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Basij paramilitary force speed boats are sailing along the Persian Gulf near the Bushehr nuclear power plant during the IRGC marine parade commemorating the Persian Gulf National Day in the south of Iran, on April 29, 2024.

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An escalating conflict in the Middle East has thrust the world’s most important oil artery back into the global spotlight.

The Strait of Hormuz is widely recognized as a vital oil transit chokepoint. Situated between Iran and Oman, the waterway is a narrow but strategically important channel that links crude producers in the Middle East with key markets across the world.

In 2022, oil flow in the Strait of Hormuz averaged 21 million barrels per day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). That’s the equivalent of about 21% of the global crude trade.

The inability of oil to traverse through a major chokepoint, even temporarily, can ratchet up global energy prices, raise shipping costs and create significant supply delays.

For many energy analysts, an event where there is a blockade or a significant disruption to flows via the Strait of Hormuz, is seen as a worst-case scenario — one that could prompt oil prices to climb far above $100 a barrel.

The worst case for oil markets is if Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz, analyst says

“The worst case could well be if Israel strikes Iran [and] Iran takes actions to slow down or potentially try to block the Strait of Hormuz,” Alan Gelder, energy analyst at Wood Mackenzie, told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” on Monday.

“[This] would have a far more dramatic effect because that is where 20% of global crude exports travel through from the likes of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq — and the UAE to some extent — that are the holders of the global spare capacity,” Gelder said.

“So, we contend the market is not pricing in the worst case, it is pricing in the potential impact on Iranian energy infrastructure,” he added.

Israel’s promise to hit back at Iran following a ballistic missile attack last week has stoked speculation that the country could soon launch an attack on Tehran’s energy infrastructure.

Iran, which has pledged a forceful response of its own in the event of any further Israeli actions, is a major player in the global oil market.

How high could oil prices go?

Energy analysts have questioned whether oil markets are being too complacent about the risks of a widening conflict in the Middle East.

Saul Kavonic, senior research analyst at MST Financial, said supply disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz could send oil prices significantly higher.

“If we see an attack on Iranian production, up to about 3% of global supply could be curtailed and even if we just see tighter sanctions, that could also start to curtail supply by up to 3%. That on its own could see oil approach 100 or even exceed 100 dollars per barrel,” Kavonic told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” on Oct. 3.

“If [transit through the Strait of Hormuz] was to be impacted, we’re talking about an oil price impact that would be three times larger than the oil price shocks of the 1970s in the wake of the Iranian revolution and the Arab oil embargo, and now we’re talking about $150 plus a barrel of oil,” he added.

Oil prices traded more than 3% on Monday, extending gains even after notching their sharpest weekly gain since early 2023 last week.

International benchmark Brent crude futures with December expiry were last seen trading 1.5% lower at $79.74 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures stood at $75.99, down 1.5%.

Oil prices could rally above $200 if Iran’s energy infrastructure is wiped out, analyst says

Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at Swedish bank SEB, said the general rule of thumb in commodity markets is that if supply is severely restricted, then the price will often spike to between five and 10 times its normal level.

“So, if worst came to worst and the Strait of Hormuz was closed for a month or more, then Brent crude would likely spike to USD 350/b, the world economy would crater and the oil price would fall back to below USD 200/b again over some time,” Schieldrop said Friday in a research note.

“But seeing where the oil price sits right now the market doesn’t seem to hold much probability for such a development at all,” he added.

What about gas markets?

Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy at Dutch bank ING, said any disruptions to transit along the Strait of Hormuz would have seismic consequences for global energy markets.

“The key concern, while still extreme, would be that these disruptions spill over to the Strait of Hormuz, affecting Persian Gulf oil flows,” Patterson said in a research note published on Oct. 4.

“A significant disruption to these flows would be enough to push oil prices to new record highs, surpassing the record high of close to $150/bbl in 2008,” he added.

View looking north showing the Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf, with the Zagros Mountains and Qeshm Island of Iran in the background, and areas of Oman, Muscat and the United Arab Emirates in the foreground, as seen from the Space Shuttle Columbia during shuttle mission STS-52, 22nd October to 1st November 1992.

