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Closing out this week’s Green Deals, we have a notable changeup in Lectric’s ongoing Presidents’ Day sale, with the XP 3.0 Long-Range e-bikes getting a price cut to a new $1,139 low along with the $563 in free gear too. We also have secured our readers an early-bird pre-sale offer on Anker’s new 58L SOLIX EverFrost 2 Electric Cooler with free gear at $809. Next, we spotted GE’s Smart Indoor Smoker dropping to a new $499 low while Jackery’s Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station is keeping to its $999 rate despite its recent Tax Season sale ending. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s new low price on Tenways’ 8-speed CGO600 Pro e-bike, the 4-day EcoFlow flash sale, 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.

Lectric cuts prices on XP 3.0 long-range e-bikes to new $1,139 low along with $563 in free gear

As its Presidents’ Day sale continues through March 1, Lectric has made a slight change to things by cutting the price on its XP 3.0 Long-Range e-bikes to $1,139 shipped along with the $563 in free bundled gear. All-in-all, this package would normally cost you $1,762, with this being up towards the higher end of bundle sizes we’ve seen. The additional $60 being cut off the bike’s price is also a nice surprise, dropping things to a new all-time low price. Along with your e-bike, you’ll be getting a wider saddle, a suspension seat post, steel-encased front and rear baskets, an Elite headlight, an accordion-style bike lock, a 40L storage bag, and a cargo net.

The top-selling e-bike in America, Lectric’s XP 3.0 Long-Range e-bikes, can be seen all over the place here in NYC, which makes sense given its affordable capabilities. The 500W motor (1,000W peak) comes paired with a 48V battery and is supported by both PAS and the brand’s PWR Programming, providing up to 65 miles of travel on one charge at top speeds of 20 to 28 MPH, depending on local laws. Of course, there is a throttle here if you want to go all-electric, just keep in mind that the travel range will get cut down around 30 miles.

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Alongside all the listed free gear you’ll be getting, there’s a bunch of solid stock features too, like the integrated rear cargo rack (which the basket connects to), puncture-resistant tires, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes, a foldable body, an LCD display, and more. You’ll have three color options that tie in with the frame designs: the black step-over model, a black step-thru model, and a white step-thru model.

Be sure to check out the full lineup of Lectric’s Presidents’ Day sale here while the $654 savings are lasting, including the largest package we see accompany the new XPeak 2.0 Off-Road e-bikes. There’s also an ongoing clearance sale on the predecessor XPeak 1.0 Off-Road e-bike that comes with $727 in free gear (including an extra battery).

Anker EverFrost 2 Electric Cooler

Save $350 before anyone else on Anker’s new 58L SOLIX EverFrost 2 Cooler at $809 (Reg. $1,099) + FREE gear

We have secured 9to5 readers an early savings pre-sale offer at Wellbots on the new 58L Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 Electric Cooler for $809 shipped. This all-new model is hitting the market today carrying a $1,099 price tag, with shipping not slated to begin until next month. This deal ensures you’ll be getting the latest piece of portable smart coolers while putting $290 back in your pocket. What’s more, you’ll also be getting free Road Trip accessories along with the cooler, including a cup holder, a knife holder, and a fishing rod holder that seems to attach to the body of the device ($60 value).

This new SOLIX EverFrost 2 cooler from Anker is the largest among the three (with the others being 23L and 40L models) and the only one to sport two independent compartments – one for refrigeration, the other for freezing, with everything monitored and controlled through the companion app. Whereas the first generation coolers used direct cooling systems, this model has been upgraded to utilize air-cooled refrigeration, improving temperature uniformity with no more need for manual defrosting while also making the speed by which it cools all the faster – 18 minutes in its eco/smart mode and 15 minutes in max mode.

Another standout feature about this model’s design is that it is the only one with the capability to hold and run off two 288Wh batteries at once, providing up to a 39-hour continuous runtime for the single-battery configuration in eco mode and up to a 78-hour runtime for dual batteries. And don’t think these battery’s usage is limited to the cooler, as they can be disconnected and repurposed as power banks, each delivering a 60W USB-C and a 12W USB-A ports to top off your devices and personal gadgets.

