As Volkswagen is in turmoil on its home turf in Germany with massive labor strikes, the company looks to be relocating manufacturing of its ID. Buzz retro-style minivan EV out of the country.
Currently the ID. Buzz is built in Hanover, Germany, but as the electric van has fallen short of its production goals, Volkswagen may relocate all or part of its production to a plant in Poznan, Poland, as reported by Hannoversche Allgemeine (spotted by Electrive).
The ID. Buzz has fallen short of its 130,000 vehicles per year target, with fewer than 15,000 deliveries in the first half of this year. Since the summer, production on both lines at the plant has been carried out in two daytime shifts without needing to add any night shifts.
The strike comes after weeks of collective bargaining negotiations in which the Volkswagen didn’t back down from its plan to potentially slash thousands of jobs and close factories in Germany – a first in the automaker’s 87-year history in the country. Volkswagen plans to close at least three factories, lay off thousands of workers, and trim pay for those remaining by 10%, all as it fights to stay alive amid stiff competition from China.
Moving the ID. Buzz out of Germany would certainly be a blow to the German plant, and so far there is no word as to what might, if anything, fill the gap.
After a record-breaking year for electric vehicles, automakers are kicking off 2025 with significant discounts. With leases starting under $300 a month, these are some of the best EV deals to take advantage of this February.
Over 1.3 million electric vehicles were sold in the US last year, with new models like the Honda Prologue and Chevy Equinox EV hitting the market.
Honda and GM alone sold nearly 80,000 more EVs alone last year than they did in 2023, while Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Toyota, and Nissan also saw gains.
Tesla Model Y and Model 3 remained the top-selling models, but new entrants are gaining traction, with the Prologue placing seventh and the Equinox EV at eighth.
Although an influx of new EVs helped boost sales, the growth was largely thanks to massive incentives, making them on par with or even cheaper than similar gas-powered cars.
For example, at just $209 per month, you can lease a Honda Prologue for less than a 2025 Civic sedan despite costing over $20,000 more. The Tesla Model 3 is also cheaper than a Honda Civic at just $249 per month right now.
Best EV lease deals for under $300 a month in February
The Honda Prologue is listed for $209 per month for 24 months. With $2,699 due at signing, the effective cost is $321 per month. In California and other ZEV states, it’s even lower at just $278. A 2025 Honda Civic Sedan will run you $269 per month for 36 months. With $3,699 due upfront, the effective rate is $371, or $50 more per month than the Prologue.
Honda is not the only one offering significant savings on popular EV models this month. Tesla, Chevy, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, and several others are offering EV lease deals for under $300 a month in February. You can find deals in your area at the bottom.
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
2025 Kia Niro EV
$149
24
$3,999
$315
2024 Kia EV6
$179
24
$3,999
$345
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
$189
24
$3,999
$355
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5
$229
24
$3,999
$395
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6
$159
24
$3,999
$326
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6
$169
24
$3,999
$335
2024 Volkswagen ID.4
$149
24
$999
$191
2024 Fiat 500e
$211
42
$211
$216
2024 Toyota bZ4X
$219
36
$2,999
$302
2024 Honda Prologue
$209
24
$2,699
$321
2024 Subaru Solterra
$279
36
$279
$287
2025 VinFast VF 8
$279
24
$695
$308
Tesla Model 3
$249
36
$2,999
$332
Tesla Model Y
$299
36
$2,999
$382
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV
$299
24
$3,169
$431
Best EV lease deals for under $300 a month in February 2025 (*Updated 02/05/2025)
The 2025 Kia Niro remains one of the most affordable EVs you can lease this month. It starts at just $149 per month for 24 months, with $3,999 due at signing.
Kia is offering deals on its other electric models, including the 2024 EV6, starting at just $179 per month. The three-row EV9 can be leased for $399 per month for 24 months, with $4,999 due at signing.
Although the 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a great deal at just $189 per month, the upgraded 2025 model may be even better.
The new 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 now has more range with up to 318 miles, an upgraded interior and exterior design, and even has an NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers. At just $229 for 24 months with $3,999 due at signing, the effective rate is just $395 per month.
