Last week, Hurricane Ida knocked out all 8 transmission lines into New Orleans. In Baton Rouge, it took out our communications along with our electricity — with the exception of those who had Verizon. Although most of Baton Rouge is getting back online, New Orleans as well as smaller towns and cities still don’t have power.
Someone shared an article by Canary Media with me, and after reading it, I fully agree. We need microgrids here in Louisiana, yet our leaders don’t seem to want them. Advocates have been trying for years to make our local grid resilient, but oddly, our leaders don’t seem to want that. Why?
This isn’t the first time I’ve seen governments (local, state, etc.) purposely refuse to do things that benefit everyone. It’s like they want us to have messed up grids so that we suffer during disasters. The article cited another article by Canary Media that showed the outcome following local authorities’ repeated dismissals of proposals to invest in decentralized and resilient grid upgrades.
In 2016, a New Orleans-based nonprofit, Alliance for Affordable Energy, had a great alternative to Entergy New Orleans’ plan to build a new natural-gas-fired power plant. That idea was to build clean electricity resilience from the ground up — an integrated resilience plan that challenged Entergy New Orleans to try to find an alternative to a central power plant. The plant would be subject to known vulnerabilities — such as the impact of a category 4 hurricane.
The Alliance for Affordable Energy called for pursuing distributed microgrids. The article aptly described these as self-powered islands of solar power, batteries, and backup generation that could provide electricity during grid outages. If only we had these during Ida. Executive director Logan Atkinson Burke shared how this was frustrating. “Had we taken the time and initiative to plan for distributed generation, distributed solar-plus-storage, and more energy efficiency, people would be more prepared to shelter safely and comfortably,” Burke said. “We’ve been advocating for microgrids to be built within the city for years for precisely this reason.”
Here’s Why Entergy Doesn’t Want Distributed Energy
The problem is Entergy’s long-standing opposition to distributed energy. The utility has consistently opposed including local renewable energy and energy storage in its own plans. Utilities also get an incentive when they convince regulators to approve large power plants instead of enabling customer-sited distributed energy such as rooftop solar. The article pointed out that vertically integrated utilities such as Entergy are paid a guaranteed rate of return on capital investments, including power plants. Self-supplied customer energy reduces the revenue and profits Entergy and other utilities earn from selling electricity.
It’s all about money, profits, and greed. They make more money from weakening our defenses against disasters such as Ida than they would from strengthening them. And we, the people, end up paying the price. And our government readily caters to this greed. Not just Louisiana’s — this trend is seen elsewhere as well.
Car dealerships in Connecticut, for example, lobby legislatures to prevent Tesla and Rivian from coming to their state and opening a sales center. This hurts the economy, but they do it anyway. It’s all about greed, money, and profits.
Kia’s first electric sedan is off to a slow start. Despite selling just 831 EV4 models in its first sales month, Kia expects things to pick up quickly from here.
Kia EV4 disappoints in its first sales month
The EV4 is not your typical four-door sedan. Kia calls it “an entirely new type of EV sedan” with its updated “Opposites United” design.
It almost resembles the K4, but the electric model features a distinct style with Kia’s Tiger Face front end with vertical headlights and its signature Star Map lighting. The low nose, wide wheel arches, and a fastback silhouette add to the sporty design.
Although Kia claimed it would “set a new standard for electric sedans” after launching it in Korea earlier this year, the EV4 is off to a rocky start.
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Kia sold just 831 EV4 models in its first sales month, fewer than the EV3 (1,866), EV6 (1,910), and (1,334). It’s also far off the company’s target of selling 25,000 units annually. According to local reports, delivery delays and subsidy issues led to “limited deliveries.”
Kia EV4 sedan Korea-spec (Source: Hyundai Motor)
Kia expects sales to rebound quickly as it ramps up output and government subsidies resume. In Korea, the entry-level EV4 Air starts at 41.92 million won ($30,000). It’s available with two battery options, 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh.
The standard (58.3 kWh) battery is rated for a range of up to 237 miles (382 km) in Korea, while the extended-range (81.4 kWh) battery offers a range of 331 miles (533 km), the highest of any Hyundai Motor EV.
Trim
Starting Price
Kia EV4 Standard Air
41.92 million won ($28,900)
Kia EV4 Standard Earth
46.69 million won ($32,000)
Kia EV4 Standard GT-Line
47.83 million won ($32,900)
Kia EV4 Long Range Air
46.29 million won ($31,800)
Kia EV4 Long Range Earth
51.04 million won ($35,000)
Kia EV4 Long Range GT-Line
51.04 million won ($35,900)
Kia EV4 prices by trim in Korea (Source: Kia)
Kia credits the EV4’s aerodynamic design for its long-range capabilities, boasting an ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.23.
Using a 350 kW charger, the long-range EV4 can charge from 10% to 80% in around 31 minutes. The standard model will take about 29 minutes.
Kia EV4 sedan interior (Source: Hyundai Motor)
The interior features a minimalist setup with Kia’s new ccNC infotainment system at the center. The setup includes dual 12.3″ driver display and navigation screens in addition to a 5″ climate control screen.
Later this year, Kia will launch the EV4 in Europe, followed by the US in early 2026. Although prices will be revealed closer to launch, it’s expected to start at around $35,000 to $40,000.
2026 Kia EV4 electric sedan for the US (Source: Kia)
In the US, the electric sedan will be offered with the same 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery packs, which Kia estimates will provide up to 235 miles and 330 miles of range, respectively. It will also come with a built-in NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers. We got a closer look at the US-spec model this week after it was spotted driving in public during final testing.
Kia previously said it aimed to sell 165,000 EV4 models annually, including 80,000 in Europe, 50,000 in the US, and 25,000 in Korea.
A new Chevy Equinox prototype was spotted testing, hinting that a new plug-in hybrid variant could be coming soon. The Equinox is already a top-selling EV in the US (and Canada), but a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model would be a first for one of GM’s most popular SUVs.
Is GM launching the Chevy Equinox PHEV?
With Chevy leading the way, GM became the “fastest-growing high volume EV manufacturer in the US” after electric vehicle sales rose 50% in the fourth quarter.
Chevy is now America’s fastest-growing EV brand with the new electric Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado hitting the market.
In the first three months of the year, Chevy sold 10,329 electric Equinox, 6,187 Blazer, and 2,383 Silverado models. According to S&P Global Mobility (via Automotive News), Chevy surpassed Ford in March to become the second-best-selling EV brand, with registrations climbing 274% to nearly 8,500.
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It looks like Chevy is now preparing to expand the Equinox lineup with a new plug-in hybrid. The new prototype was spotted driving in the US by a GM Authority reader.
Since there are no facelifts or refreshes we are aware of, it could be the first Chevy Equinox PHEV model. The images show an almost identical look to the new 2025 Equinox model.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS (Source: GM)
Despite its initial commitment to EVs, GM has already announced plans to introduce PHEVs in the US. It already sells a Chevy Equinox plug-in hybrid model, but only in China. The Chinese version will not make the trip overseas.
Although nothing is confirmed, if Chevy launches an Equinox PHEV model, it will likely arrive as a 2027 model year vehicle.
2025 Chevy Equinox EV LT (Source: GM)
Chevy isn’t the only GM brand selling more electric cars. Cadillac is also starting to gain traction with a full EV lineup.
GM’s luxury brand now offers the midsize Lyriq, the entry-level Optiq, the three-row Vistiq, and the larger Escalade IQ.
Chevy Equinox EV (Source: GM)
During an interview with CNBC last month, Brad Granz, Cadillac’s global marketing director, said its new EVs are attracting buyers from other brands, including Tesla. Granz added that nearly 80% of EV buyers are new to the brand and roughly 25% of those buying a Lyriq are former Tesla drivers, up from 10 to 15% previously.
