Today’s Green Deals are being led by yet another new Lectric release, as the brand launches its XPeak 2.0 Off-Road e-bikes for pre-order with $365 in free gear – all starting from the first-generation’s $1,399 price tag. Next we have Black Friday savings on Samsung’s Bespoke AI Combo All-in-One Electric Washer and Ventless Heat Pump Dryer starting from $1,700, along with an array of other Bespoke smart appliance deals. NIU has begun its full Black Friday event on its KQi series e-scooters, with the KQi3 Max Electric Kick Scooter back at its $599 low. Lastly, we’re seeing the second-ever discount on Govee’s new Smart Electric Composter that has dropped the price down to $260. Plus, all the best hangover Green Deals from last week are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Black Friday savings on UGREEN’s three PowerRoam stations, Segway Ninebot e-scooters, and more.
Lectric launches upgraded XPeak 2.0 off-road e-bikes with $365 in free gear starting from $1,399
Hot on the heels of last week’s new release of the XPedition 2.0 Cargo e-bikes, Lectric is back again this week with the launch of its new XPeak 2.0 Off-Road e-bikes for pre-order, with both standard and long-range models coming with $365 in free gear. What’s best, prices for these new models are starting off at the same rates as the predecessors, with the standard High-Step and Step-Thru models coming in at $1,399 shipped, while the Long-Range High-Step and Long-Range Step-Thru models are a little higher at $1,599 shipped. These new models will begin shipping the week of December 30, 2024. Head below to learn more about these new e-bikes or check out our launch coverage.
Coming in two colorways, Lectric’s four XPeak 2.0 e-bikes are cruising into view with some significant upgrades, like the new torque sensor that pairs with the brand’s PWR+ tech for even more responsive PAS, which works alongside the 750W Stealth M24 rear hub-motor (which peaks at 1,310W) to support riders up to a max speed of 28 MPH. The standard models’ 15Ah semi-integrated battery provides a travel range of up to 60 miles on a full charge, while the long-range models’ new 20Ah battery extends that range up to 80 miles.
There’s been some additional structural upgrades here too, with a new hydroformed aluminum frame, a higher-end RST Renegade front suspension fork with blacked-out fork stanchions for a much sleeker and stealthier look, as well as lock-on hand grips, a larger 203 mm front disc for the hydraulic mineral oil brakes – plus, a new color LCD display too. Continued features include the 8-speed Shimano Altus derailleur, puncture-resistant knobby tires, hidden cable routing, accessory mounting points, removable pedals, and a thumb-throttle for pure electric riding. With the included bundle packages, you’ll also have the option to add on a rear cargo rack, fenders over both wheels, an Elite 850-lux headlight, an accordion-style folding bike lock, and a suspension seat post for more comfort when heading off the beaten path.
Lectric XPeak 2.0 e-bikes come with $365 in free gear:
You can also still grab the first-generation XPeak Step-Thru Off-Road e-bike with $781 in free gear (including an extra battery for 100+ miles of travel) for as long as supplies last.
Save up to $1,700 on Samsung’s Bespoke all-in-one electric washer/ventless dryer from $1,700 during Black Friday sales, more
Samsung’s ongoing Black Friday event is offering some amazing chances to score the brand’s Bespoke appliances at some of their lowest rates, like the AI Combo All-in-One Electric Washer & Ventless Heat Pump Dryer for $1,899 shipped. Along with your purchase, you’ll also be getting some bonus savings with a $100 exclusive credit towards future purchases, a 2-year Samsung Care+ warranty at $1 (normally $150), and free installation (worth $25) – valued at $275 ($1,700 in total savings). Normally this washer/dryer unit would run you $3,324 at full price, with the biggest discounts we’ve seen direct from Samsung taking costs down to $1,999 in 2024. You can also save even more with open-box options at $1,519 (find the option on right side of page). We also spotted this same model at Best Buy currently discounted to $1,700 shipped, though keep in mind that this deal doesn’t give you the $275 in additional savings with the credit/Care+/free install.
Samsung’s Bespoke AI Combo arrives as an ENERGY STAR-certified all-in-one unit that is supported by powerful AI smart tech to help you manage your laundry routines with increased efficiency. The AI allows it to identify different fabric types that are placed inside and adjust its settings according to the detected soil levels. The detergent tank here sports a much larger capacity, holding up to 47 loads worth of detergent so you don’t have to regularly worry about filling and refilling in between laundry loads – plus, it also has a Flex One compartment that takes that convenience to the next level as it can be split between 25 loads of detergent and 34 loads of softener.
Of course, one of its most praised features is right in the name – the ventless heat pump design. Not only does it give you far more freedom when placing it in your home (you’ll no longer be bound to areas with a dedicated vent like with standard models), but the dual-inverter heat pump tech significantly increases its energy efficiency by working with the AI system to calculate and predict your electricity costs to “reduce energy usage by up to 19%.” It’s also been given self-cleaning and self-drying tech to keep laundry coming out fresh, smart controls via the SmartThings app (as well as hands-free voice controls too), the EPA’s seal of approval, and much more. Head below to learn about the rest of what this appliance can bring to your home.
More Samsung Black Friday Bespoke appliance deals:
You can check out the entire lineup of Samsung’s Bespoke Black Friday savings by following the link here.
NIU’s full Black Friday sale increases savings on KQi series e-scooters up to 64% off with new lows – deals from $179
NIU has launched its full Black Friday sale through November 29 that is increasing discounts from its early-event sale, now taking up to 64% off its lineup of KQi-series electric scooters, like the KQi3 Max Electric Kick Scooter that is down at $599 shipped. This model is often priced at $999 most of the time, with most of the sales we’ve seen coming direct from NIU dropping the price around $750, though we did see it fall to $599 back in July in the brand’s parallel sale to Amazon’s Prime Day event. Today, you’re looking at a second chance opportunity to score this powerful commuter solution with a $400 markdown that returns costs to the all-time lowest we have tracked. You’ll also find it matching in price at Amazon.
One of NIU’s more powerful e-scooter models that offers plenty of bang-for-your-buck mileage, the KQi3 Max’s 608.4Wh battery provides an impressive 40 miles of travel range while the 450W motor hits top speeds of 23.6 MPH (when unlocked from the companion app) – plus, it comes with plenty of peak power to conquer up to 25% inclines, which beats out a large pool of popular models on the market. It sports a triple braking system with regenerative brakes that recycle energy to extend your electrically assisted journey, complete with self-healing tires should you find yourself venturing on questionable terrain. It also comes stocked with a high-powered halo headlight, brake light functionality, and a full array of smart controls that include the unlocking of its higher speeds and security locking for added peace of mind and security.
NIU’s full Black Friday sale deals:
Save $240 while getting nutrient-rich soil with Govee’s new Smart Electric Composter at $260
Through its official Amazon storefront, Govee is offering the second-ever discount on its new Smart Electric Composter that brings the price down to $259.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $100 off coupon and redeeming the on-page 10% off promo code SEZOUABS. Down from its $500 full price, we saw this new smart device hit the scene one month ago, with its first discount dropping immediately, bringing costs down by 50% to what is now its all-time $250 low rate. Today, you’re looking at a slightly lesser combined 48% markdown that still saves you $240 on this all-new upgrade for your kitchen and home life. As I first pointed out back in October, and continuing even now, this model still hasn’t shown up on Govee’s direct website yet either.
Composting is becoming a bigger and bigger trend we’re seeing in homes across the country as folks are trying to do their part in reducing food waste while simultaneously keeping it out of landfills, improving their own gardening soil, and more. This Smart Electric Composter from Govee helps you keep track of your disposal routines with detailed records, giving you the low-cost chance to add more nutrients to your gardening soil at home. All its settings and functions can be monitored and controlled through the companion app – plus, you can even go hands-free with voice controls by connecting it with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. It offers three operating modes to choose from with a bunch of safety notifications sent straight to you should something go wrong. The best part is, there are no odors to worry about thanks to the two interchangeable filters that prevent the usual decomposition smells that naturally occur during the composting cycle.
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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At CES2025, the impressively built-out John Deere exhibit was all about automation. Autonomous job sites, autonomous farms … but it was this new, battery electric, autonomous lawn mowing robot that stole the show.
See, instead of using “just” GPS data or “just” repeating a pre-recorded run, Howard can do something in between. The way it was explained to me, you would ride the stand-up mower around the perimeter of the area you wanted to mow, select a pattern, then hop off, fold up the platform, and let it loose. Howard mows just the way you would, leaving you to focus on edging, planting, or (let’s face it) schmoozing with the clients.
It’s exactly the sort of help landscapers are looking for.
But that should come as no surprise, of course. John Deere, perhaps more than most companies, knows its customer. “We’ve been in the turf business for 60 years — it’s a core part of Deere,” says Jahmy Hindman, chief technology officer at John Deere, explaining things beautifully. “The work that’s being done in this industry is incredibly labor intensive … they’re not just doing the mowing work. They’re doing the tree trimming, maintaining flowerbeds and all these other jobs. The mowing is table stakes, though, for them to get the business. It’s the thing they have to do in order to get the higher value work.”
The John Deere autonomous commercial mower (there’s no snazzy alphanumeric, yet) leverages the same camera technology as other Deere autonomous machines, but on a smaller scale (since the machine has a smaller footprint). With two cameras each on the front, left, right, and rear sides of the little guy, he has a 360-degree view of the world and enough AI to lay down a pattern, avoid an obstacle, and shut off if it thinks it’s about to mow down something (read: someone) it shouldn’t.
John Deere will have Howard on display through tomorrow at CES in the LVCC’s West Hall. If you’re in town, be sure to go say hi.
Despite big discounts and 0% financing, Tesla sales are down for the first time in a decade … but there’s even bigger robot news with the return of Honda ASIMO, a flying car from China, and a whole lot more from today’s episode of Quick Charge!
CES2025 was all about AI – and not just what AI could do, but what AI could do for you. That’s where ASIMO comes in, helping everyone have a better time in there car and not at all just a modern day version of KITT dreamed up by a bunch of Gen X executives (wink, wink). We also cover some neat stuff from Suzuki, Aptera, Volvo, and more. Enjoy!
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (and sometimes Sunday). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!
Got news? Let us know! Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.
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The refreshed Model Y, codenamed Juniper, has been expected for some time, and was expected to include many of the improvements of the 2023 Model 3 refresh.
Today, Tesla updated its Chinese website with all the information about the refreshed Model Y, with many of the same improvements as the Model 3 refresh like a quieter cabin, higher efficiency, more performance, ambient lighting and a rear screen.
According to Tesla’s site, the new Model Y can achieve 719km of range (446mi) in Long-range AWD spec with 19-inch wheels, but this is based in CLTC estimates, which are much more lenient than EPA. Previously the highest-range spec had 688km CLTC range, so that’s about a 20-mile improvement.
The 20″ wheels on the long range version will take you 662km, and RWD standard-range batteries will go 593km or 559km on the 19″ and 20″ wheels respectively.
We imagine this could translate to roughly ~350 miles of range on the top-spec Model Y on EPA ratings, but we’ll have to see when the car gets released in the US.
Acceleration has also been improved, with Tesla saying the large-battery AWD Model Y can achieve 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 4.3 seconds, down from a previous 4.9. The RWD version does the same sprint in 5.9 seconds. Both of these numbers would be slightly shorter for 0-60 times, because of those extra 2mph at the end.
The exterior design is just as leaked photos suggested, with the same rear end we saw in leaks in July and the front end that we saw earlier today. Though now we get to see it in higher resolution and better lighting.
