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Closing out this week’s Green Deals, we’re starting with Bluetti’s newly launched Spring Sale that is taking up to 54% off a massive collection of power stations, solar generator bundles, and accessories while also offering some limited flash offers and exclusive extra savings. Among the many notable inclusions, we spied the brand’s AC300 solar generator package with an expansion battery and a 350W solar panel returning to the $1,899 low we last saw during Black Friday. Next, Aventon’s Spring Sale has a mix of increased and continuing savings on its e-bikes, like the Ramblas Electric Mountain Bike that has fallen to $2,599, among others. We’re also seeing up to $1,000 off Greenworks’ 30-inch, 42-inch, 54-inch and 60-inch electric riding mowers starting from $2,997, as well as Eve’s Aqua HomeKit Smart Water Controller dropping to $99. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Jackery Home Improvement Sale, the price cut on Lectric’s XPeak 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes, 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.

Bluetti Spring Sale drops AC300 solar generator with expansion battery and 350W panel back to $1,899 low

Bluetti has launched its Spring Sale taking up to 54% off units through March 31, complete with some exclusive extra savings and scheduled flash sale offers (but the promo code won’t apply here). One notable bundle that is returning to its lowest rate and offers more versatility for users is the AC300 Portable Power Station alongside the B300K expansion battery and a 350W solar panel for $1,899.05 shipped, after using the exclusive promo code AFF5OFF at checkout for an additional 5% off discount. This combo package usually goes for $2,999 at full price, which we last saw brought down this low during Black Friday sales, with the sales since leaving it out or keeping it at least $100 higher in price. Today’s deal comes in as a combined 37% markdown that saves you $1,100 for the lowest price we have tracked. You can even upgrade this same package with two 200W solar panels instead for just $95 more, after using the promo code.

Off-grid living and power outages alike will be of less concern when you have this AC300 backup bundle with you, which provides you with a 2,764.8Wh LiFePO4 capacity that can keep being expanded upward to a maximum 22,118.4Wh capacity. The power station boasts 16 output ports – seven AC ports (including a 120V TT-30 port), four USB-A ports, two DC ports, a single USB-C port, and two 15W wireless charging pads – with a normal 3,000W output that surges to 6,000W when needed by larger appliances. There are four different ways to recharge the battery on this setup: either plugged into a wall outlet, connected to its maximum 2,400W of solar input or to a car port, and also dual-charging when utilizing both its AC input and solar input together.

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***Note: None of the prices below have had the extra savings factored in, so be sure to use the exclusive promo code AFF5OFF at checkout to score the maximum savings!

Bluetti’s current Spring Sale flash deals (changes March 23):

Bluetti’s Spring Sale top deals for outdoor escapades:

Bluetti’s Spring Sale on-the-go charging solution deals:

Bluetti’s Spring Sale road trip charging solution deals:

Bluetti’s Spring Sale work-from-home charging solution deals:

Bluetti’s Spring Sale nature immersion/solar panel deals:

Bluetti’s expansion battery deals:

To browse the entire lineup of Bluetti’s Spring Sale deals, follow the link here to the landing page.

Aventon Ramblas mountain e-bike

Hit off-road trails with Aventon’s Ramblas mid-drive electric mountain bike down at $2,599

Only a few days after we spotted Aventon’s clearance sale offers, the brand has now increased savings on various models as part of its Spring Sale through March 31. One notable inclusion we’re seeing this time around the track is the newer Ramblas Electric Mountain Bike for $2,599 shipped. Carrying a $2,899 full price tag since tariffs hit the e-bike market over last summer, we’ve seen discounts mainly dropping costs to $2,699 most of the time, though we did spy it dropping to $2,599 back during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, which was the last time we saw this same rate. While we have seen it go lower to $2,399, that rate was before tariffs added $200 to its MSRP, and is likely to not be seen again anytime soon, meaning today’s deal is a return to the best price we’ve tracked since with $300 off the going rate.

The Ramblas Electric Mountain Bike was the first of Aventon’s e-bikes to be given a mid-drive motor, this one being a 250W model that peaks up to 750W for incline climbing and is paired with a 708Wh battery – with the whole thing weighing in at 54 pounds and boasting a 300-pound rider payload. Supported by three PAS profiles (eco, trail, and turbo) that each boasts five levels and are themselves supported by the torque sensor, you’ll enjoy up to 80 miles of travel on a single charge with it hitting top speeds of 20 MPH.

While it doesn’t have some of the more advanced smart features we’re seeing out of the brand’s recent releases, it does offer more customization of its performance due to the Ride Tune features. Through its app, you’ll be able to tweak settings to your preferences, like adjusting the motor’s output, as well as fine-tuning the assistance, pedal response, and max torque. Plus, with your phone wirelessly connected, it can automatically update its software through the app to maintain optimal performance at all times, even while you’re riding. There’s a bunch of top-quality stock features too, including the SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed derailleur, 4-piston SRAM hydraulic disc brakes, a KS dropper seat post, a RockShox 35 suspension fork, LED lighting built into the chainstays for rear visibility on top of the optional front headlight, and a full-color display.