And it’s not just in the US. GM announced it had surpassed Tesla to become the “#1 EV seller” in Canada, offering a full lineup of 13 electric vehicles.
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Cruise for adventure on Rad Power’s RadRover 6 Plus e-bike at $1,399 ($200 off) in Father’s Day Sale
Rad Power has launched its Father’s Day Sale running through June 25 with up to $600 currently being taken off e-bike price tags. We’re seeing several notable returning models that haven’t been featured in these sales for a while, like the popular RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru Fat Tire e-bike that is down at $1,399 shipped. You’d normally be paying $1,599 at full price for this model, with the $200 price cut here only having been beaten out by its $1,299 pricing from September 2024, and the $1,199 low we briefly saw at the top of 2025. You’re otherwise looking at the best rate we’ve tracked in the new year, which gives you a solid multi-terrain commuter, which I have loved riding every time I visit my parents.
The RadRover 6 Plus e-bike is a great option for Dads everywhere, with my own having been loving his since picking it up at the top of 2024 (though it is the discontinued high-step model), mostly as his alternative way to get around when going camping (especially with him having gone all-out with the add-on accessories). It comes equipped with a 750W brushless geared hub motor powered by the semi-integrated 672Wh battery, which supports you with five PAS levels for up to 45+ miles at 20 MPH top speeds. Of course, if you’re looking at shorter commutes or don’t want to manually pedal, there’s always the throttle for electric cruises, but remember that this will lower its travel range.
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It’s a well-balanced ride for those who enjoy on-street and off-road journeys alike, with the fat Kenda Juggernaut puncture-resistant tires able to stand against the swampy terrain of Virginia during my visits with no problem – plus, the electrical system is protected with water-resistant connectors. You’ll also get it arriving stocked with a Shimano 7-speed derailleur, hydraulic brakes, fenders above both tires, an LED headlight and taillight with brake lighting (and auto-on functions for both), and a LCD display.
Rad Power’s Father’s Day Sale e-bike deals:
EcoFlow drops prices on its Home Backup Kit and expansion battery bundles in 72-hour flash sale from $349
We’re in the final days of EcoFlow’s June Disaster Sale that will be continuing to take up to 55% off power stations through June 8, and the brand is offering a 72-hour flash sale on three add-on units. Things start with the Home Backup Kit for $349 shipped, bringing costs down from its full $399 price tag. This handy add-on tends to not see many discounts, often accompanying power stations in discounted bundles instead. We’re seeing a $50 markdown while this sale lasts, dropping it back to the lowest price we have tracked.
For folks who want to take the next step above just having a power station, with the Home Backup Switch installed, you’ll be able to have the plug-and-play option for home backup. When the grid goes down, this device allows you to cover up to 6 of your home’s breakers to receive power from the station, like your fridge, outlets in main living areas, and more. It comes pre-wired in a metal cabinet casing, but will require a qualified electrician to install.
Our next two offers give you varying expansion batteries for two power stations that work great alongside the above backup switch, with the first being two DELTA Pro 3 Smart Extra Batteries for $3,999 shipped. The brand doesn’t normally offer two of these, except as bundles for the station, with the discounts we have been seeing before today normally costing you $4,398 to pick up both separately. Adding these to your setup increases the DELTA 3 Pro’s capacity by 8,192Wh. You can also pick up two DELTA Pro Ultra Smart Extra Batteries for $4,599 shipped, bringing costs down from their $6,198 tag and coming in $200 under the sale’s initial discounted pricing. With these added to your setup, you’ll gain an additional 12.2kWh added to the DELTA Pro Ultra’s capacity, bumping it closer to its max 90kWh capacity.
Get a 2-in-1 solution with Greenworks’ 24V 10-inch cordless pole saw and 20-inch pole trimmer combo back at $200 low
Amazon is offering the Greenworks 24V 10-inch Cordless Pole Saw and Pole Hedge Trimmer Combo at $199.99 shipped. Normally priced at $300, discounts before 2025 rolled around took the cost down to $212 at most. However, there has been an increase in savings in the new year, with the price dropping further to the $200 mark, which we’ve seen twice before. That all-time low price is coming back around for a third time today, giving you $100 in savings and equipping you with a handy 2-in-1 pruning/trimming solution.
