The US is seriously lagging behind China in battery manufacturing and research, which holds a tight grip on the global battery supply chain. But two US senators are raising a red flag, saying it’s time to turn the ship around and focus on next-generation battery tech.
Reuters reports that Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Mark Warner and Energy Committee Chair Joe Manchin wrote a letter to the Energy Department making a case to boost the US’s battery manufacturing to keep up with looming demand, saying that the US is lagging “10 to 20 years behind Asia in commercialization of battery technology.” China accounts for more than 75% of battery cell production.
China dominates the global EV battery supply chain by having tight control of a large portion of the minerals needed to produce them. A few weeks ago, China shook the industry with a big hit, the announcement of export controls on graphite, a key component of lithium-ion batteries. China is the world’s top producer of graphite, refining more than 90% of graphite into a material that is used in basically all EV battery anodes. Obviously this impact could be huge on global efforts to scale up battery manufacturing, with China holding the cards.
The timing, too, hits just as Chinese automakers are facing mounting pressures from Europe over their manufacturing processes. Last month, the European Union launched a formal investigation into the “flood” of cheap EVs manufactured in China pouring into Europe, with a 13-month probe that could potentially result in import duties or other freeze-out measures. Meanwhile, the US has set up huge obstacles blocking Chinese EVs from getting into the country, such as tariffs adding an extra 25% for Chinese EVs on top of a 2.5% import tariff for vehicles.
“The U.S. must become a leader in manufacturing batteries and battery components, while securing our supply chains for the materials that make up those components,” the senators wrote in the letter.
How is the US faring by comparison? In 2022, the US produced less than 10% of lithium-ion batteries, compared to China’s 70%. Global demand of lithium-ion batteries is expected to soar as the EV industry expands, with the number of GWh required increasing from roughly 700 GWh in 2022 to about 4.7 TWh by 2030, according to McKinsey.
The senators in their letter push for further US leadership in the creation of next-gen battery technology and “alternative chemistries” that could potentially rely less heavily on Chinese minerals. They also add, according to Reuters, an urge to work with the Department of Defense “to support procurement of innovative, U.S.-developed energy storage technologies.”
Photo: ABB, electric mining truck
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First savings just hit Navee’s newest feature-packed XT5 Pro long-range off-road electric scooter for $1,400
Navee’s official Amazon storefront is undercutting the brand’s direct Christmas Sale pricing on its brand-new XT5 Pro Long-Range Off-Road Electric Scooter for $1,399.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $200 off coupon. This model just hit the market early last month with a $1,500 price tag, which is where it’s still priced direct from the brand. At Amazon, however, it started off priced at $1,700 and dropped to $1,600 right before Black Friday, with today’s deal being the first official chance at cash savings that we’ve spotted. While this deal lasts, you’re getting $100 off the going rate that sets the bar for future discounts, while also upgrading your commutes/joyrides with the brand’s take on a superscooter.
The most high-end of Navee’s e-scooter lineup that even outpaces the flagship ST3 Pro, this new XT5 Pro Long-Range Electric Scooter is an off-roading superscooter that comes with bolstered durability from its carbon steel frame, while also being the second series to boast the brand’s unique damping arm suspension system. It arrives equipped with a 750W motor that can peak as high as 2,200W for seriously monstrous power, with the entire thing powered by a 596.7Wh battery. This combination gives it a travel range of up to 46.6 miles on a single six-hour charge (with a 1.5-hour flash charging feature available), maxing out at 31 MPH top speeds for the thrill seekers amongst you. It even comes with an add-on option through a 468Wh external battery (sold separately) that increases the mileage with up to 34 miles of extra travel.
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As Navee’s XT5 Pro electric scooter is a more premium commuter, it should be no surprise that it comes loaded with a premium array of features, including smart features like Apple Find My, Bluetooth proximity locking/unlocking, app-based setting customization, and more. Your riding experience is also further heightened by the stock features that include a triple braking system (dual front and rear disc brakes, as well as a rear regenerative EABS brake), 12-inch off-road tubeless tires, an auto-on headlight, mecha-style logo lamps in the stem, a brake-activated taillight, front and rear built-in turn signals, the brand’s traction control system, a 5-inch full color display, and much more.
