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The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) just released its Emissions Gap Report 2022 – and let’s just say, the news isn’t good. So brace yourselves: You’re likely to see a slew of frightening, doom-mongering headlines about it today, unleashing a fresh wave of terror over those of us who care about the planet. But rather than panicking, here’s what to do instead.

What the UN’s Emissions Gap Report says

The 99-page report’s title is: “The Closing Window: Climate crisis calls for rapid transformation of societies.”

The UNEP really isn’t messing around with that title, is it?

It undoubtedly wants to light a fire under the bottoms of world leaders ahead of November’s 2022 UN Climate Change Conference, aka COP27, in Egypt. But my heart sank when I read that the UNEP views the year between COP26 and now as “a wasted year.”

Inger Andersen, the UNEP’s executive director, states in the report’s foreword that nations are procrastinating action to fight climate change, and this is what all countries must do:

To get on track to limiting global warming to 1.5°C, we would need to cut 45% off current greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. For 2°C, we would need to cut 30%.

A stepwise approach is no longer an option.

And then Andersen summarizes the part where hope lies – in action:

This report tells us how to go about such a transformation. It looks in-depth at the changes needed in electricity supply, industry, transport, buildings and food systems. It looks at how to reform financial systems so that these urgent transformations can be adequately financed.

She then says something that I found deeply jarring:

Is it a tall order to transform our systems in just eight years? Yes. Can we reduce greenhouse gas emissions by so much in that timeframe? Perhaps not. But we must try.

“Perhaps not.”

An alternative to panic

So after I read over the UNEP’s embargoed report documents, I could feel the climate change anxiety setting in, so I do what I usually do on such occasions: I went into the forest near my house in Vermont to regroup. I dug in the soil and the leaves with my bare hands, getting gloriously dirty. It’s incredibly cathartic to get earth on my face and under my fingernails. And as I was doing that, and taking deep, slow breaths, I thought about how to approach this rather overwhelming UN report.

This report, which asserts that “the international community is still falling far short of the Paris goals, with no credible pathway to 1.5°C in place. Only an urgent system-wide transformation can avoid an accelerating climate disaster.”

And it also says really scary things like this:

Policies currently in place, without further strengthening, suggest a 2.8°C hike.

I won’t lie. I initially wanted to hide in the woods and not write this. I felt intimidated. But giving up is a form of passive panic. And the UN report most definitely does not say, “Do nothing.” Rather, I thought about what I choose to do instead of panic every day. I learn and write about clean energy and electric vehicles and batteries. I easily find inspirational things to write about (such as solar over canals, pictured above) because I regularly discover innovative scientific breakthroughs, or big milestones that inspire delight.

I drive an electric car. I am working to electrify my house with solar and storage. And as I do these things, I then share what I learn in my stories in order to make it easier for others to navigate the path to electrification.

I am also a dual US/UK citizen, and I vote in both places. I vote only for people who want to fight for our planet. Thank you, Joe Biden, for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, both of which are catalysts for climate action in the US now. (Doesn’t that count in the “wasted year,” UNEP?) And Boris Johnson, you are a hot mess, but I appreciated you championing clean energy. Rishi Sunak, you must now do the right thing.

Look for the helpers

However – I’m not a scientist. So while digging furiously in the dirt and the leaves, I decided to “look for the helpers,” so to speak. (What can I say? I find Fred Rogers comforting.)

The expert I really wanted to talk to was Michael Mann. He is the presidential distinguished professor and director, Penn Center for Science, Sustainability & the Media, at the University of Pennsylvania. He’s a climatologist and geophysicist, and he also thinks panic is a waste of time.

Here is Professor Mann’s take on UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2022:

Hi Michelle,

I would quibble with some of the claims made. They just don’t stand up to the actual peer-reviewed literature.

The claim that “Climate pledges leave the world on track for a temperature rise of 2.4-2.6°C by the end of this century” is misleading if not outright false.

The most comprehensive peer-reviewed work on this, published by a leading team of modeling experts in April in the leading journal Nature, shows that  COP26 commitments can keep warming below 2C if they are kept in full and on time.

Where the report is correct is that more work clearly needs to be done if warming is to be kept below 1.5C.

Just months ago, however, nobody foresaw the major policy advances in both Australia and the US with the election of a pro-action Labor government in the former case, and the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act by a 50/50 Senate in the latter case. It is estimated that the legislation will lower US emissions by 40% this decade, which puts us very close to our emissions reduction target. And with US leadership, we can expect other major emitters to now come to the table at COP27.

But I would once again emphasize that more has to be done, and those who care about the defining challenge of our time — the climate crisis — need to turn out in droves in the upcoming midterm elections. The president is constrained in what he can do, particularly given the punitive agenda of the current conservative majority on the US Supreme Court. That means it is necessary for Congress to take a leadership role.

