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Professional salespeople love to talk about “the steps of the sale,” a tried-and-true process that guides every customer from curiosity to closed. But when it comes to electric cars, that old-school hustle can fall flat, leaving dealers struggling with how to fit them into their familiar playbook. But what if I told you, dear dealer, that there’s a whole category of vehicles on existing dealer lots that need to be approached in exactly the same way as an EV to score a successful sale that you’re already familiar with?

That category: Heavy-duty tow trucks. Here’s how selling one is a lot like selling the other.

That’s right, greenpeas – selling a tow-rated pickup truck to someone who’s buying it primarily to haul a trailer, boat, or RV is a delicate thing that requires salespeople (and sales managers) to approach their customers with a lot more patience and empathy, and a lot less, “what can I do to get you to drive this home, today?” And, as we go through the whys and hows, I think you’ll agree that all the heavy truck selling wisdom we’re going to cover today will help you sell more electric cars, more often, and for more money.

1. Discovery is where the deal gets done

When it comes to heavy-duty tow vehicles, most smart dealers understand that their customer probably has a better understanding of their individual needs than they do – but it’s still a good idea to go over that understanding during the discovery phase of the sale.

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Has the customer factored in the weight of the trailer and the weight of everyone and everything else inside it? What about the weight of water, tools, or animals? Do they fully understand the concepts of GVWR and GCWR, and the difference between trailer weight and tongue weight? Will they have enough range, when fully loaded, on their standard fuel tank or will they need an aux. tank? What about the future – are they thinking about upgrading their RV or hauling bigger loads longer distances?

In other words, the customer has to trust that the vehicle they’re about to buy from you will meet their needs and fit into their lives today, while also meeting their needs in the foreseeable future. That’s what it looks like in a truck, but now apply that to an EV.

Has the customer mapped out the routes they take every day to make sure they can make the drive? That might sound ridiculous to you and me, but what if they’re depending on a single DC fast charger out on a rural stretch of highway to get the EV to meet their needs? What if they think 200 miles of range is 200 miles of range, but they like to drive 80+ mph (on Chicago’s I-290, that’s a minimum safe travel speed), do they understand that speed impacts range as much as weather?

Tools like Chargeway are great for helping dealers explain EV charging speeds, the impacts of speed and topography on range, and – especially in this era of NACS adapters – where buyers of used or off-lease EVs can charge up and get back on the road.

In either case, the salespeople who take the time in discovery to understand their customers’ needs and become consultative partners will make a sale, the ones who rush through the process won’t, and the ones who sell their customers the wrong thing will make a problem (if not an expensive lawsuit) for the dealership.

2. Options really do matter

When you’re selling a conventional ICE-powered crossover to a typical suburbanite, moving your customer up or down a trim level doesn’t typically impact their use case. Sure, they might have to keep their foot planted a little longer to get up to highway speeds or learn to live with cloth when they really wanted leather or vinyl vegan leather, but they’ll still be able to get five-to-seven adults from point A to point B with the same general effectiveness.

That’s not true when it comes to trucks that are going to get put to work. There, the difference between one axle ration and another can have a huge impact on driver comfort, towing capabilities, and fuel economy – and going from a one-ton truck that’s just outside the customer’s budget to a half-ton that you happen to have on the lot could get someone seriously hurt or killed.

On an EV, the difference might not be so dramatic, but the difference between a Nissan LEAF SV Plus with a 212 mile range and a Nissan LEAF S with 149 miles of range? That could mean the difference between getting to grandma’s house in three hours or five – that’s assuming your customer could even find a CHAdeMO port in the first place!

It may be tempting to switch the customer to a vehicle you have on the lot (especially if that vehicle happens to be an aged unit with a fat spiff on it), but the long-term pain isn’t worth the short-term gain on this one.

3. Information is your friend

This might feel like a duplicate of the discovery phase, but think of it as a member of the “measure twice, cut once” advice genre. That is to say that, sure – the customer thinks that new 5th wheel RV they have on order weighs 11,000 lbs., but does it? Did they add any options of features (see no. 2) that make it heavier? Get the information from the RV manufacturer or dealer and confirm as much as you can. That extra work will help keep your customer safe and build trust.

Similarly, you’ll want to verify your assumptions when it comes to EVs. Is that once-a-month 300 mile drive really 300 miles, or is it 330? Is there more than one charging option available on their preferred route? Is the customer able to make their trip without changing the way your they drive? Are they willing to change up where they stop, or for how long?

When it comes to EVs, especially used ones that came onto your lot as part of a trade deal that you may not be intimately familiar with, I cannot stress how much route planning apps like Chargeway or A Better Route Planner can help salespeople answer questions about electric vehicles confidently and correctly, generate trust, and drive referrals.

4. Aftersales support is critical

Successful salespeople follow up – not just with prospects who are still shopping, but with customers who have already bought. And, just as RVers know other RVers, RV salespeople who get positive feedback about a local dealer who takes the time to make sure their customers get the right truck know RV customers who might need a right truck of their own.

Yes, those RV salespeople might expect a $100 bird dog bonus to send their customers your way, but the money on its own isn’t enough. They have to know they can trust you with their customers, and you build that trust in steps 1-3, above.

It doesn’t take a genius

BMW Genius bar; via BMW.

If there’s one company that absolutely gets it when it comes to helping customers discover whether or not an EV can fit into the way they live, work, and drive today it’s BMW. Their take on the Apple Genius Bar helps consumers set reasonable expectations, understand charging speeds, and build customer loyalty – that’s why they’ve snatched the top spot in the J.D. Power U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study for the last few years.

The reason BMW is consistently pulling ahead? It seems to come down to education. “First-time EV buyers are receiving minimal education or training,” explains Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power. “Dealer and manufacturer representatives play the crucial role of front-line educators, but when it comes to EVs, the specific education needed to shorten the learning curve just isn’t happening often enough. The shortfall in buyer education is something we’re seeing with all brands.”

And, if you’re still not quite convinced that you need to learn how to sell EVs to be successful on the sales floor, think again.

Overall, 94% of BEV owners are likely to consider purchasing another BEV for their next vehicle, a rate that is also matched by first-time buyers. Manufacturers should take note of the strong consumer commitment to EVs as the high rate of repurchase intent offers the ability to generate brand loyal customers if the experience is a positive one. In fact, during the past several years, the BEV repurchase intent percentage has fluctuated very little, ranging between 94-97%. This year’s study also finds that only 12% of BEV owners are likely to consider replacing their EV with an internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered vehicle during their next purchase.

J.D. POWER

Listen to an EV convert who has desked an awful lot of car deals, greenpeas – if you treat every EV customer the same way that crusty old fleet rep treats his truck buyers, you’re going to sell a whole lot of EVs. And, if you’re a brave enough little toaster to follow up and ask for that referral, you’ll find that EV buyers know other EV buyers.

Happy hunting.

Original content from Electrek.

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Heybike Hauler cargo e-bike hits $999 low ($500 off), EcoFlow DELTA Pro with transfer switch at $1,709 low + other units, Worx, more

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July 7, 2025

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Heybike Hauler cargo e-bike hits 9 low (0 off), EcoFlow DELTA Pro with transfer switch at ,709 low + other units, Worx, more

It’s the calm before the storm as everyone prepares for Amazon’s Prime Day Sale event starting tomorrow morning (July 8), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still solid Green Deals coming in today. Leading the pack is Heybike’s Hauler Cargo e-bike that is back down at its $999 low for the second time. Right behind it is EcoFlow’s final early Prime Day flash sale on three units, with the DELTA Pro Portable Power Station bundle coming back around at a $1,709 low that also gives you a free transfer switch and RAPID 5,000mAh power bank, as well as savings on DELTA 3 and WAVE 3 bundles from $529. We also have Worx’s Nitro 20V 8-inch Cordless Pole Chainsaw at its best 2025 rate of $119, as well as EGO’s 56V 21-inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower with a 5.0Ah battery and rapid charger at $365. Plus, there’s all the hangover Green Deals still seeing savings in our one-stop-shop July 4th hub in the links at the bottom of the page – with many of the savings ending tonight!

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.

Affordably carry cargo with Heybike’s single or dual-battery Hauler e-bike starting from a $999 low

As part of its Prime Day e-bike Sale, Heybike is offering its Hauler Cargo Single-Battery e-bike at $999 shipped, while the dual-battery counterpart is down at $1,399 shipped. You’d normally shell out $1,499 and $1,899 for these two setups at full price, though discounts regularly bring things down to $1,199 and $1,599, which we have seen go lower a few select times in 2025. Only once before have we seen these two low prices appear, back during the brand’s Memorial Day Sale, with you getting another chance at the $500 savings here today.

Heybike’s Hauler e-bike comes as an affordable means to transport precious cargo, with the 750W brushless geared hub motor peaking at up to 1,400W to tackle inclines and for better pick-up when you’ve got packages, groceries, and more on board. It can max out at 28 MPH speeds in states where it’s allowed, and comes with the two battery options that largely depend on how much travel time you need, with the solo-battery setup giving you up to 55 miles of pedal assisted support and the dual-battery setup increasing that travel range up to 85 miles.

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The Heybike Hauler e-bike boasts a 440-pound payload, as well as foldable running boards for when you want to bring a passenger along, not to mention the obvious integrated rear cargo rack that doubles as the seat. For the price right now, you’re also getting a solid lineup of features, including hydraulic front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-protected tires, a Shimano 7-speed derailleur, an auto-on LED headlight, a brake-lighting integrated taillight, and an LCD screen for data and setting adjustments.

You can check out Heybike’s full lineup of Prime Day e-bike deals on the landing page here.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro portable power station

Get sectional backup support with EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro and transfer switch + free power bank at $1,709 low

It’s the final day of EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale, and the brand’s final flash sale is in full swing through the rest of the day. The flash savings here are taking up to 54% off three units – two power station bundles and a bundle for the brand’s newest AC/heater solution. Leading the sale is the DELTA Pro Portable Power Station that comes with a free transfer switch for $1,709.05 shipped, after using the code EFPDAFF5 at checkout for an additional 5% savings – plus, you’ll also be getting a free RAPID 5,000mAh power bank thrown in too. We’ve been seeing many different flash sales focusing on the DELTA Pro at this same rate during this sale, which usually carries a $3,699 MSRP, though it is regularly sitting around $1,999 from Amazon (currently $1,784 there). Not only are you getting another chance at the biggest savings and the best price here, but you’re doing so while also getting the means for sectional home backup support.

One of the best and most expansive of EcoFlow’s legacy models, the DELTA Pro power station is ready to cover your campsites, outdoor gatherings, and home backup emergencies with a 3,600Wh LiFePO4 capacity that you can expand as high as 25kWh with future investments. There are 14 port options here, through which the station provides up to a steady 3,600W output that can surge up to 7,200W to cover larger appliances. It comes with three primary means to recharge: plugged into a standard outlet, through your car’s auxiliary port, or by connecting up to a maximum 1,600W solar input. The included transfer switch gives you sectional backup support of up to six circuits in your home or on an RV, with it pre-wired for easier installation.

You can also pick up the brand’s DELTA 3 Portable Power Station with a free protective bag at $529 shipped, down from its usual $778 pricing. This is a smaller and more affordable backup option that has a 1,024Wh LiFePo4 capacity and can be expanded up to 5,120Wh with various expansion batteries from across the DELTA ecosystem. It provides 1,800W output, surging to 2,200W when needed, and has 13 total output ports to use for connections to devices and appliances. It also boasts an expanded list of recharging options, including through an AC outlet, with a max 500W solar input, through car charging, generator charging, or there’s the multi-charging option of AC and solar together.

The last of these offers gives you the latest WAVE 3 Portable AC and Heater with an add-on battery and a free bag at $899 shipped, coming down from $1,299. With the battery included here, you can get up to 8 hours of wireless cooling/heating in your tent, car, or anywhere else you’re settling down. The 1,800W output here can “drop temperatures by 15 degrees in 15 minutes,” while the 2,000W heating output hits similar speeds, “raising the temperature by 17 degrees in 15 minutes” – with it able to cover 120 to 180 square feet spaces. There’s even some cool smart control expansions here, including the PetCare mode that automatically starts cooling once temperatures reach 77 degrees, among others.

Be sure to check out EcoFlow’s full early Prime Day Sale lineup here before it ends later tonight.

Worx Nitro 20V 8-inch Cordless Pole Chainsaw

Get 13.3 feet of reach with Worx’s telescoping Nitro 20V 8-inch cordless pole chainsaw at $119 annual low

Amazon is offering the best pricing of the last year on the Worx Nitro 20V 8-inch Cordless Pole Chainsaw at $119 shipped. Normally, you’d have to shell out $170 for this tool at full price, which we’ve seen discounts taking as low as $120 once over the last 12 months, with prices otherwise keeping above $129. While it has gone lower in past years, you’re looking at the best price we have tracked since summer 2024, giving you $51 in savings off its going rate.

You’ll have plenty of reach to trim high branches with this Worx Nitro pole chainsaw, especially with the telescoping pole allowing for tool-free extensions up to 13.3 feet – plus, it weighs in at just 8 pounds, making it easy to manage and operate, despite varying operator sizes. The 8-inch bar and chain has three different cutting angles (0 degrees, 15 degrees, and 30 degrees) it can be set to, with the automatic oiler keeping things lubricated and running smoothly as you work. What’s more, your comfort has been taken into account with the 180-degree rotating rear handle, allowing you to easily switch between vertical and horizontal cutting positions.

