Aventon offers first savings on new Pace 4 step-through cruiser e-bike loaded with theft-deterring smart features at $1,699
As part of its ongoing 4th of July Sale through July 8, Aventon has included the very first cash savings on its new Pace 4 Smart Step-Through Cruiser e-bike at $1,699 shipped. This model was released to the market back in April carrying a $1,799 price tag, which we’ve only seen get some brief accessory additions so far, but no previous price cuts. During this sale through July 8, however, Aventon is giving folks their first chance at savings with a $100 markdown, setting the bar for future discounts, whenever they may reappear.
Aventon has been releasing many upgraded smart models of its popular legacy e-bikes, and the Pace 4 Step-Through Cruiser e-bike is one of the latest to arrive – plus, the first to get any discounted pricing. Coming with three colorway options, it cruises onto the scene with a 500W rear hub motor (peaking at 864W) and a removable internal 733Wh battery. It’s been given an IPX6 water-resistant construction, and comes with three customizable PAS levels that support you for up to 70 miles on a single charge (relying on the throttle reduces this mileage). It starts as a class 2 e-bike with a 20 MPH top speed, unless you live in a state that allows its 28 MPH max speed to be unlocked.
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Along with the many notable design features like the torque sensor, Tektro hydraulic front and rear brakes, the 8-speed Shimano derailleur, integrated front and rear lighting, and color display, the big standout coming along for the ride is the added smart features. Keeping theft-deterrence in mind, Aventon has given this model security features that include a startup password, remote rear wheel locking, an onboard alarm that pairs with the “unusual activity detection” to send notifications, over-the-air updates done automatically through the display, and more.
Get exclusive bonus savings on Bluetti’s new Elite 100 V2 1,024Wh LiFePO4 power station launching at $379
As part of its ongoing early Prime Day Sale through July 7, Bluetti has launched its newest backup power solution – plus, the exclusive bonus savings we secured for our readers extends here! You can now pick up the brand’s new Elite 100 V2 Portable Power Station at $379.05 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS5OFF at checkout. This new model will be carrying a $799 price tag outside of discounts, with this sale giving you the chance at the first cash savings while it’s still fresh to the market. You’re looking at a combined 53% markdown that saves you $420 off the tag and sets the bar for future discounts.
Bluetti’s new Elite 100 V2 station follows along the path set by its previous Elite 200 V2 release, albeit in a smaller size. It brings a 1,024Wh LiFePO4 battery capacity to your campsite and/or travel needs, weighing just 25 pounds with a hidden handle for easy portability. It provides up to a 1,800W steady output and surges as high as 2,700W when needed, boasting 11 port options to cover devices and appliances: four ACs, two USB-Cs, two USB-As, two DCs, and a car port. It comes rated for up to 4,000+ charging cycles, giving you backup power support for many years to come.
You can recharge its battery via several ways – starting through a standard wall outlet that will have it back to 80% in just 45 minutes or to a full battery in 70 minutes. There’s also a 1,000W max solar input to take advantage of the sun’s rays, which fills the entire battery in around 70 minutes with sunny conditions. There are also options for charging through your car’s auxiliary port as you drive, a generator, and dual AC and solar charging.
Velotric’s low-cost Fold 1 Lite e-bike just got even more budget-friendly with solid features at a new $599 low
As part of its ongoing 4th of July Sale/Prime Day Sale, Velotric is offering the best pricing ever on its Fold 1 Lite e-bike at $599 shipped. This model came onto the scene last August with a $1,099 price tag as a lighter alternative to its standard folding e-bike, which we’ve only seen discounted as low as $999 during the sales since then. Now, with this latest sale event, Velotric is making this low-cost folding model even more budget-friendly with a 45% markdown that cuts $500 off the tag, landing it at a new all-time low price.
