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As anticipated, Aptera Motors has shared its monthly progress update for April, complete with new progress across its business strategy. In the video you can view below, Aptera’s co-founder Chris Anthony details the progress of two more production-intent solar EV builds, including codename “Artemis,” and discusses the startup’s latest investment opportunities to secure one of the first production builds.

Aptera continues to trek forward as the little motor that could in the lonely world of solar EV startups. At the end of each month, Aptera shares a progress update detailing its latest milestones. In recent months, we’ve seen the company perform real-world testing, which included the first road trip in one of its production-intent builds, which traveled over 300 miles.

This month, Aptera co-founder and co-CEO Chris Anthony shared progress updates on two more production-intent builds, including PI4, codenamed “Artemis.” Before we dig into that tech, we want to recap some financial news the company shared in mid-April.

As reported in December 2024, Aptera announced a return to a crowdfunding strategy after an unsuccessful attempt at an investment round selling convertible notes with the help of US Capital Global. At the time, Aptera shared that prospective investors could once again purchase shares in the startup priced at $14.80 each, requesting a minimum investment of $1,000.

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Last month, Aptera sweetened the deal with a promotional update to its investment program, offering a price-match discount coupon valid toward purchasing a Launch Edition Aptera. For example, if you invest $1,000, you get $1k off your SEV purchase, a $5,000 investment equals a $5k coupon, and so on, up to $10,000.

Additionally, the first 1,000 investors who commit $5,000 or more will be added to a priority SEV delivery waitlist, but that’s after Aptera completes the initial 2,000 deliveries promised through its previous crowdfunding venture, the Accelerator Program.

Chris Anthony shared details of this latest investment opportunity and the progress of the rest of Aptera’s business in its April update.

Aptera update
An infotainment screen that will be installed on “Artemis” / Source: Aptera/YouTube

April ended with several new Aptera updates

During Aptera’s April update video, Chris Anthony shared that over 400 SEV believers have already committed at least $5k to Aptera’s latest investment program, securing priority delivery status (if the startup makes it to that milestone).

While the company still has approximately 600 slots to fill, securing 40% of its desired investors in less than a month shows that there is still a loyal following of everyday consumers who believe in solar EV technology. Speaking of that, the April update also included a closer look at Aptera’s latest production intent model, PI4, or “Artemis.”

In the video below, two employees are working on PI4 behind Anthony, who explained that the company is working to install the complete thermal management system, which was designed entirely in-house, to manage heating and cooling across the solar EV’s components and cabin.

On the software side, Aptera’s team continues to progress in heating and cooling controls on the SEV’s thermal management system and the startup’s proprietary infotainment system, which will be displayed on a 12.8-inch screen from Tianma (seen above). Other features the software team has recently tackled include wiper control, window control, and power steering control.

According to the update video, Aptera is also preparing to begin assembly of PI3, codenamed “Gemini.” Per Anthony, the SEV will include production-weight components that should help achieve even better efficiency numbers than its track vehicle.

Aside from vehicles, Aptera announced that its solar technology venture is currently in production, assembling an order for its first customer. According to an email from Aptera, that initial delivery was recently completed. Per Anthony:

Though this effort is outside of the vehicle program, things like it can help unlock better material pricing and generate early revenue, which helps support our long-term goals as a company. It’s just one of the examples of how we apply efficiency everywhere we can.

To cap off the update video, Aptera’s co-founder shared plans for several road trips across the continental US this summer, beginning in California before visiting the Midwest, followed by states like Florida and New York. Looking ahead, Aptera has promised a video showcasing its thermal management system and a public event involving Artemis.

One last tidbit that wasn’t in the video was news that Aptera had signed a new partnership with Inmotive Inc. to “explore opportunities for increased efficiency and sustainability in solar-powered transportation.” Per a release, Aptera and Inmotive will work together to integrate the latter’s Ingear two-speed transmission into future solar electric vehicles.

That’s all for now. If you’d like to watch the full update video from Aptera yourself, you can do so below!

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Prime Day-1 Green Deals: Lectric’s new XP Trike2, EcoFlow, Segway e-bikes, ECOVACS robot mowers, Anker SOLIX, and much more

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Prime Day-1 Green Deals: Lectric's new XP Trike2, EcoFlow, Segway e-bikes, ECOVACS robot mowers, Anker SOLIX, and much more

Amazon’s Prime Day is in full swing through the rest of the week, and we’ve got a jam-packed edition of Green Deals for you today from the first round of savings that we’ve spotted so far, with all the rest being added to our Prime Day Green Deals hub here, which we’ll be updating regularly. Leading the pack is the preorder launch of Lectric’s new XP Trike2 that is getting $227 in free gear at $1,499 through July 28th. We also have some EcoFlow direct-website Prime Day savings, like the DELTA Pro 3 bundle with a 400W panel and a transfer switch at a new $2,849 low, among others. There’s also the new low price hitting Segway’s Xafari e-bike for $2,000, while the Xyber e-bike is down at $3,000. All that and much more are waiting for you below.

