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Last year, a truck undertook a series of journeys across the Brenner Pass, a high-altitude route linking Italy and Austria that plays an important role in the transportation of goods in Europe.

So far, so normal. This vehicle, however, was different: A hydrogen-powered prototype, it used fuel cells and, according to manufacturer Daimler Truck, emitted nothing but water vapor.

In a statement issued in November, the business said it was planning further tests of its Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck in mountainous areas.

“The development goal is a range of 1,000 kilometers [a little over 621 miles] and more,” the firm said, adding that it was targeting series production in the second half of the 2020s.

Daimler Truck’s tests, which are ongoing, represent just one example of how companies involved in the freight sector are looking at hydrogen.

Others include Volvo Trucks. In Sept. 2022, it said it would begin testing fuel cell electric trucks in what it called “commercial traffic” from 2025.

“Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric trucks will be especially suitable for long distance and heavy, energy-demanding assignments,” the business, which is part of the larger Volvo Group, said.

“They could also be an option in countries where battery charging possibilities are limited,” it added.

In a sign of how collaboration could be key to the development of hydrogen powered mobility, Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group have also set up cellcentric, a joint venture focused on the manufacture of fuel cells.

The above moves come at a time when plans are being made to reduce overall transport-related emissions, including those from larger vehicles crucial to the freight industry.

The U.K., for example, has said it wants all new heavy goods vehicles there to be zero emission by 2040.

Over in the U.S., California is aiming for half of all heavy-duty truck sales in the state to be fully electric by 2035.

Elsewhere, the European Commission, the EU’s executive branch, is looking to toughen up CO2 emissions standards for heavy duty vehicles like trucks.

It says this category of vehicle — which also includes long-distance and city buses — accounts for over 25% of greenhouse gas emissions from road transport within the bloc, and more than 6% of total GHG emissions there.

With major economies planning for a future centered around low and zero-emission technologies, efforts to decarbonize the freight sector will have to be ramped up.

It’s therefore no surprise that alongside hydrogen, battery electric vehicles are also being considered for trucking.

These include the Tesla Semi, Daimler Truck’s Mercedes-Benz eActros and the Volvo FH Electric. Other companies like Scania and DAF are also operating in the battery electric space.

A range of options

When it comes to the road based transportation of goods, the question of whether one technology will become dominant is an open one.  

Jonathan Walker is head of cities and infrastructure policy at trade body Logistics UK.

Citing the example of firms operating van fleets traveling “relatively limited ranges in their day to day operations,” he told CNBC that “quite a significant shift … towards electric vans” was being seen.

“Clearly, electric works very well for that sort of … urban operation,” he added, before noting that question marks still remained when it came to “the big, long distance routes.”

“We know battery technology is coming along, but hydrogen … offers the closest comparator to diesel currently, so we believe, at least in the short to medium term, it will be a mixture.”  

Other organizations trying to sketch out how the decarbonization of vehicles involved in the sector will develop include Brussels-based campaign group Transport & Environment.   

“For two-thirds of road freight activity under 400 km, battery electric trucks are the most-competitive technology and are soon going to reach cost parity with conventional diesel trucks from a total cost of ownership (TCO) perspective,” it says.

“Which zero-emission technology out of battery electric and hydrogen will prevail in the long-haul segment is less certain,” T&E adds.

“Battery electric long-haul trucks are likely to be more cost-effective and more energy efficient, whereas hydrogen fuel cell trucks may offer increased flexibility in terms of refuelling and may be better suited to certain niche applications.”

Hydrogen’s challenges

Described by the International Energy Agency as a “versatile energy carrier,” hydrogen has a diverse range of applications and can be used in a wide range of industries.

One method of producing hydrogen involves electrolysis, a process through which an electric current splits water into oxygen and hydrogen.

Some call the resulting hydrogen “green” or “renewable” if the electricity used in the process comes from renewable energy installations like wind or solar farms.

Today, the vast majority of hydrogen generation is still based on fossil fuels.

“If you look at hydrogen, for example, as a country we need to decide what it is we want to use hydrogen for,” Walker said.

He added that there were discussions “about using hydrogen for heating, using it for the railways, using it for road transport, obviously there’s a demand for hydrogen in the chemical sector.”  

“But that that needs to be determined as a country, because, you know, while hydrogen is plentiful, it’s also kind of costly, and not without its own environmental issues to produce it.”

Infrastructure key

Regardless of what technology comes out on top, one thing is certain: An extensive network for refueling and recharging hydrogen fuel cell or battery electric vehicles will be required if these vehicles are to gain any sort of foothold within the sector.

Logistics UK’s Walker told CNBC that this didn’t exist today, and stressed the importance of creating one.

“You need that resilience in the network to ensure that, actually, if a vehicle is suddenly … running out of range, through no fault of the driver, they are able to go and refuel quickly and continue their journey.”

Change on that front appears to be coming. Within the EU, for example, efforts are being made to create the conditions that would enable hydrogen trucks to travel long distances.

In March 2023, the European Commission welcomed a provisional agreement between the European Parliament and Council of the EU on the deployment of “sufficient alternative fuels infrastructure.”

The agreement contains targets related to charging stations for heavy-duty EVs and hydrogen cars and lorries.

Elsewhere, Element 2, which is based in the north of England, says it’s building a “national network of hydrogen refuelling stations … across the UK [which has left the EU] and Ireland.”

The future

As well as being used in road-based vehicles, hydrogen could also have a role to play in rail freight, with big businesses like Alstom and Engie working on fuel cell projects.

Looking ahead, Logistics UK’s Walker stressed the importance of pushing ahead with “trials of both battery electric and hydrogen HGVs for longer distance freight journeys.”

These trials, he added, needed to be “conducted swiftly, effectively and with regular reporting so the industry can … keep abreast of what is being learned.”

If trials showed a particular technology was proving “really promising” then this would in turn give industry “the confidence to work with manufacturers to invest in new technology.”

“And we will hopefully see a sort of virtuous circle of investment by the industry, [which] requires greater investment in infrastructure. And those two things go hand in hand.”

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Segway’s new Xafari Red e-bike at $2,000 low (Save $400), Exclusive refurbished Anker SOLIX F3800 station $1,763 ($916 off), EcoFlow, more

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July 28, 2025

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Segway's new Xafari Red e-bike at ,000 low (Save 0), Exclusive refurbished Anker SOLIX F3800 station ,763 (6 off), EcoFlow, more

We are kickstarting this week’s Green Deals with the Segway Xafari e-bike in its new red colorway at a $2,000 low for an unforeseen time. Coming in right behind it is an exclusive $916 in savings on refurbished Anker SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Stations for $1,763 each, as well as EcoFlow’s latest flash sale that is taking up to 56% off two units and also offering an EcoCredits purchase promotion, like the DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station bundled with a 500W alternator charger at a $999 low. We also have more power station savings from Jackery, Worx’s adaptable Intellicut mower kit, and more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings from last week at the bottom of the page, rounded up into our Electrified Weekly coverage.

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.

Segway returns its Xafari e-bike with an 88-mile range and Apple Find My in a new red colorway to its $2,000 low (Save $400)

While we have already seen a few periods of price cuts on Segway’s new Xafari e-bike, you can now score it in an all-new red colorway for the first time at $1,999.99 shipped. This model opened for preorder with a $2,400 price tag and didn’t see its first discount until the top of June when it fell to $2,200. Two weeks ago the brand’s Prime Day sale dropped things further to the $2,000 low, with it not only returning here today but also coming as the official introduction to this new red colorway. While the savings last you can keep $400 in your pocket, with it back at the best rate we have tracked to date.

Segway designed the Xafari e-bike as an all-terrain ride for folks at every skill level carrying the tagline “for everyone, yet far from ordinary.” Now sporting this stunning cherry red colorway, it arrives with a 936Wh battery powering the 750W rear hub motor to hit 20 MPH top speeds for up to 88 miles of pedal-assisted travel (with 12 levels that come supported by a torque sensor). What’s more, this model reaches that kind of range on just six hours of charging. One of the biggest standout features here, though, is the inclusion of the brand’s Intelligent Ride System that brings high-end smart features to your experience, including Airlock wireless proximity security, an alarm system, Apple Find My, GPS, adaptive pedal assistance, and more.

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There’s also been plenty of forays into more comfortable elements with the Segway Xafari Red e-bike, like the ergonomic positioning providing less fatigue on your back as you go along, as well as adjustable compression damping, all-terrain Kenda tires, a lock-out fork, and 80mm front/70mm rear suspensions. That’s not all, as there’s the rear cargo rack to carry packages, bags, and the like, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, front/rear lighting that obviously activates upon braking too – plus, a sophisticated HQ for controls via the integrated multi-color smart TFT display that has a 20W USB A/C port to charge your phone, among plenty more.

family holds hands walking towards RV with Anker SOLIX F3800 power station being pulled behind

Save and get more with an exclusive $916 discount on a refurbished Anker SOLIX F3800 power station at $1,763

We’ve secured a great exclusive deal from Wellbots on a refurbished Anker SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station for $1,763.10 shipped, after using the exclusive code 10ANK9TO5 at checkout. This is a renewed unit that already starts off dropping from $2,679 to $1,959, with the exclusive code cutting an additional $196 off the tag to come in much lower than the best pricing we’ve spotted on a brand-new unit ($336 lower). Today’s pricing is only beaten out by the exclusive $1,699 pricing we scored back in May, with the deal here being the second-best we have tracked, giving you $916 off its going rate.

If you want to learn more about this renewed unit, be sure to check out our original coverage of this exclusive deal here.

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max power station on counter next to toaster oven

EcoFlow flash sale takes 56% off DELTA 2 Max bundle with 500W alternator charger at $999 low

As part of its ongoing July Monthly Madness Sale that is running through the end of the month, EcoFlow has launched the next of its 24-hour flash sales with two power station units getting up to 56% taken off their tags alongside a bonus 500 EcoCredits offer for $1. Among the two power stations, things start with the DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station that comes bundled with a 500W alternator charger at $999 shipped. This bundle would normally run you $2,288 at full price, and it’s quite the rare deal as we usually see this station with the 800W charger getting discounts, which is currently sitting at a $1,049 low at Amazon. With the two chargers often varying by a $50 price difference, the 56% markdown during this short-term sale is appropriately priced, with $1,289 in savings cut from the tag to land it at the best price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this particular bundle or the other flash sale offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of these 24-hour deals here.

Jackery explorer 1000 v2 power station on desk next to connected computer and refrigerator

Jackery’s Explorer 1000 v2 LiFePO4 station gives you protected 1,070Wh backup power at $469

Through its official Amazon storefront, Jackery is offering its Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station at $469 shipped. This station would normally run you $799 were it at full price, which we saw dropping as low as $449 in Lightning sales until Prime Day when it hit the $399 low. If you missed out on those lower rates, you’re still looking at a solid 41% markdown here today, cutting $330 off the tag at the third-best price we have tracked.

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

man pushing Worx 40V 17-inch cordless Intellicut lawn mower next to walkway

Get an adaptable cut with Worx’s 40V 17-inch cordless Intellicut mower that comes with two 4.0Ah batteries at $270

Amazon is now offering the Worx 40V 17-inch Cordless Intellicut Lawn Mower with two 4.0Ah batteries at $269.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $30 off coupon. This is an older but still reliable mowing solution that won’t weigh as heavily on budgets usually fetches $330 at full price, which we’ve mostly seen dropping down every few months to this same rate. We’ve seen it go a tad lower in the past to $266 and the $260 in April and May, while Prime Day saw it drop to $240 for four days, with today’s deal otherwise being the best price we have tracked, with $60 cut from the tag.

If you want to learn more about this adaptable lawn care solution, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 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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This country quietly became an electric haven with EVs now having 76% market shares

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July 28, 2025

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This country quietly became an electric haven with EVs now having 76% market shares

BYD-cutting-EV-production

While most headlines focus on EV adoption in the US, Europe, and China, Nepal is quietly outpacing almost every country on Earth when it comes to electrifying its roads.

In the last year alone, 76% of new passenger vehicles and 50% of light commercial vehicles sold in Nepal were electric compared to a 20% global average.

How did we all miss Nepal’s electrification story?

TL;DR: The New York Times has released a fascinating new report that tells the little-known story of Nepal’s electrification. The country’s aggressive EV shift is the result of a perfect storm: abundant hydropower, smart import tax policy, growing infrastructure, and a wave of affordable EVs from China.

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Cars powered by rivers, not oil

Nepal’s power grid is fed by rivers flowing from the Himalayas, making electricity clean and locally sourced. A 2015 fuel crisis with India prompted a national pivot to hydropower, helping to end the rolling blackouts that plagued the country for years. Now, electricity is abundant—and it makes more economic sense to use it for transport than to keep importing petroleum.

There are many countries in somewhat similar situations, but most of them have not embraced electric transport as much as Nepal.

To accelerate the transition, the government slashed import taxes for EVs to as low as 40% (vs. 180% for ICE vehicles). The result? A Hyundai electric SUV now costs less than its gas-powered counterpart.

Charging infrastructure is growing fast too: 62 public stations installed by the government, with hundreds more by businesses and homes. At current electricity rates, charging an EV costs roughly 15x less than refueling a gas car.

China dominates EV surge as dealers pivot

Chinese automakers like BYD are rapidly taking over the market. Originally a solar equipment distributor, Yamuna Shrestha became Nepal’s exclusive BYD dealer and now operates 18 dealerships. She expects to sell 4,000 vehicles in 2025.

