This cool tech will turn existing fiber optics into smart sensors on Minnesota’s grid

Not-for-profit power cooperative Great River Energy, which serves 1.7 million people across Minnesota and Wisconsin, has partnered with Prisma Photonics to roll out real-time monitoring technology across 90 miles of transmission lines in northern Minnesota. Prisma Photonics will provide its PrismaPower system to track threats like wildfires, ice, wind, and physical damage to the Minnesota grid.

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Here’s our best look at the Kia EV4 so far, including the interior [Video]

Kia confirmed it will launch the EV4 this year as it fills out “a full lineup of popular EVs.” According to Kia, the EV4 is “an entirely new type of EV sedan with a distinct style and sports car-like proportions. However, it’s expected to be much cheaper than your average sports car. With its official debut around the corner, we are getting a closer look at what we can expect from the Kia EV4, including the inside. Check it out below.

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A vast 600 MW Texas solar farm just hit a major milestone

Renewable developer Vesper Energy has installed the last of more than 1.36 million solar panels covering six square miles at Hornet Solar in Swisher County, Texas.

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Mitsubishi will finally launch its first EV in the US in 2026 and it may twin with the Nissan LEAF

Mitsubishi confirmed plans to finally launch its first EV in the US in 2026. The new electric car is expected to look similar to Nissan’s next-generation LEAF, which will debut later this year.

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Range Rover’s first EV now has 57,000 buyers on the waitlist

The wait is almost over. The Range Rover electric SUV will finally hit showrooms this year. As one of the most anticipated launches of 2025, Range Rover’s first EV already has 57,000 buyers on the waitlist. Here’s what you can expect from the luxury electric SUV.

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A quarter of Tesla’s earnings were due to recongnizing a $600 million gain on Bitcoin

Roughly a quarter of Tesla’s earnings last quarter were due to recognizing a $600 million gain on Bitcoin. Tesla still came short of expectations.

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Velotric Valentine’s sale offers $800 in e-bike savings from $999, EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max and RIVER 3 Plus flash sales, more

We have a condensed selection of solid savings in today’s Green Deals, with Velotric’s Valentine’s Day sale taking the lead with up to $700 in initial e-bike price cuts, as well as an additional $100 taken off orders of any two models. It’s the perfect chance to fall in love with the popular 2024 Discover 1 Plus e-bike while it’s down at $1,199, among others. There’s also a one-day-only flash sale running as part of EcoFlow’s ongoing Game Day Power sale, which provides up to $1,099 in savings on two power station bundles – one for the DELTA 2 Max and and an 800W alternator charger at $1,399, and the other for the RIVER 3 Plus with a 45W solar panel and a protective bag for $269. We also have the second-ever discount on Greenworks’ latest 60V 17-inch Cordless Electric Push Lawn Mower at $300. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s $200 launch discount on Aiper’s new Surfer S2 Solar Pool Skimmer, Segway’s Valentine’s Day offers, 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.

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CATL says Chinese ‘EIVs’ are surging because they are affordable and more advanced

A new term is being used to describe Chinese electric vehicles. The latest buzzword in China is “EIV,” replacing the commonly used “EV.” According to CATL’s co-chairman, Chinese EIVs, or Electric Intelligent Vehicles, are surging as affordable options that offer more advanced tech and capabilities than traditional gas-powered cars.

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Tesla announces third Megafactory as competition heats up

Elon Musk announced that Tesla is already building a third Megafactory to produce more Megapacks just as the competition in the energy storage space heats up

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Toyota is still the world’s top automaker, but with EV sales at just 1%, how long will it last?

Toyota maintained its title as the world’s top-selling automaker, with nearly 11 million vehicles sold in 2024. However, EV sales accounted for about 1% of Toyota’s global volume as it continued to lag the industry. With rivals like BYD and Hyundai closing in, how long can Toyota keep its spot at the top?

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