Connect with us

Published

on

In an agrivoltaic study, UCLA engineers put a semi-transparent solar roof on a greenhouse, and some unexpected things happened with both the roof and the plants.

The researchers at UCLA Samueli School of Engineering designed semi-transparent organic solar panels that can absorb energy from sunlight without blocking the light that the plants need.

The study, “Achieving sustainability of greenhouses by integrating stable semi-transparent organic photovoltaics,” was published last week in Nature Sustainability. The research team’s organic solar cells rely on carbon-based materials, instead of inorganic substances used in conventional solar devices.

The solar part of the study

The team incorporated a layer of L-glutathione, a tripeptide molecule made up of three amino acids: glutamine, cysteine, and glycine. It’s an antioxidant found naturally in the human body, and it’s sold over the counter as a dietary supplement to support overall health and well-being.

The team found that adding L-glutathione extended the solar cells’ lifetime, improved their efficiency, and still allowed sunlight to reach plants in the greenhouse prototype, which was about the size of a small dollhouse.

Lead scientist Yang Yang explained:

Organic materials are uniquely suitable for agrivoltaics because of their light-absorption selectivity. The main drawback that has prevented their widespread use up to now is their lack of stability.

Organic solar cells tend to degrade more quickly than inorganic solar cells because sunlight causes them to oxidize and thus lose electrons. The researchers found that the additional L-glutathione layer stopped the other materials in the solar cell from oxidizing. That in turn resulted in the organic cells maintaining more than 80% efficiency after 1,000 hours of continuous use — as opposed to less than 20% without the added layer, according to the UCLA Samueli newsroom.

The plant part of the study

Researchers tracked the growth of such crops as wheat, mung beans, and broccoli in two different experiments. In one, they used a transparent glass roof with segments of inorganic solar cells on the greenhouse, and in another, the roof was made entirely from semi-transparent organic solar cells.

The crops in the greenhouse with the organic solar roof grew more than the crops in the regular greenhouse. The scientists believe that happened because the L-glutathione layer blocked both ultraviolet rays that can inhibit plant growth and infrared rays that can cause greenhouses to overheat, thus causing the plants to need more water.

Lead author Yepin Zhao said:

We didn’t expect the organic solar cells to outperform a conventional glass-roof greenhouse.

But we repeated the experiments multiple times with the same results and after further research and analysis, we discovered that plants don’t need as much sunlight to grow as we’d originally thought. In fact, too much sun exposure can do more harm than good, especially in climates such as California’s, where sunlight is more abundant.

The research team has now established a startup at UCLA that aims to scale up production of the organic solar cells for industrial use, and they’re hoping to commercialize greenhouses with organic solar cell roofs in the future.

Read more: These new vertical solar systems are specially designed for farms

Photo: Yang Yang Laboratory/UCLA


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

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

All the EVs you can buy with 0% interest financing in August 2025

Published

on

By

All the EVs you can buy with 0% interest financing in August 2025

Lease deals get all the hype, but most people still want to own the car after they’re done making all those payments. If that’s you, this is your moment: not only are there a bunch of great plug-in cars available with 0% financing in August 2025, but with the federal EV tax credit set to disappear on September 30th, it could be your last chance to score these deals!

As I put these lists together, I often struggle with the best way to present this information. “Best EVs ..?” Too opinion based. “Cheapest EVs ..?” Too much research. “Best deal ..?” Too opinion based. In the end, I went with alphabetical order, by make. And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to check the list. Enjoy!

Acura ZDX


Acura-ZDX-EVs-donated
Acura ZDX; via Acura.

Acura’s ZDX uses GM Ultium batteries and drive motors, but the styling, interior, and infotainment software are all Honda. That means you get a solidly-built EV with GM levels of parts support and Honda levels of fit, finish, and quality control. All that plus Apple CarPlay and (through Labor Day) 0% financing for up to 72 months on remaining 2024 models makes the ZDX one the best sporty crossover values in the business.

Click here to find 0% interest deals (72 mo.) on Acura ZDX near you.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Chevy Ultium EVs


2026-Chevy-Silverado-EV
Chevy Silverado EV; via GM.

