EcoFlow early Black Friday Sale takes up to 80% off power stations from $75, exclusive new Mammotion robot lawn mower lows, more
Headlining today’s Green Deals is the EcoFlow early Black Friday Sale that is offering up to 80% discounts, with extra savings, free gifts, member-only pricing, and more. Among the lineup, we spotted the brand’s new DELTA 3 Max Portable Power Station getting a FREE TRAIL 200 DC power station at $759, with tons more great options for your backup power needs. Right behind that massive sale is a collection of eight exclusive deals that are offering up to $1,050 savings on Mammotion Robot Lawn Mowers at new lows starting from $699. We also have EcoFlow’s first early Black Friday 48-hour flash sale, as well as EGO’s heavy-duty 56V 24-inch two-stage snow blower kit, and more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals that are collected together at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s early Black Friday e-bike sales from Lectric and Heybike, and more. 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…
2026 Polestar 4 electric ‘SUV coupe’: competent, confusing, lacks one component
The 2026 Polestar 4 is an unusual vehicle, even for an EV from Sino-Swedish startup brand Polestar. Its makers call it an “electric performance SUV coupe”, though it has four doors. It’s smaller than the Polestar 3 SUV, though larger than the Polestar 2 compact crossover—meaning the Polestar lineup, from small to large and cheapest to priciest, runs from 2 to 4 to 3. Its most notable feature may be its lack of a rear window; the trunk lid ends at the visual base of the roof. We worry all this makes it a confusing model that may be a challenge to sell: It’s an unusual body style, from a largely unknown brand, that’s missing a large and obvious component shoppers expect in every new vehicle. The Polestar 4 has been on sale since August as a 2026 model; first deliveries are expected before the end of the year. US and Canadian cars are made in Busan, South Korea, the second assembly plant to assemble the P4 after Hangzhou Bay, China. Battery cells for those Busan models still come from CATL in China, however. Note the pre-production 2025 models we drove in Montreal in July differed slightly from US-market 2026 Polestar 4s. The Long Range Single Motor model is EPA-rated at up to 310 miles of range, starting at $57,600, while the pricier but faster Dual Motor version takes a slight hit down to 280 miles. For those customers keeping track, the company notes the 4 has the lowest lifetime carbon footprint of any Polestar to date. A design difference no customer asked for? Let’s deal with the lack of a rear window right up front. Why did Polestar do it, aside from echoing a concept car from back in 2020? Executives spoke at some length about how eliminating a glass rear window permitted a sleeker, more sloped fastback tail and a lower roofline, while still providing the necessary rear headroom. We’re not convinced. The lack is far more noticeable in light colors, less so in darker ones. The glass roof has been visually extended to the top of the trunk lid with shiny black plastic panels. Still, we couldn’t help but notice an indent in the tall trunk lid that might provide a cut-out for at least a vestigial rear glass—if customers bridle at its lack. Alternatively, perhaps this reporter simply isn’t the right audience for the car. The woven interior fabrics, known as Tailored Knit upholstery, are made entirely from recycled PET, with the fabric knitted to size. The part of the dash facing the occupants, covered in this woven fabric, is elegant—but the effect is spoiled by a black nylon mesh further up toward the windscreen, which both of us agreed looked and felt cheap. We appreciated the distinctive pop of colour in the seat belts, either an orange stripe on black or solid orange. Fast but firm … to harsh Polestar notes the 4 is its fastest model to date, with the highest-performance mode of its Dual Motor version taking just 3.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. That model is quoted at 405 kilowatts (544 horsepower) and 506 foot-pounds of torque. The rear-wheel-drive Single Motor variant is quoted at 200 kW (272 hp) and 253 lb-ft of torque, with 0-6o-60-mph acceleration of 6.9 seconds—almost double that of the hot-rod version. Both are powered by a 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack (94 kWh usable) with cells from China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL). Fast charging speed is quoted at up to 200 kilowatts. Behind the wheel, acceleration is clearly there when called for. I might have liked a bit more steering feel, though the car goes where it’s pointed just fine. Among the available performance options are active dampers (shock absorbers) and 4-piston Brembo brakes. The handling and roadholding are on the heavy side, and in corners you can feel the tires working to hold this 5,200-pound vehicle in place. Even on the Normal suspension setting, the ride is notably firm; we managed to hit the bump