To recharge the batteries, you’ll have four options to choose from: connect its 100W maximum solar input to harness the sun’s rays, or plug it into either a standard wall outlet, USB-C connection, or a 12V car port. All the models in this series carry an IPX3 water-resistance rating, cause let’s face it, these will likely be great companions to the beach, lake, or other swimming hole come summertime. Following in the footsteps – or should I say tracks – of its predecessors, it also sports a body with wheels, albeit larger 6-inch ones that better roll over semi-rough terrain, as well as a fold-down tray that doubles as a handle to pull it along wherever you end up.

GE Smart Indoor Smoker

GE’s smart indoor smoker lets you enjoy BBQ without setting off alarms at new $499 low

Amazon is currently cutting the price in half on the GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker that is now down at $499 shipped. This model released at the top of last year carrying a $999 price tag, with most of the discounts we’ve seen in the time since keeping things above $700, though we did see it drop as low as $599 during Black Friday and Christmas sales and one single period of it down at $550 in July. You can upgrade your kitchen today with a larger-than-ever 50% markdown, which saves you $500 at a new all-time low price.

This smart countertop alternative has been a popular option among my friends – especially once the Texan-born member of our circle grabbed one for his Coney Island apartment, making up for the fact that he had no outdoor space for a traditional smoker. You don’t have to worry about setting off smoke alarms here thanks to the Active Smoke Filtration system that converts wood smoke into warm air, channeling it through the main chamber and into your favorite foods. There are two heat sources – one for burning wood pellets, the other for actual cooking – as well as six preset options for brisket, pork ribs, pork butt, chicken wings, chicken breast, and salmon, so don’t worry about having professional pit master skills.

Speaking just on its smoking capabilities, it has five adjustable controls ranging from infusing mild hints of flavor all the way to full-on rich and robust smoky satisfaction that can be tasted through your sense of smell alone. With the SmartHQ app, you’ll have total remote smart controls so you can manage longer-timed cooking periods, even when you’re away from home, with it even allowing for hands-free voice controls via Alexa or Google Assistant.

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 portable power station

You can still grab Jackery’s Explorer 2000 v2 LiFePO4 power station for your backup needs at $999

Jackery’s official Amazon storefront is offering its Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station for $999 shipped. Normally costing you $1,499 at full price, if you missed out on the brand’s recent Tax Season sale, this is your chance to score it at the same rate we saw there. It’s only fallen lower during Black Friday and Cyber Monday when things hit $899, though we haven’t seen those same rates reappear since. Today’s deal gives you the second-lowest price we have tracked, giving you one of the brand’s latest releases while saving $500 in the process. You can even find it matching in price direct from Jackery’s website right now too.

Whether you’re planning to use it for outdoor work, DIY jobs, covering camping sites, or just want a reliable means to keep essentials running during emergencies and blackouts, Jackery’s Explorer 2000 v2 tackles it all with a 2,042Wh LiFePO4 battery and a 2,200W output through its seven ports (peaking to 4,400W). Thanks to Jackery’s honeycomb design paired alongside exclusive CBT tech, it comes in a much smaller and lighter form factor than you may expect, complete with 62 different forms of charging protections and a silent mode for when you plug it in while you sleep.

You’ll be able to get it back to an 80% battery capacity in around 66+ minutes when plugging it into a wall outlet, though if you’re rushing to meet last-minute plans, the supercharge feature gives you a full battery in 102+ minutes. You can even plug it into your car’s auxiliary port for a 24-hour charge, or invest in solar panels to utilize the sun’s rays to refill the battery. On that note, there’s the option to grab the power station with two 200W solar panels for $1,599, down from $2,499.

If you want a similarly updated new model but want it in a smaller package, the brand’s Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station is down at $495.38 shipped right now too, after clipping the on-page 38% off coupon. It comes with the same array of protections, a 1,070Wh LiFePO4 capacity, and a 1,500W output (peaking to 3,000W). Like the above model, there are seven ports to utilize, plus a similar emergency charging feature that gets it to full via a wall outlet in just one hour.

Best New Year 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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Volkswagen’s new electric SUV looks like a major upgrade, but there’s a catch

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August 18, 2025

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Volkswagen's new electric SUV looks like a major upgrade, but there's a catch

Volkswagen-new-EV-SUV

With an expected debut in less than a month, we are finally getting our first look at the new Volkswagen T-Roc. Volkswagen’s popular SUV is going electric, but it will be the first to use a unique new Toyota-like powertrain. Here’s what to expect.

Volkswagen’s new SUV to debut as an EV, HEV, or both

The T-Roc was Volkswagen’s second most popular SUV globally last year, following the Tiguan. VW confirmed earlier this year that the “new generation of the T-Roc arrives in 2025,” and now we are finally getting our first glimpse of it.

Volkswagen previewed the new T-Roc for the first time on Monday, revealing its sleek new design that almost looks like a Porsche from the side.

According to Autocar, the second-gen T-Roc will be the first to use Volkswagen’s new full-hybrid powertrain. Like the Toyota Prius, it will utilize a gas engine and an electric motor, which can operate simultaneously.

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It will be the brand’s first production vehicle to feature the new powertrain. CEO Thomas Schäfer explained that VW is “experimenting now because certain regions are gliding into HEVs.”

Although we know Volkswagen’s new EV SUV is set to launch globally, including Europe and South America, will it arrive in the US? It’s a possibility. Schäfer added, “Interestingly enough, HEV has also become a big theme in the US specifically.”

Several automakers are shifting to hybrids in the US as “a bridge” to fully electric vehicles, including Ford, Honda, and Toyota.

Volkswagen-new-EV-SUV
Volkswagen ID.2X electric SUV (Source: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen’s chief said the company will “see where it makes sense” to add more hybrids to its lineup, adding “we’re not going to double everything up; we will have PHEV and HEV models.”

The hybrid system will not be featured on every new model based on the platform, a VW official told Autocar, but it will be used for the new-generation Golf and Tiguan models.

Volkswagen is expected to unveil the new T-Roc at the Munich Motor Show in Germany, starting on September 9. We will also likely get our first official look at the upcoming ID.2X SUV (previewed above). More details, including full powertrain specs and pricing, will be revealed closer to launch.

What do you think of the new design?

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XCMG XCS65K: it takes big machines to build big battery projects [video]

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August 18, 2025

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XCMG XCS65K: it takes big machines to build big battery projects [video]

XCMG launches 65-tonne reach stacker for energy storage projects

The heavy equipment experts at XCMG have launched what they’re calling a “world’s first” 70 ton reach stacker designed specifically to support the construction of large, utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.

Battery energy density is getting better, but that just means more kWh per lb. of battery. Batteries are still incredibly heavy, and the massive BESS projects that help support the grid, create a market for second life EV batteries, and create a market for excess renewable energy that would otherwise be curtailed require the precise and controlled placement of thousands of tons of batteries. The problem is that, while heavy equipment assets like telehandlers and excavators can get the job done, they aren’t built for that sort of work. That’s inefficient – and, with more than $100 billion worth of BESS projects set to come online in just the next five years, that’s a lot of room for process improvement.

The new XCMG XCS65K 65 tonne (70 ton, in imperial units) reach stacker is specifically designed to meet the logistics needs of large- and utility-scale storage projects, combining precise controls, specialized implements, and five-layer stacking capacity with advanced safety technologies to offer construction fleets a serious upgrade.

“The XCMG XCS65K is not just an upgrade; it’s the core driver of efficient delivery in large-scale energy storage projects,” explains Miao Fei, Deputy General Manager of XCMG Port Machinery. “With its unparalleled lifting capacity and precision, we’re solving the industry’s most challenging logistics challenges.”

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XCMG XCS65K features a high-precision micro motion system that provides millimeter-precise load control, an AI-powered anti-roll technology that instantly adjusts to varying load conditions, 360 degree panoramic imaging, and intelligent braking, ensuring safe operation in complex working environments, keeping the human workers in and around the machine safe, too.

The XCS65K received Chinese certification in April, and is now available globally. XCMG reports that customers have already reported significant improvements in operating efficiencies and turnaround times since deploying the new reach stacker.

Electrek’s Take

China-based XCMG gained popularity (on this site, at least) because of its deployment of battery-swap technology in heavy equipment like dozers, haul trucks, and the XE215 excavator. These quiet, vibration-free electric equipment assets are moving thousands of tons of dirt every day, proving that HDEVs can get the job done, on and off highway – and now, they’re helping reinforce the electrical grid, too.

SOURCE | IMAGES: XCMG, via Makina Market.

