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Closing out this week’s Green Deals, we’re popping back in on some favorite Father’s Day Sales while mixing in some fresh savings, too. Leading the group is the Father’s Day Sale bundles we’re seeing on the Lectric XPedition 2.0 Cargo e-bike, with its three variants getting up to $723 in free gear starting from $1,399. Next, running through the weekend in Anker’s SOLIX Father’s Day Sale, we spotted the F3800 Plus home backup bundles at new lows starting from $3,394. From there, we have the Worx 20V 10-inch Cordless PowerShare Pole/Chainsaw kit at $130, as well as EGO’s 56V 25-inch Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer returning to its Black Friday pricing for $269. Lastly, we have the ongoing deal on the Duracell Ion Speed 1000 Charger bundle with 6 AA and 2 AAA rechargeable batteries at $13. Plus, there’s all the rest of the hangover Green Deals in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s new low price on NIU’s latest KQi 200F Electric Scooter, the Bluetti AC300 expanded solar bundle at a new low, 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.

Lectric’s XPedition 2.0 e-bikes get up to $723 in free gear to help Dad haul precious cargo up to 170 miles starting from $1,399

Looking back in on Lectric’s Father’s Day Sale through the weekend that is taking up to $723 off its e-bike bundles, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the Dad-minded packages accompanying the brand’s XPedition 2.0 Cargo e-bikes, which are getting some of the largest savings amongst the bunch. Things start with the base 13Ah model that is getting $375 in free gear at $1,399 shipped, while the 26Ah dual battery model is getting $574 in free gear at $1,699 shipped and the 35Ah dual-battery model gets $723 in free gear at $1,999 shipped. As we normally see, the discounts here are all on the bundled gear themselves, with the packages we’re seeing during this sale focused on Dads’ needs to haul their kids – plus, they’re the second-biggest bundles we’ve seen to date, beating out the deals we saw during Black Friday and Christmas sales.

Let’s go over the bundles we’re seeing on these e-bikes before getting in to their capabilities. First, the base model gets an Elite headlight, a bottle holder with mounting adapter, a bottle-shaped e-bike lock, a 4-liter frame bag, running boards, and two cushions. With the 26Ah model you’re getting a suspension seat post, an Orbitor rear basket/cage, and an extra cushion thrown in. And lastly, the 35Ah model gets all that on top of an improved 5A charger that “cuts down on charging speeds by 60%.”

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Lectric’s second-generation cargo haulers, the XPedition 2.0 e-bikes, come with two colorway options and three battery configurations alongside the 750W M24 rear hub motor that provides up to a max 28 MPH speed (depending on your local laws), peaking at 1,310W for inclines and when hauling extra weight along. Among the battery options, the base 13Ah model provides you with up to 60 miles of travel, the 26Ah (dual 13Ah batteries) model increases that range up to 120 miles, and the 35Ah (dual 17.5Ah batteries) model takes things to their max at up to 170 miles – with these ranges available with PAS support activated.

The rear cargo racks on these e-bikes have been extended for improved hauling, covering groceries, packages, and your little ones, all with an impressive 450-pound payload. There’s plenty more features to admire here too, like the adjustable dual spring 50mm front suspension fork, the 20-inch by 2.5-inch wheels that have fenders over each, the Shimano 8-speed derailleur, hydraulic mineral oil disc brakes, the headlight and taillights that provide brake lighting and turn signaling, the wider-stance kickstand, and a color display.

You can browse the entire lineup of Lectric Father’s Day deals in our original coverage here, which also includes the now-shipping XP4 e-bikes with up to $356 in free gear.

Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus power station

Get Anker’s SOLIX F3800 Plus home backup bundles at new low prices starting from $3,394 + free gear ($2,164+ off)

Looking back in on Anker’s SOLIX Father’s Day Sale that is running through June 19 with up to 55% in initial discounts alongside three extra savings tiers and free gifts, we spotted some new lows hitting the brand’s F3800 Plus home backup bundles. The lowest of these rates is on the SOLIX F3800 Plus bundled with a transfer switch and getting a free protective cover ($160 value) at $3,394.03 shipped, with the additional 3% savings automatically added in your cart. This package would normally cost you $5,398 at full price, which has mostly been seen as low as $3,799 in sales, aside from the $3,499 launch deal we saw back in March. That rate is the starting price here while the savings last, with the extra discount taking things $105 lower to the best price we have tracked to date, giving you $2,164 in overall savings (including the cover). Head below for more home backup bundles on this unit. It also beats out Amazon’s pricing that is at $3,499 with no additional savings or the free cover.

As previously mentioned, there are three tiers of extra savings that you can use to score the best pricing on the SOLIX F3800 Plus bundles, with an extra 3% automatically taken off orders over $3,000, an extra 5% taken off orders over $4,000, and an extra 7% discount for every $5,000 spent from there. On top of these savings, the F3800 Plus and its standard counterpart get a free protective cover.

The F3800 Plus power station joins its standard variant as Anker’s most expandable backup power solutions, starting from a 3,840Wh LiFePO4 capacity that you can bolster as high as 26,900Wh with six expansion batteries – and that’s not even factoring in connecting multiples of this setup together. There are 15 output ports that provide a steady stream of up to 6,000W, surging to 9,000W for larger needs, while expanding to 12,000W when two stations (either standard or Plus) are paired together.

The F3800 Plus model offers an additional charging method over its standard counterpart, able to get up to 6,000W of input from a gas generator. You’ll also be able to recharge its battery with a wall outlet, by connecting up to its 3,200W solar input, or with the brand’s Home Power Panel. It also makes an excellent EV/RV companion, as it sports both L14-30R and TT-30R ports.

***Note: The prices below have had the additional 3%, 5%, or 7% savings factored in – with even bigger bundle options that will receive more savings available on the landing pages.

Anker’s SOLIX Father’s Day F3800 Plus home backup deals:

You can browse Anker’s entire SOLIX Father’s Day Sale lineup in our original coverage here. 

Worx 20V 10-inch pole/chainsaw

Amazon is offering the Worx 20V 10-inch Cordless PowerShare Pole/Chainsaw Kit for $129.98 shipped. While it carries a $190 tag direct from the brand, where it’s currently down at $150, we more regularly see it between $160 and $165 at full price on Amazon, with discounts over the last year mostly keeping costs above $135, though there were select falls to $130 and $102. Today’s deal is bringing the second-lowest price we have tracked in the last 12-month period back around, letting you keep $30+ in your pocket while also getting a 2-in-1 combo tool for your arsenal.

Whether you need to chop up wood on the ground or reach tree branches above it, this 2-in-1 20V tool from Worx provides you with the versatility of both a chainsaw and a pole saw, after its been attached to the included 12-foot pole. There’s an automatic oiler that keeps the chain lubricated and running smoothly, while the auto-chain tensioning system provides the perfect amount of tension for any job ahead of you – plus, theres a tension control knob that lets you manually adjust things without any other tools.

The conversion between the two functions is quick and easy, with it never weighing more than 10 pounds, even with the included battery connected. As this is also part of the PowerShare family, the battery can be interchanged with others you may already have, or be used to power over 75+ other tools in the ecosystem.

EGO 56V 25-inch hedge trimmer

Shape up those hedges this summer with EGO’s 56V 25-inch cordless electric trimmer at a $269 low

Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 25-inch Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer for $269 shipped. Normally going for $349 at full price, this is the very first discount we’ve seen on this model in 2025, returning rates back to Black Friday pricing in the process. The 23% markdown we’re seeing here cuts $80 off the going rate, taking things back to the lowest price we have tracked.

Coming equipped with 25-inch dual action, double-sided steel blades, this EGO hedge trimmer can run its brushless motor for up to 60 minutes on a single charge of the included 2.5Ah battery. It provides a 1 1/4-inch cutting capacity that can handle thicker branches among your shrubbery, while the 180-degree rotating handle gives you five adjustable positions for added comfort and ensured control. What’s more, the battery can also be switched out for others you may already own, or be used to power other tools from under the brand’s flag.

Duracell ion speed 1000 rechargeable battery bundle

This Duracell rechargeable bundle with 6 AA, 2 AAA, and charger plunges to $13 (61% off)

If you head to Woot you can pick up the Duracell Ion Speed 1000 Charger along with 6 AA and 2 AAA rechargeable batteries for $12.99 shipped right now, beating out its current Amazon pricing by $12. Normally fetching $34 were it at full price, we’ve mainly seen it keeping above $25 at Amazon, with a short-lived fall to $16 in March. Today’s deal comes in $2 under the offer from Woot that we featured at the top of last month, giving you an even greater $21 in total savings at the best price we have tracked.

You’ll be able to switch to a more cost-effective solution to power your gadgets when bringing home this Duracell value pack, covering needs for gaming controllers, TV remotes, toys, and plenty more. The main focus of the contents revolves around the charger, with it accompanied by six AA and two AAA rechargeable batteries to get you started on your journey away from the costs and environmental damage caused by single-use variants. The charger holds four of any size batteries at once, delivering 4,000mW to get them back to full in four to eight hours – though they come out of the box pre-charged so you can use them first.

If you already have a charger and are looking to stock up on rechargeable batteries, Amazon currently has 4-count and 6-count AA packs starting from $12, while 4 and 6-count AAA packs start from $16. You could also pick up the bundle that gives you four of each type for $28 too, or browse through the brand’s Amazon storefront here for even more.

Best Spring 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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It’s time to start recommending some Tesla Powerwall alternatives [update]

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July 26, 2025

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It's time to start recommending some Tesla Powerwall alternatives [update]

Great batteries that aren't the Tesla Powerwall

For years, Tesla Powerwall has been the go-to recommendation for “normals” looking for a painless, low-effort experience from their first home solar and battery backup solutions. Its CEO’s recent involvement in controversial politics, however, means that people are now distancing themselves from the once-trailblazing company.

It begs the question: what other home solar battery solutions are there?

UPDATE 26JUL2025: added more options, put everything in alphabetical order.

Electricians and contractors often praise the sleek, energy-dense Tesla Powerwall, for good reasons. But the Powerwall isn’t the only top-shelf home battery on the market, but long wait times, Elon’s antics, and the proliferation of really good integrated alternatives from legacy EV brands might have you shopping for Tesla alternatives already. If that’s you, the next logical step is to re-think the brand’s solar battery offerings as well – here are some of the best options out there.

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As I was putting this list together, I realized there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. “Best batteries ..?” Too opinion-based. “Cheapest batteries ..?” Too much research and a quick descent into Temu-grade nonsense. In the end, I went with the same solution I’ve been using on my 0% EV financing lists: alphabetical order, by brand. Enjoy!

Bluetti EP800 + B500

Bluetti EP800 install photo; via Bluetti.

If you’re in a smaller space or renting and can’t (or don’t want to) add a hardwired battery solution to your home, Bluetti’s EP800 + B500 modular system is a sweet “middle ground” option that combines the Bluetti EP800 off-grid inverter and the company’s B500 battery packs in a floor-standing unit that can be used without a solar roof but also plays well with most rooftop PV options.

The basic EP800 + B500 package offers about 9.9 kWh of capacity for under $9,000 as I type this, and the system can scale up to nearly 20 kWh by adding more B500 packs. The system puts out 7.6 kW of power – more than enough, in other words, to keep some lights on and your fridge and foods (and meds) cold.

What’s more, it works great with Bluetti’s AC300 or AC500 gear if you want an option that’s a bit more portable if you move a lot or plan on moving soon.

EG4 14.3 kWh PowerPro

EG4 installer; via EG4.

Two of the home solar installers I talked to in preparing this post mentioned the EG4 14.3kWh batteries, and its specs (on paper, at least) compare nicely with the Powerwall 3.

Battery Usable capacity (kWh) Continuous power output (kW) Roundtrip efficiency Average price per kWh* Coupling
Tesla Powerwall 3 13.5 11.5 97.5% $926 DC or AC
EG4 14.3kWh PowerPro 11.44 10.24 99% $786 DC

“The EG4 PowerPro solar battery from EG4 Electronics is the strongest alternative to the Tesla Powerwall,” writes Kristina Zagame, from the home solar experts at EnergySage. “(The EG4) has a similar capacity, meaning it’ll last a similar amount of time, and a slightly lower power output, which means it won’t be able to power quite as many devices at the same time. And, based on quotes through EnergySage, EG4 batteries tend to be a bit more affordable compared to Tesla.”

Enphase IQ Battery 10

IQ Battery 10; via Enphase.

If you’re looking for a one-brand solution for EV charging and whole-home battery backup but don’t want to be “locked in” to GM or Tesla’s ecosystem, Enphase offers a full line of Made-in-the-USA solutions that could be right for you.

