Ford claims its new midsize EV pickup will have a lower cost of ownership than a Tesla Model Y and more space than a Toyota RAV4. Starting at $30,000, it will also cost about the same as the RAV4. Here’s how the new Ford EV Universal Platform will make it happen.
Ford reveals new affordable Universal EV platform
Ford’s big bet is about to pay off. The company is preparing to launch a family of affordable electric vehicles based on the new Ford Universal EV Platform.
The first vehicle based on the platform will be the promised midsize four-door electric pickup. Ford’s new EV pickup will start at around $30,000 and will be assembled at its Louisville Assembly Plant.
Based on the new Ford Universal EV Platform, it will also have more passenger space than the latest Toyota RAV4.
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“We took a radical approach to a very hard challenge: Create affordable electric vehicles that delight customers in every way that matters – design, innovation, flexibility, space, driving pleasure, and cost of ownership,” Ford’s CEO Jim Farley said during the event in Kentucky.
According to Farley, Ford is done with the “good college tries” from other Detroit automakers to make affordable EVs, promising the company’s new platform will change the game by lowering costs and optimizing efficiency.
Ford introduces its new Universal EV Platform (Source: Ford)
Ford is the first automaker to build prismatic LFP batteries in the US, which will not only cut costs but also free up interior space.
Farley explained that the new platform reduces parts by 20% compared to the average vehicle. It also has 25% fewer fasteners, 40% fewer worstations dock-to-dock in the plant, and 15% faster assembly time.
Perhaps, most importantly, Ford’s leader explained that it will help reduce costs for owners. Farley claimed that the new Ford Universal EV platform will enable “lower cost of ownership over five years than a three-year-old used Tesla Model Y.”
Ford Mustang Mach-E (left) and F-150 Lightning (right) (Source: Ford)
How so? For one, it’s significantly more efficient than the first-gen Ford EVs. The wiring harness alone in the new midsize truck will be 4,000 feet shorter and 10 kg lighter.
The LFP batteries lie flat under the floor, which improves handling, creates a quiet ride, and “provides a surprising amount of interior space,” Ford said. In fact, it will have more passenger room than the latest Toyota RAV4. And that’s not even including the added Frunk and truck bed.
Doug Field, Ford’s Chief EV, digital, and design officer, said the company took inspiration from the Model T to make it more than just a utility vehicle.
Ford promises that the new electric pickup will also be fun to drive, with a targeted 0 to 60 mph time as fast as the Mustang EcoBoost, and even more downforce.
The company will release additional information for the midsize electric pickup soon, including a reveal date, final prices, range, battery sizes, and charge times.
Ford said it’s aiming for a starting price of around $30,000, with customer deliveries set to begin in 2027. The company invested around $5 billion into its Louisville Assembly Complex, creating nearly 4,000 jobs to deliver its new EV pickup and LFP batteries.
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Aventon’s final summer sale gives the new Abound SR smart cargo e-bike its first discount to $1,799, more from $1,199
Aventon has launched its final summer sale through September 3 with up to $500 being taken off its e-bike lineup, including increased savings on legacy models, and two of its newest smart models seeing price cuts. Alongside the second-ever discount on the new Pace 4 Step-Through e-bike, we’re seeing the first cash savings on Aventon’s Abound SR Cargo e-bike to $1,799 shipped. This smart commuting solution has been fetching $1,899 since hitting the market at the end of 2024, with discounts having been placed on its predecessor model (currently down at $1,599). This is the first time we’ve spotted any savings being attached to this model, setting the bar for future discounts. Head below to learn more about it or to check out the full lineup of deals during this sale.
The new Aventon Abound SR e-bike takes all that we love about its predecessor and steps up the game with smarter features. To start, there is a 750W rear hub motor (1,188W peak) paired with a 733Wh battery (which you can conveniently unlock and remove without keys via the LCD screen) that provides you with up to a 60-mile travel range at up to 20 MPH speeds (that can be adjusted to 25 MPH). There are three riding modes available here, with the added Ride Tune customization letting you alter their performances to suit your preferences.
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There are some great structural features like the Tektro hydraulic disc brake system, the 8-speed Shimano Altus derailleur, and the rear cargo rack with an increased 143-pound payload, but what really makes this cargo hauler truly special is the large array of new features we’ve only seen on the latest releases. First, there’s the Sensor Switch tech, allowing you to choose between a cadence sensor and a torque sensor as you ride, as well as other in-ride functions like cruise control, a boost mode to increase power for steep hills, and even a hold mode when you’re on said inclines and don’t want the bike rolling backwards. Of course, there’s also the security measures in the form of a startup password, an integrated kickstand lock, and in-app geofencing settings, which cuts the power and sends you alerts should it ever leave your designated areas.
Jackery’s Explorer 300 power station is a compact companion keeping your personal devices running for $169
By way of its official Amazon storefront, Jackery is offering its compact Explorer 300 Portable Power Station for $169 shipped, beating out its pricing directly from the brand’s website by $70. While it carries a $279 MSRP from the brand, it keeps down at a $259 full price tag here at Amazon, with discounts having kept the costs even lower between $199 and $169 over 2025, with a one-time appearing $159 low back during Prime Day. Aside from that short-term discount, you’re otherwise looking at another shot at the best price we have tracked, which gives you an easy-to-manage compact backup power solution with $90 in savings ($110 off the MSRP). Head below for more on this model and its bundle options.
Streamline your water system with smart controls through Rachio’s 8-zone sprinkler controller at $169
Amazon is now offering the Rachio 3rd Gen 8-zone Wi-Fi Smart Sprinkler Controller at $169 shipped. While it may carry a $230 MSRP, we’ve been seeing it keep down to $200 at full price here at Amazon. Aside from the short-term Prime Day discounts, which first took the price down to $165 before falling to $160, this is the best rate we’ve seen since mid-March. While it’s gone as low as $143 in the past, you’re still looking at a solid $31 off the going rate ($61 off the MSRP) that lands it among the best prices we’ve tracked in 2025.
Take advantage of up to 50% off this pro-grade 80V Greenworks cordless cultivator at a new $175 low
Amazon is offering the Greenworks Pro 80V 10-inch Cordless Cultivator at $174.99 shipped, which beats out its tool-only option that is sitting $75 higher in price. While this package carries a $400 MSRP, which is where it’s currently priced on the brand’s direct website, it is now 50% off the price we have been tracking on Amazon since the spring and is now at the lowest price we have tracked all-time.
Get a budget-friendly commute to your college or work on Gotrax’s APEX XL e-scooter at its $235 low
Amazon is offering the Gotrax APEX XL Electric Scooter at $234.90 shipped. While it carries a $349 price tag, we’ve been seeing it keep more at $320 at Amazon lately, with discounts having mostly kept the costs above $243, with one previous fall to this same rate at the end of July. That low price is coming back around here, with the 27% markdown cutting $85 off the going rate for the best price we have tracked – and just in time to cover any last-minute back-to-school commuting needs.
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.
The PV5, Kia’s first electric van, was “unboxed” after arriving in parts of Europe this week. After opening pre-orders in new markets, the PV5 is ready to take on the world.
Kia’s first electric van unboxed in Europe
It’s not just a futuristic-looking electric people mover, but the PV5 is the first van from Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business.
Kia opened pre-orders for the PV5 in the UK earlier this year, starting at £32,995 ($44,000). Now, it has officially arrived in a few more European markets.
The PV5 went on sale with pre-orders opening in Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden, and other global markets. In Germany, the PV5 Passenger is priced from €38,290 ($45,000) or €249 per month. In France, it starts at €39,550 ($46,300).
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Kia Sweden posted a video on social media of the PV5 arriving on a car carrier with the caption “Unboxed, washed, and ready to face the world!”
Kia’s electric van is available in Passenger (for everyday use) and Cargo (for businesses) with various seating options.
The PV5, Kia’s first electric van, arrives in Sweden (Source: Kia Sweden)
The PV5 Passenger is offered with two battery packs: 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh, rated with WLTP ranges of 179 miles and 249 miles, respectively. Although it has the same battery pack options, the Cargo variant is rated with ranges of 181 miles and 247 miles.
During its PV5 Tech Day last month, Kia announced plans to launch seven PV5 body types, including a Light Camper, an Open Bed (similar to a pickup), and a premium “Prime” version.
Kia PV5 tech day (Source: Kia)
After launching the PV5 in its home market, Kia will begin delivering the vehicle in Europe and other global markets over the next few months.
For those in the US, Kia has yet to say if it will launch the PV5 in the States. It was spotted testing in the US again last month, but it would face hurdles due to Trump’s tariffs on imported vehicles from South Korea.
Kia builds all PBVs at its Hwaseong EVO plant in South Korea. The plant can produce up to 150,000 units a year. In its first full sales year, Kia aims to sell around 3,000 to 4,000 PV5s. Kia will expand its electric van lineup with the larger PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029.
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The Nissan Ariya just got a lot cheaper. Nissan lowered Ariya prices by over $8,000, thanks to a new base model and federal grants.
Nissan slashes Ariya prices with new base model
Nissan claims “this is just the beginning” with its new lineup of electric vehicles, including the next-gen LEAF, set to launch soon.
Although the Ariya was one of 19 vehicles eligible for the UK’s new electric car grant, Nissan is making it even more affordable.
Since it was priced above the £37,000 ($50,000) threshold, the Ariya was only eligible for the partial £1,500 ($2,000) grant.
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Nissan wasted no time introducing a new Ariya Shiro entry-level model on Wednesday so that it will qualify. Starting at £33,500 ($45,500) with the grant, the latest variant is over £6,000 ($8,100) cheaper than the old base model, which started at £39,645 ($53,800).
The new Ariya model is equipped with the smaller 63 kWh battery, which is good for a WLTP range of 251 miles (400 km).
Nissan Ariya (Source: Nissan UK)
Even the longer-range Ariya falls under the threshold after Nissan reduced prices. Starting at £35,500 ($48,200), including the grant, the larger 87 kWh battery provides up to 329 miles of range. Only two Ariya models don’t qualify for the Electric Car Grant: the e-4ORCE AWD and Nismo variants.
Nissan’s UK marketing director, Fiona Mackay, said, “And this is just the beginning,” with several highly anticipated EVs about to roll out.
Nissan Ariya (Source: Nissan UK)
After introducing the electric Micra earlier this month, Nissan will launch the new LEAF later this year, followed by the electric Juke in 2026. All will be built at its Sunderland, UK, plant.
The Micra EV is also eligible for the grant, bringing prices down to just £21,495 ($29,200). Nissan’s UK head of sales told Autocar that the next-gen LEAF is in a “strong position” to receive the higher £3,750 ($5,000) grant.
2026 Nissan LEAF (Source: Nissan
For those in the US, Nissan is also offering big savings opportunities ahead of the $7,500 EV tax credit deadline, which expires at the end of September.
In California, the 2025 Nissan Ariya ENGAGE FWD is listed for lease starting at just $179 per month. Offers vary by region, but in several other states, it’s available from $329 per month.