Connect with us

Published

3 months ago

on

US republicans have unveiled their new tax proposal, which kills a slew of tax credits to help working families become more energy efficient, improve US air quality, and boost US manufacturing. The republican proposal instead channels that money to wealthy elites, increasing the deficit by trillions of dollars along the way.

Republicans in Congress released their 389-page proposal today and, as expected, it includes several provisions to eliminate popular clean energy credits which were driving a boost in American manufacturing.

The credits were largely established under President Biden as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which raised hundreds of billions of dollars through tax enforcement on wealthy individuals and corporations and channeled that into energy efficiency credits for American families.

We’ve covered how families could save thousands of dollars on upgrades to lower their energy costs through these credits.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

But these credits aren’t just money-saving for Americans, they also work to boost American manufacturing.

Due to various provisions in the bill, particularly around the $7,500 EV tax credit which was limited to cars that undergo final assembly in North America. While loopholes exist, nevertheless the bill resulted in a massive expansion of American manufacturing, driving hundreds of billions of dollars of investment and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.

But now, republicans in Congress are trying to roll much of that progress back.

Here’s a life of the bill’s various effects (via the BlueGreen Alliance):

  • Attaching restrictions to clean energy and manufacturing tax credits that would make them unusable in practical terms while also “sunsetting” those tax credits early, a move that research suggests will increase costs for American families; 
  • Repealing the Clean Vehicle Tax Credits; 
  • Repealing the Clean Hydrogen Tax Credit; 
  • Clawing back unspent funds for air quality monitoring in schools, clean manufacturing, state and community energy programs, and electric grid upgrades; 
  • Defunding and delaying the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP), which reduces pollution and protects the health of workers and communities; 
  • Clawing back all unspent Inflation Reduction Act funds, including many provisions that would have lowered energy bills, created jobs, and reduced pollution; and 
  • Attacks on many additional Inflation Reduction Act programs and initiatives.   

You can perhaps see a pattern in these effects: they’re primarily targeted towards increasing costs for regular American families who were taking advantage of these tax credits, and towards programs that would keep you and your children healthier.

Previous analyses show how repealing these tax credits would lead to increased electricity prices for all Americans.

It should not be any surprise to anyone that has been paying attention that republicans want to poison you and raise your costs, but some people apparently still need more examples, so here we are.

In particular, the new tax proposal eliminates the US EV tax credit which had driven so much of that investment due to its domestic manufacturing provision (though there are some small carveouts). Not only does that inflate the cost of the best vehicles available today for Americans, it also takes away one of the incentives that was driving investment in US manufacturing.

We’ve warned before that a bill like this would just send more EV jobs to China, a country where nobody is “debating” over which direction the auto industry is going. Chinese automakers all know the industry is going electric, and they’re putting all of their effort into it.

This is quite a contrast with Western automakers which keep hemming and hawing, begging their governments to let them go bankrupt with anti-EV policy decisions that will only slow down their transition towards modernizing to the global EV status quo.

We’ve already seen the effects of other poor policy decisions on manufacturing, with several companies pausing or canceling plans to build manufacturing facilities in North America as a result of tariff chaos at the hands of an ignoramus. Republican districts have been hit hardest, as they were where the majority of this investment had been going.

And we’ve seen it made clear that the republicans in government responsible for protecting clean air would rather poison you and raise your fuel costs, as long as it helps the oil industry which bribed them into their position.

But then, the cherry on top of today’s tax proposal is that its cuts of these credits don’t even have a greater budgetary purpose. Not only was the Inflation Reduction Act revenue-positive – which is to say, it raised more money than it spent, thus reducing the deficit – today’s republican tax bill is revenue-negative, which is to say, it will increase the deficit.

The republican proposal raises the debt ceiling by $4 trillion, and it makes use of virtually all of that headroom, as the Joint Committee on Taxation has estimated that it will add $3.7 trillion to US debt. This is largely due to the bill’s significant giveaways to wealthy elites, with the majority of tax cuts targeted at the wealthiest households.

So the government isn’t even getting any savings out of this bill, merely channeling more money from working families to the wealthy elites that the republican party has always tried to benefit (including in other ways than the clean energy credits, like by cutting health care for the poor).

If you have a republican representative, all it takes is 3 republican Congresspeople to oppose this job-killing bill and to stand up for the well-being of their constituents.

Solar industry analysts have identified four republican Congresspeople who might be swayed in this respect, with their contact info below (Find out more about how this will affect the solar tax credit in this article by Electrek’s Michelle Lewis)

But there are many others whose districts have received significant investment, with EV projects being particularly popular in states like Georgia, North Carolina, and others along the burgeoning US “battery belt”. An interactive tool, including the ability to sort by congressional district, is available here.

Otherwise, you can find your representative on Congress’ website, and then search for the contact form on your representative’s website to get in contact with them.

Of course, if you have a Democratic representative, it’s also worth letting them know that you oppose the tax bill, just in case a few of them decide to jump ranks and join the republicans in harming America. We certainly hope they don’t, but it could happen.

Among the proposed cuts is the rooftop solar credit. That means you could have only until the end of this year to install rooftop solar on your home, before republicans raise the cost of doing so by an average of ~$10,000. So if you want to go solar, get started now.

To make sure you 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. It has 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 share your phone number with them.

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. – ad*

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Environment

Heybike Mars 2.0 e-bike with extra battery at $1,199, Exclusive $2,900 off Mango 3,500Wh station, Aiper IrriSense system at new $500 low, more

Published

1 hour ago

on

August 20, 2025

By

Heybike Mars 2.0 e-bike with extra battery at ,199, Exclusive ,900 off Mango 3,500Wh station, Aiper IrriSense system at new 0 low, more

Leading today’s Green Deals is Heybike’s Labor Day Sale, which is taking up to $600 off its e-bike lineup while offering a special first-time bundle on the Mars 2.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike with an extra battery for a 90-mile range at $1,199. Right behind it is an exclusive $2,900 discount on the Mango Power E 3,500Wh CATL Power Station back at its $899 low, as well as Aiper’s latest IrriSense Smart Irrigation System hitting a new $500 low. From there, we have compact Bluetti power station deals, a second-ever Aventon e-bike discount, a one-day-only Greenworks pressure washer sale, and more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings are at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s new low price on the Navee GT3 Max smart e-scooter, Tenways’ $907 savings on the AGO X mid-drive e-bike bundle, 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.

Heybike has launched its Labor Day Sale that is taking up to $600 off its e-bike lineup in what looks to be segmented periods with fresh deals every handful of days. With the brand having just released its new Ranger Pro 3.0 and Mars 3.0 e-bikes two weeks ago, we’re seeing the predecessor models getting some significant savings, with the Mars 2.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike seeing a first-time bundle that gives it an extra battery at $1,199 shipped. This bundle would normally run you $1,848 with everything at full price, giving you a first-ever $649 savings bundle that doubles your commuting range, though if you don’t care about the battery, you can pick up the usual package at $999 shipped. Don’t dawdle on decisions, though, as there is a timer counting down until this deal ends in a few days.

This is quite an affordable long-distance bundle to score on Heybike’s Mars 2.0 e-bike, which, alongside the Ranger S e-bike, has become a popular budget-friendly option – especially with deals like this one. Each of these 600Wh batteries provides you with a 45-mile pedal-assisted range, with a throttle available that gives you pure electric mobility at a reduced mileage (although with two batteries, it’s not as much of a concern how much you rely on it). There is no option to upgrade the motor with this bundle, so you’ll be getting the standard 750W motor (1,400W peak) that carries you at up to 20 MPH speeds unless your state’s local laws allow for the unlocked 28 MPH top speed.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Over the years I’ve come to love folding commuters more and more, especially as a New Yorker who lives in tighter apartment spaces, and you just can’t beat the compacting design in my case. There’s plenty of solid stock features on Heybike’s Mars 2.0 e-bike coming along too, like the puncture-resistant fat tires (with fenders over each) that prevent premature endings to your journey, as well as an integrated cargo rack that’s great for carrying bags, groceries, and other cargo in your day-to-day schedule. You’ll also enjoy the LED headlight and taillight combo, a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, and an LED screen for all your setting adjustment needs.

Heybike’s other Labor Day e-bike deals:

  • Hauler Single-Battery Cargo e-bike (low): $999 (Reg. $1,499)
    • 20/28 MPH for 55 miles
  • Mars 2.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike: $999 (Reg. $1,499)
    • 20/28 MPH for 45 miles
    • comes with free front basket and large basket
    • upgrade to 1000W model for $100 more
  • Ranger S Folding Fat-Tire e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,499)
    • 20/28 MPH for 55 miles
    • comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Cityrun Urban Commuting e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,599)
    • 21 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Horizon Full-Suspension e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,999)
    • 20/28 MPH for 55 miles
    • comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Hauler Dual-Battery Cargo e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,899)
    • 20/28 MPH for 85 miles
  • Tyson Uni-Body e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,799)
    • 20/28 MPH for 55 miles
    • comes with free large basket
  • ALPHA All-Terrain e-bike (low): $1,499 (Reg. $1,699)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 60 miles
  • Hero 1,000W Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bike: $2,299 (Reg. $2,599)
    • 35 MPH for 60 miles
  • Hero 750W Mid-Drive Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bike: $2,599 (Reg. $3,099)
    • 35 MPH for 60 miles

And be sure to check out our launch coverage of Heybike’s two newest models, the Ranger Pro 3.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike and the Mars 3.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike, which come with the brand’s new Galaxy Perform eDrive System, as well as extended travel ranges, and tons of new features, like the NFC start-up.

Mango Power E portable power station sitting with solar panels in front of a camper in the grass

Mango’s monstrous Power E 3,500Wh CATL station gets an exclusive $2,900 price cut to returning $899 low

Our readers can now take advantage of an exclusive Wellbots deal on the Mango Power E 3,500Wh Portable Power Station at $899 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5MANGOP700 at checkout. The website has already dropped it from its $3,799 price tag to $1,599, and using our exclusive code you’ll be scoring an additional $700 discount for a massive $2,900 combined savings. We’ve had this same deal to offer once before back in March, with folks getting a second chance at these massive savings today at the best price we have tracked.

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

Aiper IrriSense smart irrigation system watering lawn in front of house on sunny day

Water up to 4,800 square feet with Aiper’s latest IrriSense smart irrigation system at a new $500 low (Save $200)

Through its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering a lower-than-ever price on its new IrriSense Smart Irrigation System at $499.99 shipped, which matches in price directly from the brand’s website. This new release only hit the market in May with a $700 price tag that we’ve only seen drop to $600 a few times in the months since, most recently during last month’s Prime Day event. Things are dropping even lower here now, though, with a larger-than-ever $200 markdown that lands it at a new all-time low price.

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

people riding down streets on Aventon Pace 4 e-bike

Aventon’s new security-packed Pace 4 smart step-through cruiser e-bike gets second-ever discount to $1,699 low

As part of its Final Summer Sale running through September 3, Aventon is offering a second chance at cash savings on its new Pace 4 Smart Step-Through Cruiser e-bike for $1,699 shipped. This newer model hit the scene back in April with a full $1,799 price tag, which only saw occasional bundle packages tacked on until the brand’s July 4th sale offered the first discount to this same rate. Now the $100 markdown is coming back around for the second time, officially solidifying this price as the lowest tracked.

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

man sitting on dune with laptop powered by Bluetti AC70P portable power station

Get 768Wh or 864Wh personal backup power with Bluetti’s AC70 or AC70P LiFePO4 stations starting from $329

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Bluetti is offering its AC70P Portable Power Station at $479 shipped, which beats out the direct pricing from the brand’s website by $170. While this model carries a $699 MSRP direct from the brand, we see it typically selling for $649 at Amazon, with discounts having kept the costs between $499 and $479 recently. The deal here gives you a 26% markdown off the going rate for $170 in savings ($220 off the MSRP) at the third-best price we have tracked, which has only been beaten by the $469 low we saw pop up during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and a one-time exclusive deal to $357 in December. Head below for more on this model and its cheaper counterpart that comes with bundle options.

If you want to learn more about this model or its AC70 counterpart and the bundle options there, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

man cleaning front steps to home with greenworks pro 3,000 PSI electric pressure washer

Get Greenworks’ newest pro-grade 3,000 PSI electric pressure washer at $330 for today only

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the newer Greenworks Pro 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer for $329.99 shipped, which beats out both Amazon and the brand’s direct website pricing, where both are sitting at their full $450 MSRP. Over at Best Buy, though, we see it starting at $400, with discounts over the year having gone as low as $285 in a previous one-day sale, dropping under the $292 Amazon low. The one-day-only deal here comes as a $70 markdown ($130 off the MSRP) that lands it at the third-lowest price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this pressure washer, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal 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.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Kia just built its first EV in Europe

Published

2 hours ago

on

August 20, 2025

By

Kia just built its first EV in Europe

Kia-first-EV-Europe

The EV4 is here. Kia’s first European-made EV rolled off the line in Slovakia on Tuesday, kicking off a bigger push that includes new electric SUVs, cars, vans, and more.

The EV4 is the first Kia EV to be built in Europe

Kia is bringing back the hatch. The EV4 is Kia’s first attempt at an electric hatchback, and now, it’s the brand’s first EV built in Europe.