Starting as a low-cost and lighter alternative to the Velotric’s Fold 1 e-bike, this newer Fold 1 Lite variation e-bike weighs in at 61 pounds in all (with a 440-pound total payload), which isn’t the lightest of models, but comes in under the weights of its standard and plus counterparts – not to mention well under those models’ pricing too. It’s been equipped with a 500W rear hub motor paired alongside a 486Wh battery, providing 20 MPH default top speeds that can be unlocked to 28 MPH if you live in states with laws allowing such. In terms of travel range, it has five PAS levels that support you up to 48 miles, or you can travel up to 40 miles according to the brand when using the throttle for pure electric cruising.
Of course, being a folding e-bike, you’ll save plenty more space when not riding, as it folds to the smallest of the brand’s sizes at 38-inch (length) by 19-inch (width) by 33-inch (height). There are quite a few solid features here too for such a low price, including puncture-resistant tires with fenders over each, hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear lighting – the latter of which boasts brake lighting, a 1.8-inch LCD screen for setting adjustments and performance data with a USB port to charge devices, among others.
Be sure to check out the full Velotric 4th of July Sale lineup that is getting up to $720 in savings via price cuts and free bundled gear – including on new models – many of which are also seeing their best annual pricing.
Rad Power’s RadTrike is added to July 4th savings through the weekend only at its $1,399 low
As part of its ongoing 4th of July Sale, Rad Power Bikes has added its RadTrike electric tricycle to the lineup only through the weekend at $1,399 shipped, while the rest of the discounted models will retain their savings through July 9. Normally fetching $1,699 at full price, we’ve only spotted two previous discounts on this model in 2025, both of them only taking things down to $1,499. The deal here, however, gives you an even greater $300 in savings, bringing the costs back down to the lowest price we have tracked for the first time this year.
Rad Power Bikes’ RadTrike is a leisurely commuter for first-time and older riders, providing far more stability than standard models for those with physical limitations. It’s been given a 750W brushless-geared hub motor and a 480Wh battery that provides 14 MPH top speeds and up to 55+ miles of PAS support (five levels) on a single charge. On days where you’re not looking to do any manual pedaling, you can take advantage of the half-twist throttle for electric riding at a reduced mileage.
This model isn’t just for commutes and joyrides, and makes a great option for errand running thanks to the included rear cargo rack. There’s also the solid lineup of additional features, including puncture-resistant tires with fenders over each, an integrated taillight with brake light functionality, an LED headlight, and a simple display to switch settings and check battery levels. Notably, it’s the only model from the brand with reverse throttling, giving limited riders more versatile mobility to back up.
Get added safety working on the ground: Worx 20V JawSaw with guards and retractable blade now at $109
Amazon is offering the Worx 20V JawSaw Cordless PowerShare Chainsaw for $109 shipped. It’s mostly been keeping to its $170 full price over the last year, with discounts in that 12-month period only going as low as $130 for Black Friday and Christmas, while 2025 has only seen it fall as low as $136. While we have seen it go as low as $89 in past years, today’s deal comes in as the best price we’ve tracked in 12 months, with a 36% markdown that cuts $61 off the tag.
This uniquely designed chainsaw from Worx boasts fully protective guards and an extendable blade that retracts back into its base, making it ideal for working directly on the ground over traditional chainsaws. That blade spins up to a max 1,350 RPM, able to cut through materials that are up to 4 inches in diameter. The chain will be kept at optimal tension levels automatically, with a oiler doing the same to keep everything lubricated and running smoothly. It weighs in at just 7.1 pounds so comfort and control is not lost, letting users of various sizes safely operate it.
Clear away outdoor muck with Kärcher’s K1700 electric pressure washer with a max 2,125 PSI at $130
Amazon is offering the Kärcher K1700 Electric Pressure Washer at $129.99 shipped. It’s coming down from its $190 price tag here with the biggest savings we’ve seen in nearly three months, which saw the price remain above $144 with discounts in that timeframe. While it’s gone as low as $100 in the past, you’re looking at one of the best prices we’ve tracked over the last year, beaten out by falls to $120 at the top of 2025 and falls to $105 last seen in early April.
