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2 years ago

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Nikola truck fire

Nikola Corporation had a significant safety defect in the battery modules used in its electric semi trucks that can result in fires. Yet, the company was quick to claim “foul play” when five trucks caught on fire at its headquarters last week.

Nikola says that it is still investigating the situation.

Last week, we reported on the Phoenix fire department confirming that five Nikola semitrucks caught on fire at their headquarters. The company was quick to tell the public it believed “foul play” was involved in the fire, but it didn’t have a lot of evidence to back the claim. It only mentioned that a vehicle was seen on the scene prior to the fire.

The Phoenix fire department was still investigating the fire at the time Nikola made that statement. We contacted the fire department to ask for an update on the investigation when it is available, but we haven’t received an update yet.

In the meantime, we received concerning information about the battery modules that Nikola uses in its electric trucks, which company insiders believe could have led to the fire.

Nikola gets its battery modules for its Tre semitruck from Romeo Power, a company that it acquired last year after already being its main client for battery pack design and manufacturing. Romeo designed and produced the Hermes and Legion battery modules for the Nikola Tre.

Last year, engineers working on the battery modules detected a major problem where the cells were corroded and would self-discharge.

Electrek saw an internal report that investigated the issue:

A team inspected a number of modules in production, and many had the same issue.

They eventually tracked the problem down to the laser welding puncturing some of the battery cells in the modules.

The tests in the report were performed on the Hermes module because, unlike the Legion module, it doesn’t have potting on the cells, which can hide the puncture issue, but the problem was first identified in the Legion module, which is the one that was delivered to Nikola during the time it started production of the Tre, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Electrek was shown a video of the problem with the cells corroding within only two cycles in some cases:

The corrosion can create heat generation and increase resistance at the joint.

It can create several problems, including lithium plating and an imbalance in the voltage delta, which was mentioned in Romeo Power’s report on the issue:

These issues could all lead to potential thermal events in the battery packs, according to the insider, especially as they continue to cycle.

According to a former Romeo employee with knowledge of the problem, engineering executives recommended shutting down the production of the modules, but Susan Brennan, who was CEO of Romeo at the time, decided to keep production going and to try to fix the issue in parallel.

Electrek reached out to Brennan for an interview, but we didn’t get a response.

Nikola’s leadership was also made aware of the issue, but they already had millions of dollars worth of battery modules meant for its electric semitrucks, which the company was in a hurry to bring to production as it was hemorrhaging cash.

On top of it, the relationship of buyer-supplier between Romeo and Nikola was blurred now that the latter was acquiring the former.

A company insider told Electrek that Romeo kept producing potentially damaged battery modules for Nikola, and it is possible some of those battery modules could have made it into Nikola trucks.

While we can’t confirm that it led to the trucks catching on fire at its headquarters last week, it is a possibility, as punctured cells can lead to thermal events in batteries.

We contacted Nikola about this issue, and the company acknowledged that they were aware of the problem, but they believe no damaged modules have made their way into Nikola production trucks.

A spokesperson wrote in an email:

For production Nikola vehicles, Nikola requested Romeo not to ship known leaking modules. When weld issues were identified at Romeo’s end-of-line process, a quarantine process was implemented which required performance of a thorough inspection on every module, including end-of-line functionality checks. To our knowledge and based upon assurances made by our supplier Romeo, Nikola did not put any modules with weld issues in our production vehicles. 

They claim to know that based on “assurances made by [their] supplier Romeo.” Romeo is now owned by Nikola, and we have seen evidence that the problem was ongoing when Nikola was producing the Tre. A company insider disputed that there was “a quarantine process.”

Also, it’s hard to confirm which modules have punctured cells, as the Legion module has potting hiding the joints of the cells.

A Nikola spokesperson tried to convince Electrek that the problem was only with the Hermes module while the Legion module was the one that ended up in the Tre, but a source familiar with both modules told Electrek that the cell puncture issue was first identified on a Legion module at Romeo Power’s Vernon facility. It was also identified in the production modules at the Cypress facility later on.

On top of the known battery problem, a company insider told Electrek that Nikola’s claim of “foul play” was a stretch. We were shown reports and videos of fire resistance testing showing the battery modules surviving extended exposure to powerful flames:

A company insider familiar with the battery modules told Electrek that “you could literally throw burning fuel on these packs and unless it’s sustained for a long period of time, you wouldn’t even notice.” Therefore, the insider finds it hard to believe that someone was able to light the trucks on fire – leading to battery pack fires.

