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Running ahead of the pack in today’s Green Deals is Velotric’s Spring Sale that is cutting up to $400 off its e-bikes while also offering select free gear bundles and 30% off accessory promos. Running alongside its newest release (more below), we’re seeing Velotric’s upgraded 2024 Nomad 1 Plus All-Terrain Fat Tire e-bike with $134 in free gear down at $1,399, among other models. We also spotted Jackery’s palm-sized Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station returning to its $89 low, as well as Autel’s non-hardwired MaxiCharger AC Lite Home 40A Smart AI Level 2 EV Charger with a NEMA 14-50 plug returning to its $399 low. Bringing up the rear is a collection of Greenworks equipment, led by the Greenworks 24V 8-inch Cordless Pole Saw and 20-inch Pole Hedge Trimmer Combo at $161. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s 59% spring savings from EcoFlow, the $762 off e-bike bundles from Lectric, 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.

Go anywhere on Velotric’s 2024 Nomad 1 Plus all-terrain fat tire e-bike with free gear at $1,399

Velotric’s Spring Sale is in bloom with up to $400 in price cuts across its e-bike lineup, with some models getting free accessory bundles while others are seeing 30% off accessory promotions. Coinciding with the release of Velotric’s newest Nomad 2 All-Terrain Fat Tire e-bike, we’re seeing the upgraded 2024 Nomad 1 Plus e-bikes (both the step-over and step-thru models) dropping down to $1,399 shipped and getting $134 in free gear during this event. Normally going for $1,799, we mainly see sales dropping costs between $1,499 and $1,399, with a few falls lower to the $1,299 low – last seen during Black Friday. You’ll be saving $400 here today at the second-lowest price we have tracked.

Ready to carry you on or off the beaten paths, Velotric’s upgraded Nomad 1 Plus e-bike arrives with a 750W motor (1,200W peak) alongside a removable 691Wh battery that provides an increased 28 MPH top speed (up from 25 MPH) and a travel range up to 55 miles when utilizing the five levels of pedal assistance. The fat puncture-resistant tires ensure your fun won’t be stopped early once you go off-road, while the hydraulic suspension fork works to smooth out rougher paths and the hydraulic disc brakes provide solid stopping power – all with an IPX6 waterproof rating.

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Other features on Velotric’s Nomad 1 Plus include a Shimano 8-speed derailleur, fenders over both tires, an integrated LED headlight, a taillight with a braking indicator, a removable thumb-throttle for pure electric riding, and a 3.5-inch backlit LCD display with USB port to top off your devices as you ride – especially if you’re using it as a GPS. You’ll also be getting the free additions of a rear cargo rack and a double spring comfort saddle along with your purchase.

Velotric’s Spring Sale e-bike offers with free gear:

  • Discover 1 Plus Step-Thru Commuter e-bike: $1,199 (Reg. $1,599)
    • 28 MPH for up to 65 miles
    • comes with free rear cargo rack and left-side mirror
  • T1 ST Plus Lightweight e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,549)
    • 28 MPH for up to 70 miles
    • comes with free rear cargo rack and left-side mirror

Velotric’s other Spring Sale e-bike offers (30% off accessories):

jackery explorer 100 plus portable power station

Jackery’s two-pound Explorer 100 Plus 99Wh LiFePO4 power station returns to its $89 low

The official Jackery Amazon storefront is dropping the price on the Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station to $89 shipped. Normally fetching $149 most days, this rate has been popping up more recently since Black Friday sales, already having appeared as a Lightning deal and two longer-lasting cuts since the new year began. It’s back again today with the 40% markdown that cuts $60 off the going rate, dropping the price back to the lowest we have tracked – even beating out Jackery’s direct pricing by $40.