The Inflation Reduction Act represents real progress, but only with a larger climate-friendly majority in the Senate will it be possible to pass even more aggressive climate legislation in the US.

Don’t hesitate to let me know if any of this can use further elaboration.

Thanks,

Mike 

The UN and Michael Mann align on the fact that more needs to be done.

But not panicking doesn’t mean resting on your laurels. It means actually doing your part. No more “blah blah blah.” And that’s not just a directive for world leaders. That’s a responsibility everyone has to take.

Insulate your house. Get an electric bike. Turn your heating down. Tap into the Inflation Reduction Act rebate for money for a heat pump. Go solar, as it’ll also save you money on your electric bill. Write your representative. Vote for the candidate who will fight climate change. Compost. Never stop learning. Drive an EV sooner rather than later.

Every small change makes a difference.

UnderstandSolar is a free service that links you to top-rated solar installers in your region for personalized solar estimates. Tesla now offers price matching, so it’s important to shop for the best quotes. Click here to learn more and get your quotes. — *ad.

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Polestar 3 can now power your home – and cut your energy bill

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51 mins ago

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November 18, 2025

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Polestar 3 can now power your home – and cut your energy bill

Polestar home energy

Image: Polestar

Polestar and home energy company dcbel are rolling out vehicle‑to‑home (V2H), blackout backup, and smart charging features for Polestar 3 owners in the US, starting in California.

Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller calls bidirectional charging a “game-changer” for both EVs and home energy. “As it lowers your total cost of ownership and makes your car work for you even when parked, this makes the choice of driving a Polestar even more attractive,” he said.

Bidirectional tech lets an EV battery charge not only from the grid but also send power back out, either into your home or back to the grid. That means lower energy bills, home backup during outages, and better use of renewable energy.

This initial setup utilizes DC power and activates V2H capability for Polestar 3 models based on a 400-volt architecture. The California‑only offer includes dcbel’s Ara home energy system and could help drivers cut charging costs by as much as $1,300 a year. Polestar says the car could also serve as emergency backup power for up to 10 days, depending on conditions.

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California residents can apply for rebates through a state program run by dcbel, helping offset the cost of both hardware and installation. More details are available on dcbel’s Polestar page.

“We are very excited to deliver this initial bidirectional charging offer together with our North American partner dcbel,” said Olivier Loedel, Polestar’s head of software product management, adding that this “marks an important first step as we aim to launch bidirectional charging features to more Polestar customers in more markets.”

Polestar says a wider rollout is planned. In Germany, with more European markets set to follow, the brand has already introduced the bidirectional‑ready Zaptec Go2 AC charger, which will support the capability when it becomes available on compatible Polestar 3 vehicles.

Read more: Polestar wants to save the grid with V2G Virtual Power plant trial in CA/Sweden

If you’re looking to replace your old HVAC equipment, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you’re finding a trusted, reliable HVAC installer near you that offers competitive pricing on heat pumps, check out EnergySage. EnergySage is a free service that makes it easy for you to get a heat pump. They have pre-vetted heat pump installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions. Plus, it’s free to use!

Your personalized heat pump 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. – *ad


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Kia just showed the PV5 electric van can pretty much do it all

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2 hours ago

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November 18, 2025

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Kia just showed the PV5 electric van can pretty much do it all

Kia-PV5-Chassis-Cab

The PV5 is more than just an electric van. It can do it all. After revealing the PV5 Chassis Cab, Kia showed how it can turn into a food truck, a camper, and plenty of other setups you wouldn’t expect.

Kia launches the PV5 Chassis Cab

Kia’s electric van can do it all. The PV5 is a mid-size all-electric van and the first from Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business.

The PV5 Passenger and Cargo variants are already rolling out across Europe and South Korea, with more markets planned over the next few months.

At SOLUTRANS 2025 in Lyons, France, on Monday, Kia revealed another new version: The PV5 Chassis Cab. As Kia’s first electric chassis cab model, it marks a significant step toward the company’s goal of becoming a leader in light commercial electric vans by 2030.

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Like all PBV vans, the Chassis Cab is built on the flexible E-GMP.S platform. Depending on the configuration, the PV5 Chassis Cab offers up to 1,005 kg (2,200 lbs) of max payload and eight cubic meters of cargo space (High Box).

Kia-PV5-Chassis-Cab
Kia reveals the PV5 Chassis Cab at SOLUTRANS 2025 (Source: Kia)

The PV5 Chassis Cab “combines compact efficiency with the carrying capacity of larger vans to offer customers across Europe a responsible, flexible solution for daily operations,” Kia Europe’s CEO, Marc Hedrich, said during the launch event.

Kia developed the new Chassis Cab model with European converters as the most flexible PV5 variant yet. The Dropside can be used for farming or construction equipment, the Tipper for waste collection.

