AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks speaks with President Donald J Trump as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on Jan. 23, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Jabin Botsford | The Washington Post | Getty Images
As David Sacks, the newly appointed White House AI and crypto czar, collaborates with lawmakers on potential regulations for digital assets, one of the first things they’ll be focused on is stablecoins.
“They are very committed to moving legislation through the House and the Senate this year in order to provide that clear regulatory framework that the digital assets ecosystem needs to sustain innovation in the United States,” Sacks said on CNBC’s “Closing Bell Over Time” on Tuesday. “Moving legislation through Congress takes time, but I think this is something we could do in the next six months.”
Earlier in the day, Sacks joined leaders of the House and Senate committees for banking and finance for a press conference to talk about their early objectives for crypto policy, with the help of the SEC. It was part of a busy day in Washington for regulators and key players on Capitol Hill and in Trump’s White House to announce next steps in their digital currency plans.
“I look forward to working with each of you in creating a golden age in digital assets,” Sacks said at the press event.
He was flanked by Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), chairman of the Senate Banking committee, Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.), chair of the House Financial Services Committee, and Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), who heads the Senate Agriculture Committee.
The leaders said their first priority is supporting a stablecoin bill introduced by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), who has proposed new rules for stablecoins to create a “clear regulatory framework” for their use. Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency whose value is pegged to a real-world asset, such as the U.S. dollar.
Stablecoins have been gaining popularity but mostly overseas. Lawmakers are now promoting U.S.-based stablecoin issuance, reinforcing the dollar’s dominance through digital finance. Supporters like Sacks say such a move could drive trillions of dollars in new demand for the dollar and help lower long-term interest rates.
David Sacks, U.S. President Donald Trump’s AI and Crypto Czar, listens to President Trump signs a series of executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on January 23, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images
Sacks on Tuesday told CNBC that a top agenda item for his new task force is evaluating “the feasibility of a bitcoin reserve,” an idea President Donald Trump suggested during his campaign. Sacks noted that the president asked his digital assets working group to study “whether it’s feasible to create either a bitcoin reserve or some sort of digital asset stockpile.” He clarified that they “haven’t committed yet to doing it, but it’s one of the first things” they’ll be considering.
Also on Tuesday, the SEC made a major shift in its approach to digital asset regulation. Under new leadership, the agency announced it would open its doors to meetings with anyone interested in discussing crypto, an effort to show a clear contrast to former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who emerged as an antagonist to the industry.
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, now leading the agency’s newly established Crypto Task Force, published a statement titled The Journey Begins. She said the idea is to create more transparent and predictable regulations, removing legal ambiguity and unnecessary roadblocks.
“The Task Force is working to help create a regulatory framework that both achieves the Commission’s important regulatory objectives — including protecting investors — and preserves industry’s ability to offer products and services,” Peirce wrote.
Priorities include clarifying which crypto assets fall under securities laws, crafting a path for token issuers to gain regulatory approval and ensuring compliance measures don’t stifle innovation. The group will also examine crypto lending, staking, exchange-traded products, and cross-border regulations. Peirce stressed that while the SEC aims to foster industry growth, it will not tolerate fraud.
Tuesday’s press conference was the first major policy event led by Sacks, who was named to the post in December. While he lacks direct control over regulatory agencies or congressional funding, Sacks’ close ties to the White House and Elon Musk have positioned him as a key figure in the administration.
In June, Sacks, previously a Trump critic, hosted a fundraiser at his Pacific Heights mansion that raised $12 million for the Republican leader’s presidential campaign.
Sacks was in Washington, D.C., for the inauguration last month and attended the Crypto Ball, surrounded by industry leaders and policymakers. He declared at the event that, “The war on crypto is over.” During Trump’s first week in office, Sacks stood alongside the president in the Oval Office as he signed an executive order on digital assets.
We’re now two months out from the end of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit on September 30, and there are still solid deals to be had on some pretty spiffy EVs. In fact, three of our top five November specials are cheaper than what was offered in September, and two come with home EV chargers and free installation. Here are November’s top 5 EV lease deals, as spotted by our friends at CarsDirect.
Photo: Hyundai
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 lease from $189/month
The updated 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range is still a standout EV lease deal, holding steady even after the end of the federal EV tax credit and new import tariffs. Through December 1, you can lease one for $189 a month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year) with $3,999 due at signing. That works out to an effective monthly cost of about $300.