The front-end includes a Cybercab/Cybertruck-like “light bar” rather than the more traditional-looking headlights of the Model 3 refresh, and has been narrowed to remove the “duck lip” bump at the front of the hood.
Also on the front end is a new front bumper camera (again, like the Cybertruck, but unlike the Model 3), which should help with parking and also offer an additional point-of-view for Tesla’s Autopilot software. The inclusion of this camera, while it will improve Autopilot accuracy, does lead to questions over whether previously vehicles that don’t have a front bumper camera will be able to achieve the same level of accuracy as refreshed vehicles do.
And the interior design changes are also roughly as expected, though the steering wheel has undergone less radical changes than some had hoped.
Earlier today, photos leaked suggesting that the Model Y would receive a similar “squircle” steering wheel as the Cybertruck, leading to speculation that it might also receive the Cybertruck’s steer-by-wire system. But it turned out that those photos were just a Model 3 with a custom steering wheel.
The actual interior of the Model Y maintains a circular steering wheel, which suggests that it won’t get steer by wire (the steer-by-wire specification isn’t listed on Tesla’s Chinese site for the car).
It does however have photos showing missing steering column stalks, which has been a controversial feature of the Model 3.
However, looking closer at the steering wheel, the turn signal buttons from the Model 3 are not present. It looks like Tesla may have included a vestigial turn signal stalk hiding behind the steering wheel, and just deleted the PRND drive mode stalk.
This is still a controversial change, as changing drive modes through the screen isn’t the most popular feature, but the turn signal deletion was particularly egregious and it’s good to see it back. We wonder if the Model 3 might eventually gain this improvement, or whether this will be different in different regions.
Tesla says the new “acoustic glass” in the Model Y reduces interior noise significantly. The Model 3 also got this improvement, and testing does show a significant improvement in interior noise levels as a result.
The Model Y receives other interior improvements seen on the 3, like a screen for the rear seat. The Cybertruck also includes this screen.
This shot also shows the ambient lighting LED strip across the dash, which can be customized through the vehicle’s UI.
Another rear-end improvement is electric rear seats, operated through a button in the trunk. This button gives easier access to rear storage space, allowing owners to fold the rear seats up or down while loading or unloading cargo.
Tesla’s Chinese website calls these “anti-gravity” seats, but it’s unclear what exactly the improvements might be in this respect. The seats are ventilated.
First deliveries are scheduled for March in China, subject regulatory approval, though Tesla’s configurator says “the specific delivery date will vary depending on the configuration and pick-up location and other reasons.”
Tesla is offering a “Launch series” in China, something that Tesla has done with many of its cars, but hasn’t done before in the US with the Model 3/Y. It includes some unique design elements and “Launch series” badging in various parts of the vehicle.
As for other regions, they will probably have to wait. The Model 3 refresh came out in Europe first, and the US needed to wait months for it. This is particularly likely now given new US tariffs on Chinese-built cars (which are a bad idea).
Electrek’s Take
As I wrote in the Take section of our leaked photos article earlier today, this refresh is needed, because not only has the Model 3 had access to lots of improvements that the Model Y hasn’t gotten for the last year and a half or so, but Tesla is having a challenging time with sales right now.
The company just finished a year where its sales dropped for the first time since 2011 – back when Tesla only sold the low-production Roadster. This happened despite the overall global EV market surging to new heights, even though Tesla, the world’s largest EV maker (just barely), did its part to drag down the EV market by failing to grow apace with the rest.
Part of the reason for this is due to stale models – while the Model Y is Tesla’s best-selling model, it’s starting to seem a little long in the tooth, particularly given the Model 3’s upgrades. So we wondered earlier today whether the Model Y refresh could reignite Tesla’s growth.
But it’s not just about models. After all, Tesla did just finish its first full year of Cybertruck production, which is a new model, but its polarizing nature led to disappointing sales numbers.
Maybe the company – not the stock – would be better off if he surrendered his title and let Tesla have a real CEO, so he can go play videogames on twitter all day instead (as he already does).
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