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This week’s Green Deals are starting with Bluetti’s New Year sale that is seeing up to 57% discounts across a solid lineup of on-the-go and at-home power station setups, with the AC180 1,152Wh LiFePO4 Power Station hitting a new $455 low, among others. MOD’s new and improved Easy SideCar Sahara e-bike that is perfect for riders with furry companions is back down at its $3,499 low. We also have Goal Zero’s Yeti 500 and Yeti 700 Power Stations returning to their lowest rates of $337 and $450, as well as a one-day-only discount on the Greenworks 80V 10-inch Cordless Electric Pole Saw with a 14.5-foot reach at $230. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals can be found in the links at the bottom of the page, like the New Year savings from EcoFlow, Jackery, Rad Power, and more all collected within our Electrified Weekly coverage from over the weekend.

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.

Bluetti is celebrating New Years with a massive sale through January 20 that is saving folks up to 57% off its lineup of backup power solutions, complete with the usual flash sale offers, select members-only pricing, and a 5% sitewide coupon code. With a focus towards travel needs, we spotted the popular AC180 Portable Power Station down at $455.05 shipped, after using the code AFF5OFF at checkout for the additional 5% off. Normally carrying a $999 price tag here, discounts have mainly kept costs between $549 and $649 on average for the last year, with September seeing a drop lower to $499 while October’s Prime Day event saw things go further to the $459. Thanks to the sitewide coupon, you’re standing to save $544 at a new all-time low price.

One of the brand’s most popular units for portable backup power needs, the AC180 brings a 1,152Wh LiFePO4 capacity into the equation that is ready to cover devices and appliances with an 1,800W output that surges up to 2,700W when needed. It offers 11 port options to achieve these means: four ACs, four USB-As, one USB-C, one DC, and even a wireless charging pad. Recharging takes as little as 45 minutes to reach an 80% battery when plugging the station into a wall outlet, or you can get that same recharge in 2.8 to 3.3 hours when utilizing 500W of solar input. You’ll find solar generator bundles for this model starting from $664.05 (using the coupon code) for a 100W panel, with other options for 200W, 350W, and 400W panels on the same page.

***Note: The prices below have not had the 5% sitewide coupon factored in – be sure to use the code AFF5OFF at checkout to score the most savings!

Bluetti New Year sale on-the-go power station deals:

Bluetti New Year sale RV travel bundle deals:

Bluetti New Year sale member-only deals:

Bluetti New Year sale new arrival deals:

There’s plenty more to check out during Bluetti’s New Year sale – particularly the brand’s home backup and accessory deals, as well as the short-term flash sale offers – which you can browse in full on the landing page here.

MOD Easy SideCar Sahara e-bike

MOD’s new and improved Easy SideCar Sahara e-bike is the ultimate ride for those with furry companions at $3,499 low

MOD Bikes’ New Year savings are lasting through January 31, with up to $400 being taken off its lineup of e-bikes. The largest discounts of this sale are hitting the Sidecar-specific models, with the brand’s new Easy SideCar Sahara e-bike coming in at $3,499 shipped. Down from its usual $3,899 rate, we saw it first drop this low back during early Black Friday sales when it first released, with December seeing a slightly higher $3,509 rate. The $400 markdown is returning costs back to the lowest we have tracked, which offers upgraded features over the Easy 3 SideCar model that is matching in price. You can learn more about these e-bikes below or by checking out our hands-on review from last month.

The first big difference you’ll notice on MOD’s new Easy SideCar Sahara e-bike is the new sand-beige colorway that has been inspired by the classic 1940 BMW R 75 Sahara motorcycle, complete with an upgraded dual-crown motorcycle-style suspension on the front fork. The aluminum frame houses a 750W geared hub motor (1,000W peak) paired alongside a 720Wh battery with five levels of torque-sensing PAS supporting the rider.

This combination provides top speeds of 28 MPH and carry you for up to 50 miles on one charge. It shares plenty of stock features with its predecessor, like the 7-speed Shimano ALTUS derailleur, a wide beam LED headlight and integrated LED taillight with brake lighting, hydraulic disc brakes, multi-terrain tires with fenders over each, a snap-on rear cargo rack (that is child seat friendly with a 65-pound payload), a wide saddle, a thumb throttle, a bell, and an S3 smart color display with a USB port.

