Electrek

On the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss Tesla’s Autopilot ‘recall’, our first drives of the Porsche Macan EV and Chevy Blazer EV, and more.

Today’s episode is sponsored by WOLFBOX, a leading brand in the automotive electronics market, with an unwavering commitment to quality and durability for its customers around the world.

Is Ford adding Google Maps EV route planning? CEO Jim Farley hinted at the idea this week as owners requested the feature.

An end-of-the-year clearance sale from Greenworks is making it more affordable than ever to switch over to an electric tool shed. Some of the best prices yet are live through December and come joined by discounts on an assortment of e-bikes and all of the other best Green Deals.

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.

Tesla has started to push the software update that includes the “fix” of the NHTSA Autopilot recall, and it includes the release notes detailing the new Autopilot nag.

SAE has followed through on its plan to finish its NACS certification by the end of the year, and the NACS standard is now ready to go. And the new standard promises to solve a lot of charging problems in one fell swoop.

Porsche is retiring its bestselling SUV in Europe earlier than expected. The gas-powered Porsche Macan will sail off into the sunset in the EU next spring. Porsche is set to launch the all-electric Macan next year as it shifts its lineup.

Tesla appears to be ramping up Cybertruck production early as a decent fleet has been spotted at Gigafactory Texas.

In a recent interview with media in Europe, NIO cofounder and president, Lihong Qin, confirmed the Chinese automaker intends to launch its family-friendly Firefly sub-brand in the market in 2025. This latest update follows nearly two years of speculation about the Firefly brand, in addition to a separate NIO sub-brand called Alps, both of which should join the EU markets.

BYD officially launched its new entry-level electric SUV Friday. The BYD Song L, starting at around $26,700 (189,800 yuan), will rival Tesla’s Model Y in China.

The Biden administration has issued a new directive to all government employees to travel by train or electric car, or electric Uber or Lyft, when traveling on official business. As the country’s largest employer, with an annual business travel purchasing budget of $2.8 billion, that could have a serious impact on carbon emissions.

Tesla has secured roughly $135 million worth of incentives for Gigafactory Mexico despite delaying the construction of the factory.

Ahead of initial production scheduled for 2024, electric RV startup Lightship is offering a peek behind its solar electric curtain, detailing the efforts that went into its flagship L1 towable trailer to ensure it arrives as the more aerodynamic option on the market.

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 low-cost carbon fiber road e-bike, a review of Electric Bike Company’s Model J moped, what happened in Paris after shared e-scooters were banned, an upcoming electric ATV, and more.

Sponsored by VMAX: If you’re looking for a high-quality e-scooter with superior performance, check out the new VX5, VX2 Pro, VX4, and the R40 and R55 high-speed race scooters from VMAX.

Unlike Europe, the US just doesn’t have very many higher-speed seated electric scooters to choose from. But that could change as more models slowly enter the North American market. The latest to hit the streets in the US is the CSC ES5 electric scooter, which is now shipping to reservation holders and available for order.

General Motors has announced that it is laying off 1,314 workers at two Michigan plants, including one that produces the Chevy Bolt EV, which the company has discontinued, for now at least.

It’s gone from bad to worse for robotaxi company Cruise in the fallout of the October incident involving a pedestrian. The company has now announced it is laying off 900 workers, one day after firing nine executives. Meanwhile, rival company Waymo pulls out ahead with new services.

The International Energy Agency’s latest report forecasts a decline in global coal demand by 2026, marking a potential turning point in global energy consumption.

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.

Uber Freight and Greenlane are joining forces to smartly deploy heavy-duty charging stations to power America’s growing electric truck fleet.

Kia is returning to the world’s biggest tech event next month. The automaker will unveil its new purpose-built EVs and vision for the future at CES, starting January 9.

If you’ve taken advantage of the fantastic December deals at Tesla and are the proud new owner of a Model Y, then you want to protect your floors this winter with some sharp-looking, robust floor mats. Head straight to Tesla accessories store Tesloid’s website, and use the unique code MATS10 at checkout to save 10%!

Tesla’s entry into the Indian market is on shaky grounds again as the government says that a deal on import duties for electric vehicles is off the table.

Louisiana is making US history by launching its first two offshore wind farms, Cajun Wind and Diamond Offshore Wind, in state waters.

A rare chance to save on Lectric’s XP Lite e-bike has arrived today. It’s now $50 off on Amazon and offers the compact EV with a 45-mile range and 20 MPH top speeds for even less. It comes joined by some deals on portable power stations, as the savings also carry over to an assortment of e-bikes and all of the other best Green Deals.

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.