EGO Power+ 56V 21-inch cordless electric lawn mower

Bring home EGO’s 56V 21-inch cordless electric mower with a 5.0Ah battery and rapid charger at $365

Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 21-inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower with 5.0Ah battery and rapid charger at $364.60 shipped. This package would normally go for $430 at full price, which we’ve mostly seen it keeping at over the last 12 months, with few large price cuts on the books in that timeframe. While we have seen it go as low as $309 in the past, over the last 12 months, the rate we’re seeing today has only been beaten out by a short-lived drop to $350 back in April, with it otherwise being the best price we’ve spotted this year thanks to the $65 markdown.

You’ll get a much more budget-friendly means to tackle lawn care with this 56V 21-inch model over EGO’s higher-end mowers, giving you the torque of a gas engine without the noise and fumes. With the included 5.0Ah battery, the brushless motor will get up to 45 continuous minutes of runtime, while the rapid charger can have it back to full at much faster rates than a standard charger. There are six cutting height levels to adjust between (from 1.5 to 4 inches), as well as the versatility to side discharge, mulch, or collect clippings into the two-bushel bag. Not only does it come with an IPX4 weather-resistance construction, but it starts up at the push of a button and folds to a more compact size for easier storage options.

Best Summer 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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Arizona brings a huge grid battery online ahead of peak demand

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July 7, 2025

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Arizona brings a huge grid battery online ahead of peak demand

Arizona grid battery
Photo: e-storage

One of Arizona’s biggest grid battery storage projects is now online and helping power homes as the summer heat ramps up.

Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, just brought its 1,200 MWh Papago Storage facility in Maricopa County into commercial operation. The big grid battery is now supplying stored electricity to Arizona Public Service (APS), the state’s largest utility, in time for peak air-conditioning season.

Papago is the first of three Recurrent projects with APS. Together, they’ll provide 1,800 MWh of storage and 150 MW of solar power. That’s enough to run about 72,000 homes for four hours and provide year-round solar for another 24,000 homes.

“Summer is here, and we’re ready to serve APS customers with the energy they need when they need it,” said APS director of resource acquisition Derek Seaman.

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The Arizona Corporation Commission chair, Kevin Thompson, noted that bringing online one of Arizona’s largest battery storage projects during a critical time when energy demand is skyrocketing is a milestone.

Canadian Solar’s e-STORAGE arm built the project and will keep it running under a long-term agreement.

Recurrent CEO Ismael Guerrero said, “We’re proud to deliver flexible capacity that meets the state’s growing energy needs and grateful for APS’s continued partnership.”

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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The Porsche Cayenne EV flexes its power towing 3-tons in public

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July 7, 2025

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The Porsche Cayenne EV flexes its power towing 3-tons in public

Porsche-Cayenne-EV-public

Porsche promises the new electric SUV will “set new standards,” and it’s already proving it. Ahead of its upcoming launch, the Porsche Cayenne EV proved its might by towing a 100-year-old classic car and trailer weighing around 3 tons in public.

Porsche Cayenne EV flexes its performance in public

The Porsche Cayenne EV is already smashing records, and it’s not even out yet. Last month, a prototype beat every gas-powered SUV, setting a new SUV record at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb by more than four seconds.

Now, it’s at it again. Porsche showcased a near-production-ready Cayenne EV prototype in England for the first time as part of a public film shoot.

The camouflaged Cayenne EV showcased its impressive power by towing a 100-year-old classic car weighing over 2 tons. Including the trailer, the total weight was around 3 tons.

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British TV presenter Richard Hammond took the Cayenne EV from his workshop in Hereford to his garage, towing the classic car behind.

According to Hammond, the electric SUV “handled it effortlessly,” adding, “We were trailing significant weight behind us, but you wouldn’t know it.”

Porsche-Cayenne-EV-public
Porsche Cayenne EV towing a 3-ton trailer and classic car (Source: Porsche)

Porsche designed the Cayenne EV and its high-voltage system, “to be one of the first BEVs in the world to achieve a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes.” Depending on the configuration, it will be just as capable, if not more, than the current combustion-engine Cayenne.

As Michael Schätzle, Vice President of the Product Line Cayenne, explained, “That’s why we didn’t want to make any compromises in the development of the all-electric model.”

Porsche-Cayenne-EV-public
Porsche Cayenne EV prototype at Shelsley Walsh 2025 (Source: Porsche)

The Porsche Cayenne EV was initially set to launch this year, but it’s now expected to debut in production form later this year as a 2026 model. A “conspicuously camouflaged prototype” will be on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 10 to July 13.

More information, including prices and specifications, will be revealed closer to launch. However, we do know that it will be based on the PPE platform, the same one underpinning the Macan EV and the Audi Q6 e-Tron.

The Macan EV has an EPA-estimated range of 308 miles. On the European WLTP scale, it’s rated at 613 km (381 miles). However, Porsche said the platform will receive “comprehensive upgrades” for the Cayenne.

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