MOD Easy SideCar Sahara e-bike
MOD Easy SideCar Sahara e-bike

One of the biggest changeups with this model is the expansion upon its sidecar, with things being extended slightly further from the bike’s frame, as well as being equipped with two headlights, a taillight, a detachable seat/seatbelt, and a small cargo rack on top. Pet owners will appreciate the continued effort made for animal companions, as the backside of the sidecar has been given a doggie door, allowing easier loading and unloading of your furry passengers, especially older animals who may struggle to climb over the sides.

More MOD New Year sale e-bike discounts:

goal zero yeti 500 and yeti 700 power stations

Get Goal Zero’s 499Wh Yeti 500 or 677Wh Yeti 700 power stations at return Black Friday lows from $337

Through its official Amazon storefront, Goal Zero is offering its Yeti 500 and Yeti 700 Portable Power Stations back at their lowest prices for $336.89 shipped and $449.89 shipped. These two models at full price would normally cost you $450 and $600, respectively, with these same low rates last seen during Black Friday sales. Today, you’ve got an opportunity to score $113 off the Yeti 500 and $150 off the Yeti 700 at the all-time lowest prices we have tracked. There’s even an option to bundle the Yeti 700 with a 100W solar panel for $587, down from $800.

With these sixth-generation power stations from Goal Zero you’ll ensure personal devices and small appliances get the power they need during camping trips, tailgating parties, and much more. While they share most of the same designs and features, the difference between these models comes in their battery capacities (Yeti 500 offers 499Wh, Yeti 700 offers 677Wh) and output power levels (Yeti 500 provides 500W surging to 1,000W and the Yeti 700 provides 600W surging to 1,000W).

They’ve been equipped with fast-charging tech, allowing a wall outlet to recharge the Yeti 500 in 90 minutes while the Yeti 700 takes a little longer at under two hours. Your small appliance and device charging needs are covered by the two AC ports, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, plus the bonus car port – and both can be hooked up to a solar panel with a max input level of 200W, with recharging ranging from 2.9 hours to 4 hours, depending on your model.

greenworks 80V 10-inch cordless electric pole saw

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Greenworks 80V 10-inch Cordless Electric Pole Saw for $229.99 shipped through the rest of the day only. It normally posts up at its $300 price tag most of the time, but until midnight tonight, you can score $70 off that going rate. We last saw it at a lower price back in December 2023 when it fell to the $200 low, but you can score it today for your lawncare arsenal at the second-lowest price we have tracked.

Light and heavy-duty trimming jobs are made easier with this Greenworks 80V 10-inch pole saw. Thanks to the three-piece shaft, it provides a 14.5-foot reach and comes with a TRUBRUSHLESS motor that is the equivalent of a 25cc gas motor. The included 2Ah battery ensures up to 90 cuts on one 30-minute charge and can be interchanged with the brand’s other batteries for extended use. The trigger start tosses out the hassle of dealing with pull strings, with speed controls for comfortable cutting at your preferred pace and an automatic oiler to keep the chain lubricated and running.

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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Tesla’s ‘more affordable’ Model Y spotted uncamouflaged on highway

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October 3, 2025

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Tesla's 'more affordable' Model Y spotted uncamouflaged on highway

What looks to be Tesla’s long-rumored “more affordable model” has been spotted testing on a highway, without any camouflage. But before you get too excited, it’s just a Model Y with some cheaper parts – and a price that’s not much different than we’ve seen on other Teslas.

For many years, Tesla had planned to build a much more affordable vehicle, starting around $25k. This vehicle was nicknamed the “Model 2,” and would have offered the most affordable entry point into the EV market, at least in the West.

But that project was abruptly canceled by Tesla CEO Elon Musk as first reported by Reuters and immediately denied by Musk. Reuters was later shown to be correct in its report, as many who follow Tesla might have expected, given Musk’s constant overpromising (and often outright lies).

In its place, Tesla started offering vague promises about “more affordable models,” starting in its Q1 report in April 2024. Tesla later specified that these would enter production in the first half of 2025.

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The language Tesla used suggested that the cheaper vehicles would be new models, which means more than one model, and not just based on a current Tesla model. But we reported that this was unlikely to be the case, and that the new models would just be a stripped-down Model Y.