stops, quite unintentionally, while going through one pothole. The sportier settings head into rougher-ride territory. Polestar’s implementation of one-pedal driving does not slow the car entirely. Below about 5 mph, the driver must brake to a stop. Its regenerative braking, even on the strongest setting, is on the gentle side compared to other EVs, though easy to learn and plan for. Then there’s the challenge of the video rear-view mirror (since a regular glass mirror has no view through a rear window to reflect). The windshield is so steeply raked that the mirror is surprisingly close to the driver’s eyes, making it a challenge to switch focal distance from a few hundred feet ahead to perhaps 18 inches, then back again. Plus, the image squirms in the corner of the driver’s eyes, and it moves sideways when a turn is signaled. My driving partner said his eyes felt tired from the continual refocusing, and even a Polestar exec admitted it had taken him three days to acclimatize to that aspect of the car. To its credit, Polestar uses very good rear-view cameras, and the backup image was superb. Quiet, well-bolstered, screen-centric The low “coupe” roofline combined with the underfloor battery pack means all occupants, including those in front, sit in a slightly knees-up posture. This is hardly unique to the P4, but it remained noticeable even after moving the driver’s seat as high as it would go—more so than in the P2 or P3 with their more upright SUV proportions. Seats were comfortable and well bolstered, as buyers expect in a performance-oriented EV. We heard no noise at all from the motor or power electronics, and very little wind noise. The bulk of the sound that entered the cabin was tire noise from the 22-inch wheels on our test car (20- and 21-inch wheels are also available). We were amused to find the classy indicator “tick” noise broadcasts on the left-hand speaker for a left turn, but
Tesla investors are ditching Charles Schwab after its vote against Musk comp plan
Tesla investors are ditching Charles Schwab as their brokerage after the firm said earlier this week that it would vote against CEO Elon Musk’s new compensation package. Several high-profile Tesla influencers are speaking out against Charles Schwab, saying its decision to vote against the plan that would retain Musk as CEO and give him potentially more voting power if he can achieve the tranches set by the company’s Board of Directors. The Tesla community recognized that Schwab is one firm that tends to vote against Musk’s compensation plans, as they also voted against the CEO’s 2018 pay package, which was passed by shareholders but then denied by a Delaware Chancery Court. Schwab’s move was recognized by investors within the Tesla community and now they are speaking out about it: Hey @CharlesSchwab – I need to speak with someone from Schwab Private Wealth Services this week. Please reach out via email, the mobile app message center, phone, or X DM. Here’s why this is urgent: At least 6 of your ETF funds (around 7 million $TSLA shares) voted against… — Jason DeBolt (@jasondebolt) November 3, 2025 If @CharlesSchwab doesn’t vote for Elon Musk’s 2025 CEO Performance Award plan, I’ll move all my assets to another brokerage. My followers, many of whom also hold assets with Schwab and collectively own at least hundreds of millions in $TSLA, may do the same. I can’t in good… — Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) November 3, 2025 ready to help with the @CharlesSchwab exodus — Gali (@Gfilche) November 3, 2025 At least six of Charles Schwab’s ETFs have voted against Tesla’s Board recommendation to support the compensation plan for Musk. The six ETFs represent around 7 million Tesla $TSLA shares. Jason DeBolt, an all-in Tesla shareholder, summarized the firm’s decision really well: “As a custodian of ETF shares, your fiduciary duty is to vote in shareholders’ best interests. For a board that has delivered extraordinary returns, voting against their recommendations doesn’t align with retail investors, Tesla employees, or the leadership we invested to support. If Schwab’s proxy voting policies don’t reflect shareholder interests, my followers and I will move our collective tens of millions in $TSLA shares (or possibly hundreds of millions) to a broker that does, via account transfer as soon as this week.” Tesla shareholders will vote on Musk’s pay package on Thursday at the Annual Shareholders Meeting in Austin, Texas. It seems more likely than not that it will pass, but investors have made it clear they want a decisive victory, as it could clear the path for any issues with shareholder lawsuits in the future, as it did with Musk’s past pay package. The post Tesla investors are ditching Charles Schwab after its vote against Musk comp plan appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla job listings hint at 24/7 Robotaxi operations in several states
