Today
Electric boat designer and manufacturer Magonis is celebrating its flagship Wave e-550 boat and most powerful electric motor hitting 22 knots at open sea off the coast of Italy. According to Magonis, the trials exemplify the Wave e-550’s quality of design and hull lines, opening the door for expanded possibilities of use for its electric boat customers.
OKAI, global manufacturer of electric mobility products both large and small, hits the streets with their new electric kick scooter; the Neon. It’s not unheard of for Electrek to feature electric scooters with monstrous capabilities, but OKAI has cleaned up the look of a feature-rich scooter, offering stellar connectivity features and hiding the rest in an ultra clean product.
Elon Musk claims that Tesla has not had a single crash in its Full Self-Driving Beta program since the start over a year ago, but that’s just as much proof that the testers are being careful as a proof that the system is safe.
Kick gas and oil to the curb with GOTRAX’s electric scooter at $250, more in New Green Deals
Finally get rid of gas and oil in your daily commute when you pick up the GOTRAX Commuting Electric Scooter that’s on sale for $250 at Amazon right now. Delivering the ability to ride for 15 miles on a single charge, you’ll be able to easily make it from home to the office or corner store and back before it’s time to plug in. Plus, the $150 discount makes the deal even sweeter. You’ll also find discounts on electric lawn mowers and much more below, as well. We also have a wide selection of Tesla, Greenworks, and other e-bike discounts in today’s New Green Deals, so you won’t want to miss that either.
Head below for other New Green Deals that we’ve found today, more on why going electric for your yard tools like the mower on sale is important, 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.
What’s the most affordable EV you can buy? If rumors out of Fiat are to be believed, the answer to that question will soon be “the new Fiat Panda” as Stellantis targets the bottom end of the booming electric car market.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced that it has finalized contracts with BP and Equinor for the Empire Wind 2 and Beacon Wind 1 offshore wind farms.
China’s leading battery manufacturer CATL recently shared news it is entering the market of battery swap technology for EVs, with a new brand called EVOGO, set to launch Tuesday. CATL has been teasing the new battery swap brand on its social media, ahead of the upcoming launch event in China.
Tesla refuses to adopt CarPlay, but this developer has a workaround
Over the weekend, Polish developer Michał Gapiński shared a fascinating look at CarPlay running on his Tesla Model 3. The automaker doesn’t support CarPlay, so this workaround – with some major caveats – will certainly grab the attention of those who have been asking for the functionality for years.
Range Rover was the original high-roller SUV. Without it, there would never have been a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or – heck, even a Porsche SUV. And, yes, there is a 2022 Range Rover that sort of looks the part, but if you’re the type of person who feels like the simple elegance of its in-vogue ancestors has somehow eluded the 22’s designers, then keep reading. The guys at EVolution Australia may have just what you’re looking for.
Crown Estate Scotland, which held Scotland’s largest-ever auction of offshore wind permits, today announced that it has selected 17 projects out of 74 applications in its ScotWind Leasing round.
The Polarna M4 electric bike may not look fancy, but it hides away a lot more e-bike than you bargain for. This fast and fun off-roader even folds to make it easier than ever to take a full-suspension fat-tire e-bike anywhere.
Tesla is starting to push a new version (10.9) of its Full Self-Driving Beta software update with some improvements, and Elon Musk announced an expansion of the test program in Canada.
Elon Musk announced that Tesla is starting to roll out a new over-the-air software update that includes a ‘fix’ to a heat pump issue that has been plaguing Tesla vehicles in cold-weather regions.
However, some are worried that it might need more than a software fix, as Tesla service centers have indicated to owners that it might be more of a hardware problem.
Yesterday
Oil giant BP claims the use of its BP pulse electric vehicle chargers is “on the cusp” of being more profitable for the company than filling up an internal combustion-powered car with gas. Once that happens, it could mark a major turning point for EVs and “big oil”.
Brooklyn, New York-based Tarform Motorcycles began sketching out designs for its slick-looking electric motorcycles almost five years ago. Despite pandemic-related setbacks that delayed production, the company is now beginning deliveries of its first electric motorcycles.