The price bump is far smaller than many expected, especially considering Hyundai’s $17,000 in lease cash. And if you’re tempted by an upgrade, the SEL RWD trim is just $50 more per month under the same terms. You’ll get a model that’s roughly $7,000 more in value and $18,750 in savings. The IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range offers an EPA-estimated 245 miles of range, and this particular offer is available in the Los Angeles and greater California metro areas.
The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 SE RWD Standard Range is tied with the IONIQ 5 for the most affordable EV lease deal this month, offering standout value even after the federal EV tax credit era. In the California metro area, you can lease it for $189 per month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year) with $3,999 due at signing, and Hyundai is sweetening the deal with $13,000 in lease cash.
That brings the effective monthly cost to around $300. With an EPA-estimated 240 miles of range, 149 horsepower, fast-charging capabilities, and a sleek, distinctive design, the IONIQ 6 remains a fan favorite. This offer is valid through December 1.
The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select RWD with Package 100A is offering bigger savings this month, making it an even stronger pick for EV shoppers. Known for its premium design and an EPA-estimated 300 miles of range, the Mach-E remains a favorite among drivers who want style and substance.
You can now lease it for $219 per month for 24 months (10,500 miles per year), with a down payment of $4,499 due at signing. That’s $20 less per month than the September advertised deal, although the term is shorter. With an effective monthly cost of around $406, it’s only $45 more than before the tax credit ended.
The offer includes $6,750 in lease cash for qualified lessees, plus a free Ford Charging Station Pro with complimentary home installation – a rare perk. If you already have a home charger, you can opt for an additional $2,000 in bonus cash instead. This deal is currently available in California through January 5, 2026.
Until January 5, the 2025 Honda Prologue, with a 308-mile range, can be leased for $239 a month for 36 months (10,000 miles) and $1,199 due at signing in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maryland. That means the Prologue has an effective monthly cost of $272, making it a great value.
For those in California and other CARB-emission states, you can lease for $279 for 36 months (10,000 miles) and $1,299 due at signing, resulting in an effective monthly cost of $315. This was the best-priced lease deal before the new East Coast three-state offer.
The price includes a $3,300 loyalty discount or conquest cash, available only to those currently leasing a Honda or planning to switch from another manufacturer in select states. If you aren’t living in California, Florida, New York, or other select states, you’re still eligible for a bonus of $2,000.
These bonuses are stackable with the $5,000 dealer cash, $8,250 Honda lease cash, and a $1,500 additional lease bonus, which replaces the $7,500 tax credit.
You can now lease a 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning 4×4 Super Crew XLT w/ Pkg 311A for a low monthly payment of $279 for 36 months (10,500 miles) and $6,729 due at signing. With an MSRP of $65,190, that makes the effective monthly cost of $466. It has an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles and 452 hp.
That’s $23 less a month than the advertised September lease deal with the federal tax credit. The offer includes $9,500 in lease cash and, like the Mach-e, a complimentary home EV charger and installation or an additional $2,000 in savings. This offer is available in California through January 5, 2026.
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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.
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The new Nexo is a significant upgrade over the first model, but will Hyundai’s fuel cell EV make an impression in the US?
Meet the new Hyundai Nexo fuel cell EV
Hyundai is launching a slate of new vehicles, ranging from EVs to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and even fuel-cell electric vehicles.
First launched in 2018, the Nexo marked a milestone as Hyundai’s first dedicated hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Although it wasn’t exactly a hit due to the lack of hydrogen fueling stations, especially in the US, Hyundai is taking another crack at the market with its new and improved fuel cell EV.
Hyundai introduced the new Nexo earlier this year, claiming it’s “poised to set a new standard for zero-emission transportation.”
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With significant upgrades to its fuel cell and power electronics systems, the new Nexo features up to 190 kW total output and a WLTP driving range of up to 513 miles (826 km) from a five-minute hydrogen refill.
The new Hyundai Nexo fuel cell EV (Source: Hyundai)
It also boasts features such as Active Noise Control, road-noise-canceling tech, sound-absorbing tires, e-Handling, and a Smart Regenerative System (SRS), which delivers a smooth, quiet ride.
Inside, Hyundai’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) sits at the center, featuring dual 12.3″ driver cluster and infotainment screens. The setup includes OTA updates and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The interior of the new Hyundai Nexo fuel cell EV (Source: Hyundai)
Like its battery electric vehicles, the new Nexo offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, enabling you to power electronics on the go.
