Electric Cars

Trump Administration Seeks 10% Stake in Nevada's Lithium Mine

The Trump administration is reportedly engaged in discussions to secure a 10% ownership stake in Lithium Americas' (LAC) highly anticipated lithium mining venture in Nevada. This strategic move aligns with the administration's broader reevaluation of various clean energy initiatives and associated loans that were previously sanctioned during the Biden era. The potential acquisition of this stake has already had a notable impact on the financial markets, causing a substantial surge in LAC's stock value, thereby highlighting the intricate interplay between political decisions and corporate valuations.

Lithium Americas is spearheading the development of the Thacker Pass project, a significant lithium mine situated in Nevada. Under the previous Biden administration, the company had successfully secured a substantial government loan, amounting to $2.26 billion, intended to propel the project towards full-scale production. However, upon assuming office, the Trump administration initiated a comprehensive review of numerous loans linked to the energy transition sector, signaling a shift in approach towards such investments.

Reports began circulating recently indicating that the Trump administration was actively seeking to renegotiate the terms of these loans, specifically aiming to incorporate a 10% equity stake in the Thacker Pass project. This development quickly reverberated through the financial markets, prompting an impressive 80% surge in Lithium Americas' stock during after-hours trading, underscoring the market's sensitivity to such high-profile political interventions.

In response to the circulating reports, Lithium Americas issued a statement confirming ongoing discussions with both the Department of Energy (DOE), which originally provided the loan, and General Motors (GM). GM holds a 38% stake in LAC and possesses the rights to purchase lithium produced from the mine. The talks reportedly revolve around the initial disbursement of the DOE loan, its accompanying conditions, and additional demands from the DOE concerning potential further conditions or amendments to the loan agreement and related transactional documents. The company emphasized its continued collaboration with the DOE and GM to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.

This initiative by the Trump administration serves as a recent illustration of its strategy to acquire direct stakes in private companies, often justifying such actions under the pretext of national security interests. While the Biden administration had focused on fostering a robust North American battery supply chain, the current administration's actions appear to be reconfiguring this landscape. Commentators have noted that this approach, involving direct governmental ownership, bears a resemblance to operational models observed in other nations, which have historically yielded considerable economic advantages.

The current administration's reported efforts to secure a 10% stake in Lithium Americas' Nevada lithium mine signify a notable shift in governmental engagement with critical resource projects. This move, while sparking immediate financial market reactions, also highlights ongoing debates regarding the optimal balance between public and private sector involvement in strategic industries and the potential implications for market transparency and corporate governance.

Tesla Advertises on X to Secure Musk's Trillion-Dollar Compensation Package

In a notable departure from its long-standing anti-advertising stance, Tesla has initiated a comprehensive marketing effort, including advertisements on Elon Musk's social media platform, X. The primary goal of this campaign is to garner shareholder approval for a substantial compensation package for Musk, valued at an astonishing $1 trillion in stock options, and to facilitate the release of new company shares. This strategic pivot highlights the company's determination to secure its CEO's proposed remuneration amidst ongoing debate and scrutiny.

Tesla Launches Ad Blitz on X and Other Platforms to Influence Shareholder Vote on Musk's Compensation

Tesla, under the leadership of its CEO, Elon Musk, has historically maintained a unique position against corporate advertising, with Musk himself publicly expressing disdain for the practice, often stating a preference for product focus over public relations manipulation. However, a significant shift in this philosophy is now evident, particularly following Musk's acquisition of Twitter, subsequently rebranded as X, a platform heavily reliant on advertising revenue. Reports from September 24, 2025, indicate that Tesla has commenced purchasing advertisements on X, Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit. These campaigns are specifically designed to encourage Tesla shareholders to endorse a new, unprecedented CEO compensation package for Musk, which could amount to $1 trillion in stock options, and to approve the issuance of more company shares. This aggressive marketing push follows an initial effort that saw Tesla place ads on Google to achieve the same objective. The company's board has asserted that the approval of this compensation plan is crucial for Tesla's future trajectory. Musk has further amplified this sentiment, linking his compensation not just to the company's future, but to the broader future of the world. He recently clarified that his pursuit of this package is not driven by financial gain, but rather by a desire to secure sufficient influence over Tesla to ensure safety, particularly as the company ventures into the development of millions of robots. Musk expressed apprehension about the possibility of being ousted by activist shareholder advisory firms, who may not even hold Tesla shares, thereby jeopardizing his vision for the company. This follows previous statements where Musk implied that, without a 25% controlling stake in Tesla, he would not proceed with certain critical AI product developments, despite their purported importance to the company's long-term success.

This unfolding situation presents a fascinating study in corporate governance and the evolving landscape of shareholder relations. The decision by a publicly traded company to expend corporate resources on advertising campaigns to sway shareholder votes for its CEO's compensation package, especially on a platform owned by the same CEO, raises pertinent questions about corporate ethics and the balance of power. It prompts contemplation on the potential implications when a leader of a major corporation leverages company assets to secure personal financial interests, particularly under the guise of maintaining strategic control for the company's future. The dynamic between leadership ambition, shareholder rights, and market influence warrants careful consideration in the context of contemporary capitalism.

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Leading Green Deals: Jackery Portable Power, Hiboy E-Bike, and More

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.

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