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The Pyxis Ocean sailed from China to Brazil in September 2023, partially powered by large ‘wings’.

Cargill

A cargo ship with a difference is set to dock at the Polish port of Gdynia early next week.

The Pyxis Ocean, a bulk carrier that is 229 meters long and 32 meters wide, looks like any other dry cargo vessel — but with a big difference: it is fitted with two large, rigid sails known as WindWings.

These 37.5-meter-tall wings use wind power to help propel the vessel and in doing so reduce the amount of fuel it uses in an effort to cut carbon — shipping accounts for nearly 3% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The ship set sail from Shanghai, China, on Aug. 1, with around 20 crew onboard, and its voyage took it to Paranagua, Brazil in September before it set sail for the Spanish island of Tenerife, and then on to Poland. The wings have been folded down when the ship docked at ports on its journey.

The WindWings were added to the six-year-old vessel with the aim of cutting fuel use by about 20% on the voyage, according to Jan Dieleman, president of Cargill Ocean Transportation, which chartered the Pyxis Ocean.

Net zero goals

Cargill’s calculations suggest that WindWings could contribute to around a 30% reduction in fossil fuel consumption when three wings are installed on a new build ship — but if that vessel is powered with a biofuel, that figure could go up to 50%, Dieleman said.

In July, the maritime industry agreed to reduce emissions to net zero “by or around” 2050, but given the size and complexity of the sector, issues such as a lack of green fuels could cause delays.

“Wind is not going to get us to zero — unless we’re all willing to switch off the engines and go back in time … But what we’re trying to do here with this specific technology, is somehow combine the best of both worlds, still have reliability [with an engine], but reduce significantly the fuel usage,” Dieleman told CNBC by video call.

Biofuels such as green methanol and green ammonia are more costly than fossil fuels, and it’s not simply a case of switching one for another: methanol has about half the energy density of hydrocarbons so need larger tanks, for example.

“If you can reduce the volume [of fuel] by 30% you have another gain, [in] that you don’t have to put your ship all full of tanks instead of cargo capacity,” Dieleman said.

“I do get very excited with the combination of wind plus the new fuels, because new fuels [are] three, four times more expensive, then [by adding wind power] your payback is probably going to be two, three years instead of 10 years,” he added. This might encourage more ship owners to participate in schemes like this, because they are potentially more financially rewarding and less risky, Dieleman said.

One of the folded-down ‘wings’ that helped the Pyxis Ocean sail from China to Brazil, arriving in September 2023.

Cargill

Cargill has ordered five methanol-powered bulk carrier vessels, the first of which was ordered in 2022, before the WindWings were tested at sea. Once the wings’ performance has been evaluated, Cargill hopes to work with the shipyard building the new vessels to add WindWings to their design.

While the Pyxis Ocean’s voyage has been relatively smooth, there have been some ports that were reluctant to accept it, “because it’s different,” Dieleman said. “It takes us time to get innovation in a very traditional industry … even with the best will and the best people trying to push this, you still have a lot of hoops to go through,” he added.

The WindWings are not suitable for all vessels: it wouldn’t be possible to install them on a cargo ship that carries large containers that are many layers tall, for example. Bulk carriers like the Pyxis Ocean store their goods — such as grain — inside their cavities, below deck.

Shipping is a complex industry with many parties involved in funding and developing new technology, and it has taken four years since the beginning of the project for the Pyxis Ocean to set sail, Dieleman said.

The WindWings were developed by Cargill with naval architect Bar Technologies, and produced by Yara Marine Technologies, while the Pyxis Ocean is owned by Mitsubishi Corporation.

“This is this is a prime example, I think, of where people come together, and really genuinely [are] willing to make a difference, taking some risk. We have an owner that is letting us cut big holes in the ship — that that is not what every owner in the world is willing to do,” Dieleman said.

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GM warns ‘irrational discounts’ on EVs are ending

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GM warns 'irrational discounts' on EVs are ending

GM sold over 21,000 electric vehicles in the US last month, its best yet. Despite the surge in August sales, GM warned that with the “irrational discounts” on EVs set to end soon, the market is due for a shake-up.

GM sells record EVs in August as irrational discounts end

August was GM’s best month ever for EV sales. The company sold over 21,000 electric models under the Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac brands last month.

The higher demand comes as buyers rush to secure the $7,500 federal tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of September.

Driven by the hot-selling Chevy Equinox EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and GMC Sierra EV, GM remains the second-best seller of EVs behind Tesla.

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GM expects to see strong demand again this month, but without the credit, it expects changes next quarter. GM said, “There’s no doubt we’ll see lower EV sales next quarter.” The company anticipates it will take several months for the market to correct, adding that “We will almost certainly see a smaller EV market for a while.”

Chevy-Equinox-EV-discounts
Chevy Equinox EV LT (Source: GM)

Like several automakers in the US, GM will adjust production accordingly, promising not to overproduce. Despite slower sales, it remains confident that its EV market share will continue to grow.

Since affordable EVs and luxury models have been the strongest segments, GM believes it’s in a better position than most. It already has “America’s most affordable 315+ range EV,” the Chevy Equinox EV. The electric Equinox is one of the few EVs with a starting price under $35,000 in the US.