As a former groundskeeper, summer is a more active time for pruning and trimming branches/shrubbery, and this 2-in-1 combo package from Greenworks is ready to help you tackle it with plenty of reach. The pole saw attachment gives you a 10-inch bar and chain to shorten over-reaching and/or broken branches, with an automatic oiler keeping everything running smoothly. You’ll also be getting the 20-inch pole hedge trimmer attachment too, which sports a pivoting head that has seven varying angles it can set to for an easier time hitting every side of your shrubs and hedges. The kit is rounded out with an included 4.0Ah battery that can be swapped out with any other 24V models for longer jobs.
Get flexible 2-in-1 functionality with Worx’s GT3.0 20V 12-inch cordless trimmer/edger with two batteries at $94
Amazon is offering the Worx GT3.0 20V 12-inch Cordless PowerShare String Trimmer/Edger with two batteries for $93.98 shipped. Normally running you $136 at full price, discounts over the last year have mostly been taking the cost on this package to $99, though we’ve seen it dip a little lower a few times, today included. You’re looking at a 31% markdown off the going rate here, saving you $42 at the best price we have spotted in 2025, giving you a legacy model that still gets the job done at a much lower price than many counterparts from other brands.
You’re getting a budget-friendly 2-in-1 lawn care solution with Worx’s GT3.0 string trimmer/edger, which the brand claimed at the time of release to be the “most flexible, customizable string trimmer you’ll ever own.” It has a 12-inch cutting swath and comes with a 90-degree pivoting cutting head for jobs on sloped or hard-to-reach areas around the yard, as well as a telescopic shaft and adjustable D-handle to provide comfortable options for different users’ sizes.
It weighs only 5.3 pounds with the battery connected, making it easy for anyone to use, and the cordless design means you don’t have to worry about getting wrapped up in any power cables. As part of Worx’s PowerShare family, the two included batteries are interchangeable with any other tools in the ecosystem that you may have, or you can use other batteries here.
Update your lake house shower with Camplux’s 18kW tankless electric water heater at $260
Coming at us by way of its official Amazon storefront, Camplux is offering discounts across its line of tankless electric water heaters, with shower times kept plenty steamy through the 18W Tankless Electric Water Heater at $259.98 shipped. This newer generation model dropped down from its original $350 price tag back at the top of 2025 to the $240 low, and has been steadily increasing in price since, with things plateauing recently around $290. While it’s not the lowest we’ve seen, it is a solid opportunity for anyone who missed out on the lower rates we saw earlier in the year, letting you get your home or lake house prepped for the seasonal visits. You’ll be able to add it to your home with $30 off the new going rate at the third-lowest price we have tracked – just $20 from the low.
Nothing beats a nice hot shower, regardless of the month (in my opinion), and it’s that time of the year when folks are noticing places around their homes or vacation houses that need some updating. Camplux’s 18kW unit not only ensures things stay steamy, but its compact form factor ensures far less space is taken up compared to traditional water heaters. You’ll also find various alternate sizes ranging from 8kW to 27kW on the same landing page, depending on your needs.
Once installed, according to Camplux, you won’t have to “wait more than 3 seconds to get plenty of hot water,” with the fast-heating low-consumption heating rods boasting “efficiency up to 99.8% and saving 60% water heating costs for your home.” There are plenty of safety protections built right in, like against overheating, anti-dry heating, water-electricity separation, and more. Do keep in mind though that it requires a minimum 0.66GPM water flow to activate, as well as two double-pole 40A breakers, a wire gauge of 2 x 8 AWG, and a 3/4-inch NPT connection.
Segway E2 Plus II eKickScooter (preorder until June 3): $350 (Reg. $400)
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.