Chevrolet is offering 0% financing for up to 60 months on all three of its Ultium-based EVs – and they’re all winners.

Not only can the Silverado EV be spec’ed up to a 10,500 lb. GVWR, making it capable enough to tow whatever horse, boat, or RV you put behind it, but it’ll go more than 1,000 miles on a single charge (if you’re not in a hurry).

On the crossover side, both the Chevy Blazer EV and Equinox EV each offer their own takes on the five-passenger family SUV, with the cost of base model Equinox LT FWD models with 319 miles of EPA-rated range dropping to just $27,500 after you apply the $7,500 Federal tax credit. Plus, existing Costco members can save up to $1,250 more on Chevy’s EVs.

Click here for 0% (60 mo.) interest deals on 2024 Chevy Equinox EV near you.
Click here for 0% (60 mo.) interest deals on Chevy SIlverado EV near you.
Click here for 0% (60 mo.) interest deals on Chevy Blazer EV near you.

Dodge Charger


Dodge Daytona Scat Pack (EV); via Stellantis.

Dodge introduced the new electric Charger as a forward-looking muscle car for enthusiasts more interested in what’s on their time slip than what’s under the hood. Those renaissance thinkers can opt for the top-shelf version the electric Charger and gain access to as much as 670 horsepower and more than 300 miles on a full charge. As for the time slip, the Scat Pack version handles that, casually rocketing you across a brightly painted line 1320 feet from where you are now in just 11.5 seconds.

To encourage more Dodge buyers to considering the switch, Stellantis is offering a $7,750 Cash Allowance or 0% financing for up to 72 months on select models.

Click here to find a great, 0% (72 mo.) deal on a new Dodge Charger near you.

Ford EVs


David Blenkle's 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E, used for his own car service, has surpassed more than 250,000 miles in three years, providing a real-world example of what's possible with high-milage electric vehicles.
250,000 mile Mustang Mach-E; via Ford.

The Mustang Mach-E started off as a controversial nameplate on an otherwise mainstream electric offering, but the a mid-sized, mid-priced crossover with a sporty profile and even sportier driving dynamics has built an enthusiastic fan base on the back of its proven, real-world durability.

For 2025, the Mach-E Mustangs offer more range than before (up to 320 miles), faster charging (by nearly 6 minutes to 80%), and even a hardcore rally version.

On the pickup side, the Ford F-150 Lightning is also available with 0% interest financing and $1,000 cash back. That deal gets you a capable half-ton pickup with V2X capabilities that made these trucks lifesavers in Texas’ ice storms, and a world of aftermarket support baked in. Ford Pro customers buying an F-150 Lightning for their commercial or public fleet can get even better deals on the OG electric pickup.

Click here for 0% (60 mo.) financing on an eAWD Mach-E at your local Ford dealer.
Click here for 0% (60 mo.) financing on an F-150 Lightning at your local Ford dealer.

GMC Hummer EV


GM EV production
Hummer EV off road; via GM.

The biggest Ultium-based EVs from GM’s commercial truck brand are seriously impressive EVs that offer jaw-dropping acceleration and on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics. That’s especially true once you realize that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks.

This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory of Hummer EVs so if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer a test drive.

Click here for 0% interest deals (60 mo.) on GMC Hummer EV.

Honda Prologue


GM-shift-Mexico-EV
2024 Honda Prologue Elite, via Honda.

The Honda Prologue is one of the top-selling electric crossovers this year – and it’s easy to see why. The midsize SUV is just the right size and rides on GM’s excellent Ultium platform, but adds Honda sensibilities and Apple CarPlay to create a winning combination.

To help get these rolling off Honda dealer lots before the September 30 EV tax credit deadline, Honda is offering 0% interest financing.

Click here to find a great, 0% interest (60 mo.) deal on a Honda Prologue near you.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 + 6


Hyundai IONIQ 5 + 6; via Earnhardt Hyundai.

You might say the latest designs from Hyundai – the IONIQ 5 and 6, especially – are derivative. You’d be right, too, but Hyundai’s design team drew inspiration from ItalDesign and Porsche for these beauties, and if you weren’t around in the 1970s and 80s you probably wouldn’t call either car a copy of anything.

