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FUELL Inc., the electric bicycle and e-motorcycle startup built largely on the name of the legendary motorcycle visionary Erik Buell, has entered into chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings.

For some time now, I’ve been attempting to chase down answers from the electric bicycle maker FUELL regarding the company’s failure to deliver on its popular Flluid-2 and Flluid-3 e-bike launch and the company’s seemingly incommunicado status. After wading through bounced-back emails from apparently terminated marketing staff, I finally got an answer in the form of a reply to a direct inquiry to the company’s CEO, Francois-Xavier Terny.

However, that reply didn’t come from Terny himself, but rather the lawyer who I learned is now representing FUELL in its new bankruptcy proceedings, which were filed yesterday.

Below is the text of the letter I received.

October 17, 2024

To the creditors of Fuell Inc,

I am currently representing Fuell Inc. in a chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin on October 16, 2024 as case #24-25492. A trustee has been appointed to liquidate the assets of the Company. All creditors will be advised to file claims in that proceeding as it appears that there may be assets for payment of unsecured claims after all of the secured claims are paid or otherwise dealt with. A copy of the Notice of the Case is posted nearby.

Management regrets the Company has been forced to take this path. Unfortunately, the Company lacks funds to pay for the labor costs and other required services necessary to assemble and ship products to its customers, and additional funds could not be raised to pay the Company’s outstanding current liabilities or to pay for the assembly and shipment of pre-ordered electric bicycles. I hasten to add that the Company has on hand what it believes to be the parts necessary for the assembly of the bulk of, if not all of the pre-ordered electric bicycles.

After consultation, management has determined that a promptly filed chapter 7 was the best way to provide value for the significant assets held by the Company including, but not limited to, a purchase from the bankruptcy trustee of substantially all of the assets of Fuell Inc. by an interested party who may subsequently, with effort and negotiations, potentially restart the operations and move forward. Obviously, this is the route preferred by management, but it is complicated and fraught with risk. Any creditor or interested party that has such an interest should be contemplating retaining experienced bankruptcy counsel to negotiate with the Trustee for such a purchase.

As the Company has little to no funds, and no employees, it is unable to directly answer creditors’ questions concerning specific orders. Creditors may direct questions to the Trustee who will be apprised of the situation. Since there are no employees at the Company to respond to questions at this time, current inquiries to the company will go unanswered.

All known creditors will receive the notice of the bankruptcy filing and advised to file claims. If you have placed a deposit for the purchase of a product, your claim may be entitled to priority to an extent. You may want to consult with a lawyer on this issue.

Great effort is being made to provide enough information in the bankruptcy schedules so that there is at least a possibility that a potential purchaser of the assets may be able to restart the Company or otherwise redeploy the assets to produce the product intended. Current equity will lose everything that is been invested in the company through this chapter 7 bankruptcy filing.

We trust that this information may be of some cold comfort to you as a creditor of the Company and will certainly give you an idea of what you can expect in the immediate future. As indicated above, you will be notified of the bankruptcy filing as a creditor or other interested party.

If you have an interest in purchasing the assets through the bankruptcy process or know of anyone who may have such an interest, you may contact the Trustee or the undersigned to discuss potential avenues to accomplish that.

Sincerely,

PAULG. SWANSON

Attorney at Law

The deadline for claims to be submitted has been set for December 26, 2024, as described in a notice that accompanied the above letter from Fuell’s lawyer.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a legal process in the United States that allows individuals or businesses to eliminate most of their unsecured debts by liquidating non-exempt assets. A court-appointed trustee oversees the sale of these assets, and the proceeds are used to pay off creditors. It’s often referred to as “liquidation bankruptcy” because assets are sold off to settle debts.

In this case, the trustee for FUELL’s bankruptcy is Titania D. Whitten of Whitten Law Offices in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

fuell fluid electric bicycle

FUELL Inc. was founded in 2019 as a novel electric bicycle and motorcycle company, quickly gaining momentum after is unveiling of high-performance, innovative electric bikes designed for urban commuting. Founded by Erik Buell, a legendary figure in the motorcycle industry, FUELL focused on combining sleek design, advanced technology, and sustainability in its electric mobility offerings.

The company’s first electric bicycle model, the Flluid-1, was widely deemed a success, but controversy swirled around FUELL’s Flluid-2 and Flluid-3 models, which raised over US $1.5M in crowdfunding through an Indiegogo campaign but failed to deliver at scale.

Not long after the campaign ended, I had the chance to test ride one of several early production Flluid-3 electric bikes at Eurobike 2023. At the time, the bike worked quite well and promised a refined commuter experience. However, the company explained that the Valeo internally geared mid-drive motor was a sticking point in production, requiring further custom modifications and slowing down production.

A steady stream of updates slowed to a trickle over the next year and eventually stopped entirely, leading many to worry that the project had been abandoned or that the company was headed for bankruptcy.

Several other high-profile e-bike company bankruptcies added fuel to the fire, with yesterday’s announcement finally bringing closure to the question, though certainly not to the hundreds of customers likely never to receive their FUELL Flluid electric bicycles.

With just over two months left for creditors to make a claim in the bankruptcy filing, hopefully those customers will be able to recover some or all of their money.

fuell flluid electric bike

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Aventon Soltera 2.5 e-bike’s first discount to $999, Autel’s new 80A EV charging station at $899 low, EcoFlow 4-day flash sale, more

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August 28, 2025

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Aventon Soltera 2.5 e-bike's first discount to 9, Autel's new 80A EV charging station at 9 low, EcoFlow 4-day flash sale, more

Leading today’s Green Deals is the first-ever discount on Aventon’s newest Soltera 2.5 Lightweight Commuter e-bike at $999 that is joining the brand’s Final Summer/Labor Day Sale. We also spotted Autel’s latest and most powerful MaxiCharger AC Pro 80A Level 2 EV Charger dropping back to its $899 low for the second time, as well as one of its cheaper 40A alternatives. There’s also EcoFlow’s final Labor Day Flash Sale lasting through the weekend, as well as some dash cam options, an EcoFlow solar bundle, a BougeRV electric cooler to fit any vehicle, a one-day-only Anker SOLIX bundle, and more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings are at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Lectric Long-Range XP Trike2 750 preorder deal, the Bluetti flash sale lows that will be ending tonight, 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.

Review: The ST3 Pro e-scooter brings serious suspension alongside smart controls and more as Navee’s latest flagship

As a long-time rider of Segway electric scooters, my expectations are quite high for new brands looking to climb their way up to the standard that the household-name has set in stone at this point. Only within the last few months did Navee come onto my radar, with the brand offering me the chance to test out its latest flagship model, the ST3 Pro Electric Scooter, which has been quite the surprise, to say the least. At first, it seemed like it was full of gimmicks that were destined to fail, but after riding around for several weeks now, I can happily say that Segway may just have found a new challenger. Head below to get my hands-on impressions of this high-end e-scooter that still retains accessible pricing for the stunning list of features.

To get our full hands-on impression of this new flagship e-scooter, be sure to check out our review here.

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woman riding Aventon Soltera 2.5 e-bike through street

Aventon slashes $200 off new Soltera 2.5 lightweight commuter e-bike for first time, now $999

As part of its ongoing Final Summer Sale/Labor Day Sale through September 3, Aventon has given us the first discount on its new Soltera 2.5 Lightweight Commuter e-bike for $999 shipped. While it hit the market back at the start of the year, it’s been spending all the time since keeping at its $1,199 MSRP, which we’re finally seeing brought down during this sale thanks to these first-ever savings. You’re looking at a $200 markdown that drops the costs down to where its predecessor sat for most of last year, giving you an affordable and lightweight commuter at its best price yet.

Like its predecessors, the Aventon Soltera 2.5 e-bike is a lightweight commuter that is perfect for those living in urban environments, with the 46-pound weight being much more manageable when it comes to carrying it up and down stairs. This model brings much of the same specs and features we saw on the Soltera.2 model, like the 350W brushless rear-hub motor (peaking at 540W) and 9.6Ah battery combo for a 20 MPH top speed for up to 46 miles of pedal-assisted travel (four mode options) on a single charge. One notable upgrade here, though, is the inclusion of a thumb throttle so you’re not just limited to pedal assistance, but keep in mind this lowers its overall mileage.

And for the price, you’re getting a solid array of features with Aventon’s Soltera 2.5 e-bike that only makes the experience here better, including the hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear integrated lighting that offers turn signal functionality, Kenda tires, the continuance of a torque sensor, a Shimano Tourney 7-speed derailleur, a backlit LCD screen for setting adjustments on top of the USB port for charging devices, and more.

Be sure to check out Aventon’s full updated lineup of Final Summer/Labor Day deals that will be continuing through September 3.

man charging EV with Autel's MaxiCharger AC Pro 80A EV charger
Photo: BLUETTI

Autel’s newest and most powerful MaxiCharger AC Pro 80A level 2 EV charger drops back to $899 low, more

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Autel is offering the second-ever chance to pick up its new MaxiCharger AC Pro 80A Level 2 EV Charger back at $899 shipped, which matches the price we’re seeing directly from the brand’s website. We saw the first discount bring costs down from its full $1,299 price tag at the end of July, when it fell to this same rate. Now, you’re getting a second chance at this all-time low price, complete with $400 in savings, which gives you the brand’s newest and largest EV charging option for residential use.