“The start of production is a huge milestone for us,” Kia Europe’s CEO, Marc Hedrich, said on Tuesday. He added, “From 20 August, Slovakia will build fully electric cars alongside models with hybrid and internal combustion powertrains.”

The Slovakia plant is Kia’s sole manufacturing facility in Europe and will serve as a cornerstone as the company looks to gain market share in the region. It already accounts for about 1% of Kia’s total global output.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Kia invested 108 million euros ($125 million) to upgrade the facility for EV production, including a new battery conveyor.

The EV4 hatchback is available with two battery packs: 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh, offering a WLTP range of up to 391 miles. It’s also equipped with new features, such as V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid).

Kia-first-EV-Europe
Kia starts EV4 hatchback production in Europe, its first EV built in Europe (Source: Kia UK)

Based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the EV4 hatchback measures 4,430 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,485 mm in height, roughly the same size as the Kia XCreed.

In the UK, the base EV4 Air Standard Range starts at £34,695 ($47,700), while the longer range model is priced from £37,695 ($51,700).

Kia EV4 hatchback trim Starting Price Driving Range
(WLTP)
Air Standard Range £34,695 ($47,700) 273 miles
Air Long Range £37,695 ($51,700) 388 miles
GT-Line £39,395 ($54,000) 362 miles
GT-Line S £43,895 ($60,200) 362 miles
Kia EV4 hatchback prices and range in the UK

Kia also launched the EV4 Fastback, or sedan version, last month, starting at £40,895 ($55,000) with a WLTP driving range of up to 380 miles.

Unlike the hatchback, the Fastback variant will be made at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO plant in South Korea.

Kia-first-EV-Europe
Kia EV4 models during safety testing in Europe (Source: Kia UK)

The EV3 is already the UK’s top-selling EV through the first half of the year. Following the EV4 hatch and Fastback, Kia will introduce the EV5 in Europe later this year, followed by the entry-level EV2 in 2026.

Kia is also launching its first electric van, the PV5, which is quickly rolling out to new European markets this year. The PV5 will initially be launched in Passenger and Cargo variants, but Kia plans to introduce seven different body styles, including a light camper and an open bed model.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Volkswagen secures $35 million to build its most affordable EV yet, the ID.1

Published

3 hours ago

on

August 20, 2025

By

Volkswagen secures million to build its most affordable EV yet, the ID.1

Volkswagen-most-affordable-EV

Volkswagen was awarded 30 million euros ($35 million) to build the ID.1 in Portugal on Tuesday. The ID.1 will start at about 20,000 euros ($22,000) as the smallest, most affordable EV in the Volkswagen lineup.

Volkswagen moves closer toward affordable EVs

The ID.1 is “the last piece of the puzzle,” according to Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer. We got a sneak peek of the new entry-level EV in September after VW unveiled the ID.EVERY1 concept.

Although it was just a concept, unlike many, Volkswagen is bringing this one to life. The ID.EVERY1 concept previews “an electric 20,000 euro Volkswagen,” the company said earlier this year.

After signing a deal with the Portuguese government on Tuesday to produce the new entry-level EV, Volkswagen is one step closer to bringing it to market. Thomas Hegel Gunther, president of Volkswagen’s Autoeuropa plant in Portugal, confirmed the ID.1 is scheduled for production in mid-2027.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Gunther also confirmed it will be the new VW entry-level EV with starting prices at 20,000 euros ($22,000). “The coming years will be marked by making the future a reality, Gunther said at the event.

Volkswagen's-ID.1-EV
Volkswagen-ID.1-most-affordable-EV

The government will contribute up to 30 million euros ($35 million) in state aid to help get it started. “For more than three decades, Autoeuropa has been more than a pillar of the national economy,” Manuel Castro Almeida, Portugal’s Minister of Economy, said, adding, “Today, it reinforces that legacy.”

Volkswagen-most-affordable-EV
Volkswagen ID.EVERY1 interior (Source: Volkswagen)

Measuring just 3,880 mm long, the ID.1 will sit between the former Up! (3,600 mm) and ID.2 (4,050 mm). It’s slightly smaller than the Polo (4,074 mm).

Following the ID.2 and an SUV version, due out next year, Volkswagen will launch the ID.1 in 2027. Thanks to its partnership with Rivian, it will not only be the most affordable Volkswagen EV but also the first software-defined vehicle (SDV) model. All three vehicles are part of VW’s Electric Urban Car Family, its new entry-level series.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending