Connect with us

Published

on

Following a successful launch in Texas last year, energy storage leader BLUETTI is expanding its Solar+ program to California, Massachusetts, and North Carolina.

BLUETTI brings its Solar+ program to these states for a reason: California ranks highest in the number of power outages, with North Carolina at No 8 and Massachusetts at No 13, according to Statista.

What’s more, solar and battery storage reduce electricity bills, and Statista data reveal that the average residential sector retail electricity prices in Massachusetts and California are among the highest in the US, at 28.02 and 26.72 cents per kilowatt-hour (KWh), respectively. That’s considerably above the national average of 17.1 cents, as of September 2023.

Francisco Brown, BLUETTI’s Texas Branch CEO, notes, “Many of our customers have reported that they’re being protected from power outages and experiencing a significant reduction in their electricity bills after joining the Solar+ program. This is made possible by harnessing free solar energy and optimizing energy usage, with peak load shifting features in Time of Use areas.”

What BLUETTI’s Solar+ program is

BLUETTI’s Solar+ program is an easy way to invest in solar and storage in order to achieve energy independence and save money on electricity bills. The modular BLUETTI battery storage system seamlessly integrates with rooftop solar panels to store and supply power to ensure uninterrupted energy during outages or nighttime usage.

For example, a household with a BLUETTI 6 kW solar and 10 kW battery system could potentially reduce their monthly electricity expenses to as low as $98, down from the typical $150 to $200, after the 30% rooftop solar tax credit is applied.

Homeowners can connect their BLUETTI power system to the grid in its Virtual Power Plant (VPP) plan, allowing excess solar power to be sold back to the utility for additional money for homeowners. That offsets initial costs and will generate income over time. Plus, it’s likely that the system will increase the property’s value.

How the whole Solar+ process works

One of the great things about the BLUETTI Solar+ program is that it simplifies the entire process of adopting solar and battery storage, end to end. Brown explains:

From equipment manufacturing to design, financing, installation, and ongoing service, we handle every aspect of the solar switch with premium care, saving both time and money for our customers. They only need to deal with one brand and use one app to
control everything.

BLUETTI promises personalized support at every step in the Solar+ program. After a free consultation with the company’s energy experts, homeowners receive tailored and visualized solar system designs based on their preferences and needs.

Once a homeowner approves the design, BLUETTI manages all aspects of the process, from paperwork and permit application to installation and inspection, making the process as effortless as ordering pizza online.

And customer service doesn’t stop after the system is installed. BLUETTI’s project managers are easily reachable and provide ongoing support, maintenance, and system optimization.

BLUETTI believes that a quality solar and battery storage system with good service support doesn’t have to come at a premium price. By leveraging decades of renewable energy expertise, BLUETTI optimizes cost efficiency and ensures a competitive end price without compromises. This means that customers can secure a BLUETTI solar and battery storage system at a price comparable to what competitors charge for solar alone. Finance options are available upon request.

“BLUETTI Solar+ makes it easier to embrace solar energy, transforming you from just an energy consumer to a clean energy producer. It saves your wallet and the planet, contributing to a more sustainable future,” said Brown.

BLUETTI is offering Electrek readers an exclusive discount on the Solar+ program. If you work with a Solar + Sale rep, give them the manual discount code ElectrekSolar+ for $800 off. And if you place a website order, get 5% off with the discount code Electrek800 for the EP800 home battery backup system.

Click here to learn more about Solar+.

About BLUETTI

BLUETTI has been committed to promoting sustainability and providing green energy solutions since its inception. By offering eco-friendly energy storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor use, BLUETTI aims to provide exceptional experiences for our homes while also contributing to a sustainable future for our planet.

Through initiatives like the Lighting An African Family (LAAF) program, BLUETTI has empowered over 100,000 African families in off-grid regions. This commitment to sustainable energy has helped BLUETTI expand its reach to over 100 countries and gain the trust of millions of customers worldwide.

Follow BLUETTI on Twitter here and on Facebook here.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Toyota announces nationwide dealer rollout of Tern Class 8 electric semi

Published

on

By

Toyota announces nationwide dealer rollout of Tern Class 8 electric semi

Launched as a joint venture between Toyota Group and Tier 1 supplier Hexagon Purus, the new Tern brand of heavy duty electric trucks announced Hino Trucks as its exclusive US distributor.

Another Toyota Group brand, Hino Trucks nevertheless brings a nationwide network of more than 200 heavy truck dealers (and their customers) to the new JV with Hexagon, which is specifically focused on electrifying “practical” commercial vehicle applications.

Glenn Ellis, President and CEO of Hino Trucks, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “Our collaboration with Hexagon Purus introduces a highly reliable Class 8, 4×2 tractor option into the electric truck market, catering to a wide range of applications,” he explained. “We are excited to be the exclusive distributor for Tern with an initial distribution focus in California, where fleet electrification is imperative.”

Tern RC8 electric semi

The new Tern RC8 electric truck offers a 68,000 lb. GVWR, 680 peak horsepower electric motor (494 continuous), a 200 mile range, and the ability to go from 0-80% charge in less than two hours at 240 kW. Energy comes from dual Hexagon Purus Gen3 269kWh battery packs in a 750-volt, 538 kWh configuration.

