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Rivian invited us to come up and drive its new tri-motor “R1 Tri” spec vehicle through the hills of Malibu. Here’s what we thought about the drive.

The event was out of Rivian’s Venice Space, which was showing off the R2 and R3X as part of its R2 tour. But it also hosted auto journalists for a drive of the R1 Tri up PCH and through the famously snaky roads in the hills above Malibu, CA, and a roundtable discussion with Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe (which we’ve posted some insights from, about the VW/Rivian partnership and Rivian’s soon-to-be-open Adventure Network).

The new tri-motor Rivian, which Rivian is simply calling the R1 Tri, is a mid-spec addition to its post-refresh product line. It sits between the base model dual motor and the higher-spec quad motor (Rivian has had a quad-motor before, but cut that option when it brought motor development in-house, though it will return in 2025), occupying what one engineer told us is a “Goldilocks” position – not too much, not too little.

Although “not too much” is relative here, because the Tri still offers a whopping 850 horsepower – which is more than, well, just about anything. It may not be as much as the 1,025hp Quad Max, coming in 2025, which shattered records at Pike’s Peak, but 850 is still a lot of go-go-go.

That’s enough to bring you from 0-60 in 2.9 seconds, along with the debut of Launch Mode to help drivers coax maximum performance out of their vehicle. Launch mode will track your times, top speed, g-forces, and even capture your launch with the vehicle’s cameras (since we were on public roads shared with traffic and cyclists, we didn’t test this). It also utilizes Rivian’s cute “Gear Guard” mascot for a fun animation.

The Tri works with 1 motor in front and 2 in the rear, which means you have more control at the rear with two motors that are able to work independently of each other. This could come up in off-road situations with difficult traction, and also offers performance benefits in terms of torque vectoring on the axle that does most of the work during acceleration.

We drove the R1T truck, and in our drive on those narrow roads above Malibu, there wasn’t a lot of opportunity to really stretch out that 850hp, at least not in a legal or safe manner. But we never felt even the slightest bit starved for power, zipping up hills and carrying the ~7,000lb curb weight along with us.

For such a large and heavy truck, the R1T was nevertheless impressively nimble. When the truck was in my co-driver’s hands, the rear end did feel jumpy a few times when going over slightly bumpy parts of the road – perhaps a different suspension mode might have helped with this.

While we tried several of the modes available, there are so many permutations of drive mode, suspension stiffness, ride height, steering response, regen mode and so on that it would probably take some time to really dial in the car to make it feel exactly like you want. I’m generally not a huge fan of different drive modes, though for some things like suspension and ride height it makes sense.

In terms of battery, the Tri comes equipped with Rivian’s Max size battery pack, which gives it 371 miles of range. Rivian says you can push this to 405 miles in “conserve” mode, but as usual, your mileage may vary.

These range numbers are both predicated on using road tires. Rivian also offers all-terrain tires with more off-road versatility, but these come with a penalty to efficiency, lowering range to 329 miles.

The Tri comes alongside the debut of Rivian’s new “Ascend” trim level, an interior with premium materials throughout and some additional new features, over and above the hundreds of changes that Rivian made alongside this year’s Gen 2 refresh.

Some of the Ascend’s new interior options

For now all Tris will come in Ascend trim, which includes Rivian Premium Audio, an upgraded 960 watt Dolby Atmos sound system, a darkout package that replaces chrome badges with darker-colored ones, a 150PSI air compressor with a hose that can reach all four tires, and Rivian’s dynamic glass roof which becomes electrochromically opaque at the tap of a button if you want to block the sun.

The interior felt plenty comfortable and obviously spacious for all the time we were in it, though it’s not as directly comfort-oriented as some of the other large EVs we’ve tried, like the Volvo EX90 and the Hyundai Ioniq 9 (the latter was a concept interior, though).

The Rivian still gets points for being exceptionally utilitarian though, with plenty of pockets and storage spaces throughout. This is one reason why Rivian excels in customer satisfaction, because it’s just such an easy vehicle to use.

The R1T’s “gear tunnel” is very cool passthrough storage – and can be accessed from the cabin

In the end, the R1 Tri doesn’t revolutionize anything about what Rivian was already doing, but just adds another option for owners who want more power and capability… and are willing to pay extra for it.

The new R1 Tri-Motor is available now, with R1T starting at $99,900 and R1S starting at $105,900 at Rivian.com. Deliveries of inventory vehicles look to have a 1-6 week lead time currently, so should be available by the end of the year – but custom configurations are quoted with a 8-12 week lead time, and thus seem unlikely that they’ll deliver by the end of the year.

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Lectric launches long-range XP Trike2 750 with $493 preorder bundle, Bluetti backpack stations from $199 low, Rad Power, more

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3 hours ago

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August 27, 2025

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Lectric launches long-range XP Trike2 750 with 3 preorder bundle, Bluetti backpack stations from 9 low, Rad Power, more

We’ve got another big EV release headlining today’s Green Deals, as Lectric has officially launched its new XP Trike2 750 Long-Range eTrike for preorder with a $493 bundle at $1,799 – and you’ll also find the new standard XP Trike2 getting its largest post-launch bundle yet. Next, Bluetti’s latest sale has some 48-hour flash offers alongside some top backup support picks, led by the returning low prices on the Handsfree 1 and 2 Backpack Power Stations starting from $199. There’s also Rad Power’s pet-focused accessory deals for National Dog Day that are joining its ongoing Labor Day Sale, as well as an EGO chainsaw offer, a one-day-only Fremo power station low, and more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings are at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s first-ever Ride1Up VORSA e-bike discount, the Segway Navimow robot lawn mower Labor Day savings, 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.

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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man and woman riding Lectric XP Trike2 750 e-bikes down residential street

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.

Be sure to check out Lectric’s full Labor Day Sale lineup in our original coverage here, which includes the largest bundle on the XP4 Folding Utility e-bikes, as well as a surprise $500 price drop alongside a $220 package on Lectric’s premium ONE Long-Range Belt-Drive Commuter e-bike at a new $1,899 low, among others.

BLUETTI Handsfree Backpack power station being used by man to power laptop on mountain top
Photo: BLUETTI

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.

If you want to learn more about these backup power solutions, or the other flash offers/top picks, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

man riding Rad Power e-bike and towing dog in Trailer

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!

If you want to learn more about all these pet-focused add-on accessories for your e-bike, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

man cutting through log with EGO Power+ 56V 16-inch cordless chainsaw

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.

If you want to learn more about this chainsaw’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man and woman sitting outside at table with Fremo X300 Portable Power Station

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.

If you want to learn more about this compact backup power solution, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only sale here.

Best Summer EV 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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Hyundai’s new electric family hauler is already winning over buyers

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4 hours ago

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August 27, 2025

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Hyundai's new electric family hauler is already winning over buyers

Hyundai's-three-row-electric-SUV

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.

Hyundai-three-row-electric-SUV
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.

Hyundai-IONIQ-9
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.

Hyundai-IONIQ-5
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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Another major automaker is abandoning its big EV plans

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6 hours ago

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August 27, 2025

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Another major automaker is abandoning its big EV plans

German-automaker-EV-plans

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-EV-battery-plans
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-gas-powered-cars
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.

German-automaker-EV-plans
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.

German-automaker-EV-plans

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.

German-automaker-EV-plans
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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