New York-based real estate developer LeFrak has installed the largest rooftop solar array on a high-rise multifamily residential building in New Jersey.

The Beach, a 336-unit waterfront rental tower in Jersey City’s Newport neighborhood, now hosts a 180kW, 450-panel rooftop solar system that will offset 13% of the building’s carbon emissions, equivalent to removing 37 gas-powered cars from the road annually. Sunkeeper Solar, a Brooklyn-based solar energy company, installed the nearly $1 million system.

The new rooftop solar offsets energy produced by electrical systems used in The Beach’s common area spaces, including those that power elevators and lighting, as well as cooling and ventilation in the high-rise building’s lobby and amenities. The Beach’s roof design and the building’s orientation optimize the amount of solar power generated by the system.

“Solar makes sense on multi-family buildings, and especially because Jersey City is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, projects like this should become the bar for new development. Going solar saves consumers money, reduces air pollution, and creates a more resilient energy grid – solar is a double green amenity,” said Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey. 

Last year, LeFrak partnered with EV-sharing platform Envoy to offer Newport residents exclusive car-sharing benefits and access to a fleet of on-site electric vehicles, representing Envoy’s first expansion into New Jersey.

Read more: A record $847M raise powers a commercial rooftop solar wave

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It’s official. Kia has now confirmed plans to launch the EV2 next January. The electric SUV will be an even smaller, more affordable model to sit below the EV3.

Kia confirms EV2 will launch in January 2026

Kia is on an EV launch spree. After revealing three new mass-market EV models, the EV3, EV4, and EV5, in October 2023, the Korean automaker is preparing to launch a fourth.

The new lineup is part of Kia’s “EVs for all” strategy, with prices ranging from $30,000 to upwards of $80,000. Kia launched the EV5 in China, starting at around $20,000 (149,800 yuan) in November 2023. Last year, Kia followed it up with the EV3, which is now rolling out in Europe for around $38,000 (36,000 euros).

Kia will introduce the EV4 globally this year, or what it calls “an entirely new type of sedan.” Depending on the market, it’s expected to start at around $30,000 to $40,000 as a potential Tesla Model 3 challenger.

On the company’s Q4 and full-year 2024 earnings call this week, Kia confirmed plans to launch the EV2 in January 2026. The EV2 will be built at its Zilina, Slovakia plant, Kia’s first manufacturing facility in Europe.

Although it was not showcased during its 2023 EV day, Kia CEO Ho-Sung Song told Autocar that the EV2 would go on sale in 2026 with a target price of around $30,000 (£25,000) in Europe. In Korea, prices could start as low as $15,000 (KRW 20 million).

Kia’s CEO stressed that building affordable EVs is “very important” for the brand. It will also help “the European market that is in need of smaller [electric] vehicles too,” Song added.

Ahead of its official debut, the EV2 has been caught in public testing a few times, revealing a Soul-like design. You can expect an exterior look similar to the EV3 and EV5, featuring Kia’s new Opposites United design.

Like other models in the lineup, it’s expected to feature Kia’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system inside. The setup includes a dual 12.3″ driver display and infotainment screens.

Like the EV3 and EV5, the EV2 is expected to be based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, providing over 300 miles (605 km WLTP) of range.

Earlier today, we learned that Kia will launch the EV5 in Canada next year, but not in the US. The EV5 will even include a native NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers. So, for those of you in the US, don’t get too excited. Given the lack of demand for smaller cars, the EV2 is not expected to arrive in the US. Hopefully, Kia will surprise us.

Source: TheKoreanCarBlog, Kia

The Optiq is Cadillac’s new entry-level electric SUV. Starting under $500 a month, it is also the cheapest Cadillac SUV you can lease right now.

Cadillac Optiq arrives as its cheapest SUV to lease

Compared to the larger Escalade IQ, starting at nearly $130,000, the Optiq already looks like a good deal, with starting prices half that at under $55,000.

According to a note sent to dealers this week (via CarsDirect), 2025 Cadillac Optiq lease prices will start at just $489 per month, making it the cheapest Cadillac SUV available for lease.

The Optiq Luxury AWD trim is listed for $489 for 36 months and 10,000 miles per year. With $4,779 due at signing, the monthly effective cost is roughly $622.

In comparison, the 2025 Cadillac XT4 Premium Luxury is available for $549 per month, with $4,119 due at signing. With an effective rate of $663, the Optiq is still the better deal despite being around $12,400 more expensive. Even the electric Lyriq is listed at $569 per month with $4,889 due upfront, or $705 per month.

At 190″ long, 84″ wide (with mirrors), and 65″ tall, the Cadillac Optiq is about the size of a Tesla Model Y (187″ long x 76″ wide x 64″ tall).

Meet the new entry-level EV

Despite its smaller size (compared to the Escalade), the Optiq still has that premium Cadillac feel with advanced tech and “several segment-leading features.”

With a slightly shorter (6″) wheelbase than the Lyriq, the Optiq has a more sporty, agile drive. According to GM’s chief engineer, John Cockburn, “The Ultium Platform allows us to fit enough muscle into a smaller package to provide a thrilling performance.”

With an 85 kWh battery pack, the Optiq has a driving range of up to 302 miles. It can also gain up to 79 miles in 10 minutes with DC fast charging.

Inside, the entry-level SUV features a 33″ LED infotainment screen with 9K resolution, Super Cruise as standard, and “segment-leading” cargo and second-row space.

The Optiq is available in four trims: Luxury 1 or 2 and Sport 1 or 2, starting at $54,390. The top-of-the-line Sport 2 AWD model starts at $57,090. All models are AWD and have a range of up to 302 miles.

Cadillac’s new entry-level electric SUV will spearhead the luxury brand’s overseas expansion. The Optiq will be sold in ten regions, including Europe.

Although the Optiq is a good deal compared to other Cadillac models, it’s not so great compared to luxury rivals. For example, the 2024 Acura ZDX is listed at just $299 for 24 months in some places. With only $2,999 due at signing, the effective monthly rate is just $424.

Are you ready for your next luxury electric SUV? We can help you get started. Check out our links below for deals on popular luxury electric SUVs in your area today.