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Polestar invited us up to the hills above Malibu for a drive of its new Single motor RWD Polestar 3, a lower-priced version of the brand’s all-electric SUV.

The RWD Polestar 3 is the new more efficient, longer-range version of the brand’s electric SUV with a lower starting price. It recently started production in the US, and is available now and even being shipped out for export to other markets.

Previous versions of the Polestar 3 were both dual motor – the 489hp Dual motor version and 517hp Dual motor Performance version.

The Single motor version deletes the front motor and uses only the rear motor, with 299hp (the number isn’t exactly half because total horsepower is also a function of the amount of power the battery pack can put out).

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As a result of this, the Single motor version does 0-60 in 7.5 seconds, quite a bit slower than the 4.8 and 4.5 seconds of the other models.

It is however nearly 400lbs lighter after deletion of the front motor, and change to coil spring suspension, rather than air suspension on the upper models – and a lighter weight does have its own performance benefits.

These modifications make the Single motor model much more efficient, with 350 miles of range, compared to 315 miles for the Dual motor and 279 miles for the Performance version. All three models use the same hefty 111kWh battery, with the same 250kW peak DC charging rate, capable of charging from 10-80% in 30 minutes.

Polestar called the Single motor 3 “the most efficient Polestar yet” in its presentation to us, which didn’t sound right for an SUV – but it turns out, it does have the same ~350Wh/mi energy consumption rating as the smaller Polestar 2 and 4.

It also shaves nearly $6k off the price, starting at $67,500, compared to $73,400 for the Dual motor or $79,400 for the Performance model.

But how do those differences feel in the real world?

We had a couple hours with the Single motor car, and only a very short drive up and down PCH with the Dual motor Performance as a quick back-to-back comparison. We didn’t get a chance to charge the cars, or to do any sort of realistic range testing.

But we did definitely feel the huge difference in power between these models.

The Performance version predictably has pretty bonkers levels of power, and will really throw your head back when in performance mode.

The Single motor version is much more sedate by comparison. It still has snappy throttle response like one would expect of an electric car, but power was much weaker, especially at higher speeds.

As a result, merging performance was not as exceptional as in other EVs. One great thing about instant torque is that it makes it very easy to get exactly where you want to be, when you want to be there during merges or lane changes.

Regenerative braking also could be stronger. Less motor power also means less regen capacity, and while Polestar did retune regenerative braking for the Single motor version, it didn’t quite feel strong enough to me. I like very strong off-throttle regen, but found myself hitting the brake pedal much more than I’d have liked. Regen is adjustable, but even on the strongest level, I’d have liked more.

However, perhaps unexpectedly, I might have even liked the feel of the throttle more on the Single motor than the Performance. I’ll attempt to explain why.

One thing that Dual motor vehicles often do is put one of the two motors “asleep” when traveling at a consistent speed in order to increase efficiency. Then when power is called for, the car wakes up the second motor.

On the Performance model, if you have “performance” mode turned off, this wakeup takes a second or so, which means pressing the accelerator leads to a ramp-up effect in power delivery. The car’s software smooths this out, but it still feels a little strange.

If “performance” mode is turned on, both motors are always powered – so there’s no ramp-up effect, just unbridled power. But in that case, the car has so much power that it can feel a little jumpy on the throttle.

Meanwhile, with the single motor version, there is no sleeping of the motor, but since the motor is weaker, rough throttle inputs from the driver’s foot are mediated by the fact that there simply isn’t as much power there to jerk you around.

As a result, the Single motor ends up giving a more sedate, but more comfortable driving or riding experience.

On roads as twisty as the ones we drove on, I’ve had poor drive experiences in the past with co-drivers who are perhaps less accustomed to the instant torque of an EV and have a shaky throttle foot. But this time that wasn’t an issue at all – probably due partially to the EV experience of my co-driver, and also partially due to the Single motor’s more sedate character.

Now, the Single motor version’s coil suspension should stand to offer less ride comfort than the air suspension of the Dual motor, but we found no particular discomfort with the new coil suspension system.

We had a lot more time with the Single motor than the Dual, and our time with the Dual was on a smooth section of PCH rather than the curvy mountain roads we spent most of our time on, but I will say that both driving and riding in the Single motor was a plenty comfortable experience.

For comparison, I do not like the suspension in the Polestar 2, so either version of the Polestar 3 is a superior experience to that one.