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 launches new and improved XP Trike2 with $227 in free gear for preorder at $1,499

As part of Lectric’s newly launched Better Than Prime Sale, the brand is offering preorder savings on its all-new XP Trike2 that comes with $227 in free gear at $1,499 shipped, while the upgraded 750 model won’t be available for preorder until September. This bundle would normally cost $1,726 in full, but as most folks know, the brand tends to provide discounts on the bundled items over actual price cuts. This all-new commuting solution is getting the first chance at savings through July 28th, when it is slated to begin shipping. Along with the eTrike, you’ll be getting a wider saddle with a supporting backrest, an Elite headlight, and a suspension seat post. Head below to learn more about this model and its upcoming 750 variant too.

The next generation of one of the most popular eTrikes on the market, especially amongst older riders, Lectric’s new XP Trike2 cruises onto the scene with a Stealth M24 500W rear hub motor (peaking at 1,092W) that runs quieter than normal motors, as well as a 624Wh battery. This combination provides top speeds of 14 MPH and a travel range of up to 50 miles on a single charge when the five PAS levels are activated. If you haven’t ridden in a while and want to take things slow, there is a power-limiting preset feature that dials down its max speed until you’re ready.

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There’s a bunch of notable upgrades coming with the Lectric XP Trike2, like the Cloud 50 suspension fork to take pressure off your joints, as well as hydraulic brakes for guaranteed stopping power, a headlight and taillight that provides amber side lighting, turn signals, brake lighting, plus reflective tires – all in the name of keeping you seen and safe. You’ll also be getting puncture-resistant tires with fenders over each, a 20A internal controller with an IPX5 water-resistance rating, parking brakes, a rear cargo rack with a 75-pound payload, a half-twist throttle, a new TFT LCD display, keyless riding functionality, and more.

Now, if you want to hold off for the upgraded Lectric XP Trike2 750 model, there are a few key differences to consider. First, it will be available at $1,799 shipped come September, with a larger 840Wh battery and Stealth M24 750W rear hub motor (peaking at 1,310W) that provide increased 17 MPH top speeds and a travel range up to 70 miles with the pedal assistance activated. From there, the big changeup comes from the inclusion of the brand’s Quick Switch tech that allows you to switch between cadence and torque sensors.

EcoFlow DELTA 3 Pro power station

Get $2,448 in savings on EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro 3 bundle with a 400W panel and transfer switch at new $2,849 low

EcoFlow has switched to its full Prime Day Sale event running through July 11 with up to 62% discounts (and a bonus 5% savings) across a massive lineup of units. Three offers can be found only on the brand’s direct site, with the biggest deal amongst them being the DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station bundled with a 400W solar panel and transfer switch for $2,849.05 shippedafter using the code EFPDAFF5 at checkout for an additional 5% off. This package would normally run you $5,297 at full price, which we’ve only seen brought as low as $3,499 back in its Memorial Day sale. The deal here gives you more savings than ever, putting $2,448 back in your pocket for the best new price we have tracked.

Check out the full post and all the included bundles in our original coverage here.

Segway e-bikes

Segway’s Xafari and Xyber e-bikes with Apple Find My, proximity locking, more are starting from a new $2,000 low

Running parallel to Amazon’s Prime Day Sale event, Segway has some limited-time discounts of up to $400 on its two new e-bikes. Through July 11, you can score the Xafari e-bike at $1,999.99 shipped, while the Xyber e-bike is down at $2,999.99 shipped. Normally fetching $2,400 and $3,300, respectively, we’ve only seen previous post-launch discounts hitting these models once before at the top of June, when their prices were brought down to $2,200 and $3,000. While the low price is returning for the Xyber e-bike, the Xafari is seeing even lower pricing for this event that saves you $400 off the tag at the new best rate we have tracked.

Get the full rundown on what you can expect from these models in our original coverage here.

ECOVACS robot lawn mower

Save $600 on ECOVACS’ AI-supported Goat A2500 robot mower at new $1,100 low for Prime Day

As part of its Prime Day event, Amazon is offering the price yet on the new ECOVACS Goat A2500 RTK Robot Lawn Mower dropping to $1,199.99 shipped during this event. This new model has spent most of the time since its release earlier in the year keeping to its $2,000 full price, which we’ve seen brought down as low as $1,500 with discounts so far. During this seasonal event, we’re seeing things go even lower thanks to the 30% markdown that is cutting $600 off the tag, landing it at the best price we have tracked.