Kia-PV5-Chassis-Cab-interior
An interior setup for the Kia PV5 Chassis Cab (Source: Kia)

It also supports three types of Box Vans for e-commerce deliveries, as well as a refrigerated option for grocery delivery.

To showcase its abilities, Kia converted one into a food truck and will offer drinks and “brioches aux pralines roses,” a traditional pastry from Lyon.

The PV5 Chassis Cab will be available with two battery packs: 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh. The driving range will vary based on the setup, but Kia said, for reference, the L2H1 Cargo delivers a WLTP range of up to 297 km (185 mi) with the standard battery and 416 km (258 mi) with the long-range battery.

With DC fast-charging speeds of up to 150 kW, the electric van can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes, getting you back on the road.

Kia also introduced the Kia Business Solutions Ecosystem, its new suite of connectivity and charging services for fleets.

Kia-PV5-Chassis-Cab
The interior of the Kia PV5 Chassis Cab (Source: Kia)

The new Kia Android OS infotainment system is at the center with AI Assist, regular OTA updates, and readiness for the PLEOS app market. Drivers can manage and sync profiles on the 12.9″ touchscreen.

Kia’s new Chassis Cab variant follows the PV5 Cargo Long Range, which set a new Guinness World Record in September for “The greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge.”

Kia-PV5-World-Record
The Kia PV5 Cargo Long Range sets a new Guinness World Record (Source: Kia)

Using the 71.2 kWh battery with 665 kg (1,466 lbs) payload, Kia’s electric van traveled 693.38 km (430.84 mi) on a single charge.

On Friday, Kia opened its first dedicated PV5 production hub in South Korea. The new EVO Plant East is a 98,433 square-meter site with an annual production capacity of 100,000 units. Kia will build PV5 Passenger, Carog, Chassis Cab, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) models at the facility.

The entire hub will be about the size of 42 soccer fields. Once complete, it will be able to crank out 250,000 electric vans a year.


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Navee Black Friday Sale takes up to 41% off e-scooters at lows from $315, Heybike Hauler dual-battery cargo e-bike at new $1,099 low, more

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2 hours ago

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November 18, 2025

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Navee Black Friday Sale takes up to 41% off e-scooters at lows from 5, Heybike Hauler dual-battery cargo e-bike at new ,099 low, more


Headlining today’s Green Deals is Navee’s official Black Friday Sale, which is not only offering up to 30% in initial discounts on its e-scooters, but you’ll also be able to score an additional $100 sitewide savings using the given code below (up to 41% total savings). Among the lineup, we’re seeing Navee’s flagship ST3 Pro Electric Scooter, which I’ve been loving for months now, dropping to its $660 low for the second-ever time. Behind it is Heybike’s Dual-Battery Hauler Cargo e-bike that is getting some FREE gear alongside the price cut to a new $1,099 low, as well as EcoFlow’s latest 48-hour early Black Friday flash sale, a Greenworks yard-clearing solution, and more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals that are collected together at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Bluetti Elite 400 power station and bundled launch deals, 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.

Save up to 41% on Navee’s smart e-scooters, like the flagship ST3 Pro at its second-ever $660 low, more from $315

Navee has officially launched its Black Friday Sale, which is not only seeing up to 30% initial discounts across its lineup of e-scooters, but is also offering a bonus $100 sitewide savings using the code BFVIP at checkout. One notable returning low price during this sale is on the flagship ST3 Pro Smart Electric Scooter at $659.99 shipped, after using the promo code BFVIP at checkout, beating out its Amazon pricing by $100. It carries a $950 MSRP, but we usually see it keeping down between $760 and $850 on average, with today’s rate having only appeared once before back during July’s Prime Day event. Now, you’re getting a second chance to score $190 off the going rate (and $290 off the MSRP) for the lowest price we have tracked since it hit the market in January. Head below to learn more about this scooter that I cannot stop raving about after going hands-on in our review, as well as the massive lineup of deals we’re seeing across the brand’s e-scooters.

There’s so much to love about Navee’s ST3 Pro electric scooter, from its significant commuting power to its wide array of smart features, including Apple Find My, proximity locking, and more. Of course, the first thing I and others have immediately noticed is its damping arm suspension system that has served me well through the streets of NYC, smoothing out rides down unpaved or pot-hole lined sections.

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The comfortable deck (which comes sporting dual RGB light strips) houses a 600W motor (1,350W peak), bringing the power to tackle up to 28% inclines with ease, while also providing fast acceleration to its max 20/28 MPH speeds (which depend on your local laws). There’s also a sizeable 597Wh battery here that keeps things running for up to 46.6 miles of travel, which I have yet to fully run down during cross-borough trips and joyrides. There’s plenty more to boast about here, like the traction control system, the triple-brake system (hydraulic, mechanical, and electronic regenerative brakes), self-healing puncture-resistant tires, an auto-on headlight, a taillight with brake lighting, turn signals on the handlebars, 15 ambient lighting modes, and more. Get the full rundown of what you can expect in my hands-on review from over the summer.