“Energy systems developer Enphase Energy is providing an even more holistic approach to managing home power usage with the introduction of new EV charger technology called the IQ line,” wrote Scooter doll, when the brand first introduced its EV charging solutions back in 2023. “The Enphase IQ is Wi-Fi enabled and integrates seamlessly into a customer’s existing home system that can be controlled with your phone.”

Franklin WH aPower 2

Franklin aPower2 home battery; via Franklin WH.

If you love the sleek, minimalistic styling of the Tesla Powerwall 3 but still prefer to spend your money elsewhere, the Franklin WH aPower 2 offers similarly sleek styling and beats the Tesla offering on usable energy storage capacity by 1.5 kWh. That’s nearly a full day of keeping a modern refrigerator running.

The Franklin is also designed to be easily retrofit into an existing solar system, but it loses out to the Powerwall on price per kWh, at $1,176 (vs. $926 for the Tesla unit).

GM Energy Home System

GM Energy Home System with Chevy Silverado EV; via GM.

Arguably the most fully integrated EV + battery backup + solar option out there outside of Tesla, the GM Energy Home System promises to do everything a conventional home solar battery does, plus work seamlessly with your GM EV to provide even more flexibility – whether that means using the electric fuel stored in your EV to hold out that much longer in an emergency, or using the energy stored in your home’s solar battery to power an escape in your EV is up to you.

GM Energy and GM’s car dealers list Qmerit as their installation partner, and they’re great, but if you “already have a guy,” you can order the Home System directly from GM Energy’s website for $12,700 (as I type this).

The GM Energy Home System system includes:

  • GM Energy PowerBank
  • GM Energy PowerShift Charger
  • GM Energy Home Hub & Inverter

StorEn vanadium flow BESS

StorEn Vanadium Flow Batteries
Vanadium flow batteries; via StorEn Technologies.

If lithium-ion’s ten-year cycle life or overhyped fire risk makes you nervous, StorEn Technologies is developing a consumer-focused battery solution based on vanadium flow chemistry. Their system promises to last 25 years or more with no capacity loss, so you can charge and drain the battery fully each day and without stressing about wear … but there are a couple of downsides.

First, they’re not yet available to the general public – only to StorEn’s early investors in (what I understand to be) a sort of quasi-Kickstarter deal.

Second, the StorEn batteries are significantly bulkier than a Powerwall. That said, if you’ve got the room and you’re old enough to realize that 25 years isn’t actually a super long time, the StorEn solution might to be a super compelling, nearly maintenance-free setup that might outlast both your solar panels and the roof they’re mounted on.

VillaGrid+ battery; via Villara.

So, remember how I started this off saying that I wouldn’t turn this into a “best batteries” post? That’s partly driven by the fact that I’m neither an electrician, a chemical engineer, or someone who’s researched thousands of end-user experience surveys to come up with whatever metrics I’d need to confidently and correctly call one battery “the best.”

Our friends and solar industry experts at EnergySage, though? They’ve got all three of those things on staff, and they really, really like the Villara VillaGrid+.

“The Villara VillaGrid+ stands out as the best battery on the market, scoring highest in EnergySage’s rigorous Equipment Rating System, explains EnergySage’s Kristina Zagame. “That said, (the Villara VillaGrid+) is not necessarily the best Tesla Powerwall alternative. It’s a very different (and much pricier) battery.”

What puts the VillaGrid+ on top? According to Zagame, it all comes down to the battery’s lithium-titanium-oxide, or LTO chemistry. “Unlike more traditional lithium-ion batteries, LTO has better recharge capabilities for longer life cycles, and doesn’t contain any carbon, which makes it extra safe. The only downside is you’ll definitely shell out more money upfront for the VillaGrid+.”

That extra money will also buy some additional peace of mind, as Villara backs its LTO batteries with a 20-year warranty compared to Tesla Powerwall and its (and just about everyone else’s) 10-year deal. I couldn’t find a price, but Villara’s other products, like VillaGrid 5.75 kWh battery, come in at nearly double Powerwall’s per kWh cost. Check out the specs, below, then let us know if you think the novel chemistry and additional warranty are worth it in the comments.

Battery Usable capacity (kWh) Continuous power output (kW) Roundtrip efficiency Average price per kWh* Coupling
Tesla Powerwall 3 13.5 11.5 97.5% $926 DC or AC
Villara VillaGrid+ 11.5 10 98.5% Get quote DC or AC

Original content from Electrek.

