Connect with us

Published

7 hours ago

on

Today’s Green Deals are headlined by Lectric’s Valentine’s Day sale that is running through February 15 with up to $654 bundles accompanying the lineup of e-bikes, as well as a separate 40% discount on its pet trailer. The focus of this sale is on the brand’s XP 3.0 e-bikes that are getting passenger packages to take your loved ones along for the ride, starting from $999. There’s also a Bluetti flash sale on six backup power solutions, with the latest Handsfree Backpack Power Stations hitting new low prices from $199. We also spotted the EGO Power+ 56V 15-inch Split-Shaft Cordless Electric String Trimmer with a rapid-reload head down at $159. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Blix Valentine’s sale offers, the returning low price on Jackery’s Explorer 100 Plus, 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.

Lectric Valentine’s Day sale offers up to $654 in free gear while XP 3.0 e-bikes get passenger bundles – all from $999

Lectric’s Valentine’s Day sale promotions have launched through February 15 with up to $654 in free gear accompanying your purchase. While you’ll find the largest bundles on the brand’s XPedition 2.0 cargo models, this sale wants to focus on spending time with your loved one by offering a passenger package along with its XP 3.0 e-bikes that start from $999 shipped, with the long-range models getting some additional free gear to boot. These aren’t the largest bundles we’ve seen for these models, but they are certainly one of the few times we’ve seen gear included that was intended to help you haul around another person instead of just inanimate cargo. You can also save 40% on the Wag-Along Pet Trailer during this sale at $107, down from $179.

The most popular of the brand’s commuting solutions, the XP 3.0 e-bikes all sport a 500W hub motor that peaks up at 1,000W to hit 20 MPH speeds, which can go higher up to 28 MPH speeds, depending on your state’s regulations. The main difference between the standard models and the long-range models (aside from the $200 price difference) is the battery – which will either provide you with 45 miles of travel (standard) or up to 65 miles (long-range) when utilizing the PAS support. Keep in mind for folks who enjoy cruising with only electric power that you’ll get about half the mileage. Along with the free add-on gear, you’ll also enjoy some quality stock features, like the integrated rear cargo rack, puncture-resistant tires, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes, a foldable body, an LCD display, and more.

Lectric Valentine’s Day sale XP 3.0 offers with up to $187 bundles

Lectric Valentine’s Day sale XPedition 2.0 offers with up to $654 bundles

Lectric Valentine’s Day sale XPeak 2.0 offers with up to $316 bundles

Lectric Valentine’s Day sale ONE LR e-bike with $308 bundle

Lectric Valentine’s Day sale XP Trike with $216 bundle

Lectric Valentine’s Day sale XP Lite 2.0 offers with $128 bundles

Bluetti power station flash sale

Bluetti’s limited 46% off flash sale drops latest Handsfree backpack power stations to new lows from $199

Bluetti has launched the first wave of its planned limited-time flash sales for the next week, with six solid backup power solutions getting up to 46% taken off their price tags. Some of the notable inclusions that are beating out the brand’s fall and winter holiday sales is the latest Handsfree 1 and Handsfree 2 Backpack Power Stations that are down at $199 shipped and $299 shipped. Now carrying $369 and $499 price tags after New Year’s Day, after falling from their original $429 and $599 MSRPs from their launch in October, in the past sales since we’ve been seeing them return to $299 and $399. That’s changing today as they’re dropping lower than ever before, saving you $170 ($230 off MSRP) and/or $200 ($300 off MSRP) at new all-time lows.

The perfect backup power devices for folks who are always on-the-go out in nature, the Handsfree 1 and Handsfree 2 power stations come with an ultra-slim design that fits nicely in their complimentary 42L and 60L backpacks – with plenty more room to spare for other essential camping, hiking, and outdoor gear. With the Handsfree 1, you’re looking at a 268.8Wh LiFePO4 battery (with 300W output surging to 450W) while the Handsfree 2 provides a larger 512Wh LiFePO4 capacity (700W surging to 1,200W). Both models provide five ports to cover your devices and small appliances: one AC port, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports.

Recharging speeds are as convenient as they are fast (good for last-minute plans), with either able to hit 80% in 45 minutes via a wall outlet while reaching a full battery takes a little longer at 1.5 hours for the Handsfree 1 and 1.3 hours for the Handsfree 2. Of course, an outdoor-minded power station wouldn’t be much help without solar charging – with both able to get back to full in 3 hours with a 120W panel (they have a max of 200W and 350W solar inputs). The bags come splash-resistant, with easy access to the power station’s port through the side flap, and plenty of layers of compartments, outer buckles, and more for your additional equipment.

Other Bluetti flash sale offers:

EGO Power+ 56V 15-inch cordless electric string trimmer

This EGO Power+ 56V 15-inch cordless electric string trimmer comes with a split-shaft and rapid-reload head for $159

Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 15-Inch Cordless Electric String Trimmer with a 2.5Ah battery for $159 shipped. More recently fetching $179 in the past months, with an original $200 price tag, we haven’t seen the price budge lower since July, keeping to its lower going rate. That’s changing here today as it drops another $20 unexpectedly, giving you the third-lowest price we have tracked – just $10 above the all-time low from May.

EGO Power+ is one of the less-discounted brands of reliable electric tools, so seeing this string trimmer with a split-shaft fall this low is definitely a cause to jump for many fans of the brand. This model provides a 15-inch cutting swath while also featuring a rapid-reload head for quicker and easier replacement of any broken lines. There’s also a variable speed control for the various jobs and conditions you may be working around, as well as an IPX4 weather-resistant build to stand up to sudden weather changes while you’re in the middle of things. You’ll also be getting an included charger and 2.5Ah battery that comes interchangeable with the brand’s other tools.

Best New Year 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.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Environment

Trump to help spark a nuclear energy ‘renaissance,’ investor says

Published

2 hours ago

on

February 5, 2025

By

Trump to help spark a nuclear energy ‘renaissance,’ investor says

There's a 'nuclear renaissance,' says CIO

Nuclear energy is set for a “renaissance” that will be accelerated by backing from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.

That’s according to Yuri Khodjamirian, chief information officer at Tema ETFs, who noted that the Trump administration is “very, very interested in backing this technology.’ However, he also warned investors that developing this energy source is “going to take time.”

New nuclear technology approvals take “10 years to get done,” Khodjamirian said, but added that the nuclear re-emergence will likely be accelerated under the new Trump administration.

Speaking to CNBC’s Silvia Amaro on Tuesday’s “Squawk Box Europe,” Khodjamirian said his investment fund has its eyes on firms with a history of developing nuclear technology, such as U.S.-based BWX Technologies, which builds nuclear reactors for military carriers and submarines.

Khodjamirian said Tema is being “very selective in a new technology called small scale modular reactors.”

Small scale modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors with the ability to provide around one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

SMRs take up less physical space compared to conventional reactors and produce a large amount of low-carbon electricity.

“There’s a lot of excitement there, and equally, a lot of loss-making companies that have unproven technologies, and we’re going for companies that have projects that are approved,” Khodjamirian said.

The nuclear energy renaissance is partly driven by a wave of people that are “realizing that it’s a stable, clean source of energy,” the chief investment officer said, adding that he believes that “there is a need for extra investment” in nuclear, alongside green energy sources that are variable in their electricity production.

“Renewables are good. They can be put up to speed quickly, but they require battery storage,” he said.

Why Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Meta are investing in nuclear power

Trump has moved quickly on his energy agenda since his return to the White House. The U.S. Senate on Monday confirmed Chris Wright, a fracking executive and a Trump ally, as energy secretary.

Wright is a known nuclear energy supporter, having previously served on the board of advanced reactor company Oklo, as well as having held the position of chief executive at Liberty Energy. The energy firm has since appointed a new CEO following Wright’s confirmation as U.S. secretary of energy.

In 2023, Wright signed a letter supporting nuclear energy.

Digital borders

Khodjamirian is also closely monitoring artificial intelligence volatility, after the emergence of China’s Open AI model DeepSeek sparked concerns over how much money big tech companies will invest in AI.

European nations have voiced security concerns over DeepSeek.

Italy was the first country to block DeepSeek on data protection concerns. France‘s privacy watchdog has expressed concerns and South Korea’s industry ministry has temporarily restricted employee access to the Chinese startup’s AI model.

Taiwan, meanwhile, banned state departments from using the Beijing-based chatbot, wary of potential security threats from Beijing.

The international pushback shows that “no one really knows exactly how to defend digital borders,” according to Khodjamirian.

Global concern will “limit the growth of this model, because it’s coming out of China, but it’s clearly showing you that the West needs to be aware that there’s a lot of technical development,” he said.

“[But] I do think it redraws some of the lines, and it’ll be interesting to see how the U.S. in particular reacts,” he added.

