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BMW greenwashing

You read that right. Poop. Manure. Cow pies. US Dairy farming remains a massive contributor of greenhouse gas methane emitted by its endless lanes of cattle providing milk to the public. California in particular currently sits at as the US dairy farming mecca, but also accounts for nearly half of the methane emissions in the entire state. New recycling methods have been put into place and automakers like BMW have utilized their carbon offsets to power its EVs, but many argue this is greenwashing and the entire incentive program encourages more emissions, not less.

Over the past decade, biogas energy derived from animal waste has become a widely popular option for dairy farmers as an additional income stabilizer. Energy gathered using methane digesters has led to automakers like BMW using those offsets to charge its electric vehicles with less guilt on its conscience, but analysts have cried “greenwashing” as these methods not only produce the same environmental impact as fossil fuels, but also encourage dairy farms in the United States to increase emissions.

In 2011, California began an incentive program called the low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) which rewards dairy farmers for converting their methane into energy that can then be sold to other companies, like automakers for example, as offset credits. The concept of offsets is an entirely different debate we will save for another day, but in spirit, this idea sounds beneficial although we’d argue a complete focus on natural resources like wind and solar prove better in the long run.

In fact, several scientists and environmental advocates agree as much. A January 2022 report from the Union of Concerned Scientists relayed the following as it pertains to manure biomethane analysis:

We recognize that the capture and productive use of waste biomethane generated by anaerobic digestion (AD) from manure lagoons is a useful mechanism to mitigate methane pollution and can also replace a small amount of fossil methane use in energy and industrial applications.

However, the system remains flawed and so does its priorities. The experts argue that the LCFS in particular awards credits to farmers at a much higher magnitude than the cost to operate and maintain a methane digester. The aforementioned study goes on to say it believes the value of LCFS credits for large, confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) like California’s dairy farms, massively exceeds the costs of recovering the biomethane itself.

Furthermore, the biomethane energy still burns the same as fossil fuels, despite being marketed as a clean alternative. This is where the topic of greenwashing comes into play, but how exactly is BMW involved in a biogas industry projected to more than double globally to $126.2 billion by 2030? Like many things dairy related, it starts in California.

BMW greenwashing
One the the lines at Bar 20 Dairy in California / Credit: YouTube/Bank of the West

BMW’s biomethane energy offsets border greenwashing

In April of 2021, BMW Group announced a new venture as the first automaker to begin collaborating with dairy farms in California to offset the charging carbon emissions from its EVs. At the time, BMW relayed that credits through the LCFS enable charging incentives for drivers participating in its ChargeForward program that began around the same time.

These collaborations included Straus Organic Dairy Farm and CalBio who builds the methane digestors farms use. BMW North America’s energy services Manager, connected eMobility Adam Langton spoke at the time:

Our sustainability mission isn’t simply about reducing carbon emissions but making sustainability practices financially attractive for the long-run, so that these practices can expand and help our partners thrive. Dairy biodigesters are an example of an energy technology that not only reduces carbon emissions in a sustainable way but also offers a new revenue stream to farmers and their communities.  In the future, we hope to use this collaborative model we have created in California to support more biodigester development in the US and ultimately bring more clean energy sources to our customers.

Third-generation farmer and owner of Bar 20 Dairy Steve Shehadey shared a similar sentiment in the video you can view below, explaining that no matter your farm’s dairy output, farmers have no control over the fluctuating prices of milk:

There’s times when you’re making money, there’s times when you’re losing money. And so, the concept of being able to produce energy or power was attractive because, if you can stabilize some income, it helps to you get you through the tough times.

According to Shehadey, Bar 20’s two solar projects and the methane digester produce an excess of 3 million kWh of power more than what the dairy farm needs to operate. The implementation of renewables like solar on farms is commendable, and capturing methane to recycle is a better option than letting it simply enter the Earth’s atmosphere.

However, there is greenwashing at play here no matter how BMW or anyone else tries to spin it, as these recycled gases are still emitting hefty carbon emissions and are empowered by an incentive program that rewards farms for the more stinky gas they produce.

Bar 20 Dairy’s methan digester / Credit: YouTube/Bank of the West

A 2022 article by the Guardian points to the same research by the Union of Concerned Scientists, arguing that the environmental benefits of biogases are immensely exaggerated and the LCFS prioritizes farm gas (a combustion-based source of energy) over other renewables like solar and wind.

According to a 2018 analysis by researchers at UC Davis, methane digesters are likely not profitable without the government grants and subsidies, finding it costs $294 a year to produce $68 of gas from one cow, not including the massive upfront cost of installing the digester itself.

This is where it gets interesting.

According to a 2021 analysis by Aaron Smith, professor of agricultural economics at UC Davis, LCFS credits generate a subsidy of $1,935 a year per cow. If dairy farmer’s needed a reason to start recycling cow poop, that’s a pretty lucrative one, especially in a fluid pricing market for dairy – having a financial contingency for selling excess energy feels like a no brainer for farmers, especially those with large operations.

A main argument by the Union of Concerned Scientists is that subsidies in the LCFS vastly eclipse the cost of producing the methane gas, disproportionally benefiting the largest and most pollutive dairy farms. One an even more disheartening note, these incentives threaten dairy industry consolidation, where the largest farms get bigger, and the smaller ones can no longer compete. Not to mention that dollar signs attached to biogas production could sway farmers away from cleaner sources of renewable energy, again such as wind and solar. Per its study:

The LCFS is structured to require producers of polluting transportation fuels to bear the costs of mitigating transportation fuel pollution. However, in the case of the manure biomethane, the majority of the climate pollution at stake is methane from manure, and the fossil methane displacement in the transportation fuel market is a relatively small contribution. Thus, in this instance the largest polluter is the one receiving a large subsidy.

The lifecycle basis of the LCFS is supposed to ensure that support for low carbon fuels is based on a comprehensive assessment of their climate benefits. However, in this instance, this structure is functioning as poorly designed offset program with transportation fuel users paying an extremely high price for manure methane mitigation. This is not good transportation fuel policy or good agricultural methane mitigation policy.

It’s completely understandable why California dairy farmers who participate in methane biofuel production thanks to the current subsidies in place to their benefit. It’s truly doubtful that there is ill intent toward the environment in this process, as it does provide a partial solution to a serious emissions problem in the state. However, its benefits are highly exaggerated to the point of greenwashing, so it’s tough to give companies like BMW a pat on the back for their collaborations in the venture.

There are certainly cleaner ways to power EVs, especially without carbon offsets.

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Save $300 on new Anker eufy E15 & E18 robot mowers, NIU KQi 200F e-scooter at $699 in pre-sale, EGO pressure washer, more

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April 11, 2025

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Save 0 on new Anker eufy E15 & E18 robot mowers, NIU KQi 200F e-scooter at 9 in pre-sale, EGO pressure washer, more

We’re closing out this week’s Green Deals with two new arrivals onto the market, leading with the $300 discounts on Anker’s new, advanced eufy E15 and E18 Robot Lawn Mowers that require no boundary wires or RTK stations and are starting from $1,300. Right behind is NIU’s pre-sale offer on its latest KQi 200F Electric Scooter for $699 and also coming with some free gear ahead of its future shipping date. We also spotted the popular EGO Power+ 56V 3,200 PSI Cordless Pressure Washer alongside two 6.0Ah batteries hitting a new $699 low, as well as Amazon undercutting Anker’s Easter Sale pricing on the SOLIX C200 60,000mAh Power Station to $110, along with its 90,000mAh counterparts. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Rad Power Earth Day e-bike Sale kickoff, the exclusive refurbished Anker SOLIX F3800 power station deal, 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.

Take $300 off Anker’s new eufy E15 and E18 robot lawn mowers that require no wires or RTK station from $1,300

Anker’s official sub-brand, eufy is now offering the best savings yet on its new E15 Robot Lawn Mower for $1,299.99 shipped, as well as its counterpart E18 Robot Lawn Mower at $1,699.99 shipped, after using the promo code RTLM200 for either at checkout. These models just recently hit the market a few days ago for $1,600 and $2,000, respectively, with some places like Amazon currently offering $200 off the price, but you can score an additional $100 here direct from the brand by replacing the on-page coupon with the code. This knocks a total of $300 off the going rate, giving you one of the most advanced autonomous mowing solutions at the best current prices we can find.

These advanced eufy robot lawn mowers require no boundary wires or RTK station to stay on track, instead utilizing pure vision FSD tech with high-precision cameras and advanced AI to guide itself around your yard, with the E15 model covering up to 0.2 acres on a charge and the E18 model bumping that up to 0.3 acres. The brand promises a quick “5-minute setup” right out of the box, all done through its companion app, where you’ll also have a wide array of smart controls to monitor its progress, adjust settings, and manage multi-zone areas with the 3D maps that it creates as it works.

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The 3D perception system on eufy’s robot lawn mowers detect and avoid collisions with everyday obstacles that it may come across, even in complex garden environments, while the smart coverage detection “guarantees no area is left uncut.” Those with pets or regular wildlife running around can also rest assured, as its systems will ensure their safety while in operation. You’ll be able to set its cutting height between 25mm to 75mm, with it operating at a quieter 56dB level and able to handle up to 40% inclines without concern. Beyond the controls you’ll have through your smartphone, the robot can also detect rainfall and/or when the sun sets, activating its automatic station return function. On top of that, there’s even the security system that activates an alarm when removed from its set work area while providing you with GPS tracking to hunt it down.

NIU KQi 200F electric scooter

Commute around town for up to 34 miles on NIU’s latest KQi 200F electric scooter at $699 with free gear while in pre-sale

NIU is currently taking up to 41% off a collection of its e-scooters led by a pre-sale deal on its latest KQi 200F Electric Scooter for $699 shipped with some additional free gear. This new model is slated to begin shipping on April 25 carrying a $799 price tag, but you can score the first cash savings here today while this deal lasts. Not only are you getting $100 shaved off the tag, but you’ll also be getting a free phone holder and Halo drawstring bag (valued at $52) on top of that. Head below to learn more about what this new commuting solution offers while also checking out the other models benefitting from price cuts.

A solid choice for commuters who want the option to go further than their usual cruising grounds, the NIU KQi 200F electric scooter has been given a 350W motor that peaks to 700W in order to tackle up to 20% inclines at speeds up to 20 MPH, as well as a 365Wh battery that provides you with up to 33.6 miles of travel on a full charge. There are four riding modes to choose from – e-save, sport, custom, and pedestrian – plus, the scooter comes with an IPX5 rating to protect against splashes, light rain, and even low-pressure water from any direction.

There are some solid features added in too that only further heighten the riding experience, especially the dual braking system that has a 75mm integrated drum brake in the front and a regenerative brake in the rear to recycle kinetic energy upon slowing or braking to extend travel times. There’s also the brand’s BMS system with 14 types of protection, front suspension, 10-inch tubeless pneumatic tires, wider handlebars that can fold while also offering turn signal functionality, a Halo headlight, an integrated taillight with brake lighting, a 265-pound rider payload, swappable griptape, a mechanical bell, and a LED display. What’s more, there are some app-supported smart controls, including customizable performance settings, charging limitations, and the option to lock your scooter for added security, among others.

NIU’s full lineup of KQi e-scooter deals:

EGO Power+ 56V 3,200 PSI cordless electric pressure washer

Connect a hose or siphon with EGO’s 56V 3,200 PSI cordless pressure washer kit (two 6.0Ah batteries) at new $699 low

Amazon is now offering the EGO Power+ 56V 3,200 PSI Cordless Pressure Washer with two 6.0Ah batteries at $699 shipped. Back during July we saw this model fall from its original $899 MSRP to its new $800 rate, where it stayed put except for a short-lived $50 discount in mid-December and a drop to $700 during Amazon’s previous Big Spring Sale last month. The deal that’s coming in today takes things $1 under our previous mention, giving you $101 in savings at a new all-time low price. If you already have a stockpile of EGO batteries, you can score the pressure washer alone for $499 instead.

Sporting EGO’s peak power tech that utilizes two batteries at once for longer performance, this cordless electric pressure washer will run for up to 60 minutes with the two included 6.0Ah models here, which can easily be swapped out for any of the brand’s other ARC batteries. It delivers some powerful pressure at up to 3,200 PSI with a flow rate ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 GPM and three operating modes: Eco, High, and Turbo.

Its versatile design sports three connection points – one for your garden hose to attach, one for the wand, and then a third that can be utilized by an included siphon hose that you can drop into any fresh water source if you’re not around any spigots. You’ll also be getting five varying nozzles, a 25-foot high-pressure hose, a foam cannon, and a filter – plus, there’s an integrated display on the wand so you can keep track of battery levels as you work.

We recently spotted EGO’s advanced 56V 22-inch Select Cut Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower coming with a 10.0Ah and 5.0Ah battery at a new $1,000 low, which saves you $998 from purchasing the combination separately.

Anker SOLIX C200 60,000mAh power station

Amazon undercuts Anker’s Easter Sale on the SOLIX C200 60,000mAh power station at $110

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is undercutting its own Easter Sale pricing on the SOLIX C200 60,000mAh Power Station at $109.99 shipped. Normally going for $170 at full price since it released back at the tail-end of August, we’ve mainly been seeing it fall to either $110 or the $100 low at Amazon since Black Friday, with the brand’s ongoing direct Easter Sale currently offering it at $10 higher. With the deal here, you’re getting a solid $60 slashed from the going rate, giving you the second-lowest price we have tracked. Be sure to head below to check out more on this model, as well as the deals on the larger 90,000mAh counterparts.

Anker’s newer SOLIX C200 DC power station comes in a more compact form factor built upon the success of the C300 DC and AC models, with a 60,000mAh/192Wh LiFePO4 capacity. The unit provides up to 300W of power output to connected devices through its five ports – two USB-As, one 140W USB-C, one 15W USB-C, and a car port – which covers your personal devices while out and on the go. The power station’s battery can be recharged by three different means, with either the 100W maximum solar input or the car port providing you with an 80% battery in 1.6 hours and its 140W USB-C port reaching the same amount a little faster at 1.3 hours.

Of course, if you want to go bigger you can currently find the SOLIX C300 DC and SOLIX C300 AC power stations down at $170 and $219, respectively, with the former matching Anker’s direct sale while the latter comes in $1 under that sale’s pricing. They both provide 90,000mAh LiFePO4 capacities to cover device charging needs, with up to 300W outputs and some port differences and variations of built-in lighting while your out camping in the wilds. The DC model sports seven ports (two 140W USB-Cs, one 100W USB-C, one 15W USB-C, two 12W USB-As, and one 120W car port) while the AC model has eight ports (three 300W ACs, two 140W USB-Cs, one 15W USB-A, one 12W USB-A, and one 120W car port).

Be sure to check out the full, massive lineup of deals from Anker’s SOLIX Easter Sale that is running through April 20, with up to 54% off in initial discounts and some free gear going along with select model purchases. We also just secured an exclusive $680 in savings on the brand’s refurbished SOLIX F3800 power station at $1,999 while it lasts.

Best New Year 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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Want to trade in your Tesla? Here are 4 good conquest rebates

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April 11, 2025

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Want to trade in your Tesla? Here are 4 good conquest rebates

conquest rebates

Thinking about trading in your Tesla (or any other EV) for something new? This month, automakers are handing out up to $5,000 in conquest rebates to lure you over to their side. Even better: these offers usually stack with other discounts. Here are four of the best deals worth checking out.

