What happens when you plunk down a pile of cash on Alibaba for an electric food truck from China, then have it shipped half way around the world to the US? That’s exactly what one of my readers decided to find out, and fortunately he shared his experience with us.
While I never intended for this to happen, I’ve somehow become something of a de facto expert on buying the weirdest electric vehicles from China. I’ve got a bit of a collection myself, plus I write a weekly column where I window shop for the weirdest electric vehicles I can find on Alibaba.
Buying wacky vehicles from China can be risky, and I always advise my readers against foolheartedly doing the same. Basically a “do what I say and not what I do” situation. That means not risking your hard-earned cash on an Alibaba pipe dream.
And yet, time and time again, you guys are as foolish as I am and go for it anyway.
This time the result was pretty darn awesome, though not without its own rollercoaster of an import adventure. An enterprising entrepreneur named Doug reached out to me after reading one of my articles about Chinese electric food trucks. We chatted about the ups and downs of these funky little things, and a few months later he had a pretty awesome looking electric food truck — or perhaps electric food tuktuk — custom built by a Chinese factory. It sported his own coffee brand’s paint job with Nitro Walnut Coffee on the side and featured a hydraulic lifting rear that could hold all the equipment needed for a mobile coffee shop while providing enough head room for baristas to stand inside while working.
As Doug explained, he’s quite tall and so a hydraulic pop top was going to be important.
As a three-wheeler, it is technically a motorcycle class vehicle and Doug was prepared to register it that way.
But upon arrival in the US, it became obvious that it was going to need some serious work.
Doug explained that he had to completely tear it down and rebuild it to make it safe to drive and also pass electrical and plumbing inspections. “All electrical and plumbing specs that came with the truck where not acceptable by the standards of WA State LNI,” he explained. “So I replaced all of it.”
He eventually got the hydraulic lift working to raise the roof and finally got the interior outfitted with all the proper equipment he needed for a mobile coffee shop.
That include a portable battery generator instead of a combustion generator to ensure both the vehicle and the coffee were emissions-free.
A year after the vehicle first arrived in the US, he had his final inspection and passed. That finally allowed “Wallie” as he named it to take to the road as fully licensed street-legal vehicle.
The performance specs on Wallie are fairly abysmal, but that seems to be just fine for a vehicle that spends most of its time parked while serving coffee. Doug described the top speed as “20 mph downhill” and the range as “4 to 6 miles.” Though he is quick to point out that the hilly Washington State terrain and extra weight from lugging around kegs of brewed coffee and water don’t do the range any favors.
Doug also had some words of wisdom regarding shopping on Alibaba that I completely agree with:
I did a lot of research into what I would need but still not enough. I would say that the process with the manufacturer is swift and if you don’t ask for it and explain yourself more than you think you need to, you will not get what you want. Being patient, slow, and respectful is the best way to go, if you are in too big of a hurry you will not get all that you need. I have done a lot of shipping and corresponding with Chinese manufacturers in the past, and I can tell you that you get what you pay for. If you want an Italian level tiny food truck for 1/5th the price, you will be very upset with what you receive.
I have spoken to many other buyers of this same product and those who think they will get a perfect vehicle for a cheap price are always upset. China has a unique culture and a unique idea of how business is done, not in a bad way but you need to understand that or you will not get what you want/need. In the end what you get is a product that functions and is simple enough to repair and/or customize.
Just as a reminder, it’s fun to live vicariously through stories like these, but I never recommend jumping in feet first on a big purchase from China like this. Doug has been around the block a few times on Alibaba, and even he had his fair share of hurdles with this food truck, including largely rebuilding the vehicle and swapping out many parts.
Other readers of mine have found that the list of required tools to get their vehicle assembled and working including things like a welder, so keep in mind that these imported vehicles can be quite an undertaking. It’s not a simple matter of clicking “buy” and then screwing on some sideview mirrors when it arrives.
There are also safety concerns. I bought a massive lithium-ion battery on Alibaba that literally shot sparks and smelled like a barbecue the first and last time I plugged it in.
So yeah, this isn’t a game for the faint of heart.
But if you’re going to ignore all of my warnings and make bad decisions like us, definitely reach out to me and let me know how it goes.
In the meantime, now I have a serious hankering for coffee. I wonder if Nitro Walnut Coffee ships?
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We’re now two months out from the end of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit on September 30, and there are still solid deals to be had on some pretty spiffy EVs. In fact, three of our top five November specials are cheaper than what was offered in September, and two come with home EV chargers and free installation. Here are November’s top 5 EV lease deals, as spotted by our friends at CarsDirect.
Photo: Hyundai
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 lease from $189/month
The updated 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range is still a standout EV lease deal, holding steady even after the end of the federal EV tax credit and new import tariffs. Through December 1, you can lease one for $189 a month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year) with $3,999 due at signing. That works out to an effective monthly cost of about $300.
The price bump is far smaller than many expected, especially considering Hyundai’s $17,000 in lease cash. And if you’re tempted by an upgrade, the SEL RWD trim is just $50 more per month under the same terms. You’ll get a model that’s roughly $7,000 more in value and $18,750 in savings. The IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range offers an EPA-estimated 245 miles of range, and this particular offer is available in the Los Angeles and greater California metro areas.
The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 SE RWD Standard Range is tied with the IONIQ 5 for the most affordable EV lease deal this month, offering standout value even after the federal EV tax credit era. In the California metro area, you can lease it for $189 per month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year) with $3,999 due at signing, and Hyundai is sweetening the deal with $13,000 in lease cash.
That brings the effective monthly cost to around $300. With an EPA-estimated 240 miles of range, 149 horsepower, fast-charging capabilities, and a sleek, distinctive design, the IONIQ 6 remains a fan favorite. This offer is valid through December 1.
The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select RWD with Package 100A is offering bigger savings this month, making it an even stronger pick for EV shoppers. Known for its premium design and an EPA-estimated 300 miles of range, the Mach-E remains a favorite among drivers who want style and substance.
You can now lease it for $219 per month for 24 months (10,500 miles per year), with a down payment of $4,499 due at signing. That’s $20 less per month than the September advertised deal, although the term is shorter. With an effective monthly cost of around $406, it’s only $45 more than before the tax credit ended.
The offer includes $6,750 in lease cash for qualified lessees, plus a free Ford Charging Station Pro with complimentary home installation – a rare perk. If you already have a home charger, you can opt for an additional $2,000 in bonus cash instead. This deal is currently available in California through January 5, 2026.
Until January 5, the 2025 Honda Prologue, with a 308-mile range, can be leased for $239 a month for 36 months (10,000 miles) and $1,199 due at signing in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maryland. That means the Prologue has an effective monthly cost of $272, making it a great value.
For those in California and other CARB-emission states, you can lease for $279 for 36 months (10,000 miles) and $1,299 due at signing, resulting in an effective monthly cost of $315. This was the best-priced lease deal before the new East Coast three-state offer.
The price includes a $3,300 loyalty discount or conquest cash, available only to those currently leasing a Honda or planning to switch from another manufacturer in select states. If you aren’t living in California, Florida, New York, or other select states, you’re still eligible for a bonus of $2,000.
These bonuses are stackable with the $5,000 dealer cash, $8,250 Honda lease cash, and a $1,500 additional lease bonus, which replaces the $7,500 tax credit.
You can now lease a 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning 4×4 Super Crew XLT w/ Pkg 311A for a low monthly payment of $279 for 36 months (10,500 miles) and $6,729 due at signing. With an MSRP of $65,190, that makes the effective monthly cost of $466. It has an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles and 452 hp.
That’s $23 less a month than the advertised September lease deal with the federal tax credit. The offer includes $9,500 in lease cash and, like the Mach-e, a complimentary home EV charger and installation or an additional $2,000 in savings. This offer is available in California through January 5, 2026.
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The new Nexo is a significant upgrade over the first model, but will Hyundai’s fuel cell EV make an impression in the US?
Meet the new Hyundai Nexo fuel cell EV
Hyundai is launching a slate of new vehicles, ranging from EVs to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and even fuel-cell electric vehicles.
First launched in 2018, the Nexo marked a milestone as Hyundai’s first dedicated hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Although it wasn’t exactly a hit due to the lack of hydrogen fueling stations, especially in the US, Hyundai is taking another crack at the market with its new and improved fuel cell EV.
Hyundai introduced the new Nexo earlier this year, claiming it’s “poised to set a new standard for zero-emission transportation.”
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With significant upgrades to its fuel cell and power electronics systems, the new Nexo features up to 190 kW total output and a WLTP driving range of up to 513 miles (826 km) from a five-minute hydrogen refill.
The new Hyundai Nexo fuel cell EV (Source: Hyundai)
It also boasts features such as Active Noise Control, road-noise-canceling tech, sound-absorbing tires, e-Handling, and a Smart Regenerative System (SRS), which delivers a smooth, quiet ride.
Inside, Hyundai’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) sits at the center, featuring dual 12.3″ driver cluster and infotainment screens. The setup includes OTA updates and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The interior of the new Hyundai Nexo fuel cell EV (Source: Hyundai)
Like its battery electric vehicles, the new Nexo offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, enabling you to power electronics on the go.
A digital center mirror and digital side mirrors are available in select markets (not the US), replacing the traditional mirrors. In addition, the European-spec version can tow up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs), the first fuel cell EV to offer that level of capability.
The Nexo is 4,750 mm long, 1,865 mm wide, and 1,640 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 4,750 mm, or about the size of a Honda CR-V.
The new Hyundai Nexo fuel cell EV (Source: Hyundai)
Although Hyundai is committed to expanding FCEV infrastructure, it might not be enough to lure buyers in the US.
Hyundai said the new Nexo fuel cell EV is already a hit in South Korea, where hydrogen fueling stations far outnumber those in the US. The company sold nearly 7,000 new Nexo models globally through August, more than four times the previous generation’s sales in the same period last year.
Will the new and improved Nexo make a bigger impact? According to Car and Driver, which test drove the updated FCEV, “the compact Nexo will need far more than clever engineering to make it big in the US.” In Hyundai’s home market, it’s already proving more popular.
Hyundai will launch the new fuel cell EV in other global markets starting in early 2026.
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Solar EV startupAptera Motors continues to inch closer to scaled manufacturing of its flagship vehicle, with a new validation assembly line being installed at its headquarters.
The last thirty days or so have been busy for Aptera Motors – “little engine that still might” in the nascent (and lonely) segment of solar EV startups. Last month, the startup finally went public, opting for a direct listing on the Nasdaq instead of an IPO or SPAC merger.
As reported by Electrek’s Fred Lambert, this move was somewhat concerning for Aptera, as it will not directly benefit the company financially from the stock listing. Furthermore, Aptera consistently seems to be paving the financial runway directly in front of it, enabling it to keep pushing forward. Per the startup’s recent SEC filing:
This prospectus relates to the registration of the resale of up to 31,741,948 shares of our non-voting Class B common stock… We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class B common stock by the registered stockholders.
Aptera Motors Corp. (“Aptera”), the solar mobility company focused on developing highly efficient vehicles, today announced it has entered into share purchase agreement providing for up to $75 million of committed equity financing (the “ELOC”) with New Circle Principal Investments LLC, an affiliate of leading growth-focused investor New Circle Capital.
Less than a month later, Aptera’s team is pushing forward with another development milestone – building out its validation vehicle assembly line, which lays the groundwork for future scaled solar EV production.
Source: Aptera Motors
Aptera is laying the foundation for scaled SEV assembly
According to a press release posted by Aptera this morning, the building of its validation assembly line is now underway in Carlsbad, California. In addition to assembling full-fledged validation vehicles, Aptera can now transcend from unsystematic prototype builds to a more structured assembly process that is scalable and repeatable. Apter co-founder and co-CEO, Steve Fambro, shared a similar sentiment:
Seeing this line come to life signals the next phase for Aptera,” added Steve Fambro, Co-CEO. “It’s the bridge between our prototype builds and the preproduction and series production systems that we aim to one day use to deliver solar mobility at scale.
Seeing this line come to life signals the next phase for Aptera. It’s the bridge between our prototype builds and the preproduction and series production systems that we aim to one day use to deliver solar mobility at scale.
As you can see in the images above, Aptera is stockpiling key components for validation assembly processes, including body-in-carbon (BinC) parts. Per the SEV startup a large-scale precision assembly fixture is the heart of its new validation line, enabling the vehicle’s BinC)to be built with “exceptional dimensional accuracy.”
The fixture will also serve as the baseline for future low-volume production vehicle assembly. This pending process will not only give Aptera techs the first opportunity to establish defined steps in assembly. Still, it will also offer a proving ground to optimize those processes, from component handling to final fit and finish. Aptera’s other CEO, Chris Anthony, also spoke about the latest development milestone:
This marks an important moment in Aptera’s journey. For the first time, our technicians will be assembling vehicles along a defined sequence of stations, using processes developed hand-in-hand with the engineers who designed them.
With vehicle materials now in stock, Aptera has officially begun assembling validation vehicles through its repeatable process en route to pre-production. Then, God willing, bona fide customer vehicle builds will follow. Hold your horses, though, because Aptera still needs more money to get there.
We often celebrate Aptera for its transparency, which is evident in its latest press release, in which the startup announced that it will require an additional $65 million in funding to continue through this new validation assembly stage and into low-volume production.
As always, the deck is stacked against this solar EV startup, but it continues on, and we love to see it. Remember, you can still reserve an Aptera solar EV for only $70 down if you use this link.
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