Electric Cars

Hyundai is signaling a departure from a prevalent design feature in the automotive industry: the full-width LED lightbar. Simon Loasby, the head of design for Hyundai, indicated that this trend, which has become almost synonymous with electric vehicles, is approaching its conclusion. The company plans to pivot towards more distinctive design elements, such as its unique pixel lighting, as demonstrated in the IONIQ series and the recently unveiled Concept Three. This strategic shift aims to foster greater visual diversity in vehicle aesthetics, moving beyond a design element that has become increasingly commonplace across various brands and models.

Hyundai Rethinks Dominant EV Aesthetic, Eyes New Design Direction

In a significant declaration at the Munich Motor Show last week, Hyundai's design leader, Simon Loasby, articulated a vision for future automotive aesthetics that moves beyond the widespread use of full-width LED lightbars. Speaking to Car Magazine, Loasby suggested that this design feature, which gained prominence in the early 2000s with Xenon headlights and evolved into the sleek LED strips seen on many modern vehicles, is reaching the end of its design cycle. Despite Hyundai itself having integrated these lightbars into recent models like the Grandeur, Kona, and Sonata, Loasby expressed a desire for change, stating he's "seen enough."

Loasby highlighted that while the initial adoption of such integrated lighting was innovative and cost-effective for a single-piece structure, its necessity varies significantly across different markets. He noted that while it might be a prerequisite in regions like China, it holds less importance in European and US markets. Hyundai's new focus is on cultivating a distinct visual identity through its "pixel lighting" design, already a hallmark of its IONIQ electric vehicle lineup. This unique approach was showcased in the new Concept Three, anticipated to become the production version of the IONIQ 3, which notably eschews the full LED lightbar in favor of the pixelated motif. This initiative comes as some brands, like Fiat with its Grande Panda, have seemingly drawn inspiration from Hyundai's earlier lighting designs, prompting a playful acknowledgment from Loasby. The company's stance suggests a broader industry shift where differentiation in design becomes paramount as electric vehicles become more commonplace.

This move by Hyundai offers a refreshing perspective on automotive design, challenging the notion that all electric vehicles must conform to a singular aesthetic. For too long, the industry has seen a homogenization of design, with the LED lightbar becoming an almost universal signifier of modernity, particularly in EVs. Hyundai's decision to explore alternative, more unique visual cues, like its pixel lighting, is commendable. It suggests a proactive approach to fostering brand identity and offering consumers greater visual variety, moving beyond trends that quickly become ubiquitous. This commitment to distinctiveness could inspire other manufacturers to innovate beyond current norms, ultimately leading to a more diverse and exciting landscape of automotive design. It reminds us that true innovation lies not in simply adopting popular trends, but in daring to create new ones.

A series of impressive promotions are currently underway, offering substantial savings on portable power solutions and electric bicycles. These sales events from prominent brands like Jackery, Velotric, and EcoFlow present an opportune moment for consumers to acquire high-quality green technology at remarkably reduced prices. The discounts encompass a wide range of products, from robust power stations capable of supporting home backup needs to versatile e-bikes designed for urban commuting and adventurous rides, alongside various accessories and related eco-friendly tools.

Detailed Report on Current Green Tech Sales Events

Jackery is hosting a 72-hour Home Backup Flash Sale, concluding on September 19th, featuring discounts of up to 52%, with additional bonus savings of 5% and 10% on larger orders. A highlight of this sale is the Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station, paired with two 200W solar panels, now available for an unprecedented price of $1,499. This represents a significant reduction from its usual cost, making it the lowest price ever recorded for this bundle. The Explorer 2000 Plus boasts a 2,042.8Wh LiFePO4 capacity, expandable up to 12,000Wh with additional batteries, and can deliver a steady 3,000W of power, peaking at 6,000W. Its solar input capacity of 400W allows for rapid recharging. Jackery's sale also includes various other power stations, such as the Explorer 1000 v2 series, the Explorer 2000 v2, and the HomePower 3000 and 3600 Plus, all offered at considerable markdowns. Furthermore, a range of solar panels and expansion batteries are available, along with smart transfer switches for integrated home power solutions. Shoppers can apply special discount codes—SPECIAL5 for 5% off orders over $1,600 and SPECIAL10 for 10% off orders over $3,000—to maximize their savings.

Concurrently, Velotric has launched its \"Ride into Fall Sale,\" providing up to $400 off on its electric bicycle range. A standout deal is the T1 ST Plus Lightweight Urban e-bike, which includes a complimentary rear cargo rack (a $97 value) for $1,299. This e-bike, weighing only 39 pounds and featuring Apple Find My integration, typically retails for $1,649. This offer matches a previous low from their Labor Day Sale, delivering $447 in combined savings. Velotric's sale also allows for up to 30% off when purchasing three or more accessories.

EcoFlow is also participating in the savings spree with an extended \"Home Backup/Hurricane Preparedness Sale\" until September 21st, including a 48-hour flash sale that offers up to 64% off on select units, ending tonight, September 17th. Among the featured items is the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station bundled with two 220W solar panels, now priced at $1,799. This deal marks a new all-time low, offering a massive $2,200 discount from its original MSRP. Several other EcoFlow power solutions are also part of this flash sale, ensuring comprehensive options for portable and emergency power needs.

Beyond these primary offers, the market is seeing other notable deals. The Worx 13A 1,800 PSI Electric Pressure Washer is available at Amazon for $119.99, marking the second-best price of 2025. Additionally, Best Buy is featuring the Greenworks 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer Combo Kit for $407, an annual low price available for today only. Other significant discounts include various electric scooters, power stations from Anker and Bluetti, robotic lawn mowers, and electric composters, all contributing to a robust collection of green deals.

These widespread discounts across various green technology products underscore a growing trend towards sustainable living solutions. For consumers, these sales represent more than just cost savings; they offer an opportunity to adopt eco-friendly alternatives for personal transport, home energy management, and outdoor maintenance. The competitive pricing from multiple brands suggests a healthy market with a focus on making green tech more accessible. From a broader perspective, such initiatives are crucial in accelerating the transition towards a greener economy, benefiting both individual households and the environment. These promotions empower individuals to make sustainable choices without compromising on quality or performance, furthering the adoption of renewable energy and electric mobility.