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We’re closing out the week with a bunch more seasonal savings, with four new exclusive discounts that are giving us the absolute best and lowest prices on Vanpowers’ City Vanture and UrbanGlide e-bikes starting from $629. Right behind it is Bluetti’s official Christmas sale that is taking up to 62% off a solid lineup of power stations and bundles, like the AC300 Portable Power Station and a B300K Expansion Battery returning to its Black Friday pricing of $1,599. From there we have two more e-bike sales, the first being the second phase of Rad Power’s Christmas sales that is taking up to $300 off the selection of e-bikes and also offering free gear up to $200 in value – all starting from $1,299. Right behind is ENGWE’s more budget-friendly e-bike sale with up to $600 discounts and tons of free gear packages, with the popular M20 Dual-Suspension e-bike back at its $899 low, among others. Closing us out is Eve’s Aqua Smart Water Controller that is beating its Black Friday pricing at $103. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s holiday sales from ALLPOWERS, Velotric, Blix, 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.

These four exclusive discounts offer best prices yet on Vanpowers’ commuting e-bikes from $629 (Up to 63% off)

We’ve got four exclusive deals from Wellbots for you that are dropping four Vanpowers e-bikes down to the lowest prices we’ve seen across the board. The biggest discount (and lowest price) out of these models is on the City Vanture Urban e-bike for $629.10 shippedafter using the promo code 9TO5BIKE10 at checkout for an additional 10% off. Normally $1,699 at Wellbots, with a larger $1,749 price tag direct from Vanpowers, we saw this model hit its former low of $840 back in 2023 direct from the manufacturer. That long-awaited low is being beaten out here today with this combined 63% markdown that slashes a massive $1,070 off its price tag and marks a new all-time low price going forward.

Vanpowers’ City Vanture e-bike is equipped with a 350W rear hub motor and powered by a smaller 252Wh battery – with everything supported by five levels of pedal assistance (but there’s no throttle here). This combination of tech provides a 25 MPH top speed and normally 50 miles on a single charge (which can be bumped up to 80 miles when taking advantage of the extra battery discount).

Sporting a sleek, aluminum alloy frame, it weighs in at just 34 pounds, complimenting its minimalist design and making it a more manageable model for folks who live in walk-up apartment buildings and the like. It features a seamlessly integrated battery into the main bar, both hiding and protecting it from sight and/or harm. You’ll also find that it comes with 28-inch Kenda tires, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, a Gates CDN belt drive to pedal the bike without assistance, and an integrated LCD display with an IP66 waterproof rating.

***Note: Don’t forget to use the promo code 9TO5BIKE10 at checkout to score the best possible savings on these e-bikes! The additional savings have been factored in below.

Other exclusive Vanpowers e-bike deals:

Bluetti power station Christmas sale

Save up to 62% on Bluetti power stations, bundles, more starting from $149 with bonus gifts in Christmas sale

Bluetti’s decking the halls with boughs of savings during its newly launched Christmas sale through December 23, taking 57% off power stations, bundles, and accessories at the same time that it’s offering special members-only pricing, giving away gifts, and even offering an additional 5% sitewide discount. One notable offer this season for folks looking for a reliable home backup solution is the AC300 Portable Power Station bundled alongside a B300K Expansion Battery for $1,599 shipped. Normally sitting at a $2,499 price tag here with a higher $2,999 rate coming from Amazon, we mainly saw it keep above $1,999 until Labor Day sales when the price was brought lower to $1,750, with the most recent Black Friday pricing taking costs down to $1,599. This rate is returning here today, giving you $900 in savings and a second chance at the lowest price we have tracked.

As I mentioned before, Bluetti is offering some additional bonuses during this sale, starting with a 5% sitewide discount for added savings when you use the promo code AFF5OFF at checkout. You can also get some gifts from the brand by simply subscribing, while other gifts are being given at certain purchase thresholds: T-shirts along with any purchase over $1,000, sweatshirts with any purchase over $2,000, and a K6 337Wh power bank with a purchase over $3,000.

Power outages will be far less of a concern for you with this backup bundle from Bluetti, which delivers a 2,764.8Wh LiFePO4 battery capacity that you can add more batteries to in order to expand further up to 22,118.4Wh. There are 16 ports on this unit to tackle all your devices and appliances, with seven AC ports (including a 120V TT-30 port), four USB-A ports, two DC ports, a single USB-C port, and two 15W wireless charging pads. It dishes out power up to 3,000W that surges up to 6,000W, and comes with four different ways to recharge the main unit – plugged into a standard wall outlet, hooked up to a maximum 2,400W solar input, connected to a car port, and even dual-charging capabilities when using both AC and solar together.

Bluetti Christmas sale member-only deals:

Bluetti Christmas sale new arrival bundle deals:

Bluetti Christmas sale power station deals:

Bluetti Christmas sale solar generator bundle deals:

Bluetti Christmas sale home backup bundle deals:

Bluetti Christmas sale accessory deals:

Vanpowers e-bike

Rad Power’s second phase of Christmas savings drops RadExpand 5 folding e-bike to $1,299

Rad Power has switched into the second phase of its Christmas sales through December 18 with up to $300 discounts on four e-bikes along with some additional free gear promotions. Leading the group with the biggest savings is the RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike which has dropped to $1,299 shipped. Carrying a full price of $1,599 outside of these sales, we’ve been regularly seeing it drop to $1,299 when getting discounts, with a few others bringing things lower to $1,249, and one sale in October hitting the $1,199 low. You’ll be saving $300 here today at the third-lowest price we have tracked.

The RadExpand 5 is Rad Power’s most popular storage-saving commuter solution that comes with a folding frame to condense its size to a more manageable one to better fit in tighter spaces, closets, car trunks, RVs, and more. It provides you with a 20 MPH top speed with up to 45+ miles of travel courtesy of the pairing between the 750W brushless geared hub motor and a 672Wh battery. There are four low-profile cadence-sensing PAS levels here that help you get the most out of its mileage, or you can use the throttle for all-electric riding at a decreased range.

Among its additional features, you’ll have a 7-speed MicroShift derailleur, a standard LED headlight alongside an integrated taillight that offers brake light functionality, both of which automatically activate when daylight drops low enough. You’ll also get some cargo-hauling support from the integrated rear rack with a 55-pound limit, as well as fenders to go over both wheels, a water-resistant wiring harness, and an LED display.

More Rad Power phase 2 Christmas sale e-bike deals:

  • RadRunner 2 Utility e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,499)
    • 20 MPH for up to 45+ miles
    • Plus free accessory under $200
    • add both to cart for automatic discount
  • RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike: $1,599 (Reg. $1,799)
    • 20 MPH for up to 45+ miles
    • comes with free Ballard Cargo Bag
    • add both to cart for automatic accessory discount
  • RadRunner Plus Utility e-bike: $1,699 (Reg. $1,799)
    • 20 MPH for up to 45+ miles
    • Plus free accessory under $200
    • add both to cart for automatic discount
ENGWE Christmas sale

ENGWE’s Christmas Holiday sale drops the M20 dual-suspension e-bike to $899 low with free gear

ENGWE’s Christmas Holiday sale is taking up to $600 off its massive lineup of affordable e-bike models with free upgrade gear getting tacked on too. One notable favorite is the M20 Dual-Suspension e-bike that is starting from $899 shipped. Normally going for $1,199 most days, we saw this same low price during the brand’s previous Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. The $200 discount brings costs even more into the affordable range for riders on a tight budget, delivering you a reliable EV at the lowest price we have tracked. Along with your purchase, you’ll also be getting $59 in free accessories.

ENGWE’s M20 e-bike cruises along at up to 28 MPH top speeds thanks to the pairing of its 750W brushless motor with a choice between the standard 13Ah battery that provides a 47-mile travel range or the upgraded 26Ah dual-battery model that bumps things up to 94 to 150 miles for an additional $100 during this sale (depending on the settings you’re riding at). There are five levels of PAS here along with a throttle for pure electric action too. Additional features include a pair of 20-inch fat tires, standard disc brakes, a Shimano 7-speed derailleur, and an LCD display.

At a slightly higher price is the newer M20 2.0 full-suspension model starting at $999 for the single 15.6Ah battery or you can double up with the 31.2Ah battery model for $1,199. This model provides the same top speed with a base 80-mile travel range that doubles up to 162 miles with dual batteries. It also gets some upgrades in the form of off-roading fat tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and more. You’ll also be getting $158 in free gear here, as well.

