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Volkswagen of America is recalling nearly 5,700 2025 VW ID. Buzz vans because the NHTSA says the third-row bench seat is too spacious. (For real.)

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the third-row bench is physically wide enough for three people, but it’s only designed to hold two, so it’s only equipped with two seat belts. That mismatch violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, which covers occupant crash protection. A bench that invites three passengers but only protects two isn’t just awkward – it’s a safety risk. It simply makes it too easy to squeeze that third person in the back “just that once” without a seatbelt, and that’s inviting trouble.

Volkswagen will fix the ID. Buzz issue by having dealers install “fixed unpadded trim parts” that adjust the seat’s usable width, and they’ll do it for free, because recall repairs are always free. It’ll probably be hard plastic on the seat to ensure a third person can’t squeeze in. Owner notification letters are expected to go out starting June 20, 2025.

Volkswagen has reported that, to date, there have been “no field claims known” of safety issues caused by the extra-wide third row bench seat. 

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Read more: This is the 2025 VW ID. Buzz’s Electrify America charging package


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‘Everything’s computer’ no more: Trump wants to sell his Tesla from that dumb ad

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Not even three months ago, convicted felon Donald Trump and his largest funder, ketamine-fueled Tesla CEO Elon Musk, appeared together on the White House lawn, improperly using government resources to do a low-budget ad to help Tesla get out of the sales ditch that Musk has dug for it.

Now, amidst an explosive feud between the two narcissists that came to a head yesterday, it’s being reported that Mr. Trump wants to sell the object of that ad: his red Tesla Model S.

Tesla is going through a rough time in sales right now, and it’s largely related to CEO Elon Musk’s political activities.

He gave hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes to anti-EV candidate Donald Trump, becoming his top funder, and Mr. Trump and his republican party have gone on to make many anti-environment and anti-EV moves in the months since they’ve seized power.

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Musk himself spent the last few months working in an advisory position in the White House, which was dubbed the “Department of Government Efficiency,” despite it not being a real government department and having a supposed mission redundant with the already-existing Government Accountability Office.

During his time, he adopted a slash-and-burn ethos of cutting small but effective government programs (and, mostly, lying about how much those programs cost). He also interfered in their normal activities, making government less efficient, not more.

It’s expected that the cuts recommended by Musk’s advisory board could end up costing Americans billions of dollars in the long term.

Musk’s political advocacy has also included support for German neo-Nazisagreeing with a defense of Hitler’s actions in the Holocaust, and many other white supremacist statements.

Unsurprisingly, this has driven protests against the companyembarrassed owners and pushed many customers away – and those protesters aren’t planning on stopping even now that Musk has left his advisory position.

Amidst all this chaos Musk brought to his company through his ill-considered political activities, there was a thought to forestall the sales decline by doing a Tesla ad on the White House lawn, alongside Mr. Trump.

Press was invited, and the two parked a few Teslas in the driveway while Mr. Trump hawked Musk’s products, reading from a script and his notes on unit pricing and the availability of features like full self-driving.

The “ad” had several funny moments (including the most humorous line, “everything’s computer!”), as parodized by The Daily Show in this spot for the “White House Auto Mall”

It was a strange moment for plenty of reasons, not least of which is because Tesla does not do traditional advertising placements, instead preferring to focus on other forms of marketing. It had considered starting to do ads, but Musk fired the nascent ad team last year.

This, too, was not a traditional advertisement, but it did reek of desperation.

It turns out the ad didn’t really work – soon afterwards, we checked Tesla’s inventory numbers and didn’t see a big spike in orders.

White House official says the red Tesla is for sale

And now, it’s being reported that the vehicle which Mr. Trump said he “loved” (er, excuse me, he said he loves “Tesler,” not “Tesla”) is for sale. Several outlets reported today that a White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Mr. Trump has decided to sell the car. And a White House official told USA Today that Mr. Trump has no plans to have further contact with Musk.

Mr. Trump hadn’t actually used the car to drive, as presidents are typically disallowed from driving by the Secret Service, but staff could use the vehicle. And it’s supposedly not the first Tesla Mr. Trump has owned – he is rumored to have once owned an original Tesla Roadster, which he also didn’t drive (I’m a Roadster owner, and let’s just say I doubt Mr. Trump would fit in this car).

The news of Mr. Trump’s buyer’s remorse comes not even 24 hours after a very public spat over the republicans’ wasteful budget bill, which saw Mr. Trump threatening to stop paying for SpaceX’s services and Musk accusing Mr. Trump of being on Jeffrey Epstein’s list. Musk had previously said he loved Mr. Trump “as much as a straight man can.”

The spat resulted in a significant drop in TSLA’s stock price, which recovered partially today. But it could lead to a lot more trouble for Tesla, and we at Electrek went through the possible negative effects for Tesla here.

As of now, the car remains parked at the White House.


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Anker SOLIX Father’s Day power station sale from $119, RadExpand 5 e-bike at new $999 low, Tenways, Velotric, Lectron EV adapter, more

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Anker SOLIX Father's Day power station sale from 9, RadExpand 5 e-bike at new 9 low, Tenways, Velotric, Lectron EV adapter, more

We’ve got a jam-packed Green Deals for you today, led by Anker’s SOLIX Father’s Day Sale with up to 55% in initial discounts, multiple tiers of extra savings, and free gifts with select purchases. Among the massive lineup, we spotted the C1000 Solar Generator bundle with an expansion battery and 100W panel at a $949 low. From there, we have several EV deals, starting with a spotlight on Rad Power’s RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike down at a new $999 low. There’s also the Father’s Day savings on Tenways e-bikes starting from $1,599, as well as Velotric e-bikes starting from $999. Lastly, we have the factory-reconditioned Lectron NACS to CCS EV Adapter for $130, along with several other similar devices. Plus, there’s all the rest of the hangover Green Deals in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s full Rad Power Father’s Day event, EcoFlow’s 72-hour flash sale running through June 7, 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.

Anker has launched its SOLIX Father’s Day Sale through June 19 with up to 55% being taken off power stations, along with extra savings (3%, 5%, 7%), and free gifts with select purchases. We’re seeing plenty of returning lows, like on the new F3800 Plus station, as well as a new low on the brand’s C1000 Solar Generator Bundle with an expansion battery and 100W solar panel for $949 shipped. Normally, this bundle would cost you $2,097 outside of sales, with it not available at other retailers like Amazon, where the closest package we could find is the station with the expansion battery for $929, meaning you’re getting the solar panel added on for just $20 (which is currently discounted to $209 separately). This is a 55% markdown off its going rate, giving you $1,148 in savings at the lowest price we have tracked and equipping you with the means to keep power going when away or without the grid.

During Anker’s SOLIX Father’s Day Sale we’re seeing a comeback of the brand’s recent perks and extra savings. First off, you’ll be getting an extra 3% discount for every $3,000 spent, which increases to a 5% discount for every $4,000 spent and a 7% discount for every $5,000 spent. From there, select purchases will receive additional free gear, including a water bottle (with C200, C300, and 521 series), a camping chair (with F2000, C1000, and C800 plus), and protective covers (with F3800 plus and standard).

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Taking advantage of the savings on this Anker SOLIX C1000 bundle during this sale equips your travels and emergency needs with a guaranteed mid-range means to keep essentials running, though its starting with a greater 2,112Wh LiFePO4 capacity thanks to the expansion battery. From its 11 output ports, the station delivers up to 1,800W of steady power, which can surge up to 2,400W for hungrier appliances. The battery can be refilled to 80% the fastest by plugging the station into a standard wall outlet, which takes about 43 minutes. It also boasts a 600W solar input maximum that can be utilized to solar charge in 1.8 hours. Alongside this bundle, there are two alternate options to gain a larger solar input, with the expanded setup coming with a 200W panel for $1,099 shipped or with a 400W panel for $1,299 shipped.

Anker’s other SOLIX Father’s Day Sale C1000 deals:

Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus power station/solar generator deals:

Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus home backup deals:

Anker SOLIX Standard F3800 station/solar generator deals:

Anker SOLIX Standard F3800 home backup deals:

Anker’s SOLIX Father’s Day Sale F2000 deals:

Anker’s SOLIX Father’s Day Sale C800 deals:

Anker’s SOLIX Father’s Day Sale C200 & C300 deals:

To browse the entire lineup of Anker’s SOLIX Father’s Day Sale, including discounts on accessories and the like, follow this link to the landing page. If you’re planning on grabbing the brand’s new EverFrost 2 58L Dual-Zone Electric Cooler, be sure to check out the exclusive new low prices we secured for our readers on two varying bundles that start from $749.

Rad Powers RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike

Rad Power drops space-saving RadExpand 5 folding e-bike to new $999 low ($600 off) as long as supplies last

Running alongside Rad Power’s Father’s Day Sale, the brand has dropped the price lower than ever on its RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike to $999 shipped for as long as supplies last. This model usually posts up at $1,599 when at full price, which we’ve been seeing regularly dropped to $1,299 during sales since October, with one single-day flash exception when it fell to $1,099. That former low price is getting beaten out, giving you $600 in total savings at a new all-time low.

The most popular of Rad Power’s folding models, the space-saving RadExpand 5 e-bike is perfect for folks with limited storage or want something they can bring along on trips, whether its in the trunk of your car or neatly aside on an RV. The 750W brushless geared hub motor and 672Wh battery here provides 20 MPH top speeds and supports you for up to 45+ miles when its four PAS levels are activated. While it limits your travel range on a single charge, you’ll also have the option to use the throttle for pure electric cruising when you’re not in the mood to manually pedal.

This tried-and-true model comes with some quality features, especially at this new low price. It’ll arrive stocked with an integrated rear cargo rack with a 55-pound limit, an LED headlight and integrated taillight – both featuring auto-on activation when light levels drop low enough – as well as a 7-speed MicroShift derailleur, fenders over both fat tires, a water-resistant wiring harness, and an LED display.

Be sure to check out the other four e-bikes that are discounted during Rad Power’s Father’s Day Sale, through June 25.

Tenways AGO X e-bike

Give Dad all-terrain adventure with Tenways’ AGO X mid-drive e-bike at $1,999 ($500 off)

Tenways has launched its Father’s Day savings event with up to $500 discounts on its e-bikes, as well as additional $300 savings when buying two models together, and a $150 discount for medical providers, military, first responders, and teachers. The biggest price cut we’re seeing during this sale is hitting the AGO X Mid-Drive All-Terrain e-bike for $1,999 shipped, which also comes with $307 in free gear. Bringing costs down from the full $2,499 rate, we’ve mostly seen it go as low as $1,999 during sales over the last year, with only one previous discount at the top of April taking things to the $1,899 low. You’re getting the second-best price we have tracked with the $500 savings here, along with $307 in free gear that includes mudguards and a rear cargo rack.

Tenways has positioned the AGO X e-bike as its all-terrain “e-bike SUV” for errand running, commutes, and more, with it sporting a Bafang M410 250W mid-drive motor paired alongside a 504Wh battery. It’s not as lightweight as its CGO600 Pro counterparts, but it still weighs in at 64 pounds, which isn’t the heaviest among the EV marketplace. Keep in mind that there is no throttle for pure electric cruising here, but the five PAS levels and the integrated torque sensor are ready to support you for up to 62 miles on a single charge with top speeds of 20 MPH.

Its cable system is neatly hidden away inside the streamlined frame for a more slick appearance, and boasts a nice variety of features that only heighten the riding experience. There’s the SR SUNTOUR Lockout Fork, Selle Royal Saddle, and riser handlebars providing smoother and more comfortable rides, as well as the hydraulic disc brakes, 29-inch puncture-resistant tires, and integrated front and rear lighting for bolstered safety. It also comes equipped with a Shimano 10-speed derailleur and a TFT LCD color display that can pair with your smartphone to provide navigation and more.

Tenways’ other Father’s Day Sale e-bike deals:

  • CGO600 Pro Belt-Drive e-bike: $1,599 (Reg. $1,899)
    • 20 MPH for up to 53 miles
    • comes with $118 in free gear
  • CGO600 Pro 8-speed e-bike: $1,599 (Reg. $1,899)
    • 20 MPH for up to 53 miles
    • comes with $118 in free gear
  • AGO T Step-Thru Premium e-bike: $2,499 (Reg. $2,699)
    • 20 MPH for up to 62 miles
    • Enviolo stepless shifting hub
    • comes with $178 in free gear
Velotric Nomad 1 Plus e-bike

Velotric offers up to $400 in Father’s Day savings on e-bikes with select accessory gifts – all starting from $999

Velotric has launched its Father’s Day Sale with up to $400 discounts on its lineup of e-bikes, alongside two models getting special add-on accessory offers. The first of these special offer models, and the one also benefiting from a price cut is Velotric’s Nomad 1 Plus All-Terrain e-bike that is down at $1,499 shipped and comes with a free rear cargo rack ($69 value). Normally, this model would cost you $1,899 ($1,968 with the rack), which we usually see discounted to either $1,599 or $1,499 during sales, with a few dips lower to $1,399 in 2025 and one fall to the $1,299 low back during Black Friday. You’ll be getting $469 in savings during this event, landing the costs back at the third-lowest price we have tracked and second-best price of 2025.