Other aspects of the Polestar 3 Single motor are the same as the Dual motor version which we’ve reviewed before. For some quick takes on the rest:

  • The seats are comfortable but I felt the cockpit was maybe a little crowded. I do like the Scandinavian-style sparseness of Tesla cockpits by comparison, and Tesla out-Scandinavian’d the Scandinavians here. If the Tesla cockpit is just a bit too sparse for you, then maybe this will provide the balance you want.
  • The user interface is good and snappy, with occasional small hiccups (for example, it took maybe a second to load the page with mirror adjustments on it). I’ve experienced one really rough UI in a Polestar before, in a pre-production version of the 4, and this interface does not exhibit the difficulties of that one.
  • We didn’t get a chance to test any driver assist features, other than lane departure warning, which had a fairly well-balanced intervention level. I do think it’s easy to get this wrong and make the interventions too light or too strong, and this car’s worked pretty well but was perhaps slightly lighter than I’d like.
  • Can I just point out how much I love this front wing design feature? It reduces frontal area and improves efficiency, adds character, and leverages a benefit that EVs have (smaller engine compartment) to give the car a practical benefit (the Dodge Charger Daytona has a similar front wing, and I love it there too).

It’s not cheap though. The $6k in savings when compared to the Dual motor version are definitely appreciated, but $67,500 is still a steep starting price

That price is higher than the segment’s most popular vehicle, the Tesla Model Y (currently $60k for the Launch Edition model of the Juniper refresh, though once a base model is available, that will go down). Of course, many people wouldn’t buy a Tesla at any price right now, and Polestar’s new CEO sees this as an opportunity. In service of this, Polestar recently initiated a Tesla conquest offer, seeking to lure Tesla owners away (and even better, think of all the money you’ll save on bumper stickers).

Overall, the Polestar 3 Single motor offered a smooth and comfortable ride experience as driver or passenger. If you’re looking at the Polestar 3 but prioritize comfort, efficiency and savings, this new base model offers a compelling package for anyone who knows they won’t be hitting a track or drag strip anytime soon.

The Polestar 3 Single motor is available now for order and configuration over at Polestar’s website.

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Lectric offers up to $720 in Prime Day e-bike savings from $999, Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 station at exclusive new $629 low, more

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2 hours ago

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October 6, 2025

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Lectric offers up to 0 in Prime Day e-bike savings from 9, Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 station at exclusive new 9 low, more

lectric one e-bike

We’re less than 24 hours away from the kick-off of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event, but that doesn’t mean savings aren’t already well underway. Leading today’s Green Deals is Lectric’s Better-Than-Prime Sale that is offering up to $720 in savings on e-bike bundles, with the second-ever price cut on the premium ONE Long-Range Belt-Drive Commuter e-bike to its $1,899 low, while also getting $220 in FREE gear, among other increased offers. We also secured $870 in exclusive savings on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station at a new $629 low, and you can pick up the latest Schumacher 12A Level 1 Portable EV Charger at $128 – plus, even more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about all the hangover deals from last week collected at the bottom of the page, rounded together in our latest edition of Electrified Weekly.

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.

Tested: Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 portable power station brings ample support in a smaller and lighter unit

Anker is hands-down one of the most well-known tech accessory brands with an extensive lineup of consumer electronics, and its SOLIX sub-brand has making waves in the  portable backup power solution space. Its C1000 power station made big waves when it first hit the market in 2023, quickly becoming a popular charging solution for camping and other outdoor activities, in particular. Now, two years later, the Anker has introduced its SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station, which I was lucky enough to snag and test out, and which I believe will outshine its predecessor in the long run. Head below to get my hands-on impressions of this all-new solar generator.

To get our full hands-on impression of this new portable backup power solution, be sure to check out our review here.

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man riding lectric ONE e-bike down road

Letric ONE belt-drive e-bike hits $1,899 low during Better-Than-Prime Sale with up to $694 in FREE gear on models from $999

Lectric has launched its Better-Than-Prime Sale with increased savings on its e-bikes reaching up to $720 in total. One notable return is the price cut on the brand’s Premium ONE Long-Range Belt-Drive Commuter e-bike to $1,899 shipped, while it also gets $220 in FREE add-on gear too. This is the biggest deal of the bunch as we’re seeing a $500 price cut from it’s usual $2,399 rate for the second time since the brand’s Labor Day sale, with the additional $220 savings you’re getting from the free included bundle, which contains a rear cargo rack and fenders to go over both wheels. All-in-all, you’re getting a second chance at the best deal to date, with $720 in savings at its all-time lowest tracked price.

Riders looking for the most premium model under Lectric’s flag will certainly enjoy the ONE Long-Range e-bike, which is a higher-end (and much higher-priced) solution that brings a plethora of top features to your commute. This model boasts a Sutto 750W rear hub motor (1,310W peak) alongside a Gates CDC 113-tooth Carbon Drive Belt System, delivering top speeds of 20 to 28 MPH, depending on your state-specific laws. The whole thing is powered by the 14Ah battery that provides up to 60 miles of pedal-assisted travel (bolstered by the brand’s PWR programming) on one full charge. There is also the throttle for pure electric riding, which does decrease its overall mileage.