***Note: many of the following e-bikes have similar choices for single-battery or dual-battery builds, with the prices and specs below being given for the standard single-battery models.

ENGWE Christmas Holiday sale e-bike deals:

ENGWE Christmas Holiday sale e-bike bundle deals:

Eve Aqua smart water controller

Expand outdoor water systems with HomeKit control via Eve’s Aqua smart water controller at $103

Amazon is now offering the Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller at a lower rate than we saw for Black Friday at $103.35 shipped. It has spent most of the year at its full $150 rate, with far fewer price cuts than we got in 2023, keeping mostly above $120. While we have seen it go for less in the past, you’re still looking at a solid $47 in savings here that beats out its Black Friday pricing by $7, giving you the opportunity to expand your outdoor spigots with HomeKit smart controls at a significantly reduced rate.

You won’t have to worry about acquiring an additional bridge or gateway for Eve’s Aqua smart water controller to get the full extent of controls for your sprinkler/irrigation system here, accessed through the companion app or Siri and coming with Thread compatibility. Once you’ve attached it, you can start setting schedules to have your garden automatically watered – with the system also keeping track of your water usage rates and shutting it off when things get to be too high, saving you from babysitting your meter or accidentally flooding your yard. It also comes fully compatible with popular hose systems and multi-channel water distributors like Gardena or Kärcher.

Best ongoing holiday 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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ABB is bringing its new, 1.2 MW modular truck chargers to ACT Expo

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ABB is bringing its new, 1.2 MW modular truck chargers to ACT Expo

Capable of delivering up to 1,200 kW of power to get electric commercial trucks back on the road in minutes, the new ABB MCS1200 Megawatt Charging System is part of an ecosystem of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) that ABB’s bringing to this year’s ACT Expo.

ABB E-mobility is using the annual clean trucking conference to showcase the expansion of its EVSE portfolio with three all-new charger families: the field-upgradable A200/300 All-in-One chargers, the MCS1200 Megawatt Charging System for heavy-duty vehicles shown (above), and the ChargeDock Dispenser for flexible depot charging.

The company said its new product platform was built by applying a computer system-style domain separation to charger design, fundamentally improving subsystem development and creating a clear path forward for site and system expansion. In other words, ABB is selling a system with both future-proofing and enhanced dependability baked in.

“We have built a system by logically separating a charger into four distinct subsystems … each functioning as an independent subsystem,” explains Michael Halbherr, CEO of ABB E-mobility. “Unlike conventional chargers, where a user interface failure can disable the entire system, our architecture ensures charging continues even if the screen or payment system encounters issues. Moreover, we can improve each subsystem at its own pace without having to change the entire system.”

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The parts of ABB’s new EVSE portfolio that have been made public so far have already been recognized for design excellence, with the A400 winning the iF Gold Award and both the A400 and C50 receiving Red Dot Design Awards.

New ABB chargers seem pretty, good

ABB’s good-looking family; via ABB.

ABB says the systemic separation of its EVSE enhances both reliability and quality, while making deployed chargers easier to diagnose and repair, in less time. Each of the chargers’ subsystems can be tested, diagnosed, and replaced independently, allowing for quick on-site repairs and update cycles tailored to the speed of each systems’ innovation. The result is 99% uptime and a more future-proof product.

“The EV charging landscape is evolving beyond point products for specific use cases,” continued Halbherr. “By implementing this modular approach with the majority of our R&D focused on modular platforms rather than one-off products … it reduces supply chain risks, while accelerating development cycles and enabling deeper collaboration with critical suppliers.”

