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We are less than a month away from the official public launch of NIO’s new ultra-affordable EV sub-brand, Firefly, but before that happens, we’ve got our best look at the marque’s first model to date. Recent spy images in China captured a camouflaged look at the side profile of the new Firefly EV, which appears quite compact. See more below.

Firefly is an upcoming boutique brand specializing in smaller, more affordable EVs spun out by Chinese automaker NIO. We’ve been awaiting the marque’s official launch for years after NIO divulged plans for two new all-electric sub-brands in the works. The first was codenamed “Alps,” which would officially become known as Onvo. That brand hit the market this year, beginning with its L60 SUV as a competitor to the Tesla Model Y.

In addition to Onvo, there were rumblings about a third NIO EV sub-brand, codenamed “Firefly.” In December 2023, NIO’s president confirmed the additional sub-brand would join Onvo in China in 2024, followed by entry into European markets in 2025.

NIO co-founder and president Qin Lihong has previously stated that Firefly EV models will be priced between RMB 100,000 ($13,800) and RMB 200,000 ($27,500). Up until now, we’ve only seen camouflaged images of what a Firefly BEV might look like as we await the anticipated launch, which is coming on December 21, 2024, during the automaker’s tenth annual NIO Day event.

Our latest spy images are still camouflaged but offer the first look at Firefly’s flagship EV model, which we learned earlier this month is called the Firefly.

Firefly EV
Source: @电动星球小新 / Weibo

Check out Firefly’s new EV ahead of next month’s launch

While we await uncovered images of the new Firefly EV in December, some fresh spy images have emerged out of China that give us a better idea of the scope of the latest model from its side profile. Car blogger and Weibo user Electric Planet Shin-chan (@电动星球小新) posted the image above with the following caption:

Recently, there are more spy photos of NIO Firefly, which will be officially unveiled next month. NIO organized a group of media teachers to see the real car. It is said that the appearance is bolder than the existing models, and the front and rear faces are very recognizable. The overall size of the car is between MINI and (Volkswagen) ID.3.

As you can see from the image, the Firefly EV from FIREFLY is relatively compact in length yet rather tall, enabling what looks like a spacious interior, especially in terms of headroom. Cargo space may be limited given the short front and rear ends, but the EV appears to have a similar design to a MINI but is larger.

We will wait to see how these spy images compare to the official launch of the new Firefly EV during NIO Day 2024, scheduled for December 21. At that time, we expect to learn more about the Firefly EV’s performance and capabilities, as well as its trim levels and pricing. Stay tuned for a full recap next month.

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Black Friday Green Deals: EVs, power stations, tools, smart devices, appliances, more [Updated]

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Black Friday Green Deals: EVs, power stations, tools, smart devices, appliances, more [Updated]

We’ve got our annual collection of Black Friday Green Deals ready to go. The savings train has long been in full swing across multiple online marketplaces, and to help out with your seasonal shopping needs, we’ve rounded up all the deals we’ve spotted into this hub for your browsing pleasure. Many of the savings you see here are the biggest of the year as prices are being slashed left and right to their lowest rates. There’s plenty of opportunities to save big bucks on eco-friendly devices, equipment, and more from your favorite brands, with EVs, power stations, electric tools, ENERGY STAR appliances, smart outdoor gear, wood-burning grills, fire pits, and more all benefitting from sales. Enjoy all that we’ve collected here for you today, but don’t sit on decisions too long, there’s no telling how long stocks or these prices may last.

Black Friday Green Deals and more

Featured deal: With more than 130 years in the bicycle business, Huffy is well-known across the market, especially for its large lineup of kid-friendly models. For Black Friday, the brand is providing some exclusive savings on its iconic Electric Green Machine Trike at $419, after using the promo code ELECTREKGM at checkout for 30% off. Ideal for riders aged 8+ and falling under the 180-pound max weight, it gives kids the chance to experience 15 MPH top speeds thanks to its 250W front hub motor alongside the 36V battery. This model will also grow with your child, as its seat provides three different adjustable settings to keep them safe while they tear up the pavement with plenty of spins and drifts.

Black Friday Green Power Station Deals

Featured deal: Buzz Bicycles is bringing readers an exclusive promotion this Black Friday to save $400 on its Centris class 2 folding e-bike that drops costs to the best price of the year on top of including a free accessory – all for $799, after using the promo code ELECTREK200 at checkout. Featuring a step-thru and folding frame, you’ll enjoy cruising through the streets at 20 MPH top speeds for up to 40 miles, making it a great entry-level model for new riders as well as veteran riders seeking a more affordable option. There are two colorways here to choose from, and plenty of solid features like the 4-inch fat tires, front suspension, front and rear lighting – and even front and rear cargo racks too. Adding an electric solution to your commuter needs doesn’t have to break the bank with this deal.

Black Friday Green EV Deals

Featured deal: Mokwheel Bikes is offering up to $900 in savings across its e-bike lineup this Black Friday, with free gear coming along with select purchases too. You can buy any two ebikes and get a FREE accessory or FREE Gift Package ($499.99~$699). The biggest of these deals comes in on the brand’s latest models, the Obsidian and Obsidian ST Power Station e-bikes at $2,099, down from $2,999, with a choice between three different gifts, all worth $599. Coming with either the standard high-step or step-thru fames, what makes these newer models stand out is their built-in power station capabilities when you choose to receive the 1,000W inverter as your free gift, providing on-the-go juice for your devices using the bike’s 940W battery (on top of solar charging functionality too)

Black Friday Green Garden/Lawn Care Deals

Black Friday Green Appliance Deals

Apple Watch 

AirPods

Apple Pencil, Mac accessories, more

Google Black Friday deals

Samsung Black Friday Week deals

Smart Home Black Friday deals

PC gaming and more

PC, Snapdragon, Copilot+, Chromebook deals

Speakers and headphones

General Tech

iPhone and Apple Watch accessories

Amazon gear deals

Kindle 

Echo Spot, Dot, and Pop smart speakers

Echo Show smart displays

Fire TV Stick

Echo Buds

Fire Tablets

Smart TVs

Our master roundup of Black Friday smart TVs is waiting for you right here – there’s far too many to drop down in here, but we will leave you with some highlights below. The complete list awaits right here.