January 15
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from Electrek. Quick Charge is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
Subaru took the wraps off the all-electric, 1,073 hp STI E-RA concept car at this weekend’s Tokyo Auto Salon. And, while the STI E-RA might not have much in common with any road-going Subarus, that doesn’t mean the concept won’t hit the road.
Tesla has released its latest Autopilot safety report, and it shows some improvements despite the limited data making things hard to analyze.
It’s been a big week for Taco Bell fans who don’t want to admit they’re Taco Bell fans. Just days after the restaurant chain announced a first-of-its-kind taco subscription service, EV charging startup ChargeNet announced plans to bring a comprehensive charging solution to one of the restaurant’s south San Francisco locations later this month.
This week on Electrek’s new Wheel-E podcast, we discuss the most popular news stories from the world of electric bikes and other nontraditional electric vehicles. This week that includes NIU’s new e-bike, a Race between a Harley Livewire and a Tesla ad the Bitrix Moto e-moped and lots more…
When I set out each week to find the wildest electric vehicles for my regular Awesomely Weird Alibaba Electric Vehicle of the Week column, they are usually at least classifiable into categories like “bikes”, “cars” and “scooters”. But every now and again, I find something so wacky that it simply defies classification.
The latest example of Lamarckian evolution run amok on the most infamous Chinese shopping site of all is this funky “Spider Bike”.
January 14
Despite running into initial delays, Ola has significantly ramped up production of its high-speed smart electric scooters. Now the Indian company says it will be opening up a new payment window soon to complete more orders of its Ola S1 and S1 Pro electric scooters.
Volvo Trucks Corporation has announced the next generation of its all-electric, Class 8 VNR trucks for the North American market, including upgrades to battery size, range, and charging speeds. Furthermore, Volvo Trucks has introduced two additional configurations for its commercial fleets customers to choose from.
Houston-headquartered renewables company EDP Renewables North America has completed a 200-megawatt (MW) solar farm in Randolph County, Indiana, northeast of Indianapolis. It’s now the largest-capacity solar farm in Indiana.
This week on the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy, including Tesla’s heat pump failing problem coming back, new updated Model S design, Tesla FSD Beta scrutiny from DMV, and more.
Remember to also subscribe to Electrek Quick Charge Podcast hosted by Mikey G and Electrek’s new Wheel-E 2-wheel podcast with Micah and Seth.
This week’s podcast is sponsored by Snowbot, the remote control smart snowblower that we’re reviewing right now.
Kenworth Truck Co. recently shared news of tremendous growing interest in its lineup of all-electric medium and heavy-duty trucks, noting that orders have tripled the last 90 days as fleets look to take advantage of sweet incentives for zero-emission vehicles.
Tesla has added a reference to the structural battery pack to the Model Y owner’s manual as production is expected to be imminent.
The US branch of Chinese automaker NIO continues to make interesting moves in North America, as the company signed a ten year lease on a building in San Jose, CA. The new 200,000+ sq. ft. US headquarters is more than double the size of NIO’s current footprint, signaling that a long speculated entry into the North America could be one stop closer to becoming reality.
With 400 claimed horsepower and up to 200 miles of trail-blasting range, much is expected from the upcoming Vanderhall Brawley electric off-roader. And, if this video of a pre-production Brawley tearing in up in extreme cold weather is any indication, it might just deliver.
Segway Ninebot eKickScooter ZING E8 is made for kids at $200 (Save $50), more in New Green Deals
If you have an electric scooter to ride around yourself, but have kids that want to join in on the fun, Segway’s Ninebot eKickScooter ZING E8 is the perfect buy. On sale right now for $200 from its normal $250 going rate, you’re scoring the best price that we’ve seen in months and saving $20 over our Black Friday mention. You’ll also find discounts on electric lawn mowers and much more below, as well. We also have a wide selection of Tesla, Greenworks, and other e-bike discounts in today’s New Green Deals, so you won’t want to miss that either.
Head below for other New Green Deals that we’ve found today, more on why going electric for your yard tools like the mower on sale is important, 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.
America’s other iconic RV name, Winnebago, has announced plans to reveal an all-electric concept motorhome developed by the company’s Advanced Technology Group (ATG) at next week’s Florida RV Super Show in Tampa, Florida.
French automaker Renault has joined the all-electric party in Europe, as its CEO recently shared news that the brand would become 100% electric by 2030. While the announcement is welcomed progress, its timing also correlates with current climate proposals in the UK and EU that will limit ICE by 2030, and require 100% EV sales by 2035. Conversely, another Renault exec has openly spoken out against the ICE ban.
You can’t say they didn’t warn us! Less than a month after NIU co-founder, Yinan Li, hinted that four wheeled vehicles might present better business opportunities than two wheeled vehicles, Li has brought us the incredibly well-finished product you see here. Meet the battery-powered NIUTRON NV, and expect big things.
We are seeing a lot of new reports about Tesla Cybertruck coming out and being shared in the Tesla community – I’d take those with a big grain of salt.
With funding from Dallas Mavericks owner and Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban and Fitbit founder James Park, REGENT has announced that it’s moving forward with a “proof of concept” model for its revolutionary 180-mph “float, foil, fly” electric seaglider.
EV startup Bollinger Motors just announced it is pausing development of its two flagship EVs – the B1 sport utility truck and B2 pickup, to focus instead on the commercial market. Bollinger has been working to deliver these two consumer EVs since 2015.
Tesla has officially started accepting Dogecoin to buy some of its merchandise in its online store.
But the automaker went a step further, and it appears to only be accepting Dogecoin for some items.
The electric mobility sector has grown by leaps and bounds over the last several years. In addition to plenty of conventional electric bikes and e-scooters, that growth has included several unique and innovative additions to the world of personal electric vehicles. The A-Ride from Canadian company Alpine Riding definitely fits into the latter category, and I think you’ll see why.
January 13
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from Electrek. Quick Charge is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
Citing a report which found hybrid cars offered negligible emissions and fuel consumption advantages when tested on Switzerland’s Alpine roads, one Swiss region has decided to “pull the plug” on subsidies – even calling the claims of hybrids’ environmental advantages a “con.”
New satellite images show that Tesla significantly expanded its rooftop solar array at Gigafactory Nevada as it aims for it to become the world’s biggest.
Japanese automaker Honda Motor Co. recently stated it is still undecided on where to manufacture EVs in the United States, questioning the country’s demand despite soaring sales numbers from competitors miles ahead in their own electrified transitions.
Ford (NYSE: F) stock continued its upward climb today, reaching a 20-year high and a $100 billion market cap on big hopes for the all-electric F-150 Lightning and plans to lead the industry in battery production capacity by 2025.
American Zero-emission vehicle manufacturer Nikola Motors recently shared news that its Tre BEV semi truck has received eligibility from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to be classified as a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) in the state, thus qualifying for an incentive of $120,000 per truck.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has said they’re “all-in” on electric cars, but $30,000 price hikes and generalized dealer shenanigans about reservations in the face of ongoing inventory concerns have led some automakers to put their franchise dealer networks on notice, ultimately begging the question: if NADA leads, will the dealers follow?
Milwaukee M18 kit includes pole saw and blower for $369, more in New Green Deals
If your yard care routine still employs gas tools, it’s time to convert to electric. Milwaukee’s kit includes an 8Ah M18 FUEL battery that works with a variety of its tools while also delivering both a 10-inch pole saw and blower to your setup. On sale for $369, you’d normally pay $568 for the bundle and today’s deal is among the best pricing we’ve seen. You’ll also find discounts on electric lawn mowers and much more below, as well. We also have a wide selection of Tesla, Greenworks, and other e-bike discounts in today’s New Green Deals, so you won’t want to miss that either.
Head below for other New Green Deals that we’ve found today, more on why going electric for your yard tools like the mower on sale is important, 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.
EV technology company Proterra has announced a large, multi-year agreement with commercial EV manufacturer Vicinity Motor to provide battery systems to hundreds of future commercial vehicles. As part of the supply agreement, a minimum of 600 Vicinity Motor EVs will be powered by Proterra battery systems through 2024, including transit buses and Class 3 to 5 commercial trucks.
The Department of Energy (DOE) yesterday launched the Better Grid Initiative to develop new and upgraded high-capacity electric transmission lines, which is great news for electric vehicles, charging infrastructure rollout, and clean energy in the US.