Space Frontiers | Archive Photos | Getty Images

ING’s Patterson said any supply disruption in relation to the Strait of Hormuz would not be isolated to the oil market.

“It could also potentially lead to disruptions in [liquified natural gas] flows from Qatar, which makes up more than 20% of global LNG trade,” he continued.

“This would be a shock to global gas markets, particularly as we move into the northern hemisphere winter, where we see stronger gas demand for heating purposes. While we are seeing a ramp-up in new LNG export capacity, this still falls well short of Qatari export volumes.”

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Check out Hyundai’s new robot that will automatically charge your EV

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Check out Hyundai's new robot that will automatically charge your EV

How much easier can charging get? Hyundai and Kia want to make it effortless with their new robot that automatically charges your EV.

Hyundai sets up robot EV charger service in Korea

If cars can drive themselves, why can’t robots automatically charge your EV? That may soon be a reality after Hyundai Motor showcased its new automatic charging robots (ACRs) in Korea.

Hyundai and Kia set up a demo site at the Incheon International Airport as part of a new business agreement. Through the agreement, Hyundai (and Kia) will work with the airport to establish an automatic robot EV charging service.

Since Incheon International Airport has already electrified its entire fleet and plans to have 1,110 chargers by 2026, it is the perfect spot to test it out.

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The companies will use the demo site as a “stepping stone” with plans to expand into additional airports, seaports, railways, and other transportation hot spots.

Hyundai Motor’s head of R&D said the project is “a significant milestone in verifying the practical benefits” of robotic EV charging.

Hyundai-robot-EV-charger
Hyundai deploys automatic charging robots at Incheon International Airport (Source: Hyundai)

Although several other companies, like Tesla and RAM (remember the Ram Charger?), have teased robot EV chargers in the past, Hyundai is one of the first to put them into action.

Hyundai first introduced its automatic charging robot in 2023. Using a 3D camera system and AI, the robot will automatically find and plug into the vehicle’s charge port.

Hyundai automatic charging robot for EVs (Source: Hyundai)

When you’re done, it will remove the charger and close the cover. Check out the video above to see how it works on the IONIQ 6.

The company expects that automatic charging robots will “significantly increase” the convenience of EV charging. With autonomous parking, the robots can charge several parked vehicles at the same time.

Will we see Hyundai’s robot EV chargers rolling around global airports in the future? It could soon be a reality.

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Rad Power’s Memorial Day Sale takes up to $500 off new and legacy e-bikes from $1,299, DJI, Husqvarna, EcoFlow flash sale, more

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Rad Power's Memorial Day Sale takes up to 0 off new and legacy e-bikes from ,299, DJI, Husqvarna, EcoFlow flash sale, more

Headlining today’s Green Deals is Rad Power’s Memorial Day Sale which is taking up to $500 off seven e-bikes – four of which are the first discounts we’re seeing on the new lineup of models, like the Radster Road Commuter e-bike that is down at $1,999. We also spotted DJI’s Power 1000 Station dropping to $449, as well as Husqvarna’s Power Axe 350i 18-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw kit at $384, with more of the brand’s tools also seeing discounts. Lastly, we have EcoFlow taking up to 30% off three flash sale offers through the rest of the day, starting from $649. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s up to 67% discounts during EcoFlow’s Memorial Day Sale, the biggest accessory bundle to date on Lectric’s XP Trike, and more.

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.

Rad Power’s Memorial Day Sale offers first cash savings on new e-bikes along with legacy models – starting from $1,299

Rad Power has launched its Memorial Day Sale through June 4, which is offering up to $500 off seven e-bikes, including the first cash discounts on four of its newest e-bikes that will be ending sooner on May 26. Among the new models, the one that has had my eye since its launch at the top of March is the Radster Road Commuter e-bike that is down at $1,999 shipped. This new model has been keeping to its $2,199 full price since hitting the market, with the only deals we’ve seen so far having been single add-on accessory promos during some past sales. You’ll now be able to save $200 off the going rate through next week’s holiday, setting the bar for future discounts that we might see down the road.

Launched alongside three other models, including a trail-trekking counterpart, Rad Power’s Radster Road e-bike is the latest of the brand’s commuter-focused solutions that boast a sizeable speed and mileage increase over its legacy models. It arrives equipped with a 750W rear hub motor that produces 100Nm of torque and a 720Wh Safe Shield semi-integrated battery, providing you with top speeds up to 28 MPH and up to 65+ miles of travel on a single charge with its 5 PAS levels activated (with those supported by a torque sensor).

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This model, like its newer counterparts, comes stocked with some solid features beyond its initial performance, like the system locking via a passcode or an included security fob, providing added security, which is always my primary concern when taking mine out. There’s also the hydraulic suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, Kenda Kwick puncture-protected tires with fenders over each, the front LED headlight and integrated taillight with brake lighting and turn signals, a Shimano 8-speed derailleur, a rear cargo rack, a color display with a USB-C port to charge devices, and more.

Rad Power’s Memorial Day new e-bike deals (through May 26):

Rad Power’s Memorial Day legacy e-bike deals (through June 4):

This is a great month to gear up for cruises through the summer and into fall, as many of the most popular and our favorite brands are currently offering big savings on e-bikes and e-scooters, which you can browse in our one-stop-shop Ride to Work EV hub.

DJI Power 1000 Portable Power Station

Keep your outdoor adventures running with DJI’s Power 1000 1,024Wh LiFePO4 station down at $449

Through its official Amazon storefront, DJI is offering its Power 1000 Portable Power Station for $449 shipped. Despite carrying a $999 price tag elsewhere, we’ve been seeing it spend 2025 so far keeping posted at a $699 rate here at Amazon, with discounts having been completely absent since April began. While we have seen it dip down as low as $379 in the past, those rates were last seen in November and December, with the price here beaten out in the new year by one fall to $419 in March, giving you the second-best pricing of 2025 that saves you $250 off the going rate ($550 off its original MSRP). It’s even beating out the discount we’re seeing directly from DJI’s website, where it’s sitting $50 higher.

An ideal companion for folks who spend plenty of time out in the wilds of the world, particularly for photography, flying the brand’s drones, and the like, DJI’s Power 1000 station covers backup power needs with a 1,024Wh LiFePO4 capacity through eight port options. Those ports are quite versatile in output, as among the options you’ll have, the two AC outlets provide up to 2,200W of power (surging to 2,600W) in order to tackle larger appliance needs, while also promising fast-charging speeds for personal devices at up to 140W from the dual USB-Cs, plus the others.

By equipping this station with either an MPPT module or DJI’s power outlet to SDC power cable, you’ll be able to utilize its solar-charging capabilities, with the unit boasting a 1,600W max input that can put the battery back to full in 80 minutes. Of course, you could also plug it into a wall outlet for an 80% battery in 50 minutes, taking about 20 minutes longer to push it to full. Right now, there are two discounted solar-capable bundles, with the station getting a 100W panel and the appropriate cables for $688, down from $1,247, or, while it has been $300 less for most of the year, you can still save $300 off the MSRP for the station with a 200W panel at $1,356. There are other options on the same page for those just seeking the cables to connect existing solar panels, but they are keeping to their full prices at the moment.

Husqvarna Power Axe 350i electric chainsaw

Fell trees and cut up firewood with Husqvarna’s Power Axe 350i 18-inch electric chainsaw kit at $384

Amazon is offering the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw for $383.99 shipped. Normally going for $480 at full price, discounts are often less frequent on this brand’s tools as opposed to EGO, Greenworks, and others. In 2025, we’ve seen it fall to this same rate twice before, which has been the lowest tracked price so far in the last five months. We have seen it go as low as $359 at the end of 2023, and $379 in 2024, with today’s deal being the best of 2025 and the third-lowest price overall, saving you $96 off the going rate for as long as it lasts.

Unlike many other Husqvarna offers we see, which are usually tool-only deals, the brand’s Power Axe 350i actually comes with a 7.5Ah battery and charger, and is a larger yet still lightweight model perfect for felling trees, cutting up firewood, and the like with its 18-inch bar and chain. It has been given the brand’s X-cut chain that retains sharpness for longer periods over more standard designs, while also boasting a tool-less tensioning system that allows for easier adjustments at faster speeds with little effort. There’s even a boost mode that activates with a button press, ramping its output by 25%.

