
If you’re interested in the Fat Murf ST e-bike, you can read back through our Labor Day coverage to get a full rundown on the e-bike and its capabilities. We don’t often see many big price cuts like the one that’s been holding strong on this model, so it’s worth considering if you’re a fan of the brand. It offers some decent commuting support too, with a 25 MPH max speed, and a travel distance that ranges from 30 miles when using only its electric action with the throttle and 50 miles when utilizing its five levels of pedal assistance. There are also some quality features here that are worth learning about in full, like the hydraulic brakes.
In terms of how this sale works, it’s pretty simple. A list of over 30 add-on accessories can be found on the landing page here, with Murf even providing a countdown clock so you can keep track of its approaching end along with these stipulations:
Buy 2, Get 15% Off
Buy 3, Get 20% Off
Buy 4+, Get 25% Off
*No discount code required
Summer e-bike deals!
Xtracycle Stoker Off-Road Cargo e-bike with $590 in free gear: $3,999 (Reg. $4,499)
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.
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Portable power station specialist EcoFlow is kicking off its third annual Member’s Festival this month and is offering a unique new rewards program to those who become EcoFlow members. The 2025 EcoFlow Member’s Festival will offer savings of up to 65% for its participating customers, and a portion of those funds will be allocated toward rescue power solutions for communities around the globe through the company’s “Power for All” fund.
EcoFlow remains one of the industry leaders in portable power solutions and continues to trek forward in its vision to power a new tech-driven, eco-conscious future. Per its website:
Our mission from day one is to provide smart and eco-friendly energy solutions for individuals, families, and society at large. We are, were, and will continue to be a reliable and trusted energy companion for users around the world.
To achieve such goals, EcoFlow has continued to expand its portfolio of sustainable energy solutions to its community members, including portable power stations, solar generators, and mountable solar panels. While EcoFlow is doing plenty to support its growing customer base, it has expanded its reach by giving back to disaster-affected communities by helping bolster global disaster response efforts the best way it knows how– with portable power solutions.
Source: EcoFlow
EcoFlow and its members look to provide “Power for All”
Since 2023, EcoFlow has collaborated with organizations worldwide as part of its “Power for All” mission. This initiative aims to ensure access to reliable and timely power to disaster-affected communities across the globe, including rescue agencies, affected hospitals, and shelters, to support rescue and recovery efforts.
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This fund most recently provided aid for communities affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires, assistance to the Special Forces Charitable Trust (SFCT) in North Carolina following severe hurricanes, and support for non-profits engaged in hurricane preparedness in Florida and the Gulf Coast. Per Jodi Burns, CEO of the Special Forces Charitable Trust:
In the wake of devastating storms in Western North Carolina, reliable power was a critical need for the families we serve. Thanks to EcoFlow’s generous donation of generators, we were able to provide immediate relief, ensuring these families and their communities had access to power when they needed it most. We are so impressed with EcoFlow’s commitment to disaster response through their ‘Power for All’ program. It has made a tangible impact, and we are deeply grateful for their support and partnership in helping these families recover and rebuild.
In 2024, the US experienced 27 weather and climate events, each causing losses exceeding $1 billion, marking the second-highest annual total on record, according to National Centers for Environmental Information. The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters underscore the critical need for reliable and timely power solutions during emergencies, much like EcoFlow and its members are helping provide through the “Power For All” initiative.
To support new and existing EcoFlow members, the company is celebrating its third annual Member’s Festival throughout April to offer a do-not-miss discount on its products and donate a portion of all sales to the “Power for All” fund to provide rescue power to those in need in the future. Learn how it all works below.
Source: EcoFlow
Save big and give back during the 2025 Member’s Festival
As of April 1st, you can now sign up to become an EcoFlow member to participate in the company’s exclusive 2025 Member Festival.
As a member, you can earn “EcoFlow Power Points” by completing tasks like registration, referrals, and product purchases and tracking your individual efforts toward disaster preparedness and recovery.
Beginning April 4, EcoFlow members will also be able to take advantage of exclusive discounts of up to 65% off select portable power stations, including the DELTA Pro Ultra, DELTA Pro 3, DELTA 2 Max, DELTA 3 Plus, RIVER 3 Plus, and more. However, these sale prices only last through April 25, so you’ll want to move quickly!
Click here to learn more about EcoFlow’s “Power for All” campaign. To register for EcoFlow’s 2025 Member Festival in the US, visit the EcoFlow website. To register as a member in Canada, visit here.
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Tesla is losing another top talent: its long-time head of software, David Lau, has reportedly told co-workers that he is exiting the automaker.
Tesla changed how the entire auto industry looks at software.
