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Today’s Green Deals are once again being led by Rad Power’s latest sale, which has its RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru e-bike dropping to a new $1,299 low. We also spotted a new low price on Bluetti’s AC50B 448Wh LiFePO4 Portable Power Station at $279. Hitting our radar for the first time today is the Vvolt Centauri SE Commuter e-bike which is getting a $700 discount to $2,599 and features some quality design choices. We have a budget-friendly low price on Greenworks’ 40V 14-inch Cordless Electric Push Mower, while EcoFlow launches a 24-hour flash sale on its GLACIER Portable Refrigerator/Freezer. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s rare bundle discount on the Xtracycle Stoker Off-Road Cargo e-bike or the new low on Anker’s SOLIX C800 power station, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru e-bike falls to new $1,299 low in latest sale

Rad Power is switching up its fall sales through September 25, with two models tailored to the versatile needs of the season and beyond, while also continuing the only deal we’ve seen on its newer models. The RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru e-bike sees the biggest discount among the offers at $1,299 shipped. More recently fetching $1,599 after Rad lowered prices across its older models at the start of 2024, this model has not been as prolific in savings as its high-step counterpart that has been retired after dropping to clearance lows. Before 2024 we mainly saw it drop to $1,799, with all the discounts after New Year’s Day only seeing costs fall as low as $1,399. Today’s sale marks its official descent lower as $300 is taken off its newer price tag, dropping it to a new all-time low price.

Visiting my family down in the swamps of Virginia and the Carolinas allowed me to hop aboard a RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru e-bike and enjoy it first-hand, which I discuss in my Travel Kit here. It’s a well-built and enjoyable ride, with its 750W brushless geared hub motor and semi-integrated 672Wh battery providing a solid 45 miles of travel and 20 MPH max speeds. Five levels of pedal assistance kick in with little effort, assisting in extending mileage to its fullest over the lesser travel distance only using the throttle allows.

As I mentioned in my Travel Kit coverage, this model is a great companion for rides on the streets and for when things go off-road, as the thick Kenda Juggernaut puncture-resistant tires easily tackled the swampy and varying terrain, with the water-resistant connectors providing added protections during these parts of my journeys. Along with these, the bike also comes equipped with a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, fenders to go over both wheels and a solid LCD display to monitor and switch through its settings.

More Rad Power deals:

RadRover 6 Step-Thru e-bike

Bluetti’s AC50B 448Wh LiFePO4 Portable Power Station starts from new $279 low

We just spotted a great new deal through Bluetti’s official Amazon storefront on its AC50B Portable Power Station for $279 shipped, after clipping the on-page $20 off coupon. A quick note here: some folks are seeing the additional $20 off, and sadly some may not. Normally priced at $399, this newer model has only seen three previous discounts since it hit the market back in March, with the first two dropping costs to $299, and the most recent one from July’s Prime Day sales taking things further to $284. Today, Prime Day’s pricing has been dethroned after such a short period to mark a new all-time low, which gives you back $120 in savings and beats out the current discount on Bluetti’s website. There is one bundle option on this unit, coming with a 120W solar panel for $448, after clipping the on-page 10% off coupon.

Not a goliath like some of the larger campsite and home-supporting models on the market, the AC50B arrives as a far more compact unit clocking in at just 14.8 pounds, which houses the 448Wh LiFePO4 battery and pumps out a solid 700W of output power (1,000W peak). There’s a generally well-rounded amount of ports here too, with a car port, a USB-A port, and two of both USB-C and AC ports. The unit’s own battery recharges to 80% of its capacity in about 45 minutes when you plug it into a wall outlet, thanks to its upgraded turbo charging mode. You also have its solar charging capabilities as an option too, with a full battery reached in just 3 hours alongside a 200W panel. When considering its design, capabilites, and the full array of remote smart controls, this unit is a sound investment for folks in need of temporary power solutions over more year-round coverage.

RadRover 6 Step-Thru e-bike

Save $700 on the Vvolt Centauri SE Commuter e-bike at $2,599

Running alongside the release of its newest Centauri II e-bike, Vvolt is offering a price cut on its Centauri SE Commuter e-bike that is down at $2,599 shipped. This model usually runs for $3,299 most days, with this being the first discount that we’ve covered here at 9to5Toys since the brand hit our radar. You’re looking at a solid $700 being slashed from its usual costs here, which brings the price down into a more affordable range, especially when you consider some of its features and its quality design.

The Centauri SE e-bike cruises onto the scene with a streamlined design and sleek frame while boasting a 28 MPH max speed and 60-mile travel range. It possesses a 350W custom-tuned Ananda mid-drive motor that peaks at 650W alongside a 490Wh removable battery, with only pedal assistance available – supported by both internal torque and cadence sensors for fast pick-up. Rather than any chain drives, this model has been given a Gates CDX Carbon Belt Drive for extended lifespans, quieter operations, and throwing out any need for grease – which means no more accidental stains on your clothes/skin too!

Depending on which size you choose, it only weighs in at a more minor 52 pounds, which should be quite manageable for folks who aren’t as physically gifted or even older – especially if you live in a building with stairs you’ll have to carry it up and down. There’s an integrated front and rear lighting system, bolstered by reflective graphics to provide 360 degrees of visibility to those around you when you’re riding through the darker hours of the day. Other notable features include Kenda Kwest anti-puncture tires, Tektro 720 hydraulic disc brakes, an Enviolo internal rear hub transmission, and a full-color display.

RadRover 6 Step-Thru e-bike

Greenworks 40V 14-inch cordless electric push mower offers budget-friendly reliability at new $187 low

Homeowners on a budget and landscaping hustlers rejoice! Amazon is giving folks a great chance to land some quality savings on the Greenworks 40V 14-inch Cordless Push Lawn Mower for $187.49 shipped. Normally this model would cost you $270, which still isn’t that bad for a reliable electric mower like this, but the price is all the sweeter with the large 31% markdown that gives you back a solid $83 in savings while also landing it at a lower price than we have ever tracked – beating our previous mention at its former low by $25.

With this Greenworks mower, you’ll be adding a reliable piece of equipment to your lawncare routines at a price that isn’t weighing down or straight burning through your wallet – plus, you can forget the noise, fumes, and extra expenses associated with gas-guzzling models. The main body fits a 40V brushless motor inside the 14-inch poly deck, all running off a single removable 4.0Ah battery (which can be switched out with others that you may already have).

It provides a full hour of runtime to tackle your yard, with a five-position height adjustment that ranges from 1-1/4-inch to 3-3/8-inch cutting heights and a push-button start. It has also been designed with a folding frame for easier storage and a 2-in-1 functionality that can either bag your clippings or mulch them to be used in your flower beds.

EcoFlow

EcoFlow one-day flash sale drops GLACIER portable dual-zone fridge/freezer with ice maker to $599 low

Today, EcoFlow has launched its penultimate 24-hour flash sale for its current Disaster Campaign sale that ends September 22, with its GLACIER Portable Refrigerator bundled with a plug-in battery down at $599 shipped through the rest of the day. Normally this package with the battery would run you $1,398, but today’s short-term sale is providing a large 57% markdown that saves you $799 and lands this smart device down at the lowest price we have tracked.

While the warmer parts of the summer are coming to a close as fall weather moves in, EcoFlow’s GLACIER can still be quite the handy device to bring along with you on your autumn outings. This portable refrigerator boasts dual-zone compartments (36L or 38L as single-zone), one for cooling and one for freezing, accessed by removing the divider, with separate remote smart controls for each one through the EcoFlow app. On top, it even has a section dedicated to its 120W compressor for integrated ice-making action – specifically “18 solid ice cubes in 12 minutes,” which you don’t see in the other big contenders on the market. It even beats out its competitors in run time, with the included battery giving you up to 40 hours of power before needing to be plugged in or recharged.

Speaking of recharging, there are three options for this model: solar charging with a max 240W panel takes just 2.1 hours with fair conditions, which takes slightly longer at 2.2 hours when plugged into a standard wall outlet – plus, there’s a DC charging option too, taking 2.1 to 4 hours (depending on whether it’s connected to 24V or 12V).

Don’t miss out on all the great discounts that EcoFlow’s Disaster Campaign sale is offering until September 22, which you can look through in full here on this landing page. 

Summer e-bike deals!

RadRover 6 Step-Thru e-bike

Best new Green Deals landing this week

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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Here’s how the Fed’s rate cut helps homeowners go solar

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September 19, 2024

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Here's how the Fed's rate cut helps homeowners go solar

EnergySage
Photo by Cindy Shebley on Pexels.com

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates yesterday, and while it’s meant to support the broader economy, here’s how it helps homeowners go solar.

On Wednesday, the Fed cut interest rates by a half point, lowering the benchmark lending rate to 4.75-5.25%. Over the past few years, higher interest rates meant that financing a solar system was more expensive, which pushed out the break-even point for those investing in solar. Many homeowners and business owners became hesitant to take the plunge.

But now, the Fed’s September rate cut – combined with dropping installation costs – makes going solar even more attractive. Homeowners will see faster returns on their solar investments compared to a year ago. According to a blog by EnergySage, this 50-basis-point reduction means that a $30,000 home solar system could cost around $3,000 less over the course of a 20-year loan, thanks to reduced interest payments.

Even though solar is a solid investment in any interest-rate environment, lower rates make the math even better. As Spencer Fields, director of insights at EnergySage, puts it: “This rate cut will save solar shoppers thousands of dollars in interest over the lifetime of their solar panels. Most solar adopters finance their system with a loan, so dropping interest rates will help make solar more affordable and likely drive up demand for new commercial and residential solar installations.”

How do lower interest rates make rooftop solar cheaper?

Your savings with solar depends on several factors, including local electricity prices, how much energy you use, and state policies like net metering. But if you’re financing your system with a loan, the interest rate is a critical part of the equation.

Just like with a mortgage, the lower the interest rate, the less you pay over time. The average home solar panel system costs about $30,000, and according to EnergySage, 85% of homeowners finance their solar system. A 4.75% interest rate on a $30,000, 20-year loan would cost you around $16,500 in interest. At a 5.50% interest rate, that same loan jumps to $19,500 in interest. That’s a $3,000 difference just from the Fed’s rate cut.

And if you manage to pay off your loan in less than 10 years, the combination of the rate cut and early repayment could save you as much as $10,000 in interest for a 20-year loan.

It’s also important to consider the full cost of the loan. Fees and other charges can vary depending on your lender. That’s why it’s crucial to look at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), not just the interest rate, as the APR gives you the full picture of your costs.

A faster payback period for solar

Solar isn’t just a green choice – it’s a smart financial move. Many homeowners pay off their solar loans in less than 10 years, which means everything after that is pure savings. If you lock in a lower interest rate, you’ll hit that payback period even faster.

EnergySage reports that the average homeowner using their Marketplace pays off their solar loan in under 10 years, even if they take out a 20-year loan. With rates down, you’ll be able to reach that milestone sooner and save even more in the long run.

Should you wait for interest rates to drop further?

There’s a lot of talk about the Fed cutting rates again by the end of the year and possibly more in 2025. But trying to time interest rate changes can be as tricky as timing the stock market. While the Fed has hinted at future rate cuts, nothing is set in stone. If inflation shifts or the job market takes an unexpected turn, the Fed could adjust its course. So while it’s tempting to wait, there’s no guarantee rates will keep falling.

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

If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

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Europe’s first AWD electric pickup is here: It’s from China and it gets +250 miles range

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September 19, 2024

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Europe's first AWD electric pickup is here: It's from China and it gets +250 miles range

Europe's-first-AWD-electric-pickup

Chinese automaker Maxus launched Europe’s first AWD electric pickup, beating Toyota, Ford, and several others to the market. The new Maxus eTerron 9 is slightly larger than a Ford Ranger and has up to 267 miles (430 km) range.

Maxus, initially under British van maker LDV Group, was bought out by China’s SAIC Motor in 2010.

The Chinese brand launched the new eTerron 9 EV pickup at the IAA Hanover Auto Show in Germany this week. It follows the Maxus T90EV, the UK’s first electric pickup that was only offered in RWD.

Powered by two electric motors (125 kW/170 hp front and 200 kW/272 hp rear), Maxus’ new eTerron 9 packs a combined output of 325 kW (442 hp). It can also tow up to 7,700 lbs with nearly 1,400 lb (620 kg) max payload.

With a 102 kWh LFP battery, the Maxus eTerron 9 is rated with up to 267 miles (430 km) WLTP driving range. It can also be charged (20% to 80%) in about 40 minutes with up to 115 kW at fast charging stations.

Europe's-first-AWD-electric-pickup-front
Maxus eTerron 9 AWD electric pickup (Source: Maxus)

Meet Europe’s first AWD electric pickup

An included All-Terrain System (ATS) unlocks six driving modes: Normal, Mud, Sand, and others to fine-tune your drive.

Maxus said an optimized venting system and battery design improves range by 18% in cold weather compared to other EVs on the market.

Europe's-first-AWD-electric-pickup
Maxus eTerron 9 AWD electric pickup (Source: Maxus)

The electric pickup also features bi-directional charging to power work sites, camping equipment, tools, or other external electronics.

At 5.5 meters (18 ft) long, the Maxus eTerron 9 is slightly bigger than Ford’s Ranger, which is 5.37 meters long.

Europe's-first-AWD-electric-pickup
Maxus eTerron 9 AWD electric pickup interior (Source: Maxus)

Maxus will open orders for Europe’s first AWD electric pickup in October. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in January 2025.

Although prices have yet to be announced, the new model is expected to sit above the T90EV, which starts at £49,950 ($66,300) in the UK before VAT. Maxus said more details will be revealed shortly.

Source: Top Gear, Maxus

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BMW of North America partners with Redwood Materials to handle its EV battery recycling

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5 hours ago

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September 19, 2024

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BMW of North America partners with Redwood Materials to handle its EV battery recycling

BMW battery recycling

Battery recycling specialist Redwood Materials has just gained another major automaker as a client, signing a partnership with BMW of North America. Redwood will help recover and recycle end of life lithium-ion cells and their rare materials from BMW Group marques like MINI and Rolls-Royce.

Today’s latest partnership announcement only helps solidify Redwood Materials’ current status as the industry leader in battery recycling. The company, founded in 2017 by Tesla co-founder and former CTO JB Straubel, has found quick success in creating a more circular economy around lithium-ion batteries and their precious materials, such as cobalt, copper, lithium, and nickel.

In the past few years especially, Redwood has earned the business of several major OEMs, including Ford, Volkswagen Group, and Volvo. In turn, Redwood has recycled those brand’s batteries and resold their materials and components to companies like Panasonic and Toyota for a new life in EVs.

The company is quite good at what it does, too. In 2023, it was touting 95% efficiency in a battery recycling pilot, which helped it garner huge government loans to build reborn EV batteries and a huge company valuation (over $5 billion as of September 2023).

As Redwood Materials continues to expand its battery recycling operations on two continents, it continues to add clients to its Rolodex, which now includes BMW.

Redwood US
Rendering of Redwood’s upcoming battery campus in Charleston / Source: Redwood Materials

Redwood to offer battery recycling to BMW and MINI in US

BMW of North America shared details of its new partnership with Redwood Materials today, which includes battery recycling of lithium-ion cells from all-electric, plug-in, and mild hybrid vehicles from BMW Group marques in the US, including MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad.

BMW states that Redwood will now work directly with the automaker’s network of nearly 700 locations across the US, which includes dealerships, distribution centers, and other facilities. The battery recycling specialist will help recover BMW’s end-of-life lithium-ion cells and take them to its facilities in Reno, Nevada, where it can do what it does best – recycle and refine their critical minerals. Redwood’s chief commercial officer, Cal Lankton, spoke about the new partnership with BMW:

The transition to electric mobility presents a tremendous opportunity to rethink how we manage the batteries that power our clean energy future. Our partnership with BMW of North America ensures responsible end-of-life battery management that will improve the environmental footprint of lithium-ion batteries, help decrease cost and, in turn, increase access and adoption of electric vehicles.

As mentioned above, Redwood promises that 95% to 98% of the critical minerals recycled will be returned to the battery supply chain and put into new EV models. Battery recycling is a critical yet nascent industry for EV adoption and sustainability, as the current materials inside EV batteries are nearly infinitely recyclable and are not lost in their lifetime of usage.

Redwood’s recycling processes are also a far better option than anyone else today since they have a significantly smaller environmental impact than conventional mining or other recycling technologies. Redwood states its recycling and refining of said materials reduces energy by 80%, CO2 emissions by 70%, and water by 80%.

As we’ve previously reported, Redwood is in the process of erecting a new battery recycling campus in Charleston, South Carolina, not far from BMW Group’s production plants in Spartanburg and Woodruff.

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