Electric Cars

Mitsubishi Eclipse EV: Unveiling the Affordable Electric Option

Mitsubishi is gearing up to introduce the 2027 Eclipse Sportback EV later this year, aiming to provide a budget-friendly electric vehicle solution. While essentially a redesigned Nissan Leaf, the new Eclipse Sportback EV will come equipped with a 75 kWh battery, offering an estimated range similar to the Leaf's 303 miles. Its dual charging capabilities, including NACS compatibility for rapid charging at Tesla Superchargers, position it as an accessible option for those seeking an entry into the electric car market.

For those who grew up with the iconic Mitsubishi Eclipse, the revival of the nameplate as an electric vehicle might evoke mixed feelings. The original Eclipse was known for its affordability and customization potential, appealing to a generation influenced by popular culture like "The Fast and The Furious." This new electric iteration, while sharing its underpinnings with the Nissan Leaf, signifies Mitsubishi's commitment to expanding electric vehicle options. The move could provide more diverse and cost-effective choices for consumers looking to transition to electric mobility.

Mitsubishi recently disclosed key specifications for the 2027 Eclipse Sportback EV, confirming its battery and charging capabilities. The vehicle will feature a 75 kWh battery pack, consistent with the Nissan Leaf's specifications, which enables a maximum driving range of about 303 miles. Regarding charging, the Eclipse Sportback EV will support rapid charging, allowing it to reach an 80% state-of-charge from 10% in approximately 35 minutes. This performance, while not groundbreaking by current standards, is practical for daily use and longer journeys.

A notable feature of the Eclipse Sportback EV is its dual charging port setup. The passenger side will house a NACS charging port, making it compatible with Tesla Superchargers at speeds up to 150 kW. This means owners can utilize Tesla's extensive charging infrastructure, or use an NACS-to-CCS adapter for other charging networks. On the driver's side, a J1772 port will be available for Level 1 or Level 2 AC charging, suitable for home charging or slower public stations. This flexibility in charging options is designed to enhance convenience for EV drivers.

Visually, the Eclipse Sportback is a lightly re-imagined Nissan Leaf. Mitsubishi has introduced minor styling modifications, such as updated front and rear bumpers, new wheel designs, and distinct taillights, to differentiate it from its Nissan counterpart. However, many core design elements, including the ducktail spoiler, remain consistent. The interior details are yet to be revealed, but the exterior changes aim to give the Eclipse a slightly more assertive aesthetic. Despite these efforts, distinguishing between the two vehicles on the road might prove challenging once both are widely available.

While the exact pricing for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV has not been announced, it is anticipated to be competitively priced, potentially around the same mark as the Nissan Leaf, which starts at approximately $31,535. There is a possibility that Mitsubishi might price it even lower to entice customers and gain market share over its Nissan counterpart. The official launch is slated for this fall, and further details on pricing and trim levels are expected to emerge closer to the release date.

The upcoming Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV represents an important step in expanding affordable electric vehicle choices. By leveraging the proven platform of the Nissan Leaf and incorporating versatile charging solutions, Mitsubishi aims to offer a compelling option for consumers. With its dual charging ports, including NACS accessibility, and a practical battery range, the Eclipse Sportback EV is poised to meet the needs of a growing segment of electric car buyers, enhancing the overall accessibility of electric transportation.

Leading Green Product Deals: Mowers, Water Heaters, and Smart Home Devices

A collection of outstanding deals on environmentally friendly products is now available, encompassing everything from advanced lawn care equipment to efficient home appliances. These promotions offer a chance for consumers to upgrade their living spaces with sustainable technology at reduced costs.

Among the highlighted offers, the Greenworks 80V CrossoverT 30-inch Cordless Electric Riding Mower, bundled with four 6.0Ah batteries and a 600W turbo charger, is seeing a substantial price reduction, making it an unprecedented value. This powerful mower, typically priced higher, is now available for $2,499.99, marking a significant saving of $1,200 from its usual cost. Homeowners can also benefit from deals on Camplux Tankless Electric Water Heaters, with various models ranging from 3.5kW to 27kW starting at $108, achieving their lowest prices of the year. For smart home enthusiasts, the meross 2-Zone Wi-Fi Smart Water Timer, featuring Apple Home integration, is accessible for $79.99, an all-time low. Beyond these, additional savings are available on other practical items like the Worx 13A Electric Leaf Mulcher, the versatile Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart, and EGO's 56V 5.0Ah Battery, all designed to facilitate efficient home and garden maintenance. This week's promotions also include attractive deals on electric vehicles and a range of other green products, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable living.

These limited-time promotions on eco-conscious products present an excellent opportunity to invest in energy-efficient solutions for both household chores and outdoor activities. Embracing such innovations not only supports a greener lifestyle but also contributes to long-term savings and a healthier planet. By opting for these sustainable alternatives, individuals can play an active role in environmental stewardship, demonstrating that personal convenience and ecological responsibility can indeed go hand in hand.

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Baidu's Apollo Go Initiates Robotaxi Trials in London with Uber and Lyft

Baidu's autonomous driving unit, Apollo Go, has recently made significant strides in its global expansion, with two major announcements in a single week. The company has initiated robotaxi trials in London, partnering with prominent ride-hailing services Uber and Freenow by Lyft. This strategic move follows its pioneering fully driverless trial in Hong Kong, underscoring Baidu's assertive approach to dominating the international self-driving vehicle landscape. These developments position Baidu as a frontrunner in the global race for autonomous transportation, demonstrating its technological prowess and strategic foresight in forging key alliances.

Baidu's Apollo Go Expands Autonomous Operations to London and Hong Kong

On July 28, 2026, Baidu's Apollo Go commenced its robotaxi road testing in London, collaborating with both Uber and Freenow by Lyft. The trials with Freenow by Lyft are taking place in Brent, a borough spanning west and northwest London, utilizing Apollo Go's sixth-generation RT6 autonomous vehicles. For the time being, safety operators are present in these vehicles, navigating a diverse range of urban and suburban environments. Both Apollo Go and Freenow by Lyft anticipate launching public rides by 2027, pending necessary regulatory approvals. This London expansion stems from two separate agreements Baidu secured in 2025. The partnership with Lyft aims to deploy thousands of Apollo Go vehicles across key European territories, while the Uber collaboration targets widespread implementation on Uber's platform in various global markets, excluding the US and mainland China. Interestingly, Uber and Lyft, fierce competitors, are both relying on Baidu's autonomous technology to integrate driverless cars into their respective fleets, highlighting the advanced capabilities of Baidu's stack.

Just days prior, on July 23, the Hong Kong Transport Department granted Apollo Go the city's inaugural fully driverless trial permit, with trials beginning on July 27 on Airport Island. This marks a pivotal moment, as there are no safety operators present in these vehicles, signifying the first Level 4 autonomous trial on Hong Kong's public roads and the first fully driverless trial in any right-hand-drive market globally. Commissioner for Transport Winnie Tse lauded this achievement as a crucial step towards realizing fully driverless, large-scale, and commercialized autonomous vehicle operations. Early observations from the Transport Department indicated successful navigation of pedestrians, adherence to traffic signals, and robust performance in heavy rain. The Airport Island route presents a challenging environment, including roundabouts, yield intersections, and varying traffic densities. Apollo Go had previously secured Hong Kong's pilot AV license in November 2024 and has since expanded its operations from Airport Island to North Lantau, Kowloon East, and Hong Kong Island South, accumulating over 240,000 kilometers of operational experience. The insights gained from Hong Kong are directly transferable to other right-hand-drive markets, including London.

Baidu's global footprint in autonomous driving is becoming increasingly broad. While most Western AV companies have yet to venture into right-hand-drive markets, Baidu is already testing in London and operating driverless cars in Hong Kong. In left-hand-drive regions, its lead is even more pronounced. Apollo Go offers fully driverless commercial services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, secured a Level 4 permit in eastern Switzerland under the AmiGo brand, and remains the largest autonomous ride-hailing operator in China. Future expansion plans include Central Asia, with a memorandum of understanding signed with Freedom Holding at WAIC 2026 to explore service deployment in Kazakhstan. This extensive scale is supported by impressive statistics: Apollo Go surpassed 22 million cumulative rides by April 2026, with 3.2 million fully driverless rides in Q1 2026 alone, marking a more than 120% year-over-year increase. As of May, its fleets had covered over 330 million autonomous kilometers, with more than 220 million of those being fully driverless.

The rapid advancements and strategic global partnerships by Baidu's Apollo Go underscore a significant shift in the autonomous vehicle landscape. While the term 'testing' in London and Switzerland still implies supervised pilot programs, the fully driverless operations in Hong Kong highlight Baidu's technological edge. This dual strategy of supervised trials in new markets and full autonomy in controlled environments allows Baidu to gather crucial data and refine its technology for diverse driving conditions. The reliance of both Uber and Lyft on Baidu's autonomous stack further illustrates the competitive advantage and advanced capabilities of Chinese autonomy providers. This trajectory suggests that the future of robotaxis will increasingly be shaped by international collaborations and a push towards diverse market penetration, with Baidu leading the charge in expanding the reach of self-driving technology across continents.

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