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Genesis GV60 refresh spotted in transit rocking a new color and wheels ahead of launch

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Genesis GV60 refresh spotted in transit rocking a new color and wheels ahead of launch

The new and improved Genesis GV60 refresh has officially been spotted in transit. With its debut around the corner, the updated GV60 is losing its camouflage. Genesis fine-tuned the new model, giving the already elegant SUV a fresh new look. The latest sighting reveals redesigned wheels and a sleek new color. Check out the video below for a closer look.

Genesis launched the GV60 in 2021, its first all-electric luxury model based on Hyundai’s advanced E-GMP platform.

Although the electric SUV has received several updates over the past three years, gaining more range, faster charger, and cool new features like facial recognition, the GV60 is due for its biggest upgrade yet.

The 2026 Genesis GV60 refresh is getting a major facelift with new headlights, a redesigned bumper, and much more. We caught a glimpse of the upgraded model this summer, revealing what appeared to be a completely redesigned front fascia as it drove by.

One of the biggest complaints about the current model is the GV60’s front bumper. Genesis aims to fix that with the refreshed model.

The new GV60 was shown with massive air ducts on both sides of the nose, MLA headlights, and a stylish new wheel design.

Genesis-GV60-update
Genesis GV60 at a Tesla Supercharger (Source: Genesis)

Genesis GV60 refresh spotted with a stylish new design

As its big debut approaches, the Genesis GV60 refresh was spotted on a transport truck, flashing a new color and wheel design. A new video from HealerTV gives us our closest look at the changes.

The updated model is shown with barely any camouflage, revealing a new luxury blue exterior color that’s not available on the current GV60.

Genesis GV60 refresh spotted on a transporter with new color and wheels (Source: HealerTV)

Inside, Genesis is expected to add its new 27″ panoramic infotainment display, launched in the new GV80 and G80 models.

Like the updated Hyundai IONIQ 5, the Genesis GV60 refresh is expected to gain a bigger (84 kWh) battery, providing more range. According to TheKoreanCarBlog, Genesis is expected to wrap up testing by the end of the year, with mass production slated to start in February 2025.

Genesis-GV60-refresh
Genesis GV60 interior (Source: Genesis)

Genesis expects significant results from the updated model. It’s aiming to produce 20,000 GV60 models a year, nearly double the 11,145 models sold last year.

In August, Genesis launched the 2025 GV60 in the US, starting at $52,350. A new AWD trim starts at just $55,850, which is $5,000 less than the Advanced AWD model ($60,900).


2025 Genesis GV60 trim
Range
(EPA-est)
Starting Price*
Standard RWD 294 miles $52,350
Standard AWD 264 miles $55,850
Advanced AWD 248 miles $60,900
Performance AWD 235 miles $69,900
2025 Genesis GV60 prices and range by trim (*excluding $1,350 destination fee)

The 2025 Genesis GV60 has a range of 294 miles, while the standard range model has a range of up to 264 miles.

With an upgraded battery, the 2026 GV60 will likely feature around 300 miles range. Check back soon for more info leading up to its official debut in February 2025.

With the new 2025 models rolling out, Genesis is offering up to $18,250 off 2024 models through EV lease bonuses while they are still in stock. You can use our link to find offers on 2024 and 2025 Genesis GV60 models at a dealer near you.

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2024 to be a record year for US solar with 32 GW of installations

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2024 to be a record year for US solar with 32 GW of installations

The US is on track for another record-breaking year for solar, with over 32 gigawatts (GW) of utility-scale installations expected in 2024, according to the inaugural Solar Market Monitor from the American Clean Power Association (ACP) and S&P Global Commodity Insights.

This surge comes off the back of a record-setting 2023 and is largely due to an anti-circumvention tariff moratorium set by President Joe Biden in 2022, which required imported solar modules to be operational by the end of 2024.

The new biannual report, the Solar Market Monitor, provides a snapshot of where the US solar market is headed. Despite some short-term dips, the growth trajectory looks solid for the rest of the decade. The report forecasts a 6.6% compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2030, bringing the US to 37 GW of new solar installations annually by 2030.

This year has been extraordinary for the solar industry, thanks to the expected rush to meet the tariff moratorium’s deadline, which led to the projected installation spike. That frenzy will be followed by a slight dip in 2025, with installations anticipated to be about 16% lower compared to 2024. However, the market is expected to bounce back, with steady growth throughout the decade.

Capital costs for solar projects are also expected to keep dropping. By 2035, costs are projected to be 14% lower, driven mainly by declining solar module prices.

And, while the Trump administration and the new Republican-majority Congress are expected to revisit parts of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), it’s unlikely that the IRA will be entirely dismantled. That means the foundation for growth should remain intact.

John Hensley, senior vice president of policy & market analysis at ACP, said, “This inaugural report highlights how solar has solidified itself as a clean and cost-competitive energy resource for the US. Moving forward, this resource will help the industry navigate the dynamic US solar marketplace.”

Read more: Renewables powered 24% of US electricity in first 3 quarters of 2024


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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