ES Foundry will become the largest producer of crystalline silicon solar cells in the US with the launch of its new factory in South Carolina.
The factory is expected to reach a shipment capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW) by Q3 2025, positioning ES Foundry to become a cornerstone of the domestic solar supply chain. Its more than 400,000-square-foot factory is on track to employ around 500 local workers by June 2025.
Alex Zhu, ES Foundry’s CEO, said, “The facility’s strategic location in Greenwood highlights ES Foundry’s dedication to supporting local communities, generating high-quality jobs, and driving regional economic development.”
The company announced in mid-January that it had secured its first multi-gigawatt, multi-year contract with a “top-tier solar module manufacturer.” ES Foundry’s domestically produced solar cells enable its partners to unlock additional Investment Tax Credit (ITC) benefits for domestic content – well, for now, anyway.
Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, said, “This facility is an example of how we combine good policy with business innovation to deliver for American workers, support the local economy, and strengthen our nation’s energy security.”
According to the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association, the solar industry’s economic impact in South Carolina is expected to increase nearly fourfold by 2035, with projections showing a rise in annual economic activity from $306.6 million in 2024 to almost $1.4 billion by 2035.
This surge will support the creation of 3,315 permanent jobs, generating $260.9 million annually in labor income.
Electrek’s Take
ES Foundry’s solar cell factory will play a key role in helping South Carolina – a state that Donald Trump won handily in the presidential election – realize the cumulative $19 billion economic impact projected for the solar industry by 2035.
Yet, according to a Trump executive order issued on January 20, solar isn’t even defined as an “energy resource.”
South Carolina has hugely benefitted from Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. I’d tell you exactly how much IRA investment there’s been in the state, which is in the billions, but the Trump administration has now censored that information on its government website with a “403 – access denied.”
I’m curious to see whether South Carolina GOP legislators and solar industry executives can manage to talk their anti-IRA smack yet manage not to destroy the thousands of jobs and powerful renewables economy they created under Biden.
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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On what feels like the first-ever February episode of Quick Charge, we explore the rapid decline of Tesla fortunes in Europe and California, the rapid rise of BYD plug-in vehicles, and talk through the latest round of Canadian trade tariffs as President Trump’s North American trade war hits its stride.
We’ve also got some great 0% financing deals on EVs from Chevy, Ford, Honda, and Volkswagen – will they be the last new car sales we’ll get before these tariffs pitch the country into an economic depression the likes of which it’s never known? Give us a listen, then let us know your take in the comments.
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (and sometimes Sunday). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news.
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Volkswagen of America today announced the initial pricing and trim for the 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 – here’s the lowdown.
Volkswagen has restarted production of the ID.4 at its Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant with 82 kWh models rolling off the line. The 62 kWh version will follow later, and all models are set to get additional features starting midyear. Pricing and more details are coming soon.
The 82 kWh ID.4 models stick to a similar trim lineup as 2024. Both the Entry and S trims come in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, while the top-tier S Plus is exclusively all-wheel drive.
Without further ado, let’s get to it. Here’s the meat-and-potatoes pricing and trim of the 2025 Volkswagen ID.4:
Entry
RWD Pro: starting at $45,095 MSRP
AWD Pro: starting at $48,995 MSRP
Exterior features
19-inch alloy wheels on RWD models
20-inch wheels on AWD models
Gloss black grille
LED head- and taillights
Automatic headlights with rain-sensing wipers
Heated windshield (AWD only)
Heated washer nozzles
Heated mirrors
Black roof rails
3-door KESSY® with proximity unlocking
Tow hitch (AWD only)
Interior features
12.9-inch Discover Pro Max infotainment display with navigation and backlit sliders
Wireless App-Connect (AndroidAuto, CarPlay, and MirrorLink) and charging with compatible devices
45W USB-C charging
Intuitive voice control
5.3-inch ID. Cockpit
Volkswagen Car-Net with Plus Nav and Plus Speech packages included at no additional charge for three years
SiriusXM® with three-month Platinum Plan trial subscription included
Manual cloth and leatherette seats
Heated front seats
Dual-zone Climatronic
10-color ambient lighting ID. Light
Auto-dimming interior mirror
Stitched dashboard
Variable cargo floor cover.
Driver assistance features include standard IQ.DRIVE; plus Park Distance Control; Park Assist (Parking Steering Assistant); Dynamic Road Sign Display; and Light Assist (High Beam Control for headlights).