Key markets ABB is chasing

HVC 360 Charge Dock Dispenser depot deployment; via ABB.
  • PUBLIC CHARGING – with the award winning A400 being the optimal fit for high power charging from highway corridors to urban locations, the latest additions to the A-Series All-in-One chargers offer a field-upgradable architecture allowing operators to start with the A200 (200kW) with the option to upgrade to 300kW or 400kW as demand grows. This approach offers scalability and protects customer investment, leading to Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings over 10 years.
  • PUBLIC TRANSIT AND FLEET – the new Charge Dock Dispenser – in combination with the already in market available HVC 360 – simplifies depot charging with a versatile solution that supports pantograph-, roof-, and pedestal charging options with up to 360kW of shared power and 150m/490 ft installation flexibility between cabinet and dispensers. The dispenser maintains up to 500A output.
  • HEAVY TRUCKS – building the matching charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles and fleets represents a critical innovation frontier on our journey to electrify transportation. Following extensive collaboration with industry-leading truck OEMs, the MCS1200 Megawatt Charging System delivers up to 1,200kW of continuous power — 20% more energy transfer than 1MW systems — providing heavy-duty vehicles with purpose-built single-outlet design for the energy they need during mandatory driver breaks. To support other use cases, such as CCS truck charging, a dual CCS and MCS option will also be available.
  • RETAIL – the award winning C50 Compact Charger complements the family as the slimmest charger in its category at just 9.3 inches depth, optimized for convenient charging during typical one-hour retail experiences. With its large touch display, the C50 takes the award-winning A400 experience even further — setting a new standard for consumer experience and very neatly echoing our own take on that “Goldilocks” timing zone for commercial charging.

ABB says that the result of its new approach are chargers that offer 99% plus uptime — a crucial statistic for commercial charging operations and a key factor to ensuring customer satisfaction. The new ABB E-mobility EVSE product family will be on display for the first time at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo (ACT Expo) in Anaheim, California next week, then again at Power2Drive in Munich, Germany, from May 7-9.

Electrek’s Take

BEV trucks and buses at ACT Expo in Long Beach; image by the author.
ACT Expo test drives; by the author.

The ACT Expo is one of – if not the most important sustainable trucking event in North America, featuring all the big names in heavy trucks, construction equipment, material handling, infrastructure – even Tier 1 suppliers. Mostly, though, it’s many fleet buyers’ only chance to test drive these zero emission trucks before writing a big PO (which just makes it even more important).

Electrek will be there again this year, and we’ll be bringing you all the latest news from press events and product reveals as it happens.

SOURCE | IMAGES: ABB E-mobility.


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Whisper Aero ultralight aircraft scores $500K for “UltraQuiet” electric jet motor tests

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Whisper Aero ultralight aircraft scores 0K for

Along with Tennessee Tech, Tennessee-based ultralight aircraft company Whisper Aero has secured a $500,000 grant to help advance the company’s innovative electric jet motor concept off the drawing board and onto the testing phase.

Earlier this month, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced plans to award $500,000 to Tennessee Tech and Whisper Aero through the Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO) initiative.

“We look forward to using these award dollars to place students in internships working directly with Whisper Aero leaders,” said Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham. “By learning from an electric propulsion innovator like Whisper Aero, our students will gain invaluable perspective and can take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it right here in Tennessee.”

The grant will see a Whisper Aero glider fitted with a pair of the company’s eQ250 electric-powered jet “propulsors” for UltraQuiet flight. Tennessee Tech faculty and students will carry out copper-bird ground testing to ensure the safe integration of engines, batteries, and controllers, and kickstart Tennessee Tech’s new Crossville Mobility Incubator.

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Those propulsors, by the way, are super cool.

UnltraQuiet WhisperDrive; via Whisper Aero.

Whisper Aero’s main claim to fame is its innovative UltraQuiet WhisperDrive (above). It’s effectively an electrically spun ducted fan jet engine that uses a large number of stiff composite fan blades inside a lightweight, acoustically treated duct. With so many blades, the Whisper Aero propulsor can push more air than a conventional prop while spinning much more slowly. As such, the “blade passage frequency” moves up to more than 16,000 Hz – outside the range of most human hearing but not, supposedly, high enough to freak out the beagles.

The Whisper Aero ultralight is effectively an Aériane Swift3 glider fitted with a pair of Whisper’s eQ250 propulsors, each capable of up to 80 lbs. of thrust. The Ultralight has a wingspan of over 40 ft with a maximum L/D of 35:1 and can be stressed to a design loading of +6/-4g, making it capable of some pretty impressive acrobatic feats.

The Swift3 glider is designed for a low speed, low power cruising speed of 45–55 knots with “just” 6.5 hp. Power-off glides from a few hundred feet showed a low sink rate, and a climb rate of 1,250 ft/min with full self-launching power (in other words: the Whisper glider doesn’t have to be towed by a launch vehicle, like a conventional ultralight glider).

Quiet cool

Dual WhisperDrive fans deliver ~160 lbf of thrust; via Whisper Aero.

Range under full power is about 109 miles with current battery tech, but it’s expected that range under the latest EPiC 2.0 energy batteries would rise to nearly 170 miles.

Nathan Millecam, CEO of Electric Power System, said, “EPiC 2.0’s leap in energy density and thermal performance has enabled a significant increase in range, a clear validation of our next-gen cell technology. We are impressed by what the Whisper team continues to achieve in advancing electric aviation.”

The press release concludes explaining that flight tests are expected to show that the Whisper Aero glider can be flown, “a few hundred feet away from neighborhoods without any disturbances, while carrying a 220 lbs. payload with full range,” which is all kind of ominous in today’s political climate, but still pretty neat from a purely tech perspective.

The TNGO grant follows a separate grant from NASA awarded last year, though that grant aims to develop the eQ250s – not as a propulsion system, but as a key component in future spacecraft ventilation systems.

Tennessee Tech announces TNGO grant

With support from TNECD’s Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO) initiative, Tennessee Tech University and Whisper Aero are partnering to advance next-generation propulsion technology in the aerospace industry. This collaboration will enhance aerospace research and workforce development, ensuring Tennessee remains a leader in cutting-edge mobility solutions.

TNECD

SOURCE | IMAGES: TNECD; via eVTOL Insights, New Atlas.


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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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Tesla Cybertruck owner gets stuck after beliving Elon Musk’s ‘river crossing’ claim

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Tesla Cybertruck owner gets stuck after beliving Elon Musk's 'river crossing' claim

A Tesla Cybertruck owner believed Elon Musk’s claims that the Cybertruck would be able to “act as a boat” and “cross rivers”, and he got his $100,000 stuck because of it.

Elon Musk has often made claims about how Tesla vehicles could float and briefly serve as a boat in the past.

We have never been taken too seriously because Tesla’s warranty states something different about taking the vehicle into water.

However, the CEO doubled down on the claim specifically for the Cybertruck.

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Ahead of launching the production version of the Cybertruck, Musk claimed the vehicle would be “waterproof enough” to serve as a boat and cross rivers:

Cybertruck will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes and even seas that aren’t too choppy.

The CEO added that the goal is for a Cybertruck to be able to cross the water between SpaceX’s Starbase and South Padre Island in Texas, which is about 360 meters (1,100 feet).

We have been taking the Cybertruck more seriously with water because we learned that Tesla built a ‘wade mode’ for the truck to be able to go into the water. Tesla says the mode increases the ride height to the max and temporarily “pressurizes the battery pack.”

The problem is that it is activated through the off-roading mode, which is not covered under Tesla’s warranty – so we are taking everything with a grain of salt.

Whenever Tesla’s warranty contradicts what Musk says, it is better to follow to the warranty.

A Tesla Cybertruck owner in Truckee, California, appears not to have received this sage advice since they activated the wade mode and attempted to get into the water.

The Cybertruck owner quickly got stuck. The local California Highway Patrol (CHP) shared some pictures of the aftermath (via Facebook):

CHP Truckee helped with the recovery and commented on the incident:

Cybertruck activated “Wade Mode”… and waded a bit too far… We’re all for testing boundaries… but maybe not the waterline. Remember folks, “Wade Mode” isn’t “Submarine Mode.” If your plans include exploring the great outdoors, make sure to know your limits and the terrain.

There’s no detail on the damage to the Cybertruck, if any.

As we recently reported, repair costs for the stainless steel electric pickup truck can increase rapidly.

This Cybertruck owner is also not the first one to get stuck in water. We previously reported on a Tesla Cybertruck sinking into the water when launching a jet ski.

Electrek’s Take

At the risk of stating the obvious, this is clearly more of a user error than a Cybertruck problem.

I think the verdict is clear: Cybertruck is far from the best electric pickup truck for off-roading.

However, in general, you shouldn’t expect a truck to get out of water on a muddy bank.

I think a lot of Cybertruck owners are new to trucking and off-roading, and they are making the truck look worse than it is at off-roading.

If you want to take your Cybertruck off-road, I recommend to first go with an off-roading guide that can help avoid some simple mistakes like this.

Also, in general, don’t take Elon Musk’s claims at face value when he says that Tesla vehicles can do something that sounds like an exaggeration. It probably is an exaggeration.

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