Sodium-ion batteries hit the Midwestern grid in first-of-its-kind pilot
A new type of battery storage is about to be deployed on the Midwestern grid for the first time.
Rivian is phasing out the R1S Dual Standard, its most affordable SUV, ahead of the R2
According to an email sent to Rivian subscribers yesterday, the American automaker is sunsetting the Standard trim of its flagship R1S SUV. The end is imminent for Rivian’s most affordable R1S model, but the automaker says its exit will pave the way for a new “refined lineup” of EVs… Plus the R2 is about to arrive,
Volkswagen’s entry-level EV spotted as a hot hatch R-Line model [Video]
The ID. Polo will make its official debut in just a few weeks as the first of a new generation of Volkswagen EVs. New spy shots confirm a range-topping R-Line model will join the lineup shortly after.
BLUETTI’s Elite 300 launches as the world’s smallest 3kWh power station – and it’s 58% off
BLUETTI has officially launched the Elite 300 portable power station, a compact but powerful portable power station designed for both home backup and life on the road. And for Electrek readers, the launch deal is pretty compelling.
The Elite 300 Official Launch Offer in the US runs from March 8 through May 31, with a debut price of $1,099 – that’s 50% off, saving an incredible $1,100. On top of that, Electrek readers can get an additional 8% off using the code ELECTREK8OFF, which works on both the BLUETTI website and Amazon through May 31.
That means you can grab BLUETTI’s newest 3kWh portable power station at a serious discount while supplies last.
Navee feature-packed UT5 Ultra X + UT5 Max superscooter first discounts from $1,530, EcoFlow power station flash sale, more
Our mid-week Green Deals are being led by the first-ever discounts (with bonus savings) on Navee’s latest and highly advanced UT5 Ultra X Electric Superscooter at $1,955, as well as the UT5 Max Electric Superscooter down at $1,530. We also have a 24-hour EcoFlow spring flash sale that is taking up to 62% off four units, like the DELTA Pro 3 Portable power Station at $2,099, while others start from $999. We shined a spotlight on Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 Portable Electric Coolers at their best prices since Black Friday, thanks to our exclusive bonus savings code, as well as deals on a top-shelf EGO string trimmer, a 60V Greenworks edger, RGBIC garden lights, and much more waiting for you below. And don’t forget the hangover deals at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s full Anker SOLIX Spring Sale lineup with an exclusive bonus savings code, Segway’s MAX G30P e-scooter down at $550 for this week, 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.
Musk confirms xAI-Tesla joint ‘Digital Optimus’ project — after saying Tesla didn’t need xAI
Elon Musk announced today that “Digital Optimus”, also called “Macrohard”, is a joint xAI-Tesla project that will use xAI’s Grok large language model to power a computer-controlling AI agent. The project is part of Tesla’s $2 billion investment agreement with xAI.
The announcement directly contradicts Musk’s own September 2024 statement that Tesla had “no need to license anything from xAI”, and it lands while Tesla shareholders are actively suing him for breach of fiduciary duty over the founding of xAI in the first place.
Tesla Cybertruck owner sues over FSD crash, alleges ‘negligent’ retention of Musk
A Texas woman is suing Tesla for over $1 million after her Cybertruck, running on Autopilot, attempted to drive straight off a Houston overpass and crashed into a concrete barrier. The lawsuit includes an unusually pointed allegation: that Tesla was negligent in hiring and retaining Elon Musk as CEO.
The case, filed in Harris County District Court, adds to what has become an avalanche of legal consequences tied to Tesla’s “self-driving” claims, and it comes just weeks after a federal judge upheld a historic $243 million verdict against the automaker in a separate Autopilot crash case.
Solid-state EV battery patent reveals CATL’s ambitious plans
CATL filed an international patent, detailing how its solid-state battery cell and electrolyte material can help overcome one of the biggest challenges in bringing the new tech to market.