Kubota says its new KATR farm tractor concept raises the bar in autonomous, zero-emission farming – and it looks like they’ve convinced others, too. The robot just won “Best of Innovation” at the CES Innovation Awards.
Built as a follow-up to last year’s New Agri Concept electric autonomous farm tractor, the new Kubota KATR is a first of its kind, compact, four-wheeled robot with a stable cargo deck platform and stability control features that allow it to conduct work in demanding off-road agricultural and construction work environments, even on extreme hills and slopes.
The KATR was named best in the Industrial Equipment and Machinery product category by a panel of industry expert judges, including media, designers, and engineers who reviewed submissions based on innovation, engineering, aesthetics, and design.
Kubota seems pretty proud of themselves – and rightly so. “We have a long-standing philosophy that our products must be technically excellent, be productive and enjoyable for our customers, and also ensure the sustainability of limited resources. Ultimately, our goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals and society,” said Brett McMickell, Kubota North America Chief Technology Officer. “Given the versatility of the KATR, it has a wide range of applications specifically designed to enhance productivity in the agriculture and construction sectors.”
The KATR is designed to be powertrain agnostic – meaning it can be configured with either an electric or combustion engine, “reflecting Kubota’s commitment to customer choice without compromise.” As shown, it offers a load capacity of approx. 285 lbs. (just under 130 kg) and can be operated either remotely or with an onboard controller.
The CES Innovation Awards program is owned and produced by CTA, the host and organizer of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which is recognized worldwide for its innovation awards as it is the most influential tech event on a global stage. CES 2025 is set to run from January 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada – and, of course, we’ll be there (again).
Electrek’s Take
Kubota KATR named as CES Innovation Awards® 2025 Best of Innovation; via Kubota.
Population growth, while slowing, is still very much a thing that is happening – and fewer and fewer people seem to be willing to do the work of growing the food that more and more people need to eat and live.
Time-of-use electricity plans are hardly a new concept, but what makes Octopus Energy’s new time-of-use plan, OctopusFlex, great is that it’s ridiculously simple.
It rewards its customers in Lubbock, Texas, for using power between 10 pm and 6 am with cheaper rates, when the grid is quieter and cleaner. That means big savings for choosing to run your dishwasher or washer and dryer at night or charging your EV while you sleep.
And if customers use EV charger apps and smart thermostats, OctopusFlex automatically shifts electricity use to off-peak hours, which makes a real difference in accessing lower rates and saving money.
“This is about more than off-peak discounts,” said Nick Chaset, CEO of Octopus Energy US. “We’re giving customers the power to save money while actively supporting a cleaner, more balanced grid.”
Advertisement – scroll for more content
Built around customer feedback, OctopusFlex is designed for total transparency. Customers can see exactly how and when they’re using electricity, what it’s costing them, and no connected devices are required. All they have to do is remember that electricity is cheaper from 10 pm to 6am.
“We’re thrilled to launch OctopusFlex, a plan our customers asked for and helped name,” said Katie Rosario, marketing manager. “With OctopusFlex, customers can shift energy use on their terms to save money.”
And in the summer, when solar power is strong and demand shifts, OctopusFlex customers could see low rates not just overnight, but all day long. (This program is designed for folks who don’t have solar and battery storage.)
“Time-of-use is one of the easiest ways to cut energy bills and reward flexibility,” said Daniel Kirwin, product manager. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring this to Texas.”
By nudging demand to off-peak hours, OctopusFlex helps reduce the strain on Texas’ grid during scorching summer afternoons, cuts the risk of blackouts, and makes room for more renewable energy.
Want to make the most of it? Pre-cool your home in the early morning, run big appliances overnight, charge your EV after 10 pm, and use smart plugs or timers to set and forget.
OctopusFlex is now live in Lubbock, Texas, where Octopus Energy became a retail provider in early 2024. Octopus Energy launched in 2016 and entered the US market in 2020. The company is part of Octopus Group, a global certified BCorp operating in 18 countries.
To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check outEnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have 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 you share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get startedhere. –trusted affiliate link*
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Are you sick of hearing BYD’s name yet? You may want to get used to it. Another one of its EV models crossed a major milestone on Monday as BYD’s global push heats up.
BYD Atto 3 EV hits 1 million cumulative sales milestone
BYD announced on Weibo that its cumulative global sales of the Yuan Up electric SUV surpassed the 1 million mark on Monday.
The Yuan Up is sold in China and rebranded under the name Atto 3 in global markets. It’s the third vehicle in BYD’s Dynasty series to achieve this feat, following the BYD Song (sold globally under the name Seal U) and the Qin sedan.
BYD first launched the electric SUV in China in February 2022, meaning it took just over three years and four months to sell one million units.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
In China, the Yuan Up starts at just 115,800 yuan ($16,100), but overseas, it typically costs more. For example, the Atto 3 starts at around 38,000 euros ($44,000) in Europe. In Thailand, it was launched at around 1,099,900 baht ($33,600), but BYD has since slashed the prices to around 899,900 baht ($27,500).
After launching the electric SUV in Hyundai and Kia’s home market of Korea earlier this year, the Atto 3 secured over 1,000 preorders in under a week.
Measuring 4,455 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height, the Atto 3 is a small SUV, about the size of the Nissan Qashqai.
BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus) in Japan (Source: BYD)
In China, the Yuan Up is available with two LFP battery options: 49.9 kWh and 60.5 kWh, providing a CLTC range of 430 km (267 miles) and 510 km (317 miles), respectively. The Atto 3 is rated with a WLTP range of 345 km (214 miles) and 420 km (261 miles).
The Yuan Up (Atto 3) is the latest BYD EV to reach the milestone. Last week, it was BYD’s top-selling electric car, the Seagull.