The 6, especially, is aerodynamically efficient, comfortable, quick, offers up to 361 miles of rangecan charge just about anywhere, and now through Labor Day, is available with 0% financing. With a Lancia Delta-inspired look and a host of modern aero tweaks, the 5 isn’t far behind, but adds the practicality of a crossover hatchback body style and cargo room to boot.

Click here to find a 0% interest deal (48 mo.) on an IONIQ 5 near you.
Click here to find a 0% interest deal (48 mo.) on an IONIQ 6 near you.

Jeep Wagoneer S


Jeep's-electric-SUV-dirty
Jeep Wagoneer S; via Stellantis.

The Jeep Wagoneer S is a slick, capable, street-oriented EV that’s been inexplicably saddled with the Wagoneer nameplate while its bigger, more off-road oriented Wagoneer stablemate powers on with ICE power. It’s a weird choice made even weirder by the sloping roof spoiler that eats away at the electric SUV’s ultimate utility (that’s the “U” part), but if you can get past those minor caveats, this first-ever battery-powered Jeep is ready to deliver.

With 0% interest for up to 72 months (before any dealer discounts) through Labor Day weekend, the Wagoneer S might just be the best Jeep deal you’re going to find this month!

Click here for 0% financing (72 mo.) deals on Jeep Wagoneer S.

Kia EV6


Kia-new-EV6-GT-interior
2025 Kia EV6; via Kia.

The Kia EV6 that made its global debut on a drag strip running alongside a Lamborghini, a Porsche, and an AMG Mercedes GT, and if it didn’t beat the pants off all of them, it sure did beat most of them. All that power and performance with a silky smooth idle, quiet early-morning startups, and a 10-year warrant with access to a nationwide dealer network?

That’s tough to beat, and now through Labor Day you’ll be able to get a world-beating Kia EV6 with 0% interest for 60 months.

Click here for a 0% interest deal (72 mo.) on a local 2025 Kia EV6.

Lexus RZ


Lexus RZ; via Lexus of Highland Park.

Starting at $43,975, the Lexus RZ promises up to 266 miles of EPA-rated range from a 72.8 kWh battery back in the “base” RZ300e (and 224 from the top-shelf RZ450e). With up to 308 hp and over 195 lb-ft of instant electric torque the Lexus RZ promises to be one Lexus’ more sporting offerings in any trim.

New Lexus RZ models currently in dealer inventory qualify for 0% financing for up to 72 months in some regions. Check with your local dealer.

Click here for local 0% interest (72 mo.) deals on a new Lexus RZ.

Nissan Ariya


Ariya; via Nissan.

I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With up to 289 miles of EPA-rated range, Tesla Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months, Nissan dealers should have no trouble finding homes for these.

Click here for 0% interest deals (72 mo.) on Nissan Ariya near you.

Subaru Soltera


Subaru's-most-discounted-car
2024 Subaru Solterra; via Subaru.

Despite being a slow seller, this mechanical twin of the Toyota bZ4X EV seems like a solid mid-size electric crossover with some additional outdoorsy vibes and granola style that offers more than enough utility to carry your mountain bike to the trail or your kayak to the river. Add in 227 miles of range, some big dealer discounts, and 0% financing for up to 72 months, and this should be a great month for electric Subaru fans to drive home in a new Solterra.

Click here for 0% interest deals (72 mo.) on a new Subaru Solterra.

Tesla Cybertruck


Tesla Cybertruck sand
Cybertruck; via Tesla.

Demand for Tesla Cybertrucks has been a long, long way from the “conservative” 250,000 per year predictions Elon was making just a few years ago. Demand for the low-poly electric pickup is so dismal, in fact, that Tesla is offering discounts on several models, along with 0% financing on both Cybertruck and Model 3 for up to 60 months through September 1 – if you’re willing to spring for the company’s Full Self Driving (Supervised) level 2 ADAS.

Click here to get a personalized 0% financing offer on a Tesla Model 3.
Click here to get a personalized 0% financing offer on a Tesla Cybertruck.