S
RWD Pro S: starting at $50,195 MSRP
AWD Pro S: starting at $54,095 MSRP
Exterior features
The equipment set from the entry models
20-inch wheels
Illuminated front and rear VW logo and light line in the front fascia
Premium LED projector headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
Poor weather lights
Mirrors with memory function
Interior features
30-color ambient lighting
Perforated leatherette seats
Door-panel stitching
Heated steering wheel
12-way power seats with memory
Ventilated front seats
Rear-seat pass-through
Center armrest with cupholders
Panoramic fixed glass roof with electric sunshade
Power tailgate with Easy Open and Close
S Plus
AWD Pro S Plus: starting at $57,295 MSRP
Exterior features
Features build on the S models
21-inch wheels
Black roof with silver roof accents, C-pillar, and roof rails
Silver accents on front and rear bumpers
Power-folding mirrors with signature lighting
Interior features
Additional features include heated rear seats
Three-zone Climatronic
Harman Kardon premium audio with 14 total speakers including subwoofer
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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Volvo’s smallest and most affordable electric SUV, the EX30, was the third top-selling EV in Europe last year, behind Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3. Now, you can finally snag one in the US.
Volvo EX30 becomes a top-seller as US deliveries kick-off
After delivering the first models in late 2023, the Volvo EX30 quickly became one of Europe’s top-selling electric cars. By August, the EX30 was the second top-selling EV in the region, trailing only the Model Y.
Starting at around 36,000 euros ($37,200), Volvo’s compact electric SUV is among the most affordable options in its segment. In comparison, the Tesla Model Y starts at $44,990 in Europe.
According to the latest data from market researcher Jato Dynamics, the Volvo EX30 was the third-best-selling EV model in 2024, with over 78,000 registrations. It followed only the Tesla Model Y (209,214) and Model 3 (112,789).
Volvo said it expected the EX30 to be a “game-changer” after unveiling it in 2023, but I don’t think many saw it happening this quickly.
The EX30 outsold the Skoda Enyaq (68,874) and Volkswagen’s ID.4 (64,756) and ID.3 (54,531) models. Volvo’s EX40 was number 13, with 39,955 registrations, down 21% from 2023.
US prices and specs
Volvo announced prices for its 2025 lineup last month, including the new EX30. The 2025 EX30 Twin Motor Performance starts at $44,900. Opting for the Ultra trim costs an extra $1,700, starting at $46,600, which gains added Park Pilot Assist, 360-degree camera with a 3D view, Pilot Assist, and other features.
Optional features include a Retractable Trailer Hitch (+$1,830), Load Bars (+$400), Front Mud Flaps ( +$200), Protection Package Premier (+$685), Panoramic Roof Sunshade (+$200), and the Climate Package (+$500).
The EX30 Twin Motor Performance, with up to 422 hp, is Volvo’s fastest-accelerating vehicle yet, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Both models have an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 253 miles. With 153 kW DC fast charging, the EX30 can charge from 10% to 80% in 26.5 minutes.
Despite its smaller size, the EX30 is still loaded with the tech and safety features we expect from the Volvo brand.
2025 Volvo EX30 trim
Starting Price
Driving Range
Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance, Plus
$44,900
253 miles
Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance, Ultra
$46,600
253 miles
2025 Volvo EX30 prices and range by trim in the US
The interior setup includes a 12.3″ tablet-style infotainment with Google built-in, ergonomic seats, clever storage options, and more.
At 167″ long, 72″ wide, and 61″ tall with a wheelbase of 104″, the EX30 is about the size of a Chevy Bolt EV (163″ long x 70″ wide x 62″ tall), which is no longer available (for now, at least).
Volvo said the lower-priced Single Motor EX30 model will arrive in the US later this year, starting at around $34,950.
The EX90, Volvo’s first three-row electric SUV (see our review), is also now available in the US, starting at $79,995. Powered by a 111 kWh battery, the 2025 Volvo EX90 gets up to 310 miles range with fast charging (10% to 80%) in about 30 minutes.
Volvo’s XC40 Recharge has been renamed the EX40 to match the new models rolling out. The 2025 Volvo EX40 starts at $52,500, while the Twin Motor AWD variant costs $54,250.
Ready to check out Volvo’s new electric SUVs for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to find deals on 2025 Volvo EV models at a dealer near you today.
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