Leading today’s Green Deals further into December savings is Lectric’s Holiday sale that is continuing many Black Friday deals with up to $781 taken off its e-bike bundles and offering a change-up with bonus savings – all starting from $999. Next we have some returning backup power lows, with Anker’s PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Power Bank Station back at $80 alongside its descendant models, as well as Bluetti’s Handsfree Backpack Power Stations and bundle options starting from $299. Bringing up the rear we have a great entry-level commuter for teens and adults in the Jetson Eris Folding Electric Scooter that hit a new $203 low. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Aventon Holiday sale, the Anker SOLIX power deal offers, and more.
Lectric Holiday sale continues Black Friday deals with up to $781off e-bike bundles from $999 with bonus savings
Lectric has officially switched over to its Holiday sale, which is continuing much of its Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals with up to $781 taken off e-bike bundles on top of 25% off being taken off select accessories. If you get your order in by December 16, your new e-bike will even arrive before Christmas to go under the tree. There are so many great options from this brand, but one that I think deserves a spotlight is the XPress 750 High-Step Commuter e-bike and its Step-Thru counterpart, both coming with $365 in free gear at $1,299 shipped. Normally this bundle would cost you $1,664 in full, but you’re saving the second-biggest amount we’ve seen so far on these models which are carrying over from its Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales (The largest was from its free extra battery launch promo from April which hasn’t been seen since). Get the rundown on what to expect, as well as the included bundled items, below.
I’ve been riding my own XPress 750 e-bike for a few months now and it has been perfect for getting around NYC so far, surpassing many of my expectations. Stocked with a 750W rear hub motor (peaking at 1,310W), a removable 48V 14Ah battery, and five levels of pedal assistance supported by a superior torque sensor, you’ll get a solid 60 miles of travel on a single charge at speeds up to 20 MPH (28 MPH if you live in select states). The commuting distance holds up as I’ll regularly take this model out for two or more hours at a time and return home with a nearly full battery after cruising around with the pedal assistance. Using only the throttle does show more battery usage, but even then I’m never stressed about making it home before it dies).
There’s a bunch of other solid features to praise on such a low-priced e-bike, like the puncture-resistant tires, hydraulic mineral oil brakes, front suspension fork, a 7-geared freewheel paired with a Shimano derailleur, removable pedals, a thru-axle wheel attachment system for tool-free installations, kickstand, a hidden cable routing system, an integrated headlight and taillight, and a full-color LCD display with a USB-A port to charge your personal device. With the included bundle, you’ll also be getting a rear cargo rack, fenders for both wheels, an upgraded Elite headlight, an accordion-style bike lock, and a suspension seat post.
Lectric XPeak 2.0 e-bikes come with $365 bundle
Lectric XPeak 1.0 e-bike clearance sale with $781 bundle
Lectric XPedition 2.0 13Ah e-bike with $296 bundle
Lectric XPedition 2.0 26Ah e-bike with $564 bundle
Lectric XPedition 2.0 35Ah e-bike with $713 bundle
Lectric Holiday sale ONE Long-Range e-bike with $467 bundle
Lectric Holiday sale XP 3.0 Long-Range e-bikes with $454 bundle
Lectric Holiday sale XP 3.0 Standard e-bikes with $454 bundle
Lectric Holiday sale XP Trike with $419 bundle
Lectric Holiday sale XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes with $365 bundle
XP Lite 2.0 Arctic White e-bike, 20 MPH for 80-mile range: $999 (Reg. $1,315)
XP Lite 2.0 Sandstorm e-bike, 20 MPH for 80-mile range: $999 (Reg. $1,315)
XP Lite 2.0 Lectric Blue e-bike, 20 MPH for 80-mile range: $999 (Reg. $1,315)
XP Lite 2.0 Lavender Haze e-bike, 20 MPH for 80-mile range: $999 (Reg. $1,315)
Get return Black Friday savings on Anker’s PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh power bank station at $80 low
The official Anker Amazon storefront is bringing Black Friday savings back around on its PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Portable Power Bank Station at $79.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $10 off coupon. This coupon comes in while the power station is already down from its usual $150 price tag, tacking on the additional savings to drop costs back to the lowest we’ve seen. This rate has only repeated a few short-lived times since first appearing during October’s Prime Day event, with today’s deal giving folks another chance at a totable backup power solution at the best price we have tracked. It even beats out Anker’s direct flash sale right now where it sits $11 higher.
A popular companion for day-to-day charging needs, Anker’s PowerCore Reserve provides a 60,000mAh/192Wh battery that covers your personal devices with its two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and up to 60W charging speeds. It is rated to keep your iPhone 14 charged over 10 times or a MacBook Air for up to 2.9 times. Its compact form factor weighs in at just 5 pounds and easily slips into your bag, with you being able to refuel its own battery via a wall outlet or with a 60W solar panel (sold separately). One of its much-loved features is the built-in retractable light that provides two brightness levels and even an S.O.S. button to flash out through the darkness in times of emergency (which has been passed on in different designs to its descendants).
If you’re thinking you want something a little larger, but still keeping to a more compact-focused design, you’ll also find the brand’s SOLIX C300 90,000mAh models down at their lowest prices too, with the DC model going for $140, down from $200, while the AC model is at $180, down from $250. You’ll get a larger 90,000mAh/288Wh capacity here, upgraded with LiFePO4 cells. They both dish out power at up to 300W outputs through the seven ports (DC model) or eight ports (AC model). The DC station sports a similar LED pop-up light as the PowerCore, whereas the AC station trades that in for a light bar and integrated carrying handle. You’ll find both these units matching in price direct from Anker’s website.
Add Bluetti’s Handsfree LiFePO4 backpack power stations to your adventures at returning lows from $299
Bluetti’s official Amazon storefront is offering returning Black Friday/Cyber Monday pricing on its new Handsfree 1 and Handsfree 2 Backpack Power Stations and their bundles starting at $299 shipped and $399 shipped, the latter of which requires you to clip the on-page $200 off coupon for maximum savings. These two new releases carry $429 and $599 price tags, with the two previous sales we’ve seen them in (Halloween/Black Friday) were longer-term events that kept costs down at these same rates, though we did see Cyber Monday cut the Handsfree 2’s price a little further to $369. Today, you’re looking at return 30% and 33% markdowns, saving you $130 and $200 and giving you the lowest price we’ve tracked on the Handsfree 1 and the second-lowest on the Handsfree 2. They’re also beating out Bluetti’s website where they are sitting $70 to $100 higher.
Bluetti has produced a backup power solution with these models that I am surprised took so long to see on the market, as the Handsfree 1 and Handsfree 2 Backpack power stations keep true to their names. These are ultra-slim power stations that have been designed for either the 42L or 60L backpacks that you’ll be getting too. Don’t worry about the units taking up all the space either, as there’s plenty to store camping, hiking, and other outdoor essential 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.
Bluetti Handsfree backpack power station bundle deals:
Jetson’s Eris folding e-scooter makes a great starter model for teens and adults alike at new $203 low
Amazon is offering the lowest price yet on the blue Jetson Eris Folding Electric Scooter for $203.08 shipped, after clipping the on-page 30% off coupon, while its two other colorways start from higher rates. More recently keeping towards a $370 price tag since falling from its original $500 MSRP earlier in the year, we’ve seen frequent discounts over 2024, with the biggest of them dropping costs to $229 or higher. Today’s deal comes in with a combined 45% markdown that slashes $167 off its new going rate, landing it for your or even your teen’s commute/joyrides at a new all-time low.
The Jetson Eris e-scooter makes an affordable commuter for those with shorter-distance travel needs, or, despite it being called an “adult” model, would also make an excellent entry-level model for teens. Its 250W motor and 36V battery reach a top speed of 14 MPH and provide up to 12 miles of travel on a single charge while being able to tackle up to 20-degree inclines, which is quite impressive for the price. It features a foldable design that is common with e-scooters, an LCD display that gives you real-time performance data, as well as a mount for your phone so you have easy access to apps, music, etc. You’ll also be able to receive your purchase well ahead of Christmas day so it’ll be ready to go under the tree.
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.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has released an encouraging new report revealing that 90% of wind turbine materials are already recyclable using existing infrastructure, but tackling the remaining 10% needs innovation.
That’s why the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated over $20 million to develop technologies that address these challenges.
Why this matters
The wind energy industry is growing rapidly, but questions about what happens to turbines at the end of their life are critical. Recyclable wind turbines means not only less waste but also a more affordable and sustainable energy future.
According to Jeff Marootian, principal deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, “The US already has the ability to recycle most wind turbine materials, so achieving a fully sustainable domestic wind energy industry is well within reach.”
The report, titled, “Recycling Wind Energy Systems in the United States Part 1: Providing a Baseline for America’s Wind Energy Recycling Infrastructure for Wind Turbines and Systems,” identifies short-, medium-, and long-term research, development, and demonstration priorities along the life cycle of wind turbines. Developed by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, with help from Oak Ridge and Sandia National Laboratories, the findings aim to guide future investments and technological innovations.
What’s easily recyclable and what’s not
The bulk of a wind turbine – towers, foundations, and steel-based drivetrain components – is relatively easy to recycle. However, components like blades, generators, and nacelle covers are tougher to process.
