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The upcoming refresh of the Mercedes eSprinter electric van has been tested with impressive results on both range and efficiency. In fact, they’re almost too impressive to be believed.

The test was conducted by TÜV Süd, an independent testing agency, on a real-world route through the mountains in Southern Germany – from Stuttgart to Munich and back again. The drive happened in mid-October, before winter cold or inclement weather set in – rain and snow can both lower efficiency for all vehicles by increasing rolling resistance.

On the trip, the eSprinter traveled 475km (295 miles) with an additional 20km (12 miles) left in the battery at the end of the trip. This worked out to an efficiency of 21.9kWh per 100km, equivalent to 2.8 miles/kWh, or about 350Wh/mi.

This is extremely high efficiency for a high-roof van, keeping in mind that the most efficient EV passenger cars are rated at around 4 miles/kWh by the EPA and other electric trucks (like Rivian and the F-150) are rated at around 2 miles/kWh.

Doing the math suggests a capacity of 108kWh – less than the rumored 120kWh. So we suspect a “usable” capacity in the range of 110kWh, though it’s possible that the nominal capacity will be 115-120kWh and Mercedes will restrict some of it from use to protect longevity.

Regardless, if this test is to be believed, the new eSprinter will offer more than double the range of the previous eSprinter and much higher efficiency, to boot.

Mercedes already sells the eSprinter in Europe, but the 2024 model is getting a big refresh. The current version has two smaller battery options – 41kWh and 55kWh, good for 115km and 150km (71 and 93 miles) of range, respectively.

This makes the van useful for local last-mile or across-town delivery applications, which many of these vehicles are used for, but restricts it from longer or more difficult routes.

The 2024 model will get larger battery options covering a wider spread, rumored at 60/80/120kWh. The larger gap between the smallest and largest batteries will mean that purchasers can get a van more suited to their specific needs so that customers who only need to do local deliveries don’t need to waste money and weight on extra batteries. One of those needs could be overlanding – or “vanlife” – which is increasingly popular and would be much easier to do with the 2024 model’s larger battery options.

But we won’t find out exactly what specs and options will be until February when the van is officially unveiled by Mercedes. Production is scheduled to start in the second half of 2023, suggesting an availability of late 2023 or early 2024. In the US, these vans will be assembled in Charleston, South Carolina, crucially enabling it to qualify for the new EV tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act.

Electrek’s Take

In fact, the increase in efficiency is so high that it’s hard to believe. The current eSprinter is rated at 1.6mi/kWh, and this test showed the 2024 model with an almost 50% increase in efficiency.

Frankly, we don’t know how this is possible, especially with a larger and, thus, presumably heavier battery.

It could be that Mercedes is holding back less battery capacity, giving more usable capacity to drivers, and that they also improved powertrain efficiency somehow. But with a roughly similar body, the van should have similar aerodynamic qualities, which is the main cause of energy loss while driving.

We don’t have any information on the driving style used, except that this was the normal route from Stuttgart to Munich in mixed conditions, including highways and mountain roads (with approximately 600m/2,000ft of ascent/descent).

So while this test was conducted by an independent agency, presumably using something similar to the WLTP protocol, it could be that they were actively attempting to drive efficiently and stretch the range of the vehicle. Presumably, the van was also unloaded, which would help with efficiency as well.

If we combine all of these dynamics – reducing battery holdback, improvements in powertrain efficiency, lack of payload, and most of all an efficient driving style – then it starts to become more believable, but that’s still a wild increase, nearly 50% from generation to generation.

So the old phrase applies: “Your mileage may vary.” This makes for another good lesson on EV efficiency – range is not set in stone; it depends heavily on many factors, not the least of which is driving style. If you find your EV’s range disappointing, one of the best places to look is your foot. Lay off it a little bit and you’ll go farther.

And while these test results are quite impressive and show that EV efficiency can, in fact, be higher in the real world than ratings suggest (depending on driving conditions), we’ll caution to wait until the van comes out before people get too excited about this. And Mercedes, in particular, might want to be careful about setting expectations high and potentially disappointing buyers, as other companies have received pushback when they’ve done the same.

