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European automakers are reducing prices on EVs while raising prices on their ICE models, all in hopes of avoiding hefty fines as the European Union’s new emissions rules tighten at the beginning of 2025.

On January 1, the EU will drastically lower its cap on automotive CO2 emissions, meaning at least 20% of all sales from most car companies must be electric models to avoid heavy fines, Reuters reports. This year, 13% of all new cars sold in the region have been electric, according to the ACEA.

“The gap is really big,” Marc Mortureux, the director of French car lobby PFA, told Reuters. He added that companies are now tasked with selling more EVs “at a time when political and economic uncertainties and declining EV subsidies are deterring sales.”  

The fact of the matter is that automakers could be potentially forced to pay billions in fines – as much as $16.4 billion – if emission limits aren’t reached. BMW and Mercedes are on track to meet those targets this year, but Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Renault are at risk of coming up short, according to Bloomberg analysis. Of course, Tesla has its emissions credits up for grabs to help work around those fines.

In 2023, EU countries approved a landmark law that requires all new cars to have zero CO2 emissions from 2035. As of April 2023, new car fleets sold in the EU have a CO2 emission limit of 95 grams, while vans must not exceed 147 grams CO2/km. Rules will tighten again in 2025, as new cars are limited to 93.5 g CO2/km and vans at 153.9 g CO2/km. In 2030, limits will get stricter, leading to a ban on CO2 emissions on new cars and vans sold in the EU from 2035. Hence, as we get closer to that date, panic among legacy automakers is setting in.

Meanwhile, VW, Stellantis, and Renault Group have bumped prices of ICE models by a few hundred euros in the last two months, according to Reuters, in an effort to make the pricier EV models that much more appealing.

Last month, Stellantis’s Peugeot brand also increased prices of its ICE model by as much as €500, and Renault is tacking on €300 to the gas-powered Clio SCE 65, but kept prices of hybrid versions unchanged. VW slashed the price of its ID3 in several markets, dropping the price to below €30,000 in Germany.

Still, a source told Reuters that this approach could backfire. Increasing ICE prices could close the gap with pricier EVs, but may not generate enough EV sales overall. “In reality, increasing the price of thermal engine cars means cutting production,” the source said, “and all the value chain and suppliers will suffer from this.”

European automakers are also dealing with excess capacity due to slower sales and pressure from Chinese automakers launching low-priced models in the region. In a sign of just how bad things are, Stellantis’s CEO Carlos Tavares abruptly stepped down this month, and Volkswagen is plowing ahead with budget cuts as it faces worker strikes in Germany. Still, it’s estimated that VW will have to pay the biggest fines, but advocacy group Transport & Environment has stated that overall the fines are likely to be much lower than the feared €15-plus billion and closer to €1 billion.

Photo credit: Volkswagen Group


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China’s wind + solar revolution is shaking up the global energy game

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China’s wind + solar revolution is shaking up the global energy game

China’s clean energy surge is starting to transform the world’s energy systems, according to Ember’s “China Energy Transition Review 2025.” The report shows that China’s massive investments in solar, wind, storage, and electrification are cutting fossil fuel use at home while sending clean tech around the globe.

Between 2015 and 2023, fossil fuel use in China’s final energy consumption fell by 1.7% across buildings, industry, and transport, while electricity use rose by 65%. In power generation, fossil output dropped 2% in the first half of 2025 year-over-year, while wind and solar generation soared 16% and 43%, respectively. In the 12 months to June 2025, wind and solar generated more electricity than hydro, nuclear, and bioenergy for the first time. Just four years earlier, they produced only half as much.

This momentum is being fueled by record investment. In 2024 alone, China invested $625 billion in clean energy – 31% of the global total – with major expansions in storage and grids. That money doubled wind and solar capacity in China between 2021 and 2024 to 1,400 GW and tripled battery storage to nearly 95 GW. Grid spending also hit $85 billion last year, making integrating renewables and cutting curtailment easier.

As of 2023, electricity made up 32.4% of China’s final energy consumption, and it rises by about one percentage point per year. It’s the biggest source in buildings (39%) and industry (31%), overtaking coal in the latter sector for the first time in 2023.

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Ember’s analysts say the transformation is deeply baked into China’s economy. Clean energy isn’t just about climate goals – it’s cheaper, more secure, and a foundation for future competitiveness. In 2024, clean energy investment and production contributed $1.9 trillion to the national economy – about a tenth of China’s GDP, equal to Australia’s entire economy.

Globally, China’s clean energy boom is reshaping markets: the country makes 80% of the world’s solar panels and 60% of its wind turbines, while leading exports of EVs, batteries, and heat pumps. It’s also filing three out of every four clean energy patents worldwide. That flood of tech has pushed costs down, letting emerging economies leapfrog straight into clean power systems. In fact, in 2024, a quarter of emerging economies sourced more of their final energy from electricity than the US, and nearly two-thirds generated a higher share from solar.

This shift spells trouble for fossil fuel exporters. China’s energy-related fossil fuel consumption will likely keep falling as electrification accelerates and exports of cheap clean tech grow. For decades, China was the main driver of global fossil demand. “Now, as its own consumption peaks and begins to decline, and as its clean energy exports scale globally, it is set to tip the balance, turning a long era of rising global demand into the start of structural decline,” said Sam Butler-Sloss, manager at Ember.

Still, Ember warns, the future of global fossil fuel demand isn’t set in stone. Rapidly growing economies outside the OECD could still offset China’s declines unless clean technologies scale just as quickly there.

But China’s case is proof of concept. “It shows what’s possible when long-term vision meets coordinated action,” said His Excellency Dr Suwit Khunkitti, Thailand’s former deputy prime minister. “It proves that decarbonization can go hand in hand with industrial upgrading, job creation, and improved quality of life.”

Read more: H1 2025: China installs more solar than rest of the world combined


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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. It has 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 Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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Tesla market share drops, Mercedes, BMW, and VW drop all-new EVs

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Tesla market share drops, Mercedes, BMW, and VW drop all-new EVs

On today’s episode of Quick Charge, the Germans are rolling out a raft of great-looking new EVs with great range, fast charging, and competitive price tags. Meanwhile, Tesla’s US market share has sunk to near record lows. As punishment, Elon’s getting a trillion-dollar raise.

Mercedes and BMW each have a fresh take on the electric crossover with more than 400 miles of range and VW has a new affordable EV on tap, too. Plus, I talk you through the ins and outs of some of my favorite toys: the 10×10 Siesta Dock XL from Retrospec and the all-electric, go-anywhere John Deere TE 4×2 Gator UTV.

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (most weeks, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news.

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Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.


If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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. It has 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 Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 station launches from $429, Rad Power RadWagon 4 extra battery bundle $649 off, EcoFlow flash sale, more

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Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 station launches from 9, Rad Power RadWagon 4 extra battery bundle 9 off, EcoFlow flash sale, more

We’re kicking off this week’s Green Deals with the official launch of Anker’s new SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station starting from $429. Right behind it we have a spotlight on Rad Power’s RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike extra battery bundle for $1,599 that is part of the brand’s ongoing Fall Savings Sale, as well as EcoFlow’s latest 48-hour flash sale on four units, with the DELTA Pro 440W solar bundle hitting a new $1,899 low. There’s also new and returning low prices hitting EGO’s 56V 15-inch trimmer and 670 CFM blower bundle, Greenworks’ commercial-grade earth auger, and more waiting for you below. Plus, there are all the hangover deals from last week collected at the bottom of the page in our latest Electrified Weekly roundup coverage.

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.

Anker’s new SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 LiFePO4 power station arrives with launch discounts starting from $429

Anker SOLIX is starting the week off with the official launch of its newest SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station at $449 shipped for those who didn’t jump on the pre-sale savings discount that takes things down to $429 shipped – which you should have received via email. Outside of these launch prices, this new unit will fetch $799 at full price, with it not yet available on Amazon. It was first unveiled and opened to its preorder promotion three weeks ago, which entailed simply signing up directly on the brand’s website to receive the emailed promo code. For those who missed the chance, you’re still looking at a solid 44% markdown that cuts $350 off the tag straight out of the gate. There’s also an option to bundle the station with a water-resistant protective bag at $529 shipped, down from $899, as well as some solar panels and discounted accessories available on the same listing page.

