Connect with us

Published

6 months ago

on

Rivian and VW have recently opened a partnership, despite the brands have very similar upcoming electric adventure vehicles with the Rivian R2 and VW Scout. But at a roundtable discussion with Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe, he said there’s more than enough room for the brands to coexist with each other.

Recent news about Rivian and VW’s software partnership, with VW investing over $5 billion into Rivian and forming a joint venture to adopt Rivian’s zonal architecture for the underpinnings of VW’s vehicle communications, has led to some interesting questions about how the details of the partnership would work out.

At the top of many people’s minds has been: isn’t it a little weird that the Rivian-like Scout brand will now essentially be competing with itself for the adventure EV market?

The question has been answered before – or perhaps more specifically non-answered – in press conferences around the official opening of the joint venture last week.

Generally, comments ran along the line of Rivian working to bring its software expertise to bear across VW’s brands, though the two companies have been a little shy to confirm whether Scout specifically would use Rivian’s software. After all, Scout is a bit of a spinoff from VW, and seems interested in showing some independence on that front, so it could be possible that they work on their own.

But in comments at a roundtable which Electrek attended today ahead of the LA Auto Show, it certainly seemed that Rivian will be working on Scout vehicles. Scaringe said that “we’re going to be supporting their full portfolio of brands – Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Scout.”

However, more importantly, Scaringe said that he’s “amused” by the focus that many have had on Scout, or those who consider it a potential threat to Rivian.

Scaringe estimates that there are “less than five” compelling EVs available for under $50k in the market today – and that’s perhaps being charitable. Meanwhile, if you go over to the gas world, there are gobs of choices out there for consumers, and yet they all manage to coexist without issue.

So Rivian has worked hard to distinguish itself from Tesla, for example, and thinks that even if Scout is inspired by Rivian, there’s still room for similar vehicles to coexist.

After all, there are many competing vehicles in many categories – some of which do indeed share underpinnings from separate companies. Just in the EV space, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 share a platform, and the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X are basically identical vehicles. So there has been plenty of history of companies working together to come out with similar or near-identical (rebadged) cars.

That’s not the case here, as Scout and Rivian will be very different in terms of platform and manufacturing. But sharing software shouldn’t be much of an issue – and even if we assume that Scout could cannibalize a segment of the market that Rivian otherwise had a good hold on, Rivian can still benefit from the partnership regardlessl.

Rivian’s main focus in recent years has been getting costs down. The story is that Rivian began scaling production in an extremely difficult time – trying to organize supply contracts at the historical peak of the auto industry (~2018), trying to start a manufacturing program during a global pandemic (2020/2021), and having little clout available to get on the better side of those contracts.

Now, Scaringe said, the situation is better: not only can Rivian show that it has a dominant position in its class – selling more premium SUVs than other EV and even gas brands – but it can also tout that it has support from one of the most established auto manufacturers in the world, Volkswagen. If VW – the second-largest automaker in the world – has enough faith in Rivian to invest $5.8 billion, then surely a supplier can trust that Rivian will stick around long enough to buy more than one set of parts.

Not only that, but the companies could potentially leverage their combined size for larger supply contracts. Say a certain microcontroller is needed for vehicle architecture across Rivian and also VW’s brands, then perhaps the joint venture could recognize much larger economies of scale.

The question also came up over whether Rivian might try to see if VW’s global sales network could help them to sell Rivians, but Scaringe shut that down, saying there is “no interest” in doing so. Rivian would rather stick to its plans of setting up its own stores and doing direct sales.

Charge your electric vehicle at home using rooftop solar panels. Find a reliable and competitively priced solar installer near you on EnergySage, for free. They have pre-vetted installers competing for your business, ensuring high-quality solutions and 20-30% savings. It’s free, with no sales calls until you choose an installer. Compare personalized solar quotes online and receive guidance from unbiased Energy Advisers. Get started here. – ad*

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

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Environment

EcoFlow Memorial Day Sale takes up to 67% off power stations, Lectric XP Trike with biggest $508 bundle $1,499, EGO mowers, more

Published

24 mins ago

on

May 21, 2025

By

EcoFlow Memorial Day Sale takes up to 67% off power stations, Lectric XP Trike with biggest 8 bundle ,499, EGO mowers, more

Kicking off today’s Green Deals is EcoFlow’s Memorial Day Sale that has increased savings up to 67% on its power stations, solar generator bundles, accessories, and more, with extra savings and some free gear on select purchases. Standing out as one of the best solar generator options is EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Power Station bundled with two 220W solar panels and a protective cover back for a $2,279 low, among many other options. We also wanted to shine a spotlight on the biggest bundle to date accompanying Lectric’s XP Trike that is getting $508 in free gear at $1,499, with links to the brand’s full Memorial Day Sale too. We also spotted EGO’s Z6 42-inch Cordless Electric Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower with an e-STEER wheel and four 12.0Ah batteries back in stock at its $4,999 low, with its other riding counterparts also discounted. Lastly, we have a one-day-only sale from Best Buy on Anker’s SOLIX C300 AC 90,000mAh Power Station for $217.Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Jackery Memorial Day savings, the new and returning lows during Heybike’s anniversary, 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.

Get up to 67% off power stations, solar generators, more during EcoFlow’s Memorial Day Sale starting from $50

EcoFlow has its Memorial Day Sale promotions running through May 28 with up to 67% being taken off power stations, solar generators, and more – all with extra savings and select members-only pricing. A standout bundle that is returning to its lowest price is the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Solar Generator bundle that comes with two 220W solar panels and a protective bag for the station at $2,279.05 shipped, after using the code EFRVSALEAFF at checkout for an additional 5% off. This bundle would normally run you $4,997 at full price these days, but is starting down at $2,399, with the extra savings making the deal all the sweeter with an additional $120 taken off the tag. It’s matching the same price we saw during the brand’s shorter Mother’s Day Sale, coming back around at the all-time lowest rate we have tracked with a total $2,718 in savings.

One of EcoFlow’s most popular backup power solutions, the DELTA Pro boasts a robust 3,600Wh LiFePO4 capacity to cover off-grid living (with the solar panels ensuring the sun can re-juice its cells), which you can invest in over time to pump up to 25KWh that covers trips, events, home backup, and more (though you’ll also want to check out transfer switch options). There are 14 port options that can dish out up to 3,600W of steady power, with it even surging as high as 7,200W for hungrier and more essential appliances, especially during emergency power loss.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

It has a max 1,600W solar input that will have the battery back to full in 2.8 hours, so the 440W you’ll be getting in this bundle will obviously take a bit more time. You can also plug it into a power outlet to have it recharged in 1.8 hours, or utilize your car’s auxiliary port while driving. With a Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth connection, you’ll stay synced to the real-time status of the station’s settings and performance, with remote controls to change things as needed.

***Note: The extra 5% sitewide savings have not been factored into the prices below, so be sure to use the promo code EFRVSALEAFF at checkout to get the maximum savings possible!

EcoFlow’s top direct Memorial Day Sale bundle picks:

EcoFlow’s Memorial Day Sale power station deals:

EcoFlow’s Memorial Day Sale solar generator/bundle deals:

EcoFlow’s Memorial Day Sale solar accessory deals:

EcoFlow’s Memorial Day Sale other accessory deals:

To check out EcoFlow’s Memorial Day Sale promotions on the WAVE 3 and GLACIER coolers, as well as the member-only deals, be sure to follow this link to the sale’s main landing page.

Lectric XP Trike e-bike

Hop on Lectric’s XP Trike with the biggest bundle to date of $508 in free gear for $1,499 ($2,007 value)

Lectric’s Memorial Day Sale has shaken up the previous bundle packages we’ve been seeing the last few months, with the event offering up to $742 in free gear along with your e-bike purchases through next week’s holiday. One notable increase this time around that deserves a spotlight is the Lectric XP Trike that comes with $508 in free gear at $1,499 shipped. This bundle we’re seeing during this sale would normally run the costs up to $2,007 in full, but the massive savings we usually see from the brand come in the form of these accessory packages, with this being the biggest we’ve seen to date. Along with the e-bike, you’ll be getting a pair of rear-view mirrors, an accordion-style folding bike lock, a suspension seat post, an Elite headlight, a wider saddle with a backrest, a bell, and the brand’s steel-encased cargo package for the front and rear.