Joining the motor and belt-drive, another set of premium features you’ll find here is the Pinion auto-shifting gearbox and a 24A potted motor controller that allows more effortless surges to its peak output. There are also the hydraulic mineral oil disc brakes, 20-inch puncture-resistant city tires, an integrated headlight, a brake-activated taillight, hidden cable routing, a color LCD screen, and more.

Lectric Prime Day ONE e-bike offer with $500 cut & $220 bundle

Lectric Prime Day XPedition 2.0 offers with up to $674 bundles:

Lectric Prime Day Trike2 offers with up to $455 bundles:

Lectric Prime Day XP Lite 2.0 LR e-bike offers with $439 bundles:

Lectric Prime Day XPress 750 e-bike offers with $415 bundle

Lectric Prime Day XPeak 2.0 offers with up to $415 bundles:

Lectric Prime Day XP4 e-bike offers with up to $394 bundles:

You can view the entire Lectric Better-Than-Prime Sale lineup of deals on the sale’s main landing page here.

jackery explorer 2000 v2 portable power station being used by man to power tools

Power camps, jobsites, tailgates, and more with $870 in exclusive savings on Jackery’s Explorer 2000 v2 station at new $629 low

We’ve secured exclusive savings from Wellbots on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station for $629.10 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5PD10 at checkout for an additional 10% off. It may carry a $1,499 MSRP, but we usually see it keeping down lower between $1,099 and $899, with falls going as low as $799 since first hitting the market back in February. This deal is already starting lower than ever at $699, with the exclusive code for our readers taking the savings even further, as a total $870 is cut from the MSRP for the best and lowest price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this power station, be sure to check out our original coverage of this exclusive deal here.

Schumacher 12A level 1 portable EV charger in trunk of SUV

Get a charge anywhere with Schumacher’s latest 12A level 1 portable EV charger at $128 (Reg. $160)

As part of its early Prime Big Deals Day event, Amazon is now offering the Schumacher SEV1670 12A Level 1 Portable EV Charger for $127.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page coupon. Since its release in May, carrying a $160 full price, we saw this rate first appear during July’s Prime Day, with it only beaten out by one-time falls to $115 and the $112 low a month ago. You can pick it up here today with $32 cut from the tag for the third-lowest price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this newer EV charging solution, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

woman clearing leaves in yard with worx trivac

Blow, vacuum, or mulch your way through yard debris with the 3-in-1 12A Worx Trivac at $70

As part of its early Prime Big Deal Days event, Amazon is offering the Worx 12A Trivac 3-in-1 Cordless Blower, Vacuum, and Mulcher for $69.99 shipped, which matches the Best Buy pricing we’re seeing while it is included in its Deals of the Day. This handy 3-in-1 device normally runs for $100 at full price these days, with discounts having gone as low as $67 over the year, while past years have seen it fall to $60 at best. Today’s deal cuts $30 off the tag to land things down among some of its lowest prices – just $10 above the low that hasn’t reappeared for quite some time.

If you want to learn more about this handy 3-in-1 tool, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Review: Ride1Up’s Revv1 DRT e-bike is a rugged off-roader with plenty of suspension and hidden punch

When it comes to e-bikes, most people’s immediate thought is a commuter model designed to get you through streets to your various destinations, but with Ride1Up’s Revv1 DRT e-bike, the fun is extended (and primarily focused) to off-road adventures, and boy, does this baby have some go in it. It’s been over two years since we reviewed the Revv1 FS counterpart, which we came away quite impressed with its SUPER73-like design. Now we’re heading off the beaten path with this newer off-road variant, which boasts improved specs that outshine its predecessors in the series.

To get our full hands-on impression of this e-bike, be sure to check out our review here.

anker solix early prime day power station sale
ecoflow early prime day power station sale
jackery Early Prime Day Power Station Sale

Best Fall 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’s smallest EV is full of big surprises

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3 hours ago

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October 6, 2025

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Kia's smallest EV is full of big surprises

Kia's-smallest-EV

It’s almost here. Kia is about to introduce its smallest, most affordable electric vehicle yet. Although the EV2 is tiny, Kia promises it will look and feel much larger both inside and out.

Kia will unveil the EV2, its smallest EV, in early 2026

We knew it was coming sometime in 2026, but now we have a better idea of when we can expect to see it for the first time.

Kia’s President and CEO Song Ho-Sung told Auto Express that the company is preparing to unveil the EV2 in early 2026. Although he didn’t reveal a specific date, Song offered a few new details we can expect to see when it arrives in production form.

The EV2 Concept was showcased during Kia’s EV Day earlier this year, a preview of the upcoming entry-level EV.

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Like Kia’s previous concepts, such as the EV3 and EV4, you can expect the EV2 to look pretty close to the one shown earlier this year.

“It is still a concept car, but a lot of it you will see,” Karim Habib, Kia’s design boss, told Auto Express, adding, “You can take the example of the EV3 or EV4, which we showed two years ago as concepts.” The EV2 will be no different. According to Habib, “the delta between production car and show car is exactly the same.”

Kia-EV2
Kia Concept EV2 (Source: Kia)

It will debut with Kia’s new “Opposites United” design, showcased on its latest electric vehicles like the EV3, EV4, and EV5.

The new design features Kia’s signature Star Map daytime running lights (DRLs), smooth lines, and revamped front and back ends.

Like the EV9 and EV5, the EV2 has a more upright SUV-like stance, which will be carried over to the production model as recent spy shots have confirmed.

Kia's-smallest-EV
Kia Concept EV2 (Source: Kia)

Although it’s Kia’s smallest EV to date, Song said the “interior roominess” will surprise buyers. The concept features a unique folding rear bench that Habib hinted could make its way into the production car.

The minimalist layout will remain essentially unchanged, but the rear-hinged doors won’t be offered. Well, at least, at first.

Kia-EV2-interior
Kia Concept EV2 interior (Source: Kia)

Habib said that is something Hyundai Motor Group is still “working towards,” confirming plans to apply it to future vehicles.

Kia said the EV2 will start at around 30,000 euros ($35,000) when it goes on sale in 2026, or slightly less than the EV3. We could see the production model as soon as the Brussels Motor Show in January.

The EV2 will be built at Kia’s manufacturing plant in Slovakia, specifically for the European market. After the EV2, Kia plans to launch an even smaller, more affordable EV1 as the new base model for its electric car lineup (EV1 to EV9).


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Archer Aviation demonstrated public eVTOL flights in California and they were so quiet! [Video]

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5 hours ago

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October 6, 2025

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Archer Aviation demonstrated public eVTOL flights in California and they were so quiet! [Video]

Archer eVTOL flights

After an announcement last week, eVTOL developer Archer Aviation completed display flights to the public at the 2025 California International Air Show. This public display was Archer’s latest aerial achievement in the public eye as it moves closer to certification and commercial eVTOL operations.

While Archer Aviation ($ACHR) has been a mainstay on Electrek‘s eVTOL news beat for the past few years, the past few months have been fascinating. In May, Archer signed on as the exclusive air taxi provider of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

By June, it became the latest sustainable aviation developer to begin bona fide piloted test flights in its flagship Midnight aircraft (pictured below). Archer’s success continued through the summer, as it reported milestones that marked its longest piloted eVTOL flight (55 miles in 31 minutes), as well as its two highest altitude flights, reaching heights of 7,000 and 10,000 feet.

Last week, Archer announced that it would be demonstrating the capabilities of its Midnight eVTOL to the public with multiple flights over the weekend during the California International Air Show. One day later, we have footage of one of the flights that we want you to see (and try to hear).

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longest eVTOL flight

Archer shows of eVTOL tech during display flights in CA

As promised, Archer Aviation completed display flights with its Midnight eVTOL during both days of the 2025 California International Air Show in Salinas, CA, this past weekend. The Salinas Municipal Airport is actually home to Archer’s test flight facility, and the startup was a sponsor of the event.

The annual air show was expected to welcome over 65,000 attendees, not including the 1,000 expected to visit from Archer’s engineering, operations, and flight test departments. According to Archer, its Midnight eVTOL was scheduled for initial test flights, followed by notable flybys from other prominent groups, such as the Blue Angels and the USAF F-16 Viper Demo team.

While those other aerial teams are indeed more death-defying entertainment, their conventional technology is significantly more polluting, from an air and noise perspective. That’s a huge selling point for eVTOL developers like Archer, as they offer more and more public flight demonstrations to inform people of the benefits of this segment.

You have to see Archer’s flight footage of the Midnight to understand what we’re talking about. The aircraft is zooming by over the crowd, and you can not only clearly hear the emcee tallying off the eVTOL’s specs, but you can actually hear murmurs and conversations of people in the crowd—no chance you’re hearing any of that when the Blue Angels soar by.

Obviously, there’s a huge design gap between an all-electric air taxi and an F/A-18 Super Hornet, but the test flights still showcase how much quieter certain aerial travel can be. A better comparison would be a helicopter, which could easily be replaced by eVTOL vessels in the near future.

Until then, you can enjoy the demo eVTOL flight video from Archer below.

Source: Archer Aviation

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