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GM luxury brand Cadillac publicly unveiled its upcoming, all-electric version of the Escalade in front of a crowd in New York this morning. The ESCALADE IQ is a far cry from the vehicle synonymous with music videos and transportation services the past 24 years, but in the best way. Cadillac has reimagined what is arguably its most iconic model for the all-electric age, and its engineering teams fingerprints are on every single square-inch. It’s a true marvel in large EVs, but it comes at a hefty price tag.

It’s been over a year since Cadillac originally announced it was developing an all-electric version of its long-running full-size SUV called the ESCALADE IQ. Aside from the new all-caps nomenclature and “IQ” suffix to match other Cadillac BEV models like the LYRIQ and CELESTIQ, all we really got from GM at the time was the name itself.

We made some performance predictions of what to expect at the time, like a 200 kWh+ battery pack (check), but like most specifics in journalism, you don’t know until you actually know. Cadillac had remained relatively quiet about the electric ESCALADE IQ until this past June, when it started teasing video footage of the SUVs headlamps, building anticipation for today’s unveiling.

Earlier this week, Cadillac’s parent company GM announced that all future BEV models on its Ultium platform will come equipped with bi-directional vehicle-to-home (V2H) capabilities, including the 2025 ESCALADE IQ which was mentioned specifically.

Today, we can confirm the new electric ESCALADE will offer V2H charging, as well as a slew of other new and exciting design and performance elements. Have a look.

Cadillac shows it’s all in with all-electric ESCALADE IQ

I got the invite to attend the official unveiling of the ESCALADE IQ in New York City this morning and speak with the large SUV’s Chief Engineer and veteran GM employee Mandi Damman. There’s a lot to unfold here, so let’s dig in.

First things first, let’s start with the overall look of this new Escalade, reborn for the all electric age. Cadillac’s designers told us the transition into a BEV gave the team the freedom of a blank slate approach, picking and choosing the most recognizable elements to the brand, while binning the unnecessary stuff… you know like a gas tank, engine, transmission, etc.

The result is a BEV that maintains the DNA of Cadillac’s first large SUV, but sports a sleeker, streamlined look that offers the low ride and aerodynamics necessary for ample BEV range (more on that in a bit). In front of the audience in New York, GM President Mark Reuss was already touting the electric SUV as its best driving and most maneuverable Escalade to date.

As you may notice from the images above, Cadillac says it pushed the wheels further to the corners of the Ultium platform for a more planted stance, which also creates a longer wheelbase. The engineers also pushed the passenger compartment back 11 inches offering more room inside.

The hood has been stretched and the rear slanted to offer a new look for the relatively boxy Escalades’s of old, once again contributing to its vital aerodynamics. Cadillac’s engineers shared that they were able to reduce the drag coefficient of the ESCALADE IQ by 15% compared to its combustion predecessor. I sat down with the new electric SUV’s Chief Engineer Mandi Damman and asked her what she is personally most proud of in the vehicle, which she described to me as her “third baby” behind her two actual children:

I’d have to say it’s the overall driving experience because I get caught up in this and then you get in one and the vehicle just shrinks around you, right? Everybody walks up to it and they’re like, ‘wow, this presence and this stance,’ but you get in and it feels small. It’s a full size SUV but that’s what I really love – there were zero compromises. It’s got all the technology that we wanted, there is no base model, it’s all in and I can’t wait for everyone to experience the media drives.

I can’t wait either, Mandi.

Next, let’s peep the ESCALADE IQ’s interior for a second. First thing you’ll notice when you enter the cabin (and in the images above) is the pillar-to-pillar 55-inch diagonal LED display which is split between a 35-inch screen for the driver and a 20-inch screen for the front passenger.

The entire display is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon and sits above a cantilevered center console that appears suspended in the air, offering space below for belongings or according to Damman, a cooler accessory to keep your kombucha cold (what do Escalade drivers drink?).

The rear seats feature HDMI connections, plus rear displays with access to the internet and streaming apps. The rear center touch screen gives passengers access to climate control and the ability to automatically open and close the doors (with child lock I assume!).

Optional add-ons include a 40-speaker AKG system delivering 360-degree sound throughout the cabin – that’s six more speakers than the AKG system in the current premium Escalades. Take that!

In addition to 212 cubic feet of cargo volume in the interior, the electric ESCALADE IQ boasts a massive frunk etrunk – offering 12.2 cubic feet of additional cargo space. In my interview with Mandi Damman, she told me she thinks consumers will be most excited by etrunk, which can easily hold two golf bags or a large stroller.

I asked about the possibility of it doubling as a cooler, and she told me Cadillac designed a specific tray that can pull out with a rubber liner add on for groceries, cold drinks, etc. Combine that with the V2L add on and the 2025 ESCALADE IQ may be the new tailgate vehicle! Probably not, though…

  • electric Escalade
  • GM President Mark Reuss

Other features

There are several innovative features coming to the ESCALADE IQ in addition to V2H charging. We learned that vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities will also come available as an add-on option for future customers backed by GM’s Ultify Software which will enable over-the-air (OTA) updates.

One of the cooler features showcased today is the electric ESCALADE IQ’s independent front and rear suspension. This dual-motor system not only offers eAWD, but utilizes four wheel steering to turn on a dime. Mandi Damman shared that this feature enabled engineers to reduced the ESCALADE IQ’s turning diameter by 6.5 feet to just 39.4 feet in all, during slow speeds.

GM President Mark Reuss said the electric Escalade’s turn diameter is now shorter than some sedans. The technology also enhances stability and handling at high speeds when trailering for instance. Check it out:

Standard four wheel steering also enables the all-electric ESCALADE IQ to perform “Arrival Mode,” which is Cadillac’s version of “Crab Walk” first showcased on the GMC Hummer EV. This mode allows the large SUV to drive diagonally at slow speeds to get in and out of tight spots. You can see it in action at around the (2:30) mark in the long form video at the bottom.

Alright, moving on. Another truly interesting feature present in this new Escalade is GM’s Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, bolstered by an Adaptive Air Suspension. The system instantaneously adapts the suspension to adapt to uneven road surfaces to “isolate passengers from undesirable road conditions while providing precise steering and feel.” It’s tough to grasp the smoothness of this technology unless you see it, hence why we included Cadillac’s video showcasing it below. You’re welcome.

Smooth, right? Look at that side profile while we’re at it, and tell me that if you didn’t see the front, you’d know that was an Escalade? Doubt it. One more factor in regard to the adaptive air suspension. Future ESCALADE IQ owners will be back to raise the SUV an inch, or lower it two inches for enhanced capabilities in Low Ride Mode.

Electric Cadillac ESCALADE IQ specs and pricing

Alright, time for the bread and butter – the specs (so far). According to Cadillac, these are the performance specifications it expects to deliver with its first electric large SUV:

  • 24-module Ultium battery pack
  • 200 kWh of usable energy
  • Estimated range up to 450 miles (724 km)
  • Up to 750 estimated horsepower (in Velocity Max Mode)
  • Estimated torque up to 785 lb-ft (in Velocity Max Mode)
  • 0-60 in under 5 seconds (in Velocity Max Mode)
  • 800V DC fast charging
    • 240V (7.7 kW) – Approx. 14.8 miles of range per hour of charge
    • 240V (19.2 kW) – Approx. 37 miles of range per hour of charge
    • DCFC (Public) – Up to 100 miles of range per 10 minutes of charge
  • 8,000 lb estimated towing capacity
  • Comes equipped with V2H, Super Cruise, 4 wheel steering standard
    • V2L available as an add-on

But what about pricing? As GM’s luxury brand, an MSRP for a vehicle donning the Cadillac badge is usually on the higher end, but what about a completely bespoke all-electric large SUV like the ESCALADE IQ?

When plans for the new BEV were first announced, we compared it to the combustion version which starts at $80,000 but is usually priced around $100,000 with add-ons. We of course figured it would cost more than $80k… but perhaps not $50,000 more.

That’s right, the new all-electric ESCALADE IQ will start at a whopping $130,000. That’s over $15,000 more than the starting MSRP of the higher end combustion Escalade ESV, but really not a huge leap when you think about the fact that it’s an all-in BEV with plenty of standard luxury features.

Looking ahead, Cadillac executives say the GM brand will have more exciting BEV news “very soon,” so stay tuned on that. I, of course, asked Damman if she could share anything about what’s next, but all I got was that more Cadillac BEVs are coming, and this is probably not the only version of the ESCALADE IQ we will see.

Until we learn more, you can start saving your pennies if you want to get your hands on Cadillac’s first all-electric ESCALADE IQ. Before that, check out a closer look in the video below:

Electrek’s Take

I admittedly have never been a huge fan of the Cadillac brand or its vehicles, even the Escalade, but I genuinely like this SUV. A lot.

Would I pay $130,000 for it? Probably not. I would probably go for a Rivian, personally, but I gravitate more to that brand’s ethos rather than the high end luxury of Cadillac. The R1S has also begun deliveries, too. Can GM deliver this massive BEV to market?

That’s the biggest question mark here in my opinion, as we’ve seen similar sized GM EVs slowly roll out, like the GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV. I supposed when you’re charging over $100k a pop, you don’t have to deliver as many, but so far – we’ve seen a lot of sizzle and less tangible steak from GM on the EV market.

Cadillac, however, has done well so far with the LYRIQ. I can’t think of a more clear statement that the luxury brand is all-in on EVs than electrifying the model synonymous with its marque. On paper and at a relatively close look (I couldn’t get inside), the all-electric ESCALADE IQ is a gorgeous and well designed large SUV – I just can’t help but wonder who the targeted consumer is here.

This is going to be one to watch for sure. Looking forward to seeing how it drives.

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Trump admin halts $5 billion NY offshore wind project mid-build

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April 17, 2025

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Trump admin halts billion NY offshore wind project mid-build

Equinor Empire Wind
Photo: Equinor

In its most aggressive attack against offshore wind yet, the Trump administration halted the $5 billion Empire Wind 1, already under construction off New York’s coast.

Norwegian developer Equinor announced yesterday that it received notice from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) ordering Empire Wind 1 to halt all activities on the outer continental shelf until BOEM has completed its review. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum posted this tweet yesterday:

Burgum gave no indication of what insufficiencies there were in the approval process for the fully permitted offshore wind project, despite Trump’s recent declaration of a national energy emergency that speeds up permitting processes.

The commercial lease for the 810-megawatt (MW) Empire Wind 1’s federal offshore wind area was signed in March 2017 during the first Trump administration. It was approved by the Biden administration in November 2023 and began construction in 2024.

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The project is being developed under contract with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Empire Wind 1, which was due to come online in 2027, has the potential to power 500,000 New York homes.

“Halting construction of fully permitted energy projects is the literal opposite of an energy abundance agenda,” said American Clean Power Association CEO Jason Grumet in a statement. “We encourage the administration to quickly address perceived inadequacies in the prior permit approvals so that this project can complete construction and bring much-needed power to the grid.”

As Electrek reported, Equinor secured $3 billion to finance Empire Wind 1 in January. The total amount drawn under the project finance term loan facility as of March 31 was around $1.5 billion. 

As of March 31, Empire Wind has a gross book value of around $2.5 billion, including South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (pictured above), which was expected to become the US’s largest dedicated port facility for offshore wind.

In response to BOEM’s stop work order, New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued the following statement:

Every single day, I’m working to make energy more affordable, reliable and abundant in New York and the federal government should be supporting those efforts rather than undermining them. Empire Wind 1 is already employing hundreds of New Yorkers, including 1,000 good-paying union jobs as part of a growing sector that has already spurred significant economic development and private investment throughout the state and beyond.

As Governor, I will not allow this federal overreach to stand. I will fight this every step of the way to protect union jobs, affordable energy and New York’s economic future.

Equinor says it’s considering appealing BOEM’s order.

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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

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Jackery Earth Day Sale takes up to 50% off units with bonus savings, G-Force moto-style ZM e-bike at $800 off, Greenworks, more

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April 17, 2025

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Jackery Earth Day Sale takes up to 50% off units with bonus savings, G-Force moto-style ZM e-bike at 0 off, Greenworks, more

Leading today’s Green Deals is Jackery’s Earth Day Sale that is taking up to 50% off power stations, with many of them being marked down from the brand’s short-term Easter savings, complete with bonus savings. Among the lineup, we spotted the expandable Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station bundled with a 500W solar panel at its $1,614 low. Coming up right behind it is G-Force Bikes’ Spring Sale with up to $800 in e-bike savings, the largest of which is on the moto-styled ZM All-Terrain Fat Tire e-bike that starts at $1,199 for an 80-mile trekking single-battery setup, with a double battery option not much higher. Lastly, we have a one-day-only new low price on the Greenworks 1,900 PSI Steel-Framed Electric Pressure Washer at $118, as well as a bonus cleaner attachment deal. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Earth Day savings on both Bluetti power stations and Lectric’s e-bike bundles, 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.

Invest in sustainable power for on-the-go and home backup at up to 50% off with Jackery’s Earth Day Sale from $90

Jackery has officially launched its Earth Day Sale through April 25 which is lowering many of its previous Easter offers with up to 50% off a collection of power stations, solar generators, and some accessories – and we’re also seeing on-page promo codes for extra savings. One such bundle gives you the brand’s Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station with a 500W solar panel for $1,614.05 shipped, after using the promo code EXTRA5 at checkout for an additional 5% off. It’s already coming down from its usual $2,949 price tag, with the bonus savings dipping that price further, back to the best we’ve seen from some of this year’s previous events. You’re looking at a combined 45% markdown here, putting $1,335 back in your pocket and equipping you with an expandable means for on-the-go and at-home backup power at the lowest price we have tracked. Like most of the deals in this sale, you’ll find this package beating out its Amazon pricing too, where it’s currently sitting $307 higher.

Grabbing this Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus bundle starts you off with a 2,042Wh LiFePO4 capacity that can support up to five extra batteries that increase things to 12,000Wh – plus, there’s the option to continue expansion with two of these setups being linked together to reach 24,000Wh. Power output here provides a steady 3,000W through the 10 ports, surging to 6,000W for larger needs, which becomes its regular output levels within expanded setups. It also has a 1,200W maximum solar input, which recharges the battery to full in two hours with six 200W panels (so around 5+ hours with the bundle here). You can also have the battery recharged via a wall outlet in two hours as well, though this doesn’t account for expandable setups.

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***Note: The extra 5% off discount has not been factored into the prices below – be sure to use the code EXTRA5 at checkout for the maximum savings!

Jackery Earth Day flash offers (through April 18):

Jackery’s Earth Day Sale home backup deals:

Jackery’s Earth Day Sale appliance backup deals:

Jackery’s Earth Day Sale outdoor backup deals:

Jackery’s accessory deals:

You can shop through Jackery’s entire Earth Day Sale on the landing page here.

G-Force ZM All-Terrain e-bike

G-Force Spring Sale drops moto-styled ZM all-terrain e-bike with 80-mile range to $1,199

G-Force Bikes is having a Spring Sale running through the rest of the month that is also being billed as a “last-chance sale” before prices increase due to tariffs, with the brand providing a countdown clock on its site. Among the up to $800 we’re seeing across the brand’s lineup of e-bikes, we spotted the ZM All-Terrain Fat Tire e-bike down at $1,199 shipped. Normally fetching $1,999 direct from the brand, with third-party sites pricing it as high as $2,499, the discounts we have tracked over the last year have mainly been seen dropping costs between $1,299 and $1,499. It’s getting the maximum savings during this sale at $800 off, dropping it to the lowest price we can find while also giving you a pair of HD wide-angle rearview mirrors free of charge, valued at $49.

The G-Force ZM e-bike borrows heavily from motorcycle styling while still retaining a street-legal class 3 status, equipped with a 750W brushless gear hub motor that can peak as high as 1,300W to deliver up to 86Nm of torque power, topping out at 28 MPH speeds. What’s more, for such an affordable price, it also provides some extensive traveling range, with the standard 20Ah single-battery option carrying you 60 to 80 miles with its five PAS levels or you can double that to 120 to 160 for just $200 more with the 40Ah dual-battery setup.