Obviously, the situation looks better for Nikola if someone had set the trucks on fire rather than the fire potentially originating from the batteries.

When asked by Electrek if the company is still considering “foul play,” Nikola said that it is “not ruling out anything” and it is running “multiple investigations” that “could take weeks.”

The fire comes at a difficult time for Nikola. The company has only a few weeks left to convince its shareholders to let them issue more shares in order to raise more cash to keep the company going.

Issuing more shares would further dilute Nikola’s stock, which is already down almost 94% over the last two years.

Electrek’s Take

Obviously, we need an independent investigation into this issue by experts, but it is not a good look.

As for the foul play claim, I feel like we would already have clear information on this if it were true. I doubt that Nikola wouldn’t have cameras pointed at what was millions of dollars worth of brand-new electric trucks. If there had been any foul play, it would have been identified and made public by now.

On the other side, I saw clear evidence that Nikola had a major defect in its battery modules and solid insider sources that say those modules were shipped to Nikola with no clear evidence that the problem was ever fully solved before it produced the Tre truck.

The question seems to be if Nikola really understood the situation or not and the risk that came with using the modules amid the acquisition of Romeo, but it’s not a good look either way.

Normally, I’d find it hard to believe that a company would knowingly take the risk of putting those modules inside its vehicles, but it’s not impossible, considering the company was under tremendous pressure to deliver the truck.

Nikola has been working hard to distance itself from the era of Trevor Milton, its founder, and all the fraud that happened at the time, but I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see them cut corners again. But it sounds like there’s also the potential that Nikola thought that the Legion modules were fine when they put them in their trucks.

And before all the NKLA investors jump on me for this report, no, I don’t have and never had a short position on Nikola. I would love for Nikola’s electric truck program to be successful, as I think removing emissions from trucking is an extremely important mission.

With that said, it needs to be made safely and sustainably. That doesn’t seem to be the case with Nikola right now.

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Environment

This 50% recycled glass solar panel performs like brand new

Published

4 hours ago

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August 2, 2025

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This 50% recycled glass solar panel performs like brand new

recycled glass solar panel
Photo: SOLARCYCLE

Solar panel recycler SOLARCYCLE and Arizona State University just proved that solar panels made with recycled glass work just as well as new ones.

In a new collaboration with Arizona State’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the solar recycling company created a prototype solar panel – what they call a “mini module”– using 50% recycled glass pulled from end-of-life solar panels. The mini module matched the performance of panels made entirely with new materials.

The research was led by Dr. Zachary Holman, Arizona State’s vice dean for research and innovation, and his team. Researcher Kate Fisher built and tested two sets of panels: one using only new glass, and the other using a 50/50 mix of new and recycled glass cullet. The recycled material came from panels processed using SOLARCYCLE’s technology.

Using industry-standard power conversion efficiency tests, the results were clear: There was no statistically significant difference in how the two types of panels performed.

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“This is exactly the kind of result we hope for when industry and academia collaborate,” said Holman. “Together, we proved that you don’t have to sacrifice performance to build solar panels more sustainably.”

This isn’t just a one-off science experiment. SOLARCYCLE says the recycled-glass panel is part of a bigger plan to make solar manufacturing more circular – and less wasteful. The company plans to build a solar glass factory in Cedartown, Georgia, next to its existing recycling factory. It’ll be the first in the world to use recycled cullet like this at commercial scale.

“By proving we can manufacture new solar panels using recycled materials that produce at peak performance levels, we’re taking a major step toward making the solar industry more sustainable, scalable, and self-reliant,” said SOLARCYCLE’s CTO and co-founder, Pablo Dias.

Read more: SOLARCYCLE’s new plant will recycle 25% of all US end-of-life solar panels in 2030

The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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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Environment

EcoFlow TRAIL power stations launch from $113, Exclusive Bluetti Apex 300 savings (up to $3,150 off), Lectric Back to School Sale, more

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8 hours ago

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August 1, 2025

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EcoFlow TRAIL power stations launch from 3, Exclusive Bluetti Apex 300 savings (up to ,150 off), Lectric Back to School Sale, more