Other Husqvarna discounts:

EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus power station

Get up to 30% off EcoFlow flash offers like the DELTA 3 Plus power station with a protective bag at $649 (Today only)

As part of EcoFlow’s ongoing Memorial Day Sale through May 28, the brand has launched the next round of 24-hour flash offers on three units through the rest of the day. The only one to include an actual power station gives you the DELTA 3 Plus with a protective bag for $649 shipped. We normally see this bundle with the bag on the standard predecessor model or elsewhere, with the power station often fetching $799 at full price. While we have seen the price go as low as $535 from a Wellbots exclusive deal last month (one of only two that we’ve secured), you’re still looking at a solid $150 markdown off the going rate on top of getting the accompanying bag, which is lacking at Amazon, where the pricing on the station matches.

While not as sizeable as some of its counterparts, EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Plus is a mid-range option that gives you peace of mind while away from home with its 1,024Wh LiFePO4 capacity, which you can expand up to 5kWh with the appropriate expansion batteries for the DELTA 3, DELTA Pro 3, DELTA 2 Max, or the DELTA 2. The 13 ports provide ample support for devices and appliances, with the unit dishing out a steady 1,800W output that can surge as high as 3,600W thanks to the X-Boost. There are five methods to recharge this model (AC, solar, smart dual fuel generator, 800W alternator charger, and multi-charging), and it comes rated for 4,000 lifecycles, giving you nearly 11 years of usage, were you to charge and discharge its battery every single day.

EcoFlow’s other 24-hour flash offers (through May 22):

EcoFlow’s Memorial Day Sale will continue taking up to 67% off power stations through May 28, with flash sales scheduled to pop up next on May 26.

Best Spring 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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House republicans vote to send US EV jobs to China, give trillions to US elites

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House republicans vote to send US EV jobs to China, give trillions to US elites

House republicans passed their tax proposal, which kills a slew of tax credits to help working families become more energy efficient, improve US air quality, and boost US manufacturing. The republican bill instead channels that money to wealthy elites, increasing the deficit by trillions of dollars along the way.

Republicans in Congress released their 389-page proposal last Tuesday and, as expected, it included several provisions to eliminate popular clean energy credits which were driving a boost in American manufacturing.

The credits were largely established under President Biden as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which raised hundreds of billions of dollars through tax enforcement on wealthy individuals and corporations and channeled that into energy efficiency credits for American families.

We’ve covered how families could save thousands of dollars on upgrades to lower their energy costs through these credits.

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But these credits aren’t just money-saving for Americans, they also work to boost American manufacturing, due to various provisions in the bill, particularly around the $7,500 EV tax credit which was limited to cars that undergo final assembly in North America.

While loopholes exist, nevertheless the bill resulted in a massive expansion of American manufacturing, driving hundreds of billions of dollars of investment and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.

But now, republicans in Congress have voted to roll much of that progress back. The final vote tally was 215-214, with one additional representative voting “present” (which means 215 out of 430, or 50%, of representatives voted Yea, which is not actually a majority). All Democrats voted against the job-killing measure, while only two republicans, Davidson (R-OH) and Massie (R-KY), voted to support American jobs, and Harris (R-MD) voted “present.”

Here’s a list of the bill’s various effects related to clean air and energy (via the BlueGreen Alliance):

  • Attaching restrictions to clean energy and manufacturing tax credits that would make them unusable in practical terms while also “sunsetting” those tax credits early, a move that research suggests will increase costs for American families; 
  • Repealing the Clean Vehicle Tax Credits; 
  • Repealing the Clean Hydrogen Tax Credit; 
  • Clawing back unspent funds for air quality monitoring in schools, clean manufacturing, state and community energy programs, and electric grid upgrades; 
  • Defunding and delaying the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP), which reduces pollution and protects the health of workers and communities; 
  • Clawing back all unspent Inflation Reduction Act funds, including many provisions that would have lowered energy bills, created jobs, and reduced pollution; and 
  • Attacks on many additional Inflation Reduction Act programs and initiatives.

