Many school districts who used EPA funding to help purchase Lion Electric school buses are now stuck with broken down or unsafe vehicles – but Lion’s new Canadian investors seemingly have no plans to make things right.
“All four Lion buses that we own are currently parked and not being used,” Coleen Souza, interim transportation director of Winthrop Public Schools, told Jay Traugott over at Clean Trucking. “Two of them are in need of repairs which would cost us money which we are not willing to invest in because the buses do not run for more than a month before needing more repairs.”
As bad as the revelations of safety and drivability issues and $250 million in unresolved debt have been, it’s the objectively stupid design choices that have been the most shocking.
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“Lion built an auxiliary diesel heater to heat the bus, essentially writing the manual as they went,” explained a school superintendent in the midwest, who asked not to be named. “It was fascinating to watch but there were design flaws with the heater. For example, the intakes pointed downward and we’re driving across rural roads and the intake sucks in that dirt.”
“Using a diesel-powered heater to warm an electric bus also somewhat defeats the purpose of going 100% zero-emissions,” added Traugott.
Despite a new electric school bus rebate and a fresh cash injection from Vincent Chiara, president of Quebec real estate powerhouse Groupe MACH, and Lion director Pierre Wilkie, however, it seems like no help is coming.
It just gets worse and worse
Decommissioned Lion electric buses; via Winthrop Public Schools.
The US school districts who spent tens of millions of taxpayer dollars in the hopes that Lion buses would help decarbonize their fleets and reduce students’ exposure to harmful diesel emissions? Many of them are back to using diesel, while others are trying to get their deposits back so they can buy something else.
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Jeep’s new electric SUV looks pretty sweet in a blacked-out Moab edition. The Jeep Recon Moab EV was spotted with hardly any camo, sporting black paint, wheels, tint, and some serious off-road upgrades.
Check out the Jeep Recon Moab EV in black
The Recon is expected to make its official debut later this year, but we are already getting a look at the new Moab trim.
Although it won’t replace the Wrangler, Jeep said the Recon takes inspiration from the legendary off-roader and will even pull a few fan favorites, like optional doors and windows.
The Recon is Jeep’s third electric SUV, following the Avenger and Wagoneer S, promising to be the brand’s first true off-road EV.
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We have a good idea of what the Recon will look like when it arrives, after several prototypes have been caught in public testing. The closer it gets to production form, the more and more it looks like a Ford Bronco, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
A new sighting, from the folks at Jeep Recon Forum, offers a closer look at the Recon Moab trim, all blacked out.
It looks about the same, maybe a little refined, compared to the first Moab model we saw, which leaked out of a dealer event in Las Vegas way back in March 2023.
You can also see a good size comparison to the Chevy Equinox sitting next to it. Jeep’s SUV is clearly taller with a more upright stance.
Jeep already took a shot at Ford during the Super Bowl earlier this year, recruiting Harrison Ford for a commercial where the Recon races past the Bronco on an off-road trail. Harrison joked at the end, “This Jeep makes me happy, even though my name is Ford.”
Jeep Recon Moab 4xe (source: JeepReconForum)
The Recon is set to make an official debut later this year and will go on sale as a 2026 model year. Jeep has kept most details secret, but promised it will be able to tackle the Rubicon Trail with enough charge to get back to town and recharge.
Like the Wagoneer S, the Recon will be based on the STLA Large platform, which should provide at least 300 miles of driving range.
The Moab will be one of several trim options, which will likely include at least a Willys and Overland version as well.
We will learn prices closer to launch, but the Jeep Recon EV is expected to start at around $60,000. The Moab and other trims could cost upwards of $80,000 or more, similar to the Wrangler.
Source: JeepReconForum
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Tesla has finally turned on its first full V4 Supercharger (stalls plus cabinets), capable of 500 kW charging, marking the end of a confusing rollout of the next-generation chargers over the last three years.
The Supercharger network is by far the best large-scale electric vehicle fast-charging network in the world.
It is arguably the best thing Tesla has ever done.
The network leads in terms of scale, usefulness, reliability, and overall ease of use. In Europe and Asia, there’s decent competition, but in North America, there’s no close second.
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However, there’s one aspect of fast-charging networks where Tesla doesn’t lead: charging rate and, therefore, time.
For a decade, other charging networks have achieved and even surpassed a 350 kW peak charge rate.
In fact, in 2016, when Tesla started talking about its next-gen V3 Superchargers, I asked CEO Elon Musk if it would be capable of 350 kW charging, and he suggested that it would be higher than that – calling 350 kW “a children’s toy”:
That comment didn’t age well as Tesla’s V3 Supercharger peaked at 250 kW, and it has been the norm for almost the last 10 years.
In 2023, Tesla started deploying “V4 Superchargers”, but the rollout has been confusing.
Instead, Tesla only deployed V4 charging stalls or posts, but the power actually comes from the charging cabinets, and those remained the same V3 cabinets.
The main change with the new charging posts was the introduction of a new, longer charging cable, which enabled easier accessibility for non-Tesla vehicles, many of which have different charge port locations.
Today, Tesla confirmed that its first full V4 Supercharger station (with V4 stalls and power cabinets) has been activated in Redwood City, California:
The automaker shared an image of the first people to charge at the new V4 Supercharger station:
However, you can’t take advantage of the new capacity with a Model 3. Only Tesla’s Cybertruck can use the full capacity of the new V4 Superchargers.
Tesla shared a video of a Cybertruck reaching the max capacity:
The video showed the Cybertruck virtually completely depleted. Therefore, it’s unclear how long it can maintain the peak 500 kW charge rate, but the video suggests that it can charge from 0 to 80% state of charge in 35 minutes, which is a great charge time.
For now, only Tesla vehicles can charge at the new V4 Superchargers, but the automaker aims to make it available to non-Tesla vehicles soon.
Many more non-Tesla models can take advantage of the higher charge than Tesla models, which is limited to the Cybertruck.
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EcoFlow launches new DELTA 3 Max and Ultra power stations with up to $2,000 in savings + FREE gear starting from $759
While its Early Prime Day Sale continues through October 6, EcoFlow is launching the parallel early-bird deals on its new DELTA 3 series of power stations, which are not yet available on Amazon. Things start with EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Max Portable Power Station (and bundles) starting from $759.05 shipped for the station with a FREE trolley, after using the code 25EFAFFD3S at checkout for an additional 5% off. This new power solution will carry a $1,499 MSRP once these early launch savings end on October 12, with this being your first chance at cash savings. This is quite the release discount as the 49% markdown we’re seeing during this period cuts $740 off the going rate and sets the bar for future discounts/sales. Head below to learn more about this new unit and check out its bundle savings options.
EcoFlow’s new DELTA 3 Max power station brings a sizeable increase in capacity and output over the DELTA 3 Classic (formerly known as the DELTA 3 Plus), with a doubled 2,048Wh LiFePO4 battery that can be expanded higher than its predecessor up to 10,240Wh using either the DELTA 3, DELTA Pro 3, DELTA 2 Max, or DELTA 2 smart extra batteries. It can provide up to 2,400W of steady power through its nine output ports (four ACs, three USB-Cs, one USB-A, and one car port), surging as high as 3,400W to support hungrier devices/appliances thanks to the X-Boost 3.0 tech installed.
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One thing to note here is that this model does have an upgraded DELTA 3 Max Plus counterpart launching today too, which brings much of the same features, just with an increased output capacity of 3,000W to 6,000W. Coming rated for a minimum of 10 years of continuous power, you’ll have four primary ways to charge the DELTA 3 Max: via a standard AC outlet, with a gas generator, using the car port/ separately sold alternator charger (bundles below), or by connecting up to its max 500W solar input.
***Note: the extra savings have not been factored into any of the prices below, so be sure to use the code 25EFAFFD3S at checkout to score the best possible launch deals!
EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Max launch deals (with FREE trolley):
EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Max Plus launch deals (with FREE 10k power bank):
DELTA 3 Max Plus (2,048Wh + increased output) power station: $1,099 (Reg. $1,899)
Of course, if you’re looking for an alternate unit, especially ones with much larger capacities and capabilities, be sure to check out EcoFlow’s full Early Prime Day Sale lineup here, with up to 65% discounts, bonus savings, free gifts, and more – all starting from $169.
Bluetti takes up to 63% off power stations and bundles in its Early Prime Day Sale + select exclusive savings – all from $329
Bluetti has officially launched its Early Prime Day Sale running through October 6 with up to 63% discounts, as well as continuing exclusive bonus savings on the brand’s latest release. Those bonus savings drop the new Apex 300 Versatile Power Station to $1,394.10 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS10F at checkout (which only works for Apex 300 purchases). This new unit would normally run you $2,399 at full price outside of these sales and exclusive pricing for our readers, which we’ve seen go as low as $1,439 in past sales with the exclusive savings since hitting the market in August. Now you can score it lower than ever, as the 42% combined markdown here cuts $1,005 off the tag for the all-time lowest price we have tracked. Head below to learn more about this unit and the many others benefiting from discounts during this event.
EGO’s 56V 16-inch cordless chainsaw covers storm debris, firewood collection, more at $219 annual low
Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 16-inch Cordless Chainsaw with 2.5Ah battery at $219 shipped. This package would normally run for $279 without any discounts, which we’ve seen drop lowest to $219 in 2025, while going as low as $189 in a one-time discount a year ago. You’re looking at a 22% markdown that has been holding strong through September, with $60 slashed from the price for the third-best rate we have tracked over all, and the best price of 2025.
You can prepare for snowfall with these 60V Greenworks snow blower kits starting from $360 (Save up to $188)
As we are stepping into fall, winter is not far off, which means we’re starting to see more frequent discounts on snow-clearing tools at Amazon, like the Greenworks Pro 60V 22-inch Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower with two 5.0Ah batteries at $562.49 shipped, matching the price direct from the brand’s website. Normally going for $750 at full price, discounts over 2025 have mostly kept things above $630, though there was a one-time fall to $548 back in January, and a drop lower to the $490 low at the end of 2024. This is a 25% markdown that cuts $188 off the going rate for the second-best price of 2025 and the third-lowest rate overall. Head below to learn more about this model and its counterparts that are also seeing discounts.
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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