No matter the time nor season, there will always be a buildup of grime that needs cleaning on your home’s exterior, as well as walkways, the driveway, patio furniture, and more – and you can power through all that cleaning with this electric pressure washer from Kärcher. It strips away the muck with up to its max 2,125 PSI and 1.46 GPM flow rate, and features a convenient on/off foot pedal and an onboard 0.5-gallon detergent tank for increased cleaning efficiency. It even comes with a detacheable storage unit that keeps the 20-foot hose, wand, and three included nozzles nice and organized where you can always find them.
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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Japanese equipment giant Kubota brought 22 new or updated machines to the 2025 bauma expo earlier this year, but tucked away in the corners was a new retrofit kit that can help existing customers decarbonize more quickly, and more affordably.
The latest equipment maker to put its name on the retrofit list is Kubota, who says its kit can be installed by a trained dealer in a single day.
That’s right! By this time tomorrow, your diesel-powered Kubota KX019 or U27-4 excavator (shown) could be fitted with an 18 or 20 kWh li-ion battery pack and electric drive motors and ready to get to work in a low-noise or low-vibration work environment where emissions are a strict no-no. Think indoor precision demolition or historic archeological excavation.
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Then, if necessary, it can go right back to diesel power.
Kubota says its modular retrofit kits is a response to the increasing global demand for sustainable alternatives by focusing on making machinery that’s flexible and repairable enough to be “reusable,” and offer construction fleet managers a longer operational lifespan, superior ROI (return on investment), and lower TCO (total cost of ownership) than the competition.
Kubota’s solution also notably reduces maintenance costs and operational overheads. With no engine and associated components, servicing time and expenses are considerably reduced, saving customers both time and money. Additionally, with electricity costing far less than fossil fuels, it offers a highly economical advantage.
International Rental News reports that other changes to the excavators include a more modern cab controls with a digital instrument cluster, a 60 mm wider undercarriage for more stability, and an independent travel circuit allows operators to use the boom, dipper, bucket, and auxiliary functions without an impact on tracking performance.
Kubota’s new kit, first shown at last year’s Hillhead exhibition in the UK, will officially be on sale this summer – any day now, in fact – though pricing has yet to be announced.
Electrek’s Take
If you’re wondering how it is that we’re still talking about bauma 2025 a full quarter after the show wrapped up, then I haven’t done a good enough job of explaining how positively massive the show was. Check out this Quick Charge episode (above) then let us know what you think of Kubota’s modular power kits in the comments.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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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Elon Musk isn’t happy about Trump passing the Big Beautiful Bill and killing off the $7,500 EV tax credit – but there’s a lot more bad news for Tesla baked into the BBB. We’ve got all that and more on today’s budget-busting episode of Quick Charge!
We also present ongoing coverage of the 2025 Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix and dive into some two wheeled reports on the new electric Honda Ruckus e:Zoomer, the latest BMW electric two-wheeler, and more!
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (and sometimes Sunday). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news.
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Got news? Let us know! Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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Solar and wind accounted for almost 96% of new US electrical generating capacity added in the first third of 2025. In April, solar provided 87% of new capacity, making it the 20th consecutive month solar has taken the lead, according to data belatedly posted on July 1 by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign.
Solar’s new generating capacity in April 2025 and YTD
In its latest monthly “Energy Infrastructure Update” report (with data through April 30, 2025), FERC says 50 “units” of solar totaling 2,284 megawatts (MW) were placed into service in April, accounting for 86.7% of all new generating capacity added during the month.
In addition, the 9,451 MW of solar added during the first four months of 2025 was 77.7% of the new generation placed into service.
Solar has now been the largest source of new generating capacity added each month for 20 consecutive months, from September 2023 to April 2025.
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Solar + wind were >95% of new capacity in 1st third of 2025
Between January and April 2025, new wind provided 2,183 MW of capacity additions, accounting for 18.0% of new additions in the first third.