The finalized bill went through some changes, though those changes primarily made the bill worse for American jobs and clean air. For example, it seems that the bill has snuck in a repeal of EPA pollution rules that will save thousands of American lives and $100 billion per year (see sec 42201), in yet another Congressional overreach.

It also seems to have incorporated republicans’ ridiculous proposal to add a punitive fee on EVs, in the amount of $250/year. That fee was originally proposed as a way to eliminate the federal gas tax, and was accompanied by a $20/year fee on gas cars, but republicans dropped the latter fee and boosted the EV fee, with the final effect that it would increase the deficit by billions.

You can perhaps see a pattern in these effects: they’re primarily targeted towards increasing costs for regular American families who were taking advantage of these tax credits, and towards programs that would keep you and your children healthier.

Previous analyses show how repealing these tax credits would lead to increased electricity prices for all Americans.

It should not be any surprise to anyone that has been paying attention that republicans want to poison you and raise your costs, but some people apparently still need more examples, so here we are.

In particular, the bill eliminates the US EV tax credit which had driven so much of that investment due to its domestic manufacturing provision (though there are some small carveouts). Not only does that inflate the cost of the best vehicles available today for Americans, it also takes away one of the incentives that was driving investment in US manufacturing.

And the bill specifically harms Tesla more than it harms Tesla’s competitors, despite its CEO, Elon Musk, being the richest republican donor on the planet.

We’ve warned before that a bill like this would just send more EV jobs to China, a country where nobody is “debating” over which direction the auto industry is going. Chinese automakers all know the industry is going electric, and they’re putting all of their effort into it.

This is quite a contrast with Western automakers which keep hemming and hawing, begging their governments to let them go bankrupt with anti-EV policy decisions that will only slow down their transition towards modernizing to the global EV status quo.

We’ve already seen the effects of other poor policy decisions on manufacturing, with several companies pausing or canceling plans to build manufacturing facilities in North America as a result of tariff chaos at the hands of an ignoramus. Republican districts have been hit hardest, as they were where the majority of this investment had been going.

And we’ve seen it made clear that the republicans in government responsible for protecting clean air would rather poison you and raise your fuel costs, as long as it helps the oil industry which bribed them into their position.

But then, the cherry on top of today’s tax bill is that its cuts of these credits don’t even have a greater budgetary purpose. Not only was the Inflation Reduction Act revenue-positive – which is to say, it raised more money than it spent, thus reducing the deficit – today’s republican tax bill is revenue-negative, which is to say, it will increase the deficit.

The republican proposal raises the debt ceiling by $4 trillion, and it makes use of virtually all of that headroom, as the Joint Committee on Taxation has estimated that it will add $3.7 trillion to US debt. This is largely due to the bill’s significant giveaways to wealthy elites, with the majority of tax cuts targeted at the wealthiest Americans.

So the government isn’t even getting any savings out of this bill, merely channeling more money from working families to the wealthy elites that the republican party has always tried to benefit (including in other ways than the clean energy credits, like by cutting health care for the poor).

The bill will now go on to the Senate, where republicans already showed this morning they will do anything, even if it’s illegal, to harm Americans. If you have a republican Senator, it might be worth letting them know that you support American jobs and clean air, and keeping costs low for Americans, and therefore oppose this bill.

The argument could be made stronger in states that have received significant investment as a result of the credits the bill repeals. EV projects are particularly popular in states like Georgia, North Carolina, and others along the burgeoning US “battery belt”. An interactive tool showing the jobs jeopardized by this republican plan, including the ability to sort by state or Congressional district, is available here.

Otherwise, you can find your Senator on Congress’ website, and then search for the contact form on your Senator’s website to get in contact with them.

Of course, if you have a Democratic Senator, it’s also worth letting them know that you oppose the tax bill, just in case a few of them decide to jump ranks and join the republicans in harming America. We certainly hope they don’t, and are encouraged by the fact that every Democrat in the House made the right decision here, but anything could happen.


Among the bill’s cuts is the rooftop solar credit. That means you could have only until the end of this year to install rooftop solar on your home, before republicans raise the cost of doing so by an average of ~$10,000. So if you want to go solar, get started now, because these things take time and the system needs to be active before you file for the credit.

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. – ad*

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