Before Tesla, it was an afterthought; user interfaces were rudimentary, and you had to go to a dealership to get a software update on your systems.
When Tesla launched the Model S in 2012, it all changed. Your car would get better through software updates like your phone, the large center display was responsive with a UI that actually made sense and was closer to an iPad experience than a car.
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Tesla also integrated its software into its retail experience, service, and manufacturing.
David Lau deserves a lot of the credit for that.
He joined Tesla in 2012 as a senior manager of firmware engineering and quickly rose through the ranks. By 2014, he was promoted to director of firmware engineering and system integration, and in 2017, he became Vice President of software.
Lau listed the responsibilities of his team on his LinkedIn:
Vehicle Software:
Firmware for the powertrain, traction/stability control, HV electronics, battery management, and body control systems
UI software and underlying Embedded Linux platforms
Navigation and routing
iOS and Android Mobile apps
Distributed Systems:
Server-side software and infrastructure that provides telemetry, diagnostics, over-the-air updates, and configuration/lifecycle management
Data engineering and analytics platforms that power technical and business insights for an increasingly diverse set of customers across the company
Diagnostic tools and fleet management, Manufacturing and Automation:
Automation controls (PLC, robot)
Server-side manufacturing execution systems that power all of Tesla’s production operations
Product Security and Red Team for software, services, and systems across Tesla
Bloomberg reported today that Lau told his team he is leaving Tesla. The report didn’t include reasons for his stepping down.
Electrek’s Take
Twelve years at any company is a great run. At Tesla, it’s heroic. Congrats, David, on a great run. You undoubtedly had a significant impact on Tesla and software advancements in the broader auto industry.
He is another significant loss for Tesla, which has been losing a lot of top talent following a big wave of layoffs around this time last year.
I wonder who will take over. Michael Rizkalla, senior director of software engineering and vehicle firmware, is one of the most senior software engineers after Lau. He has been at Tesla for 7 years, and Tesla likes to promote within rather than hire outsiders.
There are also a lot of senior software execs working on AI at Tesla. Musk has been favoring them lately and he could fold Lau’s responsibilities under them.
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Kia’s electric SUVs are taking over. The EV3 is the best-selling retail EV in the UK this year, giving Kia its strongest sales start since it arrived 34 years ago. And it’s not just in the UK. Kia just had its best first quarter globally since it started selling cars in 1962.
Kia EV3 is the best-selling EV in the UK through March
In March, Kia sold a record nearly 20,000 vehicles in the UK, making it the fourth best-selling brand. It was also the second top-seller of electrified vehicles (EVs, PHEVs, and HEVs), accounting for over 55% of sales.
The EV3 remained the best-selling retail EV in the UK last month. Including the EV6, three-row EV9, and Niro EV, electric vehicles represented 21% of Kia’s UK sales in March.
Kia said the EV3 “started with a bang” in January, darting out as the UK’s most popular EV in retail sales. Through March, Kia’s electric SUV has held on to the crown. With the EV3 rolling out, Kia sold over 7,000 electric cars through March, nearly 50% more than in Q1 2024.
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The EV3 was the best-selling retail EV in the UK in the first quarter and the fourth best-selling EV overall, including commercial vehicles.
Kia EV3 Air 91.48 kWh in Frost Blue (Source: Kia UK)
Starting at £33,005 ($42,500), Kia said it’s the “brand’s most affordable EV yet.” It’s available with two battery packs, 58.3 kWh or 81.48 kWh, good for 430 km (270 miles) and 599 km (375 miles) of WLTP range, respectively.
From left to right: Kia EV6, EV3, and EV9 (Source: Kia UK)
With new EVs on the way, this could be just the start. Kia is launching several new EVs in the UK this year, including the EV4 sedan (and hatchback) and EV5 SUV. It also confirmed that the first PV5 electric vans will be delivered to customers by the end of the year.
Electrek’s Take
Globally, Kia sold a record 772,351 vehicles in the first quarter, its best since it started selling cars in 1962. With the new EV4, the brand’s first electric sedan and hatchback, launching this year, Kia looks to build on its momentum in 2025.
Kia has also made it very clear that it wants to be a global leader in the electric van market with its new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business, starting with the PV5 later this year.
Earlier today, we learned Kia’s midsize electric SUV, the EV5, is the fourth best-selling EV in Australia through March, outselling every BYD vehicle (at least for now). The EV5 is rolling out to new markets this year, including Canada, the UK, South Korea, and Mexico. However, it will not arrive in the US.
For those in the US, there are still a few Kia EVs to look forward to. Kia is launching the EV4 globally, including in the US, later this year. Although no date has been set, Kia confirmed the EV3 is also coming. It’s expected to arrive in mid-2026.
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