Tesla seems to be laying the groundwork for a 24/7 Robotaxi service across several states. This was hinted at by a substantial number of interesting Robotaxi-related job listings that have been posted on the company’s Careers website. 24/7 Robotaxis and Night Shift Specialists A look at Tesla’s official Careers website shows that the company is currently looking for multiple Robotaxi Fleet Support Specialists for the Night Shift. The listing itself describes a role focused on maintaining vehicles for “smooth 24/7 operations,” hinting at the company’s next steps in its efforts to ramp its autonomous ride-hailing service across several U.S. cities. “We are looking for a highly motivated and passionate individual to join our Autopilot Fleet Team. As Fleet Support Specialist, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that all our vehicles are in excellent condition at all times, supporting smooth 24/7 vehicle operations,” the job listing read. The job opening is active in several regions, including Austin, Palo Alto, Orlando, Tampa, Doral, Houston, Dallas, Tempe, and Las Vegas, as of writing. This suggests that Tesla really is looking at a potential multi-state rollout strategy for its Robotaxi service, likely in the near future. .@robotaxi is confirmed to be a 24/7 operation!Tesla is hiring night shift Robotaxi Fleet Support Specialist in 9 cities across 5 states:Austin, TexasDallas, TexasHouston, TexasLas Vegas, NevadaTempe, ArizonaPalo Alto, CaliforniaTampa, FloridaDoral, FloridaOrlando,… pic.twitter.com/Q68l5tSOtL — Tesla Yoda (@teslayoda) November 1, 2025 Musk targets major Robotaxi fleet growth by year’s end Tesla’s Robotaxi pilot is still in early stages, but CEO Elon Musk recently hinted that substantial updates are coming soon to the Austin and Bay Area programs. Speaking on the All-In podcast, Musk said Tesla aims to expand its Robotaxi fleet to 500 vehicles in Austin and 1,000 in the Bay Area before the end of 2025. “We’re scaling up the number of cars to, what happens if you have a thousand cars? Probably we’ll have a thousands cars or more in the Bay Area by the end of this year, probably 500 or more in the greater Austin area,” Musk said. With just two months left in the fourth quarter, Tesla’s AI team is facing a busy ramp-up period that could mark the company’s most ambitious real-world test of its autonomous driving program yet. The post Tesla job listings hint at 24/7 Robotaxi operations in several states appeared first on TESLARATI.
Elon Musk subtly confirms one of Tesla AI8’s uses, and it’s literally out of this world
Elon Musk appears to have subtly confirmed that the uses of Tesla’s upcoming AI8 chip won’t be limited to vehicles or humanoid robots alone. If Musk’s recent responses on X are any indication, it would appear that Tesla’s AI8 will be used by the CEO’s other companies, and its applications would literally extend out of this world. Tesla’s AI8 could extend beyond vehicles Musk’s update came on the heels of his recent comments, where he revealed that Tesla was not just working on its AI5 and AI6 chips. The company is also designing AI7 and AI8. This comment caught a lot of attention, with some wondering why Tesla feels the need to design an AI8 chip when AI4 seems on track to be a good fit for autonomous driving. Amidst these speculations, an X user suggested that Elon Musk’s comment about AI8 being out of this world could actually be quite true in the literal sense, as it could be used as the chip for SpaceX’s orbit data centers. Musk subtly confirmed this, as he responded to the X user’s post with a bullseye emoji. Musk’s subtle confirmation that AI8 will be used by SpaceX’s in-space data centers presents a pretty interesting future for the electric vehicle maker. Synergy among Elon Musk-led companies is nothing new, but having Tesla produce chips for SpaceX is undoubtedly something that’s never really been done before. Simply scaling up Starlink V3 satellites, which have high speed laser links would work. SpaceX will be doing this. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 31, 2025 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 3, 2025 SpaceX’s space-based computing with Starlink V3 satellites Musk previously stated that SpaceX plans to use its Starlink V3 satellites to develop space-based data centers. In response to an Ars Technica report on autonomous space construction, he wrote on X: “Simply scaling up Starlink V3 satellites, which have high-speed laser links, would work. SpaceX will be doing this.” The concept, while ambitious, could address growing energy and cooling constraints facing Earth-based data centers amid the AI boom. Space-based clusters could also cut down on land and water usage, though critics have questioned their cost and maintainability. Musk recently called the orbital data center project “a very big deal,” and given SpaceX’s history of turning improbable ideas into operational systems, it may not be too far-fetched at all, especially since SpaceX’s Starlink V3 platform is capable of up to 1 terabit per second (Tbps) throughput. The post Elon Musk subtly confirms one of Tesla AI8’s uses, and it’s literally out of this world appeared first on TESLARATI.