***Note: The prices below have not had the extra sitewide savings factored in, so be sure to use the promo code BFVIP at checkout to score the very best deals during Navee’s Black Friday Sale!

Navee’s city-cruising Black Friday Sale offers:

  • V25 Electric Scooter: $315 (Reg. $380)
    • 15.5 MPH for 15.5 miles
    • Smart controls, and more
  • V40N Electric Scooter: $329 (Reg. $470)
    • 20 MPH for up to 25 miles
    • Smart controls, hidden AirTag holder, customizable lighting, regen brakes, and more
  • V50i Pro Electric Scooter: $420 (Reg. $600)
    • 20 MPH for up to 31 miles
    • Smart controls, hidden AirTag holder, one-tap unlocking, and more.
  • ST3 Electric Scooter: $599 (Reg. $850)
    • 20/25 MPH for up to 37.3 miles
    • Apple Find My, smart locking, damping arm suspension, triple braking, and more.
  • ST3 Pro Electric Scooter: $760 (Reg. $950)
    • 20/25 MPH for up to 46.6 miles
    • Apple Find My, smart locking, damping arm suspension, triple braking, and more.

Navee’s all-road Black Friday Sale offers:

  • GT3 Electric Scooter: $400 (Reg. $550)
    • 20 MPH for up to 31 miles
    • Apple Find My, smart locking, quad shock absorption, dual braking, and more.
  • GT3 Pro Electric Scooter: $460 (Reg. $650)
    • 20 MPH for up to 37.3 miles
    • Apple Find My, smart locking, quad shock absorption, dual braking, and more.
  • GT3 Max Electric Scooter: $490 (Reg. $700)
    • 20 MPH for up to 46.6 miles
    • Apple Find My, smart locking, dual suspension, and more.
  • N65i Electric Scooter: $630 (Reg. $900)
    • 20/25 MPH for up to 40 miles
    • Bluetooth locking, triple braking system, and more.
  • XT5 Pro Long-range Off-road Electric Scooter: $1,500 (No initial price cut)
    • 31 MPH for up to 46.6 miles
    • Apple Find My, smart locking, damping arm suspension, triple braking system, and more

You can also find the brand’s latest e-scooter releases (with no starting discounts), as well as a kids-friendly model on Navee’s main Black Friday Sale page here.

father and son on trail with Heybike hauler e-bikes

Get up to 85 miles of pedal-assisted cargo carrying on Heybike’s dual-battery Hauler e-bike at a new $1,099 low

Heybike is now offering its Hauler Dual-Battery Cargo e-bike at $1,099 shipped, with it also coming with an $89 dual rear side basket bundle and a Black Friday gift pack for FREE. Normally going for $1,899 at full price, we usually see this model dropped down to $1,599, with occasional falls lower to $1,499 or $1,399. The deal here is going lower than ever, as $800 is cut from the tag for the lowest price we have tracked, while the single-battery model is now sold out.

If you want to learn more about this e-bike, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

woman walking with EcoFlow DELTA Pro power station down driveway

EcoFlow’s next 48-hour flash sale drops DELTA Pro 400W solar bundle to new $1,599 low

As part of its ongoing early Black Friday Sale, EcoFlow has launched its final early Black Friday 48-hour flash sale before it kicks into its second phase on November 20, with up to 67% discounts on four offers – two power station bundles and two dual expansion battery bundles. The standout for folks wanting more versatile charging options is EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Portable Power Station with a 400W solar panel at $1,599 shipped, beating out its Amazon pricing by $300. This bundle would normally run for $4,898 at full price here, while it keeps down at $3,999 at Amazon when in full, though Prime members have had the opportunity to score it under $2,000 for months now. Discounts over the year have only taken the costs on this bundle down as low as $1,799 up until today, with this greater 60% markdown taking $2,400 off the going rate (67% taking $3,299 off the MSRP) and landing it at a new all-time low price. Head below to learn more about it and the other offers lasting through November 19.

If you want to learn more about this or the other offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 48-hour flash sale here.

man clearing yard of leaves with Greenworks leaf blower

Get more clearing power for seasonal debris with Greenworks’ 80V 700 CFM cordless blower at $175

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 80V 700 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower with 2.5Ah battery at $174.99 shipped. Dropped down from its usual $250 full price, we only saw it dipping to $200 up until July, when discounts grew and we saw more savings. While it did go as low as $165 during last month’s Prime Day event, you’re still looking at a solid 30% markdown here, cutting $75 off the going rate for the third-lowest price we have tracked – just $10 above the one-time low.

If you want to learn more about this leaf blower, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Best Fall 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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