The second generation of one of Anker’s popular camping-focused models, which gives folks an ample LiFePO4 battery to cover devices/appliances during short-term power failures and off-grid trips, Anker’s SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 station comes with a more compact 1,024Wh capacity over the predecessor’s 1,056Wh capacity. On the flip side, its output potential has increased up to 2,000W (surging up to 3,000W), and comes with 10 varying ports to cover your bases: five AC ports, two 140W USB-C ports, one 15W USB-C port, one 12W USB-A port, and one 120W car port.

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Recharging the SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 station’s own battery is done via the usual methods you’d expect, but with some notable improvements, like the faster 49-minute charging time to a full battery when plugged into a standard AC outlet. There are also the options to utilize a gas generator, connect panels up to its max 600W solar input, use an AC outlet and solar input simultaneously, or plug into your car’s auxiliary port. There’s plenty more in-depth information you can get by checking out our thorough launch coverage of this new model here.

stylized picture of Rad Power's RadWagon 4 cargo e-bike for fall sale

As part of Rad Power’s ongoing Fall Savings Sale, which we saw pop up last week to offer multiple extra battery e-bike bundles, including on the new RadRunner series, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the brand’s popular RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike that is also getting an extra battery at $1,599 shipped. The e-bike alone would cost you $1,799 at full price, which we’ve seen dropping down to $1,599 and $1,499 in 2025. While this is the second-best price of the year, you are also getting the 10Ah Safe Shield Battery ($449 value) for free, making it one of the best savings opportunities we’ve tracked this year – just be sure to add both the e-bike and the battery to your cart for the discount to be applied automatically.

If you want to learn more about this model’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here, while the full lineup of Rad Power’s Fall Savings Sale can be browsed here.

man pulling EcoFlow DELTA pro power station out of truck bed

EcoFlow’s latest 48-hour flash sale drops DELTA Pro 440W solar bundle to new $1,899 low, more from $709

As part of its ongoing September Home Backup Sale running through to next week, EcoFlow has launched a 48-hour flash sale that is taking up to 62% off four units, though sadly, these are not benefitting from any extra savings codes. Among the four offers, we spotted the DELTA Pro Portable Power Station bundled with two 220W solar panels for $1,899 shipped, which beats out Amazon’s pricing by $300. This package usually goes for $4,997 at full price without any discounts, though it’s more often kept down around a $3,999 starting price at Amazon, with discounts having dropped costs as low as $2,199 there, while we’ve seen it dip lower to $2,089 with bonus savings in past sales directly from the brand’s website. You’re looking at a lower-than-ever price for the next two days, cutting $2,100 off the going rate ($3,098 off the MSRP) for the lowest price we have tracked. Head below for more on this model and the other 48-hour flash offers, and if you want the above station on its own, check out the new promotional low price you can score here through the coming weeks.

If you want to learn more about this solar bundle’s capabilities, as well as the other flash offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 48-hour flash sale here.

EGO Power+ 56V Cordless 15-inch string trimmer and 670 CFM leaf blower combo

Shape and clear weeds with EGO’s 56V cordless 15-inch trimmer and 670 CFM blower combo at $320 low

Amazon is offering a second chance at the best price on the newer EGO Power+ bundle that gives you a 56V Cordless 15-inch String Trimmer and Cordless 670 CFM Leaf Blower with a 4.0Ah battery at $319.99 shipped. This combo kit first hit Amazon back at the top of March and has since been seen ranging from $370 to $410 when at full price. We’ve seen discounts take things down to this $320 low in April, while June saw the price stay at a raised rate, which only dropped to $330 for July’s Prime Day event and the following week. Now, the low price is coming back around, with the 22% markdown here cutting up to $90 off the going rate.

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

man using Greenworks 82V earth auger to drill hole in yard

Building decks, fences, and more can start with Greenworks’ 82V cordless earth auger at a new $326 low

Amazon is now offering the Greenworks 82V Cordless Earth Auger with 4.0Ah battery and dual-port charger at $326.49 shipped, which beats out the pricing direct from the brand’s website by $174. While it carries an $800 MSRP direct from the brand, it starts off at $600 at Amazon, which we’ve seen keeping between $466 and $546 with most discounts, though there was a fall to $350 back in July. Today’s deal comes in as a larger-than-ever 46% markdown that cuts $274 off the tag for the best and lowest price we have tracked to date.

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

NexLawn's Master X Series Concept robot lawn mower with arm holding ball in grass field

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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