To sweeten the deal, Hyundai is also offering a free ChargePoint Level 2 home EV charger with every 2025 IONIQ 5 purchase or lease.
Chevy introduced new deals on its new EV models, including the Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado, last month, worth up to $5,000 in savings.
The 2024 Chevy Equinox EV can be leased for $299 per month for 24 months. With $3,169 due at signing, the effective rate is $431.
Automakers are offering significant EV deals to start the year. However, with Trump reportedly planning to end federal incentives, including the $7,500 EV tax credit, the savings could soon disappear.
Ready to take advantage of the savings while they last? Although we are known for breaking news, we can also help you find deals on popular electric vehicles. You can use our links below to view offers on popular EV models in your area.
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Today’s Green Deals are headlined by Lectric’s Valentine’s Day sale that is running through February 15 with up to $654 bundles accompanying the lineup of e-bikes, as well as a separate 40% discount on its pet trailer. The focus of this sale is on the brand’s XP 3.0 e-bikes that are getting passenger packages to take your loved ones along for the ride, starting from $999. There’s also a Bluetti flash sale on six backup power solutions, with the latest Handsfree Backpack Power Stations hitting new low prices from $199. We also spotted the EGO Power+ 56V 15-inch Split-Shaft Cordless Electric String Trimmer with a rapid-reload head down at $159. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Blix Valentine’s sale offers, the returning low price on Jackery’s Explorer 100 Plus, and more.
Lectric Valentine’s Day sale offers up to $654 in free gear while XP 3.0 e-bikes get passenger bundles – all from $999
Lectric’s Valentine’s Day sale promotions have launched through February 15 with up to $654 in free gear accompanying your purchase. While you’ll find the largest bundles on the brand’s XPedition 2.0 cargo models, this sale wants to focus on spending time with your loved one by offering a passenger package along with its XP 3.0 e-bikes that start from $999 shipped, with the long-range models getting some additional free gear to boot. These aren’t the largest bundles we’ve seen for these models, but they are certainly one of the few times we’ve seen gear included that was intended to help you haul around another person instead of just inanimate cargo. You can also save 40% on the Wag-Along Pet Trailer during this sale at $107, down from $179.
The most popular of the brand’s commuting solutions, the XP 3.0 e-bikes all sport a 500W hub motor that peaks up at 1,000W to hit 20 MPH speeds, which can go higher up to 28 MPH speeds, depending on your state’s regulations. The main difference between the standard models and the long-range models (aside from the $200 price difference) is the battery – which will either provide you with 45 miles of travel (standard) or up to 65 miles (long-range) when utilizing the PAS support. Keep in mind for folks who enjoy cruising with only electric power that you’ll get about half the mileage. Along with the free add-on gear, you’ll also enjoy some quality stock features, like the integrated rear cargo rack, puncture-resistant tires, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes, a foldable body, an LCD display, and more.
Lectric Valentine’s Day sale XP 3.0 offers with up to $187 bundles
XP Lite 2.0 Arctic White e-bike, 20 MPH for 80-mile range: $999 (Reg. $1,127)
XP Lite 2.0 Sandstorm e-bike, 20 MPH for 80-mile range: $999 (Reg. $1,127)
XP Lite 2.0 Lectric Blue e-bike, 20 MPH for 80-mile range: $999 (Reg. $1,127)
XP Lite 2.0 Lavender Haze e-bike, 20 MPH for 80-mile range: $999 (Reg. $1,127)
Bluetti’s limited 46% off flash sale drops latest Handsfree backpack power stations to new lows from $199
Bluetti has launched the first wave of its planned limited-time flash sales for the next week, with six solid backup power solutions getting up to 46% taken off their price tags. Some of the notable inclusions that are beating out the brand’s fall and winter holiday sales is the latest Handsfree 1 and Handsfree 2 Backpack Power Stations that are down at $199 shipped and $299 shipped. Now carrying $369 and $499 price tags after New Year’s Day, after falling from their original $429 and $599 MSRPs from their launch in October, in the past sales since we’ve been seeing them return to $299 and $399. That’s changing today as they’re dropping lower than ever before, saving you $170 ($230 off MSRP) and/or $200 ($300 off MSRP) at new all-time lows.
