This week’s Green Deals is kicking off with another early bird Black Friday e-bike sale, this time coming from Velotric, which is offering discounts with a $5 charity donation on a bunch of models, including the first savings on its new Discover 2 Premium Commuter e-bike at $1,699. Following behind is Hiboy’s latest sale switch-up that has dropped the EX6 Step-Thru Fat-Tire e-bike to its $800 low for a limited supply (with Best Buy also matching it in price). From there, we have a bunch of Husqvarna lawn care equipment that is seeing up to 30% off discounts, with its Automower robot lawn mowers starting from $599, as well as a one-day-only discount on Razor’s MX650 Dirt Rocket Off-Road Motocross e-bike at $575. Plus, all the best hangover Green Deals from last week are in the links at the bottom of the page, including the Black Friday sales from Lectric, MOD, Tenways, and Aventon that are collected together in our Electrified Weekly roundup coverage.
Velotric early Black Friday sale sees best chance to save on new Discover 2 premium commuter e-bike at $1,699, more
Velotric has switched its gears into early bird Black Friday sales through November 14, with its discounted e-bike models getting up to an additional $200 taken off their price tags with a $5 donation to the brand’s charity fund that goes towards the Clean Air Task Force and The Solutions Project. One of the most notable inclusions in this sale is the very first chance to save on Velotric’s new Discover 2 Premium Step-Thru Commuter e-bike for $1,699 shipped. This new model has been priced at $1,899 since releasing back in spring, but today folks can get the first cash savings on it with a solid $200 slashed from its price tag ($195 with the donation technically). Velotric has also stated that this will be the lowest price on this model while the early savings last, so this all-time low looks as though it will be the best chance to save all month long. You can learn more about the e-bike below or in our hands-on review.
Velotric’s new Discover 2 Commuter e-bike is the next in the brand’s affordable lineup, boasting some new and impressive features and innovations at a reasonable price. For starters, the motor has been upgraded to a 750W 75Nm model that peaks up at 1,100W for more hill climbing and acceleration power, with a 705.6Wh battery delivering a large 75-mile travel distance and top adjustable speeds up to 28 MPH. It’s been given a torque sensor over a standard cadence model for seamless transitioning between your pedaling and the motor to kick on – plus, the pedal assistance has a more versatile system here with three different modes and five different levels each.
Among the Discover 2 e-bike’s features, there’s a hydraulic suspension fork paired with hydraulic disc brakes for smoother riding and reliable stopping power, while the Kenda puncture-resistant tires prevent any premature end to the fun. It’s also been given Apple Find My capabilities for boosted security, a light-sensing 130 Lux integrated LED headlight, and the rear rack has an integrated taillight that offers brake lighting, flashing/steady lighting, and even turn signal functionality. The display has also been bumped up in quality, as its full-color quality comes in a 3.5-inch form and has a USB-C port built right in to charge your devices as you ride (while also using it for GPS, for example). It sports a 440-pound max rider weight, has an 8-speed Shimano Altus derailleur, and an IPX6 water-resistance rating that means it can stand up to powerful water jets.
Velotric has some other deals planned for the second-half of the month, though it seems like some will not offer as big of a price cut on models, like the Discover 2, so don’t dawdle too long!
Hiboy switches up sales by dropping its EX6 step-thru fat-tire e-bike to $800 low ($780 off), more from $192
Hiboy has switched up its ongoing savings across its EV lineup, with the brand’s EX6 Step-Thru Fat-Tire e-bike now down at $799.99 shipped for a limited supply. Normally going for $1,580, we’ve seen this low price pop up only three times previously over the year, first in March, followed by July’s Prime Day event, and lastly at the end of September coming from Best Buy – which is currently matching in price today too. You’re looking at a 49% markdown that saves you $780 and returns costs down to the lowest price we have tracked.
Hiboy’s EX6 e-bike makes a great starter model for folks not wanting to spend too much while gaining reliable commuting support, with it providing a nice 25 MPH top speed and up to 75 miles of travel on a single charge (depending on the riding modes you choose to use). This is achieved through the 500W brushless geared motor alongside its removable 48V waterproof battery and the three different pedal assistance modes (as well as a standard bicycle mode for cardio) – with a throttle that can solely be used at a reduced maximum of 41 miles of travel.