Aventon’s Spring Sale e-bike offers:

Aventon’s newest e-bike models (no price cuts):

  • Soltera 2.5 Lightweight e-bike: $1,199
    • 20 MPH for up to 46 miles
  • Sinch 2.5 Compact Folding e-bike: $1,799
    • 20 MPH for up to 55 miles
  • Abound SR Cargo e-bike: $1,899
    • 20 MPH for up to 60 miles
    • GPS tracking, remote locking, geofencing, passcode, keyless battery, alarm system, more
  • Level 3 Smart Step-Over Commuter e-bike: $1,899
    • 20 MPH for up to 70 miles
    • GPS tracking, auto-lock, unusual movement detection, alarm system, more
  • Level 3 Smart Step-Through Commuter e-bike: $1,899
    • 20 MPH for up to 70 miles
    • GPS tracking, auto-lock, unusual movement detection, alarm system, more
  • Abound LR Cargo e-bike: $1,999
    • 20 MPH for up to 60 miles
    • 6 inches longer, 8 pounds heavier, with lockable onboard storage over SR model
    • GPS tracking, remote locking, geofencing, passcode, keyless battery, alarm system, more
Greenworks CrossoverT riding lawn mower

Greenworks 30-inch to 60-inch riding mowers are seeing up to $1,000 discounts starting from $2,997

Greenworks is currently offering up to 21% off discounts across a selection of its riding mower packages, with prices starting lowest on the brand’s 60V 30-inch CrossoverT Riding Lawn Tractor that comes with four 8.0Ah batteries and a 600W wall charger for $2,997 shipped. This model with this package would normally cost you $3,500 at full price, which we’ve seen go as low as $3,010 before this sale. Today’s deal cuts a solid $503 in savings from the going rate, and lands it at the best price we have tracked, even matching over at Amazon, where it only recently released. Head below to get more details on this model and the others that are benefitting from these savings.

The Greenworks 60V 30-inch CrossoverT comes in as the most compact of the brand’s riding mowers (larger models can be found below), giving you the electric equivalent of a 16 HP gas engine. The four included 8.0Ah batteries provide enough juice to tackle up to 1.5 acres after 2.5 to 4 hours of charging via the wall charger, with seven different cutting height levels to choose from (1.5 inches to 4.5 inches). The heavy-duty 4-in-1 stamped steel deck features an integrated deck wash port that allows for easier and quicker cleaning sessions on its underside, with bagging, mulching, and side discharging functionality available. One thing to note here though, is that you’ll have to purchase the bagging system for this model separately for $350.

Speaking of mulching, it offers a mulch-on-demand feature that allows you to switch from bagging to mulching with a simple pull of a lever. It also comes with the brand’s SmartCut Technology that auto-adapts to your grass conditions to optimize its performance for the best cut so you can spend less time passing back over areas you already hit. Other features include the LED headlights for working in low-light conditions, a customizable comfort seat, a cup/phone holder, and USB (type A and C) charging ports to keep your devices juiced up as you ride – great if you prefer listening to music or some other media as you work.

Greenworks’ other direct riding mower deals:

Greenworks’ Amazon-specific riding mower deals:

  • 80V 42-inch CrossoverZ Cordless Zero Turn Mower: $4,000 (Reg. $4,500)
    • Comes with four 5.0Ah batteries and 600W wall charger
  • 80V 60-inch MaximusZ Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower: $7,500 (Reg. $8,500)
    • Comes with two 16.0Ah, four 8.0Ah batteries and 1.5kW wall charger
Eve Smart Water controller

Eve’s Aqua HomeKit water controller expands outdoor water systems at $99

We just spotted Amazon offering up the best deal yet on the Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller for $99 shipped. Normally sitting up at its $150 price tag, most of its previous discounts have kept above $100 since it first hit the market in 2022, with some occasional falls lower to $98 and the $80 low last seen during July’s Prime Day event, though these have been few and far between. Today’s deal is coming in with a sizeable 34% markdown, beating out much of the price cuts we’ve seen for $51 in savings at the third-lowest price we have tracked.

What’s really nice about Eve’s Aqua smart water controller is that you can install it without any additional bridges or gateways, accessing the provided smart controls over your sprinkler and/or irrigation system through its companion app or Siri thanks to the HomeKit support, while also offering Thread compatibility. Once it’s been attached to your outdoor spigot, you can set schedules for your lawn/garden to be watered automatically. It will also keep an eye on water usage and shut things off when too much has flowed through, saving you the time from babysitting while also protecting your yard from being flooded. It’s even fully compatible with popular hose systems and multi-channel water distributors like Gardena or Kärcher.

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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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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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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