Blades, for instance, are often made from hard-to-recycle materials like thermoset resins, but switching to recyclable thermoplastics could be a game changer. Innovations like chemical dissolution and pyrolysis could make blade recycling more viable in the near future.
Critical materials like nickel, cobalt, and zinc used in generators and power electronics are particularly important to recover.
Key strategies for a circular economy
To make the wind energy sector fully sustainable, the DOE report emphasizes the adoption of measures such as:
Better decommissioning practices – Improving how turbine materials are collected and sorted at the end of their life cycle.
Strategic recycling sites – Locating recycling facilities closer to where turbines are decommissioned to reduce costs and emissions.
Advanced material substitution – Using recyclable and affordable materials in manufacturing.
Optimized material recovery –Developing methods to make recovered materials usable in second-life applications.
Looking ahead
The DOE’s research also underscores the importance of regional factors, such as the availability of skilled workers and transportation logistics, in building a cost-effective recycling infrastructure. As the US continues to expand its wind energy capacity, these findings provide a roadmap for minimizing waste and maximizing sustainability.
More information about the $20 million in funding available through the Wind Turbine Technology Recycling Funding Opportunity can be found here. Submission deadline is February 11.
If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. 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. 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 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 started here. –trusted affiliate link*
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Mazda is finally stepping up with plans to build its first dedicated EV. The upcoming Mazda EV will be made in Japan and based on a new in-house platform. Here’s what we know about it so far.
The first dedicated Mazda EV is coming soon
Although Mazda isn’t the first brand that comes to mind when you think of electric vehicles, the Japanese automaker is finally taking a step in the right direction.
Mazda revealed on Monday that it plans to build a new module pack plant in Japan for cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells.
The new plant will use Panasonic Energy’s battery cells to produce modules and EV battery packs. Mazda plans to have up to 10 GWh of annual capacity at the facility. The battery packs will power Mazda’s first dedicated EV, which will also be built in Japan using a new electric vehicle platform.
Mazda said it’s “steadily preparing for electrification technologies” under its 2030 Management Plan. The strategy calls for a three-phase approach through 2030.
The first phase calls for using its existing technology. In the second stage, Mazda will introduce a new hybrid system and EV-dedicated vehicles in China.
The third and final phase calls for “the full-fledged launch” of EVs and battery production. By 2030, Mazda expects EVs to account for 25% to 40% of global sales.
Mazda launched the EZ-6, an electric sedan, in China last October. It starts at 139,800 yuan, or around $19,200, and is made by its Chinese joint venture, Changan Mazda.
Based on Changan’s hybrid platform, the electric sedan is offered in EV and extended-range (EREV) options. The all-electric model gets up to 600 km (372 miles) CLTC range with fast charging (30% to 80%) in 15 minutes.
At 4,921 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,485 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,895 mm, Mazda’s EZ-6 is about the size of a Tesla Model 3 (4,720 mm long, 1,922 mm wide, and 1,441 mm tall with a 2,875 mm wheelbase).
Inside, the electric sedan features a modern setup with a 14.6″ infotainment, a 10.1″ driver display screen, and a 50″ AR head-up display. It also includes zero-gravity reclining seats and smart features like voice control.
The EZ-6 is already off to a hot sales start, with 2,445 models sold in November. According to Changan Mazda, the new EV was one of the top three mid-size new energy vehicle (NEV) sedans of joint ventures sold in China in its first month listed.
Will Mazda’s first dedicated EV look like the EZ-6? We will find out with Mazda aiming to launch the first EV models on its new in-house platform in 2027. Stay tuned for more.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
A view of offshore oil and gas platform Esther in the Pacific Ocean on January 5, 2025 in Seal Beach, California.
Mario Tama | Getty Images
President-Elect Donald Trump said Tuesday that he will reverse President Joe Biden‘s ban on offshore drilling along most of the U.S. coastline as soon as he takes office.
“I’m going to have it revoked on day one,” Trump said at a news conference, though he indicated that reversing the ban might require litigation in court.
Biden announced Monday that he would protect 625 million acres of ocean from offshore oil and gas drilling along the East and West coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea. The president issued the ban through a provision of the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
An order by Trump attempting to reverse the ban will likely end up in court and could ultimately be struck down.
During his first term, Trump tried to issue an executive order to reverse President Barack Obama’s use of the law to protect waters in the Arctic and Atlantic from offshore drilling. A federal court ultimately ruled that Trump’s order was not lawful and reversing the ban would require an act of Congress.
The Republican Party has a majority in both chambers of the new Congress.