Hiboy has given this e-bike an ergonomically comfortable design to keep your body’s alignment in proper shape as you ride (and also provide further support if you’re focusing on your cardio health by pedaling it yourself). Its other features include a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, a hydraulic suspension fork, 20-inch all-terrain fat tires, fenders, dual disc brakes, a bright headlight, a rear cargo rack, an IPX4 splash/waterproof rating, and an LCD display
Husqvarna is offering a bunch of discounts on a collection of its tools and equipment, with its Automower series of robotic lawn mowers being included too as the 115H Robotic Lawn Mower starts at $599 shipped. More normally priced at $700 these days since falling from its original $1,400 rate at the end of 2022, this mower has mostly kept between $599 and its full price during 2024, with only one drop lower to $562 back in February. While it’s not the lowest price we have tracked, it is landing within short distances as the fourth-lowest price we have tracked – just $39 above the all-time low from last year.
Husqvarna’s 115H model of its robotic mowers utilizes the brand’s smart tech (including a patented guidance system) alongside guidance wires for areas that may have far more tree coverage in order to navigate your yard and deliver a uniform cut whenever you need it. You’ll have total control over the robot through its companion app, letting you adjust settings and schedules. The battery provides enough juice to the system to tackle up to 0.4 acres at a time (720 square feet an hour), with the robot’s body coming weatherproof and able to squeeze through more narrow areas and climb up to 17% slopes. It even possesses a built-in alarm system that will sound off when it is ever lifted and continue until it has been turned off with your custom PIN code, giving you some added peace of mind.
added smart features like weather timing, GPS tracking, and more
Other Husqvarna lawn care deals:
For today only Razor’s 17 MPH black MX650 Dirt Rocket off-road e-bike is at $575 (Reg. $780)
With Black Friday on the horizon, and several Black Friday sales already beginning, there are some good opportunities currently to score major savings on EVs to upgrade your own and your children’s riding experience. Through its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering an affordable option in the Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Off-road Bike for $574.99 shipped. Normally this model would run you $780, but for the rest of the day, you can take advantage of the 26% markdown here and save $205 on your child’s next ride while it’s at the lowest price we have tracked for this colorway. We haven’t seen much by way of discounts on this model otherwise, with its yellow counterpart getting most of the attention normally, but currently sitting $84 above this one-day-only pricing, while it sits at full price direct from Razor.
Razor’s MX650 Dirt Rocket is a perfect model to introduce motocross to your smaller kids and teens. It offers better control for fun off-road joyrides and more stability with its dual suspension and rear-wheel drive design, sporting a 650W high-torque motor and 36V battery to drive the whole system. It maxes out at 17 MPH speeds and features variable speed controls, as well as adjustable handlebars to fit kids and teens’ growing sizes. You’ll also find dual disc brakes for reliable stopping power, pneumatic knobby tires for rough terrain challenges, and shatter-resistant plastic fairings that not only give it the supercross-inspired look but can also take a beating.
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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A view of offshore oil and gas platform Esther in the Pacific Ocean on January 5, 2025 in Seal Beach, California.
Mario Tama | Getty Images
Oil prices jumped on Friday as the U.S. Treasury Department announced sweeping sanctions against Russia’s oil industry.
Brent gained $1.92, or 2.5%, to $78.84 per barrel by 11:12 a.m. ET, while U.S. crude oil advanced $1.89, or 2.56%, to $75.81 per barrel. Brent broke $80 per barrel for the first time since October earlier in day, hitting a session high of $80.75.
The sanctions target Russian oil companies Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas and their subsidiaries, more than 180 tankers, and more than a dozen Russian energy officials and executives. The sanctioned executives include Gazprom Neft CEO Aleksandr Valeryevich Dyukov.
The sanctioned vessels are mostly oil tankers that are part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” that has dodged existing sanctions on the country’s energy exports, according to the Treasury Department.
“The United States is taking sweeping action against Russia’s key source of revenue for funding its brutal and illegal war against Ukraine,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.
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Brent crude futures, 1 year
“With today’s actions, we are ratcheting up the sanctions risk associated with Russia’s oil trade, including shipping and financial facilitation in support of Russia’s oil exports,” Yellen said.
The perception in the oil market is Indian and Chinese refiners that have imported Russian oil will have to scramble for barrels from the Middle East, said Bob Yawger, executive director of energy futures at Mizuho Securities, in a note to clients Friday.
The Biden administration has sought to ratchet up pressure on Russia and dispense aid to Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
“The Biden administration opted for more robust energy sanctions, which caught the oil market especially complacent about sanctions risks,” said Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group.
“Therefore, we expect today’s material risk premium in Brent to stick pending signals from the Trump team as to whether they will continue these sanctions,” McNally said.
Hydrostor’s GEM A-CAES has received a conditional loan guarantee of up to $1.76 billion from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to build the Willow Rock Energy Storage Center, a cutting-edge compressed air energy storage (CAES) system, in Eastern Kern County, California.
If everything goes as planned, Willow Rock will bring 500 megawatts (MW) and 4,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of long-duration energy storage (LDES) to the southern California power grid.