In the same period, the combination of solar and wind was 95.7% of new capacity while natural gas (511 MW) provided just 4.2%; the remaining 0.1% came from oil (11 MW).
Solar + wind are >22% of US utility-scale generating capacity
The installed capacities of solar (11.0%) and wind (11.8%) are now each more than a tenth of the US total. Together, they make up almost one-fourth (22.8%) of the US’s total available installed utility-scale generating capacity.
Moreover, at least 25-30% 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 + wind to more than a quarter of the US total.
With the inclusion of hydropower (7.7%), biomass (1.1%), and geothermal (0.3%), renewables currently claim a 31.8% share of total US utility-scale generating capacity. If small-scale solar capacity is included, renewables are now about one-third of total US generating capacity.
Solar is on track to become No. 2 source of US generating capacity
FERC reports that net “high probability” additions of solar between May 2025 and April 2028 total 90,158 MW – an amount almost four times the forecast net “high probability” additions for wind (22,793 MW), the second-fastest growing resource. Notably, both three-year projections are higher than those provided just a month earlier.
FERC also foresees net growth for hydropower (596 MW) and geothermal (92 MW) but a decrease of 123 MW in biomass capacity.
Taken together, the net new “high probability” capacity additions by all renewable energy sources over the next three years – i.e., the bulk of the Trump administration’s remaining time in office – would total 113,516 MW.
FERC doesn’t include any nuclear capacity in its three-year forecast, while coal and oil are projected to contract by 24,373 MW and 1,915 MW, respectively. Natural gas capacity would expand by 5,730 MW.
Thus, adjusting for the different capacity factors of gas (59.7%), wind (34.3%), and utility-scale solar (23.4%), electricity generated by the projected new solar capacity to be added in the coming three years should be at least six times greater than that produced by the new natural gas capacity, while the electrical output by new wind capacity would be more than double that by gas.
If FERC’s current “high probability” additions materialize, by May 1, 2028, solar will account for one-sixth (16.6%) of US installed utility-scale generating capacity. Wind would provide an additional one-eighth (12.6%) of the total. That would make each greater than coal (12.2%) and substantially more than nuclear power or hydropower (7.3% and 7.2%, respectively).
In fact, assuming current growth rates continue, the installed capacity of utility-scale solar is likely to surpass that of either coal or wind within two years, placing solar in second place for installed generating capacity, behind only natural gas.
Renewables + small-scale solar may overtake natural gas within 3 years
The mix of all utility-scale (ie, >1 MW) renewables is now adding about two percentage points each year to its share of generating capacity. At that pace, by May 1, 2028, renewables would account for 37.7% of total available installed utility-scale generating capacity – rapidly approaching that of natural gas (40.1%). Solar and wind would constitute more than three-quarters of installed renewable energy capacity. If those trend lines continue, utility-scale renewable energy capacity should surpass that of natural gas in 2029 or sooner.
However, as noted, FERC’s data do not account for the capacity of small-scale solar systems. If that’s factored in, within three years, total US solar capacity could exceed 300 GW. In turn, the mix of all renewables would then be about 40% of total installed capacity while the share of natural gas would drop to about 38%.
Moreover, FERC reports that there may actually be as much as 224,426 MW of net new solar additions in the current three-year pipeline in addition to 69,530 MW of new wind, 9,072 MW of new hydropower, 202 MW of new geothermal, and 39 MW of new biomass. By contrast, net new natural gas capacity potentially in the three-year pipeline totals just 26,818 MW. Consequently, renewables’ share could be even greater by mid-spring 2028.
“The Trump Administration’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ … poses a clear threat to solar and wind in the years to come,” noted the SUN DAY Campaign’s executive director, Ken Bossong. “Nonetheless, FERC’s latest data and forecasts suggest cleaner and lower-cost renewable energy sources may still dominate and surpass nuclear power, coal, and natural gas.”
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