Former Musk Chief of Staff Dismissed from Top Tesla Role
A high-level executive at Tesla, who previously served as Elon Musk's chief of staff and recently oversaw operations across North America and Europe, has reportedly been let go. This departure signifies a notable shift within the company's leadership ranks and arrives amidst a period of considerable market challenges, particularly concerning vehicle demand and sales figures in key international territories. The individual's career progression within Musk's corporate ecosystem has been a subject of considerable interest, marked by rapid ascent, involvement in crucial company initiatives, and past controversies that drew widespread attention.
The executive in question, Omead Afshar, initially carved out a path in biomedical engineering before transitioning into Musk's inner circle. His tenure began in 2017, joining the CEO's office after prior roles in medical device and healthcare giants. Following the departure of Musk's long-standing chief of staff in 2019, Afshar effectively stepped into that pivotal role, undertaking various projects within Tesla, most notably spearheading the construction of Gigafactory Texas.
However, Afshar's journey at Tesla was not without its tumultuous moments. In 2022, reports surfaced regarding an internal inquiry into his conduct. This investigation reportedly stemmed from suspicious procurement of specialized glass for a 'secret project' that raised red flags within the company's finance department. The concern was that company resources might have been diverted for non-Tesla related endeavors. Although Tesla never publicly disclosed the outcome of this investigation, it was subsequently reported that Afshar was temporarily reassigned to SpaceX, a move widely interpreted as a way to mitigate potential personal implications for Musk, given the project's perceived link to his private interests, specifically a planned glasshouse near Austin.
Remarkably, Afshar later made a return to Tesla, and by late 2024, he had been promoted to Vice President of North American and European operations, a role that positioned him as one of Tesla's most influential executives, overseeing both sales and manufacturing. This rapid reinstatement and elevation surprised many, particularly considering his prior controversial history.
The recent news of his termination, as reported by Forbes, comes at a critical juncture for the electric vehicle manufacturer. Tesla is currently grappling with significant issues regarding consumer demand, with sales experiencing a notable downturn, especially in Europe where the market for electric vehicles generally remains robust. Deliveries are projected to decline quarter-over-quarter across Europe and China. While Tesla attributed a previous quarter's underperformance to a Model Y transition, the current slump lacks a similar immediate explanation, with projected sales figures indicating a substantial decrease compared to the previous year. This organizational change fuels further speculation about the factors contributing to Tesla's recent performance challenges.
The removal of such a high-ranking executive, especially one perceived to be closely aligned with Elon Musk, underscores the intense pressures and strategic reevaluations currently underway within Tesla as it navigates a more challenging global automotive landscape. This leadership change could signal a broader restructuring or a shift in operational focus as the company seeks to regain momentum and address the persistent issues impacting its market position and sales performance.
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Unbeatable Green Deals: Power Solutions, E-Bikes, and Outdoor Tools on Sale
This week heralds an exciting array of eco-friendly product promotions, presenting unparalleled opportunities to invest in sustainable living and outdoor convenience. Leading the charge is EcoFlow's exclusive early Prime Day event, delivering substantial discounts on advanced portable power solutions. Concurrently, Lectric's Independence Day celebration unveils enticing deals on their innovative electric bicycles, complete with valuable extras. Meanwhile, Rad Power highlights a favored commuter e-bike at an attractive price point. Rounding out these remarkable offers are significant savings on high-performance electric tools for yard maintenance, ensuring that embracing a greener lifestyle has never been more accessible or appealing.
EcoFlow's Prime Day Power Savings
EcoFlow is kicking off its early Prime Day sale with impressive discounts of up to 60% on a wide range of power stations and solar bundles, available through July 7. This special event offers more than just price reductions; customers can also benefit from bonus savings, complimentary gear, and unique member-only advantages. A standout deal is the DELTA 2 Solar Generator bundle, which includes a smart extra battery and two 110W solar panels, now at an unprecedented low price of $996.55 after applying a sitewide discount code. This comprehensive package, originally priced at $2,596, represents a remarkable 62% reduction, making it the most competitive offer observed to date and exclusively available through EcoFlow's direct sales channels.
The DELTA 2 Solar Generator bundle from EcoFlow provides a dependable and cost-effective solution for both outdoor adventures and emergency home backup needs. The inclusion of a smart extra battery effectively doubles the standard 1,024Wh LiFePO4 capacity to 2,048Wh, with potential for further expansion to 3,072Wh with an additional battery. This system delivers a robust 1,800W of continuous power across 15 different ports, capable of surging to 2,200W for higher-demand appliances. Designed for portability and durability, the station features an IP68 waterproof construction, ideal for outdoor use, and boasts rapid charging capabilities, reaching 80% capacity in just 50 minutes via a wall outlet. With a 500W maximum solar input, a full charge can be achieved in three to six hours, while other charging options include DC and car ports, providing versatile power replenishment for any situation.
Electrifying Mobility and Outdoor Efficiency
Lectric's 4th of July Sale, running until July 7, offers substantial savings of up to $703 on their electric bike bundles. Enthusiasts can now acquire the standard XP4 e-bikes for $999, which include $79 worth of free accessories, or opt for the XP4 750 Long-Range e-bikes at $1,299, bundled with $356 in complimentary gear. These updated models boast enhanced motors and battery capacities, providing extended ranges of up to 85 miles and speeds of 28 MPH, depending on local regulations. The redesigned frames, detachable TFT displays, and repositioned charging ports contribute to a superior user experience, while integrated taillights with turn signals and hydraulic brakes ensure safety and convenience. This sale presents a prime opportunity to invest in advanced electric mobility solutions.
Beyond e-bikes, significant green deals extend to essential outdoor equipment. The Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus Commuter e-bike, now available for $1,499, offers a practical and stylish commuting option with a 750W motor and a 672Wh battery, ensuring ranges exceeding 50 miles. For garden maintenance, the Worx 20V 5-inch Cordless Mini Chainsaw is a steal at $84, providing efficient pruning with up to 100 cuts per charge. Furthermore, Greenworks' 82V Commercial-Grade 760 CFM Cordless Axial Leaf Blower bundle, including two Bluetooth 4.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger, is now reduced to $299.99. This commercial-grade blower delivers exceptional power equivalent to a 27cc gas blower but without the noise and fumes, offering up to 240 minutes of continuous operation. These diverse offerings underscore a commitment to sustainability and efficiency across various aspects of daily life.
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Top Electric Vehicle Lease Opportunities
This summer, a selection of the most advantageous electric vehicle leasing opportunities has emerged, as identified by industry experts at CarsDirect. These offerings encompass competitive monthly payments and a variety of appealing incentives, making electric vehicle adoption more accessible than ever. Prospective lessees should act swiftly, as some of these attractive deals are set to conclude by the end of June, while others extend into July. This guide highlights five particularly compelling options from Nissan, Hyundai, Honda, and Subaru, each presenting unique benefits for environmentally conscious drivers.
Current Premier Electric Vehicle Lease Offers
In the vibrant summer of 2025, electric vehicle enthusiasts and new adopters alike are presented with an array of enticing lease deals across the United States, particularly noted for their cost-effectiveness and added benefits. Leading the charge, the 2025 Nissan Ariya, following a significant price reduction earlier in the year, is now available for lease at an incredibly low monthly rate of $129 for 36 months in Southern California, requiring a $4,409 down payment. An additional $1,000 Loyalty Cash incentive is offered for current Nissan or Infiniti owners until the end of June, with similar offers appearing nationwide.
Hyundai also presents impressive incentives for its 2025 IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 5 models. The stylish IONIQ 6 SE Standard Range can be leased for $169 per month over 24 months, with an initial payment of $3,999. Hyundai sweetens the deal with $9,000 in lease cash, an extra $1,000 for vehicles on the lot for over 180 days, and a complimentary Level 2 charger or $400 in charging credits. The refreshed 2025 IONIQ 5 starts at $179 per month for 24 months, with the same $3,999 down payment, effectively costing $359 monthly. The long-range variant is only $10 more per month. These offers, running until July 7, also include a free Level 2 home charger or a $400 charging credit, marking the lowest IONIQ 5 lease prices observed to date, following significant price adjustments in recent months.
For those in California and other CARB states, the 2025 Honda Prologue offers a lease as low as $259 per month for 36 months, with a $2,399 down payment, incorporating a $1,000 loyalty or conquest incentive. Honda Financial Services further provides up to $3,500 in lease or finance cash until July 7, depending on credit tier and trim. Loyalty or conquest cash of an additional $1,000 is available, which can be combined with other offers, building on May's interest rate reductions that saw financing rates as low as 0.99%.
Finally, the 2025 Subaru Solterra, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price just under $40,000, stands out as one of the most budget-friendly electric vehicle leases at $299 per month for 36 months, requiring only $299 at signing, leading to an effective monthly cost of $307. This makes the Solterra a highly competitive option, even outperforming some luxury electric vehicles in terms of overall lease cost.
These developments underscore a dynamic period in the electric vehicle market, signaling a greater accessibility for consumers to transition to sustainable transportation. The array of competitive lease deals, coupled with valuable incentives such as charging credits and complimentary chargers, significantly lowers the barrier to entry for many. From a journalist's perspective, this trend reflects not only a growing consumer interest in electric vehicles but also aggressive strategies by manufacturers and dealerships to capture market share. It suggests a future where electric mobility is not just an environmental imperative but an economically viable and attractive choice for a broader demographic. These offers are poised to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, contributing to a greener and more efficient transportation landscape.