Continue Reading

Environment

Here’s our first look at Volkswagen’s cheapest EV, with prices starting at about $20,000

Published

2 hours ago

on

February 5, 2025

By

Here's our first look at Volkswagen's cheapest EV, with prices starting at about ,000

Volkswagen-cheapest-EV

We are finally getting a look at Volkswagen’s answer to BYD and other low-cost Chinese electric cars. Volkswagen previewed its cheapest EV for the first time on Wednesday. It will kick off a new series of entry-level electric vehicles, with starting prices at €20,000, or just over $20,000.

Volkswagen teases its cheapest EV for the first time

At a meeting at its Wolfsburg plant on Wednesday, Volkswagen gave employees a sneak peek at the new model. The auto giant confirmed it will be a part of a new small electric car lineup.

Volkswagen said the new entry-level EV, with a base price of €20,000 ($20,000), “will be attractive for a wide variety” of buyers.

The first model in the new series will be the production version of the ID.2all, which was unveiled in March 2022. Volkswagen said the first ID.2 models will arrive at dealerships in 2026 with a base price of less than €25,000 ($26,000).

CEO Thomas Shafer said at the meeting, “With the conclusion of negotiations in December, we set the largest future plan in Volkswagen’s history in motion.”

The ID.2 and new entry-level EV (likely the ID.1) will be key to Volkswagen’s plans to catch up with EV leaders like BYD and Tesla.

Volkswagen-cheapest-EV
Volkswagen ID.2all electric vehicle (Source: Volkswagen)

Based on the MEB Entry Platform, the ID.2 is expected to have a range of up to 279 miles (450 km). Volkswagen also teased an SUV version, which will follow in its upcoming entry-level EV lineup.

Volkswagen will introduce the show car for its new entry-level EV. The company plans to reveal the production model in 2027.

Volkswagen-cheapest-EV
Volkswagen’s ID 2all EV interior (Source: VW)

Volkswagen is preparing its Wolfsburg plant for the upcoming entry-level models. Shafer stressed that the plant would “remain the heart of the Volkswagen brand in the electric age.” It will also produce the next-gen electric Golf on Volkswagen’s new SSP platform alongside the new T-Roc EV.

For those in the US, don’t get too excited. The new entry-level EV likely won’t make the trip overseas. Shafer described the model as ” an affordable, high-quality, and profitable electric Volkswagen from Europe for Europe.”

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

Continue Reading

Environment

Mercedes is already heavily discounting its 2025 EVs

Published

3 hours ago

on

February 5, 2025

By

Mercedes is already heavily discounting its 2025 EVs

Mercedes-dealers-EV
2025 Mercedes EQS sedan (Source: Mercedes-Benz)

Mercedes-Benz had a rough EV sales year in 2024 in the US, so it’s hitting the reset button this year. To lure buyers back in, the automaker is already rolling out sweet discounts on its 2025 EVs.

Sales of the EQB (36%), EQE (39%), and EQS (52%) decreased by sizeable margins in 2024, so Mercedes is taking action. Online vehicle research firm CarsDirect reports that Mercedes sent a bulletin to dealerships on February 3 outlining discounts on its 2025 EVs. 

Some of the automaker’s largest discounts are on its most expensive EV models, such as the EQS AMG sedan, AMG EQE sedan, and AMG EQE SUV, so if you’re in the market for one of these models, now’s your chance.

The AMG EQS Sedan is available with a discount of $15,000. With the AMG EQS Sedan starting at $148,700, the $15,000 discount amounts to a 10% reduction in the EV’s price tag.

The AMG EQE Sedan is available at a $10,000 discount, and the AMG EQE SUV can be had with an $8,000 discount.

Mercedes is also offering the Maybach EQS 680 SUV – the automaker’s flagship EV – with a discount of $10,500. The Maybach EQS 680 SUV’s MSRP starts at $179,900, so the discount knocks around 6% off the SUV’s price tag. The EQS 580 SUV is also reduced by $10,500, which results in 8% off its price tag.

Mercedes-Benz is also slashing $13,500 off the EQS 450 Sedan and EQS 580 Sedan. The EQS 450 Sedan starts at $108,550 (12% discount), and the EQS 580 Sedan MSRP is $128,500 (11% discount).

CarsDirect says the discounts are offered as the Mercedes Incentive Bonus and are unadvertised dealer cash incentives on select models. These aren’t the only 2025 Mercedes EVs that have discounts, so ask the dealer about other models, but these are the largest discounts CarsDirect found.

Read more: Amazon places its largest-ever order for electric semi trucks

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*

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

Continue Reading

Trending