Connect with us

Published

2 years ago

on

In a world where electric vehicles are rapidly entering the norm, Nissan is catching up to the pack with the Ariya crossover. Nissan is setting their sights on impressing the newcomer to the market, and I think they will.

Although the car came out some time ago, we’re spending a proper week with the Ariya. It’s safe to say that Nissan has made a decent electric competitor, and for the city-bound crossover, the Ariya is a compelling offer. Alone, it’s not enough to convince me that Nissan is ahead in the EV race, but they are still in the game.

As par for the course, Nissan sent us the highest trim level, the Platinum+ e-4ORCE to see their grand vision. MSRP for the high end trim starts at $60,190. Be sure to check out the gallery and walk-around photos below the article.

A class above in interior quality

Let’s start with the interior, since that’s what stood out as the best feature; what truly sets the Ariya apart is the attention to detail in its interior design. The velvety dashboard material, adorned with a uniform stitch pattern that seamlessly flows from the front doors to the rear passengers, faux wood accents add a touch of sophistication, and the copper-colored lines and accents inject a pinch of classy color into the mix. Delicate accent lights, inspired by Japanese Edo period lanterns, add depth and warmth to the interior ambiance, creating an atmosphere that’s both inviting and calming. The plush seats are comfortable and functional, having both heated and ventilated features for the front, and heat up for the rear passengers. The Ariya’s interior is a visual delight, creating an environment that could easily be mistaken for a luxury vehicle.

With one omission (covered later) the Ariya does have some practicality to flaunt. The center console offers creative adjustability, accommodating the needs of both the driver and the passenger. The center console itself has a motorized slider that will shift from forward to back at the press of a button. This is the only car that I know of where the shifter, or drive selector, can be moved. A clever storage compartment that extends from the middle of the dashboard keeps clutter out of sight, making for a clean and organized cabin. Furthermore, the absence of a transmission tunnel enhances the spaciousness of the rear seats, making it comfortable even for the dreaded middle seat occupant. USB access, and a panoramic sunroof complete the package, make long journeys an absolute pleasure.

On-road 4WD

When it comes to the driving experience, the Ariya is a unique performer. Its four-wheel-drive system, known as e-4ORCE, doesn’t aim to tackle off-road challenges but instead focuses on delivering a smooth and secure on-road experience. The Ariya’s acceleration and deceleration curves are tuned for a relaxing and controlled ride, with a goal of mitigating the lurching feeling when coming to a stop.

Does it work? Kind of? Nissan initially showed off this tech with seemingly magical marketing, showing a tiny car deliver ramen bowls without spilling a drop. I tried to replicate this experience last year driving a test mule with e-4ORCE, and I can’t say I was impressed. I brought my own bowl of water, and indeed spilled the contents while carefully using e-4ORCE.

Fast forward to today, and the Ariya feels incredibly smooth, but it’s hard to pinpoint the reason why. It very well could be from the e-4ORCE being properly applied to a finished vehicle, but maybe it’s just the total package that is swaying my opinion. In either case, the e-4ORCE is more subtle, until it’s used in wet terrain. It was clear skies here in Utah, but on that test last year, it was great.

The Ariya’s slightly narrow wheelbase, moderately high stance, and wide shoulders give it a noticeably nimble and agile feeling, despite the luxury feel inside. While it may not match the sportiness of a Mustang Mach-E, it offers a tighter driving experience than the Ioniq 5 or the ID.4. The true strength of the Ariya shines in urban settings and on open highways. 

Nissan ProPILOT 2.0

Using Nissan’s ADAS system (called ProPILOT) wasn’t life changing. The system is more on the side of cruise control than autonomous driving. It can follow a lead car, stop behind a lead car, maintain a lane, change a lane, and maintain speed. On designated roadways, and using a pre-defined route, Nissan says that ProPILOT 2.0 can change from one freeway to another, though my shallow attempts at testing this feature didn’t produce much. Nissan says the strength of ProPILOT is single lane freeway cruising, with hands off the wheel.

Ariya charging

Nissan offers the Ariya with two battery options – 63 kWh and 87 kWh. Range estimates between 216 and 305 miles are split between the many trim levels, largely effected by the 4WD option or FWD. This is a good amount of range for the segment it’s in, and there are no caveats. 