We’re closing this week’s Green Deals coverage with some major launches and one of our favorite e-bike brand’s next big sale, starting with the launch of EcoFlow’s new TRAIL 200 DC 60,000mAh and TRAIL 300 DC 90,000mAh power stations, along with plenty of bundle options and some extra savings – all starting from $113. Following right behind it is the exclusive early-bird savings (up to $3,150) on Bluetti’s new Apex 300 Versatile Power Station and bundles that start from $1,439, as well as Lectric’s Back to School Sale that is taking up to $654 off e-bike bundles, with many seeing increased packages, like the XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes that are getting $365 in free gear starting from $999. We also have Greenworks’ Pro-grade 2,700 PSI electric pressure washer back at its 2025 low, as well as Worx’s 20V PowerShare 10-inch cordless chainsaw, and more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s exclusive new ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 folding e-bike low price, Anker’s eufy SoloCam S220 solar security camera savings, 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.

EcoFlow launches new TRAIL 60,000mAh and 90,000mAh power stations with bundles, free gear, and extra savings from $113

EcoFlow is launching its newest and most compact series of power stations with some significant savings, starting with the TRAIL 200 DC 60,000mAh Portable Power Station at $113.05 shipped, after using the code 25EFTRAFF at checkout for an additional 5% off, while the TRAIL 300 DC 90,000mAh Portable Power Station is at $151.05 shipped, after using the same promo code – and both are also getting a free RAPID 30W GaN Charger ($26 value) along with the purchase. These two new personal backup power solutions will go for $200 and $250 at full price, getting cut down to $119 and $159 in initial discounts, but you’ll also be shedding an extra $6 and $8 thanks to the bonus savings code – for combined $113 and $125 markdowns (including the free chargers) that set the bar for future discounts. Head below to learn more and browse all the bundle offers.

These new EcoFlow TRAIL 200 DC and 300 DC power stations are the brand’s most compact backup power solutions to date, rivaling Anker’s PowerCore Reserve/C200 DC/C300 DC stations in their portability and performance. The 200 DC model weighs in at four pounds and sports a 60,000mAh LiFePO4 battery, while the 300 DC is under six pounds, sitting higher at a 90,000mAh LiFePO4 capacity. You’ll get up to 220W and 300W output power with these units, with the 200 DC providing two 12W USB-A ports, a 140W USB-C port, and a 100W USB-C port, while the 300 DC has the same USB-A ports but two 140W USB-C ports and a 120W car outlet.

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The EcoFlow TRAIL DC power stations come with loads of protection measures against overvoltage, overloading, short circuiting, various temperature spikes or drops, overcurrent, and more. There are also built-in woven handles that make carrying them all the easier, though with their small designs, they can also easily stow away inside your bag. You can charge both via a standard wall outlet at up to 200W or 280W speeds, with the 300 DC bringing a 110W max solar input into the mix for solar charging.

***Note: The extra savings has not been factored into any of the prices below, so be sure to use the code 25EFTRAFF at checkout for an additional 5% off your order. All the following offers also come with a free RAPID 30W GaN Charger too!

EcoFlow TRAIL power station launch offers:

Bluetti Apex 300 versatile power station

Score up to $3,150 in exclusive savings on Bluetti’s new Apex 300 versatile power station and bundles starting from $1,439

Bluetti is officially launching its new Apex 300 Versatile Power Station along with several bundle options at up to $2,600 off in initial early-bird discounts alongside an exclusive 10% bonus savings for our readers. Things start with the lone Apex 300 Power Station at $1,439.10 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS10F at checkout for an additional 10% off your order. This new backup power unit will normally fetch $2,399 at full price once the early-bird savings ends, but you can take advantage of these first-time savings now to score a $960 markdown that sets the bar for future discounts in the future. Head below to get the rundown on this station’s capabilities and check out the many bundle offers also available.

If you want to learn more about this all-new power station’s monstrous capabilities and the many bundle offers we’re seeing during this launch, be sure to check out our original coverage of these exclusive deals here.

lectric xp lite 2.0 e-bike

Head back to school on Lectric’s XP Lite 2.0 folding e-bikes with $365 in free gear from $999, more bundles up to $654 off

Lectric has launched its Back to School Sale that is offering up to $654 in free gear accompanying e-bike purchases, with a bunch of models seeing increased bundle sizes this time around – plus some select accessory savings too. One such model is the XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes that are all coming with $365 in free gear at $999 shipped, while the XP Lite 2.0 JW Long-Range e-bike gets the same bundle at $1,099 shipped. You’d normally have to pay $1,364 and $1,464, respectively for these same packages at full price, but as you’re likely aware by now, the savings come in the form of the bundled gear rather than actual price cuts on the bikes themselves. We’ve been seeing these models getting much smaller bundles between $100 and $200 over the last few months, but now they’re increasing in size just in time for students prepping for their upcoming class commutes. Head below for more on these and the other deals during this sale.

