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ALSET Auto doesn’t protect cars; it protects EVs. This year, the Tesla customization company expanded its services to include all EV owners and offers services such as tint, ceramic coatings, paint protection film (PPF), and colored wraps. As ALSET Auto’s business grows, the company is offering new franchise opportunities to help expand its services to EV owners in the US and Canada.

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Founded by EV owners for EV owners

ALSET Auto was founded in Portland, Oregon in 2018 by Phil Bunting and Marcus Brown after they each purchased Teslas and were dissatisfied with their experience in their search for viable exterior protection options.

I called a half dozen shops in my area and got the same runaround. They loved to disparage Tesla’s soft paint, but no one wanted to give me a firm price for paint protection over the phone,

recalls ALSET CEO, Phil Bunting:

They all wanted me to bring my Tesla into their shop first, refused to provide a firm estimate over the phone, and declined to list their all-in prices on their website. I remember thinking, if I can build, price, and purchase a $100,000 Model X on my iPhone in five minutes, why should getting my Tesla protected be any different?

Thus, the idea for ALSET (Tesla spelled backward) was born. The company envisioned offering customers an experience similar to buying a Tesla, where the price is transparent, and there is no upselling, bait-and-switch tactics, or pricing gimmicks. Instead of selling Tesla owners on the fear of what could happen to their EV’s unprotected paint, ALSET set out to build a lasting connection with customers based on a shared passion for the cars they love.

Over the past five years, ALSET Auto has quickly become a leading provider of paint protection and personalization services. Operating in 15 markets across North America, ALSET has protected and personalized more than 7,000 EVs.

Aside from Cybertruck wraps, ALSET Auto’s three core services appeal to the broader market of owners who are looking to protect, preserve and enhance the look of their EVs. The company forged a partnership with XPEL Inc. to offer its customers a suite of best-in-class protective film and coating options, which include:

ALSET Auto offers a suite of options to protect, preserve and personalize your EV

Tesla Cybertruck wraps have quickly become a significant portion of ALSET Auto’s expanding business. The company offers the largest selection of colored PPF in the industry with more than 250 options in gloss, matte, metallic, and color shifting. The company is currently wrapping about 100 Cybertrucks per month, with several locations wrapping as many as five per week. Bunting elaborated:

The demand for colored paint protection film in recent years has surged because most EVs are offered in limited colors. Unlike flimsy vinyl wraps, colored PPF offer durable protection, self- healing properties and longer warranty coverage. It is the best of both worlds for protection and aesthetics. For Cybertrucks, we are finding that it’s a matter of when their owners will purchase wraps, not if.

The company has received nearly 1,000 five-star reviews for offering highly specialized customer service along with an industry-leading, lifetime warranty. In addition, ALSET services are CARFAX certified so that all upgrades appear on CARFAX reports to increase resale value and assist in insurance claims.

Paint Protection Film (PPF) – This durable self-healing film is offered in a clear or matte finish and is most commonly applied to the entire car or the front impact zones which include the full hood, fenders, bumper and mirror caps. PPF protects the vehicle’s paint from unsightly rock chips, scratches and abrasions. In many instances, scratches in the film can be removed with heat from the sun or blowdryer, or by using hot water.

Nano Ceramic Coatings – When fully cured, ceramic coatings are up to three times harder than factory clear coat. ALSET Auto’s full interior and exterior ceramic package uses four different ceramic formulas which are applied to the paint and trim, wheels, windshield, as well as the interior. While these coatings are not intended to prevent rock chips, they help protect from light scratches and swirls, environmental contaminants, and etching from bug guts and bird droppings. They also make your EV extremely shiny and hydrophobic, which makes washing and maintenance a breeze.

Ceramic Window Film – Available in a variety of shades, ceramic window tint offers unrivaled heat rejection as well as protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It also provides a sleeker look and enhanced security and privacy. EVs with ceramic window tint can expect to get more range from their battery due to lower cabin temps and less use of their EV’s air conditioning. 

ALSET Auto also participates in XPEL’s OEM referral programs, which include Tesla and Rivian.

ALSET Auto plans to award 12 new franchises in 2025

After successfully opening corporate locations in Portland and Seattle, ALSET Auto launched the company’s first franchise in 2021 in Dallas, Texas. In doing so, ALSET Auto completed a rigorous franchise registration process with iFranchise Group, Inc., an industry-leading consultancy group that has worked with Massage Envy, Denny’s, Vitamin Shoppe, Shelf Genie and other name brands.

Since then, ALSET Auto has expanded to 15 locations with several more franchises currently in the pipeline. 

  • Locations:
    • Atlanta, GA
    • Austin, TX
    • Dallas, TX
    • Jacksonville, FL
    • Las Vegas, NV
    • Orange County, CA
    • Portland, OR
    • Raleigh, NC
    • Richmond, VA
    • San Diego, CA
    • Sacramento, CA (ALSET Affiliate)
    • Seattle, WA
    • Tampa, FL
    • Vancouver, BC, Canada

The average annual revenue for ALSET Auto locations open at least 12 months was $1 million in 2023, according to the company’s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). 

ALSET Auto provides franchisees a wide range of ongoing support including training, site selection assistance, coaching, access to proprietary software systems, in-house marketing and advertising, vendor partnerships, and dealer programs. These services are critical to setting up news franchise operators for success.

Current ALSET franchisees joined the company without any prior experience in the industry. They come from various backgrounds, including the restaurant and entertainment industries, sales, technology, sports, and finance.

Ideal franchise candidates are EV owners and enthusiasts who are passionate about the booming EV market and seeking financial freedom and independence from a typical 9-to-5 job. Candidates should be well-capitalized, business-minded, passionate about the EV industry, and committed to actively working in their business.

To learn more about franchising with ALSET Auto and receive the company’s franchising e-brochure, visit their website here.

If you’re interested in learning more about their services, visit their retail site at www.alsetauto.com.

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Maybe it really SHOULD have been the new Maxima: meet the Nissan N6 EREV

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Maybe it really SHOULD have been the new Maxima: meet the Nissan N6 EREV

With its sleek, uncluttered styling and more than 100 miles of battery-electric range before the extended range electric sedan’s gas engine kicks on, maybe the new Nissan N6 really should have been the next Maxima!

Struggling Japanese carmaker Nissan is dealing with an aging lineup and a brand identity driven more by subprime financing than any suggestion of reliability or sportiness here in the US – but overseas? The brand is rolling out hit after hit, and the latest Nissan N6 plug-in sedan promises exactly the sort of entry-level panache that could change its American fortunes.

“Under our Re:Nissan plan, we are redefining what Nissan delivers today and beyond,” explains Nissan President and CEO Ivan Espinosa. “It’s about strengthening our core, reigniting Nissan’s heartbeat, and creating products that inspire excitement and trust. It is about a sharper, more focused product strategy, a stronger brand, and a renewed commitment to our customers. Integral to this transformation is China — an essential market whose speed, technological leadership, and customer insights are setting the pace for the global auto industry.”

Developed by the Nissan Dongfeng JV in China, the new N6 is more compact that the well-received N7 BEV. In fact, the new Nissan N6, at 190.1″ long, compares nicely to the 192.8″ length of the most recent (and largest-ever) US Maxima, discontinued in 2023. Like the Maxima, the top-shelf version features modern, near-luxe features like soft, leather-like surfaces, LED mood lighting, multi-way adjustable seats, and mimosas or something.

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Mimosas or something


Mimosas; via Nissan.

The four or five passengers inside the N6 are propelled down the road exclusively by the car’s 208 hp electric motor, which is efficient enough to take you 112 miles on a full charge of its 21.1 kWh LFP battery. Once that charge is depleted, a 1.5L gas engine kicks on as a high-efficiency generator to keep the good times rolling.

Nissan says the N6′ exterior design, “features a V-Motion signature grille and expressive LED lighting at the front and rear.” And says that the car’s crisp lines give it, “a confident, dynamic presence.”

All of which sounds good on its own, but sounds absolutely miraculous when you consider the car’s Chinese price: ¥106,900 – or about $15,000 US for the base Nissan N6 180 Pro, as I type this.

Even with a nearly 100% markup to give it a $29,990 price tag in the US, I think the N6 would be a huge hit in the North American market. And – good news! – thanks to Canada’s apparent willingness to give Chinese carmakers a shot, we might find out if I’m right somewhat sooner than later.

Check out the Nissan N6 image gallery, below, then let us know what you think of the car’s US and Canadian appeal in the comments.


SOURCE | IMAGES: Nissan.


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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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BLUETTI just dropped new home backup power stations – and slashed prices up to 65% for Black Friday

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BLUETTI just dropped new home backup power stations – and slashed prices up to 65% for Black Friday

Whether you’re prepping for winter power outages, loading up the RV for a long-haul trip, or want clean, reliable power anywhere you go, BLUETTI has a portable power option for every need. And right now, the clean energy experts are offering up to 65% off their most popular products for Black Friday – plus they’ve just dropped two major new releases: the Elite 400 and B500K expansion battery.