The announcement coincides with California’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, and was made today at the ACT Expo, which is taking place this year in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Serial production for the Tern RC8 is scheduled to begin later this year.

Electrek’s Take

Tern RC8 electric semi truck; via Hino Truck.

It’s hard to act surprised that a Toyota brand is going to be supported by Toyota’s existing dealer network, but it’s worth noting that, while Toyota is marketing/lobbying against EVs on the one hand, it’s quietly investing big bucks into battery electric on the other.

My guess: as soon as Toyota has a viable BEV on the market, they’ll “suddenly” realize that BEVs were the way to go all along. #bet

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

This $100,000 off-road EV sports car with Jaguar influence is now available to order

Published

on

By

This 0,000 off-road EV sports car with Jaguar influence is now available to order

With influence from the designer behind the Aston Martin Vanquish and Jaguar I-Pace, the Callum Skye is a fierce-looking off-road EV sports car. The latest Ian Callum creation is now available to order.

Meet the $100,000 Callum Skye off-road EV sports car

The Callum Skye is the first EV from Ian Callum, an iconic British car designer’s own design and engineering firm.

Introduced last November, the Callum Skye is an all-electric 2+2 off-roader. As the “world’s most beautiful multi-terrain vehicle,” according to its engineers, the Skye is unique and versatile.

With a Callum design, you can see the influence from the Jaguar F-Type and Aston Martin vehicles with its sleek, rugged exterior design.

The electric sports car is designed for those seeking “extraordinary on and off-road adventures,” crafted with “the utmost capability, refinement, and beauty.”

Powered by a 42 kWh battery, the Callum Skye is expected to get up to 170 miles range. It also includes ultra-fast charging for a full charge in under 10 minutes.

At 4,047 mm long and 1,900 mm wide, the Skye is smaller than other off-road EVs like the Rivian R1T, but like the Rivian, it boasts sports car performance, with a 0 to 60 mph sprint in under 4 seconds.

off-road-EV-sports-car
Callum Skye off-road EV (Source: Callum Design)

At just 1,150 kg (about 2,500 lbs), the off-roader is also one of the lightest EVs on the market.

The inside features a central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Callum designed the dashboard with a focus on functionality with easy touchscreen dials.

Off-road-EV-sports-car
Callum Skye off-road EV (Source: Callum Design)

Up front are two cossetting sports seats. Meanwhile, the rear features a versatile bench that can removed for extra storage.

Callum says the hinged tailgate has enough storage for luggage for a long weekend getaway, sports, and lifestyle gear.

Off-road-EV-sports-car
Callum Skye off-road EV interior (Source: Callum Design)

The Callum Skye has been testing in Europe and is now available to order. According to Autocar, the production version is priced from £80,000 to £110,000 ($101,700 to $140,000). The company plans to release several variants, but more details and specs will be revealed closer to launch.

If interested, you can reserve your Callum Skye model on the company’s website here.

What do you think? Would you buy the electric off-roader for $100,000? Drop us a comment below to let us know your thoughts.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Renault is putting its Level 4 autonomous shuttle into production

Published

on

By

Renault is putting its Level 4 autonomous shuttle into production

Renault doesn’t think fully autonomous vehicle have a place in the private vehicle market – but pulic transit? That’s a different story, and Renault is partnering with WeRide to put this Level 4 autonomous shuttle bus into production.

While some manufacturers are putting everything they’ve got into autonomous driving (for better or worse), French carmaker Renault is taking a different path. The company believes that, by separating expectations for individual vehicles from those of public transportation, they’ll be able to deliver on the promise of self-driving vehicles much sooner than later.

This latest project is being developed in conjunction with WeRide, a company that launched in 2017 with the stated goal of managing the large-scale commercial deployment of vehicles with an L4 level of autonomy. Together, WeRide and Renault have been testing its autonomous shuttle concepts for years in an effort to meet the needs of local authorities in European “low emission” zones.

Renault Group is moving forward to implement its autonomous vehicle strategy,” says Gilles Le Borgne, CTO Renault Group. “As a result, thanks to our experiments and our partners, the best in their fields, we will be in a position, well before the end of this decade, to propose a highly relevant range of autonomous, low-carbon miniBuses to meet the growing needs of the regions.”

A fleet of these WeRide automated electric minibuses are slated to be integrated into the public transportation network of Chateauroux Metropole in France by 2026.

Electrek’s Take

Autonomous vehicle: Renault Group to soon launch an ambitious level 4 offer for public transportation
Renault WeRide autonomous shuttle; via Renault.

In a bit of a surprise move, Renault is playing up the cost benefits of eliminating the operators’ jobs in its press release – specifically calling out those savings as a key benefit in the purchase of its automated shuttles. Lest you think that’s an exaggeration, I’ve quoted them:

More flexible, autonomous miniBuses will be able to operate 24/7 in complete safety and will be a zero-emission alternative or an efficient complement to existing solutions (train, tram, bus) in terms of costs and CO2/km.passenger. The additional costs of robotisation and automation could be offset by the absence of on-board operators. A simple remote supervision system will be required to operate a fleet of vehicles.

renault group press release

Why is this surprising, you ask? Well, the French have a habit of, you know – rioting in the streets and setting things on fire whenever they feel like their labor benefits are threatened. For a French company to actively market taking away those jobs?

That’s either brave or stupid.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending