This $2,400 eight-wheeled dump truck from China is the toy every man needs

There’s something about the joy of playing around with Tonka trucks in a sandbox that men really never grow out of. Sure, we grow up, get real jobs, and most of us never take the toys back out of the dusty, long-forgotten box. But the desire is still there. And if you gave just about any former boy and reluctant adult the option, I’d be dollars to donuts they’d gladly play around with the life-sized version of their childhood construction toys in a heartbeat.

If that sounds like fun, then I’ve got good news for you. I just found the coolest grown-up toy construction vehicle and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. I’d argue that it slots in nicely as a perfect example of some of the coolest and weirdest things you can find from China’s endless supply of innovative EVs. So, for your viewing pleasure, I submit this week’s Awesomely Weird Alibaba Electric Vehicle of the Week: the Octo-dumper!

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It’s true: High-performance electric motorcycle brand Energica is back

Italian electric motorcycle manufacturer Energica has just been handed a lifeline. Previously owned by US company Ideanomics, the famed motorcycle brand entered insolvency late last year after a period of financial duress prevented it from making payroll and continuing production.

Now, a new group of investors from Singapore has stepped in to take over.

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$250M Series B raise boosts XPeng AeroHT flying car ambitions

Chinese carmaker XPeng is getting perilously close to bringing its AeroHT consumer eVTOL concept to market, thanks to a $250 million Series B round that’s set to accelerate the company’s modular “flying car” production plans.

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This metro Atlanta factory roof is now a solar record-breaker

Flooring manufacturer Beauflor USA just turned on the biggest rooftop solar system by capacity in metro Atlanta — and it’s now powering part of its Georgia factory.

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Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Chevy Equinox EV: Which makes the better lease?

The new and improved Hyundai IONIQ 5, or the hot-selling Chevy Equinox EV? Which electric SUV makes the smarter lease? Here’s the rundown.

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Podcast: Tesla announces new EV variants, Robotaxi wars, big Lucid news, and more

In 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 announcing new Model 3 and Model Y variants, the robotaxi expansion wars, big Lucid news, and more

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VW’s ID. EVs shrug off 100k miles with 91% battery health

Volkswagen’s ID.3 just got a gold star from the folks at ADAC, Europe’s largest automobile club. After four years of pushing the all-electric hatchback to its limits in a long-term endurance test, the VW ID.3’s battery still held 91% of its original capacity – a big win for EV durability.

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Velotric’s new Breeze 1 smart cruiser e-bike with $150 bundle at $1,799, Aiper Surfer S2 robot $280 low, Aventon Level 2 e-bike, more

We’re closing out this week’s Green Deals with seven deals that are seeing some of the lowest prices, including EVs, solar-powered robots, hydroponic gardens, and a tool combo. Leading the top three of these deals is the extended summer promotion on Velotric’s new Breeze 1 Smart Cruiser e-bike that comes $150 in free gear at $1,799. Right behind it, we have Aiper’s popular Surfer S2 Robotic Solar Pool Skimmer returning to its $280 low from Prime Day, as well as the continued annual low on Aventon’s Level 2 Commuter e-bike at $1,399, among the brand’s other models. All that and more from AeroGarden, GoTrax, NIU, and SKIL are waiting for you below. Plus, there’s all the hangover Prime Day savings in our Prime Day Green Deals hub at the bottom of the page, as well as yesterday’s exclusive new low price on EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Ultra power station + the brand’s four flash offers that are ending tonight, 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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BYD’s $18,000 electric kei car revealed up close with new details

It’s official. BYD is launching its first kei car. The new electric car is BYD’s smallest EV yet, and it’s expected to arrive next year with a starting price under $18,000. After it was spotted testing again, we are learning a little more about what to expect.

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Tesla launches a long list of new discounts and incentives in the US

Tesla has launched a long list of new discounts and incentives for its electric vehicles in the US as it seeks to capitalize on what will likely be its last strong quarter in its best market.

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