U.S. President-elect Donald Trump smiles at the crowd during the National Guard Association of the United States’ 146th General Conference & Exhibition at Huntington Place Convention Center on Aug. 26, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.
Emily Elconin | Getty Images News | Getty Images
The fate of President Joe Biden’s landmark climate legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act, is in the hands of the incoming Republican-controlled White House, Senate and House of Representatives.
At the White House level, President-elect Donald Trump has already nominated three people to posts in his administration who are likely to be key to the future of the IRA, if they are confirmed by the Senate: hedge fund executive Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary, oilfield services company Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy, and at the Interior Department, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.
Any full repeal of the IRA would have to be passed by both chambers of Congress, where Republican lawmakers so far have been reluctant to completely discredit the law’s benefits. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told CNBC in September that he would use “a scalpel and not a sledgehammer” on the IRA.
There’s a good reason for this approach: As of late October, roughly three quarters of the clean energy investments that have been made with IRA funds benefitted congressional districts that backed Trump in the 2020 presidential election, according to a Washington Post analysis of data from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the clean energy think tank Rhodium Group.
President Joe Biden signs The Inflation Reduction Act with (left to right) Sen. Joe Manchin, D-WV; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY; House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-SC; Rep. Frank Pallone, D-NJ; and Rep. Kathy Catsor, D-FL, at the White House on Aug. 16, 2022.
Drew Angerer | Getty Images News | Getty Images
But what future Trump Cabinet members would do is also “pretty profoundly important” to the future of the massive legislation, said Tanuj Deora, a former director for clean energy at the Biden administration’s Office of the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer. The agencies hold considerable power over the interpretation and implementation of the IRA’s programs and incentives, like tax credits and business loans.
Renewable energy tax credits are likely safe
A priority for Republicans going into 2025 is extending the expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Trump is looking to extend the tax cuts within his first 100 days in office next year.
This extension would cost $4.6 trillion over the 10-year budget window, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.
“In addition, Trump promised another seven to eight trillion in tax breaks during the last few weeks of the [presidential] campaign,” said Keith Martin, co-head of projects at the law and lobbying firm Norton Rose Fulbright.
The money for all this has to come from somewhere, however, and experts say provisions of the IRA are the most likely candidates for potential cost-savings. In an interview with the Financial Times last October, Bessent called the IRA “the Doomsday machine for the deficit,” suggesting that Trump could dismantle it to cut spending.
Among them, the renewable energy tax credits, especially those for carbon capture technologies, domestic manufacturing and the green economy job transition are well-liked by Republicans, Martin said, and likely to be safe from any potential repeal efforts.
But the current phase-out dates for the IRA tax credits are likely to be accelerated, experts predict, and the Trump transition team is already in talks to completely dismantle a $7,500 consumer tax credit for electric vehicles.
Scott Bessent, who U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated to lead the U.S. Treasury Department, walks towards the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), on the day U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will ring the opening bell at NYSE to celebrate being named Time magazine’s ‘Person of the Year’, in New York City, New York, U.S., December 12, 2024.
Adam Gray | Reuters
Most of the final rules governing implementation of the IRA tax credits have either been finalized or are expected to be by the end of the year.
But there is still considerable fear that the remaining money could be rescinded, frozen or “awarded in ways that are aligned with a shift in priorities” in a new administration, said Julie McNamara, deputy policy director of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
“Theoretically, a future Treasury could reverse course on interpretation and implementation, but that would take a long time and would need to be justifiable and defensible if challenged in the courts,” she added.
Business loan programs are in trouble
The more immediate concern, experts say, is the future of the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO), which provides financing for green projects. While Wright has yet to voice an opinion on the LPO, several Republicans have called for scaling it back or doing away with it altogether.
As of November, private companies were seeking more than $300 billion in funding applications from the LPO. Beneficiaries of the loan program have included Tesla, whose CEO Elon Musk is co-heading Trump’s outside advisory council, the so-called Department of Government Efficiency.
The Inflation Reduction Act expanded the LPO’s lending authority and eligibility requirements for projects.
“I think that a lot of the private sector is very concerned about the loan program,” said Claire Broido-Johnson, co-founder and president of Sunrock Distributed Generation, a financier and developer of commercial-scale solar projects. “Everybody’s trying to slam as many projects as they possibly can into this process before the administration changes.”
Liberty Oilfield Services CEO Chris Wright at Liberty January 17, 2018.
Andy Cross | Denver Post | Getty Images
An ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy
With the boom in AI data centers, domestic manufacturing and electrification, the U.S. is facing “a significant challenge in meeting a growing demand for energy,” said Frank Macchiarola, chief policy officer of the American Clean Power Association, which represents renewable energy interests in Washington.
This demand can only be met by an “all-of-the-above” energy policy, Martin says, especially if Trump is planning to reduce energy prices by 50% within his first year, as he promised.
