Less than two months after its official start of production, Lightyear has suddenly suspended all assembly of its flagship 0 solar EV. Instead, the Dutch company says it will shift all focus and resources on the development and production of its second model – the Lightyear 2. This comes as a bit of a shock and begs the question whether Lightyear will have the funds to get its second solar EV model into scaled production.
It’s been a long and (mostly) encouraging road for Lightyear up to this point, as the Netherlands-based startup, which started as a student solar vehicle competition, has been developing some of the more impressive in-house vehicle technology we’ve come across recently.
That began with the Lightyear 0, the company’s long-promised solar EV expected to be a genuine trailblazer in an unproven segment, seemingly destined to prove what was possible beyond traditional battery electric vehicles.
After driving the 0 prototype last summer, we were more confident than ever that Lightyear was onto something special. Not only by experiencing the Lightyear 0 from behind the wheel, but by discussing all the solar and EV tech with the teams that developed and implemented it.
Last November, we were present in Finland for the official start of Lightyear 0 production, forever solidifying the company name as the first to reach the market. However, that title may come with an asterisk as Lightyear announced a complete suspension of the solar EV’s production to instead focus on its second model.
A sneak peek at the side of the Lightyear 2 / Source: Lightyear
Lightyear to refocus on 2 production, but can it get there?
Lightyear just posted a press release, announcing its revised business strategy, offering less than informative explanations hidden behind vague phrases like “overcoming challenges.” Due to these “challenges,” the Lightyear team explains that it will suspend all production of the 0 to focus entirely on the Lightyear 2.
This also includes a request to the court to suspend all incoming payments for its flagship model, sure to disappoint the near 1,000 customers who were expecting to receive delivery of not only the world’s first solar EV to reach the European market, but the most aerodynamic production vehicle in the world. Lightyear’s cofounder and CEO Lex Hoefsloot spoke:
Unfortunately we had to make this decision. The whole process of developing Lightyear 0 has provided our company many valuable learnings over the past years. We are now redirecting all our energy towards building Lightyear 2 in order to make it available to clients on schedule.
Its clear in getting to know the Lightyear team and in reading this release, that this decision was by no means taken lightly, and those who worked for years to get this solar electric baby onto an assembly line are likely reeling a lot more from this decision than any reservation holder, but it’s not encouraging news from a startup that has now taken a big step back from scaled SEV production.
With this decision, Lightyear is putting all of its solar powered eggs into one basket in the form of a $40,000 model with up to 500 miles of range called the Lightyear 2. Although the company has only teased brief images of the solar EV so far, the demand is quickly growing.
Lightyear’s wait list (not even pre-orders) opened on January 5 to customers in the US and Europe and has already surpassed 40,000 individual names, complimented by another 20,000 pre-orders from fleet customers. Hoefsloot elaborated:
We hope to conclude some key investments in the coming weeks in order to scale up to Lightyear 2, an affordable solar electric vehicle available for a wider audience.
A silver lining no doubt, but as Lightyear’s CEO alludes to above, the startup will need some serious investment money to succeed in its second attempt to scale toward viable solar EV production.
It’s currently unclear what Lightyear plans to do with the few 0 solar EVs that have been produced since Q4 of last year, or whether any of them have been delivered to customers. If so, the Lightyear 0 could end up being an even more exclusive collector’s vehicle that it would have been when Lightyear was still planning to build only 946 of them. We’ve asked the company for clarification.
We are sure to learn more about how Lightyear intends to scale its second attempt at a solar EV in the coming weeks and months, especially if it is in fact honing in on some “key investments.”
Electrek’s Take
This news comes as a shocker for me personally and judging by the timing of this, I’d surmise that there were several employees within Lightyear HQ that were blindsided by this news as well.
On a positive note, the appetite for the Lightyear 2 has already been tremendous, and most people have not even seen the full reveal (some lucky souls may have already seen it in person, though (*wink*).
For that reason, I can understand the shift of focus by Lightyear. You have a sleek, efficient, and most importantly, an affordable solar EV on your hands. It’s also donning much of the technology from the Lightyear 0, but some has even been perfected in some spots. It has the makings of a home run on paper, but will it make it into production?
What scares me is the sudden shift here, especially from a startup whose original strategy was to sell 946 of the 250,000 euro Lightyear 0 to help fund development and production of the 2. How do you fund the solar EV that is sure to sell more volume, but at a much lower MSRP? And how is Lightyear going to afford to scale to that level of production to support the high demand for such a vehicle?
A major production/contract manufacturing partner (or even two) feels almost imperative in this situation, so that’s some news I would keep keep an eye out for going forward. Perhaps even production in the EU and the US? All things I’m sure Lightyear is considering already.
I would think… I would hope, the Lightyear team has some very encouraging financial discussions going on behind closed doors to elicit such a bold and potentially lethal shift in its strategy. Still a fan of the company and its technology, so I’m absolutely rooting for them and the Lightyear 2 (of course I’m on the wait list). However, my confidence in the company’s future took a major hit today.
Between Sono Motors, Aptera, and now Lightyear, the future of solar EV mobility is being challenged. Let’s hope for the Earth’s sake that all three overcome their respective hurdles and succeed.
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Can-Am, a subsidiary of BRP, has officially entered the electric age. After bringing their electric motorcycle to market, they electrified another segment of their line-up: ATVs, starting with the Outlander Electric.
Last month, I visited Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to test out the electric ATV, and I came away impressed by the experience.
Can-Am Outlander Electric
The new Outlander Electric is built for work, and its specs back that up. The electric motor delivers 47 hp and 53 lb-ft of torque, providing instant and silent power. But the headline feature is its impressive 1,830 lb towing capacity, which surpasses even high-end gasoline-powered ATVs from competitors and Can-Am’s own lineup.
The ATV is powered by an 8.9 kWh battery, which is relatively small, offering a range of up to 50 miles (80 km).
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While this might not seem like a massive range for recreational users, it’s more than enough for a day’s work on the farm or for hunters and park rangers who need to move quietly through natural environments, which is the intended use of this ATV. It’s not a trail vehicle.
When it comes to charging, the Outlander Electric supports Level 2 charging, which can replenish the battery from 20% to 80% in just 50 minutes. You can also recharge the ATV on a regular 120-volt outlet overnight.
Can-Am has also included several features tailored to the needs of its customers. The Outlander Electric has three selectable ride modes: Normal, Sport, and Work, allowing the rider to adjust the power delivery to the task at hand. It also comes equipped with a 5-inch color display, XPS Recon Force tires, and a full skid plate for protection.
Priced at US $12,999, the Can-Am Outlander Electric ATV is now available on Can-Am’s site and from its dealers.
Outlander Electric First Drive
I’ve been pushing for electric ATVs for years. They make so much sense. Suppose you are using a vehicle to experience nature. In that case, it makes sense that the vehicle doesn’t pollute the nature you are trying to experience, whether this pollution is from emissions or noise.
The near-silent operation of the electric motor is a game-changer for many applications. The lack of engine noise is a significant advantage for farmers working around livestock, hunters who don’t want to scare away game, and anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors without the disruptive roar of a gas engine.
Speaking of the lack of noise, Can-Am did its homework in this regard. Just like legacy automakers making electric cars for the first time, they realize that the vehicles are noisier than expected, as their internal combustion engines bury some of the quieter clicks and rustles.
At lower speeds, I couldn’t hear a thing coming from the Outlander Electric. Only at higher speeds can you start to hear the winding of the electric motors and the tires throwing back dirt.
Here I was just having fun on the trails near the Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming:
It is the level of polish and refinement that you’d expect from Can-Am – it just happens to be electric.
The Outland Electric is also very capable. With the electric torque and the speed limiter, you find yourself easily pulling heavy loads without even feeling it.
Here I was pulling heavy tree trunks, and I had to look back to make sure they were still attached:
Electrek’s Take
This is a significant move from a major player in the off-road vehicle market. For years, we’ve seen smaller startups and conversions in the electric ATV space, but a full-fledged electric model from a brand like Can-Am signals a real shift in the industry.
The focus on utility and work is a smart one, as Can-Am limited itself to the same powertrain as on its electric motorcycles.
While the 50-mile range might be a sticking point for some recreational riders who want to spend all day on the trails, it’s more than adequate for the target audience of this vehicle: ranchers, farmers, and small farm owners.
The high towing capacity and quiet operation are killer features for anyone who needs to get work done, and the instant torque of the electric motor will be a welcome advantage on the farm or in the field.
The starting price of $17,799 is certainly a premium, but it’s not out of line with high-end gas-powered utility ATVs. When you factor in the reduced maintenance (no oil changes, filters, or spark plugs) and the lower cost of electricity compared to gasoline, the total cost of ownership could be very competitive.
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Jeep’s flagship SUV will be the first range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) in the US. The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is more powerful, more electric, and more stylish than ever.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer becomes first extended-range EV
The Grand Wagoneer, Jeep’s biggest SUV, has undergone a significant overhaul for the 2026 model year. Jeep updated the SUV with more than just a stylish new design.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will arrive next year as America’s first range-extended EV (REEV), bringing a few changes to the lineup.
For one, Jeep is dropping the smaller Wagoneer name with all 2026 models unifying under one name: The Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Previously, Jeep offered Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, each with different trims, which made things too confusing for buyers.
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Every Grand Cherokee will now wear the Jeep badge up front as part of its refreshed design. Jeep updated the front face with a slimmer grille and full-length LED lights.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer REEV (Source: Stellantis)
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will be available in two powertrains, an REEV or a 3.0 Hurricane Twin Turbo engine.
Jeep said the REEV version will draw power from a liquid-cooled 92 kWh battery pack that lies flat on the floor, helping to preserve interior space.
Power is transferred from a 3.6-liter V6 engine to a 130 kW generator. When the battery gets low, the gas engine acts as a generator, extending the driving range to upwards of 500 miles in total.
Jeep said the Grand Wagoneer “sets a new benchmark in flagship performance.” With an estimated 647 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque, the big body SUV can move from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds, making it the most powerful Grand Wagoneer yet.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will be offered with three trims: an entry-level, Limited, and Summit, starting at $62,145.
2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Trim
4X2
4X4
LWB 4X2
LWB 4X4
Grand Wagoneer
$62,145
$65,145
$65,145
$68,145
Limited Altitude
NA
$71,140
NA
$74,140
Summit Obsidian
NA
$93,390
NA
$96,390
2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer prices by trim (*Excludes $2,595 destination and options)
The Limited trim starts at $71,140, while the Summit will cost at least $93,390. Upgrading to the long wheelbase (LWB) version costs an extra $3,000.
Jeep will begin production later this year of the 2026 Grand Cherokee with the 3.0 Hurricane engine. The extended-range EV version will be built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan alongside its ICE counterparts.
Meanwhile, Jeep has yet to reveal prices or when it will begin production on the REEV version. We should find out soon.
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Here’s how to score $1,000 savings on EcoFlow’s upcoming DELTA Pro Ultra X power station
Right alongside its ongoing Prime Day Sale that has been extended through October 15, EcoFlow has launched the super early-bird savings promotion for its upcoming DELTA Pro Ultra X Whole-Home Power Station (1 inverter and 2x batteries) ahead of its release on November 3, 2025. At this time, pricing information is surprisingly limited, with the brand simply offering the deal of a $500 deposit made between now and November 2, scoring you a $1,000 discount upon its launch from November 3 to November 30. The predecessor model carries a $6,098 tag at full price, with it regularly keeping under $5,000 most of the time, so it’s safe to say that this new model’s MSRP will land somewhere around those rates. Along with the initial discount, the brand is also promising up to $1,000 in installation subsidies when grabbing the station bundled with the brand’s new Smart Home Panel 3. Head below to learn more about this all-new backup power solution.
If you thought EcoFlow couldn’t get more expansive with its whole-home backup solutions, think again, as the new DELTA Pro Ultra X station starts with the same 6,144Wh LiFePO4 capacity (though it seems the base model may be a 2x battery setup starting at 12,288Wh) that you can scale upwards with future investments as high as 180kWh (over the standard DELTA Pro Ultra’s max 90kWh capacity). Like the older model, this one also boasts an expanding output rate from 12,000W to 36,000W, and provides a wide array of output ports to cover devices, appliances, your RV, and so much more – especially if you plan to utilize it to cover your at-home breakers with the new Smart Home Panel 3.
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That new Smart Home Panel 3 comes as a 200A hub that can be installed to cover up to 32 circuits in your home, allowing you to easily turn off non-essential loads when the grid fails. Recharging information for the DELTA Pro Ultra X so far shows inputs for an AC outlet, as well as gas generators, solar panels, and even EV chargers – plus, it supports Time-of-Use to automatically charge and discharge the battery based on your regions real-time pricing and electrical forecasts. We will update you with more information as it becomes available to us, and in the meantime, be sure to check out EcoFlow’s introductory video for its DELTA Pro Ultra X station here:
Save up to 56% on EcoFlow DELTA 2 and 3 Pro expansion batteries or a home hub starting from a $349 low for 48 hours
As part of its soon-to-end extended Prime Day Sale, EcoFlow has launched a 48-hour flash sale on three different units to either expand or upgrade your backup support, with prices starting lowest on the DELTA 2 Smart Extra Battery for $349 shipped, which beats out Amazon’s pricing by $60. This add-on unit normally carries a $799 MSRP direct from the brand, though it can often be found down around $599 on average, with discounts having usually dropped the costs further between $449 and $409, save for the one-time fall to this rate we spotted during the 2-day Prime event last week. Now, EcoFlow is bringing that low price back for the remaining days of its extended promotions, giving you a second-ever opportunity at $250 off its going rate ($450 off the MSRP) for the lowest price we have tracked. Head below for more on this and the other two units in this flash sale.
Popping in on its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering its IrriSense Smart Sprinkler Irrigation System at $499.98 shipped. Since releasing in May with a $700 full price, discounts started by dropping the costs to $600, with things going further to this rate for the first time mid-August. After spending Prime Day last week down at this low, it’s sticking around for prolonged savings, cutting $200 from the going rate and keeping it down at the all-time lowest price we have tracked.
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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