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Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus folding e-bike at $1,699 low, Bluetti and Jackery take up to 50% off power stations + bonus savings, more

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August 8, 2025

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Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus folding e-bike at ,699 low, Bluetti and Jackery take up to 50% off power stations + bonus savings, more

Closing out this week’s Green Deals, our coverage is headlined by Rad Power’s RadExpand 5 Plus Folding e-bike dropping to its $1,699 low, alongside the ongoing $999 low on the predecessor RadExpand 5 model. From there, we have two power station sales taking up to 50% off units, with the first being Bluetti’s event that has dropped the Elite 100 V2 solar bundle with a 200W panel back to its $799 low. There’s also Jackery’s event with bonus 5% and 7% savings that has returned the new HomePower 3000 station to its $1,614 low. We also have two Greenworks tool deals – either the brand’s 24V 6-inch Mini Cordless Chainsaw or a 2-in-1 60V combo that gives you a 17-inch mower and a 13-inch string trimmer. Lastly, we have a one-day-only discount on Hiboy’s new S2 SE Electric Scooter at a new low price just in time for last-minute back-to-school needs. Plus, all the hangover savings are at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s launch deals on the new Heybike Ranger 3.0 Pro e-bike and Mars 3.0 e-bike, 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.

Hop on Rad Power’s RadExpand 5 Plus or RadExpand 5 folding e-bikes at their lowest prices starting from $999

Rad Power’s Back to School Sale may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still pick up two of the brand’s space-saving folding e-bikes at their lowest prices. Now through August 20, alongside the ongoing RadExpand 5 e-bike’s $999 low, you can grab the RadExpand 5 Plus Folding e-bike at $1,699 shipped. This model released last year but has been keeping posted at its full $1,899 rate for most of the time since, with only a free accessory package and one discount to this same rate on the books in 2025. The low price we first saw during Memorial Day sales is coming back around to save you $200 on this newer model that will also save you on storage space at home, in your dorm, or anywhere else.

The Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus comes as the latest iteration of the space-saving series, able to condense down to 29 inches high by 25 inches wide by 41 inches long to fit inside closets, car trunks, on RVs, and more. The 750W rear hub motor is paired with a 720Wh battery to carry you for up to 60+ miles with its five PAS levels activated at up to 20 MPH top speeds (supported by a torque sensor). Among its updated features, you’ll be getting a hydraulic suspension fork alongside hydraulic disc brakes for smoother rides and greater stopping power. There’s also the puncture-resistant tires, fenders to go over top of them, a rear cargo rack for added versatility, an LED headlight, a brake-activated taillight, a Shimano 7-speed derailleur, a color display with a USB-C port, and more.

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If you’re looking to still save space while paying less, the brand’s predecessor RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike is remaining at its $999 low for as long as supplies last. It has a similar combination of a 750W motor with a smaller 672Wh battery that provides up to 45+ miles of pedal-assisted travel at up to 20 MPH top speeds, and also comes with a foldable design for more convenient storage options. It’s a tried-and-true legacy model that offers a nice array of features, including a rear cargo rack, an auto-on LED headlight, an auto-on taillight with brake lighting, a 7-speed MicroShift derailleur, an LED display, and more.

man unloading Bluetti power station and solar panel from jeep with mountains in background

Bluetti’s August solar generator sale drops Elite 100 V2 bundle with 200W panel to $799 low, more from $169

Bluetti is having a solar generator sale that is taking up to 50% off bundled units alongside the exclusive $3,150 savings on the brand’s new Apex 300 Versatile Power Station and the parallel Elite 30 V2 Power Station launch deals. Standing out amongst the new products is the Elite 100 V2 Solar Generator bundle that comes with a 200W panel for $799 shipped, beating out Amazon’s pricing by $150. This package normally goes for $1,299 directly from the brand since its release a month ago, with a $1,399 price tag from Amazon, with the brand’s Prime Day sale having seen costs taken the lowest to $799 for the first time. That low rate is coming back around, saving you $500 off the going rate for a second chance at the best price we have tracked. Head below for more on this bundle and the others seeing discounts in this sale.

