Mitsubishi to launch nine electrified vehicles by end of 2028

This new lineup will include two models in “segments in which the company does not currently compete,” according to Mitsubishi, with a powertrain mix of “advanced-technology internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electrics.”

The announcement appears to be a long-awaited North American response to Mitsubishi’s global product plan released in March 2023. That included plans for an expanded “xEV” lineup encompassing hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs, and saw 50% of its product mix electrified by 2030.

Mitsubishi to launch nine electrified vehicles by end of 2028

According to reports, Mitsubishi and parent brand Nissan might share an electrified pickup that would get both plug-in hybrid and EV variants (an electric pickup was also mentioned in the global product plan last March). Nissan and Mitsubishi compact vehicles are also expected to share the same updated platforms across multiple models.

While it previously sold the tiny i-MiEV electric car in the U.S., Mitsubishi’s only plug-in model at present is the Outlander PHEV, which shows the brand’s best with a hybrid system still superior to many others on the market. Launched for the 2023 model year, this second-generation Outlander PHEV boasts an EPA-rated 38 miles of electric range.

The Model 3 Performance just got a big refresh, after the Model 3’s overall “Highland” refresh.

The refresh includes more horsepower (up to 510hp now, and 0-60 of 2.9 seconds), some exterior changes, and lots of other underlying changes to make the car better at performance applications.

And it also included a very attractive price – one which was actually cheaper than the lower-spec Long Range Model 3 after taking tax credits into account, since the Performance qualifies for the US EV tax credit and the Long Range model doe snot.

As a result it immediately garnered rave reviews both from online observers who note its impressive specs and value proposition compared to competing vehicles, and from the few car reviewers who Tesla deigned to allow to review the vehicle ahead of its release.

But perhaps those reviews were too good, and Tesla decided they could command a higher price for these vehicles. As a result, just 3 days after release, Tesla hiked the price of the Model 3 Performance by $1,000. At the same time, it reduced the price of some paint and interior options as well.

Now, we’re having a little déjà vu as almost the exact same thing has happened again.

Today, Tesla hiked the price of the Model 3 Performance by another $1,000, up to $54,490, just $10 less than the $55k limit to access the EV tax credit.

Again, just as last time and perhaps to compensate, Tesla lowered the price of some other options. Now, the “Black and White Interior” is included in the base price of the vehicle, instead of being a $1,000 option as it was yesterday. So if you were going to get the black & white interior, the car will cost the same as it did yesterday, but the standard black interior now costs $1,000 more.

The Model 3 Performance is still slightly cheaper than the Long Range model, assuming you qualify for the $7,500 US EV tax credit. If you do, the base price of the Performance model is $47,490, whereas the base price of the Long Range model is $47,740 – $250 more. The Performance model comes with more performance, but the Long Range model does have a longer range, at 341 miles rather than the 296 miles of the Performance model with its stickier tires, bigger motors and so on.

However, since the tax credit is attainable even on non-qualifying cars via a lease, the lease rates for the RWD ($299/mo) and Long Range AWD ($439/mo) are still significantly cheaper than the Performance AWD model ($616/mo) – and that last number, for the Performance model, is $50 more per month than it was yesterday.

Finally, Tesla also changed some pricing for other Model 3 options, increasing the cost of the “Black and White” interior to $2k, from the $1,500 price it was previously, for both the RWD and Long Range models.

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“This solar electric vehicle charger is a part of the college’s efforts to make our [transportation systems] more sustainable”, said Marcus Welker, assistant director of sustainability at Dartmouth College [via Vermont Biz].

Solaflect Energy, based in Norwich, Vermont, designs and manufactures the Solar EV Charger. The four Level 2 charging points are powered by a 6.2-kilowatt solar array mounted on a dual-axis tracker that generates 40% more power than comparable fixed panel arrays.

The system’s 6-ton concrete foundation sits directly on parking lot lines, so it doesn’t take up any parking spaces and provides enough ground clearance for unimpeded traffic flow. Designed for climate resilience, it sheds snow quickly, stows flat in high winds, and sits high enough to avoid flooding.

Solar EV Charger operates even when the grid is down, and its transportable nature allows it to adapt as EV charging needs evolve. Here’s Dartmouth’s Solar EV Charger in action:

The off-grid solar tracker EV charger is quicker and less expensive to install than traditional grid-connected stations and avoids costly utility demand charges since there’s no need for infrastructure. Solaflect’s chargers scale easily, with one charger for every four EVs or plug-in hybrids. The company asserts that over its expected 25-year life, the system locks in 1 million miles of EV charging with minimal operating and maintenance costs.