Trump’s potential Cabinet officials in the energy space are consistent with that message, according to both Macchiarola and Deora.
“Burgum has a pretty clear track record in being supportive of all kinds of energy investment and given the very real need for more energy infrastructure of all types, it seems hard to imagine that somebody of his background and his business competence and his governance competence would try to suppress any reasonable technology from being deployed as quickly as possible,” Deora said.
Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump greets Governor of North Dakota Doug Burgum at a rally, in advance of the New Hampshire primary election in Laconia, New Hampshire, U.S. January 22, 2024.
Mike Segar | Reuters
North Dakota is one of the leading states in wind energy, utilizing the source for more than one-third of the state’s electricity.
As for Wright, although he has denied the existence of a climate crisis, he worked in the solar industry as well as oil and gas, according to Trump’s statement announcing his nomination.
“He’s not necessarily against any technology, he’s just going to be for certain technologies,” Deora said.
Ultimately, an all-of-the-above approach to energy would effectively defeat the purpose of climate policy, even though it might sound reassuring to sectors that would be negatively impacted by a targeted attack on renewables.
“Climate change isn’t about how many solar panels we put up. Climate change is how much carbon dioxide and methane that we do not admit,” said Deora.
“The concern isn’t about whether we keep business and keep solar developers happy. This is really about, are we going to produce more fossil fuels?”
Carry Anker’s 60,000mAh PowerCore Reserve station and keep devices running for $88
By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Power Bank Station at $87.99 shipped, with it also coming in a few dollars under the brand’s current direct pricing. Normally costing $150 at full price, we’ve mostly seen discounts over the last year dropping costs between $110 and $90, though there have been a few select falls to $80, and recently we saw Prime Day take things to $75. While it may not be the new lowest price, you’re still looking at the third-best rate we have tracked, saving you $62 off the going rate while equipping you with a sizably reliable means to keep your personal devices juiced up and running.
Anker’s PowerCore Reserve power station, which you’ll also find sold under the name 548 Power Bank, is a five-pound backup power solution to top off personal devices with while you’re camping, cruising the roadways, hanging out on the beach, and much more. You’ll have a totable 60,000mAh/192Wh battery capacity here that beats out most power banks on the market while also delivering up to 60W speeds through either its two USB-A ports or two USB-C ports.
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Aside from its easy-to-carry design, it also comes sporting a convenient pop-up light for when you’re out in the dark of the wilderness or even without power at home, coming with two brightness levels alongside an S.O.S. mode to signal for help in emergencies. You can completely recharge its battery by plugging it into a wall outlet or by utilizing up to its 60W solar input to charge via the sun.
Schumacher’s 2025 level 1 portable EV charger plugs into any 120V outlet for on-the-go power at $130
Amazon is now offering the new Schumacher SEV1670 12A Level 1 Portable EV Charger at $129.59 shipped. This model hit the scene at the tail-end of May with a $160 price tag, which has only recently started seeing discounts, with the biggest of them being from the Prime Day sale event two weeks ago that saw the costs taken down to $128. Today’s deal comes in just $2 above that rate for the second-best pricing we have tracked, all while giving you $30 in savings.
Aiper’s new IrriSense smart irrigation system covers up to 4,800 square feet at $600 (second-ever discount)
Coming to us through its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering the second-ever discount on its new IrriSense Smart Irrigation System back to $599.99 shipped, matching directly from the brand’s website. This new smart irrigation device has only been on the market since May, with it usually going for $700 outside of the two price cuts we’ve seen. It first dropped to this same rate the day before Prime Day began, and hung on to the savings through the four-day event. Now, it’s coming back for a post-Prime second chance, saving you $100 while upgrading your lawn care routine with a smarter alternative.
Hoverfly’s H3 16-inch folding e-bikes make great first-time rides with four add-on accessories starting from $406
Amazon is offering quite the affordable bundle on Hoverfly’s H3 16-inch Folding e-bike in its orange colorway, and coming with four add-on accessories at $406.09 shipped, while its other colorways are seeing smaller discounts at higher rates. It’s dropping down from the $580 price tag today, with this being the first time we’ve spotted this particular bundle dropping so low. Before the fall to $425 during Prime Day, we only ever saw costs fall as low as $450, with all those rates beaten by the 30% markdown here that gives you $174 in savings and a new all-time low price. Along with the bike, you’ll be getting a front carrier bag, a rear cargo basket, a phone holder, and a rearview mirror to upgrade and elevate your experience.
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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Hyundai is gearing up to go on a “full-scale attack” as it ramps up exports of its new flagship three-row EV. The IONIQ 9 is now rolling out in the US, South Korea, and Europe.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 three-row EV production picks up
After launching the IONIQ 9 in South Korea earlier this year, Hyundai had high hopes. However, the flagship electric SUV has struggled to gain traction in the automaker’s home market.
Hyundai is betting on overseas markets, including the US and Europe, to drive sales. In Korea, it has been steadily ramping up IONIQ 9 with plans to go on a “full-scale attack on Europe.”
An industry insider explained (via NewsIs) that “As Hyundai Motor Company speeds up its entry into overseas markets with the Ioniq 9, export volume will increase rapidly.”
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Since it shipped the first models in April, IONIQ 9 exports have tripled. In June, Hyundai exported 1,781, up from 1,482 in May and 539 in April. The higher exports are in preparation for sales kicking off in Europe. Hyundai revealed last week that the IONIQ 9 will start at £64,995 ($87,500).
Powered by a 110 kWh battery, the three-row EV features a WLTP driving range of up to 385 miles. On the EPA scale, it’s rated with up to 335 miles of driving range.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 at the Munich airport (Source: Hyundai)
Europe is not the only market that Hyundai is taking aim at. The automaker is using a two-track strategy. In the US, Hyundai builds the IONIQ 9 at its new EV plant in Georgia, alongside the updated 2025 IONIQ 5.
Production has been steady at Hyundai’s Metaplant America (HMGMA) plant since it began in April. Hyundai built 2,382 IONIQ 9 models in May and another 1,803 in June. Through June 2025, 1,013 Hyundai IONIQ 9 models have been sold in the US.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 (Source: Hyundai)
With IONIQ 9 sales falling from 1,009 in April to 867 in May and then to 767 in June, Hyundai is betting on the US and Europe to make up for the shortfall.
After promising to maintain prices in the US earlier this year, Hyundai has stood by the guarantee. The 2026 IONIQ 9 (see our review of it) is surprisingly affordable with leases starting at just $419 per month.
Hyundai’s new and improved 2025 IONIQ 5 may take the cake as the best EV deal right now, listed with leases as low as $179 per month. To get owners started, it also offers a free ChargePoint L2 home charger with the purchase or lease of any new 2026 IONIQ 9 or 2025 IONIQ 5.
Want to see one for yourself? Use the links below to find 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9 models in your area.
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Another luxury automaker is offering over $15,000 in discounts on its newest EV models. However, you may have a hard time getting your hands on one of them.
Mercedes is the latest automaker to cut EV prices
Mercedes-Benz becomes the latest brand pushing massive discounts ahead of the EV tax credit deadline at the end of September.
With Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” set to end the federal tax credit, which provides $7,500 for new and $4,000 for used EVs, automakers are preparing for a big shakeup. The changes go into effect at the end of September.
Toyota, Ford, Honda, Stellantis, Hyundai, and Volvo are among a string of automakers adjusting production and pricing in the US due to the upcoming changes. At least for the next few months, that’s good news for those looking to buy.
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Mercedes-Benz will offer generous discounts on its 2026 EV models. Doug Horner, a Mercedes-Benz sales manager in Ohio, revealed the price cuts last week on social media.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV (Source: Mercedes-Benz)
The folks at CarBuzz spotted the post, claiming Mercedes is cutting prices of the 2026 EQS SUV from $105,250 to just $89,950. That’s a $15,300 discount from the outgoing model. At that, the electric SUV is about the same price as the GLC.
The EQE SUV’s price will drop from $77,900 to $64,950, representing a $13,000 reduction. Meanwhile, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan and EQS sedan will start at $64,950 and $99,900, respectively, or $9,950 and $4,500 less than the 2025 model year.
Mercedes is already offering some pretty significant EV deals. The 2025 EQE 350+ SUV is listed for lease at just $579 per month (for 36 months with $7,873 due at signing) with an $11,500 cash bonus and $3,000 loyalty bonus.
Mercedes GLC EV prototype with EQ Technology testing in Sweden (Source: Mercedes-Benz
Horner hinted that the savings won’t last long, as the tax credit is set to end at the end of September. Mercedes confirmed the price changes but added that production will be halted and order banks will be closed.
The company said it still “remains fully committed to electrification,” adding “the largest product offensive in the history of the brand is just around the corner.”
Mercedes plans to launch two new SUVs alongside the upcoming electric CLA based on its MMA platform.is the latest luxury automaker with extreme price cuts ahead of the EV incentive deadline.
2024 Acura ZDX (Source: Acura
Acura is offering up to $30,650 in lease cash on the 2024 ZDX in California and other ZEV states with leases starting at just $299 per month. In other regions, the Acura ZDX is still listed for lease at just $489 per month (for 36 months with $4,599 due at signing).
Hyundai’s Genesis brand is offering the 2025 GV60 at just $389 per month (for 33 months with $5,999 due at signing) with a $13,750 EV lease bonus. The Electrified GV70 SUV features a $16,000 EV lease bonus.
Looking to score the savings while they are still available? You can use our links below to find Mercedes, Acura, and Genesis electric vehicles in your area.
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