If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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.

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Vertical Aerospace completes first ever public airport-to-airport eVTOL flight

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18 hours ago

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July 26, 2025

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Vertical Aerospace completes first ever public airport-to-airport eVTOL flight

Vertical Aerospace eVTOL completes historic airport-to-airport flight

Air taxi startup Vertical Aerospace achieved a world’s first this week, completing the first flight between two airports through public airspace for an eVTOL at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Gloucestershire, England.

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is the world’s largest military airshow, held every July and serving as a public showcase for the latest advancements in aviation technology. It’s fitting, then, that RIAT served as setting for the Vertical VX4 prototype’s first piloted public flight.

The eVTOL aircraft flew 17 miles from the company’s Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force station used by the US Air Force. The Vertical VX4 reached speeds of 115 mph, and an altitude of 1800 ft, and also marked the first landing at a public location for an aircraft of this type.

The Vertical Aerospace entry was the only battery-electric aircraft present at RIAT 2025, and the flight served as a demonstration of the company’s broader strategy to unlock new hybrid-electric applications for defense, logistics, and special/close support missions where the eVTOL’s (relatively) quiet operations could give it a tactical advantage.

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“RIAT is a global stage for the most advanced, mission-ready aerospace technology, and we’re proud to showcase how electric aviation will support the future of defense,” says Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Our hybrid-electric roadmap unlocks new capabilities for military operations, and Vertical’s RIAT presence reinforces our commitment to playing a meaningful role in the future of military and special mission aviation.”

Vertical’s VX4 debuted last year, with a 20% increase in the power-to-weight ratio that enables a top cruising speed of 150 mph and transports four passengers plus a pilot up to 100 miles on a single charge.

The inaugural VX4 flight was witnessed by several thousand UK aircraft enthusiasts, and showed how an eVTOL aircraft could integrate with real-world airport operations, building momentum toward more regular, certified deployment.

Electrek’s Take

Archer, BETA, EHang, Joby, XPeng – the list of eVTOL manufacturers seems to be as long as the list of new electric car brands that didn’t exist back when I first started working with EVs back in ::gulp:: the 1990s. The future of regional point-to-point air travel certainly seems to be vertical, and electric.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Vertical Aerospace.

If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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.

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Honda takes a page from Tesla playbook, launches new insurance business

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21 hours ago

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July 26, 2025

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Honda takes a page from Tesla playbook, launches new insurance business

Honda launches in-house insurance agency for U.S. drivers

Say what you will about Elon Musk, but Tesla has changed the way that millions of people buy cars and, by extension, car insurance. Now, Honda is taking a page from Tesla’s successful playbook and launching its own in-house insurance business. Enter: Honda Insurance Solutions.

Honda Insurance Solutions is being launched as a fully licensed insurance agency serving the insurance needs of Acura and Honda customers, but it’s not stopping at competitive pricing and coverage options for Honda cars and motorcycles. Honda Insurance Solutions promises to go several steps beyond Tesla’s offering with coverage for trailers, RVs, homes, and even pets.

“Honda Insurance Solutions offers customers access to coverage through a brand they know and trust,” says Petar Vucurevic, President, American Honda Insurance Solutions, LLC and Senior Vice President, American Honda Finance Corporation. “Insurance is a key touchpoint in the vehicle ownership journey, and we aim to deliver a superior experience tailored to the unique needs of each customer, while promoting safer driving and increased peace of mind on the road.”

The company says the launch of its new insurance business is just part of Honda’s broader digital vehicle sales platform strategy, with future plans to integrate insurance offerings into new products.

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Electrek’s Take

Electric CUVE scooter; via Honda.

It’s important to note some of the key differences between Honda’s insurance offering and Tesla’s. Honda isn’t offering discounts, they’re not bundling insurance premiums into the vehicle financing, and they’re not building their insurance offerings into their dealerships’ checkout/F&I offices. Not yet, anyway.

What Honda is doing right now is deepening relationships with its existing customers and finding ways to make money on products it hasn’t sold them – whether that’s the Harley parked in the garage next to their Prologue or the garage itself.

It’s a smart play. And, once Honda figures out a way to cut franchise dealers out entirely and go to a direct sales model, it’ll look even smarter.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Honda.

If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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.

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