China’s BYD launched its first pickup truck in Brazil, the Shark, to challenge the top-selling Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger. The Shark will play a significant role in BYD’s ambitions to become a top-selling automaker over the next few years.
BYD sees Brazil as a critical piece to its overseas expansion as it looks to continue climbing the global sales charts.
Although BYD held a Shark launch event in Goiania on Saturday, pre-orders opened earlier this month, starting at $66,700 (BRZ 379,000).
The Shark is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pickup with 429 combined horsepower. Powered by a 29.58 kWh BYD Blade Battery, it has an all-electric NEDC range of up to 62 miles (100 km) and a combined NEDC range of over 520 miles (840 km).
Although gas and diesel-powered trucks still dominate sales in Brazil, BYD believes its hybrid pickup will attract buyers.
BYD believes Brazil’s booming agriculture business will help drive growth. The automaker sees commercial customers, like mining giant Vale, to account for around 70% of Shark sales.
BYD Shark PHEV pickup (Source: BYD)
BYD Shark to shake-up Brazil’s pickup market
“The potential market for pickup trucks in the agricultural sector is very large,” BYD commercial director in Brazil, Henrique Antunes, said (via Bloomberg).
Antunes explained that even customers “who are not in the agricultural sector often look to the agricultural sector to buy a pickup truck. “
BYD Shark PHEV pickup (Source: BYD)
The pickup is already attracting more demand than its previous vehicle, the Yuan Pro. Since opening pre-orders on October 3, buyers have reserved around 1,000 to 1,500 Shark models. The Yuan Pro had around 600 in pre-sales.
Antunes expects between 10,000 and 15,000 Shark sales annually, placing it among Brazil’s top five best-selling mid-size pickups.
BYD Shark interior (Source: BYD)
The Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Chevy S10 currently dominate the market. They also start at around $38,700 (BRZ 220,000). BYD is sweetening the deal for pre-orders with an included solar-charging kit, a portable charger, and a full year of free insurance.
BYD expects the Shark to boost momentum further after sales surged 700% in the first nine months of 2024. It currently ranks tenth in Brazil’s auto sales but expects to be among the top five by 2027. “BYD didn’t arrive in Brazil to be a supporting actor,” Antunes said.
BYD Dolphin Mini (Seagull) launch in Brazil (Source: BYD)
The Shark is BYD’s sixth new vehicle to launch in Brazil as the company boosts its presence in the region. Its growing market share has already set the alarm off with commercial competitors with drastic price cuts.
BYD is investing over $1 billion (BRZ 5.5 billion) to build a plant in Bahia, where Ford operated until 2021.
According to Alexandre Baldy, BYD’s senior vice president in Brazil, the company expects to start assembling vehicles in December 2024. Full production will follow in the first half of 2025, “not semi-knock-down or complete knock-down,” Baldy explained.
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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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Lectric launches upgraded XP Trike2 750 long-range eTrike for preorder with a $493 bundle at $1,799, more
As part of Lectric’s ongoing Labor Day Sale, the brand has officially launched its new XP Trike2 750 Long-Range eTrike with a $493 bundle for preorder at $1,799 shipped, while the standard XP Trike2 is seeing its biggest bundle yet of $242 in free gear at $1,499 shipped. The standard model only hit the market last month during the brand’s Prime Day sale with a $227 bundle, which is now increased to a $242 value, whereas the new long-range variant is starting with over double the value of bundled free gear. This new model will be getting steel-encased front and rear cargo baskets, a support seat with a backrest, an Elite headlight, a suspension seat post, a pair of mirrors, and an accordion-style bike lock. Head below to learn more about these two models or check out the brand’s full lineup of Labor Day deals here.
Lectric’s eTrikes have been among the most popular on the market, and this new generation takes everything fans have loved and goes even further with the upgrades (not to mention the wide array of colorway options). Starting with the variances, the standard XP Trike2 sports a Stealth M24 500W rear hub motor (peaking at 1,092W) and a 624Wh battery combo, while Lectric’s newer XP Trike2 750, as the name implies, comes with a more powerful 750W motor upgrade and a larger 840Wh battery. While both max out at 14 MPH top speeds, the standard can give you five levels of pedal-assisted support for up to 50 miles, while the 750 model extends that range up to 70 miles of travel. They both offer a power-limiting preset feature too, letting you take things slow and get to know your new ride before ramping up to its fastest settings.