BYD’s Seagull EV starts at under $10,000 (69,800 yuan) in China and is sold globally under the name Dolphin Mini. In Europe, where it was launched earlier this month, it’s sold as the Dolphin Surf, with starting prices at € 19,990 ($23,100).
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
The world seems awfully tinderbox-y these days, what with a heat dome descending over the US, the Strait of Hormuz getting locked down, and gas prices set to climb on rising oil prices. As such, it might be a good time to buy that slick new EV you’ve had your eye on. If that sounds like you, you’re in luck! There are a bunch of great plug-in cars you can buy with 0% financing in June, 2025!
As I was putting this list together, I realized there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. “Best EVs ..?” Too opinion based. “Cheapest EVs ..?” Too much research. “Biggest discount deal ..?” Too individualized. In the end, I went with alphabetical order, by make. And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to check the list. Enjoy!
Acura ZDX
2025 Acura ZDX; via Acura.
A solidly-built EV with GM levels of parts support and Honda levels of fit, finish, and quality control plusApple CarPlay? That’s the Acura ZDX, and (through June 30th) you can get yours with 0% financing for up to 72 months, making the ZDX one the best sporty crossover values in the business.
Chevy Brightdrop ZEVO
Chevrolet BrightDrop ZEVO; via GM.
GM Authority is reporting that the $25,500 discount rolled out to Chevy Brightdrop dealers nationwide has been extended through June 30th on both the Zevo 400 and 600 models, and that the massive Brightdrop price drop is stackable with up to $3,000 in Costco member savings plus 0% interest financing.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
If you’re looking for a new truck for your business or even a unique #vanlife ride with zero emissions, modern tech, and a nationwide dealer network, GM makes that $130 Executive membership seem like a no-brainer.
Every electric Chevrolet
Silverado EV, Equinox EV, and Blazer EV at a Tesla Supercharger; via GM.
Chevrolet is offering 0% financing for up to 60 months on all three of its remaining 2024 model year Ultium-based EVs – and they’re all winners. The Silverado can be spec’ed up to a 10,500 lb. GVWR, making it capable enough to tow whatever horse, boat, or RV you put behind it.
Dodge dealers are hoping that at least a few muscle car enthusiasts with extra cash will find their way to a Dodge store and ask for the meanest, loudest, tire-shreddingest thing on the lot without caring too much about what’s under the hood. For them, Dodge has the new electric Charger, and Dodge will help get the deal done on its latest retro-tastic ride with 0% interest financing for up to 72 months!
Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning
F-150 Lightning with home charger; via Ford.
This month, you can get a killer deal on a new Ford Mustang Mach-E, with 0% interest financing for up to 72 months on the sporty plug-in pony car.
Another legacy brand with a solid Powerwall option, the big Ultium-based EVs from GM’s commercial truck brand are seriously impressive machines, with shockingly quick acceleration and on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics once you understand that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks. This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory, so if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer EV a test drive.
Hyundai IONIQ 6
Hyundai IONIQ 6; via Hyundai.
From some angles, the Porsche influences in the Hyundai IONIQ 6′ design are obvious – but not so much so that it seems like a copy of anything. It’s aerodynamically efficient, comfortable, quick, offers up to 361 miles of range, can charge just about anywhere, and now through June 30th, it’s available with 0% financing for up to 48 months.
Jeep Wagoneer S
Electric Jeep Wagoneer S; via Stellantis.
With some dealers advertising massive $25,000 discounts, the Jeep Wagoneer S is a confusingly named EV diamond in the rough. This high-riding crossover rides on a lifted version of the same Stellantis platform as the Dodge Charger, and seems more than ready to deliver solid range and on-road performance.
With those killer deals and 0% interest for up to 72 months through June 30th, the Wagoneer S might just be the best Jeep deal you’re going to find this month!
Lexus RZ
2024 Lexus RZ 450e Luxury; via Lexus.
Starting at $55,175, the Lexus RZ promises up to 266 miles of EPA-rated range from a 72.8 kWh battery back in the “base” RZ300e (and 224 from the top-shelf RZ450e, shown above). With up to 308 hp and over 195 lb-ft of instant, all-electric torque, the RZ promises to be one Lexus’ zippier rides in any trim.
US News is reporting that remaining 2024 and ’25 Lexus RZ models qualify for 0% financing for up to 72 months in some regions.
Nissan Ariya
2024 Nissan Ariya; photo by the author.
I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With up to 289 miles of EPA-rated range, Tesla Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months, Nissan dealers should have no trouble finding homes for these.
Tesla Model 3
Tesla’s new Model 3 Performance, Courtesy of Tesla Inc.
Say what you will about Elon Musk, we wouldn’t be here talking about EVs at all if it wasn’t for his marketing brilliance, bravado, and sheer force of will. Beyond that, Tesla simply offers as superior ownership experience through total software integration, unfettered access to the Supercharger network, and the best EV route-planning software this side of Chargeway.
If you can stomach being associated with Elon (or have an inside line on some spare Honda badges), you can get a new Model 3 for 0% interest or 0.99% with $0 down if you apply the $7,500 Federal tax incentive at the point of purchase.
With an updated bZ waiting in the wings, the current bZ4X EV might be the best deal in Toyota’s current lineup with big discounts on remaining 2024 and 2025 model year bZ4X crossovers happening all month long.
VW ID.4
VW ID4.
One of the most popular legacy EVs, the ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality and a Chat-GPT enabled interface. Still, with a relatively affordable base price, lickety-quick charging, up to 291 miles of EPA-rated range, and a 5-star safety rating, and 0% interest financing for 72 months, the ID.4 offers a value proposition that’s tough to beat.
Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirect, CarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 23JUN2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.