Solaflect’s Solar EV charger is available for annual lease with no additional service costs or for purchase with a 30% federal investment tax credit. Its first installations will take place in New England, followed by a US-wide expansion.  

What do you think of Solaflect’s Solar EV Charger? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more: In a milestone, the US exceeds 5 million solar installations

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Kia has already confirmed it will launch an electric truck in the US. During its investor day in 2022, Kia revealed plans to launch two electric pickup trucks: one dedicated EV pickup and the other a strategic model for emerging markets.

The electric trucks are part of Kia’s plan to launch two EVs a year and build a complete lineup by 2027.

Kia confirmed in the US, where mid-size SUVs and pickups are popular, “electric versions of these models will be produced locally from 2024.”

After launching its EV9 late last year, the larger electric SUV is already off to a hot start. With a record 1,572 EV9s sold in April, the electric SUV pushed Kia to a new monthly EV sales record, up 144% YOY.

Kia is offering a $7,500 Customer Cash credit, which can amount to $12,400 in savings until US production begins. Meanwhile, Kia is expected to start building the EV9 at its West Point, GA facility this month.

Kia is testing a mysterious electric pickup in the US

Is a new Kia electric pickup set to follow? For the first time, Kia’s EV pickup was spotted testing in the US.

The video from KindelAuto shows a larger-looking pickup with a bold face, similar to the Ford F-150 Lightning. You can clearly see design features pulled from the rugged, big-body EV9.

On the back end, you can see the test model is fitted with lights similar to the Hyundai Santa Cruz. These will likely be updated in the production version.

It will likely include several new Kia design elements, like its new signature “Digital Tiger Face” grille, replacing its old “Tiger Nose” design.

Kia’s new EV will join a growing US electric pickup market with the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Chevy Silverado EV.

Although Kia has yet to confirm specs, it’s expected to ride on Hyundai’s next-gen EV platform, which is expected to boost range (the EV9 gets up to 304 miles EPA-est range) while slashing costs (the EV9 starts at $54,900).

If you can’t wait for Kia’s electric pickup, Kia is offering massive savings of up to $12,400 on select EV9 models. You can use our link to view deals on the 2024 Kia EV9 at a dealer near you.

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Honda doubles its investment in EVs to $65 billion

CEO Toshihiro Mibe laid out the automaker’s new strategy Thursday, claiming Honda has not “changed its belief that EVs are the most effective solution.”

Honda believes it can compete in the small electric vehicle and motorbike segment. In the long term, Honda is confident that EV adoption will continue to rise. The company wants to take advantage of the “period of EV popularization,” which will happen in the second half of the 2020s.

To do so, Honda will introduce new EVs, establish a comprehensive supply chain (including batteries), and advance EV technology and facilities.

Through its new strategy, Honda aims for a 5% return on sales for its EV business in 2030, aiming to make it self-sustaining.

Honda’s new 0 series is expected to play a key role. Two new concepts, the Saloon and Space-Hub, were unveiled at CES in January.

The Saloon is set to become Honda’s new flagship EV with a model very similar to the concept launching in 2026. It will launch in North America first ahead of its global rollout.

Following the Saloon, Honda plans to launch seven EV models globally, from small to large. In China, Honda will introduce ten new EVs by 2027, representing 100% of auto sales in the region by 2035. It also unveiled its new “Ye Series” EVs to take on Chinese automakers like BYD.

Honda will launch a series of smaller EVs, starting with the N-Van e, a commercial mini EV. After it goes on sale in Japan this fall, Honda will introduce a series of small-size EVs in the region where needed. This will include personal mini-EV models in 2025.

Building an EV supply chain for the future

Regarding its supply chain, Honda will start by strengthening its partnerships for lithium-ion batteries while holding costs down. Starting in mid-2020, Honda will begin producing batteries with its JV partners.

In the US, Honda’s JV plant with LG Energy Solution will begin production with up to 40 GWh battery capacity annually. The lightweight and compact battery packs will be used for its 0 series EVs.

In the second half of the decade, Honda plans to further expand its battery business by building a vertically-integrated supply chain.

To do so, Honda will begin in-house production with GS Yuasa for EV batteries. Honda also plans to secure battery materials in Canada, like cathode materials from POSCO Future M and separators from Kasei at new JV plants.

By 2030, Honda aims to reduce the cost of EV batteries built in North America by over 20% compared to current costs. Honda already has enough secured to produce around 2 million EVs planned in 2030.

Honda aims for EVs and FCEVs to account for 40% of global auto sales in 2030 and 100% by 2040.

Electrek’s Take

Despite the recent “EV slowdown” the media continues to report, several automakers are increasing their investments now as they look toward the future.

Honda is the latest, joining Toyota, which has made a series of investments in new EVs, including a large electric SUV for the US and next-gen battery tech.

Although Japanese automakers have been laggards in the industry’s transition to EVs so far, with Ford, GM, VW, and others pulling back, could they turn things around? That’s what Honda (and Toyota) hope for with new investments in EVs.

Meanwhile, Honda and Toyota’s EV sales share is currently well under that of their rivals. While Toyota’s EV sales share is around 1%, many automakers are already achieving double-digit or 100% EV sales.

Will the new investments be enough? Drop us a comment below to let us know your thoughts.

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Through all phases of crowdfunding so far, over three years, Aptera has raised more than $100 million from more than 17,000 investors. It was incentivized this past year with an Accelerator Program that gave investors—at a minimum of $10,000 each—priority for reservations of the first 2,000 initial build slots of the three-wheeled electric car. 

Aptera notably doesn’t say that funding has been secured. It instead says that its crowdfunding efforts “have paved the way for the company to engage with US Capital to secure funding for the production of Launch Edition vehicles.”

Aptera Launch Edition

Aptera Launch Edition charging

Aptera Launch Edition core specs

The Launch Edition was revealed in January 2023 with a 4.0-second 0-60 mph acceleration, a 42-kwh battery pack that would provide a range of up to 400 miles, and a solar system that can provide 700 watts of continuous power good for 40 miles of range per day, according to the company. Its price has been set at $33,200.

Aptera announced its use of the Tesla NACS port even before last year’s wave of American-market EV brands switching charging standards. 

Aptera investment perks

The company announced the completion of the Accelerator Program in February and noted that it had raised enough money to “to fund the initial phases of production”—about $33 million, as of the end of January. Aptera appeared to walk that back a few weeks later, when it provided an update noting that “the start of production for Launch Edition requires additional capital.” Aptera clarified later to Green Car Reports that the previous claim of initial production phases referred to “production-intent vehicle builds.”

Aptera now also says that it plans to bring the vehicle to market “at scale” in 2025, and it hinted in recent months that some design changes are coming for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Up to now, it’s looked to CPC in Italy for its carbon-fiber body plus chassis and suspension components, to battery supplier EVE Energy for 2170-format cylindrical NMC cells, and to CTNS in South Korea for battery modules. 

Rad Power Memorial Day sale takes up to $600 off e-bikes and offers free extra batteries – starting from $999

Rad Power Bikes has launched its Memorial Day sale through May 29 that is taking up to $600 off three of its e-bikes, while also giving you a free extra battery for two of the models. Leading the sale is the RadRover 6 Plus High-Step Fat-Tire e-bike for $999 shipped. Usually going for $1,599 since the company lowered prices across its lineup of models, this e-bike has seen three previous flash sales since the new year began, with the most recent one in April dropping costs to $1,099. Today’s deal comes in as a new all-time low, amounting to a $600 markdown off the going rate. You can learn more about this model by heading below the fold or checking out our hands-on review.

Nicknamed Rad Power’s “beast of a bike,” the RadRover 6 Plus reaches a 20 MPH top speed for up to 45 miles on a single charge thanks to its 750W brushless geared hub motor working in tandem with the semi-integrated 672Wh battery. Sporting a 12-magnet cadence sensor, this e-bike has five levels of pedal assistance to choose from, accessible through the full digital display that also gives you real-time performance data like battery levels or a wattage meter to keep track of the motor’s output. Should you take the roads less traveled (often off the paved paths), this model is ready and willing with its water-resistant connectors and wiring harness, as well as a pair of 26-inch by 4-inch puncture-resistant fat tires with fenders over each.

Next is the RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike for $1,249 shipped, plus the free extra battery (just be sure to add both items to your cart so the discount can be automatically applied). It has the same combination motor and battery to reach a 20 MPH speed for 45+ miles on a single charge, which can vary depending on your travelling conditions, but is also doubled with your extra battery. This model only comes with four levels of low-profile cadence sensing pedal assistance, along with features like a water-resistant wiring harness, a standard LED headlight, an integrated taillight with a brake light indicator functionality, an integrated rear storage rack, fenders for both tires, and a simple LED display. As the name suggests, its folding frame makes space saving far easier when not in use.

Then there is the RadRunner Plus Utility e-bike for $1,599 shipped, down from $1,799 and coming with the same free extra battery deal. Equipped with the same 750W motor and 672Wh battery, it can match the RadExpand 5’s speed and mileage (doubled with the extra battery too). Its five levels of normal pedal assistance are joined by a bonus zero level for manual pedaling (if you want to get in some cardio). Its taillights have the added ability to go into flash mode for more obvious illumination at night or when parking, an integrated cargo rack that can double as passenger seating, and it has an included 7-speed Shimano derailleur for when you go manual.

Hover-1 Instinct Electric Bikes start from $715

Amazon is offering the Hover-1 Instinct Electric Bike for $763.59 shipped in black, after clipping the on-page 15% off coupon. Already down from its usual $1,000 price tag, this particular model hasn’t seen quite as many discounts like its multi-color counterpart, having spent much of 2024 so far hovering near or around its MSRP after starting the year off by riding in on its $596 low from leftover Christmas sales. Today you can grab this model for one of the lowest prices we’ve seen as a combined $236 markdown, making it a much more affordable commuting option for those on a budget. The blue model is still sitting at its MSRP, while the multi-color model can be found for $715 currently.

The Hover-1 Instinct sports a smaller 350W brushless motor than we usually see with a lot of e-bikes these days, but with its removable 36V battery you’re still getting one hell of an affordable commuting option with 40 miles of travel range on a single charge, albeit with only a 15 MPH top speed. With each ride, you can choose between using the throttle for pure electric action (though this will decrease mileage) or one of its three pedal assistance levels – and if you want to get some low-stress exercise, the lower levels provide only a little extra power as opposed to its highest level setting. It also features 26-inch pneumatic tires, front and rear disc brakes, and an LCD digital display that gives real-time readouts for speed, battery level, mileage, pedal assist level, ride time, and more.

Greenworks 48V mower, 24V blower, and 24V trimmer combo falls to $488

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 48V 21-inch Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, 24V 320 CFM Leaf Blower, and a 24V 12-inch String Trimmer with two 5.0Ah batteries for $487.99 shipped. Down from its $610 price tag, this is a smaller voltage combo than we’ve seen more regularly discounted in the new year, having only had two major discounts since 2024 began, first to $488, then to the $487 low last month. Today’s deal repeats its first discount from February as a 20% markdown that drops costs to the second-lowest price we have tracked – only $1 above the all-time low.

The lawn mower sports 48V of power with its brushless motor and two 5.0Ah batteries (which are also compatible for the other tools in the combo as well), giving you around an hour of runtime on a single charge – though this timeframe may vary depending on terrain conditions and operator techniques. It has the usual seven-position height adjustment as well as the 3-in-1 functionality to mulch, rear bag, or side discharge clippings. The leaf blower offers 320 CFM at 90 MPH for up to 20 minutes on a single battery’s charge, while the string trimmer provides a 12-inch cutting path with an auto-feed system to replace broken lines as you go for less stop-start distractions.

Spring e-bike deals!

• Juiced JetCurrent Pro Foldable e-bike (pre-order): $2,299 (Reg. $2,799)
• Super73 RX Electric Motorbike: $2,000 (Reg. $3,695)
• Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike with $372 in free accessories: $1,799 (Reg. $2,199)
• Juiced RipCurrent S Fat-Tire e-bike: $1800 (Reg. $2,399)
• Rad Power RadRunner Plus Utility e-bike with free extra battery: $1,599 (Reg. $1,799)
• Blix Packa Genie Cargo e-bike with $237 in free accessories: $1,599 (Reg. $2,099)
• Blix Ultra Fat-Tire All-Terrain e-bike with $383 in free accessories: $1,399 (2,099)
• Lectric XPress 750 High-Step e-bike with extra battery (pre-order): $1,299 (Reg. $1,799)
• Lectric XPress 750 Step-Thru e-bike with extra battery (pre-order): $1,299 (Reg. $1,799)
• Rad Power RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike with free extra battery: $1,249 (Reg. $1,599)
• Vanpowers UrbanGlide Standard e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,299)
• Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus e-bike: $999 (Reg. $1,599)
• Schwinn Ridgewood Electric Mountain Bike: $800 (Reg. $1,500)
• Schwinn Ingersoll Electric Hybrid Bike: $700 (Reg. $1,500)

Other new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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