A peculiar trend has emerged from China's booming electric vehicle sector, shedding light on how the world's largest automotive market is addressing its production surplus. Rather than directly exporting new vehicles, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly channeling what are termed 'zero-mile' used EVs into international markets. This unique approach involves registering brand-new electric cars domestically to count them as local sales, often incentivized by government policies, before swiftly deregistering them and dispatching them overseas as pre-owned units. This creates a lucrative grey market, allowing automakers to bolster their reported sales volumes and exporters to earn substantial profits, often around $1,400 per vehicle. The primary destinations for these vehicles include Russia, Jordan, and various countries in Central Asia and the Middle East, where they are acquired at significantly lower prices.
\nSurprisingly, this unconventional export method has not gone unnoticed by local Chinese authorities; in fact, it has been actively endorsed and facilitated by at least 20 local governments since 2019. These regional entities perceive the practice as crucial for achieving economic growth targets set by Beijing. Their support manifests in various forms, including issuing additional export licenses for these 'used' vehicles, expediting tax rebate processes, investing in export-specific infrastructure, and organizing networking events to promote such exports. Some cities, like Shenzhen, have even articulated ambitious goals to significantly expand vehicle exports through these means, believing it stimulates domestic sales. This strategy, however, has sparked a debate within the Chinese auto industry regarding the existence and implications of EV overcapacity. While some industry leaders, such as Parker Shi of Great Wall Motors, dismiss overcapacity as a 'fake concept,' others, like Geely's founder Li Shufu, openly acknowledge it as a serious issue contributing to ongoing price wars in the domestic EV market.
\nThe global community is beginning to scrutinize this practice, with destination countries implementing measures to counter the influx of these technically 'used' but effectively new vehicles. For instance, Russia has moved to restrict imports of zero-mile used cars from brands with official distributors, and Jordan is contemplating altering its definition of 'used' vehicles. Industry analysts suggest that this export model serves as a means for China to offload heavily subsidized EVs abroad, particularly as traditional major markets like the U.S. and Europe impose tariffs, making them less viable dumping grounds. The sustainability and long-term reputational impact of these tactics are increasingly being questioned. Beyond mere economic ramifications, such opaque practices can undermine fair competition and erode trust in global trade. It is essential for all parties to foster transparency and ethical conduct to ensure a healthy and equitable global automotive landscape, paving the way for genuine innovation and progress in electric mobility worldwide.
A revolutionary electric hub motor, notably diminutive in size yet monumental in its implications, recently debuted at Eurobike 2025. This innovation, forged from a strategic alliance among Moving Magnet Technologies (MMT), Swiss mechatronics leader Sonceboz, and French e-bike software innovator eBikeLabs, is set to establish a new paradigm for premium urban electric bicycles. Its compact form factor belies a powerful and intelligent design, signalling a significant leap forward in the evolution of personal electric mobility.
This pioneering motor boasts an impressive 70 Nm of torque, incorporates regenerative braking technology, and features an exceptional 22:1 gear ratio. A seamlessly integrated torque sensor ensures a remarkably natural and responsive pedalling experience for riders. Despite these advanced capabilities and inherent technological integrations, the motor maintains an astonishingly low weight, tipping the scales at under 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). This makes it an incredibly light contender within the high-torque hub motor category, especially considering its targeted application for sophisticated urban performance and connected functionalities. Its design ethos focuses on empowering a new generation of minimalist, high-tech city e-bikes, making it a highly attractive component for manufacturers.
The motor is specifically engineered for single-speed electric bicycles and achieves full integration with eBikeLabs’ proprietary eBikeOS software platform. This synergistic pairing enables a suite of advanced features, including regenerative braking for extended range and improved control, sophisticated anti-theft immobilization for enhanced security, and intelligent ride customization options, all delivered within an unexpectedly svelte form factor. Sonceboz, renowned for its impeccable manufacturing standards in the automotive sector, is spearheading the industrialization phase, utilizing its automated production facilities in Switzerland to ensure flawless output. Current projections indicate that the motor is undergoing B-sample testing with a prominent, albeit unnamed, premium urban bike manufacturer, with commercial availability anticipated in early 2027.
Damien Wittwer, Division Director at Sonceboz, highlighted the collaborative vision: \"Through this hub motor, Sonceboz, MMT, and eBikeLabs are committed to setting an unprecedented standard for high-end urban bicycles. Our deep mechatronics expertise guarantees a production process that is both reliable and of superior quality, catering to the exacting demands of leading brands. We are not just fabricating motors; we are enabling our partners to distinguish themselves in a market that increasingly values smarter, quieter, and more integrated urban transportation solutions.\" The collaborative framework leverages MMT's prowess in motor design and electromagnetic innovation, Sonceboz's industrial manufacturing capabilities, and eBikeLabs' cutting-edge eBikeOS software, which provides real-time diagnostics, immediate theft alerts, comprehensive ride tracking, and personalized performance adjustments. Notably, the eBikeOS platform has previously garnered positive feedback from pre-release testing, proving its efficacy in enhancing the e-bike experience.
This marks a significant progression for eBikeLabs, which has a history of contributing to high-end e-bike projects, including powering the Virvolt 2000 motor found in cargo e-bikes and collaborating with brands like Cowboy and Vefaa. However, this latest motor signifies a more profound convergence of hardware and software, developed in unison from inception. This holistic approach is a rare commodity in the increasingly fragmented electric bicycle market. Should the promising specifications translate effectively into mass production and the industrial scaling proceed as planned, this new component has the potential to become one of the most transformative elements in the premium city e-bike sector over the coming years. Its integrated anti-theft measures, fluid application connectivity, and impressive power-to-size ratio exemplify the kind of understated yet impactful advancements that elevate an e-bike from a mere utility to an almost magical riding experience.
As the much-anticipated Prime Day approaches, leading innovators in portable power and sustainable technology have already rolled out an impressive array of deals, providing consumers with unparalleled opportunities to invest in high-efficiency energy solutions and eco-friendly outdoor equipment. These early sales, featuring substantial price reductions and attractive bundles, underscore a growing trend towards self-sufficiency and environmental consciousness. From robust solar generators capable of powering an entire home to compact portable stations perfect for camping, and from silent electric lawn mowers to versatile string trimmers, the market is currently brimming with incentives to embrace a greener lifestyle. This wave of promotions from key players like Jackery, Anker SOLIX, and EcoFlow, alongside specialized brands such as Greenworks and Worx, is setting a new benchmark for affordability in the green energy sector, making advanced power and garden solutions more accessible than ever before.
These aggressive early Prime Day offerings highlight a strategic move by manufacturers to capture early bird shoppers, demonstrating a commitment to making sustainable technology a mainstream commodity. The sheer scale of discounts, coupled with the inclusion of bonus items and flexible financing options, illustrates a concerted effort to remove financial barriers to adopting cleaner energy and maintenance practices. Shoppers are presented with a diverse catalog of products designed to cater to various needs, whether it's ensuring energy independence during outages, enhancing the outdoor experience with reliable power, or simplifying yard work with quiet, emission-free tools. This timely convergence of significant savings and cutting-edge technology marks an exciting period for consumers looking to upgrade their energy infrastructure and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Jackery Leads with Massive Reductions on Portable Power
Jackery is spearheading the early Prime Day sales with unprecedented discounts of up to 65% on its cutting-edge power stations and solar generator bundles, including additional site-wide savings and member-exclusive offers. Among the standout deals is the Explorer 2000 Plus Solar Generator Bundle, paired with two 200W solar panels, now available at a significantly reduced price of $1,709.05 after applying a special promotional code. This offer represents a substantial saving of $1,390 from its original price, making it an exceptionally attractive proposition for those seeking reliable and high-capacity portable power. The sale also features aggressive pricing on other popular models like the Explorer 2000 v2, Explorer 5000 Plus, and various appliance backup solutions, providing versatile options for both emergency preparedness and off-grid living scenarios.
The Jackery early Prime Day event, extending through July 7, introduces a variety of ways for customers to maximize their savings, including a trade-in program that can reduce the cost of a new model by up to $830, alongside flash sales and special discounts for registered members. A key highlight, the Explorer 2000 Plus, boasts a 2,042Wh LiFePO4 battery, expandable up to 12,000Wh with additional batteries, and can deliver a robust 3,000W of continuous power through ten output ports. Its rapid charging capabilities allow a full recharge from a wall outlet in just two hours, or via its impressive 1,200W solar input, ensuring quick readiness for any situation. The unit also features smart controls via a companion app, allowing remote monitoring and management of power usage, solidifying its position as a top-tier choice for both demanding home backup and extensive outdoor power needs.
Anker SOLIX and EcoFlow Join the Green Energy Savings
Anker SOLIX is launching its initial early Prime Day flash sales, featuring attractive deals on portable power stations, including a new all-time low on the C300 AC 90,000mAh Portable Power Station bundled with a 100W solar panel for just $369. This represents a remarkable 45% discount, offering $300 in savings and making high-quality solar power more accessible than ever. The sales event also includes substantial price cuts on larger units like the C1000 and F2000, catering to a range of power needs from compact personal devices to more demanding home backup solutions, all designed with portability and efficiency in mind for diverse applications.
Complementing these offers, EcoFlow is unveiling its own flash sales, including an exceptional deal on two DELTA Pro Smart Extra Batteries for $2,699, slashing $2,899 from the original price and providing an unmatched opportunity to significantly expand existing DELTA Pro setups. Each battery adds 3,600Wh to total capacity, ideal for prolonged power outages or extended off-grid adventures. Additionally, EcoFlow introduces a bundle featuring the WAVE 3 Portable AC/Heater with an add-on battery and a free carrying bag for $1,399, providing a versatile climate control solution for mobile and enclosed spaces. These comprehensive promotions from Anker SOLIX and EcoFlow underscore their commitment to delivering advanced, eco-friendly energy solutions at highly competitive prices during this pre-Prime Day sales period.