If you want to learn more about this new model, or its cheaper alternative, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

computer on desk kept running by EcoFlow's DELTA 3 Plus portable power station

EcoFlow’s final Labor Day flash sale lasts through the weekend with up to 47% discounts on four units starting from $649

We’re in the final days of EcoFlow’s Labor Day Sale running up to the holiday, with the brand having launched a 4-day flash sale that is taking up to 47% off four different units. Among them, you’ll find the DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station bundled with a waterproof protective bag for $649 shipped, which beats out Amazon, where you’d have to buy the station and the bag separately for $778 right now. This bundle normally fetches $878 at full price, which we’ve seen brought as low as $616 in past sales direct from the brand while three past exclusive deals have seen it go as low as $541. You’re looking at a 26% markdown here for the next few days of the sale, giving you $229 in savings at the best price we can find. Head below for more on this and the other units seeing discounts during this sale.

If you want to learn more about this power station or the other units seeing discounts, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 4-day flash sale here.

VIOFO A229 Plus dual dash cam system

Save up to 32% on VIOFO’s A229 series of two and three-channel dash cams starting from $170

Over at VIOFO’s official Amazon storefront, you can find its A229 Plus Front and Rear Dash Cam down at $169.99 shipped. This dual-cam setup has mostly been keeping between $230 and $200 throughout 2025, though we did see it drop earlier in the year to $180, while more recently repeating falls to $170 and getting a one-time-only appearance of the $160 low during July’s Prime Day event. Aside from that short-lived low price, you’re otherwise looking at the best rate we have tracked thanks to the $60 price cut from its tag. Head below to learn more about this model and its two upgraded counterparts that are also seeing discounts.

If you want to learn more about this dash cam, or the other upgraded counterparts seeing discounts, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

Man in grass field connecting EcoFlow's DELTA 2 power station to solar panels

Get off-grid support with EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 solar generator bundle with a 220W panel at $699

Through its official Amazon storefront, EcoFlow is undercutting its own direct sale pricing on the DELTA 2 Solar Generator bundle that includes a 220W panel for $699 shipped, which beats out its direct pricing by $8 (including the bonus 5% savings). While the package would normally cost you $1,648 at full price direct from the brand, it starts off at Amazon at $1,299, which we’ve seen keeping between $899 and $749 regularly in 2025, with several drops lower – including a one-time fall to the new $659 low that has only appeared during July’s Prime Day sale. Aside from that one-time deal, you’re otherwise looking at the best price we have tracked, giving you $600 in savings ($949 off the MSRP).

If you want to learn more about this solar generator’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

two women loading BougeRV's 30-quart electric cooler into trunk of SUV

This BougeRV 30-quart electric cooler plugs into any vehicle’s power supply to keep things chilled/frozen at $207

By way of its official Amazon storefront, BougeRV is offering a return of the best pricing on its 12V 30-quart Electric Vehicle Refrigerator/Freezer at $206.99 shipped. It normally fetches $270 at full price, which we’ve mostly seen dropping between $230 and $220 for most of 2025, with more recent falls to $210 and this first-time drop to $207. While we have seen it go a bit lower to $204 in the past, you’re otherwise looking at the best price we have tracked, which equips any of your vehicles with a low-energy cooler at $63 off the going rate.

If you want to learn more about this electric cooler, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

woman charging tablet using Anker SOLIX C300X DC power station and 60W solar panel

For today only, you can get Anker’s SOLIX C300X DC station with a book-sized 60W panel back at $237

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Anker SOLIX C300X DC Portable Power Station with 60W foldable solar panel back at $236.99 shipped. We saw this same one-day-only deal pop up two weeks ago, bringing the costs down from its $330 tag, though it fetches a lower $300 rate directly from Anker’s website (currently at $270), while at Amazon, you can only find its grey variant that currently sits $13 higher. Discounts over the year have mostly taken the price down to $250 with drops as low as $220 back in February. You’re looking at the third-best price we’ve tracked in 2025 and the fourth-best overall, coming in $47 above the low last seen during Black Friday.

If you want to learn more about this setup’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.

Best Summer 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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The Chevy Blazer and Equinox EVs are the most affordable electric vehicles to insure

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3 hours ago

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August 28, 2025

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The Chevy Blazer and Equinox EVs are the most affordable electric vehicles to insure

most-affordable-EVs-insure

The electric Chevy Equinox and Blazer are the most affordable EVs to insure. According to a new study, Chevy’s electric SUVs topped the list, but Hyundai had the most models in the top ten.

What are the top 10 most affordable EVs to insure?

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that electric vehicles can be more costly to insure than internal combustion engine (ICE) or hybrid vehicles.

Insurance rates vary throughout the US, but much of the higher cost is due to parts repairs. For example, according to a recent study from Insurify, the Tesla Model X is the most expensive EV to insure.

Why? Because it has more expensive parts, like the falcon-wing doors, which can cost thousands to repair alone, depending on the severity.

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The report also points out that fewer EVs in a certain area means fewer insurance claims. To protect themselves, insurers will set higher premiums. Electric vehicles cost $4,058 on average to insure, according to Insurify, which is 49% more than the average cost of insuring a gas-powered car.

2026-Chevy-Blazer-EV
Chevy Blazer EV SS (Source: Chevrolet)

For those looking to save, we now have a list of the cheapest electric vehicles to insure. Leading California-based auto insurer, Mercury Insurance, revealed its annual top 10 list of the most affordable EVs to insure.

The Chevy Blazer and Equinox EVs topped the list, followed by the Nissan Leaf, Kia Niro EV, and Ford F-150 Lightning.

Hyundai-IONIQ-EVs-insurance
Hyundai’s new 2025 IONIQ 5 Limited with a Tesla NACS port (Source: Hyundai)

Hyundai’s Kona Electric ranked sixth, followed by the Mini Cooper SE, all Hyundai IONIQ models (IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9), and the Fiat 500e. The Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X tied for tenth.

“With federal EV tax credits set to expire in the near future, now is the time to get into an EV for consumers who are interested in one,” Chong Gao, Director of Product Management R&D for Mercury Insurance, said.

Rank Electric Vehicle
1 Chevy Blazer EV
2 Chevy Equinox EV
3 Nissan Leaf
4 Kia Niro EV
5 Ford F-150 Lightning
6 Hyundai Kona EV
7 Mini Cooper SE
8 Hyundai IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, IONIQ 9 (all EV models)
9 Fiat 500e
10 Subaru Solterra/ Toyota bZ4X
Top 10 most affordable EVs to insure (Source: Mercury Insurance)

Gao said that although insurance costs can be higher, there are still clear benefits to owning an EV, including lower operating costs.

Looking to secure the $7,500 EV tax credit while it’s still here? We can help you find electric vehicles in your area. Check out our links below to find deals on top-selling EV models near you.

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Slate to retool a production facility in Indiana, where it expects to create 2,000 jobs

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3 hours ago

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August 28, 2025

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Slate to retool a production facility in Indiana, where it expects to create 2,000 jobs

Slate Indiana

Young “Bare bones” BEV startup Slate announced it is making Indiana the home of production of its flagship model. The company opened the door to the site of its future Slate EV production today, kicking off a process that intends to bring trucks to the public by the end of next year.

It’s always exciting to see an update from young American startups like Slate. This company piqued our interest after launching a tongue-in-cheek website this past March and then coming out of hiding a month later with one helluva flagship model.

It was then that we learned about the startup’s “Blank Slate” design, which revolves around a simplified all-electric pickup with over 100 accessories and a five-seat SUV configuration kit. We also learned that this new model was expected to start below $20,000 after US tax incentives, but that target seems far less likely now that the Trump administration has nixed many of those incentives.

Still, an all-electric pickup starting under $30k should entice many American consumers, and it appears it already has. Back in mid-May, a representative for Slate told Electrek that it had already secured 100,000 reservations for its flagship BEV.

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Granted, those reservations only required a $50 deposit, so we’d expect a mere fraction of that to come to fruition if and when Slate reaches production, but the initial appetite is clearly there.

Speaking of production, Slate hit a noteworthy milestone today, opening the doors to an existing facility in Indiana. It intends to retool and repurpose it to support BEV manufacturing in 2026.

Slate Indiana
Slate CEO Chris Barman speaking at the Warsaw facility/ Source: Slate

Slate looks to build its EVs in Warsaw, Indiana next year

Today, Slate began its “Demo Day” in Warsaw, Indiana – home to its first planned manufacturing facility. The startup opened its doors and entered the facility in Kosciusko County, which is about an hour Northwest of Fort Wayne, for the first time this morning.

The existing Indiana structure, a former printing plant, will be refurbished to suit Slate’s production needs as it looks to achieve series production and roll its first customer-built EVs off those pending assembly line by Q4 2026. Slate CEO Chris Barman spoke:

What Slate is about to build for America begins in Warsaw. We’re retooling the factory in such a way that truly allows for manufacturing simplicity and rapid scaling. The Blank Slate is made the same way, each and every time: designed to be accessorized and wrapped by the customer after it leaves the factory.

By calling Warsaw, Indiana, home, Slate said it expects to create over 2,000 new jobs and contribute up $39 billion to the local economy over the next 20 years. For now, the immediate focus will be on retooling the Warsaw plant to gear up for BEV production next year. Reservations are still open.

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