Perfect for older riders, as well as anyone else looking for a more leisurely way to get around for joyrides, commutes, and even errands, Lectric’s XP Trike provides plenty of versatility. It sports a folding frame for space-saving convenience, housing a 500W planetary geared brushless motor (peaking to 1,092W) alongside a 48V 13Ah battery to reach 14 MPH top speeds for up to 50 miles of travel while its five PAS levels are active. Those who may be new to e-bikes will also get the added support from its default mode, which limits acceleration and speed to allow you to develop your comfort more thoroughly.

Along with the sizeable bundle it’s getting, the XP Trike already comes with a bunch of noteworthy features for the price, like the guaranteed stopping power of its hydraulic brakes (and the additional parking brake). There’s also the integrated rear lights (with brake lighting), slimmer tires for easier turning, an ergonomic twist throttle for electric cruising (which will shorten its mileage), and a backlit LCD display. On top of everything, the build comes with an IP65 water- and dust-resistant construction.

Be sure to check out the full lineup of Lectric’s Memorial Day Sale while the deals last through next week’s holiday, with the largest packages hitting the XPedition 2.0 Cargo e-bikes that start from $1,399, as well as the ongoing preorder bundles on the new XP4 and XP4 750 e-bikes from $999, among others. You can also browse all the live EV sales in one place by heading to our Ride to Work EV hub, which has been put together to give you all the best deals from our favorite brands.

EGO Z6 42-inch cordless electric zero-turn riding lawn mower

EGO’s Z6 42-inch electric zero-turn riding mower with an e-STEER LCD wheel and four 12.0Ah batteries back at $4,999 low

Amazon is dropping the EGO Power+ Z6 42-inch Cordless Electric Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower with e-STEER wheel and four 12.0Ah batteries back to its best price of $4,998.99 shipped. It usually goes for $5,999 at full price, though tariffs are seeing increased tag rates lately. We saw this model drop down to this same rate at the top of March and held out until early April when it went out of stock. Grabbing it here while the savings and stock are back gives you another chance at $1,000+ off the going rate, returning it to the lowest price we have tracked. Head below for more on this model and its variants that are also seeing discounts.

Coming in as the smallest of EGO’s Z6 series, this 42-inch riding mower has been equipped with four independent brushless motors powered by the four included 12.0Ah batteries to keep things running for up to 2.5 acres on a single charge. Of course, as is always convenient with EGO tools, any other 56V ARC batteries you may already own can also be thrown into the mix, whether in the two open ports or to switch out, providing you with extended runtimes to tackle even more.

This model comes with three driving modes to choose from (control, standard, and sport), and features EGO’s e-STEER wheel that pairs well with the zero-turn maneuverability for improved control as you work. The steering wheel also boasts an LCD interface that lets you better customize your experience with more streamlined controls. You’ll also benefit from the adjustable seat suspension, 10 cutting height levels, 3-in-1 functionality for bagging, side discharging, and mulching, and more.

EGO’s other riding mower deals:

If you’re looking for cheaper options in the form of more standard push mowers, you can check out all EGO’s discounted models on the landing page here.

Anker SOLIX C300 AC Power Station

Anker’s SOLIX C300 AC 90,000mAh power station makes an excellent traveling companion at $217 (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Anker SOLIX C300 AC Portable Power Station for $216.99 shipped through the rest of the day. This unit normally fetches $300 at full price directly from the brand, but starts at $270 from Best Buy. Since tariffs hit the market a few months ago, discounts have been reduced across multiple marketplaces, with things usually getting cut down between $239 and $250 lately. While we have seen the price go lower, especially during November and December, you’re still looking at a solid $53 markdown ($83 off the direct MSRP) that not only drops costs to the second-best price we’ve seen over the last four months, but also undercut’s Anker’s current Memorial Day Sale, as well as Amazon’s pricing, by $33.