Here’s a complete guide to what’s new, what’s on sale, and how to pick the model that fits your lifestyle best. There are also some special deals just for Electrek readers, so don’t miss out!

For home backup + outdoor adventures: Elite 200 V2 and all-new Elite 400

Elite 200 V2 – Best value for backup, camping, and van life

BLUETTI’s Elite 200 V2 is designed for power users who need versatility. It’s nicknamed the “Swiss Army Knife” of portable power stations because it powers everything from your fridge to your laptop — whether you’re off the grid or just want to keep the lights on during a storm.

Key specs:

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  • Battery capacity: 2,073.6Wh
  • Continuous power output: 2,600W (3,900W surge)
  • 9 output ports: AC, DC, USB-C, and more
  • Recharges to 80% in just over one hour
  • Ultra-quiet 16 dB operation
  • LiFePO₄ battery with a 17-year lifespan (3,500+ cycles)

Who it’s for:

  • RVers, weekend campers, off-grid explorers, small cabin owners
  • Homeowners looking for dependable backup power

Commonly powered devices: Mini-fridges, coffee makers, power tools, microwaves, kettles, electric blankets, laptops, LED lights, wifi routers

Its compact profile makes it easy to tuck away in an RV cabinet, trunk, or apartment closet.

Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station is regularly priced at $1,699, and it’s on sale for the record-low price of $699 – that’s a 59% discount for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Elite 400 Rolling Power Station — New and optimized for home

Launching November 15, the Elite 400 is a powerful 3.8kWh portable station designed with mobility and backup readiness in mind. With built-in wheels, a telescoping handle, and side grips, you can roll it anywhere – even if you’re flying solo.

Key specs:

  • Battery capacity: 3,840Wh
  • Continuous power output: 2,600W (3,900W lifting power)
  • 9 output ports for simultaneous device charging
  • 15ms UPS switchover during power outages
  • Recharges to 80% in 70 minutes using AC + solar
  • Low standby energy use (3W) with app-control wakeup and timers

Who it’s for:

  • Homeowners needing serious backup power
  • Outdoor event hosts, road trippers, off-grid enthusiasts

Commonly powered devices: Full-size refrigerators, sump pumps, CPAP machines, space heaters, power tools, projectors, outdoor cooking appliances, large TVs

Whether you’re powering your home in a blackout or running a campsite movie night, the Elite 400 delivers enough capacity to handle just about anything.

The new Elite 400 Portable Power Station is regularly priced at $2,999, and it’s making its debut on November 15 for $1,499 – that’s a 50% discount for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

For whole-home power and off-grid living: Meet the new B500K expansion battery

If you’re looking for a system that grows with your energy needs, the B500K expansion battery delivers massive storage potential at a competitive cost of around $0.33/Wh – making it an excellent choice for users seeking higher capacity than the well-acclaimed B300K. Paired with the Apex 300, it also qualifies for the soon-to-end 30% Federal Tax Credit. Designed to integrate seamlessly into BLUETTI’s modular ecosystem, it’s ideal for home battery backup or off-grid setups.

Key specs:

  • Supports up to 100 kWh storage (paired with Apex 300 system)
  • Compatible with BLUETTI’s SolarX 4K, B300K, Hub D1, and more
  • Acts as both standalone power or an expansion battery
  • Future-proof with long-term ecosystem integration

The new B500K expansion battery is regularly priced at $2,999, and it’s making its debut on November 15 for $1,699 – that’s a 43% discount for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Ideal bundles:

  • Apex 300 + B500K: Best for large homes, off-grid living, and whole-home backup. With a larger individual capacity, the B500K enables a plug-and-play power system that can be expanded to a massive 100 kWh with the Apex 300. It provides 3.8 kW of power output and 7,884.8 Wh of capacity in total.
    The Apex 300 + B500K Home Battery Backup is priced at $4,998, and it’s on sale for Black Friday for $3,098 – that’s a 38% discount.
  • Apex 300 + B300K: The Apex 300, paired with the B300K, provides 5.5 kWh of capacity and up to 3.8kW of power output, offering smaller households or remote cabins reliable off-grid energy with room to scale. It’s an ideal way to support essential loads, such as refrigerators, lights, fans, and wifi routers, without the need to invest in a larger setup.
    The Apex 300 + B300K is normally priced at $4,098, and it’s on sale for Black Friday for $2,299 –that’s a 44% discount.

Plus! Both bundles are fully eligible for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit through December 2025.

For everyday portability: Elite 30 V2 and the new Elite 10

Elite 30 V2 – now in EcoTide colors

If you need lightweight, flexible power for camping, car trips, desk-side charging, or college dorm use, the Elite 30 V2 is the sweet spot. Weighing just 4.3 kg, it’s a portable backup that fits in your backpack or on a small shelf. Plus, it comes in six fun colors.

Key specs:

  • Battery capacity: 288Wh
  • Continuous power output: 600W (1,500W surge)
  • 9 output ports including 140W USB-C PD
  • Charges to 80% in 45 minutes
  • Quiet operation under 30 dB
  • 10-year LiFePO₄ battery lifespan, with a 5-year warranty

Ideal for powering: Laptops, DSLR cameras, portable fans, smartphones, drones, modems, LED lighting, external hard drives

It’s perfect for digital nomads, travelers, or anyone who needs reliable backup power without adding bulk.

Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station is regularly priced at $304, and it’s on sale for $199 – that’s a 35% discount for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You can buy it on BLUETTI’s website here and on Amazon here.

Sneak preview: The new Elite 10 – pocket-sized power

Launching on November 20, the palm-sized Elite 10 is BLUETTI’s most compact power station yet. It’s the perfect in-between if a power bank won’t cut it, but you don’t want a full-sized power station.

Key specs:

  • Battery capacity: 128Wh
  • Power output: 200W AC (300W peak, 400W surge)
  • 5 DC outlets + 200W AC outlet
  • Fully recharges in 70 minutes
  • LED light modes: reading, warm, SOS

Perfect for powering: Bluetooth speakers, portable fans, DSLR cameras, tablets, Chromebooks, routers, handheld consoles, mini-fridges

Small enough to slip into a tote, train bag, or glovebox, the Elite 10 is built for everyday carry and quick power access.

The Elite 10 launches next week and is said to be the best budget-friendly option yet – available for under $150, and rumored to go even lower. You’ll be able to grab it on BLUETTI’s website and on Amazon here starting November 20.

Electrek exclusive discounts

In addition to the fantastic Black Friday Cyber Monday sale prices, up to 65% off, BLUETTI is offering a special discount code just for Electrek readers!

  • 95% of BLUETTI products qualify for an extra 5% off with code: ELECTREK5OFF
  • The new Elite 400 and all Apex 300 series products qualify for 6% off with code: ELECTREK6OFF

Now is the best time to invest in a power system that’s quiet, clean, and ready whenever you need it – at home or beyond the grid.

The trusted name offers a full lineup of portable power stations to keep you charged – whether a winter storm hits or you’re enjoying outdoor adventures – and stay charged, no matter where life takes you.

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

All photos: BLUETTI

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Volvo sees MASSIVE growth in electric semi truck dealer network

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Volvo sees MASSIVE growth in electric semi truck dealer network

While other semi truck brands hide delays and missed deadlines behind press releases and fake updates, Volvo Trucks is busy cementing its position as the heavy-duty EV leader, thanks to great market share and a certified dealer network that’s seen 8,200% growth this decade.

Beginning with TEC Equipment in Fontana as the company’s only certified EV dealer in July 2021, Volvo Trucks’ BEV sales network has expanded quickly to 83 certified locations across 33 US states and four Canadian provinces, with four new dealer groups recently joining the program and another 13 rooftops currently in the certification pipeline. Those dealers have helped Volvo Trucks gain a leading position globally and maintain more than 30% market share in the North American electric truck segment over the past five years.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to our customers’ commitment to sustainable transportation and our dealer network’s dedication to supporting them every step of the way,” explains Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “The path to zero emissions is shaped by market conditions, which are moving slowly. We remain committed to our vision to create a world we want to live in by using zero emissions solutions in combination with fuel efficient combustion engines with reduced climate impact. Solutions that will work for our clients where sustainability meets affordability.”

So far, those dealers have deployed over 700 battery electric semi trucks (out of 5,700 globally) that have logged more than 20 million zero-emission miles and eliminated an estimated 34,000 metric tons of CO2 – the equivalent of over 7,000 passenger cars.

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Electrek’s Take


Via Volvo Trucks.

I’m struggling to reconcile Volvo’s true net zero rhetoric and seemingly dedicated push towards progressive and sustainable business practices with the US branch’s recent attempts to weasel out of their deal with California and, more specifically, CARB. Volvo is a leader in this space, and they should also lead by example where it matters.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Volvo Trucks.


If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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. It has 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 Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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