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Renault has released more information about its upcoming Renault 5 Turbo 3E electric rally car, and boy howdy, does it look hot as hell.

For background: auto enthusiasts look very fondly on the rally scene in the 1980s, when there was a serious arms race between auto manufacturers (particularly European ones) to make wilder and wilder race cars.

One of the most famous cars from that time period was the Renault 5 Turbo, with its iconic boxy design and chunky rear fenders which stood out even against other boxy cars of that age. It was based on the old Renault 5 hatchback, which recently got an electric rebirth of its own.

Calling on that history, Renault first showed off a 5 Turbo-inspired drift car concept back in 2022, but it was very clearly a concept – it didn’t really have an interior, for one.

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Then, this last December, Renault came back and said no, really, we’re serious – we want to make this thing, and we want to put 540hp of electric power in it. At that time, it was just renders, but now Renault has a real prototype, and is putting plans in writing as to how it’s going to bring this crazy concept to market.

Today Renault unveiled what it’s calling “the first electric mini-supercar,” with lots of extra details on what looks like eye-watering performance in an actual sporty package (unlike so many of the giant electric SUVs we keep seeing these days…).

The biggest headline specs are these: 540hp (400kW), 3,196lbs (1,450kg), 160 inches (4,080mm) long, with a 0-60 time of <3.5 seconds and a top speed of 168mph (270km/h).

Heck. Yeah.

The power is delivered by dual motors – but rather than putting them inboard on the front and rear axles, like so many EVs do, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E uses in-wheel motors, with one in each rear wheel. So this thing is rear-wheel drive, just like the original 5 Turbo.

But unlike the original 5 Turbo, which topped out at around 163 lbft (220Nm) of torque (and only after you got it up to 3,250rpm first), Renault claims the 5 Turbo 3E’s motors are capable of an absurd 3,500lbft (4,800Nm) of torque (though that number is measured at the wheels, not at the driveshaft… because it doesn’t have a driveshaft, since it’s using in-wheel motors. So it’s not really directly comparable to other vehicles’ torque numbers).

All that torque on the rear wheels means one thing: this car will surely go sideways at will. But to make that job even easier, Renault offers a truly silly giant handbrake right smack in the middle of the car’s two front (and only) seats.

And if that wild dash and seat design doesn’t do it for you – Renault says it will offer basically unlimited customization to its customers.

Along with a long list of personalization options, many of which are inspired by famous versions of the original Renault 5 Turbo, Renault designers will help customers put together these options to make each vehicle unique.

But despite all this excitement, there’s one (or, more than a hundred thousand) big downsides: it’s not gonna be cheap. While Renault hasn’t listed a price yet, rumor is that it will start firmly in the six figure range, and potentially go up to around 200,000 (Dollars, Euros or Pounds – take your pick), depending on which personalizations you select.

But even more disappointingly: there’s no good reason for us to quote that price in dollars, because like every other fun thing it’s not coming to the US. Renault plans to offer it in “several key markets including Europe, the Middle East, Japan and Australia.”

And the last caveat: even with the money, it might be hard to get your hands on one of these. Renault will only sell 1,980 examples, referring back to the year that the original 5 Turbo was introduced. So, better get chummy with your local Renault rep, cause we can’t imagine those will last long.

Electrek’s Take

In a world where EVs (and cars in general) seem to just be getting bigger and bigger, heavier and heavier, this one is finally putting us back in the right direction.

Now, of course, it’s still quite a lot heavier (+~1,000lbs) than the 1980s version, and longer too (+~16 inches). Part of this is due to changing consumer tastes, part of it is due to stricter safety standards, and part of it is because companies aren’t pushing the envelope as hard as they were in the time of Group B rally cars. And then of course there’s the battery – a chonky 70kWh for ~250mi (~400km) of range, per WLTP standards (it will also have 350kW, 800V charging, taking 15 minutes to go from 15-80%).

But it’s also one of the first times we’ve seen an actual date associated with what looks like a truly violent electric hot hatch. Renault actually put out, in writing, that they plan to get this car to road in 2027 – unlike the Mercedes EQA concept, which turned into a freaking SUV; or the Golf GTI, which we’ve heard nothing about since 2023; or the Rally-inspired Rivian R3X, which looks awesome but we’ll have to wait until after the R2 comes out first.

There are some other extant cars that you might consider an electric hot hatch – like the Ioniq 5N – but that’s more than two feet longer and ~1,600lbs heavier than the 5 Turbo 3E claims it will be, so they’re really not in the same class at all. Closer to the same class is the Volvo EX30, at 7 inches longer, ~800lbs heavier, and ~120 less horsepower. Then there are the similarly-sized Mini Cooper SE, and even-smaller Fiat 500e Abarth, but both of those pack less than a third as much horsepower at comparable weights to the Renault.

So, with the specs we’ve seen, it’s in a class of its own – at least on paper, and at least for now. Your turn, Rivian – and the rest of the industry, too. Renault looks like they’re throwing down a gauntlet and showing us what can be done, but let’s stop seeing cancelled concepts and limited-edition prestige cars, and get some more fun, small, powerful EVs – and some of us would love to see them outside of Europe, too.

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Jackery flash sale takes $2,500 off select units with extra savings + gift, Heybike Mars 2.0 hits $899 low, Autel EV charger, EGO, more

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March 18, 2025

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Jackery flash sale takes ,500 off select units with extra savings + gift, Heybike Mars 2.0 hits 9 low, Autel EV charger, EGO, more

Today’s Green Deals are headlined by Jackery’s Sustainable Power Flash Sale that is only running for a few days with up to $2,500 being taken off its power stations – there’s even some hangover St. Paddy’s Day extra savings and a free gift offer on select purchases. In a rare occurence directly from Jackery, we spotted the brand’s popular Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station dropping to $90, among other notable offers. Heybike has also switched to its Limited Spring Sale, with some short-term discounted bundle sale offers being led by the Mars 2.0 Fat Tire e-bike that is back down at its $899 low for the next few days. We also have Autel’s MaxiCharger AC Lite Home Level 2 EV Charger down at a limited-supply $455 Amazon low, as well as EGO’s Nexus Escape 400W Inverter Kit that helps you get more usage out of your batteries, returning to its $249 low. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Anker SOLIX Spring Sale offers, Tenways’ $895 in e-bike savings, 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.

Jackery’s Explorer 100 Plus 99Wh power station hits $90 in flash sale + bonus savings and free gear on other units

Jackery is having a Sustainable Power Flash Sale through March 19 with up to $2,500 in discounts on a selection of power stations and solar generators for your spring adventures, with some bonus St. Paddy’s Day savings on the brand’s Explorer 5000 series of offers. Among what we’re seeing, we spied the popular Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station down at $89.99 shipped. Usually going for $149 most of the time, since Black Friday we’ve been seeing more frequent falls to its $89 low, normally as individual Amazon deals over any inclusion in these direct sales. Today’s deal is a 39% markdown that saves you $59 off the going rate, giving you the chance to grab it here at the second-lowest price we have tracked – only $1 above the lowest rate. For once, it’s even beating out Amazon, where it’s only discounted to $109 right now.

***Note: While there are no extra sitewide savings during Jackery’s Sustainable Power Flash Sale, we are seeing Jackery offer up St. Paddy’s Day extra savings through March 19 when you purchase any of its modular Explorer 5000 series units. You’ll score 15% off either the Explorer 5000 power station or its bundle options by using the code GREEN15 at checkout, as well as getting a FREE Explorer 100 Plus that will be automatically added to your cart.

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Jackery’s palm-sized, two-pound Explorer 100 Plus power station is the brand’s compact, airline-approved backup solution that beats out most popular sizes of power banks on top of offering solar charging capabilities. It provides you with a 99Wh (31,000mAh) LiFePO4 capacity with up to 128W of output through its dual USB-C and single USB-A ports. By plugging it into a wall outlet, you’ll regain 70% of the battery in about an hour, with a full battery taking a bit longer at up to two hours. As I mentioned, there are solar charging capabilities here, with a maximum 100W solar input giving you a full charge in around two hours – plus, you could also connect it to your car’s auxiliary port to regain a full charge in three hours time.

Jackery’s Sustainable Power Sale home and outdoor deals:

Jackery’s Sustainable Power Sale accessory deals:

You can check out the full lineup of deals for Jackery’s Sustainable Power Flash Sale on the landing page here.

Heybike Mars 2.0 Fat Tire e-bike

Heybike’s Mars 2.0 folding fat tire e-bike with free gear returns to $899 low in limited spring savings

Following in the footsteps of its previous flash sales, Heybike is offering a Limited Spring Sale on a selection of e-bikes, with the next few days giving folks another chance to score the Mars 2.0 Folding Fat Tire e-bike at $899 shipped through March 21. Coming down off its $1,499 price tag, we see this model prominently featured in most of the brand’s sales, often dropping to either $1,099 or lower to $999, though occasionally we do see it go lower to $899, like today. You’ll be benefitting from a $600 markdown, returning it to the all-time lowest price we have tracked just in time to secure it for your upcoming spring adventures. You’ll even get a free large cargo basket with your purchase. Head below for more details and to check out the other models benefitting from the savings.

While it doesn’t sport any fancy bells and whistles like higher-end models on the market, Heybike’s Mars 2.0 gives you some solid performance and features for such a budget-friendly price – especially this low. It arrives ready to support you through your commute with a removable 600Wh battery for up to 45 miles on a single charge with its five PAS levels, providing you with top speeds of 28 MPH. That’s with the standard’s 750W motor, which you can upgrade to a 1,000W model for $200 more, bumping your maximum speed up to 32 MPH while also providing more power for inclines, increased load capacity, and more.

Its folding frame will certainly be a blessing to folks with limited storage space, and you won’t have to worry about being caught with a flat on the two 4-inch puncture-resistant fat tires (each with fenders). There’s also the Shimano 7-speed derailleur, integrated cargo rack, an LED headlight and taillight, and LED display – plus, if you upgrade to the 1,000W motor, you’ll also have the brakes upgraded to hydraulic disc brakes to ensure stopping power at those higher speeds.

Heybike’s Limited Spring Sale offers:

  • Ranger S Folding Fat Tire e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,499)
    • 28 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • Can upgrade to 1,000W motor for $200 more
    • Comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Cityrun Urban Commuter e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,599)
    • 21 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • Comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Horizon Full-Suspension e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,999)
    • 28 MPH for 55 miles
    • Comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Brawn Off-Road e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,799)
    • 28 MPH for 65 miles
    • Comes with free large basket
  • ALPHA Mid-Drive All-Terrain e-bike (new model): $1,599 (Reg. $1,699)
    • 28 MPH for up to 60 miles
Autel MaxiCharger AC Lite EV charger

Autel’s MaxiCharger AC Lite level 2 EV charger gets limited-supply discount to $455 Amazon low

Amazon is offering a Lightning Deal on the Autel MaxiCharger AC Lite Home Level 2 EV Charger for $455.20 shipped while supplies last. Coming down off its usual $569 MSRP, we’ve been seeing frequent Lightning savings like today over the last year, along with some longer-lasting discounts too, often dropping costs to the same rate. Taking advantage of the limited savings here nets you $114 to go back in your pocket while you score it at the lowest price we have tracked on Amazon. At the time of writing this, 6% of the available units have been claimed. Head below for more.

Autel’s 240V MaxiCharger AC Lite arrives as an affordable alternative for non-Tesla drivers, compatible with any EV that takes a J1772 connector. It provides you up to 50A charging speeds once installed, averaging at around 37 miles for every hour your EV is hooked up (and assuming you’re setting it to the maximum output), with smart controls for monitoring and setting adjustments available through your smartphone. Built to stand against year-round elements, it sports a 25-foot cable that will continue to function in as low as -40 degrees, with Autel rating it to withstand “snow, rain, hail, and sleet.”

EGO Power+ Nexus Escape 400W Inverter Kit

Get more use out of your EGO batteries with the Nexus Escape 400W 3-Port Inverter Kit at a $249 low

Amazon is offering the third-ever savings hitting the EGO Power+ Nexus Escape 400W Inverter Kit with a 4.0Ah battery and a charger for $249 shipped, after clipping the on-page $50 off coupon. Normally this model carries a $300 price tag, which we saw the previous discount bring down only by $1 back in January. At the end of February we saw this same additional $50 off discount pop up, disappearing for a short time before being brought back today. You’re looking at a $51 markdown here, which returns costs to the all-time lowest we’ve seen.

Perfect for anyone who has collected a solid arsenal of EGO tools, this Nexus Escape inverter provides you with the means to get more out of your acquired batteries – beyond simply powering the brand’s equipment. Not only can you use the included 100W charger to refill your 56V EGO brand ARC batteries by connecting it to the inverter, but you’ll also be able to power up to three devices simultaneously through the two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. It delivers up to 400W of continuous power normally, peaking at 800W for anything needing the boost. You’ll even be getting a 4.0AH battery along with this kit, in case you’re just starting your investments into one of the top electric tool brands on the market.

We’ve got quite of few deals on EGO’s lineup of tools at the moment, like the 56V 21-inch Cordless Self-Propelled model that comes with two 6.0Ah batteries for a 100-minute runtime still sitting at its new $700 low, or there are also the brand’s T6 riding tractor or Z6 zero-turn riding mowers that are down at their lowest rates – up to $1,500 off and starting from $3,499.

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.

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Several Tesla vehicles burned down in Las Vegas and Kansas City, arson suspected

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March 18, 2025

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Several Tesla vehicles burned down in Las Vegas and Kansas City, arson suspected

Tesla Las Vegas fire

Several Tesla vehicles were set on fire at Tesla service center in Las Vegas. More Tesla vehicles were also set on fire in Kansas, arson is also suspected in this case, but it’s not confirmed.

Tesla is facing protests at stores across the US over masses trying to negatively affect Elon Musk who many believes is establishing himself as a oligarch in the US.

On top of the peaceful legal protests, more extremist groups are also attacking Tesla with vandalism.

Cars have been burned down, keyed, and Tesla stores had windows broken, have been graffitied, and even shot at.

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Protests are not slowing down with over 100 planned for the next 2 weeks and unfortunately, the vandalism attacks on Tesla also don’t appear to be slowing down.

Just last night, there were two instances.

The first one was at Tesla’s service center in Las Vegas were several vehicles were reportedly set on fire (pictured above).

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said that they were told that an individual set the vehicles on fire, but they are still investigating:

“LVMPD Communications received information that an individual had set several vehicles on fire in the parking lot and caused damage to the property,”

The FBI is reportedly being involved.

President Trump said last week that he wants to classify vandalism against Tesla as “domestic terrorism.” We previously reported that the FBI has already gotten involved in several instances of vandalism at Tesla stores.

In a separate instance in Kansas City last night, two Tesla Cybertrucks burned down at the local Tesla store.

A KCPD officer spotted the fire and tried to extinguish it himself but couldn’t. Firefighters had to come and the fire spread to a second Cybertruck in the meantime.

The KCPD Bomb and Arson unit is investigating the cause – therefore, arson is also suspected but not confirmed yet.

Tesla vehicles have at times caught on fire on their own – although it’s a rare occurrence.

Electrek’s Take

As we have often mentioned in the last few weeks, we sympathize with the people peacefully protesting and boycotting Tesla, but we condemn any violence, including vandalism.

The protests and boycotts are much more efficient in affecting Tesla than any form of violence, including setting cars on fire. Tesla will just collect the insurance anyway.

Everyone getting involved in this is actually eroding the credibility of the “Tesla Takedown” movement.

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Rivian CEO shows off R2 body progress ahead of production

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March 18, 2025

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Rivian CEO shows off R2 body progress ahead of production

Rivian-R2-body-EV

Rivian is plowing ahead with its new midsize R2 electric SUV. As it gears up for production, Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, gave us a sneak peek at the R2 body being built with production dies.

First look at the Rivian R2 body with production dies

Starting at $45,000, the R2 will be about half the cost of Rivian’s current R1S ($77,700) and R1T ($71,700). Despite a smaller size, the company promises it will still have that “Rivian essence” that has helped get the EV maker to where it is today.

Rivian’s CFO, Claire McDonough, said the team was “working around the clock” earlier this month to prepare its Normal, IL facility for R2 production.

McDonough confirmed that the sourcing for R2 was about 95% complete, and the start of production was still scheduled for the first half of 2026.

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In the meantime, Scaringe is giving us a closer look at the R2 as it goes through development. Earlier this month, he posted a picture of the R2’s highly efficient Maximum drive unit.

Rivian-R2-drive-unit
Rivian-R2-drive-unit

The new unit uses continuous winding in the stator to reduce the total welds per stator assembly from 264 to just 24. With an integrated rotor shaft and gear, Maximum uses just two bearings, down from four on its Enduro drive unit.

As Rivian moves closer to production, we’re getting an up-close look at the R2 body being built. Rivian’s CEO shared a picture on X showing the R2 body, now built with production dies.

Although Rivian will begin building R2 models in Normal, it will significantly ramp up production at its new plant in Georgia. McDonough said the GA facility is still on track to come online in 2028.

Rivian-R2-body-EV
Rivian R2 midsize electric SUV (Source: Rivian)

Once fully up and running, it’s expected to have up to 400,000 annual vehicle production capacity. To put that into perspective, Rivian built just shy of 50,000 EVs last year.

After scaling production, Rivian will launch the R2 in Europe as it takes the brand overseas. The company promises that R2 is just the start. Next up, Rivian will launch the smaller R3 crossover and R3X, a tri-motor electric hot hatch.

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