The perfect backup power devices for folks who are always on-the-go out in nature, the Handsfree 1 and Handsfree 2 power stations come with an ultra-slim design that fits nicely in their complimentary 42L and 60L backpacks – with plenty more room to spare for other essential camping, hiking, and outdoor gear. With the Handsfree 1, you’re looking at a 268.8Wh LiFePO4 battery (with 300W output surging to 450W) while the Handsfree 2 provides a larger 512Wh LiFePO4 capacity (700W surging to 1,200W). Both models provide five ports to cover your devices and small appliances: one AC port, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports.
Recharging speeds are as convenient as they are fast (good for last-minute plans), with either able to hit 80% in 45 minutes via a wall outlet while reaching a full battery takes a little longer at 1.5 hours for the Handsfree 1 and 1.3 hours for the Handsfree 2. Of course, an outdoor-minded power station wouldn’t be much help without solar charging – with both able to get back to full in 3 hours with a 120W panel (they have a max of 200W and 350W solar inputs). The bags come splash-resistant, with easy access to the power station’s port through the side flap, and plenty of layers of compartments, outer buckles, and more for your additional equipment.
AC300 (2,764.8Wh) with expansion battery and alternator charger: $1,599 (Reg. $2,998)
This EGO Power+ 56V 15-inch cordless electric string trimmer comes with a split-shaft and rapid-reload head for $159
Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 15-Inch Cordless Electric String Trimmer with a 2.5Ah battery for $159 shipped. More recently fetching $179 in the past months, with an original $200 price tag, we haven’t seen the price budge lower since July, keeping to its lower going rate. That’s changing here today as it drops another $20 unexpectedly, giving you the third-lowest price we have tracked – just $10 above the all-time low from May.
EGO Power+ is one of the less-discounted brands of reliable electric tools, so seeing this string trimmer with a split-shaft fall this low is definitely a cause to jump for many fans of the brand. This model provides a 15-inch cutting swath while also featuring a rapid-reload head for quicker and easier replacement of any broken lines. There’s also a variable speed control for the various jobs and conditions you may be working around, as well as an IPX4 weather-resistant build to stand up to sudden weather changes while you’re in the middle of things. You’ll also be getting an included charger and 2.5Ah battery that comes interchangeable with the brand’s other tools.
Best New Year EV deals!
Rad Power RadWagon 5 Cargo e-bike with $200 accessory (new): $2,399
Rad Power Radster Road Commuter e-bike with $200 accessory (new): $2,199
Rad Power Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike with $200 accessory (new): $2,199
Heybike Mars 2.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike with free gear: $999 (Reg. $1,499)
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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Elon Musk has poached a long-time Tesla engineer to help with his work at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The Tesla CEO appears to feel invincible right now because he did that while he and Tesla’s board are being sued for breach of fiduciary duties and resource tunneling.
The lawsuit was filed in Delaware by the Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Pension Fund (CB&T), Daniel Hazen, and Michael Giampietro, on behalf of Tesla shareholders.
Even after the lawsuit was filed, Musk continued to give the lawyers behind it more ammunition by poaching Tesla employees for his many private businesses.
Now, we learn that Musk even poached a Tesla engineer to help in his new role under the Trump administration.
Wired reports that Thomas Shed, a Tesla engineer, has been made “the director of Technology Transformation Services” (TTS), a division of the General Services Administration.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Shed was working on “software, camera and teams that run the vehicle and battery factories” at Tesla as recently as last month:
The report states that Musk recruited several young engineers from his companies and placed them in government positions to advance his anti-DEI and cost-cutting efforts.
In Shed’s case, he appeared to have come directly from Tesla into his new government role under Musk.
Electrek’s Take
I can hear the lawyers cheering from here. Elon’s breaches of fiduciary duties are pretty blatant. The problem is that the lawsuit will take years to resolve.
In the meantime, Elon will string shareholders along, telling them that everything he is doing is for the good of Tesla. I hope fewer of them will believe him this time.
And before all you Elon fans attack me in the comments for simply reporting on this, please provide counter-arguments to the point made in this article. That’s the only thing that matters.
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