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Your outdoor adventures – no matter how rugged, rough, wet, or muddy – are in capable hands with the latest innovation of power products provider BLUETTI: the BLUETTI AC240 Weatherproof Portable Power Station. The first of its kind to feature a truly systemwide IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, this durable power station can handle any kind of weather you throw at it, on land or even at sea, making it the ideal companion to your RV, boat, or any other vehicle.

Launching April 2, this rugged powerhouse is game-ready for pelting rain, splashing waves, heavy-caked mud and dust, and even sea breeze corrosion – delivering an impressive 2,400W output. It’s dust-tight to stave off intrusion from particles, and resilient to low-pressure water jets from all angles, so you can clean it off without worrying about water leaking inside.

The BLUETTI AC240 also features patented technology that includes independent air ducts, sealed electronic compartments, special drainage, vacuum-coated fans, and double-layer protected ports. Of course, some water may sneak its way in, but no fear because a built-in exhaust fan swiftly expels water, while the heat-dissipation system ensures rapid water evaporation. This safeguard system keeps it airtight so that no job or adventure is too demanding. That makes the AC240 perfectly suited for off-grid power for RVs, boats, outdoor adventures, and first responders.

Powerful and portable – with powerlifting mode

Packing the BLUETTI AC240 along in your truck, RV, or boat is easy too. It weighs just 72 pounds (33 kilograms) and is about the same size as a microwave oven. The station comes with an impressive 2,400W output to power up a host of devices, everything from heaters and coffeemakers to microwaves, air conditioners, TVs, and refrigerators. Its 1,536Wh (30Ah) lithium iron phosphate battery can sustain a 20-cubic-foot fridge for at least one day at 1.2kWh/day. For heavy power loads (a hot plate, for one, can draw up to 3,500 watts), its Power Lifting mode has an output of 3,600W, ensuring that no task is too demanding.

Integrated power solution for land and sea

Even better, it comes with a plethora of outlets including a direct power supply for RVs and boats through the TT-30 port. In addition, you get two standard AC outlets, a car outlet, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a 12V/30A RV port. Whether you are on a long trip or just a weekend getaway, the AC240 is the best way to power up what you need for self-sustained travel and off-grid living.

Plus it fast-charges with AC charging at 2,400W max in just 70 minutes, and 80% in 45 minutes. To get that power output of 2,400 max, you can pair the AC240 with BLUETTI’s B210 expansion battery to always keep ahead of the power curve – in fact, the AC240 can accept up to four B210 packs at 2,150Wh each, for a total capacity of 10,135Wh. These packs can also function independently as water-resistant power banks with three DC outputs and charging options.

For longer hauls, take along BLUETTI’s foldable solar panels for 1,200W solar intake, which recharge in two hours. As long as the sun is shining, you are guaranteed a steady supply of clean energy wherever your adventures take you.

Parallel functionality for double the power

The AC240’s output is also expandable with a truly parallel connection. You can link two AC240 units via the Parallel Box P480, delivering a substantial 4,800W/120V output without altering voltage – that’s a feat you won’t find anywhere else in the industry. What this gives you is incredible ease in charging even large 120V appliances without the hassle of complex manual settings.

Even more, it’s the first energy storage system that allows parallel connection to the grid while still powering your devices. Coupled with its UPS function, the AC240 detects outages and automatically switches to battery power within 15 milliseconds – that’s a speed you won’t find anywhere else. As a home backup power system, it offers a straightforward and robust solution to keep things up and running, without all the worry.

Sturdy, reliable, and packed with smart tech

The BLUETTI AC240 uses the safest and most reliable lithium iron phosphate battery to achieve up to 100% depth of discharge and maintain 80% of its original capacity even after enduring 3,500 charge cycles – that’s equal to a decade of consistent use. Plus it comes equipped with the BLUETOPUS AI BMS, an AI-powered battery management system, to ensure smooth, safe operation and optimal performance. Plus its app lets you manage power, adjust charging speeds, switch UPS modes, and more via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. For extra peace of mind, it comes backed by a six-year warranty.

The BLUETTI AC240 is available for purchase on BLUETTI’s official website and Amazon store now at an initial price of just $1,399 – a 26% savings from its retail price of $1,899. But act fast because this amazing deal only lasts through April 15.

As a special bonus, Electrek readers can get an extra discount of $100 by using the code electrek240 on both the AC240 and AC240 bundles. Check out the AC240+B210 bundle for a special discount of $2,468, a whopping 27% savings from the original price of $3,398. But don’t wait: This offer is only valid from April 2 to April 29. 

About BLUETTI

Backed by more than 10 years of experience and a fierce commitment to the environment, BLUETTI has curated an extensive and reliable product portfolio tailored for adventures, emergency backup power, and off-grid living, making a tangible and positive impact on minimizing its carbon footprint for the planet. That’s why BLUETTI is an industry leader available in more than 100 countries and trusted by millions of customers around the world. 

Photos: Courtesy of BLUETTI

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Toyota to launch a Prius-like bZ3C electric crossover, but you can’t have it

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Toyota to launch a Prius-like bZ3C electric crossover, but you can't have it

To keep up with surging BYD, Tesla, and other EV makers, Toyota is launching a new all-electric crossover. The Toyota bZ3C looks like the new Prius, but the electric SUV crossover won’t be available in the US.

Toyota to launch bZ3C in China as new BYD rival

“What kind of BEV would bring smiles to the faces of our Chinese Customers?” Executive Vice President and CTO Hiroki Nakakima asked during a press conference last month.

Toyota debuted its new bZ3C at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show in April as part of its “multi-pathway approach” to reduce emissions.

The bZ3C is designed as a fun, spacious EV around the concept of “reboot.” Toyota says the distinctive styled EV focuses on features to create a fun personal space for younger Gen Z buyers.

Toyota jointly developed the bZ3C with BYD Toyota EV Tech, FAW Toyota Motor, and Intelligent Electromobility R&D Center by Toyota.

BYD Toyota EV Tech, a joint venture between BYD and Toyota, has already launched the co-developed bZ3 electric sedan in China. However, the bZ3C appears to be a slightly bigger crossover SUV.

Toyota-bZ3C-EV
Toyota bZ3C electric crossover SUV (Source: Toyota)

The bZ3C was unveiled alongside the bZ3X, an all-electric “family-oriented” SUV. According to Toyota, the concept’s interior is based on a mobile “Cozy Home.”

Toyota-bZ3C-EV
Toyota bZ3C interior (Source: Toyota)

Both models will feature Toyota’s latest driver-assist systems and smart cockpits. Toyota is expected to begin selling both new EVs in China within the next year.

Prices and final specs will be revealed closer to launch. Check back soon for more info.

Electrek’s Take

After losing market share to BYD and other Chinese EV makers, Toyota is targeting younger buyers to compete in the region.

Toyota’s sales fell 3.1% in China in March due as “market competition continues intensifying.” Sales are down 1.6% through the first quarter as Toyota looks to rebound in the second half of 2024.

Although Toyota’s new bZ3C is designed for China, US customers also have something to look forward to.

Toyota is preparing another large electric SUV (in addition to the already announced three-row EV) as part of its recent $1.4 billion investment in its Princeton, Kentucky plant. It could be the electric Highlander we’ve been waiting for.

David Christ, GM of Toyota’s US division, told CarBuzz last month, “You’re going to see more BEVs from us in the future.” According to Christ, this will include an electric three-row Toyota Highlander.

Toyota is also considering electric Tacoma and Tundra models, but don’t get too excited. The company is monitoring the demand for rivals like the F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T.

The company could use new electric models in the US, with its sole bZ4X accounting for less than 0.5% of sales through March. With the Lexus RZ included, total Toyota EV sales are still under 0.62%.

What do you think? Should Toyota launch its smaller electric crossover in the US? Let us know your thoughts below.

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XPeng rolls out AI-powered OS with 2K pure vision ADAS, CEO promises L4 autonomous driving by 2025

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XPeng rolls out AI-powered OS with 2K pure vision ADAS, CEO promises L4 autonomous driving by 2025

XPeng Motors is rolling out cutting-edge AI technology that it hopes will transform the automotive industry from “electrification to smartification.” The Chinese EV automaker held an AI Day event earlier today, detailing the impressive capabilities of XOS 5.1.0, “AI Tianji,” which it hailed as “the industry’s first AI-powered in-car OS.”

It’s been about a month since XPeng Motors ($XPEV) began touting its latest operating system’s (OS) capabilities during the Beijing Auto Show. XOS 5.1.0 focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) driven technologies to power smart vehicles and accelerate their evolution.

During the auto show, XPeng showcased a number of AI-centric technologies in the works that will offer its drivers an EV that can deliver more human-like decision-making and safer driving experiences via neural network learning and end-to-end data iteration from both vehicle and cloud processing.

XPeng also introduced plans to integrate and deploy what it calls the “industry’s first mass-produced 2K pure visual neural network large model in vehicles.” That news confirmed previous rumors that XPeng was abandoning LiDAR sensors in favor of pure vision, similar to Tesla FSD.

That being said, XPeng says its new system enables autonomous driving with capabilities comparable to LiDAR but uses pure vision to create a granular 3D naked-eye experience. We learned more about this technology and then some following XPeng’s AI Day event. Here’s a rundown.

  • XPeng AI
  • XPeng AI

XPeng rolls out exciting advanced tech during AI Day

There is much to unpack from XPeng’s AI Day in Beijing, China, earlier today when company founder, chairman, and CEO He Xiaopeng spoke to a live audience.

To begin, Xiaopeng outlined three core characteristics of this new breed of smart EV, led by AI large models in its OS: Active learning, rapid growth, and personalized experiences. The core of this technology involves the “feeding and training” of AI large models with unlimited rules to develop and grow their understanding, perception, and decision-making abilities in complex driving scenarios.

XPeng says it has already developed the necessary core algorithms for perception, positioning, planning, and decision-making while establishing vehicle-end and cloud-end data processing capabilities. As such, XPeng’s new AI-powered OS will enable rapid algorithm iteration based on actual data and offer future EV drivers enhanced autonomous driving capabilities that are continuously improving via over-the-air OTA updates.

A considerable part of XPeng’s OS and ADAS technology rolling out is enabled by “XNet,” the automaker’s new neural network. XNet is supported by XPeng’s planning and control large model, “XPlanner,” and a large language model called “XBrain.” Combined, XPeng says the integrated system enhances intelligent driving capabilities by 2x.

The XNet deep visual neural network used the industry’s first mass-produced pure vision 2K occupancy network to safely operate a given XPeng EV’s autonomous driving system with capabilities comparable to LiDAR. This new 2K pure vision network reconstructs the world with over 2 million grids to create 3D representations of drivable spaces and recognize every detail of static obstacles along a vehicle’s path.

XPeng shared that the perception range of pure vision 2K twice as long, covering an area equivalent to 1.8 football fields. Furthermore, the ADAS system can identify over 50 types of objects. With the autonomous driving system in place using AI and neural networks, XPeng has empowered the OS to learn and improve on its own using “XPlanner” and “XBrain.” Per the automaker:

XPlanner, like a human cerebellum, continually trains with vast amounts of data, making driving strategies increasingly human-like. This reduces driving jerks by 50%, improper stops by 40%, and passive human takeovers by 60%, providing an ‘experienced driver’-like smart driving experience that significantly enhances user comfort and safety.

With the introduction of the AI large language model architecture, XBrain, XPENG’s autonomous driving system gains human-like learning and comprehension capabilities, significantly improving its handling of complex and even unknown scenarios as well as its reasoning and understanding of real-world logics.

For example, with the support of XBrain, the autonomous driving system can recognize turn zones, tidal lanes, special lanes, and road sign text, as well as various behavioral commands such as stop and go, fast and slow. This enables it to make human-like driving decisions that balance safety and performance.

With the help of these new AI technologies, XPeng’s CEO told the crowd in China that the automaker will achieve Level 4 autonomous driving in the country by 2025. The automaker is also testing the end-to-end capabilities of its XNGP driver assistance technology globally.

Once we get the full English translation of XPeng’s AI Day event, we will be sure to add the video below. There’s much more to unpack, including the automaker’s AI assistant, Xiao P, Smart Cockpit capabilities, and safety features like AI Valet Driver, AI Parking, and AI Bodyguard. XOS 5.1.0, AI Tianji, is available to all eligible XPeng EV drivers beginning today.

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Exxon faces opposition from CalPERS after ‘devastating’ anti-ESG activist suit

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Exxon faces opposition from CalPERS after 'devastating' anti-ESG activist suit

ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods speaks during the APEC CEO Summit at Moscone West on November 15, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 

Justin Sullivan | Getty Images

Exxon Mobil‘s months-long battle with two environmentally focused activist investors has cost the company the support of the California Public Employees Retirement System.

CalPERS, the $484 billion pension fund manager, said in a letter on Monday it would vote in opposition to all of Exxon’s 12 director nominees and its CEO Darren Woods at the shareholder meeting next week as a result of the company’s potentially “devastating” effort to quash the two activists, Arjuna Capital and Follow This. CalPERS has a $1 billion stake in Exxon.

The two activists submitted a shareholder proposal that would have forced the company to reduce direct emissions and set a target for lowering emissions at suppliers and customers. Exxon sued the investors in Texas federal court in January, prompting them to withdraw the proposal.

Even with the activists backing off, Exxon has continued its lawsuit to prevent the activists from ever again submitting such a proposal.

CalPERS said in its letter that Exxon’s “reckless” lawsuit threatened shareholder activism efforts on any issue.

“If ExxonMobil succeeds in silencing voices and upending the rules of shareholder democracy, what other subjects will the leaders of any company make off limits?” CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost and board president Theresa Taylor said in the letter. “Worker safety? Excessive executive compensation?”

CalPERS said it’s urging other shareholders to follow its lead “to send a message that our voices will not be silenced.”

Exxon could have potentially prevented the shareholder proposal from going public without a lawsuit by asking the SEC for an exclusion, which is a common practice. But Exxon went ahead with litigation, and said it’s seeking “clarity on a process that has become ripe for abuse.”

“We believe activists with minimal or even no shares should not be permitted to re-submit proposals that do not grow long-term shareholder value,” the company said in a post on its website.

Exxon has faced down activist investors in the past.

In 2021, Engine No.1 ran a campaign that landed the firm three board seats. Engine No. 1 had a 0.02% stake, compared to CalPERS’ current ownership of about 0.2%.

That campaign garnered support from a number of institutional investors, including CalPERS, in its effort to overhaul Exxon’s disclosure standards and reconsider the company’s place in a zero-carbon world.

CalPERS is now opposing those same three directors, Greg Goff, Kaisa Hietala and Andy Karsner, that it helped elect. Another activist investor, Inclusive Capital founder Jeff Ubben, is also on Exxon’s board.

“We hope ExxonMobil’s directors will reconsider the lawsuit, an effort that seems more suited to schoolyard bullying than corporate leadership,” CalPERS wrote in its letter.

WATCH: Activist Battle one year later

Activist Battle 1 Year Later

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