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Cadillac Optiq EV (Source: Cadillac)

Soon, the new Chevy Bolt EV will debut, which is expected to be even more affordable, starting at around $30,000.

With a full line-up of electric SUVs, Cadillac is the leading luxury EV brand, but that doesn’t include Tesla. And then there’s the Chevy and GMC electric pickup with segment-leading range, features, and more.

2026-GMC-Sierra-EV affordable
2026 GMC Sierra EV (Source: GM)

GM said as it adjusts to the “new EV market realities,” its ICE vehicles will provide flexibility while driving profits. We will learn more on October 1 when GM reports full third-quarter sales results.

Although I wouldn’t call it “irrational,” GM is offering generous discounts on EVs with the deadline approaching. The Chevy Equinox EV is listed for lease starting at just $249 per month with a new $1,250 conquest bonus. Chevy is also offering the $7,500 credit on top of 0% APR financing until the end of September.

Thinking about trying one of GM’s EVs for yourself? You can use the links below to find Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC models in your area.

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H1 2025: China installs more solar than rest of the world combined

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H1 2025: China installs more solar than rest of the world combined

Global solar installations are breaking records again in 2025. In H1 2025, the world added 380 gigawatts (GW) of new solar capacity – a staggering 64% jump compared to the same period in 2024, when 232 GW came online. China was responsible for installing a massive 256 GW of that solar capacity.

For context, it took until September last year to pass the 350 GW mark. This year, the milestone was achieved in June. That pace cements solar as the fastest-growing source of new electricity generation worldwide. In 2024, global solar output rose by 28% (+469 terawatt-hours) from 2023, more growth than any other energy source.

Nicolas Fulghum, senior energy analyst at independent energy think tank Ember, said, “These latest numbers on solar deployment in 2025 defy gravity, with annual solar installations continuing their sharp rise. In a world of volatile energy markets, solar offers domestically produced power that can be rolled out at record speed to meet growing demand, independent of global fossil fuel supply chains.”

China’s solar dominance

China is leading this surge by a wide margin. In the first half of 2025, the country installed more than twice as much solar capacity as the rest of the world combined, accounting for 67% of global additions. That’s up from 54% in the same period last year. Developers rushed to complete projects before new wind and solar compensation rules took effect in June, fueling the spike. While that may lead to a slowdown in the second half of the year, new clean power procurement requirements for industry and bullish forecasts from China’s solar PV association (CPIA) suggest that 2025 will still surpass 2024’s record high.

The rest of the world

Other countries are adding solar at a healthy clip, too. Together, they installed an estimated 124 GW in the first half of 2025, a 15% year-over-year increase. India came in second with 24 GW, up 49% from last year’s 16 GW. The US ranked third with 21 GW, a 4% gain year-over-year despite recent moves by the Trump administration to suppress clean power deployment. Germany and Brazil saw slight dips, while the rest of the world added 65 GW, a 22% rise over 2024.

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Africa’s solar market is also stirring. The continent imported 60% more solar panels from China over the past year, though a lack of reliable installation data makes it a challenge to track the true pace of deployment.

With installations surging across major markets and China driving the charge, 2025 is on track to be another record-breaking year for solar power.

Read more: China-made panels drive Africa’s 15 GW solar import milestone


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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These beloved sports cars were just killed off, but EV successors are coming soon

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These beloved sports cars were just killed off, but EV successors are coming soon

Porsche just axed two of its most iconic models. The gas-powered 718 Cayman and Boxster sports cars have been discontinued, with their new EV successors set to debut next year. However, Porsche isn’t the only brand killing off a popular nameplate.

Sports cars are due for EV successors in 2026

As it prepares for the all-electric replacements, Porsche has stopped taking new orders for the 718 Cayman and Boxster. For now, you can still order the vehicles from stock.

We’ve known for years that an electric replacement was on the way for the 718 lineup. Porsche CEO Oliver Blume confirmed in 2022 that the electric 718 successor would follow the Taycan and Macan EVs.

Although the new Cayman and Boxster EVs were expected to launch by the end of this year, it was pushed back due to software and battery sourcing delays.

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Porsche initially planned to build the EV versions alongside the current ICE models at its Zuffenhausen plant, but that will no longer be the case. Despite rumors that Porsche was planning to extend 718 production, “high-ranking Porsche sources” told Autocar that’s not the plan.

sports-cars-EV-successors
Porsche 718 Boxster (Source: Porsche)

The luxury sports car maker has dialed back its EV plans recently, with ICE Macan and Cayenne models now due to be sold alongside the electric versions.

Meanwhile, Porsche isn’t the only sports car maker killing off models with new EV successors on the way. Audi confirmed with Autoblog that the A7 and S7 will be discontinued after the 2025 model year.

sports-cars-EV-successors
2025 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron (Source: Audi)

In a statement, Audi said, “There are no 2026 Model Year A7 or S7 being offered as production shifts to the new A6 TFSI coming later this year.” However, the RS7 will live on as a 2026MY. The ICE A7 will be rebranded as the A6 TFSI, while the EV version will retain the A6 E-tron name, featuring a similar sportback design to the outgoing model.

Porsche and Audi have leaned into a more flexible “multi-energy” strategy, blaming slowing EV sales and a changing market.

Just last week, Porsche announced it no longer plans to build EV batteries in-house. Instead, it will focus on research and development.

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