If you want to learn more about this solar generator bundle or browse the entire lineup of deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

woman opening refrigerator door that is being powered by Jackery's HomePower 3000 portable power station

Jackery cuts power station and accessory prices by up to 50% alongside bonus 5% and 7% savings starting from $89

Jackery is having an August home backup sale running through August 13, which is taking up to 50% off its power station lineup, complete with member-only pricing on top of an extra 5% and 7% savings on orders over $1,300. Among the lineup, we’re seeing continued Prime Day pricing on the brand’s new HomePower 3000 Portable Power Station for members (free to sign up) starting from $1,614.05 shipped, after using the code BACKUP5 at checkout for an additional 5% off, matching the price on Amazon. This new unit hit the scene back in May at $2,499, and is now matching the Prime Day low. You’re getting a third-ever drop to this all-time low price here, cutting $885 off the tag.

If you want to learn more about this new unit, as well as browse the full lineup of deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

man using greenworks 24V 6-inch mini chainsaw to cut tree branch

You can cut in tighter quarters with Greenworks’ 24V 6-inch cordless mini chainsaw at $95

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 24V 6-inch Cordless Mini Chainsaw with a 2.0Ah battery for $94.99 shipped, which is matching in price directly from the brand’s website. This model normally fetches $130 at full price, which we saw spending the first four months of 2025 keeping to $100, before rising back in price and dropping to the $90 low in June and during July’s Prime Day event. If you missed out on those all-time lows, you can pick it up now at the second-best price we have tracked, cutting $35 off the tag and landing it just $5 above the low.

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

split image of greenworks 60V 17-inch lawn mower and 13-inch string trimmer combo

This 60V Greenworks bundle gives you a 17-inch mower, 13-inch string trimmer, 4.0Ah battery and 3A charger for $375

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 60V 17-inch Cordless Push Mower and 60V 13-inch String Trimmer Combo Kit at $374.99 shipped, with the price being matched directly from the brand’s website. This package would normally run you $500 at full price, though we’ve seen the costs taken down to $400, $375, and a $350 low over 2025, with that low rate last appearing mid-June. You’re looking at a solid 25% markdown while the savings last, cutting $125 off the tag for the second-lowest price we have tracked.

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

man and woman having picnic in park next to two Hiboy S2 SE electric scooters

Get 17 miles of budget-friendly campus commuting on Hiboy’s S2 SE e-scooter at a new $270 low (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the best pricing yet on the newer Hiboy S2 SE Electric Scooter for $269.99 shipped just ahead of students going back to classes. This model hit the market back at the top of 2025 carrying a $550 price tag, with Best Buy instead regularly offering it these days at $330 without discounts. Among the previous discounts this year, the lowest we’ve seen the price go before today was $294 during Prime Day last month, with the deal here cutting $60 off the going rate ($280 off the MSRP) at the best price we have tracked. It’s even beating out Amazon’s pricing by $60 and Hiboy’s direct pricing by $27.

If you want to learn more about this commuting solution, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.

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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Hyundai’s most affordable electric SUV is a hit

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August 8, 2025

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Hyundai's most affordable electric SUV is a hit

Hyundai's-most-affordable-electric-SUV

The Inster EV is currently Hyundai’s most affordable electric SUV. With starting prices under $30,000, the compact EV is already making inroads in overseas markets.

Hyundai’s most affordable electric SUV invades Germany

After launching earlier this year, the Inster EV quickly became one of the top-selling electric cars in the heart of Europe.

In the first half of the year, Hyundai’s electric SUV was the best-selling electric small car in Germany. The Inster has now ranked among the top 10 best-selling EVs in the region for the third straight month with over 1,000 registrations.

With another 1,130 registrations in July, Hyundai’s most affordable electric SUV has now secured 6,300 registrations through the first seven months of 2025.

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“We’re delighted that Germany’s best-selling electric small car is a Hyundai,” said Ulrich Mechau, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Germany.