Save up to $720 on these three Lectric e-bikes with price cuts to lows starting from $1,399 for Xmas
Looking back in on Lectric’s ongoing Christmas Holiday Sale event, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the three e-bikes receiving rare price cuts over the usual free bundle packages – a first for so many models at once. The biggest of these price cuts that also retains a bundle is Lectric’s ONE e-bike Long-Range Belt-Drive Commuter e-bike with a $220 FREE bundle of gear at $1,899 shipped. This entire package would normally run you $2,619 at full price, with a repeat of the $500 price cut we’ve been seeing more frequently since Labor Day to its all-time lowest tracked price, along with a FREE rear cargo rack and fender set. While the deadline to receive it before Christmas has passed, you can still secure it and all the other e-bikes with some of their best deals to kick-off your new year with a new commuting option.
For 48 hours, you can pick up Bluetti’s latest Elite 10 Mini power station at a new $109 Xmas flash sale low (Save $90), more
As part of its ongoing Christmas Sale, Bluetti has a 48-hour flash sale running that is taking up to $199 off three different offers, with a notable standout in the Elite 10 Mini Power Station for $109 shipped, which sadly cannot be stacked with the exclusive 5% off savings code, but does beat out its Amazon pricing by $10. While carrying a $239 MSRP direct from the brand, you can find it starting lower at Amazon for $199, with the holiday discounts that started last week having only taken the costs down to $149, before falling to $119 and then $109 during this flash sale window. While these $90 savings ($130 off the MSRP) last through December 18, you’re able to score it at a new all-time low price, with another flash offer being two of these stations for $199 shipped.
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.
The Urban Cruiser is Toyota’s second fully electric SUV, but it adds some meaningful upgrades over the outgoing bZ4X.
Meet the new Toyota Urban Cruiser electric SUV
Based on a new dedicated EV platform, Toyota calls the Urban Cruiser “an authentic SUV” in terms of design and performance.
Toyota launched the new entry-level electric SUV in Europe with two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack options: 49 kWh or 61 kWh. The smaller (49 kWh) battery is only available with a 142 hp (106 kW) front-wheel-drive (FWD) motor, rated with a WLTP driving range of 344 km (214 miles).
The larger 61 kWh version is available with FWD or all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains, delivering WLTP driving ranges of 426 km and 395 km, respectively. The AWD version delivers a combined 181 hp (135 kW).
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Toyota said all Urban Cruiser variants can tow braked loads of up to 750 kg (1,650 lbs). With DC fast charging, the electric SUV can recharge from 10% to 80% in around 45 minutes.
The 2026 Toyota Urban Cruiser EV (Source: Toyota)
To improve efficiency, unlock faster charging, and boost driving range, Toyota added a heat pump and battery preconditioning feature as standard.
Thanks to the new dedicated EV platform, the interior is open and spacious. With sliding and split-folding rear seats, the Urban Cruiser rivals “the load-carrying capabilities of larger SUVs,” Toyota said.
The interior of the 2026 Toyota Urban Cruiser EV (Source: Toyota)The interior of the 2026 Toyota Urban Cruiser EV (Source: Toyota)
Measuring 4,285 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,640 mm tall, the electric SUV is slightly bigger than its popular Yaris Cross. It also gains extra interior space thanks to an extended wheelbase of 2,700 mm (+140 mm compared to the Yaris Cross).
The infotainment system consists of a 10.25″ driver display and a 10.1″ multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2026 Toyota Urban Cruiser EV (Source: Toyota)
All Urban Cruiser models are equipped with standard safety features such as Brake Support System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
In Germany, the Urban Cruiser EV is on sale, priced from €31,990 ($37,500). Financing is available from €340.41 ($400) a month.
Toyota’s new entry-level electric SUV follows the launch of the refreshed bZ4X. In 2026, Toyota will introduce the C-HR+, bZ4X Touring, and Hilux BEV electric pickup.
For those in the US, Toyota is not expected to launch the Urban Cruiser in the States. However, the new and much-improved 2026 Toyota bZ is among the few EVs in the US with starting prices under $35,000. Next year, it will launch the C-HR, which is expected to be even more affordable.
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Tesla has reportedly thrown a “Giga-Event” for its employees at Gigafactory Berlin, featuring German rapper Kool Savas. The goal? To rally the troops ahead of a critical union vote. The result? A “cringe” performance involving a Cybertruck, failed “Elon” chants, and some anti-union propaganda.
Tesla’s strategy to counter this seems to be… distinct.
According to a new report from Handelsblatt, Tesla management organized a private “Giga-Event” on December 2 to “boost morale” and, apparently, to explicitly campaign against IG Metall.
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The centerpiece of the event was a performance by famous German rapper Kool Savas. And this is where things reportedly got cringe.
Witnesses and a video provided to the German newspaper described the scene as incredibly awkward. Savas reportedly drove onto the stage in a Tesla Cybertruck, which is a rare sight in Europe, and attempted to hype up the crowd of factory workers.
The report states that the rapper tried to start an “Elon, Elon” chant, but the crowd of employees refused to join in. He changed references of ‘Mercedes’ to ‘Tesla’ in his song.
Tesla employees weren’t into it at all, and the rapper admitted after five songs:
“You guys are tough, man. You guys are really tough. Tesla, what’s wrong with you?
When the applause for Tesla as a “great employer” was lukewarm at best, Savas reportedly asked the audience if they had a “stick up their ass” (Stock im Arsch).
You can’t make this stuff up.
But it wasn’t just about a rapper struggling to read the room. The event was held with the backdrop of an upcoming work council vote.
In the last one in 2024, IG Metall managed to elect the biggest faction, but fell short of a majority.
Now, with Tesla’s sales crashing in Europe and Elon Musk’s popularity plummeting to a new low, management is scared that IG Metall could make the gains needed to control a majority of the workers’ council.
Tesla Gigafactory Berlin manager André Thierig took some shots at the union in his speech at the event, according to Handelsblatt’s report.
The good news is that he announced a 4% wage increase for employees, but he falsely claimed that they would have only gotten two if IG Metall held collective bargaining power.
On the other hand, IG, which welcomed the wage increase, claimed that Tesla needs to increase salaries by another 30% to be on par with the auto industry in Germany.
Furthermore, the report claims that Thierig suggested that Tesla’s expansion plans at the factory, including recently announced battery production, is dependent on the results of the upcoming work council election in early 2026.
IG Metall chief Otto sees a pattern at Tesla:
For years, the message has been: if you work hard, don’t join IG Metall, and dutifully elect the management-appointed works council, the factory will be expanded. Then you’ll all have unprecedented opportunities for advancement.
He sees this as a threat to control employees.
While Tesla reiterated that jobs for the 11,000 employees at Gigafactory Berlin are secured, there are growing concerns as Tesla’s sales in Europe have crashed more than 30% in 2025.
Electrek’s Take
One thing is clear: the union is having a positive impact on Tesla workers.
I doubt Tesla would be offering a 4% wage increase right before a union vote if people weren’t flirting with the idea of joining IG Metall.
What I dislike is the anti-union rhetoric. It is not needed. Let the union make its case, management make theirs, and let the employees choose. That’s it.
If you are a good employer, you don’t need to hire a rapper to tell your employees that you are a good employer.
As for job security for Tesla employees in Germany, I think there’s room for concern.
Thierig noted on stage that Model Y was still the best-selling EV in Europe, which is true, but it’s also true that sales are down 30% in Europe in 2025. And that’s compared to 2024, when sales were down 10% year-over-year.
Tesla’s situation in Europe is undeniably not great.
The automaker was expected to bring several vehicle programs to Giga Berlin, but the factory has now been operational for almost 4 years and still only produces the Model Y.
I think the only reasonable hope the factory has is the potential addition of the Tesla Semi program. Other than that, I see it shrinking rather than expanding.
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