“Consumers are getting Tesla-tier vehicles at half the price,” said one local Suzuki dealer, noting that Indian brands can’t keep up on cost or features. Dozens of Chinese brands are now competing in Nepal’s EV market, pushing the transition faster.

The electric transition created a lot of opportunities in the country’s relatively small automotive.

EVs work for everyday drivers in Nepal

EVs are already paying off for everyday Nepalese. Jit Bahadur Shahi, a retired police officer, purchased an electric minibus for approximately $33,000. Just 10 round trips a month between Kathmandu and his hometown cover the loan payments. He expects to own it outright in four years.

Still, challenges remain: charging infrastructure isn’t everywhere, but the government is investing in expansions to make sure the infrastructure grows with the rapidly growing EV fleet.

Political instability could slow things down.

While a success story, especially for a developing country, Nepal could find it difficult to reach near 100% EV sales in Norway amid some political instability.

Despite the momentum, policy backsliding could derail progress. Nepal has had three prime ministers in five years. This year, tariffs are creeping back up. Meanwhile, there’s no national plan yet for battery recycling or vehicle safety standards.

“If incentives disappear, the market could shift back to gas,” warned Rajan Babu Shrestha, Nepal’s Tata Motors distributor.

Public transit is the next step

While private EV adoption is booming, most of Nepal’s population relies on buses and motorbikes, which remain mostly fossil-fueled.

State-backed bus operator Sajha Yatayat runs 41 electric buses and plans to expand. China recently offered to donate 100 more, helping to build a clean transit backbone. However, experts say that at least 800 electric buses are needed to truly shift mobility in the Kathmandu Valley.

Scooters and two-wheelers also need to go electric, but adoption there lags behind neighboring India.

“We are trying to reduce fossil fuel vehicles in my town,” said Lalitpur mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan in the NYT story. “This is very difficult, but we must do something.”

Electrek’s Take

Nepal’s EV story is unique, but there are also many similarities with other markets, making it potentially replicable. By tapping into its clean energy, embracing Chinese EV supply, and creating the right incentives, the country has leapfrogged most markets in EV adoption.

Again, I understand that it is a fairly small market, but it’s still impressive that a few Chinese automakers can change the entire auto market of a country in less than 5 years.

From no EVs to almost only EVs in about 5 years.

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This EV just launched in China for under $5,000

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July 28, 2025

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This EV just launched in China for under ,000

EV-China-$5,000

There’s one vehicle in the US that you can currently buy for under $20,000, and it’s about to go extinct. In China, another EV just landed for under $5,000.

Meet the Bestune Pony EV, a $5,000 EV for China

Chinese electric vehicles are “far superior” to those in the US, according to Ford’s CEO Jim Farley. Lucid’s interim CEO, Marc Winterhoff, warned just last week that China is “on a different planet” when it comes to EV tech, software, and innovation.

With another EV launching for under $5,000, China is proving again how far the industry has come over the past few years.

Bestune launched the new Pony EV, priced from just 34,900 yuan, or just about $4,900. The company was known as Besturn, but FAW rebranded the series as an affordable, mainstream brand in 2018.

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The new Pony, not to be confused with Honda’s iconic Pony, is an updated version of the mini electric car, which launched in China last May. Since launching, FAW has sold over 100,000 models.

EV-China-,000
EV-China-,000

The 2026 Bestune Pony keeps its boxy, kei car-like design. Added LED lights and funky two-tone color schemes give it a playful, fun look.

At just 3,000 mm long and 1,500 mm wide, the new Pony EV is even smaller than BYD’s smallest (and best-selling) electric car, the Seagull, at 3,780 mm long and 1,715 mm wide.

EV-China-$5,000
2026 Pony EV interior (Source: FAW)

Inside, the electric car features a relatively minimalist setup with a digital cluster, basic air conditioning, and radio/Bluetooth, as well as parking sensors. Higher trims offer upgrades like a 10.1″ smart infotainment and Deepseek intelligent assist.

Powered by a 42 hp rear motor and 18.11 kWh LFP battery, the Pony EV provides a CLTC range of up to 222 km.

EV-China-$5,000
FAW launches the 2026 Bestune Pony EV (Source: FAW)

It’s available in five trims with prices ranging from 34,900 yuan ($4,900) to 45,900 yuan ($6,300). All five feature a driving range of up to 222 km CLTC.

Would you buy the Pony EV for under $5,000 in the US? It doesn’t only come in pink. You can get it in blue, green, yellow, and more. Let us know what you think of it in the comments.

Meanwhile, in the US, the last new vehicle on the market for under $20,000 is the Mitsubishi Mirage. In June, its average transaction price was about $18,500.

Source: CarNewsChina, FAW

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