If you want to learn more about these lightweight models or the other e-bike bundle deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

greenworks pro 2,700 PSI electric pressure washer stands in driveway in front of garage door

Get 2,700 PSI power through this Greenworks Pro-grade electric pressure washer + foam cannon at $360

Amazon is bringing back the best pricing of 2025 on the Greenworks Pro 2,700 PSI Electric Pressure Washer with Foam Cannon at $359.99 shipped. This particular model with the added foam cannon bundle isn’t available directly from the brand’s website, with it normally fetching $450 at full price. In 2025 we’ve seen three previous discounts to this same repeating rate, with today’s deal following suit for a fourth-time opportunity, giving you a 20% markdown for $90 in savings at the second-best price we have tracked – $45 above the all-time low last spotted during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

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

man cutting log with Worx 20V PowerShare 10-inch cordless chainsaw

Worx’s 6.2-pound 20V PowerShare 10-inch cordless chainsaw returns to annual $100 low, more from $158

Amazon is returning the best 2025 pricing on the Worx 20V PowerShare 10-inch Cordless Chainsaw for $99.99 shipped. It’s coming down off its usual $120 price tag, and is currently going for as much directly from the brand’s website. It was priced down to $104 during Prime Day, with that rate beaten out here today as the best price we have tracked in 2025 – landing it just $11 above the all-time low that we haven’t seen in quite some time. Head below to learn more about this model and its pole saw bundle counterpart option.

If you want to learn more about this model or its pole/chainsaw upgrade package, 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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Environment

Trump just killed all offshore wind zones as US power needs surge

Published

9 hours ago

on

August 1, 2025

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Trump just killed all offshore wind zones as US power needs surge

Trump offshore wind zones
Photo: Avangrid

Trump’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is rescinding every single Wind Energy Area (WEA) in US federal waters, wiping out over 3.5 million acres of zones once earmarked for offshore wind development.

This masochistic move is part of Trump’s January 2025 executive order halting all offshore wind leasing and ordering a review of wind permitting. It follows a new directive from his Interior Department — “Ending Preferential Treatment for Unreliable, Foreign-Controlled Energy Sources.”

This is pure propaganda politics, not energy policy.

Trump has spent years spreading lies about offshore wind farms, from calling them “bird graveyards” to wrongly blaming them for whale deaths. Now his administration is taking a wrecking ball to one of the country’s most promising clean energy industries – just as the aging US grid faces unprecedented strain from climate change, EV adoption, and the explosion of data centers that demand massive electricity.

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Offshore wind is not unreliable. It’s already producing clean power for homes and businesses all over the world, including the US. In fact, many of the world’s most successful offshore wind developers — including European firms — have decades of experience building turbines in deep waters and tough weather. These companies work hand-in-hand with US firms, bringing expertise and creating good-paying American jobs, from manufacturing to port construction to long-term operations and maintenance.

The government’s rollback affects critical areas for future wind projects in the Gulf of Maine, New York Bight, Central Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, California, and Oregon. By removing these designated offshore zones, Trump’s BOEM is essentially canceling the roadmap for the US’s offshore wind future – one that would have powered millions of homes, stabilized energy costs, and brought climate benefits when we need them most.

Jason Walsh, executive director of the BlueGreen Alliance, released a statement in response to this destructive decision:

Donald Trump should support the country’s progress and do everything he can to foster more resources for the people. Instead, he is trying to wipe an entire sector of the energy industry off the board at a time when our electric grid is overburdened and electric bills are rising. Attacking offshore wind will put America behind its foreign competitors, kill jobs, and weaken our energy sector.

This isn’t just an energy issue – it’s a jobs issue, a climate issue, and a national competitiveness issue. At a time when we need more power on the grid, more affordable energy, and more tools to fight climate change, the Trump administration is deliberately dismantling a homegrown solution. We will all pay for it with our wallets, and our kids will pay with their futures. Europe and China’s offshore wind industries are leaving the US in the dust.

Read more: Trump blocked wind projects, and now 17 states and DC are suing

The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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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