Get the full rundown on what you can expect from this new model in our original coverage here.

Anker SOLIX F3000 power station

Anker’s new modular SOLIX F3000 3,072Wh LiFePO4 station gets up to $2,599 increased savings from a new $1,599 low

Anker SOLIX has officially launched its full Prime Day Sale with up to 57% discounts, bonus savings, free gifts, and more through July 11. Among the deals we’re seeing, the brand’s new SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station is getting increased savings up to 2,599 off, with things starting at the solo power station for $1,519.05 shippedafter using the code PDSG5OFF at checkout. which is also matching in price at Amazon. Outside of these initial savings, this new unit will carry a $2,599 price tag, which is reduced from the $900 $1,080 markdown that lands it at a new low price. What’s more, the brand is also offering reduced add-on accessory discounts (on the station’s landing page), giving folks the chance to pick up the home backup kit for just $99 (normally $399) and/or the 120V generator input adapter at $49 (normally $99) – adding on an additional $350 savings should you take the opportunity.

Get the full rundown on what you can expect from this new model, as well as the pricing on its bundles in our original coverage here.

greenworks crossover-Z riding lawn mower

Get $2,200+ savings on Greenworks’ 60V Crossover-Z riding mower with six 8Ah batteries at a new $2,797 low

As part of its Prime Day Competitor Sale, Walmart is offering the best pricing yet on the Greenworks 60V Crossover-Z 42-inch Cordless Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower with six 8Ah batteries and three dual port turbo chargers at $2,797 shipped. Normally, this package would run you $5,600 direct from the brand’s website, where it’s currently marked down to $5,319, but fetches $4,997 at Walmart. The already significant difference in price only gets better with the $2,200 markdown we’re seeing during this sale that beats out all the pricing we’ve seen up until today to land it at a new all-time low. You won’t find this package at Amazon, where only the bundle with four 8Ah batteries is offered – plus, that’s sitting nearly $1,000 higher in price, so you’re getting a lot more here for a lot less.

Learn more about this riding mower in our original coverage here.

Aiper IrriSense smart irrigation system

Get $100 in first savings on Aiper’s IrriSense smart irrigation system that covers 4,800 square feet at $600

Through its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering the first chance at savings on its new IrriSense Smart Irrigation System at $599.99 shippedafter clipping the on-page $100 off coupon, with the price matching direct from the brand’s website. This new device just hit the scene back in May with a $700 price tag, with the deal we’re seeing here from both Amazon and the brand’s direct site being the first chance at cash savings that we have tracked. You’ll be able to upgrade your irrigation with a smarter alternative at $100 off while it lasts, setting the bar for future deals down the line.

Learn more about this all-new release and what it can do in our original coverage here.

Best Summer 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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Ford launches new $0 down, 0% interest summer sales promo and you get a free EV charger

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Ford has a new idea to help you save this summer: $0 down payment, 0% interest, and zero payments for the first 90 days. The new summer sales promo is available on most Ford and Lincoln models. Those buying an electric vehicle can also score a free home EV charger.

In April, Ford launched the “From America, For America” campaign, offering employee pricing to all. According to Ford, the offer helped make it the number one selling brand in America in the first half of 2025.

Despite the success, Ford is shaking it up for the second half of the year. Starting July 8, Ford is transitioning to its new “Zero, Zero, Zero” offer.

The summer sales promo features a $0 down payment, 0% interest for 48 months, and zero payments for the first 90 days on most Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

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Although the employee pricing plan turned out to be a success, Ford dealers said buyers could benefit from less out-of-pocket expenses.

Those shopping for an EV can also score a free home charge. Ford extended its Power Promise program through September 30.

Ford-summer-sales-promo
Ford Mustang Mach-E (left) and F-150 Lightning (right) (Source: Ford)

The program offers buyers a free Level 2 home charger (plus standard installation) and other perks like 24/7 live electric vehicle support, roadside assistance, and an 8-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty.

Despite strong overall sales in the second quarter, Ford’s EV sales fell by nearly a third. Ford spokesperson Martin Gunsberg told Electrek the lower EV sales were due to the Mustang Mach-E recall and changeover to the 2025 model year. “Our dealers can’t sell what they don’t have,” he said.

Ford-summer-sales-promo
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E (Source: Ford)

Although the Trump administration is ending the federal EV tax credit, you still have until September 30 to snag the savings on eligible models.

Ready to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to find deals on the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning at a dealer near you.

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We’re trimming our position in a middling stock to avoid a cardinal sin of investing

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We're trimming our position in a middling stock to avoid a cardinal sin of investing

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