Electrek

Volkswagen just shared the first design details of the seventh generation of BEV and PHEV Transporter van – here’s what we learned.

Another low-cost electric vehicle is headed to the US. According to Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, Jeep plans to launch a $25,000 EV in the US “very soon.”

Headlining today’s Green Deals is the return of the Worx Landroid S 20V Robotic Lawn Mower at $700. It is joined by two one-day sales from Best Buy, the first being Anker’s SOLIX 522 Powerhouse Portable Power Station for $189, as well as the 17-foot Rexing J1772 Extension Charging Cable at $110. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals – including all the leftover Memorial Day discounts that are still alive and well.

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.

Cadillac unveiled its most affordable luxury EV so far, the 2025 Optiq, on Wednesday. Cadillac’s new Optiq is the “new luxury entry point” for EV buyers, but can it keep up with Tesla’s Model Y?

The Mexican state of Nuevo León still believes that the previously announced Tesla Gigafactory is coming despite a recent change of plans.

As EV sales surge in China, BYD’s workforce has expanded rapidly, adding nearly 500,000 employees since 2019. BYD’s workforce is now roughly double that of Toyota’s as China’s EV leader expands overseas.

A new all-electric maritime specialist called Vessev has come out of stealth mode with an exciting new vessel called the VS—9. The electric hydrofoil boat offers a state-of-the-art design that delivers incredible efficiency, providing future tourists with a smooth and quiet ride as Vessev looks to commercialize into larger vessels that can transport 100 passengers at a time.

This week on Electrek’s Wheel-E podcast, we discuss the most popular news stories from the world of electric bikes and other nontraditional electric vehicles. This time, that includes a discussion with Lectric Ebikes’ CEO and co-founder Levi Conlow, a new ultra-affordable kit from Swytch Bike, McLaren’s new ‘high power’ electric mountain bikes, MOD Bikes unveils the updated Black adventure model, and more.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Momentum, a new brand of lifestyle e-bikes from Giant Group designed to deliver a full range of innovative electric, hybrid and city bikes with premium features, long assist ranges and sensor technologies that offer natural riding experiences that are both energy saving and fun.

Despite talk of an electric vehicle “slowdown,” Kia EV9 sales are surging. The electric SUV is on track to reach 50,000 within its first year of launching after being “well received in overseas markets.”

Let’s just face it, America. We’ve got a weight problem. No, not that weight problem. It’s the size of the cars. The best-selling vehicles in the US are all of the biggest, heaviest, and most oversized models available. But it doesn’t have to be that way. A new crop of tiny electric cars is changing the game and offering options we’ve never had before. Err, actually, I probably shouldn’t call them “cars”.

Wyoming just approved its largest solar farm – 771 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale solar plus battery storage.

A new Hyundai three-row electric SUV is set to hit the US market. Ahead of its official debut, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 was caught testing in the US. From the looks of it, the electric SUV looks even bigger and bolder in person.

Tesla has come up with yet another program to encourage shareholders to vote in the upcoming shareholders meeting with a way to win a factory tour with Elon Musk and Franz von Holzhausen.

Renewables are now the second-largest source of US electrical generation behind natural gas, which averaged a 40.5% share during Q1 2024 but fell to 39.4% in March.

Ford Performance is at it again. The high-performance unit is teasing its new Ford F-150 Lightning-based EV SuperTruck ahead of its official debut. To showcase its abilities, Ford’s new electric SuperTruck will compete in the upcoming Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Memorial Day deals are still lingering, with today’s Green Deals coming in with both first-time arrivals and older returns, headlined by the rare discount we’ve found on Tesla’s Universal Wall Connector Level 2 Hardwired EV Charger at $580. It is joined by another newbie, the LG 7.8 cubic-foot Smart Front Load Electric Dryer with a ventless heat pump for $1,099, as well as a familiar face in the form of NIU’s KQi Air Carbon Fiber Foldable Electric Kick Scooter at $1,049. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals – including all the leftover Memorial Day discounts that are still alive and well.

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.

Volkswagen is aiming for its new low-cost electric vehicles to debut in 2027. The new affordable VW EVs are expected to be priced around $21,800 (20,000 euros).

A recently rehired Tesla Supercharger team member beautifully explained why he came back and gave a respectful nod to his former leader fired by Elon Musk.

New York City is on the brink of implementing congestion pricing, a bold move aimed at reducing traffic in Manhattan’s most congested areas. While this initiative promises to alleviate gridlock and generate funds for public transportation, it also means drivers will face additional costs to navigate through certain parts of the city. But what if I told you there’s a way to avoid these fees entirely?

Hyundai is bringing on ex-Porsche and Apple exec Manfred Harrer to lead the development of its new luxury Genesis Magma brand. The appointment is expected to help accelerate Hyundai Motor’s (including Kia’s) transition to electric with “top-tier” EV leadership.

eVTOL jet developer Lilium has signed another pivotal partnership overseas that will bring aviation technology operations to the South of France and possibly other parts of Europe. The advanced air mobility startup is working with UrbanV out of Italy, and Aeroports de la Côte d’Azur forge to implement a vertiport network in the French Riviera, which could very well be the first region in Europe to enable regional eVTOL travel.

Last February there were nine EVs that leased for an average monthly cost of under $400 before tax and license. Since then, factory incentives have become even more attractive, and now four of those nine are leasing for under $300/month. A fifth EV, one that leased for over $400/month back then, has plunged into the sub-$300 club after a $120/month cut in cost.

Under $300/month is notable because many people spend more than that on gas, and, depending on where you get your electricity from, switching to an EV could offset most or all of the cost of the lease.

Austria-based contract manufacturer Magna Steyr has confirmed that several Chinese OEMs are discussing the possibility of local EV production ahead of further sales in Europe. The decision may be swayed by the looming threat of tariffs Europe may impose on China as several automakers continue to expand to new markets overseas.

Despite the market moving toward EVs, Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda are committed to developing next-generation ICE engines. The new engines are “tailored to electrification” with integrated EV components.