For such a low price, there’s a nice array of quality features that it brings along, like the full suspension, with an adjustable front fork and rear system for smoother riding, along with hydraulic disc brakes for guaranteed stopping power, and 20-inch puncture-resistant tires with fenders over each for those off-road ventures. That’s not all, as you’ll also find it has a 400-pound payload, a 48V LED headlight, an integrated rear light with braking functionality, a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, a wear-resistant padded bench seat with room for a passenger, a half-twist throttle for electric cruising, and a large color LCD with a USB port for charging up devices as you ride, particularly nice if you use your phone as a GPS.

G-Force’s other Spring Sale e-bike deals:

Greenworks 1,900 PSI electric pressure washer

Get rid of muck with this steel-framed Greenworks 1,900 PSI electric pressure washer at new $118 low (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the best rate yet on the Greenworks 1,900 PSI Steel-Framed Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer for $117.99 shipped. This model usually goes for $200 in full, with the discounts we’ve seen taking things as low as $120 over the past year. That rate is getting beaten out here by $2 for the rest of the day only, providing you a total of $82 in savings and marking a new all-time low. You won’t find this model currently available at Amazon, nor is it getting any discounts direct from Greenworks either. Below, you’ll also find a secondary one-day-only deal on a cleaning attachment that amplifies its capabilities.

Sporting a durable open steel frame design, the 13A motor on this Greenworks pressure washer provides you with up to 1,900 PSI at a 1.2 GPM flow rate to tackle the muck and grime along driveways, walkways, and the like. You won’t need to wrestle with pull strings, as it starts up with the press of a button, not to mention its electrical functionality, getting rid of the fumes and costs from gas – plus, it even has a waterproof plug at the end of its 35-foot power cord to ensure extra protection. You’ll have on-board storage for the included nozzles, the hose, and the metal spray gun, as well as an integrated soap tank for detergent when you need some extra cleaning power.

A secondary deal lasting the rest of the day that compliments the above or any of the brand’s pressure washers, is the 12-inch Surface Cleaner Attachment for $20.99 shipped, down from $40. It has a quick-connect feature for a faster and more effortless setup, with dual cleaning nozzles on its underside to level up the pressure washer’s cleaning power and coverage area.

Best Spring 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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China cracks down on automated driving features after Tesla’s FSD launch

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6 hours ago

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April 17, 2025

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China cracks down on automated driving features after Tesla's FSD launch

Tesla FSD v12.5

Just after Tesla launched its ‘Full Self-Driving’ package, in China, the country announced that it cracking down on automated driving features with new limitations.

In February, Tesla launched a first version of its “Full Self-Driving” FSD package in China for owners with the latest “Hardware 4.0”, or “HW4”, vehicles.

Most of the features under Tesla’s FSD package have been limited to North America due to Tesla training its system for this market first and due to regulatory limitations in other markets.

Shortly after Tesla launched FSD in China, the American automaker had to pause its rollout due to updated requirements from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

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Now, MIIT has confirmed that it held a meeting with automotive industry stakeholders yesterday, and it has further clarified the rollout of advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features.

CNEV reported on the meeting:

Car companies were asked to refrain from using words like “self-driving,” “autonomous driving,” “smart driving,” “advanced smart driving,” and instead use the term “combined assisted driving” to avoid misleading consumers, according to the minutes of the meeting.

Tesla had already changed the name from ‘Full Self-Driving’ to “Intelligent Assisted Driving” following the launch in China.

Based on a statement from MIIT, the meeting focused on enforcing the previously announced updated requirements that launched right after Tesla introduced FSD in China (translated from Chinese):

The meeting emphasized that automobile manufacturers must deeply understand the requirements of the “Notice”, fully carry out combined driving assistance testing and verification, clarify the system functional boundaries and safety response measures, and must not make exaggerations or false propaganda. They must strictly fulfill their obligation to inform, and truly assume the main responsibility for production consistency and quality safety, and truly improve the safety level of intelligent connected vehicle products.

Regulators want automakers to reduce the frequency of new software updates and instead focus on extended testing before releasing new updates.

The last few months have been quite chaotic for ADAS systems in China. Along with Tesla’s FSD release, several Chinese companies released their systems, including BYD, Xiaomi, and Huawei.

Xiaomi reported a fatal accident in which its ADAS system was active just seconds before the crash, and Tesla owners using FSD racked up thousands of dollars in fines due to FSD making mistakes.

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