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Google, Kairos Power plan advanced nuclear plant for Tennessee Valley Authority grid by 2030

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August 18, 2025

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Google, Kairos Power plan advanced nuclear plant for Tennessee Valley Authority grid by 2030

Lenoir City, Tennessee, Electrical transmission equipment at the Fort Loudoun Dam, operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Jim West | UCG | Universal Images Group | Getty Images

Alphabet’s Google and Kairos Power will deploy an advanced nuclear plant connected to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s electric grid by 2030, the companies announced Monday.

TVA has agreed to purchase up to 50 megawatts of power from Kairos’ Hermes 2 reactor. It is the first utility in the U.S. to sign a power purchase agreement with an advanced reactor like Hermes 2, according to the companies.

Hermes 2 is the first deployment under an agreement that Google and Kairos signed last year to launch the startup’s nuclear technology at a commercial scale. The reactor’s output is the equivalent of the consumption of about 36,000 homes. The electricity will help power Google’s data centers in Montgomery County, Tennessee, and Jackson County, Alabama.

Google, Kairos and TVA said their collaboration will move the U.S. a step closer to deploying advanced nuclear reactors by making sure consumers are not on the hook for the cost of building the plant.

Kairos and Google will bear the financial risk associated with building the first-of-a-kind project, the companies said. TVA, meanwhile, is providing the revenue stream the plant will need to operate through the power purchase agreement.

“We think this solves the problem of making sure that consumers don’t carry that first-of-a-kind cost and risk,” TVA CEO Don Moul told CNBC. “But it also allows innovators like Kairos Power and thought leaders like Google to bring this to market.”

Hermes 2 is expected to start operating at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 2030. Kairos received a construction permit for the reactor from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in November 2024. It will need to apply for an operating license with the NRC before the plant can start operations.

TVA declined to disclose how much it will pay for electricity from Hermes 2 when asked by CNBC. Kairos declined to disclose the estimated cost of the plant.

Building nuclear again

The U.S. has basically stopped building nuclear plants due to the huge cost overruns and delays that plague the industry. The last two reactors built in the U.S. at Plant Vogtle in Georgia cost $18 billion more than expected and started operations seven years behind schedule in 2023 and 2024. The project’s problems contributed to the bankruptcy of industry stalwart Westinghouse.

Startups like Kairos believe their smaller plants will prove to be faster and more affordable to build than large reactors like those at Vogtle, helping to usher in a new era of nuclear construction in the U.S. Despite these promises, utilities have been reluctant to commit to small advanced reactors over concerns about the initial price tag.

Technology companies like Google, meanwhile, are investing in advanced nuclear because they want reliable, carbon-free power to meet the demand from artificial intelligence while adhering to their environmental goals. Google has placed orders with Kairos for reactors totaling 500 megawatts of power that are targeted to come online through 2035.

Rebar is placed at the Kairos Power Hermes foundation.

Courtesy: Kairos Power

“We specifically want to help commercialize,” Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s global head of data center energy, told CNBC. “We want to see how can we take this from something small to something bigger that we can deploy at scale. That’s really what the Hermes 2 project is doing.”

One of Kairos’ goals with Hermes 2 is to create a standardized reactor design which will help cut the cost of future deployments, CEO Mike Laufer told CNBC. Kairos will also develop the supply and manufacturing infrastructure needed to launch at scale through the construction of Hermes 2, he said.

“We’d be ready to deploy multiple reactors in series at the same sites in a very cost-efficient way to deliver that power at affordable rates in the not too distant future,” Laufer said. Kairos and Google are exploring options on where future plants will be deployed, he said.

Oak Ridge, TVA nuke hub

Kairos’ technology is different than the reactors currently operating in the U.S. Its reactor design uses liquid salt as the coolant rather than light water, which allows the plant to operate at near atmospheric pressure. This means Kairos can use thinner and less expensive materials because the reactor is not under high pressure. Operating at low pressure also has safety advantages.

The 50-megawatt plant is also much smaller than the reactors in the current U.S. fleet that average 1,000 megawatts in output, which is enough to power an entire city. The Kairos reactor will increase its output to 75 megawatts when it launches on a commercial scale, Laufer said.

Hermes 2 will be deployed near Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which has a long history in nuclear science dating back to the Manhattan Project during World War II. TVA was established by Congress during the Great Depression as a public corporation to electrify the region. The utility remains owned by the federal government.

“This kind of sets the stage for east Tennessee to really be what we see as a regional hub for innovation for nuclear construction and operation, and that’s going to be valuable for the nation as well,” Laufer said.

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