The first-half deadline Tesla set came and went, but on Tesla’s Q2 call, it said that “first builds” were produced in June. On the same call, Musk said that the “new affordable model” is… the Model Y.

We first saw the “more affordable” Model Y out and about in Chinese spy shots, which included exterior videos and even a peek at the interior. However, in those spy shots, the front and rear of the vehicle were covered with camouflage, suggesting that there would be some changes in those areas Tesla didn’t want to leak yet.

Tesla doesn’t seem to mind those leaks anymore (especially after a low-res website leak), as a Model Y was spotted driving on the highway with no camouflage whatsoever, offering a look into what Tesla was hiding underneath those covers.

The pictures were posted to reddit by Fantastic_Train_7270, and show a Model Y with Florida manufacturer plates.

The nicely clear front end photos show that the car is missing the front light bar that was added with the Juniper refresh, instead reverting to separate headlights – though both are quite narrow, like the headlights on the Juniper.

The rear end is also missing its light bar, instead replaced by a horizontal black line. The line does not have the “T E S L A” badging, as the Juniper refresh has.

The model also has new aerodynamic wheels, which should help add a little range (and may make up for a smaller battery pack, though we don’t have information yet on whether battery size is part of the decontenting associated with the “more affordable” model).

Other than the lack of light bars, the front and rear look quite similar to the Juniper refresh. However, one concerning detail is that the rear trunk lid does not seem to fit snugly into the place it’s supposed to fit, instead encroaching onto the top of the plastic rear fascia.

We don’t know what might have caused this, but we do know that we’ve seen Model Ys with poor color matching on body panels before – but that’s a lot less of a problem than a body panel that seems to be misaligned by the better part of an inch, visible from a longish distance shot on a highway.

Of course, it’s just a prototype, but this is also the reason prototypes have camouflage, so the public can’t see fiddly bits like this ahead of release.

While these photos don’t show us anything of the interior, information from a recent software update gives us some hints as to what has been removed. In addition to removing the glass roof, coat hooks and 8″ rear screen (as could be seen in the Chinese spy shots), the software update suggests that the Model Y will have no ambient LED lights, single-axis seat controls, and simpler air vents.

The fact that this vehicle was spotted without camouflage, alongside the fact that this vehicle has shown up in recent software updates, suggests that release may be imminent. We had expected that it might be released in China first as has been the case with some other Tesla models lately, but the vehicle’s presence on US roads means that it might see a release here soon too.

And if it is releasing soon, it would be at an important time. Tesla just had its first positive sales quarter in some time, but that was primarily due to the expiration of the $7,500 US EV tax credit, which pulled forward demand. That means Teslas are now going to be $7,500 more expensive for US buyers, as of yesterday. So anything Tesla can do to cut prices will be a big deal.

We don’t know for certain how much cheaper the “more affordable” Model Y will be, but estimates (and a leak) suggest a base price of $40k – so, a savings of $5k over the current $45k base price, or $2,500 under the current base price of the Model 3, neither of which are as low as the lowest prices we’ve seen Teslas sell for before. Quite a far shout from the actually affordable $25,000 car we were all promised for so long.

Also, that price would still be a $2,500 price increase compared to the deal which was available just two days ago, before tax credit expiry. And Tesla has its own CEO to thank for that price hike, given he unwisely spent $200 million campaigning for the anti-EV forces that are now making his company’s products less affordable.

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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EV Apocalypse PART TWO | BMW and Jeep deals, Tesla shareholder revolt

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5 hours ago

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October 3, 2025

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EV Apocalypse PART TWO | BMW and Jeep deals, Tesla shareholder revolt

On today’s surprising episode of Quick Charge, Tesla had its first good sales quarter in a while as the EV tax credit expiration spiked demand, but a number of big shareholders still want Elon gone! Press play to find out why!

We’re also highlighting new EV deals from BMW and Jeep – but it’s not all rosy news for Stellantis’ EV fans. The eagerly anticipated, ultra-fast Banshee edition may never see the light of day.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Climate XChange, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies. The nonprofit just kicked off its 10th annual EV raffle, where participants have multiple opportunities to win their dream EV.

Visit CarbonRaffle.org/Electrek to learn more!

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Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, 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.

Got news? Let us know!
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.


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OpenAI’s Sora 2 is putting safety and censorship to the test with stunningly real videos

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5 hours ago

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October 3, 2025

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OpenAI's Sora 2 is putting safety and censorship to the test with stunningly real videos

OpenAI's Sora 2 sparks AI 'slop' backlash

Fresh off a $6.6 billion share sale that made it the world’s most valuable private company, OpenAI’s TikTok-style video app, powered by its new artificial intelligence model, Sora 2, is going viral.

Despite the gated release that requires an invite code, the video creation tool has already shot to the number three spot on Apple‘s App Store and sparked a wave of deepfakes, including a viral clip of CEO Sam Altman shoplifting GPUs.

Internally, the rollout has reignited a long-running debate inside OpenAI about how to balance safety with creative freedom.

A person familiar with internal strategy at the company said leadership views strict guardrails as essential, but also worries about stifling creativity or being perceived as censoring too much.

That tension remains unresolved.

OpenAI’s culture has long favored speed, often shipping new tools ahead of rivals and letting the public adapt in real time.

One former employee, who asked not to be named to discuss internal matters, told CNBC that during their tenure, OpenAI leadership had a pattern of prioritizing fast launches. That strategy was on full display after China’s DeepSeek released a powerful model at the end of last year that was cheaper and faster to build than anything out of Silicon Valley.

OpenAI responded within weeks, debuting two new models in what was widely viewed as a defensive move to preserve its lead.

But OpenAI has a key advantage: Its growing institutional muscle.

Once a scrappy research lab in San Francisco’s Mission District, the company has since become more structured, enabling it to spin up cross-functional teams more quickly and accelerate the development and deployment cycles for products like Sora.

OpenAI said Sora includes multiple layers of safeguards meant to prevent unsafe content from being generated, using prompt filtering and output moderation across video frames and audio transcripts. It bans explicit content, terrorist propaganda, and material promoting self-harm. The app also uses watermarks and bans likeness impersonation.

But some users have already found ways to skirt those protections.

Sora 2, the AI model powering OpenAI’s app, is a sharp improvement over the first version. The new system generates longer, more coherent clips that look strikingly real.

Multiple viral videos feature Altman after he granted permission for his likeness to be used on the platform, while others depict popular cartoon characters like Pikachu and SpongeBob SquarePants in unsettling roles.

The content has fueled criticism that OpenAI is once again moving faster than its own guardrails. Its use of copyrighted material — unless rights holders opt out — is consistent with the company’s current policy, though that approach is being challenged in court.

Altman has brushed off concerns, saying in a post on X that Sora is as much about transparency — showing the public what the technology can do — as it is about building commercial momentum to fund OpenAI’s broader ambitions around artificial general intelligence.

The launch comes amid intensifying competition. Meta rolled out Vibes last week, a new short-form AI video feed inside its Meta AI app. Google has Veo 3, while ByteDance and Alibaba have also debuted rival systems.

OpenAI, meanwhile, just committed to fresh spending of $850 billion, deepening its push into infrastructure and next-gen models.

OpenAI hits milestone $500 billion valuation

Experts say the push into video isn’t just about drawing more users into the ecosystem with another sticky consumer app.

Professor Hao Li, a leading expert in video synthesis, told CNBC that most AI systems today are still trained on linguistic data like books and internet text. But to move toward general intelligence, he said, models need to learn from visual and audio information, much like a baby discovers the world through sight.

“We use AI to generate content to then train another model to perform better,” he said.

Li added that his lab already uses AI-generated video to enhance model performance, feeding synthetic data back into the system.

It’s part of a broader trend among researchers who see video generation as a way to simulate reality and help models reason more like humans.

Former OpenAI executive Zack Kass, whose forthcoming book “The Next Renaissance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential” explores the societal implications of artificial intelligence, echoed that view.

On the broader question of how model makers should approach deployment, Kass argued that the trade-offs of releasing powerful technology early are worth it.

“There are two alternatives to building in the open: Not building at all, or building privately. And those alternatives, to me, are worse,” he told CNBC. “If we have a groundbreaking technology, I think people should know about it and use it so that we can all update to it.”

WATCH: OpenAI cements status as the world’s most valuable private company

OpenAI cements status as the world's most valuable private company

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