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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.

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.

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.

Lectric XPeak 2.0 e-bike

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:

  • Bespoke Jet Cordless Stick Vacuum with All-in-One Clean Station: $550 (Reg. $700)
    • Built-in All-in-One Clean Station, multi-stage filtration
  • AutoRelease Smart Dishwasher: $699 (Reg. $1,299)
    • StormWash+, Smart Dry, and 42 dBA whisper-quiet operation
  • 6.0 cubic-foot Smart Slide-In Gas Range Oven: $1,099 (Reg. $2,144)
    • Air Sous Vide, Air Fry
  • 29 cubic-foot 4-Door Flex Refrigerator: $3,299 (Reg. $4,999)
    • AI Family Hub, AI Vision Inside, Beverage Center
  • And much more…

You can check out the entire lineup of Samsung’s Bespoke Black Friday savings by following the link here. 

NIU Black Friday sale on KQi electric scooters

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:

Govee Smart Electric Composter

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.

Best Black Friday e-bike 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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At Trump’s $148 million meme coin dinner, ‘the food sucked’ and security was lax, attendee says

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10 hours ago

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May 23, 2025

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At Trump's 8 million meme coin dinner, 'the food sucked' and security was lax, attendee says

Crypto investor Nicholas Pinto attends President Donald Trump’s gala dinner for people who spent the most money on Trump’s meme coin, $TRUMP, in a contest, at Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia, May 22, 2025.

Nicholas Pinto

The price of President Donald Trump‘s meme coin plunged 16% as of Friday morning, just hours after he hosted a black-tie gala at his Virginia golf club for its biggest buyers — an elite crowd that spent a combined $148 million on the token for the chance to be there.

It was billed as “the most exclusive invitation in the world.”

Among the 220 attendees were crypto influencers, industry executives such as Sandy Carter of Unstoppable Domains, and former NBA star Lamar Odom, who used the occasion to praise Trump as “the greatest president” and promote his own token, $ODOM.

The top 25 wallets were promised a private reception and guided tour. Others, such as 25-year-old Nicholas Pinto — whose dad drove him to the event in his Lamborghini — left underwhelmed and still hungry.

“The food sucked,” Pinto said. “Wasn’t given any drinks other than water or Trump’s wine. I don’t drink, so I had water. My glass was only filled once.”

Trump made only a brief appearance, Pinto said. “He didn’t talk to any of the 220 guests — maybe the top 25,” he said.

All in, the president was there for 23 minutes, Pinto said. Trump delivered a brief address rehashing old crypto talking points then left on a helicopter before taking any questions or pictures with his meme coin contest winners, he said.

Phones weren’t locked in RFID pouches, and security was lax, according to Pinto.

“Once Trump left, they didn’t really worry about anything else,” Pinto added.

Contest winners who spent the most on $TRUMP meme coins added their signatures to a poster-sized printout of the leaderboard at a gala dinner at Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia, May 22, 2025.

Nicholas Pinto

The crowd’s opulence was on full display.

“Richard Mille watches weren’t even rare,” Pinto said. “I saw at least 16 people wearing them. I never see that unless I’m at a high-end restaurant in Miami or Dubai.”

But the vibe was more muted than expected, he said: “Lots of people didn’t even hold the coin anymore. They were checking their phones during dinner to see if the price moved.”

CNBC has reached out to Trump representatives for comment on the dinner and attendees.

Protests

For lawmakers and regulators, the dinner set off alarm bells.

The #1 token holder was Chinese-born crypto mogul Justin Sun, who is currently facing Securities and Exchange Commission fraud charges that were recently paused, with the agency citing “the public interest.”

Sun holds over $22 million in the $TRUMP token and another $75 million in World Liberty Financial’s native token.

“As the top holder of $TRUMP and proud supporter of President Trump, it was an honor to attend the Trump Gala Dinner,” Sun posted on Friday. “Thank you @POTUS for your unwavering support of our industry!”

Outside the gates of Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia, about a hundred protesters gathered, according to NBC News. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., joined them, backing a new End Crypto Corruption Act with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

Signs read “Crypto Corruption” and “Trump is a traitor.”

Crypto on Capitol Hill

“The Trump family activity in the memecoin space makes my work in Congress more complicated,” Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., told CNBC on Friday.

Hill, who’s leading negotiations on a bipartisan stablecoin regulation bill known as the GENIUS Act, called the gala “a distraction from the good work we need to do.”

Now, the GENIUS Act is at risk.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., recently added a controversial rider to the bill that would cap credit card late fees — what’s seen as a poison pill that could alienate banking allies and stall final approval.

President Donald Trump speaks at a dinner for meme coin contest winners at Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia, May 22, 2025.

Nicholas Pinto

On Thursday night as the meme coin contest dinner was underway, a bloc of Senate Democrats announced they’d be pushing for a new provision that would ban presidents and senior officials from profiting off crypto ventures while in office — a direct challenge to the Trump-linked stablecoin USD1 that launched in the spring.

In Washington, there’s growing concern that political infighting over Trump’s crypto ventures could derail the stablecoin bill altogether. That poses an even bigger risk.

According to The Wall Street Journal, major banks including JPMorgan, Bank of America and Citi are in early talks to issue a unified digital dollar to compete with Tether, the foreign-controlled stablecoin that now commands over 60% of global market share.

Those plans hinge on legal clarity.

If the GENIUS Act stalls, the U.S. could lose its window to regain ground in the global race for digital payments.

The White House has tried to draw a line between Trump the president and Trump the private businessman.

“The president is attending it in his personal time. It is not a White House dinner,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters when pressed on attendee transparency.

President Trump holds controversial private dinner for top investors in his meme coin

The administration declined to release a guest list. But blockchain data — and a patchwork of guest photos — tell part of the story.

A Bloomberg News analysis found that all but six of the top 25 wallets used foreign exchanges, ostensibly off-limits to U.S. users. More than half of the top 220 wallets were linked to similar offshore platforms.

One Nasdaq-listed penny stock, Freight Technologies, disclosed in an SEC filing that it spent $2 million on Trump’s token to push U.S.-Mexico trade policy. It didn’t make the cut for the dinner — finishing 250th.

Since its January debut, the $TRUMP coin has generated more than $324 million in trading fees. Roughly 80% of the $TRUMP token supply is controlled by the Trump Organization and affiliates, according to the project’s website.

WLFI, the Trump’s parallel token, has sold $550 million in two token sales.

President Trump holds meme coin dinner

Still, White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks remained bullish on “significant bipartisan support” for stablecoin legislation.

“We already have over $200 billion in stablecoins — it’s just unregulated,” Sacks told CNBC’s “Closing Bell Overtime” on Wednesday. “If we provide the legal clarity and legal framework for this, I think we could create trillions of dollars of demand for our Treasurys practically overnight, very quickly.”

“We have every expectation now that it’s going to pass,” added Sacks, though he didn’t answer a question about concerns from Democrats that there aren’t sufficient safeguards in place to keep the president and his family from profiting from legislation.

While Sacks sold $200 million in crypto-related holdings before taking his White House job, according to a disclosure filing, Trump and his family have been leaning into building a crypto empire.

The Trumps are financial backers of World Liberty Financial, which is behind the USD1 stablecoin that is backed by Treasurys and dollar deposits.

Abu Dhabi’s MGX investment fund recently pledged $2 billion in USD1 to Binance, the world’s largest digital assets exchange. It’s the company’s largest-ever investment made in crypto.

Read more about tech and crypto from CNBC Pro

President Trump hosts meme coin megadonors amid conflict of interest claims

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Podcast: EV/Solar killing bill moves forward, Elon lies about Tesla’s demand, cheaper EVs, and more

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11 hours ago

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May 23, 2025

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Podcast: EV/Solar killing bill moves forward, Elon lies about Tesla's demand, cheaper EVs, and more

electrek podcast

In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss the EV/Solar killing bill moving forward, Elon lying about Tesla’s demand, cheaper EVs coming, and more.

The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek’s YouTube channel.

As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.

After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:

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We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.

Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:

Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET)

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Circle K just opened a new spot exclusively for EV charging with no gas pumps in sight

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13 hours ago

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May 23, 2025

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Circle K just opened a new spot exclusively for EV charging with no gas pumps in sight

Circle-K-EV-Charging

This is what the future of travel will look like. Circle K opened its first location exclusively for EV charging in Europe. The site features ten ultra-fast EV chargers and a convenience store while you wait.

Circle K opens first EV charging-only site in Europe

The new EV charging hub is located in Gårda, near Gothenburg, Sweden. It’s Circle K’s largest EV charging-only location with ten 400 kW chargers that can recharge from 0 to 80% in around 15 minutes.

Kempower supplied two 600 kW Power Units and ten Single Satellite chargers that can deliver up to 400 kW of power.

With an improved version of Kempower’s Autocharge feature, the system can store your information so that the next time you visit, all you have to do is plug in. The system will recognize your vehicle and bill you automatically.

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While you wait, there’s a 1,076 ft² (100 m²) convenience store that offers “a complete retail experience,” offering food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and plenty of seating.

The site expects heavy traffic on Sweden’s E6, with over 10,000 vehicles travelling on the motorway daily.

Circle-K-EV-Charging
Circle K opens its first EV charging-only site in Europe (Source: Kempower)

The new EV charging-only site comes after Circle K opened its largest EV charging hub in Sweden. Located just southwest of Stockholm, the flagship location has 26 fast chargers that can be used with light and heavy-duty vehicles.

Circle K now has over 3,000 branded chargers across Europe and will continue adding to its network as demand for EV charging rises.

Circle-K-EV-charging
Circle K’s largest electric vehicle charging hub in Sweden (Source: Circle K)

With around 17,000 locations globally, the company said it’s “uniquely positioned” to support the transition to electric vehicles.

Will we see Circle K open a location exclusively for EVs in the US? As more electric cars hit the road, more charging options will be needed. A few convenience stores, including 7-Eleven, are already rolling out fast chargers. Through 7Charge, 7-Eleven aims to build “one of the largest and most compatible” EV fast charging networks of any retailer in North America.

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