One of Anker’s more portable backup power solutions that can be slung over your shoulder or toted inside a bag, this SOLIX C300 power station covers your personal devices and smaller appliances with a hefty 90,000mAh LiFePO4 battery. Unlike the DC variant, which is more USB-focused, this model boasts three AC outlets alongside the three USB-C ports, single USB-A, and the car port. It dishes out a steady stream of power at up to 300W, surging as high as 600W when needed.

You’ll have a few different ways to go about recharging its battery, with a standard wall outlet putting the battery back to 80% in about 50 minutes, with additional methods through either its solar input (100W max), a car port, or through its PD 3.1 USB-C port. It also comes designed for camping, as an integrated handle on top makes carrying it easy (with shoulder strap hooks too), while the integrated light bar above the display helps to see when deep in the thick and dark woods of off-grid sites.

Best Spring EV deals!

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.

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

Continue Reading

Environment

Nissan’s Micra looks way better as an EV with an ‘audacious’ design and surprising range

Published

38 mins ago

on

May 21, 2025

By

Nissan's Micra looks way better as an EV with an 'audacious' design and surprising range

Nissan-Micra-EV

The Micra is back and better than ever. Nissan introduced the sixth-gen Micra on Wednesday, now an EV with an “audacious” new look, advanced tech, and over 250 miles (408 km) of driving range. Here’s our first look at Nissan’s new electric car.

Nissan unveils the new Micra EV with +250 miles range

After years of teasing an electric Micra replacement, Nissan finally unveiled the new EV on Wednesday. The Nissan Micra EV arrives with a stylish new design and plenty of upgrades.

The iconic compact car returns for its sixth generation with an “audacious” new look closer to that of an SUV. The EV model stands more upright than the iconic Micra of the past. It also gains wider wheel arches and a redesigned front end, giving it a more modern or “electrified” feel.

Nissan’s designers call the new waistline, or where the front headlight lens curves into the side, the “ice cream scoop.”

Advertisement – scroll for more content

If you can’t see why, the company said it’s “reminiscent of the shape a scoop would make if dragged across the surface of untouched ice cream.

Nissan-Micra-EV
The new Nissan Micra EV (Source: Nissan)

The interior has also been revamped with dual 10.1″ navigation and driver display screens and a three-spoke steering wheel. Nissan included hidden design features based on Mount Fuji in the storage space between the front seats.

Revamped inside and out

Nissan’s new electric Micra is its second vehicle in Europe with Google built-in and Nissan Connect for seamless streaming and navigation.

Although it’s less than 4 meters (157″) long, Nissan promises the Micra EV “punches well above its weight” with up to 1,106 liters of interior space.

Nissan-Micra-EV-interior
Nissan Micra EV interior (Source: Nissan)

The electric city car will be available with two battery options: 40 kWh or 52 kWh, providing a WLTP driving range of 310 km (192 miles) and 408 km (253 miles). That’s a big upgrade from the outgoing LEAF EV, which had a range of up to 270 km (167 miles) from a 40 kWh battery pack.

With a 100 kW DC charger, the new Nissan Micra EV can recharge from 15% to 80% in about 30 minutes. It will also include vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, which can power electronics, home appliances, camping sites, and other electrical devices.

The new Nissan Micra EV will go on sale in Europe later this year. Check back soon for more info, including prices, which will be revealed closer to launch.

After the electric Micra, Nissan will launch the new LEAF, Juke, and electric Qashqai models as it expands its European EV lineup.

The new Nissan Micra EV follows BYD’s introduction of its best-selling electric car in Europe on Wednesday. BYD’s Seagull EV is rebranded as the “Dolphin Mini” in Europe, and prices start at 23,000 euros ($26,000).

Will the Nissan Micra EV compete with BYD’s low-cost Dolphin Mini? It will be interesting to see Europe’s top-selling electric cars next year when both of them roll out. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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

Continue Reading

Environment

Tesla’s head of self-driving admits ‘lagging a couple years’ behind Waymo

Published

2 hours ago

on

May 21, 2025

By

Tesla's head of self-driving admits 'lagging a couple years' behind Waymo

Tesla Self-Driving

Tesla’s head of self-driving has admitted that the automaker’s autonomous program is lagging “a couple years” behind Waymo, but he believes the cost advantage will enable it to scale faster.

