Jackery HomePower 3000 + bundle at new lows from $1,499, Heybike Horizon full suspension folding e-bike $1,399, EcoFlow, more
Closing out this week’s Green Deals is Jackery’s weekend flash sale on its latest HomePower 3000 Portable Power Station alongside a 400W solar bundle that are hitting new low prices starting from $1,499. Right behind it is a spotlight on the $600 discount hitting Heybike’s Horizon Full Suspension Folding e-bike bundle at $1,399, as well as EcoFlow’s current member-only deals on four bundle offers, lead by the DELTA 2 Max 440W solar bundle with a protective bag at a new $1,282 low. We also have new low pricing on Schumacher’s hardwired EV charging station, a Greenworks 15-inch trimmer bundle, and more waiting for you below. Plus, there are all the hangover deals collected at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s collection of Rad Power extra battery e-bike bundles from its latest sale, the first-ever discount on ALLPOWERS’ new SOLAX P100 mini power station, and more – and that’s on top of the ongoing Labor Day deals still available in our curated holiday Green Deals hub here. Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories. more…
Webinar: Mastering HIL for fast-switching power electronics
This webinar is dedicated to the simulation of power electronics in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments, with a special focus on the challenges posed by fast-switching semiconductor devices and high switching frequencies in automotive systems. Join us session at our September Virtual Conference, presented by dSpace, to discover how real-time models with nanosecond time steps and PWM signal oversampling can significantly improve simulation accuracy and reduce aliasing-induced oscillations. September 17, 2025, 8:45 am EDTRegister now—it’s free! See the complete session list for the Virtual Conference on EV Engineering here. Broadcast live from September 15 to 18, 2025, the conference content will encompass the entire EV engineering supply chain and ecosystem, including motor and power electronics design and manufacturing, cell development, battery systems, testing, powertrains, thermal management, circuit protection, wire and cable, EMI/EMC and more.
Elon Musk’s new pay plan ties trillionaire status to Tesla’s $8.5 trillion valuation
Tesla’s board has proposed a new compensation package for CEO Elon Musk that could make him the world’s first trillionaire and Tesla the most valuable company in history. The 2025 CEO Performance Award, outlined in a securities filing on Friday, would be worth up to $900 billion in Tesla stock (NASDAQ:TSLA) if the automaker achieves a series of aggressive performance and valuation goals, according to the New York Times. Shareholders are expected to vote on the proposal at the annual meeting on November 6. Tesla is aiming for an insane $8.5 trillion market cap The package requires Musk to lift Tesla’s market capitalization from about $1.1 trillion today to $8.5 trillion over the next decade. At that level, Tesla would surpass every major public company in existence. Nvidia, currently the world’s most valuable firm, has a market cap of around $4.2 trillion today, as noted in a Motley Fool report. Microsoft and Apple follow at $3.8 and 3.6 trillion each, while Saudi Aramco is valued at around $1.5 trillion. If Tesla achieves its $8.5 trillion target, it would be worth more than twice Nvidia’s present valuation and nearly eight times its current size. The compensation plan also requires Tesla’s operating profit to grow from $17 billion last year to $400 billion annually. Credit: Tesla Elon Musk’s path to a trillionaire status Apart from leading Tesla to become the world’s biggest company in history, Musk is also required to hit several product targets for the electric vehicle maker. These include the delivery of 20 million Tesla vehicles cumulatively, 10 million active FSD subscriptions, 1 million Tesla bots delivered, and 1 million Robotaxis in operation. Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm and director Kathleen Wilson-Thompson said retaining Musk is “fundamental to Tesla achieving these goals and becoming the most valuable company in history.” If successful, the plan would raise Musk’s Tesla stake from 13% to about 25%, further consolidating his control. It would also result in the CEO earning $900 billion in TSLA stock, allowing him to effectvely become a trillionaire. The proposal mirrors a 2018 compensation plan that was invalidated in Delaware court earlier this year in the way that it is focused on very aggressive targets and operational milestones. Tesla has since shifted its corporate registration to Texas, where challenges from potential activist shareholders are less of a risk. Tesla’s SEC filing can be viewed below. www-sec-gov-Archives-edgar-data-1318605-000110465925087598-tm252289-4_pre14a-htm… by Simon Alvarez The post Elon Musk’s new pay plan ties trillionaire status to Tesla’s $8.5 trillion valuation appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla owners are celebrating Model Y L first deliveries
Tesla customers in China seem to be loving the Model Y L. This was hinted at in posts from the electric vehicle maker on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The Model Y L is Tesla’s entry into China’s competitive six-seat crossover SUV segment, which has previously been out of reach for the standard Model Y. Model Y L delivery celebrations Tesla Model Y L owners in China have been sharing enthusiastic reviews following the delivery of their vehicles. Many cited the SUV’s safety, practicality, and family-friendly design as key reasons for choosing the vehicle. Several noted that they placed orders for the vehicle without seeing the Model Y L in person, while others highlighted that they “only trust Tesla for its safety and technology.” “For our two kids and two grandparents, the six-seater Model Y L is perfect for our family of six. Because we trust Tesla’s safety and intelligent features, we placed a blind order to be among the first owners to take delivery!” one Model Y L owner stated, as translated by Tesla watcher @tslaming. Owners praised the six-seater’s handling, spaciousness, and advanced features, with one calling it “perfect” compared to competitors. Families highlighted the Model Y L’s suitability for accommodating children and grandparents, while others described upgrading from previous Teslas as a natural choice. Some even made long trips to pick up their vehicles, eager to take road trips across China in the new model. “This is my second Tesla, and I specially took the high-speed train to pick it up! The first thing I’ll do with my new car is take my family and dog on a road trip to Xinjiang, and travel all over China with the Model Y L,” another Model Y L customer wrote. Tesla Model YL has been receiving more and more glowing reviews from Chinese customers It's simply "love at the first sight" "I only trust Tesla for its safety and technology. The six-seater is also easy to handle, and I barely have to worry about maintenance. I believe… pic.twitter.com/cUWY7n4Y5E — Ming (@tslaming) September 4, 2025 Tesla Model Y specs Unveiled on August 19, the Model Y L joins Tesla’s existing five-seat variants in China, offering a larger footprint and additional seating. Priced from RMB 339,000 ($47,460), the vehicle is positioned above the RWD and long-range AWD five-seat versions. The Model Y L is longer than the standard Model Y, with a wheelbase extended to 3,040 mm. The timing of the Model Y L’s release aligns with growing demand for Tesla vehicles in China. Recent insurance registration data showed 12,500 Tesla units recorded last week, a 21% increase from the previous week’s 10,300 units. Analysts expect the addition of the six-seat SUV to broaden Tesla’s appeal to families seeking larger electric options, further boosting sales momentum this third quarter. The post Tesla owners are celebrating Model Y L first deliveries appeared first on TESLARATI.
With a key alliance in limbo, banks are risking ‘zombie’ net-zero targets
The demand is straightforward, if not simple: To slow climate change, stop funding fossil fuels now, not decades from now. That’s what the International Energy Agency said in May 2021, only a month after 43 banks launched the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). To some, the group’s formation, amid a flurry of related new alliances, offered hope that big banks were throwing their weight behind decarbonization in line with the Paris Agreement. After all, the financial sector is arguably the root of all climate change. Businesses, which pollute at scale, can’t operate without institutional shareholders and financiers. Yet four years and five months after its inception, the NZBA has frozen its activities and banks are keeping more fossil fuels in their portfolios than they did in each of the previous two years. Nevertheless, financial institutions continue to share their net zero-aligned intentions. Where does this leave the movement to shift to a low-carbon global economy? “What worries me is that I think there is a higher probability of zombie targets,” said Todd Cort, a senior lecturer in sustainability at the Yale School of Management. “They’re not living, because banks are not actively trying to push progress in the absence of outside pressure. But they’re not dead, because they still sit on the books. The downside is that we cannot afford to slow progress on climate. If there’s any upside, it’s that re-engaging with net zero will be easier if the target was never officially dismissed.” The timeline On Aug. 27, the United Nations-backed NZBA announced that it was pausing its operations, with members voting by the end of September on whether to become a guidance-only initiative. Whatever the result, critics argue that the NZBA had already slipped into irrelevance. Twenty banks have fled the NZBA since December, kicked off by the U.S. “big six”: Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase. In April, most remaining NZBA members voted to remove its Paris Agreement alignment. Only Triodos Bank left in protest over the thinned-out goals. At the same time, however, all NZBA banks have kept their net zero targets. Just this week, Deutsche Bank issued its latest net zero transition plan. Even all of the exiting member banks, except Wells Fargo, appear to be maintaining net zero pledges, albeit with little in common. (That was partly the result of a March 2024 guideline favoring independent targets.) Political pressures Environmentalists have blasted banks for bowing to right-wing political pressure as they fled the NZBA. In June 2024, for example, U.S. House Republicans railed against a “decarbonization collusion in ESG investing.” By the end of the year, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Citibank and Bank of America announced their NZBA exits. In January, as President Donald Trump brought an anti-ESG rampage with his return to the White House, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton cited U.S. banks’ NZBA departures when he threatened them over their ESG commitments. Credit: Banking on Climate Chaos report More recently, on July 22 the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) said that it would no longer validate the emissions targets of financial companies that fund new oil, gas or coal projects. On Aug. 8, an unusual letter followed by the attorneys general of 23 states, who charged the SBTi with violating antitrust laws. However, there’s no consensus that political threats caused banks to change their minds about advancing climate plans, at least on paper. Fossil fuel financing by the 65 largest banks ticked upward to $868.8 billion after declining for two years following the NZBA’s formation, according to the Banking on Climate Chaos Report. The total was $922 billion in 2021, with a low of $706.9 billion in 2023. Political cover for low ambitions? “In our view, the political context in the U.S. was only a pretense that banks used to leave the NZBA,” said Quentin Aubineau, policy analyst on the banks and climate campaign at BankTrack, a Netherlands nonprofit that contributed to the “climate chaos” report. After all, the first banks to check out of the NZBA were also among the biggest fossil fuel financiers since 2021, he added. “Banks want the best of both worlds,” said Abineau. “On one side, they want to be seen as climate leaders that are aligned with international climate goals. On the other side, they do not want to give up on short-term benefits and cut ties with their carbon-intensive clients, even if these clients are developing new fossil fuel projects that are incompatible with long-term climate goals.” Barclays, the latest NZBA exile Aug. 1, boasted that it generated roughly $675 million “in revenues from sustainable and transition-related activity” in 2024. Yet it also invested $35 billion in fossil fuels, a four-year high. For Saskia Straub, climate policy analyst at the New Climate Institute of Cologne, Germany, political headwinds catalyzed NZBA departures but also exposed the low integrity of many bank targets. They have been “plagued by loopholes,” she said. “This raises questions about whether the initial commitments were driven more by a desire to follow trends and manage public relations than by a genuine intent to decarbonize,” Straub added. What should banks do? “Our research suggests that instead of