Velotric’s Nomad 1 Plus e-bike makes a great companion for those wanting to adventure anywhere, which its been given off-road-ready puncture-resistant tires, a hydraulic suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and an IPX6 waterproof build too. The combination of its 750W rear hub motor (that peaks at 1,200W) with the 691Wh battery allows for top speeds of 28 MPH to be reached, while the five levels of pedal assistance supports you for up to 55 miles on a single charge (with a throttle for pure electric riding). Along with the previously listed features, it also comes stocked with a Shimano 8-speed derailleur, fenders over both tires, an integrated LED headlight, a taillight with a braking indicator, and a 3.5-inch backlit LCD display with USB port to charge your devices as you ride.

Velotric’s Father’s Day Sale special offers:

  • Nomad 1 Plus All-Terrain e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,899)
    • 28 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • Comes with free rear cargo rack ($69 value)
  • Fold 1 Plus Folding e-bike (new model, first deal): $1,499 (No price cut)
    • 28 MPH for up to 68 miles
    • Comes with free suspension seat post ($120 value)

Velotric’s other Father’s Day Sale offers:

You can browse the entire lineup of Velotric’s e-bikes – including the newest releases that aren’t seeing price cuts – on the landing page here.

Lectron NACS to CCS EV adapter

Gain access to supercharged convenience with Lectron’s reconditioned NACS to CCS EV adapter at $120

Woot! is having a clearance sale on a collection of factory-reconditioned Lectron EV chargers, adapters, and accessories through June 11 or as long as supplies last. One notable inclusion is the NACS to CCS EV Adapter that you can pick up for $119.99 shipped. This handy device would normally run you $210 in new condition, which we’re only seeing discounted to $200 right now at Amazon. This, as well as the other devices in this sale, have been reconditioned by the manufacturer, giving you significantly more savings then you’d get buying them new, with this being the best price we have tracked for such.

If you own an EV that sports an NACS plug for charging, adding this compact adapter to your glovebox brings with it the benefit of supercharged convenience. Its plug-and-play design makes it a wonderful traveling companion on road trips, or even just running errands, as you’ll have decreased wait times at charging stations from the access it grants to the high-speed Tesla supercharger network. It has a 500A current rating and 1,000V voltage rating, delivering “lightning-fast charging speeds and getting you back on the road in record time.” It also comes with a 2-year limited warranty from Lectron.

You can browse the entire lineup of Lectron EV chargers, adapters, and accessories by following this link to the landing page here. Keep in mind that, like the above model, all these devices have been factory-reconditioned. A “Factory Reconditioned” item is Manufacturer refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same 2-year limited warranty as a new device. Factory-reconditioned devices may be packaged in generic white or brown boxes.

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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Winklevoss twins’ crypto firm Gemini confidentially files for IPO

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Winklevoss twins' crypto firm Gemini confidentially files for IPO

Cameron Winklevoss, co-founder and president of Gemini Trust Co., left, and Tyler Winklevoss, co-founder and chief executive officer of Gemini Trust Co., on stage during the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Bridget Bennett | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange and custodian founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has confidentially filed for an IPO in the U.S., according to a press release on Friday.

The number of shares and the pricing terms have not yet been decided upon, and the company said a listing “is expected to occur after the SEC completes its review process, subject to market and other conditions.”

By filing confidentially, Gemini can test investor appetite and prepare for a public debut without immediate scrutiny of its financials. The announcement comes after the SEC wrapped up its investigation into Gemini in February without recommending enforcement action, and follows a $5 million settlement with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in January.

Gemini is the latest crypto firm to pursue a public listing as President Donald Trump’s administration pushes more favorable regulations for the industry, which heavily funded his campaign.

Stablecoin issuer Circle held a blockbuster debut this week, with its stock soaring in its first two days on the market. Mike Novogratz’s Galaxy Digital moved its listing from Toronto to the Nasdaq last month.

Gemini, a cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, was founded by the Winklevoss twins in 2014. In March, the company named former Affirm executive Dan Chen as its CFO in preparation for a public offering.

“I’m looking forward to helping Gemini scale by driving financial strategy as the company enters its next phase of growth,” Chen wrote in a post on LinkedIn at the time.

WATCH: Gemini considering IPO

Winklevoss twins' crypto exchange Gemini is considering an IPO: Report

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