A digital center mirror and digital side mirrors are available in select markets (not the US), replacing the traditional mirrors. In addition, the European-spec version can tow up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs), the first fuel cell EV to offer that level of capability.
The Nexo is 4,750 mm long, 1,865 mm wide, and 1,640 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 4,750 mm, or about the size of a Honda CR-V.
The new Hyundai Nexo fuel cell EV (Source: Hyundai)
Although Hyundai is committed to expanding FCEV infrastructure, it might not be enough to lure buyers in the US.
Hyundai said the new Nexo fuel cell EV is already a hit in South Korea, where hydrogen fueling stations far outnumber those in the US. The company sold nearly 7,000 new Nexo models globally through August, more than four times the previous generation’s sales in the same period last year.
Will the new and improved Nexo make a bigger impact? According to Car and Driver, which test drove the updated FCEV, “the compact Nexo will need far more than clever engineering to make it big in the US.” In Hyundai’s home market, it’s already proving more popular.
Hyundai will launch the new fuel cell EV in other global markets starting in early 2026.
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Solar EV startupAptera Motors continues to inch closer to scaled manufacturing of its flagship vehicle, with a new validation assembly line being installed at its headquarters.
The last thirty days or so have been busy for Aptera Motors – “little engine that still might” in the nascent (and lonely) segment of solar EV startups. Last month, the startup finally went public, opting for a direct listing on the Nasdaq instead of an IPO or SPAC merger.
As reported by Electrek’s Fred Lambert, this move was somewhat concerning for Aptera, as it will not directly benefit the company financially from the stock listing. Furthermore, Aptera consistently seems to be paving the financial runway directly in front of it, enabling it to keep pushing forward. Per the startup’s recent SEC filing:
This prospectus relates to the registration of the resale of up to 31,741,948 shares of our non-voting Class B common stock… We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class B common stock by the registered stockholders.
Aptera Motors Corp. (“Aptera”), the solar mobility company focused on developing highly efficient vehicles, today announced it has entered into share purchase agreement providing for up to $75 million of committed equity financing (the “ELOC”) with New Circle Principal Investments LLC, an affiliate of leading growth-focused investor New Circle Capital.
Less than a month later, Aptera’s team is pushing forward with another development milestone – building out its validation vehicle assembly line, which lays the groundwork for future scaled solar EV production.
Source: Aptera Motors
Aptera is laying the foundation for scaled SEV assembly
According to a press release posted by Aptera this morning, the building of its validation assembly line is now underway in Carlsbad, California. In addition to assembling full-fledged validation vehicles, Aptera can now transcend from unsystematic prototype builds to a more structured assembly process that is scalable and repeatable. Apter co-founder and co-CEO, Steve Fambro, shared a similar sentiment:
Seeing this line come to life signals the next phase for Aptera,” added Steve Fambro, Co-CEO. “It’s the bridge between our prototype builds and the preproduction and series production systems that we aim to one day use to deliver solar mobility at scale.
Seeing this line come to life signals the next phase for Aptera. It’s the bridge between our prototype builds and the preproduction and series production systems that we aim to one day use to deliver solar mobility at scale.
As you can see in the images above, Aptera is stockpiling key components for validation assembly processes, including body-in-carbon (BinC) parts. Per the SEV startup a large-scale precision assembly fixture is the heart of its new validation line, enabling the vehicle’s BinC)to be built with “exceptional dimensional accuracy.”
The fixture will also serve as the baseline for future low-volume production vehicle assembly. This pending process will not only give Aptera techs the first opportunity to establish defined steps in assembly. Still, it will also offer a proving ground to optimize those processes, from component handling to final fit and finish. Aptera’s other CEO, Chris Anthony, also spoke about the latest development milestone:
This marks an important moment in Aptera’s journey. For the first time, our technicians will be assembling vehicles along a defined sequence of stations, using processes developed hand-in-hand with the engineers who designed them.
With vehicle materials now in stock, Aptera has officially begun assembling validation vehicles through its repeatable process en route to pre-production. Then, God willing, bona fide customer vehicle builds will follow. Hold your horses, though, because Aptera still needs more money to get there.
We often celebrate Aptera for its transparency, which is evident in its latest press release, in which the startup announced that it will require an additional $65 million in funding to continue through this new validation assembly stage and into low-volume production.
As always, the deck is stacked against this solar EV startup, but it continues on, and we love to see it. Remember, you can still reserve an Aptera solar EV for only $70 down if you use this link.
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