This palm-sized, airline-approved power station from Jackery starts off already beating some of the larger 20,000mAh and 25,000mAh power banks we normally see sitting at higher rates. Weighing in at just two pounds, you’ll be getting a 99Wh (31,000mAh) LiFePO4 capacity here for your device’s backup power needs, delivering up to 128W of power output through the dual USB-C and single USB-A ports. Connecting it to a wall outlet can refill the battery to 70% in about an hour, with things taking a little longer at two hours for a full battery. There’s also the solar charging option too, with its maximum 100W solar input pushing it back to full in about two hours, or you could also connect it to your car’s auxiliary port for a three-hour recharge. There are also the two bundle options you’ll find, with the power station coming with a fast charge kit for $140, down from $170, or a 40W solar panel for $169, down from $229.

More Jackery power station deals:

Jackery’s solar generator discounts:

Autel 40V MaxiCharger AC Lite Home level 2 EV charger

Autel’s 40A MaxiCharger AC Lite Home level 2 EV charger comes with a NEMA 14-50 plug and AI assistant for $399 low

Autel’s official Amazon storefront is now offering its MaxiCharger AC Lite Home 40A Smart AI Level 2 EV Charger (non-hardwired with a NEMA 14-50 plug) for $399 shipped. This unit normally carries a $470 price tag since hitting the market back in September, with only six previous discounts on the books – all of them to the $399 low, half of which were short-term Lightning deals. You’re getting another shot at the lowest price we have tracked today, albeit in a non-limited supply period, that puts $71 back in your pocket while equipping you with a reliable means to keep your EV juiced up and running. It also matches in price direct from Autel’s website.

This ENERGY STAR-certified plug-and-play level 2 EV charger from Autel is perfect for anyone driving a J1772-compatible vehicle and has the appropriate NEMA 14-50 plug available, with “installation only taking a few minutes.” It provides between 16A to 40A charging speeds, with a NEMA 4X protection rating against the elements, should you decide to set it up outdoors. You’ll have full smart controls through its companion app, allowing you to monitor and adjust settings, schedules, and the like – plus, this model comes with its very own AI-powered voice assistant. One other notable inclusion is the RFID card that rounds out the package, ensuring the option to prevent any unauthorized use when it’s not plugged into your own car.

If you’re a Tesla driver looking for a more affordable model, or you would prefer a higher output, you can also find the brand’s 50A hardwired counterpart down at $455 right now. While Amazon only offers the J1772-compatible model, you can find the option to switch to a NACS connector direct from Autel’s website, where it is matching in price.

Greenworks 24V pole saw and pole hedge trimmer combo

Greenworks’ 24V 8-inch cordless electric pole saw and 20-inch pole hedge trimmer combo falls to $161

Amazon is now offering the Greenworks 24V 8-inch Cordless Pole Saw and 20-inch Pole Hedge Trimmer Combo for $160.99 shipped. Normally fetching $210, we’ve mainly seen discounts over the last year keeping costs between $168 and $180. While we have seen it go lower, particularly during Black Friday sales and in past years, you’re still looking at a solid 23% markdown here that cuts $49 off the going rate, giving you the lowest price we’ve seen since November – $27 above the all-time low from 2023. It’s even beating out Greenworks’ direct site by $7.

Why deal with the noise and fumes that come with gas-powered models when you can keep your trees and hedges trimmed with this 24V alternative? This combo kit from Greenworks gives you two tools in one package, with an 8-inch bar and chain pole saw that features an automatic oiler to keep things running smoothly, ensuring durability and extending its lifespan. Outside of branch and small trunk trimmings, you’ll also get the 20-inch pole hedge trimmer for those higher-reaching hedges and tree tops, which has a 7-position pivoting head to hit any angle. Along with the tools themselves, you’ll also be getting a 2.0Ah battery and charger to round everything out.