Acura ZDX conquest rebate deal

If you drive a competing EV, Acura’s ready to tempt you with $4,000 off the all-electric 2024 ZDX. Some buyers are reportedly snagging discounts of up to 40% off the MSRP of $64,500 in certain parts of the US. The national conquest deal runs through the end of April.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Acura ZDX in stock. –trusted affiliate link

BMW i5, i7, iX conquest rebate deal

BMW-i5-Touring

If you’re driving an EV or plug-in hybrid from a rival brand like Tesla, Rivian, or Mercedes, you can score a $1,000 conquest bonus from BMW when you switch to an all-electric i5, i7, or iX. The deal is available US-wide through April 30.

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Click here to find a local dealer that may have the BMW i5 in stock. –trusted affiliate link

Hyundai IONIQ 5 competitive owner coupon

Hyundai-$20-billion-EVs-US

If you own or lease a non-Hyundai vehicle, you can cash in on a special Competitive Owner Coupon when you lease or buy a 2025 IONIQ 5, and this deal stacks. This conquest cash incentive ranges from $500 to $2,500 depending on the model you purchase or lease, and whether you purchase or lease. The offer’s live now on both coasts and runs through April 30.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Hyundai IONIQ 5 in stock. –trusted affiliate link

Polestar 3 Tesla conquest bonus

Polestar-3-delivered

If you’re ready to jump ship from your Tesla, Polestar’s got a seriously tempting offer: Switch to a 2025 Polestar 3 and pocket $5,000. Lease it, and things get even sweeter – you can stack that with Polestar’s $15,000 lease cash for a wild $20,000 off. The deal’s good nationwide through April 30.

Thanks to CarsDirect

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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BYD is about to launch another low-cost EV: Here’s our first look at the e7 electric sedan

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April 11, 2025

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BYD is about to launch another low-cost EV: Here's our first look at the e7 electric sedan

BYD-e7-affordable-EV

Another day, another BYD EV? The world’s largest EV maker is on a roll, seemingly launching a new model every day. After unveiling its new midsize electric sedan, the e7, BYD gave us our first official look at yet another stylish EV.

BYD reveals new e7 electric sedan

BYD is on an EV launch spree. After taking the global auto market by storm last year, the company has even bigger plans for 2025.

In the past month, BYD launched a new electric car across a few key segments as it looks to extend its lead. Two midsize BYD models, the Qin L EV sedan and the Sealion 05 SUV, hit the market. Both are equipped with BYD’s “God’s Eye” smart driving system and start under $17,000 in China.

BYD also launched its first ultra-luxury electric sedan, the Yangwang U7, last month, with prices starting under $90,000.

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Earlier this week, the company launched its first EV models, the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, based on its new ultra-fast charging Super e-platform. The new models can add nearly 250 miles of driving range in 5 minutes, and both can be bought for under $30,000 in China.

BYD-e7-affordable-EV
BYD e7 midsize electric sedan (Source: BYD)

Now, BYD is preparing to launch another midsize pure electric sedan. This week, BYD revealed the first official images of the e7, which is expected to be another affordable EV option.

The e7’s wheelbase is 2,820 mm, which is about the same as that of a Tesla Model 3, which is 2,875 mm. Although no other details were shared, other than the company saying it can’t wait to unlock “a new driving experience for everyone,” a few design clues give us an idea of what to expect when it launches.

BYD-e7-affordable-EV
BYD-e7-affordable-EV

Unlike many of its new models with flush door handles, the e7 is shown with traditional ones. It also has split head and rear taillights rather than the popular full-length light bar that appears on other BYD EVs.

According to CarNewsChina, BYD’s e-series models are affordable cars, many of which are used for taxi services.

BYD-e7-affordable-EV
BYD-e7-affordable-EV

However, it’s now part of its Ocean lineup, which includes a few EVs you may be familiar with, like the Dolphin, Seal, and Seal-U. Although no date has been set, the e7 will join the lineup soon.

Official data released in China revealed the e7 is 4,780 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,515 mm tall, or about the same size as the Tesla Model 3 (4,720 mm long, 1,933 mm wide, and 1,441 mm tall). We’ll have to wait for an official driving range, but we do know it will use a lower-cost LFP battery.

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