Toyota bZ4X


Toyota-EV-sales-2024
2024 Toyota bZ4X Limited AWD; via Toyota.

Toyota hybrids are a hot commodity right now, and we haven’t seen any newsworthy holiday discount deals from Toyota in years. That said, the bZ4X EV might be the best deal in Toyota’s end-of-the-year lineup with big discounts on leftover bZ4X crossovers (before the “bZ” name change hits) happening now through Labor Day. What’s more, qualified buyers can score 0% financing for up to 72 months (incl. $2,500 Bonus Cash) on what is an unquestionably solid and dependable (if not quite thrilling) five-passenger electric crossover.

Click here for 0% interest deals (72 mo.) on Toyota bZ4X.

Volkswagen ID.4


VW-US-EVs
VW ID.4; via Volkswagen.

One of the most popular legacy brand EVs, the Volkswagen ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality, a Chat-GPT enabled interface, and a relatively affordable base price. Factor in 170 kW DC fast charging, up to 291 miles of EPA-rated range, and a 5-star safety rating, and the ID.4 offers a value proposition that’s tough to beat.

And, through August, the only way to beat the ID.4’s 0% financing for 72 months would be to convince the bank to pay you to buy it.

Click here to find a 0% interest (72 mo.) ID.4 deal near you.

Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirectCarEdge, and the OEM websites. All offers were current as of 17AUG2025, and all links provided are from trusted affiliates. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.


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 calls from vendors until you select an installer and share your 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.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Trump advisor Peter Navarro slams India’s ‘opportunistic’ purchases of Russian crude

Published

on

By

Trump advisor Peter Navarro slams India’s ‘opportunistic’ purchases of Russian crude

A train transports oil tankers in Ajmer on July 7, 2025. Indian exporters are scrambling for options as they seek to mitigate the fallout of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threatened tariff salvo against the world’s most populous nation.

Himanshu Sharma | Afp | Getty Images

U.S. President Donald Trump‘s trade advisor Peter Navarro on Monday called on India to stop buying Russian crude oil, accusing the Asian giant of undermining international efforts to isolate Vladimir Putin‘s war economy.

Writing in in the Financial Times, Navarro described India’s dependence on Russian oil as “opportunistic,” adding that if India “wants to be treated as a strategic partner of the US, it needs to start acting like one.”

“In effect, India acts as a global clearinghouse for Russian oil, converting embargoed crude into high-value exports while giving Moscow the dollars it needs,” Navarro said in the op-ed.

His comments come shortly after trade negotiations between the U.S. and India, which had been scheduled to take place in New Delhi later this month, were reportedly called off.

India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Office of the U.S Trade Representative did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comments.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration said it planned to impose an additional 25% tariff on India over Russian oil purchases, bringing the total levies against the country to 50%. The cumulative rate of duties on India is among the highest on any of Washington’s trade partners.

India described the move as “extremely unfortunate” at the time, saying the tariffs were “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”

The White House has since warned that secondary levies on India could increase further, depending on the outcome of Trump’s peace talks with Putin.

India is looking to buy Russian oil at a discount

For its part, India has said it has been unfairly targeted for its continuing trade with Russia since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, amid criticism from both the U.S. and European Union.

In a statement published Aug. 4, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the country began importing from Russian because traditional supplies were diverted from Europe after the outbreak of the conflict.

“India’s imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said.

“However, it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion,” it added.

Trump’s criticism of India’s oil trade with Russia represents a clear shift from the Biden administration, which, along with other G7 nations, Australia and the European Union, established a $60 a barrel price cap in late 2022. The EU has since signaled it has reached an agreement to lower the price threshold.

This mechanism sought to limit Russia’s revenue from oil sales, while maintaining some stability in global energy markets.

Shilan Shah, deputy chief emerging markets economist at Capital Economics, said India could, in principle, find suppliers other than Russia to meet its energy needs “relatively easily,” with limited economic impact.

“But we doubt that India would make a wholehearted effort to wean itself off Russian oil. Domestically, it would not play well to be seen caving to Trump’s demands,” Shah said in a note published Aug. 4.