Other notable Greenworks deals:

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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Kia EV4 GT looks like the affordable electric sports car we’ve been waiting for [Video]

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March 4, 2025

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Kia EV4 GT looks like the affordable electric sports car we've been waiting for [Video]

Kia-EV4-GT

Less than a week after Kia unveiled the EV4, we are already getting our first look at the sporty GT model. When it arrives, the GT variant is expected to be one of the most affordable electric sports cars and what could be Kia’s most powerful vehicle yet. But can it keep up with the Tesla Model 3 Performance?

The EV4 is Kia’s first electric sedan and hatchback. During its EV Day last week (see our recap), Kia showcased four EV4 models, two sedan and two hatchback trims.

Each had a standard and GT-Line model. Now, we are getting our first look at the high-performance GT version. Remember when the EV6 GT arrived in 2022 as “the most powerful Kia production vehicle ever?”

With 576 horsepower, the sporty EV6 GT can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. That’s faster than your average Ferrari or Lamborghini, and it’s about half the cost starting at just over $60,000.

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Well, the EV4 GT will likely be an even bigger hit with an expected lower price tag and what could be even more power.

After Kia’s electric sports car was spotted in public for the first time, we are learning a few upgrades you can expect to see. The video, courtesy of HealerTV, shows a camouflaged model testing in Korea. However, the orange light on the side of the bumper indicates it is actually an export model.

First look at the Kia EV4 GT electric sports car

At a quick glance, it looks just like the EV4 GT-Line. Looking closer, you can see Kia upgraded the EV4 with sporty wheels (what appears to be 20″), giving it a similar look to the K8.

The interior will feature Kia’s new ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit), which includes dual 12.3″ driver display and infotainment screens with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kia EV4 spotted for the first time in Korea (Source: HealerTV)

You can expect to see the most significant differences in the interior and in performance. Like Kia’s other GT models, the EV4 is expected to feature a dual-motor AWD powertrain, but exact specs will be revealed closer to its official launch.

The upgraded EV6 GT, launched in Korea in November, now packs 641 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque (when Launch Control is active), thanks to improved front and rear electric motors.

It also gets redesigned front and rear bumpers, suede-trimmed sport bucket seats, and a heat pump (standard on all AWD trims).

Like Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N, the new EV6 GT includes a Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) that simulates the sounds and feel of a sports car engine. We got a look at it in action in December after HealerTV got their hands on one to try it out.

Kia-EV4-interior
Kia EV4 interior (Source: Kia)

We’ll have to wait for the official word on prices, but with the EV4 slotted below the EV6 in Kia’s lineup, the GT model will likely cost around $50,000 to $55,000. That’s much less than your average sports car. The standard EV4 is expected to hit the market later this year, starting at around $35,000 to $40,000.

In comparison, the Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD starts at $54,990 with 510 horsepower, good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 2.9 seconds.

Would you buy Kia’s electric sports car for around $50,000? Drop us a comment below and let us know what features and specs you’d be looking for. Check back soon for more. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.

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Another L for H as every hydrogen bus in this European city fails at once

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March 4, 2025

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Another L for H as every hydrogen bus in this European city fails at once

In another highly visible failure for hydrogen in the real-world, all 25 of the fuel cell-powered buses in the Poznan, Poland fleet failed at the same time yesterday morning, forcing the city to scramble diesel buses into action.

The City of Poznań, Poland deployed the first two of its hydrogen-powered Solaris in 2023. The deployment of these HFC buses was part of a larger, 25 unit order placed by the city back in in October 2022 — and, for a time, it seemed like the deployment was largely successful. That is, until all 25 buses broke down at once early Monday morning.

A spokesperson for MPK Poznań, the city’s bus operator, reportedly told Hydrogen Insight that the onboard computers on each bus signaled the failure at once, and that the issue was being investigated with help from Solaris, the bus manufacturer, and the hydrogen fuel supplier.

The company also told the the Sustainable Bus news site that, “the most likely cause of the malfunctions in several hydrogen buses in Poznań is poor fuel/hydrogen quality,” while another (?) spokesperson told local paper Wyboecza that the hydrogen purity must reach 99.97%. “This means that the hydrogen can only have 0.03% of other gases.”

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378 fuel cell buses were registered in the EU in 2024, up 82% YOY, with Solaris controlling 65% of the HFC bus market. For context, approximately 49% of all new city buses sold in the EU in 2024 were ZEVs. Given that the total number of city buses registered in the EU in 2024 was around 35,000, this translates to approx. 17,150 zero-emission city buses, which puts the score at 378 HFCEVs to 16,750 BEVs (give or take 378).

Electrek’s Take

FCEV early adopter's operational concerns come to life
Now-defunct Nikola HFCEV semi; via Hyla.

When MAN Trucks’ CEO said it was impossible for hydrogen to compete with battery electric in the transportation segment, it was frankly shocking how many people refused to listen. Now that the residents of Poznań are stuck breathing diesel fumes again, maybe they’ll pick the much more practical, predictable, and undoubtedly cleaner battery option next time around.

SOURCES | IMAGES: Hydrogen Insights, Sustainable Bus, Wyboecza.

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Solar in 2025: Here’s what’s keeping the industry up at night

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March 4, 2025

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Solar in 2025: Here's what’s keeping the industry up at night

solar 2025
Photo: Sunrun

The solar industry is bracing for a turbulent year, and SolarReviews’ newly released 2025 Solar Industry Survey lays out exactly why. The survey, now in its third year, gathered insights from solar companies across the industry between December 2, 2024, and January 3, 2025, covering everything from the Inflation Reduction Act to workforce development and the state of the supply chain.

Ben Zientara, industry and policy analyst at SolarReviews, summed up the findings: “With pandemic-related supply chain issues largely in the rearview mirror, the industry is now overwhelmingly concerned about political uncertainty and the potential for new tariffs and changes to solar incentives.”

The biggest takeaway – the solar industry is on edge about what’s coming in 2025. More than half (56%) of companies flagged the possibility of new tariffs as a major concern, while 50% are worried about changes to solar incentives. Legislative and political uncertainty isn’t helping either, with 46% of respondents citing it as one of their biggest fears. Considering that Trump’s declaration of a national energy emergency excluded solar from its definition of energy resources, that’s unsurprising.

The outcome of the 2024 US elections has also influenced business confidence. A third (34%) of respondents said their outlook for 2025 became more negative due to election results, while nearly half (48%) reported no change. Only 18% said they felt more optimistic about their business prospects after the elections.

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Despite these worries, most solar companies remain resilient. Just 7% of respondents said they were concerned about staying in business over the next six months, while 38% expect to see their business grow this year.

One bright spot is the supply chain. Over the past two years, supply chain disruptions have steadily improved, with 43% of businesses reporting that conditions were better in 2024 compared to 2023. That’s a slight dip from the previous year when 69% of companies saw an improvement, but still a positive sign. Only 11% said supply chain issues worsened year-over-year.

Residential solar installers continue to evolve, expanding their services beyond solar panels. The vast majority (92%) of installers now offer energy storage installation, up from 74% last year. Similarly, 86% of companies are installing EV chargers, up from 64% in the previous year.

Installers named Qcells, REC, and Silfab as their go-to solar module brands, while Enphase, Tesla, and SolarEdge dominated the energy storage space.

However, one of the biggest challenges in 2024 was the wave of solar company closures. A staggering 81% of installers reported that at least one large competitor in their service area shut down. More than 57% said these closures led to negative outcomes, including an increase in service calls from customers left in the lurch by their former solar providers. To adapt, nearly a quarter of residential installers now offer third-party warranty coverage as a way to boost customer confidence and secure more sales.

Ultimately, US solar is still expected to continue its growth trajectory and maintain its top leadership among energy sources.

Read more: Renewables generated 24.2% of US electricity in 2024 – EIA data

To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to 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. They have 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 you share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

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