By February 1, 2028, renewables would account for 37.4% of total available installed utility-scale generating capacity – just behind natural gas (40.2%) – with solar and wind making up more than 75% of the installed renewable energy capacity, according to data just released by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
In FERC’s latest monthly “Energy Infrastructure Update” report (with data through January 31, 2025), solar and wind combined accounted for more than 98% of new US electrical generating capacity added in January, and solar alone accounted for over two-thirds of that new capacity. Moreover, January was the 17th month in a row in which solar was the largest source of new capacity, according to the SUN DAY Campaign, which reviewed FERC’s latest data.
FERC says 63 “units” of solar totaling 2,945 megawatts (MW) were placed into service in January along with five units of wind (1,301 MW). Combined, they accounted for 98.4% of all new generating capacity added during the month. The balance was provided by natural gas (60 MW) and oil (11 MW).
Solar accounted for 68.2% of all new generating capacity placed into service in January – more than double the solar capacity added a year earlier (1,176 MW).
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Renewables reach one-third of total US generating capacity
New wind accounted for most of the balance (30.1%) of capacity additions. In fact, more new wind capacity was added in January 2025 than was reported as being added during any month in 2024.
Tother, the installed capacities of solar (10.5%) and wind (11.8%) now constitute 22.3% of the US’s total available installed utility-scale generating capacity.
Around 30% of US solar capacity is in small-scale (e.g., rooftop) systems that are not reflected in FERC’s data. Including that additional solar capacity would bring the share provided by solar and wind to more than a quarter of the US total.
If you add in hydropower (7.6%), biomass (1.1%), and geothermal (0.3%), renewables currently claim a 31.3% share of total US utility-scale generating capacity. If small-scale solar capacity is included, renewables are now around one-third of total US generating capacity.
FERC’s 3-year solar + wind addition forecast
FERC reports that net “high probability” additions of solar between February 2025 and January 2028 total 89,033 MW – an amount almost four times the forecast net “high probability” additions for wind (22,312 MW), the second-fastest growing resource.
FERC also foresees net growth for hydropower (1,319 MW) and geothermal (92 MW) but a decrease of 130 MW in biomass capacity. FERC has forecast no new nuclear capacity in its three-year forecast.
Taken together, the net new “high probability” capacity additions by all renewable energy sources would total 112,626 MW, with solar comprising over 79% and wind providing another 20%.
On the other hand, coal and oil are projected to contract by 24,940 MW and 2,237 MW, respectively. Natural gas capacity would expand by only 455 MW.
If FERC’s current “high probability” additions materialize, by February 1, 2028, solar will account for nearly one-sixth (16.2%) of the nation’s installed utility-scale generating capacity. Wind would provide an additional one-eighth (12.6%) of the total. Thus, each would be greater than coal (12.4%) and substantially more than either nuclear or hydropower (both 7.3%).
In fact, assuming current growth rates continue, the installed capacity of utility-scale solar is likely to surpass coal and wind within the next two years, placing solar in second place for installed generating capacity – behind only natural gas.
Meanwhile, the mix of all renewables is now adding about two percentage points each year to its share of generating capacity. Thus, by February 1, 2028, renewables would account for 37.4% of total available installed utility-scale generating capacity – rapidly approaching that of natural gas (40.2%) – with solar and wind constituting more than three-quarters of the installed renewable energy capacity.
Renewables are on track to exceed natural gas in 3 years
If small-scale solar is factored into FERC’s data, within three years, total US solar capacity (small-scale plus utility-scale) could surpass 325 GW. In turn, the mix of all renewables would then exceed 40% of total installed capacity while the share of natural gas would drop to about 37%.
Moreover, FERC reports that there may be as much as 220,767 MW of net new solar additions in the current three-year pipeline in addition to 68,409 MW of new wind, 9,833 MW of new hydropower, 201 MW of new geothermal, and 39 MW of new biomass. By contrast, the net new natural gas capacity in the three-year pipeline potentially totals just 18,363 MW. Thus, renewables’ share could be even greater by early 2028.
“The Biden era closed out with record-setting solar additions and a rebound in new wind capacity,” noted the SUN DAY Campaign’s executive director, Ken Bossong. “Whether solar, wind, and other renewables can continue that growth under the policies of the Trump administration remains to be seen.”
Electrek’s Take
This is quite a positive renewables forecast from FERC, despite the hostility for renewables by the incumbent in the White House. For example, Trump just removed solar panels and components from Section 303 of the Defense Production Act (DPA) with yet another executive order. Joe Biden invoked the law in 2022 to help fund clean energy manufacturing through the Inflation Reduction Act, and it worked.
A new report from the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), which surveyed “top executives from the largest clean energy investors and project sponsors in America, representing over $15 billion in capital investments,” found that federal tax credit uncertainty could cause 84% of investors and 73% of developers to decrease their activity in clean energy. They want long-term certainty in order to continue to invest. Will they get it? I’m not holding my breath. But renewables have a whole lot of momentum and advantages that fossil fuels don’t. Let me know your thoughts about renewables’ future under the Trump administration in the comments below.
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Spring is finally here, and so are some solid EV lease deals. Right now, a few EVs are going for under $300 a month. Here are the cheapest EVs we could find this March.
Cheapest EVs you can lease this March
After a record year with over 1.3 million EVs sold in the US in 2024, the trend is expected to continue in 2025, with about 15 new models arriving.
Nearly 200,000 electric vehicles were sold in the first two months of the year. In February, the top five best-selling models were the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, Honda Prologue, and Rivian R1S.
Outside of Rivian’s electric SUV and now the Tesla Model Y (the old model is sold out), you can lease any of them for under $300 a month this March. With the average monthly lease payment for an electric car $175 less per month than the average loan, it’s no wonder buyers are choosing to lease.
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According to Experian, the Tesla Model 3, Honda Prologue, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Chevrolet Equinox are among the most leased EVs. Again, all of these are under $300 a month right now.
Hyundai’s new 2025 IONIQ 5 Limited with a Tesla NACS port (Source: Hyundai)
Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
2025 Kia Niro EV
$129
24
$3,999
$295
2024 Kia EV6
$179
24
$3,999
$345
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
$159
24
$3,999
$325
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5
$199
24
$3,999
$365
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6
$149
24
$3,999
$315
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6
$169
24
$3,999
$335
2025 Genesis GV60
$299
24
$5,999
$548
Kia and Hyundai continue to offer some of the most affordable, efficient electric vehicles on the market. The Niro EV is one of the cheapest EVs you can lease this month at just $129 per month.
The new 2025 IONIQ 5 (now with more range and a Tesla NACS charging port) and IONIQ 6 are arriving with big discounts. Even the luxury 2025 Genesis GV60 can be leased for under $300 a month this March.
Earlier this week, Hyundai launched a promo giving those who buy or lease a new 2024 or 2025 model year IONIQ 5 or IONIQ 6 a free ChargePoint Level 2 home charger. If you already have one, you can also opt for a $400 public charging credit.
2024 Honda Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)
Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
2024 Honda Prologue
$239
36
$1,399
$335
2024 Acura ZDX
$299
24
$2,999
$424
Honda’s electric SUV continues to take the US market by storm. In the second half of 2024, the Prologue was the second best-selling electric SUV behind the Tesla Model Y. It has now been a top five best-seller in the US for the first two months of 2025.
With an ultra-low lease rate of just $239 per month, the Prologue is even more affordable than a Civic this month. No wonder sales are surging.
Honda launched the 2025 model earlier this month, which has more range (now up to 308 miles) and power but keeps the same low starting price.
Acura’s luxury electric SUV can be leased for as low as $299 for 24 months. With only $2,999 due at signing, the ZDX is even cheaper than the Genesis GV60, thanks to generous discounts. In some states, ZDX discounts reach as high as $28,000, also making it more affordable than a Civic to lease this month.
Chevy Equinox EV LT (Source: GM)
Chevy Blazer and Equinox EVs
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
2024 Chevy Equinox EV
$299
24
$3,169
$431
2024 Chevy Blazer EV
$299
24
$3,879
$461
Chevy’s new electric SUVs are quickly rolling out. The electric Equinox was among the top five best-selling EVs in the final three months of 2024. Both can be leased for under $300 a month this March. The Blazer EV is still slightly more expensive, at $3,879. Keep in mind that the Blazer EV deal also includes a $1,000 trade-in bonus.
The electric Equinox SUV, or “America’s most affordable +315 miles range EV,” as Chevy calls it, is even cheaper than the gas model this month with up to $8,500 in savings.
Ford Mustang Mach-E (left) and F-150 Lightning (right) (Source: Ford)
Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E
$213
36
$4,462
$337
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
$233
24
$6,792
$421
Although F-150 Lightning sales are down this year, the Mustang Mach-E remained a top-selling electric SUV through the first two months of 2025
Ford is sweetening the deal with a free Level 2 home charger for any EV purchase or lease through its “Power Promise,” along with a host of other benefits.
2024 Subaru Solterra (Source: Subaru)
Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
2025 Toyota bZ4X
$259
36
$2,999
$342
2024 Subaru Solterra
$279
36
$279
$287
Japanese automakers are starting to find their rhythm. Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra sales are picking up. With an effective cost of only $287 per month, the Solterra may be the better option this month with standard AWD.
Tesla Model 3 (Source: Tesla)
Tesla Model 3 is still among the cheapest EVs in March
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
Tesla Model 3
$299
36
$2,999
$382
Although Tesla sold out of old Model Y inventory this month, you can still snag a Model 3 for under $300 a month. The Tesla Model 3 is still one the best-selling EVs in the US, and for a good reason.
The new Long Range AWD Model 3 has an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 363 miles and can add up to 195 miles in just 15 minutes.
Other EVs for lease for under $300 a month
Lease From
Term (months)
Due at Signing
Effective rate per month (including upfront fees)
2025 Nissan LEAF
$259
36
$2,279
$322
Fiat 500e
$159
24
$1,999
$242
Some of these rates may vary by region. The $239 per month Honda Prologue lease deal is offered in California and other ZEV states. Acura’s $299 ZDX promo is only available in CA, NY, OR, and other select states.
In other parts of the country, the Prologue is still listed at just $269 per month for 36 months. With $3,199 due at signing, the effective cost is still just $358 per month. However, a $1,000 conquest or loyalty offer can lower monthly payments to around $330.
With the Trump administration looking to end federal EV incentives, including the $7,500 tax credit, many of these savings could disappear soon. Automakers can offer such low lease prices right now largely because the tax credit is factored in.
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Aptera Motors has shared another exciting progress update video, giving us our best look yet at its production-intent solar EV out in the real world. The SEV startup recently completed the PI build’s first-ever road trip, traveling over 300 miles using an all-electric battery and free energy from the Sun.
We’re nearing the end of the month here so naturally, that means were due for a video update from our favorite (and only) solar EV startup, Aptera. This time around, we only had to wait about 25 days since Aptera’s last video update, in which it took a production-intent solar EV to a proving ground in the Mojave Desert and completed core efficiency testing under real-world conditions.
Per Aptera, some of those results were “groundbreaking,” including a coast-down test that measured the solar EV’s aerodynamic, rolling, and powertrain losses by tracking how efficiently the vehicle moves through the air along a given road.
At that point, Aptera’s video footage of said testing was our best glimpse of its budding technology, but much of it was on lonely desert roads. This go around, Aptera took to the highway for the first time ever, documenting a 300+ mile road trip you can see in the video below.
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Source: Aptera
New video showcases Aptera SEV’s 300+ mile journey
Aptera released its latest video alongside a blog post this afternoon. The post shared details of the production-intent solar EV’s first-ever road trip, which was navigated by co-founder and co-CEO Steve Fambro and a support team that helped film it.
As you can see on Aptera’s map above, the solar EV’s journey began at an elevation in Flagstaff, Arizona, where the team documented the solar EV was gathering 300 watts of energy before they even left for the day. In the video, you see Fambro navigate west then south down the historic Route 66, stopping at fun landmarks like Bearizona (a very cool animal sanctuary if you’ve never been) and Lake Havasu.
At one point, Aptera’s video noted that its solar EV was pulling over 545 watts of solar input, even though it was overcast. The vehicle’s all-electric powertrain, paired with additional range from the Sun, helped propel the car over 300 miles to its final destination in Imperial Valley, California, turning heads and garnering plenty of photos along the way. Per Fambro:
Almost everyone we passed had their phones out filming us. It’s clear that Aptera’s design stops traffic—without needing to stop for a charge.
To celebrate its first road trip validating its solar EV in real-world conditions on a public highway, Aptera is giving away a $800 “solar-powered prize pack.” You can learn more about how to enter here, and be sure to watch Aptera’s full video of the road trip below.
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Hyundai is launching new EVs in every corner of the world. The IONIQ 9, its first three-row electric SUV, is about to launch in the US, the low-cost Inster EV is already seeing demand in Europe, and now, Hyundai is about to take on China, the world’s largest EV market. Here’s a sneak peek of Hyundai’s new electric SUV that could launch as the IONIQ 4 in China.
First look at Hyundai’s new electric SUV for China
While many legacy automakers are cutting back in China with the flood of domestic EVs and intensifying price war, Hyundai is doubling down on the market.
The facility is expected to play a key role as Hyundai looks to compete with China’s leading EV makers like BYD. By working with local tech companies and suppliers, the R&D center will create vehicles tailored to customers in the region.
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Unlike its other models, like the IONIQ 5, Hyundai’s EVs in China will feature local technology and designs to attract buyers.
After Beijing Hyundai released the first spy photos this week, we are getting a closer look at its “first pure electric platform SUV” in China.
Like the IONIQ 9, Hyundai’s new electric SUV features a full-length light bar and closed grille up front, but there are some noticeable differences. For one, it’s clearly smaller and slightly less boxy. The rear also gains a futuristic light bar.
According to TheKoreanCarBlog, the vehicle is internally known as “OE,” hinting that it could still be part of its IONIQ EV series.
Hyundai’s new electric SUV winter testing in China (Source: Beijing Hyundai)
All Hyundai IONIQ vehicles have had an “E” in their name, which makes the case even stronger that this could be the IONIQ 4.
We should learn more soon, as Hyundai’s new electric SUV is set to launch in China later this year. Check back soon for more information, including specs and prices.
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