Hyundai’s regional boss added that “With the Hyundai INSTER, we’re hitting the right note – because even in electric mobility, there must be affordable cars with an excellent price-performance ratio.”

Hyundai's-most-affordable-electric-SUV
Hyundai Inster EV (Source: Hyundai UK)

Led by strong demand for EVs, Hyundai placed third among importers in Germany. Through July, electric vehicles account for 28% of Hyundai’s registrations in Europe’s largest auto market, a 10% increase compared to the same period last year.

Hyundai pointed out that it’s significantly outpacing the German electric vehicle market, which accounts for about 17.5% of registrations.

Hyundai's-most-affordable-electric-SUV
Hyundai Inster EV (Source: Hyundai UK)

The Inster EV is Hyundai’s most affordable electric SUV in Germany, starting at 23,900 euros ($28,000). It features a driving range of up to 370 km (230 miles) on the WLTP cycle, fast charging (10% to 80% in 30 minutes), and advanced features such as vehicle-to-load (V2L).

Hyundai’s EV lineup in Germany includes the Inster EV, Kona Electric, IONIQ 5, and soon the refreshed IONIQ 6 and new IONIQ 9 will be launched.

Hyundai's-most-affordable-electric-SUV
Hyundai Inster EV (Source: Hyundai Germany)

In the overall European market, the Inster EV was the 19th best-selling EV in June. With 3,322 registrations, it outsold the Dacia Spring (3,264) and the Toyota bZ4X (2,848).

Hyundai sells the Inster EV under the name Casper Electric in its home market of South Korea. Unfortunately, the low-cost electric SUV is not set to launch in the US.

For those of you in the US, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 remains one of the most affordable EVs on the market. With leases starting at just $179 per month, it may just be the best EV deal available. The IONIQ 5 is coming off its best sales month in the US yet, with 5,818 units sold in July.

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Tesla used car prices keep plumetting, dips below average used car

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4 hours ago

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August 8, 2025

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Tesla used car prices keep plumetting, dips below average used car

EPA EV sales

Tesla used car prices continue to plummet, while the average used car price is increasing. Despite being considered a premium brand, used Tesla vehicles are now cheaper than the used car sale price.

Isn’t this nuts?

Last year, Tesla’s used car prices started to drop along with the rest of the used car market in the US.

However, when the market started to recover in March 2025, Tesla’s used car prices didn’t. It continued to drop.

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In fact, it has now dropped so much that the average used Tesla vehicle costs less than the average used car on Car Gurus:

This is unprecedented. Although the brand has taken a significant hit over the last year, Tesla is still regarded as a premium brand in the industry. The fact that its average used car sale price would dip below the industry average, which includes inexpensive mass-market vehicles, is quite exceptional.

Used Tesla car prices are now down 4.59% year-over-year, compared to the market average being up 1.22%:

Make/Model Avg Price Last 30 days Last 90 days Year over Year
CarGurus Index $28,039 +0.19% +1.22% +1.22%
Tesla $27,814 -1.75% -4.59% -4.59%

All Tesla vehicles are down year-over-year, with the Cybertruck unsurprisingly leading the charge.

However, Cybertruck has started to recover in the last few months, along with Model 3.

The Model Y, which is by far Tesla’s most popular model by volume, is dragging the average down as it continues to fall:

Make/Model Avg Price Last 30 days Last 90 days Year over Year
Cybertruck $83,963 +0.88% +0.3% -30.44%
Model 3 $23,318 +0.2% +0.75% -8.04%
Model S $26,534 -5.48% -9.53% -22.61%
Model X $37,747 -2.33% -9.24% -16.8%
Model Y $29,216 -0.49% -0.68% -11.97%

Electrek’s Take

Many Tesla owners have been selling their used vehicles and switching to new brands, increasing the supply and putting pressure on prices.

I expected this, but I didn’t expect the pressure to be so great that prices would dip below the average used prices.

This is significant.

It’s proof that the Tesla brand has taken a massive reputational hit and there’s no clear recovery in sight.

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