The Ariya is stated for a max charge rate of 150kw, however, an independent test online shows the Ariya charges at a stable rate of 130kw until 50%, then tapering down to 70kw at 90%. While this might seem like a let-down, this is actually good news. Other EV makers out there state only the highest possible charge, failing to mention how the rate plummets through the cycle. The Mustang Mach-E charges at 150kw, but only between 2-5%; after that, it’s down to 100kw, then down to 75kw for awhile, then the usual trickle for the end of the pack.

The takeaway is that Nissan may be overstating their peak charge rate, but not lying about it. With the right source, the Ariya will charge at a usable rate, and there are no surprises.

There are other irksome charging issues out there. The Toyota BZ4X can only fast charge 2x a day, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 supposedly charges at 350kw, but I’ve never got that feature to work.

Not without its flaws

As impressive as the Ariya is, it’s not without its drawbacks. Some may find the exterior design a tad bland, with wide empty spaces on the grille, doors, and trunk. The infotainment system, with its somewhat distracting menu images, might require a learning curve.

While it has introductory off-road capabilities (higher ground clearance than a car, taller tires, 4WD) the Ariya is more tailored for staying on the beaten path. For those who want to embark on distant adventures, and pack in all the gear, the Ariya isn’t the right crossover for you.

The biggest drawback that I saw was the lack of storage space. The sliding center console houses so many other components, that the storage capacity is completely minimal; only enough for two cup holders and two phones. As a result, backpacks or purses will have to go in the back. The Ariya has no frunk, and the trunk storage is on par with many other crossovers, which isn’t stellar.

Electrek’s Take

I really like the Nissan Ariya, and if it came out just a year earlier, I probably would have bought one. The amazing interior is a joy to spend time in, the road tailored e-4ORCE is inspiring and comfortable, and there are no glaring omissions or problems. It’s a solid EV crossover that is in step with the competition.

I actually really like the bland exterior of the Nissan Ariya. Not all EVs have to be weird looking, like the Nissan LEAF, and they certainly don’t need to be eye-grabbing like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Nissan Ariya is like Clark Kent having super powers thinly veiled by glasses and a tie. Well… Superman might be a bit much. Maybe it’s more like Hawkeye.

I think the Ariya is a safe choice for those looking to go electric for the first time. Indeed, Nissan has made a safe bet in designing this crossover, and put some great attention where it can make an impact. Audi E-Tron or Jaguar I-Pace owners won’t be trading in anytime soon, but Nissan LEAF owners with 30 miles of range left on their pre-maturely degraded battery packs really should.

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

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Environment

Kia unveils the 2026 EV4, its first all-electric global sedan

Published

1 hour ago

on

April 16, 2025

By

Kia unveils the 2026 EV4, its first all-electric global sedan

2026 Kia EV4
Photo: Kia

Kia just pulled the cover off its all-new 2026 EV4 today at the New York International Auto Show, marking the automaker’s first global all-electric sedan.

With a sleek design and practical features, Kia is clearly aiming to offer a compelling, affordable alternative to the flood of electric SUVs on the market.

The Kia EV4, set to hit US roads in early 2026, will be available in three trims – Light, Wind, and the sportier GT-Line.

Exterior and interior

2026 EV4
2026 EV4

Built on Kia’s 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV4 sedan sports a distinctive low, aerodynamic profile with a sporty fastback roofline. The front showcases vertical LED headlights paired with Kia’s signature Star Map lighting and a modernized version of Kia’s Tiger Face grille.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Around back, vertical taillights and a two-piece spoiler emphasize the sedan’s sporty stance. Buyers can choose between standard 17-inch aero wheels or the 19-inch wheels exclusive to the GT-Line trim.

Inside, Kia’s EV4 emphasizes comfort, convenience, and spaciousness. A modern, open cockpit features high-quality materials, a two-spoke steering wheel, and an available 64-color ambient lighting system. With ample passenger room and cargo space, the EV4 balances practicality with a sleek, contemporary feel.

Powertrain and performance

2026 EV4

The EV4 comes with two battery options: a 58.3 kWh pack delivering about 235 miles of range (standard on the Light trim), or a larger 81.4 kWh pack good for around 330 miles (Wind and GT-Line trims). Both models feature a 150 kW front-mounted electric motor.

Charging won’t slow you down: Kia estimates a 10-to-80% DC fast charge takes just 29 minutes for the smaller battery and 31 minutes for the larger. The EV4 comes with a standard NACS charging port and is on the front passenger side.

This Kia sedan has a drag coefficient as low as 0.23 Cd. Its updated i-Pedal 3.0 system offers smooth one-pedal driving, even in reverse and adaptive regenerative braking. Additionally, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability means your EV4 can power everyday devices like laptops or camping gear.

A tech-loaded interior

2026 EV4

The EV4 features nearly 30 inches of combined widescreen displays. Personalization is easy, including themed interfaces and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 lets drivers manage locks, start the climate control remotely, and access other vehicle functions via smartphone. And Kia’s built-in AI Assistant ensures natural, responsive interactions, adding another convenience layer.

Comfort isn’t an afterthought, either. Dual-zone automatic climate control, available heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and acoustic windshield glass round out the premium feel.

Advanced driver-assist technology

2026 EV4

The EV4 is equipped with Highway Driving Assist as standard, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s set speed to match the posted speed limit (if initially set to the speed limit) and maintains distance from the vehicle in front.

Standard Hands-On Detection helps ensure drivers stay engaged by monitoring steering-wheel grip, enhancing safety on longer trips.

Other available features include Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, and Lane Following Assist. Optional Remote Smart Parking Assist simplifies parking in tight spots.

Look for the Kia EV4 sedan to reach US dealers in early 2026.

Read more: Kia EV Day 2025 recap: EV4 is coming to US, plus an up-close look at the EV2 and PV5 [Video]

To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to 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. They have 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 you share your phone number with them.

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*

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

Continue Reading

Environment

India’s Waaree to double its solar module output at its Texas factory

Published

3 hours ago

on

April 16, 2025

By

India's Waaree to double its solar module output at its Texas factory

Waaree Texas solar
Photo: Waaree Energies

Facing potential 40% tariffs on India-made solar modules, India’s Waaree Energies is doubling its manufacturing capacity at its Texas factory.

It’s adding another 1.6 gigawatts (GW) of solar module manufacturing capacity at its Brookshire factory, bringing the site’s total to 3.2 GW. The company didn’t indicate a timescale for when the capacity increase would be complete. The move is part of its strategy to reinforce its “larger strategy of de-risking its global footprint.”

The company first announced it would open the Texas factory in December 2023, its first footprint in the US. Its original plan was to have an initial capacity to manufacture 3 GW of solar modules annually by the end of 2024. 

Waaree plans to invest up to $1 billion to scale its annual solar panel production to 5 GW in Texas by 2027, which would make it one of the largest solar panel factories in the US.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Previous to manufacturing in Texas, the Mumbai-headquartered company, which is India’s largest solar module manufacturer, already supplied Indian-made solar panels to the US. But the US’s new reciprocal tariff on solar modules imported from India is 26%, adding to the existing 14.5% Section 201 tariff, bringing the total to around 40%. 

“At a time when the world is redefining the rules of global trade, we’re not waiting for the dust to settle – we’re building through it. … The strength of our US order book is a testament to the trust we’ve built, and this expansion is a signal – we’re here, we’re growing, and we’re deeply invested in powering America’s energy future,” said Dr. Amit Paithankar, whole-time director and CEO of Waaree Energies.

Read more: Texas just shot its wind + solar boom in the foot on purpose

To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to 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. They have 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 you share your phone number with them.

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*

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

Continue Reading

Environment

Bluetti Earth Day Sale takes up to 54% off power stations, Lectric XP 3.0 cargo bundles from $999, Aiper solar smart pool monitor, more

Published

4 hours ago

on

April 16, 2025

By

Bluetti Earth Day Sale takes up to 54% off power stations, Lectric XP 3.0 cargo bundles from 9, Aiper solar smart pool monitor, more

Today’s Green Deals are being led by Bluetti’s Earth Day Sale that is taking up to 54% off power stations and solar generator bundles, like the one we’re seeing on the AC180 Portable Power Station that comes with a 350W solar panel back at its $902 low, among plenty of others. That’s not the only Earth Day savings, as Lectric switches to its holiday-themed sale with up to $654 in free gear accompanying e-bikes, adding cargo-capable packages to the XP 3.0 e-bikes starting from $999. We just spotted the first savings on Aiper’s new solar-powered HydroComm Smart Pool Monitor that offers 5-in-1 testing at $200 off, as well as the first of EcoFlow’s phase 2 Mega Sale flash offers that bundle either the DELTA 2 or DELTA Pro Ultra power stations starting from $849 and only lasting through the rest of the day. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s second phase EcoFlow Mega Sale offers, the launch discount on Hiboy’s U2 Pro Electric Scooter, 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.

Bluetti’s Earth Day Sale returns the AC180 1,152Wh LiFePo4 bundle with a 350W panel to $902 low

Bluetti is launching its Earth Day Sale through April 27 with up to 54% being taken off its power station lineup, complete with bonus savings. One solid option for your upcoming out-of-the-house ventures is the brand’s popular AC180 Portable Power Station bundled with a 350W solar panel for $901.55 shipped, after using the promo code Earth5 at checkout for an additional 5% off. This package would normally fetch $1,499 at full price, with past sales, particularly Black Friday, having seen it fall to this same low rate. The savings are returning here with the hopes of helping you enjoy Mother Nature even more thoroughly at a 40% markdown, slashing $597 off the going rate and returning it to the lowest price we have tracked and can currently find. This price is also beating out Amazon’s pricing by $47.

Bluetti’s AC180 power station is a solid backup power option for camping trips, with it carrying a 1,152Wh LiFePO4 capacity that covers devices and appliances with its 1,800W output that can surge up as high as 2,700W if needed. There are 11 ports to connect to for off-grid power: four ACs, four USB-As, one USB-C, one DC, and even a 15W wireless charging pad. You can regain 80% of its battery in as little as 45 minutes when plugged into a wall outlet, or you can get that same recharge in 2.8 to 3.3 hours when utilizing its maximum 500W of solar input, with alternate options available via a carport or a generator. It’s rated for 3,500+ life cycles, meaning you could use and recharge it every day for over nine and a half years, at least, before having any concerns.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

***Note: None of the prices below have had the extra savings factored in, so be sure to use the promo code Earth5 at checkout to score the maximum savings!

Bluetti’s best Earth Day Sale camping companions:

Bluetti’s best Earth Day Sale road tripping companions:

Bluetti’s best Earth Day Sale work-from-home companions:

Bluetti’s Earth Day Sale on-the-go charging solution deals:

Bluetti’s Earth Day Sale solar panel deals:

You can browse the entirety of Bluetti’s Earth Day sale on the landing page here.

Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike

Load up and head out with Lectric’s cargo-equipped XP 3.0 e-bike bundles at up to $455 off from $999 in Earth Day savings

Lectric has switched over to its Earth Day Sale pricing taking up to $654 off its e-bike bundles, with its popular best-selling XP 3.0 e-bikes getting a mix of bundle options. You’ll find the standard models getting $295 in free gear at $999 shipped, while the Step-Thru Long-Range models are getting $355 in free gear at $1,199 shipped and the Black Step-Over Long-Range model getting the largest package of $455 in free gear at $1,199 shipped. These bundles would normally run you $1,294, $1,554, and $1,654, respectively. While these aren’t the largest bundles we’ve seen, they are providing the occasional cargo-ready add-on gear that is perfect for outdoor treks, especially while enjoying nature on trips. The $295 bundles offer the steel-encased front and rear cargo baskets, rear-view mirrors, a phone mount, and an accordion-style bike lock. From there, the $355 bundle trades the mirrors for an Elite headlight while the $455 bundle gives you the same with the addition of a suspension seat post and wide comfort saddle.

Lectric’s XP 3.0 models are the best-selling e-bikes in America, offering reliable commuting power alongside extremely affordable rates. The folding frames on any of these e-bikes house a 500W hub motor that peaks at 1,000W, delivering 20 MPH speeds unless you live within a state that permits the higher 28 MPH speeds.

The big difference between your choices here will depend entirely on just how far you need it to carry you, with its pedal assistance providing you with 45 miles of travel riding the standard models and up to 65 miles of travel riding the long-range models. And for when you’re not feeling like pedaling, there are throttles to go entirely electric, though keep in mind doing so will decrease your traveling range. Along with the free add-on gear, you’ll also enjoy some quality stock features, like the integrated rear cargo rack (which the basket attaches to), puncture-resistant tires, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes, an LCD display, and more.

Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike offers with up to $455 bundles:

Lectric XPedition 2.0 offers with up to $654 bundles:

Lectric XP Trike with $420 bundle:

Lectric XP Lite 2.0 LR e-bike offers with up to $365 bundles:

Lectric XPeak 2.0 offers with up to $316 bundles:

Lectric XPress 750 Commuter e-bikes with $316 bundle:

Lectric ONE LR e-bike with $220 bundle:

Aiper Smart Pool Monitor

Aiper’s solar HydroComm smart pool monitor provides 5-in-1 testing of your water with first savings at $300

Coming at us by way of its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is now offering the first chance at savings on its new HydroComm 24/7 Smart Pool Monitor at $299.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $50 off coupon. Having been introduced to the world back at CES 2025 with a $500 price tag, this is the first chance at savings that we’ve seen, with Aiper’s direct site matching the deal, as well. All-in-all, you’re looking at a combined $200 markdown here that equips your pool with intelligent 5-in-1 testing that can run for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Be sure to head below to learn more about this device and check out the discounts we’re seeing on the brand’s robot pool cleaners.

There’s no more need to have several different testing kits for when you need to check the various levels of your pool once you’ve added Aiper’s new HydroComm monitor to the water. It provides 5-in-1 testing thanks to the advanced detection head, giving you accurate read-outs for your pool’s pH, ORP, EC, TDS, and temperature. What’s more, it comes solar-powered, so it can continue running for 24/7, ready to provide you the information you need, whenever you need it – and should there be any cloudy days where sunlight isn’t available, there’s also the DC port to plug it in.

Aiper’s in-ground pool cleaning robot deals:

  • Scuba S1: $580 (Reg. $700) | matched at Aiper
    • for pools up to 1,600 square feet in size
    • floor/wall/water line cleaning
  • Scuba S1 Pro: $950 (Reg. $1,200) | matched at Aiper
    • for pools up to 2,150 square feet in size
    • floor/wall/water line cleaning
  • Scuba X1 (newest model): $1,199 (Reg. $1,799) | matched at Aiper
    • for pools up to 2,150 square feet in size
    • floor/wall/waterline cleaning

Aiper’s above-ground pool cleaning robot deals:

Aiper’s other robot deals for all pool types:

EcoFlow DELTA 2 power station bundle

Cover campsite and home backup with EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 and DELTA Pro Ultra flash sale bundles starting from $849

For today only, as part of EcoFlow’s second phase Mega Sale that is running through April 25, you’ll find flash offers taking up to 52% off two varying backup power solutions, with the first being the bundled DELTA 2 Portable Power Station that comes with an expansion battery and a waterproof bag at $899 shipped or you can grab just the station and battery from Amazon at $849 shipped. The 3-in-1 bundle from the direct sale normally goes for $1,877 at full price, which we don’t normally see, as it’s usually the station and the bag that get bundled for $449 or $499 in these flash savings. Outside of these short-term discounts, the station and battery combo averages around $999 with the cuts, meaning you’ll be getting one of the best values while these deals last, regardless of whether you go with or without the additional bag.

A solid option to support you through outdoor travels as you enjoy the Earth’s bounty, EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 power station starts at a 1,024Wh LiFePO4 capacity that will instead be bumped to 2,048Wh thanks to the extra battery, and which can go higher to 3,074Wh with one more added on. It provides you with 15 port options with a steady 1,800W power output that will surge to 2,200W to meet larger appliance needs, bolstered by the X-Boost tech that also improves recharging rates. Plugging the station into a wall outlet will have the battery back to 80% in about 80 minutes, with it also accepting a maximum of 500W of solar input that can refill it in as fast as three hours time, with ideal conditions. With it rated for 3,000 life cycles, you can use and recharge the battery every day for over eight years, so with weekend or non-daily usage it will last you far longer.

The second of these offers gives you the brand’s more comprehensive and expandable DELTA Pro Ultra power station with a trolley for $4,799 shipped, coming down from $6,297 and $200 under the trolley-less offer from Amazon. This is the brand’s most expansive unit that you can invest in over time down the road, giving you a 6.1kWh LiFePO4 capacity to start with up to 7,200W of power output. Those numbers, with the addition of additional equipment, can go as high as a 90kWh capacity and 21.6kWh output with three inverters (stations) that are each given five batteries, which is great for folks looking for whole-home backup setups (especially if you have roof panels to regularly keep it all juiced up, though this will also require the brand’s Smart Home Panel 2).

Be sure to check out the full lineup of EcoFlow’s phase 2 Mega Sale, which is taking up to 65% off an expanded list of units from the first phase, complete with bonus savings and starting from $119 through April 25.

Best New Year 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.

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

Continue Reading

Trending