In a rare candid interview, Tesla’s head of AI and self-driving, Ashok Elluswamy, has admitted that Tesla is a couple of years behind Waymo on the autonomous driving front.

The interview can be hard to follow for English speakers as both Elluswamy and the host switch from English to Tamil frequently, but you can clearly hear the Tesla VP says that Tesla is lagging behind Waymo when talking about Waymo’s different approach:

When asked about the difference between Tesla and Waymo on self-driving, Elluswamy says that Tesla’s approach is much cheaper. The host asked if he means it is less expensive but “equal quality” and the Tesla VP answers:

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Equal quality. Technically, Waymo is already performing. We are maybe lagging by a couple years.

This should be obvious to anyone following closely since Tesla has yet to be able to do what Waymo has been doing for years: provide customers with level 4 autonomous driving rides.

Tesla has been limited to a level 2 advanced driver assist system (ADAS), which requires constant supervision from the driver.

Nonetheless, it is a rare admission from Tesla as its CEO, Elon Musk, has been minimizing Waymo’s achievements for years and claimed that he doesn’t see anyone close to Tesla on autonomy.

That’s even though Tesla only plans to finally start offering level 4 autonomous rides to customers next month in Austin, while Waymo has been doing that for years, including in Austin specifically, since earlier this year.

It’s true that Tesla’s vehicles are much cheaper than Waymo’s, but there are many reasons for that.

The cost of lidar sensors has been one of the top suspects. Costs have come down quite a bit, and it is not really a problem anymore, but they are more power hungry than Tesla’s sensors, which are just cameras.

The real difference in the cost of the vehicles is the fact that Tesla produces over a million cars a year, versus Waymo producing a few hundred units now and a few thousand units soon. Waymo also buys the vehicles from other manufacturers and simply integrates its sensor suite and hardware.

Tesla benefits from economies of scale, but that’s because it sells those vehicles to customers who, in the vast majority, do not buy Tesla’s Full Self-Driving package since it doesn’t do what the name implies.

In the upcoming pilot program in Austin, Tesla plans to use the same vehicles it delivers to customers. It will use different software that has been optimized to work in a geo-fenced area of Austin and it will also be supported by teleoperation, but the hardware is going to be the same, which does reduce costs.

Electrek’s Take

Right now, I think the cost of operating limited autonomous ride-hailing fleets like Waymo’s has little to do with the vehicles’ cost.

I think it is more related to the training and the support, specifically the level of teleoperation. If you have a 1:10 ratio of one teleoperator to 10 cars, it is going to be much cheaper than a 1:1 ratio of teleoperator to car.

We know that Waymo uses some levels of teleoperation and that Tesla plans to use a “high level” of teleoperation, but we don’t know the specifics of each program.

These, along with the training of specific regions and regulatory approvals in some jurisdictions, will be the main limiting factors.

Considering Waymo has a system that already works, it is currently completing over 250,000 paid rides per week, it already is operating in 5 markets, and it is both expanding the geo-fencing areas of those markets and expanding into other markets with more vehicles, I think it’s clear that it is ahead of Tesla in autonomous driving.

Tesla is now going to start catching up to Waymo next month with its first market and its first 10-12 vehicles.

For now, I haven’t seen serious evidence that Tesla can scale faster than Waymo. The only real advantage is the availability of the vehicles to deploy in the fleet. Tesla has plenty of those lying around, but that’s hardly a major bottleneck for Waymo.

The only way Tesla could leapfrog Waymo is by deploying level 4 autonomy in its customer fleet as promised for years, but I don’ see that happening anytime soon.

I think that the only way Tesla can safely deploy level 4 in an internal fleet in Austin next month is through mapping, geofencing, and high level of teleoperations, maybe even 1:1 teleoperation. I’d be happy to be proven wrong though.

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

Continue Reading

Trending