focusing on long-term targets, financial institutions can have an impact by dedicating their resources to engaging their investees and directing finance to achieve real-world decarbonization in the short term,” Straub said, citing her organization’s Aug. 26 report, “Fixing the Broken Governance Chain.” It encourages banks to set consequences for their funding recipients’ high-emissions actions. Banks can also channel capital into activities that support a low-carbon economy, Straub added. NGOs including BankTrack, ShareAction and the Sierra Club call for regulators to step in to cement climate progress where optional collaborations are failing. “Voluntary commitment frameworks like NZBA can be effective, but they only work if backed by enforceable rules,” said Sierra Club Sustainable Finance Campaign Adviser Jessye Waxman. Most of all, banks need to own their culpability for fueling emissions, whether by directly financing fossil fuel projects or by
How small language models can advance digital transformation – part 1
Small language models (SLMs) can perform better than large language models (LLMs). This counterintuitive idea applies to many engineering applications because many artificial intelligence (AI) applications don’t require an LLM. We often assume that more information technology capacity is better for search, data analytics and digital transformation. SLMs offer numerous advantages for small, specialized AI applications, such as digital transformation. LLMs are more effective for large, general-purpose AI applications. Let’s compare the characteristics of SLMs to LLMs for digital transformation projects. SLM vs. LLM focus SLMs are efficient, domain-specific AI models optimized for tasks that can run on smaller devices using limited resources. LLMs are powerful, general-purpose AI models that excel at complex tasks but require substantial computing resources. SLMs are explicitly designed for small domain-specific tasks, such as digital transformation, which is critical to the work of engineers. SLMs offer high accuracy for niche AI applications. LLMs, on the other hand, are trained on enormous datasets to enable them to respond to a wide range of general-purpose tasks. LLMs sacrifice accuracy and efficiency to achieve general applicability. Comparing language model characteristics SLMs are quite different from LLMs, despite their similar names. Engineers can use these language model characteristics to determine which language model best fits the characteristics of their digital transformation project. See footnotes at the end of the story for a glossary of the above terms. Considering data privacy support Data privacy is a significant issue for digital transformation projects because the internal data being transformed often contains intellectual property that underlies the company’s competitive advantage. Support for data privacy depends on where the SLM or LLM is deployed. If the AI model is deployed on-premise, data privacy can be high if appropriate cybersecurity defences are in place. If the SLM or LLM is deployed in a cloud data centre, data privacy varies depending on the terms of the cloud service agreement. Some AI service vendors state that all end-user prompts will be used to train their AI model further. Other vendors commit to not using the provided data. If engineers are unsure that the vendor can meet its stated data privacy practices or if those practices are unacceptable, then implementing the AI application on-premises is the only course of action. SLMs offer many advantages for digital transformation projects because these projects use domain-specific data. LLMs are more effective for large, general-purpose AI applications that require vast data volumes. In the follow-on article, we’ll discuss the differences between SLMs and LLMs for construction and operation. Footnotes: AI Glossary Domain knowledge is knowledge of a specific discipline, such as engineering or digital transformation, in contrast to general knowledge. Parameters are the variables that the AI model learns during its training process. Contextual relevance is the ability of the AI model to understand the broader context of the prompt text to which it is responding. Curated proprietary domain-specific data is typically internal data to the organization. Internal data is often uneven or poor in quality. It is often a constraint on the value that AI applications based on an SLM can achieve. Improving this data quality will improve the value of AI applications. Accurate output is essential to building confidence and trust in the AI model. The accuracy of LLM output is undermined by the contradictions, ambiguity, incompleteness and deliberately false statements found in public web data. LLM AI output is better for English and Western societies because that’s where most of the web data originates. Bias refers to incidents of biased AI model output caused by human biases that skew the training data. The bias leads to distorted outputs and potentially harmful outcomes. Hallucinations are false or misleading AI model outputs that are presented as factual. They can mislead or embarrass. They occur when an AI model has been trained with insufficient or erroneous data. Prompts are the text that end-users provide to AI models to interpret and generate the requested output. The post How small language models can advance digital transformation – part 1 appeared first on Engineering.com.
FERC: Solar + wind made up 91% of new US power generating capacity in H1 2025
Solar and wind accounted for 91% of new US electrical generating capacity added in the H1 2025, according to data just released by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which was reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign of data. In June, solar alone provided 82% of new capacity, making it the 22nd consecutive month solar held the lead among all energy sources. more…
Moon Five receives $3.4 million grant to deploy over 450 EV chargers in California apartments
Moon Five Technologies has announced plans to install more than 450 EV charging units at multifamily properties in Los Angeles and San Francisco, following a $3.4 million grant from the California Energy Commission under the REACH 3.0 program. This initiative is focused on providing EV charging access to underserved communities, particularly renters in disadvantaged areas, and will be supported by partnerships with local nonprofit housing providers. Moon Five Technologies’ plug-and-play units connect directly downstream of a tenant’s existing electric meter and monitor available power, allowing tenants to charge EVs without requiring utility-driven infrastructure upgrades. This model bypasses the need for building-wide electrical upgrades or landlord involvement, with installation times claimed to be as short as two weeks from initial coordination through permitting and final installation. The company’s solution uses a proprietary energy management system and bidirectional-ready charger. By creating a dedicated circuit downstream of each tenant’s meter, Moon Five enables apartment-level load balancing to avoid overloads and optimize energy use. Technical features include capacity for load shedding and bidirectional energy resiliency, which are intended to support eventual grid integration and offer tenants more control over energy usage. The deployment will prioritize buildings and neighborhoods most impacted by limited infrastructure investment, air pollution and climate vulnerability, as listed by the California Energy Commission’s REACH 3.0 program requirements. “EV charging has never really been built for renters until now,” said Stephan Ng, CEO of Moon Five Technologies. “Our unique model puts renters first, making it possible to install reliable, affordable charging without costly upgrades or utility delays. This grant allows us to bring that vision to life in communities that have historically been excluded from clean transportation infrastructure, while delivering on our mission to make equitable, resilient EV charging a reality for every renter.” Installations are scheduled to begin in early 2026. Source: Moon Five Technologies
Tesla has best month ever in Turkey with drastic spike in sales
Tesla had its best monthly performance ever in Turkey in August, thanks to a drastic spike in sales. Tesla saw an 86 percent bump in sales of the new Model Y in Turkey in August compared to July, dominating the market. The performance was one of Tesla’s best in the market, and the company’s sales for the month accounted for half of all EV sales in Turkey for August, as it dominated and led BYD, which was the second-best-selling brand with just 1,639 units sold. Tesla managed to sell 8,730 Model Y vehicles in Turkey, outpacing almost every competitor by a substantial margin. Only one brand sold better than Tesla in August in Turkey, and it was Renault. Turkey reported 8,730 Tesla sales and 10.6% market share in August. BEV penetration is 21.3% and Tesla has 49.9% of this segment. • Market share is 558 basis points or 111% above the 3-month trailing average of 5.0% • Tesla second best-selling brand • Model Y best-selling… pic.twitter.com/qLhX7VQWXp — Roland Pircher (@piloly) September 2, 2025 Electric vehicles are, in some ways, more desirable than their gas counterparts in Turkey for several reasons. Most of the reasoning is financial. First, EVs are subject to a lower Special Consumption Tax in Turkey. EVs can range from 25 percent to up to 170 percent, but this is less than the 70 to 220 percent rate that gas-powered vehicles can face. The tax is dependent on engine size. Elon Musk courted to build a Tesla factory in Turkey Additionally, EVs are exempt from the annual Motor Vehicle Tax for the first ten years, providing consumers with a long-term ownership advantage. There are also credits that can amount to $30,000 in breaks, which makes them more accessible and brings down the cost of ownership. Let’s not forget the other advantages that are felt regardless of country: cheaper fuel costs, reduced maintenance, and improved performance. The base Model Y is the only configuration available in Turkey currently. The post Tesla has best month ever in Turkey with drastic spike in sales appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla adjusts Robotaxi safety monitor strategy in Austin with new service area
Tesla has adjusted its Robotaxi safety monitor strategy in Austin after it expanded its service area in the city last week for the third time. Tesla has been operating its Robotaxi platform in Austin since June 22. The vehicles have been operated without a driver, but Tesla has placed safety monitors in the passenger’s seat as a precaution. The safety monitors are responsible for performing any necessary interventions and maintaining a safe and comfortable cabin for riders as they experience Tesla’s first venture into the driverless ride-sharing space. Last week, Tesla expanded its service area in Austin for the third time, expanding it from about 90 square miles to 170 square miles. The expansion included new territory, including the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas, and several freeways. Tesla Robotaxi geofence expansion enters Plaid Mode and includes a surprise The freeway is an area that is uncharted territory for the Tesla Robotaxi program, and this fact alone encouraged Tesla to switch up its safety monitor positioning for the time being. For now, they will be riding in the driver’s seat when routes require freeway travel: Sept 1 in Austin and our Robotaxi arrived with Tesla safety driver in the driver seat, similar to the Bay area (no logo on the car). Here’s that first moment when I realized, our autonomous car was heading onto the freeway. pic.twitter.com/1QfyN2Ubzf — Gail (@gailalfaratx) September 2, 2025 The positioning of the driver, as well as the driver’s hands being closer to the steering wheel, is more similar to what Tesla is doing in the Bay Area Robotaxi program than it is to what it has done in Austin. This is sure to draw criticism from skeptics, but it is simply a step to keep things controlled and safe while the first Robotaxi drives take passengers on the highway with this version of the Full Self-Driving software. This FSD version differs from the one that customers have in their own vehicles, but CEO Elon Musk has indicated something big is coming soon. FSD v14 is coming to vehicles in the near future, and Musk has said its performance is pretty incredible. Tesla’s Elon Musk shares optimistic teaser about FSD V14: “Feels sentient” The post Tesla adjusts Robotaxi safety monitor strategy in Austin with new service area appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla’s next-gen Optimus prototype with Grok revealed
Tesla’s next-generation Optimus robot with AI assistant Grok has been revealed in a new video shared on X. Tesla CEO Elon Musk was with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff last night, and it appears the frontman gave Benioff an exclusive look at some upcoming technology. Tesla talks Semi ramp, Optimus, Robotaxi rollout, FSD with Wall Street firm The video shows a new Optimus prototype answering questions and taking some very robotic steps, evidently revealing that the next-generation version is in its early stages of development. It features Grok for some additional utility, as it answered questions Benioff asked in the short video. Here’s what was uploaded to X: Crazy look at Tesla Optimus from Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who was hanging out with Elon Musk yesterday! Love this gold color on you @Tesla_Optimus pic.twitter.com/q8286aBNKy — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) September 3, 2025 It appears that there are several big changes to this next-generation version of Optimus, some of which have been discussed by Musk and Tesla in the past. The first is purely cosmetic, but the gold color that Optimus is wearing in this is a new and fresh look that we have not seen before. Perhaps the most interesting change that is evident here is the hands, which are much more detailed than past versions of Optimus: However, we’re not too sure that these are what will be released with the next-gen Optimus, because they don’t appear to be functional, and they are more reminiscent of mannequin hands than anything. The hands on Optimus have been a significant part of the program, as they are among the most crucial pieces of equipment on a robot. It needs to be able to perform both delicate and more imposing tasks. Tesla has aimed for Optimus to be able to thread needles or play the piano. It was one of the most discussed improvements the company mentioned in past comments regarding how it planned to improve from Gen 2 to this next version. Musk mentioned regarding Optimus: “Next-generation Optimus hand, which we have in prototype form, has actuators that have moved to the forearm, just like humans, and they operate the fingers through cables, just like human hands.” Within Optimus lies a significant opportunity for Tesla to gain considerable strength in terms of market share and valuation. If Tesla can efficiently develop and deploy the humanoid robot over the next several years, the company stands to gain, as companies will utilize it for tasks that require tedious labor. Musk recently said Optimus will be a major contributor to Tesla’s valuation moving forward. He believes it will make up roughly 80 percent of the company’s value. The post Tesla’s next-gen Optimus prototype with Grok revealed appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla just had its best wholesale month this year in China
Tesla China just had its best wholesale month this 2025 so far. In August, the electric vehicle maker sold 83,192 vehicles wholesale, a 22.55% increase compared to July 2025’s 67,886 units. Tesla China’s wholesale figures are still down year-over-year, but the company’s momentum seems notable, especially with the arrival of the Model Y L. August 2025 figures As noted in a CNEV Post report, August 2025’s 83,192 wholesale figures are 4.04% less than the 86,697 units that were sold in the same period last year. It is, however, a 22.55% improvement from the previous month. From January to August, Tesla China sold 515,552 units wholesale, a 12.24% year-over-year decrease. It should be noted that Tesla China’s wholesale figures include both vehicles that are sold domestically and exported abroad. With this in mind, August’s results bode well for Tesla China, as it suggests that Gigafactory Shanghai is now hitting its pace with both its domestic deliveries and its exports. Giga Shanghai serves as Tesla’s primary vehicle export hub. $TSLA BREAKING: Tesla China sold 83,192 vehicles in Aug. The figure is the highest for Wholesale in 2025. pic.twitter.com/N2QiQx3CFq — Tsla Chan (@Tslachan) September 2, 2025 Model Y L factor Tesla had a challenging first quarter this year, thanks in part to the changeover to the Model Y across the Fremont factory, Giga Texas, Giga Shanghai, and Giga Berlin-Brandenburg. This changeover resulted in low sales in the first quarter. Political controversies surrounding Elon Musk and violence against Tesla stores and vehicles in the first and second quarters in the United States and Europe did not help much either. This Q3, however, Tesla seems to be hitting its stride, especially in China. The launch of the new Model Y L has allowed Tesla to compete in the six-seat, large SUV segment, a market that was previously closed to the standard Model Y. Reports have suggested that Tesla China has been seeing a lot of demand for the Model Y L, which should help the company achieve higher sales this quarter and the remaining months of the year. The post Tesla just had its best wholesale month this year in China appeared first on TESLARATI.
A new approach to a surprisingly carbon-intensive part of offices: interior renovations
There’s a gap between organizations’ net-zero promises and the reality of their building stock. With the construction industry responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions, many companies and government agencies have set targets to reduce their buildings’ climate impact. Until recently, the focus was on reducing operational carbon — by upgrading HVAC and lighting with more energy-efficient technologies, for example. But to achieve net-zero goals, many organizations are shifting their attention to embodied carbon — the combined emissions released during raw material extraction, product manufacturing, transportation to construction sites and demolition. Chicago-based architecture firm Perkins&Will, which has earned seven Top Ten Awards for sustainable design excellence from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment, is helping pioneer such efforts. Since signing the AIA 2030 Commitment to achieving net-zero emissions in the built environment in 2011, the firm has increased the energy efficiency of its built projects by 27 percent on average and reduced overall energy use by 58 percent. Two of Perkins&Will’s studios are now focusing on interior renovations, a major but often overlooked contributor to a building’s lifecycle carbon emissions. Targeting embodied carbon Even before a building opens, embodied carbon can make up as much as 50 percent of its lifetime emissions. Then, over its lifespan, renovations every 5 to 10 years can add as much embodied carbon as the original build. That leaves it to sustainability directors to work with design firms to waste less, reuse more and make considered decisions on products and materials. “Commercial building renovations that achieve net-zero performance aren’t just good for the planet — they’re smart business,” said Carrie Szarzynski, senior managing director and head of management services at commercial real estate firm Hiffman National. “Lower energy use reduces long-term operating costs, while reusing materials and selecting low–embodied carbon products further cut environmental impact and can lower construction expenses.” “There are lots of different paths toward net zero and they can survive on their own in parallel or be combined,” said Jon Penndorf, associate principal and studio director for regenerative design at Perkins&Will’s Washington, D.C., studio. “On some projects, adaptive reuse makes a lot more sense than building everything from scratch and looking at the global warming potential of each product.” Net-zero interiors Different context, constraints and opportunities mean developing flexible strategies and staying focused on long-term goals — even when the market isn’t fully ready. In 2020, Perkins&Will’s London studio made the Net Zero Carbon Pledge for Interiors to drive down embodied and operational carbon on projects for clients throughout Europe. The goal was for half of the studio’s projects to be 100-percent circular by the end of 2021 and the rest by the end of 2025 — with all achieving net-zero embodied carbon by 2030. The Washington, D.C., studio followed with its own pledge soon after. “I think it was a bit of a moonshot,” said Adam Strudwick, Perkins&Will’s principal for workplace. “I don’t think we ever expected that we’d meet all the targets. We wanted to measure ourselves on making the industry change.” Three steps to success Perkins&Will’s process for working with clients to make progress on net zero interiors follows three steps: 1. Educate and collaborate All internal and supply chain teams at Perkins&Will must understand that “fundamentally we need to be designing an architecture that has multiple uses and reduces the need for the extraction of virgin materials,” said Strudwick. The firm’s goal is to help clients align sustainability with their values, budgets and long-term goals. That includes evaluating whether to move or renovate, how to reuse furniture, where to invest for maximum health for people and the planet, and so on. In the case of Greenpeace, for example, the nonprofit wanted its new Washington, D.C. headquarters to reflect its mission to reverse negative impacts of climate change. “We had to continue the history of being pioneers and innovators,” said Haiba Bakar, national facilities director for Greenpeace. Greenpeace collaborated with Perkins&Will to make the headquarters a prototype for climate-responsible interior design. That was helped by choosing the space recently vacated by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in the Franklin Square office building in northwest D.C. Reduced use during and after the pandemic left the millwork, ceilings and interior glass of APTA’s conference center in almost perfect condition. 2. View spaces as a material bank Companies may think only of emptying the space they want to refresh, but Strudwick encourages them to view it as a source of materials waiting for another life. “Waste is just a material without an identity,” said Strudwick. That calls for reimagining materiality — reusing furniture, reupholstering pieces, refurbishing instead of buying new. “Recycling is not the answer,” he added. Many components have value in terms of reducing embodied carbon, extending the lifespan of existing materials and cutting costs. For the Greenpeace project, onboarding the general contractor and subcontractors early in the design process enabled the team to maximize material reuse on-site, salvage off-site materials and design for disassembly. “We used components that you would not expect to be reused,” Penndorf said — including metal studs, gypsum board, ceiling tile and grid, and wood doors, blocking and feature walls. 3. Celebrate achievements The final step is telling a meaningful story to end users, clients and visitors. That’s a two-pronged tale, emphasizing “the environmental benefit of not throwing everything in the trash as well as the cost benefit of not having to build everything again,” Penndorf said. Greenpeace achieved a 54-percent reduction in embodied carbon from its baseline lifecycle analysis. The project’s ripple effects continue. Talking to other clients and prospective clients, Bakar said, “What I hear constantly is, we want the same space as Greenpeace.” Building the market Two major challenges arise when reducing embodied carbon during renovation. First, when selecting new products, organizations should choose those with low embodied carbon and global warming potential. Second, when sourcing reused products, be aware that the market is still evolving. “It’s still easier for us to go to Canada, chop
Siemens, Snowflake partner to link OT and IT data for manufacturers
Siemens is collaborating with Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company, to support manufacturers in connecting operational technology (OT) data from the shop floor with information technology (IT) data, such as supply chain management and financial data. The collaboration aims to improve data integration and support informed decision-making. By connecting Siemens Industrial Edge and Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud, manufacturers can access plug-and-play Industrial Edge applications to contextualize and transfer OT data into IT systems (Source: Siemens) By connecting Siemens Industrial Edge and Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud, manufacturers can access plug-and-play Industrial Edge applications to contextualize and transfer OT data into IT systems. This integration empowers customers to build a robust data foundation, which is the prerequisite for gaining deeper insights, improving machine performance, increasing machine availability and optimizing production processes across their facilities. From edge to cloud: FFT bridges factory data to AI-driven insights with Siemens and Snowflake FFT, a provider of manufacturing systems, uses the Siemens Industrial Edge ecosystem to help manufacturers transfer production data into the Snowflake AI Data Cloud through its DataBridge app. The solution is already in use within FFT’s own production lines and facilities, showing its ability to support efficient, data-driven operations. The Siemens-Snowflake collaboration supports FFT’s role as an integrator and trusted Snowflake partner for automated and flexible production systems across the mobility and industrial sectors. It also underscores FFT’s status as a Siemens Xcelerator partner. This joint solution – designed for production managers, data engineers, and IT leaders – tackles common challenges such as data silos, limited transparency, and inefficient analytics. Siemens Industrial Edge enables seamless integration of OT data by connecting to a wide range of sources, including PLCs, sensors, and other manufacturing systems. It also pre-processes data at the edge and runs transformed OT data models, like AI models, in closed-loop with production automation. Snowflake’s platform then delivers actionable insights through AI-powered analytics and agentic AI capabilities. The result is a measurable boost in operational efficiency, with higher machine performance, enhanced product quality, and reduced maintenance needs. For more information, visit siemens.com. The post Siemens, Snowflake partner to link OT and IT data for manufacturers appeared first on Engineering.com.
Aventon Sinch 2 folding e-bike at $1,399 low, Autel 40A level 2 EV station $399, EGO 18-inch chainsaw and 5.0Ah battery low, more
Labor Day may be over, but that doesn’t mean the savings are done yet, and today’s Green Deals features a mix of new and ongoing deals on an array of eco-friendly tech. Our headliner for this edition is Aventon’s Sinch 2 Folding e-bike that is holding out at its $1,399 low for a short while longer, among the brand’s other Labor Day e-bike discounts. From there, we spotted Autel’s MaxiCharger 40A Level 2 EV Charging Station that comes with an RFID security card down at $399, as well as a new low price hitting EGO’s 56V 18-inch Cordless Chainsaw with a 5.0Ah battery for $249. We also have UGREEN charging solutions, a one-day-only deal on one of Fremo’s compact power stations, and more waiting for you below. Plus, there are all the hangover deals collected together in our curated Labor Day Green Deals hub here, with no telling just how much longer they’ll last. Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories. more…
John Deere’s electrification efforts trickle down to consumer lawnmowers
Charged tests the Z380R electric zero-turn mower. Iconic equipment maker John Deere serves many segments of the off-road vehicle market, and the company is gradually introducing electric models in each category. Every John Deere electric product is designed to match the performance of its ICE counterpart, and customers report substantial savings on fuel and maintenance costs. We tested John Deere’s Z380R electric zero-turn residential mower, and found it to be highly capable, customizable, feature-packed and fun. As regular Charged readers know, the makers of off-highway vehicles and equipment are steadily electrifying their products. John Deere is no exception. The company was started in 1837 when a blacksmith named (you guessed it) John Deere invented a new type of steel plow that made it easier to till prairie soil—his innovation is said to have accelerated migration to the American Great Plains in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the company makes a vast variety of vehicles and equipment aimed at many market segments, and it’s gradually introducing electric models into each niche. Most of these are variants closely modeled on the legacy ICE products that they replace. Or, perhaps we shouldn’t use that term—like every company that caters to a conservative customer base, Deere wants to make it crystal clear that its electric offerings are alternatives, not replacements, and that it will continue to offer dinosaur-burners for those who want them. “Diesel engines will continue to be a top choice for many customers,” I was told. On the other hand, the company isn’t afraid to tout the benefits of its flagship E-Power tractor: “While diesel tractors will remain core to our equipment line-up, the E-Power is an additional option fit for a variety of work…the prototypes are being tested throughout 2025 to ensure the tractor meets the demands customers require. The results so far have been surprising to some.” It’s not surprising to us. Like all of John Deere’s electric products, the E-Power is designed to match the performance of its diesel counterpart, and the company quotes customers who have found that the electric tractor offers lower total cost of ownership and reduced maintenance. Some have noted that it’s also easier for drivers to learn to operate. “Our goal with the E-Power tractor is to ensure it performs the same jobs as its diesel counterparts and works with the same implements, while unlocking incremental value,” said Derek Muller, Business Manager for Battery Electric Vehicle Systems. “Through our electric lineup, we’ll look to reduce operational and maintenance costs, and to deliver powerful and reliable performance and intuitive operation.” John Deere has partnered with the Austrian firm Kreisel Electric to develop batteries and charging technology. The E-Power tractor uses multiple Kreisel battery packs (up to five), and is charged with a standard Level 2 J1772 connector. Kreisel Electric’s KBE.59.750M battery pack At the 2025 bauma trade show in Munich, Deere and Kreisel unveiled several new products, including the next-generation KBE.59.750M battery pack, which uses patented cell immersion cooling technology, and is slated to enter production in 2026. The two companies plan to supply battery tech for the construction, mining and material handling sectors. Other electric irons in the fire Subsidiary John Deere Electronic Solutions (JDES) builds EV components, including traction motors, inverters and cooling systems. Its JDES PD400 inverter is used in some of John Deere’s off-road vehicles, as well as the Fuso eCanter light-duty electric truck, sold in Europe and Japan. The Wirtgen Group (owned by John Deere) offers a line of hybrid and battery-electric construction equipment. Moving down the hierarchy from the E-Power, we find that John Deere is steadily introducing electric options into its many product lines, from construction to agriculture to forestry. In the Golf Products segment, it offers the 2775 E-Cut Electric Triplex Mower, Gator GS Electric, and 225 E-Cut Electric. It turns out that golf courses are a good use case for EVs. As Product Manager Eric Halfman explained to Charged, “There are a lot of communities that don’t allow mowing on golf courses until a certain time in the morning. We’ve got some electric greens mowers that can get ‘em out on the golf course mowing much earlier than what that local requirement might be.” In the Electric Turf & Utility Equipment segment, Deere offers two electric options in its Z300 series of residential zero-turn mowers: the Z370R and Z380R Residential ZTraks. Another electric offering is the TE 4×2 Electric utility vehicle. John Deere provided Charged with a Z380R mower for testing. Zero turning radius, 100 percent more fun The zero-turn mower was actually invented in 1949, and the first electric model, the Hustler Zeon (which used four 12-volt lead-acid batteries), appeared in 2009. Today, electric zero-turns are available from all the major mower-makers, plus a couple of electric-only outfits, and the old-fashioned tractor-style mowers are becoming rare sights. Unlike a traditional tractor or riding mower (but like a skid steer), a zero-turn mower maneuvers not by steering the front wheels, but by separately controlling the speed and direction of each drive wheel. A gas zero-turn uses hydraulics to control each drive wheel, but a battery-powered model like the Z380R simply uses two electric motors. The difference between using a zero-turn and using a traditional tractor-style riding mower is akin to the difference between driving a BMW and, well, driving a lawn mower. Faster and much more maneuverable, the zero-turn makes mowing fun (at least the first couple of times). And the electric zero-turn takes things a step further. The Z has just as much power as JD’s equivalent gas zero-turn, and the same maximum speed (7 mph) and cut quality. However, it’s quieter, and it delivers a smoother ride. There is one drawback, and you’ve probably guessed what it is—zero-turns are pricier than their poor, neglected tractor-style forebears, and the electric zero-turn is pricier still. The Z370R lists for $6,399, whereas John Deere can put you into a Z300 gas-powered zero-turn for $3,499. (These are the official list prices, but Deere recommends that
Tesla dominates JD Power tech survey with double VW’s score, but gets no award
Tesla has emerged as the clear leader in JD Power’s latest technology survey, dominating with a score twice that of veteran automakers like Volkswagen. This was despite Tesla not receiving any official awards in the survey due to eligibility issues. Survey results As per JD Power, its 2025 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study collected responses from 76,230 owners of new 2025 model-year vehicles. This was the 10th year that the auto firm has conducted its study. Based on the raw scores of automakers in the survey, Tesla was the clear winner with a rating of 873 points out of 1,000. As noted in a CarUp report, Tesla’s ratings was more than twice as much as veteran automakers like Volkswagen or Toyota, which scored 432 and 436 points, respectively. Rivian ranked second in the results with an impressive 730 points out of 1,000. That being said, JP Power noted in its press release that both Tesla and Rivian, the two highest-scoring automakers in its survey, are not eligible for awards because the companies do not “meet study award criteria.” In its report, CarUp alleged this criteria required automakers to be sold in all U.S. states. As a result, Genesis was officially awarded the top rank in JD Power’s study despite its 538 score. Following Genesis was Cadillac, which received a score of 526, and Lincoln, which received a score of 523 out of 1,000. Driver insights According to JD Power, technology-related problems reported by drivers decreased by 6.3 per 100 vehicles compared to last year, contributing to a stronger user experience overall. Respondents identified automatic climate control as one of the most appreciated features, thanks to its ability to manage heating, ventilation, and air conditioning seamlessly. “Smart technology not only seems to anticipate the driver’s needs but also reduces the cognitive workload and some of the difficulties that drivers face with digital systems,” said Kathleen Rizk, senior director of technology at JD Power. Car wash mode, a feature meant to prepare vehicles for automated cleaning, was a frequent source of frustration due to its placement within infotainment menus. Drivers also voiced concerns over recognition systems that occasionally malfunction. In contrast, the blind spot camera received widespread praise, with 93% of drivers reporting regular use and 74% stating that they would like the feature in future vehicles. The post Tesla dominates JD Power tech survey with double VW’s score, but gets no award appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla Model Y leads sales rush in Norway in August 2025
Tesla posted strong results in Norway this August. The surge was led by the new Tesla Model Y, which has proven to be quite successful in the European country. Tesla’s excellent August Data aggregated by TeslaStats.no suggested that Tesla saw 2,959 vehicle deliveries in August. This represents a notable 38.59% year-over-year increase compared to the 2,135 vehicles that were delivered by the electric vehicle maker in August 2024. Estimates from EU-EVs also indicated that Tesla sold 2,450 Model Ys in August 2025, making it the country’s top model. Tesla’s domination in Norway was so notable that even with several days left in August, Swedish automotive outlet CarUp estimated that Tesla already held about 22% of the country’s auto market. This was very impressive considering that Tesla saw headwinds in Europe earlier this year due to the changeover to the New Model Y and negative sentiments about CEO Elon Musk. $TSLA GOOD NEWS Tesla's vehicle deliveries in Norway surged to 2,959 in August.2025, marking a significant 38.59% year-on-year increase compared to the 2,135 vehicles delivered in August.2024 Data source: pic.twitter.com/aUewA63oVD — grokonomy (@grokonomy) August 31, 2025 Existing momentum Tesla’s momentum in Norway has been notable for some time. In June, registrations rose 54% year-over-year, according to the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV). The Model Y was the standout, recording a 115% increase compared to the same month in 2023. Growth was even sharper in May, when Tesla sales surged 213%, CNBC noted. Christina Bu, secretary general of the Norwegian EV Association (NEVA), attributed the brand’s success to the refreshed Model Y and its practical appeal. “I think it just has to do with the fact that they deliver a car which has quite a lot of value for money and is what Norwegians need,” Bu said. She pointed to features such as spacious cargo capacity, all-wheel drive, towing capability, higher ground clearance, intuitive digital systems, and Tesla’s established charging network as key factors. The post Tesla Model Y leads sales rush in Norway in August 2025 appeared first on TESLARATI.