This system will lower energy costs, improve grid reliability during peak demand, and expand the rollout of renewable energy into the grid. Here’s how it works and why it’s unique.
How compressed air energy storage works
CAES technology is all about storing energy for later use, especially when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Here’s how it works:
Storing energy: The system takes surplus energy (often from renewable sources like solar or wind) and uses it to compress air, which is stored in underground caverns.
Releasing energy: When the grid needs power, the compressed air is released, passing through a turbine to generate electricity. Willow Rock will be able to dispatch stored energy at full power for over eight-hour periods.
Unlike conventional batteries, CAES can scale up based on the size of the storage cavern and doesn’t rely on scarce critical materials. It’s durable, too –systems like Willow Rock are designed to last over 50 years.
Why advanced CAES is different
Traditional CAES systems face two big challenges: wasted heat and inconsistent power output. Willow Rock’s advanced compressed air energy storage system (A-CAES) technology solves these problems:
Thermal energy capture: Conventional CAES loses around 50% of energy during the air compression process. Willow Rock pairs a proprietary thermal storage system with this process, so it captures, stores, and reuses heat from the compression cycle.
Constant Pressure: Traditional systems lose efficiency as underground air pressure drops. Willow Rock maintains consistent pressure by using water from an above-ground reservoir. As a bonus, the facility will be a net producer of fresh water, as water condensed during the compression process will be captured and reused.
This innovative design means A-CAES systems can be installed in a greater variety of underground conditions – an estimated 80% of US geology could support similar systems, opening the door for wide deployment.
Willow Rock will create up to 700 construction jobs at its peak, and 40 full-time operations roles will follow. These positions require skills similar to those used in the oil and gas industry, making it a natural fit for Kern County, a region with roots in fossil fuel production.
GEM A-CAES is a subsidiary of Hydrostor USA Holdings, a subsidiary of Hydrostor of Canada.
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Chinese EV automaker Build Your Dreams (BYD) has unveiled its ATTO 2 compact SUV to the European public. The launch, which took place at the Brussels Motor Show, kicks off BYD’s next EV entry into European and UK markets. The BYD ATTO 2 is smaller and more affordable than its SUV siblings, with a decent range to boot, perfect for European roads.
The ATTO 2 is a rebranded version of the Chinese EV automaker BYD’s Yuan Up – an ultra-affordable compact SUV that debuted in China in February 2024. BYD may not be bringing “Yuan” branded EVs over to new markets in Europe, but that lineup continues to grow each month.
BYD currently sells four all-electric models in the UK and seven in Europe, including the ATTO 3 SUV. Today, BYD debuted a rebranded version of the Yuan Up called the ATTO 2, which will go on sale to customers in the UK and Europe next month.
BYD unveils ATTO 2 in Brussels, sales begin in February
The Brussels Motor Show recently kicked off as the first major automotive expo in Europe in 2025, and BYD showed up with a new affordable BEV option to complement the ATTO 3. Per BYD executive vice president Stella Li:
We’re excited to start 2025 with another important model for our plans in Europe. The B-segment SUV class is incredibly popular here, and with the ATTO 2, we have an agile and versatile offering that will appeal to that large potential customer base. It takes all of BYD’s strengths in batteries, electric motors and Cell-to-Body construction and combines them in a compact package that brings new intelligent technologies to the urban SUV class.
The ATTO 2 is 4,310mm long, 1,830mm wide, and 1,675mm tall—145mm shorter and 45mm slimmer than its ATTO 3 sibling. Despite its compact size, the ATTO 2 offers up to 1,430 liters of cargo capacity with its rear seat down.
The ATTO 2 also sits atop BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, the first of the brand’s compact SUVs to utilize Cell-to-Body (CTB) construction, which integrates the battery completely into the vehicle chassis—this design results in optimized space and overall increased vehicle rigidity.
Speaking of batteries, the EU and UK customers who opt for an ATTO 2 can experience BYD’s proprietary Blade Batteries, which integrates LFP cells directly instead of fitting them into multiple modules. BYD says customers can choose between two battery sizes in their ATTO 2 order. At launch, a standard range edition will utilize a 45.1 kWh Blade Battery, delivering a (WLTP) 312 km (194 miles) range.
However, BYD said a larger-battery version of the ATTO 2 will arrive in the coming months and offer drivers greater range. The automaker is not yet sharing individual pricing for the ATTO 2 in the UK or Europe. Still, a representative for the company said the compact SUV is expected to land between the BYD Dolphin and ATTO 3 BEVs, which in the UK cost 26,140 GBP ($32,157) and 37,140 GBP ($45,689) respectively.
ATTO 2 sales are expected to begin in February.
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