From there, the only difference is Lectric’s standard model has a cadence sensor vs. the XP Trike2 750’s torque sensor upgrade, with them otherwise sharing the other stock features, including a Cloud 50 suspension fork for less strain on older riders’ joints. There’s also the puncture-resistant tires with fenders to go over all three, hydraulic disc brakes, headlighting/tail lighting that brings amber side lighting, turn signals, brake lighting into the mix, as well as an IPX5 water-resistance construction, parking brakes, a rear cargo rack, a TFT LCD screen, keyless riding functionality, and more.
Bluetti’s latest sale drops the Handsfree backpack power stations to best prices starting from $199, more
Bluetti has an ongoing Emergency Power Sale that seems to be taking the place of any officially named Labor Day Sale, and which is taking up to 46% off the brand’s power stations. Among the lineup, we also spotted a particularly notable 48-hour flash sale that is offering the Handsfree 1 and Handsfree 2 Backpack Power Stations for $199 shipped and $299 shipped. These two highly portable power solutions normally go for $429 and $599 at full price, which have mostly dropped down to $299 and $399 during sales, save for the occasional flash events where we’ve seen these low rates pop up. You’re getting another chance to score either at the best prices we have tracked, giving you $230 or $300 in savings, and beating out Amazon prices of $349 for the Handsfree 1 and $449 for the Handsfree 2. Head below for more on these and some of the other offers during this sale.
Celebrate National Dog Day with these Rad Power pet-focused add-on accessory deals starting from $21.75
As part of its ongoing Labor Day Sale running through September 3, Rad Power Bikes is celebrating National Dog Day with four pet-focused add-on gear units – some of which are already discounted – getting 25% in additional savings and starting from $21.75 shipped. These add-on accessories range from basket-dwelling carriers to full-on hitch-ready trailer carriers – and if your cart totals $150 or more, you’ll be getting free shipping too! Just keep in mind that the extra savings will be added in your cart. Head below to see what you can expect from this gear and be sure to also give your puppers a little head scratch for me. Woof!
Tackle storm cleanup and fall/winter firewood needs with EGO’s 56V 16-inch cordless chainsaw kit at $220
Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 16-inch Cordless Chainsaw with 2.5Ah battery at $219.99 shipped. This particular kit usually goes for $279 at full price, which we saw enter 2025 at $249 and falling as low as $219 for a two-month period before jumping back up in price at the start of June. While we’ve seen it go lower in the past, you’re looking at the second-best rate of the year which cuts $59 off the tag and lands it just $1 shy of the lowest price we have tracked in 2025.
Fremo’s X300 portable power station is an 8-pound solution for personal devices at its $180 low (Today only)
As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Fremo X300 Portable Power Station at $179.99 shipped, while it’s currently out of stock on Amazon. This unit would normally fetch $330 at full price, which we’ve regularly seen dropping between $200 and $190 over 2025 in these one-day-only sales, with Amazon having seen it go as low as $180. That low price is available here through the rest of the day, saving you $150 off the tag price and giving you a more compact power solution for your personal devices.
Navee GT3 Max Smart Electric Scooter (code SCHOOL15): $561 (Reg. $750)
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.
The IONIQ 9, Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV, is off to a stronger start than most predicted. At a time when many automakers are blaming slow EV demand, Hyundai’s big electric family hauler seems to be bucking the trend.
Hyundai’s three-row electric SUV is off to a strong start
After opening IONIQ 9 pre-orders in its home market in February, Hyundai was already calling the larger SUV a game-changer.
A few months later, in March, the first models rolled off the production line at Hyundai’s new Metaplant America in Georgia.
The IONIQ 9 has only been on the market for a few months, but it’s already winning over buyers. Since launching the three-row electric SUV in February, Hyundai has sold 14,391 units globally. Of them, 4,745 were sold in Korea and 9,646 were sold overseas.
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In the US, Hyundai has sold 2,086 IONIQ 9 models since it went on sale in May. Although it may not seem like much, considering it’s a higher-priced electric SUV in an increasingly crowded segment, local analysts believe it is beating expectations.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 (Source: Hyundai)
In the US, most brands are seeing an influx of EV buyers ahead of the federal tax credit expiration at the end of September.
The 2026 IONIQ 9 starts at $60,655 in the US, offering a driving range of 335 miles. However, with generous discounts, Hyundai is offering leases as low as $299 per month. The offer is for a 36-month lease with $4,999 due at signing.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 interior (Source: Hyundai)
Hyundai’s three-row electric SUV isn’t the brand’s only EV that’s seeing relatively strong demand. The new and improved 2025 IONIQ 5 is coming off its best sales month in the US in July and remains one of the top-selling EVs in the US.
The IONIQ 5 is also surprisingly affordable. Hyundai is offering 2025 IONIQ 5 leases starting at $129 per month. However, the best offers are mainly in California and other ZEV states.
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 at a Tesla Supercharger (Source: Hyundai)
In other states, the 2025 IONIQ 5 is still one of the most affordable EVs with leases starting at just $179 per month.
Both the IONIQ 9 and IONIQ 5 are built at Hyundai’s plant in Georgia, enabling them to qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit. Hyundai’s current Getaway sales promotions end on September 3, ahead of the tax credit expiration at the end of the month.
Looking to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to find the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9 in your area.
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Yet another big name in auto is pulling back on its EV plans, blaming slower than expected demand for electric vehicles.
Porsche drops in-house EV battery plans
Volkswagen’s luxury sports car brand, Porsche, announced this week that it no longer plans to build EV batteries in-house.
Cellforce, Porsche’s high-performance EV battery company, will shrink and only focus on research and development, rather than production.
In a statement, Porsche blamed “the slower ramp-up” of EVs and “challenging market conditions” in its biggest markets, the US and China, for the changes.
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CEO Oliver Blume, confirmed the news, saying “For volume reasons and a lack of economies of scale, Porsche is no longer pursuing its own production of battery cells.” The staff reductions, will be handled in “a socially responsible matter,” Porsche said. Volkswagen’s battery unit, PowerCo, will take on several former employees.
Porsche Cayenne EV towing a 3-ton trailer and classic car (Source: Porsche)
Porsche plans to continue to continue offering internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid, and all-electric options across every segment “well into the 2030s.”
Following the Taycan and Macan Electric, Porsche is still planning to launch the all-electric Cayenne and 718 models. The German automaker promises future models will still “bring trend-setting technologies in electromobility into series production.”
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package (Source: Porsche AG)
A separate report from German magazine WirtschaftsWoche claimed on Wednesday that Porsche is on the hunt for a new CEO to replace Oliver Blume.
German automaker Opel drops EV commitment plans
Porsche isn’t the only German automaker adjusting EV plans. Opel is one of the many brands under the Stellantis Group, alongside Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, and several others.
Although it was one of the many automakers to commit to offering an all-electric lineup, it’s now backing off its promise.
Opel Corsa Electric (Source: Stellantis)
During Stellantis’ EV Day in 2021, Opel announced its intention to transition to all-electric vehicles by 2028, accompanied by a slate of new models. Former CEO Michael Lohscheller, now chief executive at Polestar, said, “As of 2028, Opel will only offer electric cars in our core market Europe.”
On Monday, the German auto giant abandoned its plans for an all-EV lineup, saying it will continue to focus on its current “multi-energy” strategy.
Opel is the first German auto brand to offer a fully electrified model for every vehicle in its lineup, including electric (EVs), plug-in (PHEVs), and even internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
In response to media reports claiming it has changed its strategy, the company said in a statement, “This does not have to be limited to 2028 if the demand side requires otherwise.”
Although the company will continue to focus on EVs in specific regions, like the UK, France, and Germany, it will also offer other powertrain options based on demand.
Opel Corsa Electric (Source: Stellantis)
Opel, alongside British sister company Vauxhall, is one of the top-selling brands in Europe. In Germany and the UK, Opel and Vauxhall ranked first in the ever-expanding B-hatch segment through the first half of the year.
The German auto giant becomes the latest brand to scale back EV plans or shift to hybrids, following Volvo, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, and others.
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