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The US Department of Energy (DOE) just finalized stove energy efficiency standards to save consumers money and reduce emissions.

The new stove energy efficiency standards

Until now, stoves haven’t had efficiency performance requirements in the US, so setting energy efficiency standards will put an end to the wide variety of stove efficiency in the US market. Inefficient stoves cost consumers more in the long run because they use more energy.

The changes primarily affect new smooth electric stove models, but the DOE says that 77% of smooth electric stoves (and 97% of gas stoves) on the market already meet the new standards.

New models will be required to use at least 30% less energy annually than today’s lowest-performing models. In particular, it ensures new smooth electric stoves don’t waste energy on standby.

Manufacturers will have to comply by the end of January 2028, and the DOE says that stove manufacturers and energy efficiency advocates support the new standards.

The DOE also says new stove energy efficiency standards are projected to save US consumers approximately $1.6 billion on utility bills over 30 years and decrease emissions by nearly 4 million metric tons cumulatively over 30 years. That’s roughly equivalent to the combined annual emissions associated with the energy use of half a million households. 

Johanna Neumann, senior director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America, said in response to today’s announcement, “By consistently making sure that manufacturers incorporate technological improvements into their products, the appliance standards program has a winning track record of reducing pollution that makes us sick and warms our planet.”

Electrek’s Take

This is good news, but it’s watered-down good news.

Firstly, an initial proposal to make more efficient coil-top electric stoves was thrown out – a decision that leaves me baffled.

And after the big political freakout last year about potential gas stove bans and tighter energy efficiency requirements for gas stoves that would have affected 50% of current gas models, the initial proposed standards have been loosened so that only 3% of gas stove models will need to be improved. Gas stoves that use 1.77 million BTUs annually are now allowed, compared to the initial proposal of 1.204 million BTUs.

Standards could have been tighter, but it became a political hot potato. Shame.

But let’s end this on a positive note: There are electric and induction stove rebates to be had if you’re in the market for a new stove.

Read more: Here’s how much money you’ll get with the Inflation Reduction Act

Photo: Benjamin Healley/Museums Victoria


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This $15,000 Toyota EV is selling faster than expected

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This ,000 Toyota EV is selling faster than expected

Toyota’s new electric SUV is a surprise hit in China. Starting at just $15,000, the Toyota bZ3X is already the top-selling joint venture brand EV.

The $15,000 Toyota bZ3X is the top-selling foreign EV

After launching the bZ3X in March, Toyota’s joint venture, GAC Toyota, claimed that orders were “so popular that the server crashed.” It apparently secured over 10,000 orders in the first hour.

In its second month on the market, the bZ3X was the top-selling foreign-owned vehicle in China, beating out the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 Crozz, Nissan N7, and BMW i3.

According to the latest update, the electric SUV retained the title once again in June. Peng Baolin, General Manager of Sales at GAC-Toyota, revealed on social media that the “delivery volume of Bozhi 3X in June reached 6,030 units.”

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GAC Toyota announced on Weibo that cumulative deliveries have now exceeded 20,000 units, setting a new record for the fastest joint venture electric SUV sales to achieve the feat.

$15,000-toyota-EV
Toyota bZ3X electric SUV (Source: GAC Toyota)

The company also claimed that the bZ3X “has the highest sales of new energy vehicles” among joint venture brands right now.

The bZ3X is Toyota’s “first 100,000 yuan-level pure electric SUV.” It’s available in seven different trims, starting at 109,800 yuan, or about $15,000.

$15,000-Toyota-EV
Toyota bZ3X electric SUV (Source: GAC-Toyota)

Two variants have an added LiDAR, making Toyota the first joint venture brand to offer it in China. The smart driving version starts at 149,800 yuan ($20,500). For 159,800 yuan ($22,000), you can upgrade to the range-topping “610 Max” trim.

Powered by a 67.92 kWh battery, the long-range model is rated with a CLTC range of up to 610 km (379 miles). The base “Air” trim features a 50.03 kWh battery, good for a 430 km (267 miles) range.

The bZ3X measures 4,645 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width, and 1,625 mm in height, or about the size of BYD’s popular Yuan Plus (sold overseas as the Atto 3).

Inside is a significant upgrade from most Toyota models we are used to seeing. It features a tech-focused interior with a 12.3″ infotainment screen and an 8.8″ driver display.

$15,000-Toyota-EV
Toyota bZ3X electric SUV interior (Source: GAC-Toyota)

Toyota markets it as an affordable family SUV with “a mobile space that is as comfortable as home.” With all the seats folded, the interior offers nearly 10 feet (3 meters) of space.

It’s also powered by Momenta’s 5.0 smart driving system, offering advanced smart driving features such as Level 2 assisted driving, remote parking, and more.

Electrek’s Take

Although it may not seem like much with Chinese EV makers like Xiaomi securing nearly 300,000 orders for the YU7 SUV in an hour, the bZ3X is selling surprisingly well for a foreign brand vehicle.

Global automakers are struggling to keep pace in China with an influx of new low-cost domestic EVs and an intensifying price war. However, Japanese automakers, including Toyota, have been some of the hardest hit.

During GAC Toyota’s Tech Day event last month, the company announced partnerships with China’s leading tech companies, including Huawei, Xiaomi, and Momenta, as it seeks to regain market share.

Ahead of the event, the company posted on Weibo that “god-level allies are coming to help,” adding “car industry bigwigs are coming.

Through May, Toyota’s sales in China are up 7.7% from the same period last year, with 530,000 vehicles sold. Will Toyota continue gaining traction in the world’s largest EV market? With the bZ5 now rolling out and several new models on the way, Toyota is looking for a comeback.

Source: Sohu, GAC-Toyota

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BLUETTI’s Prime Day deals are up to 65% off with the launch of the Elite 100 V2 

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BLUETTI's Prime Day deals are up to 65% off with the launch of the Elite 100 V2 

If you’re planning a summer camping trip or backyard cookout, or just want to be prepared for future blackouts, BLUETTI has you covered this Prime Day with up to 65% off portable power stations. And two standout models are turning heads: the all-new Elite 100 V2 and the powerhouse Elite 200 V2.

Electrek readers get an exclusive extra 5% off sitewide with the promo code ELECTREK5OFF, but act fast! These fantastic Prime Day deals only run until July 11.

Compact powerhouse: Elite 100 V2 (now in pre-order!)

Meet the newly launched Elite 100 V2 – BLUETTI’s latest iteration of the AC180 portable power station that packs serious performance in a smaller frame. It’s about 30% smaller than the AC180 yet still delivers a mighty 1,800W output and 3,600W surge capacity. That’s more than enough to handle your coffee maker, induction cooktop, and even a portable AC unit.

With 11 versatile outlets and 1,000W solar input, this little powerhouse is perfect for camping trips, picnics, tailgates, or short-term home backup. It recharges in as little as 70 minutes, making it ideal for quick outdoor stops or unexpected power cuts.

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The Elite 100 V2 is available now for pre-order at the early-bird price of $399 plus an extra 5% off on Amazon and at Bluetti’s official store.

The backyard hero: Elite 200 V2 for just $699 (52% off!)

This one’s a total game-changer. With a massive 2,048Wh capacity and 2,400W output (3,900W surge), the BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 powers everything from electric grills and coffee makers to portable fridges and full camping kitchens. It’s great for family cookouts, rooftop movie nights, or camping with serious gear.

The best part? It runs at just 16dB, which is whisper quiet. And inside is a true EV-grade battery with a whopping 17-year lifespan. That’s power you can count on for the long haul.

The Elite 200 V2 is down to just $699 for Prime Day – that’s 59% off and the lowest price ever(!) on Amazon and at BLUETTI’s official store.

More Prime Day BLUETTI power deals until July 11

BLUETTI is going big this year with deep discounts across the board. Here are some more hot picks:

Whether you need portable power for camping (Elite 100 V2) or a versatile 2kWh powerhouse for multiple uses (Elite 200 V2), or serious home battery backup (AC300 or AC500), there’s a perfect BLUETTI deal for you.

Price protection and bonus savings

Worried about buying early? Don’t be. BLUETTI is offering price protection through Prime Day. If prices drop further, they’ll refund the difference. And don’t forget to use promo code ELECTREK5OFF for an extra 5% off sitewide.

Summer adventures, blackouts, or weekend tailgates – whatever power solution you need, BLUETTI has a product to match. But act fast: these Prime Day deals end July 11.

About BLUETTI

BLUETTI is a committed advocate for sustainability, embedding ESG principles into product design and corporate initiatives. Through programs like LAAF (Light An African Family), it delivers affordable, sustainable energy to African communities. Partnering with Leave No Trace and the Footprint Project (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), BLUETTI supports responsible outdoor recreation and disaster relief with clean energy solutions that minimize environmental impact. This blend of quality, reliability, and practical focus has earned trust in over 110 countries and regions.

Follow BLUETTI on Twitter/X here and on Facebook here.

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Elon Musk tells Tesla’s biggest cheerleader on Wall Street to ‘shut up’ , here’s why

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Elon Musk tells Tesla's biggest cheerleader on Wall Street to 'shut up' , here's why

Elon Musk told Tesla’s biggest cheerleader on Wall Street, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, to ‘shut up’ and the reason why is absolutely ridiculous.

Dan Ives is one of the biggest pushers of Tesla’s stock on Wall Street. The Wedbush analyst can often bee seen on CNBC praising Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk.

He has one of the highest price targets on Tesla on Wall Street with $500 price per share.

After Tesla’s deliveries came way under his expectations and down 13% year-over-year in the first quarter, he reiterated his price target, which would value Tesla at over $1.5 trillion.

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That’s even though Tesla’s net earnings have steadily declined over the last 2 years, and it is on track to start losing money within the next year.

Ives’ faith in Tesla stock is solely based on Musk and his promises of self-driving vehicles and robots. Just last month, he said that “Musk is the best asset of Tesla. We see him as CEO until 2030.”

You would think that Musk would like this guy, but no.

Ives took to X today to suggest that Tesla’s board should give Musk a new pay package giving him 25% control over the company.

If that were to be given through more stock options, it would virtually double his stake in Tesla and represent a $200 billion payday for Musk. In exchange, Ives is only suggesting that Musk, who runs several other companies and projects, should commit to spending a certain amount of time at Tesla and that the board has oversight on his involvement in politics.

In response to the analyst, who is one of Musk’s biggest fans and is suggesting Tesla gives him $200 billion, Musk told him to “shut up”:

Musk is seen as having complete control over Tesla’s board, which led to the rescinding of his 2018 CEO compensation package. One of the points that the judge brought up was that Tesla never even negotiated with Musk about committing his time at Tesla as part of the compensation package despite knowing the CEO already had roles at several other companies.

Now, Musk is also launching his own political party, in addition to his roles at SpaceX, X, xAI, The Boring Company, and Neuralink.

Electrek’s Take

Even Dan, who is a complete Musk sycophant, is not a big enough sycophant for Musk.

How do you tell a guy suggesting Tesla give you $200 billion to “shut up” just because he added some very mild conditions? What’s his thinking here? How dare he ask the board to do its job and supervise me? Doesn’t he know that I own the board?

The remarkable thing is that you know Musk could easily circumvent any conditions imposed by the board, and the mere fact that those conditions would have been in the contract could have helped it avoid being rescinded in the first place.

Musk’s behavior makes no sense. Honestly, he appears to be increasingly disconnected from reality.

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