“In addition, Indian policymakers would be reluctant to upend generally cordial (and long-standing) relations with Russia,” he added.

— CNBC’s Vinay Dwivedi contributed to this report.

Continue Reading

Environment

Can-Am unveils new electric ATV that tows more than any gas model

Published

on

By

Can-Am unveils new electric ATV that tows more than any gas model

BRP, the Canadian powersports giant behind names like Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo, and Can-Am, has just pulled the cover off the latest addition to its rapidly growing electric lineup: the 2026 Can-Am Outlander Electric ATV. Its impressive specs put it at the top of the performance charts in nearly every metric compared to the company’s gasoline-powered ATVs.

This isn’t just a one-off electric side project either. It’s part of a major offensive into electric powersports, and it shows that BRP is serious about expanding its lineup of quiet, powerful, and clean alternatives across the board, from snowmobiles to motorcycles, and now all-terrain utility vehicles.

The new Outlander Electric is built using BRP’s own in-house Rotax E-Power drivetrain, the same modular platform found in its electric motorcycles and snowmobiles. That means the company isn’t just buying off-the-shelf parts and bolting them to a legacy frame. Instead, this is ground-up electrification.

Power comes from an electric motor rated at 47 hp (35 kW) and 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) of torque, which BRP says is tuned for utility and responsiveness.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

With selectable ride modes (Normal, Sport, and Work), riders can tailor the feel for anything from recreational trail riding to serious on-the-job use. Towing capacity is listed as a healthy 1,830 lbs (830 kg), which puts it firmly in the “workhorse” category, and bests the towing capacity of the top-of-the-line gasoline-powered ATV offerings from companies like Polaris and Honda, as well as Can-Am’s own highest-spec gasoline-powered ATVs.

Range clocks in at up to 50 miles (80 km) from the 8.9 kWh battery. And BRP says that the battery charges from 20 to 80% in about 50 minutes with a Level 2 charger.

But the big deal here isn’t just the torque or the tech. It’s the quietness.

The Outlander Electric is designed to be whisper-quiet, making it ideal for farmers, hunters, park rangers, or anyone else who needs serious off-road capability without the roar of a gas engine. XPS Recon Force tires, a low-noise liquid-cooling system, and an optimized suspension all contribute to a near-silent ride.

This means you can sneak through the woods, work around livestock, or ride trails at dawn without disturbing your surroundings – or your neighbors.

Priced at US $1,299, the Can-Am Outlander Electric ATV is now available on Can-Am’s site and from its dealers.

“With the Outlander Electric, we’re not just launching a new ATV, we’re introducing a new way to experience the outdoors and get the job done,” said Julie Tourville, Director, Global Marketing, Can-Am Off-Road at BRP. “This vehicle is built to let riders and workers feel more connected to their surroundings. It’s powerful, quiet, and true to what we do at BRP. It shows how we bring purposeful innovation to life.”

Electrek’s Take

We’ve seen plenty of electric motorcycles and scooters over the years, including from Can-Am itself. But electric ATVs? Those are still rare enough to make this release feel like a big deal. As someone who personally owns and uses an electric UTV, I can tell you what a major difference the electric drivetrain makes for both the operational experience and the ownership experience.

Gas ATVs and UTVs are incredibly useful as working tools, but they’re also noisy, maintenance-heavy, and pretty nasty for the environment. Replacing them with electric models that don’t sacrifice capability is a game-changer, especially for folks who need to operate in noise-sensitive or emission-sensitive areas.

BRP also deserves credit for going wide, not just deep. In the last couple of years, they’ve rolled out the Can-Am Pulse and Origin electric motorcycles, four electric snowmobiles under the Ski-Doo and Lynx brands, and even an electric kart racing powerpack. Now, with the Outlander Electric ATV, they’re quickly closing in on completing an electric powersports bingo card.

The real question is whether people will pay up. Polaris unveiled what may be the nicest electric UTVs in the world a few years ago, but the sky-high pricing meant limited adoption. Considering Can-Am’s electric ATV is around twice the price of a typical gasoline-powered ATV, let’s hope there are enough people who can see and appreciate the advantages of electric to support this nascent market while it grows and matures.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending