Electric Cars

This week's Green Deals bring forth a wave of impressive discounts on essential outdoor and portable power solutions, offering consumers substantial savings on high-demand products. From compact power stations ideal for on-the-go charging to urban commuter electric bikes and yard maintenance tools, the market is presenting lucrative opportunities for eco-conscious buyers. These promotions highlight leading brands such as Jackery, Hiboy, Anker, and Greenworks, making sustainable living more accessible and affordable.

Highlighting the ongoing trends, early Prime Day sales and exclusive launch discounts are providing unprecedented price drops on innovative electric vehicles and energy storage devices. Consumers can take advantage of these limited-time offers to upgrade their gear for outdoor adventures, daily commutes, or home energy backup. The diverse range of products available caters to various needs, ensuring that everyone can find a deal that aligns with their lifestyle and environmental goals.

Jackery's Latest Portable Power Solutions

Jackery is making waves with its new Explorer 240D Portable Power Station, which has just hit the market with its first-ever discount, starting at $139. This compact device, designed to replace the popular Explorer 100 Plus, features a robust 256Wh LiFePO4 battery, offering significantly more power than many competitors. It boasts four output ports—three USB-C and one USB-A—delivering up to 200W, making it suitable for a wide range of devices. The Explorer 240D is built for longevity, rated for over 6,000 charge cycles, which translates to more than 16 years of daily use, emphasizing its durability and reliability. Moreover, it provides versatile recharging options, including standard AC outlets, dual AC and DC input for faster charging, solar panels, and even a car's auxiliary port, ensuring power availability wherever you are. Weighing only 6.9 pounds, it offers portability, though it exceeds airline battery limits, making it ideal for road trips and camping rather than air travel. This initial launch discount makes it an attractive option for those seeking a dependable and environmentally friendly portable power source.

Further enhancing its appeal, Jackery is offering various bundles for the Explorer 240D, including options with a car charger cable, a 102W GaN 3-port fast charger, and 40W or 100W mini solar panels, catering to different user needs and preferences. These bundles provide added value and convenience for users looking to maximize their portable power setup. Additionally, Jackery's Early Prime Day Sale extends to other popular models, such as the Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station, which is available at a discounted price of $429, with the added benefit of a free 100W solar panel. This strategic pricing and bundling make Jackery’s power solutions highly competitive, encouraging more consumers to adopt sustainable energy alternatives. The brand's commitment to innovation and affordability positions it as a leader in the portable power market, continuously introducing products that meet the evolving demands of consumers seeking reliable and efficient power on the go.

Exciting Deals on Electric Bikes and Outdoor Equipment

Hiboy has launched its new EX9 Urban Commuter e-bike with a substantial $800 discount, making it available for just $1,200. This new electric bike is designed for urban mobility, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate city streets. The discounted price, achieved through a combination of launch promotions and an exclusive promo code, sets a new benchmark for affordability in the urban e-bike market. Simultaneously, Ride1Up's End of Summer Sale presents the Prodigy V2 9-Speed Mid-Drive e-bike at its lowest annual price of $1,895. This offer underscores the growing accessibility of high-quality electric bikes, appealing to both seasoned riders and newcomers looking for an efficient and enjoyable commute or leisure activity. These promotions are part of a broader trend towards making electric transportation more affordable, encouraging wider adoption and contributing to greener urban environments.

Beyond electric bikes, the Green Deals extend to other outdoor essentials, including portable power stations from Anker SOLIX and yard maintenance tools from Greenworks. Anker’s SOLIX C1000X Portable Power Station, bundled with a 100W “book-sized” solar panel, is available for $649, providing a robust solution for off-grid power needs. This deal, a rare reappearance of a previous low, offers significant savings for those seeking reliable backup power or an energy source for outdoor adventures. Furthermore, Greenworks is offering an 80V 21-inch lawn mower, 13-inch string trimmer, and 730 CFM leaf blower combo for $580, marking a substantial discount on essential yard upkeep tools. These deals collectively emphasize the commitment to promoting sustainable products across various categories, from personal transportation to home and outdoor maintenance. By making these green technologies more affordable, the market encourages consumers to invest in solutions that reduce their environmental footprint while providing practical benefits.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a preliminary inquiry into reported seatbelt failures in Rivian's Electric Delivery Vans (EDVs). This investigation stems from concerns that the driver's seatbelt anchorage system may be prone to malfunction, specifically involving the steel braided cable fraying or breaking, which could jeopardize driver safety during an impact. While approximately 17,198 EDVs manufactured between 2022 and 2023 are subject to this review, no related accidents or injuries have been documented. Rivian has publicly stated its vehicles adhere to all relevant safety standards and has pledged full cooperation with the NHTSA's investigation.

NHTSA's Inquiry into Rivian EDV Seatbelt Integrity

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a formal investigation into the seatbelt systems of certain Rivian Electric Delivery Vans. This action follows reports indicating potential issues with the driver's side seatbelt anchorage, where the steel braided cable might degrade, break, or unravel. Such a defect could significantly compromise occupant restraint during a crash, raising serious safety concerns for drivers of these commercial vehicles. The scope of this preliminary evaluation covers a substantial number of Rivian EDVs, specifically those produced from 2022 through 2023, totaling around 17,198 units. This proactive step by the NHTSA underscores their commitment to vehicle safety and ensuring that all vehicles on the road meet rigorous protection standards, even in the absence of reported incidents.

The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) initiated this review on September 22, 2025, in response to Vehicle Owner Questionnaires detailing concerns about the durability and integrity of the driver's front outboard seatbelt anchorage. Despite the serious nature of the potential defect, it is important to note that, as of the latest reports, there have been no accidents or injuries directly attributed to this specific seatbelt issue. Rivian, a key player in the electric vehicle market, particularly with its commercial fleet solutions, has expressed its full commitment to collaborating with the NHTSA throughout the investigation. The company emphasizes that its vehicles are designed and manufactured to meet or surpass all applicable safety requirements, reinforcing its dedication to driver safety. This cooperative stance is crucial in addressing the findings of the investigation and ensuring any necessary rectifications are promptly made to maintain consumer confidence and vehicle safety standards.

Rivian's Commitment to Safety Amidst Regulatory Scrutiny

Rivian, an emerging leader in the electric vehicle industry, has consistently prioritized the safety of its vehicles and occupants. In response to the preliminary evaluation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding potential seatbelt malfunctions in its Electric Delivery Vans, Rivian has reiterated its unwavering commitment to adhering to and exceeding all regulatory safety standards. This dedication has been a cornerstone of the company's philosophy since the inception of the EDV program, which secured a significant investment and vehicle order from Amazon as early as 2019. The company's proactive engagement with the NHTSA's inquiry demonstrates its transparent approach to addressing safety concerns and upholding its reputation for producing reliable and secure electric commercial vehicles. This cooperation is vital for a nascent automotive manufacturer to build trust and ensure the continued success and adoption of its innovative electric fleet solutions.

The Electric Delivery Van played a pivotal role in Rivian's early market penetration, with tens of thousands of units now operating in various capacities beyond the initial exclusive agreement with Amazon. As such, the integrity of each component, particularly safety-critical ones like seatbelts, is paramount. Rivian's statement confirming that all its vehicles meet or exceed applicable safety requirements reflects its internal quality control processes and design principles. The company's willingness to fully cooperate with the NHTSA's investigation into the seatbelt anchorage system, even without any reported accidents or injuries, highlights its proactive approach to potential issues. This collaborative effort with regulatory bodies is essential for identifying any potential vulnerabilities, implementing corrective measures if necessary, and ultimately ensuring the highest level of safety for all drivers utilizing Rivian's innovative electric delivery solutions in daily operations.