Elon Musk shuts down Tesla ‘AMG’ division speculation: ‘Focus is autonomy’
Tesla CEO Elon Musk was asked by Joe Rogan late last week whether the company would ever consider establishing an “AMG division” like Mercedes-Benz has established for powerful, race-inspired vehicles. However, Musk turned down any talk of that, highlighting that the company is laser-focused on autonomous vehicles, seemingly hinting that any distraction from autonomy would be a detriment to the future. Rogan drives a Tesla Model S himself, but it is not your run-of-the-mill all-electric sedan. Already outfitted with the Plaid powertrain that Tesla developed, Rogan took his vehicle to Unplugged Performance for a true performance outfitting. The vehicle is completely overhauled with performance parts and seats. Known as the Model S-APEX, Rogan took delivery of it from Unplugged in January. Rogan asked Musk on Friday during his most recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast whether Tesla would ever establish an “AMG division” that would focus on catering Teslas to performance-based standards. Musk said: “I think it’s best to leave that to the custom shops. Tesla’s focus is autonomous cars, building futuristic autonomous cars. We want the future to look like the future.” Elon Musk was asked by Joe Rogan if he would ever create an “AMG division” where customization and performance options are available. Musk said: “I think it’s best to leave that to the custom shops. Tesla’s focus is autonomous cars, building futuristic autonomous cars. We… pic.twitter.com/k7qy7UQc60 — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) October 31, 2025 Tesla fans have said for years that the company should consider acquiring Unplugged Performance and its Upfit Tesla division, which recently outfitted the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s fleet of Cybertruck cruisers. However, it seems Tesla will keep things separate. Musk is primarily focused on autonomy, which will drive the technology forward and drive shareholder growth. Something like an outfitter for performance would be a cool thing for the owners who have the interest and the money. It’s not a tremendous revenue driver or anything that would contribute to the financial state of the company. Mercedes-Benz, for example, is more accessible for consumers as it sold over 140,000 units from its AMG brand in 2024. Tesla Model Y driver starts race in reverse, still wins against AMG SUV It helps with driving revenue higher by as much as 15 percent compared to similar models that are not AMGs. However, would Tesla see this much of a benefit? Likely not, because the Performance trim already caters to many owners. The post Elon Musk shuts down Tesla ‘AMG’ division speculation: ‘Focus is autonomy’ appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla begins wide rollout of Full Self-Driving v14 to Cybertruck
Tesla has officially begun the wide rollout of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) v14 to the Cybertruck about a month after the company started rolling it out to other vehicles in the fleet. On Monday, Tesla officially started rolling out v14.1.5 to Cybertruck owners, the first FSD v14 rollout for owners of the all-electric pickup. Owners have been anxiously waiting for Tesla to begin the wide release of v14 to Cybertruck, as the company said it would refine the suite for the vehicle. Tesla has finally started rolling out to many owners, who are reporting that their Cybertrucks are downloading Software Update 2025.38.8.5, which contains FSD v14.1.5: Tesla Self-Driving 14.1.5 for Cybertruck rolling out now! Too bad I just left for Austin. pic.twitter.com/WdxvEaK6ma — Whole Mars Catalog (@WholeMarsBlog) November 3, 2025 So look what I just got on my @cybertruck ! FSD v14.1.5 Believe it or not @teslascope reported it about 5 minutes before it was visible on my app. That new API must be cooking! pic.twitter.com/GIiQrss4q5 — Chuck Cook (@chazman) November 3, 2025 Can confirm – arrived last night pic.twitter.com/rqtU41pRaF — Wes (@wmorrill3) November 3, 2025 Tesla has to be more cautious with rolling out FSD on the Cybertruck than on other vehicles for a few reasons. Initially, the Cybertruck utilizes an all-wheel steering system that turns differently than the S3XY lineup. This creates a challenge for the Tesla AI team as they have to cater to this specific maneuvering change. Additionally, the Cybertruck is much larger, and the exterior cameras responsible for seeing the vehicle’s surroundings are placed differently than those of the other vehicles. This requires additional calibration to ensure safety. The full release notes for Full Self-Driving v14.1.5 are as follows: Added Arrival Options for you to select where FSD should park: in a Parking Lot, on the Street, in a Driveway, in a Parking Garage, or at the Curbside. Added handling to pull over or yield for emergency vehicles (e.g. police cars, fire trucks, ambulances). Added navigation and routing into the vision-based neural network for real-time handling of blocked roads and detours. Added additional Speed Profile to further customize driving style preference. Improved handling for static and dynamic gates. Improved offsetting for road debris (e.g. tires, tree branches, boxes). Improve handling of several scenarios including: unprotected turns, lane changes, vehicle cut-ins, and school buses. Improved FSD’s ability to manage system faults and recover smoothly from degraded operation for enhanced reliability. Added alerting for residue build-up on interior windshield that may impact front camera visibility. If affected, visit Service for cleaning! Tesla Full Self-Driving v14 release notes for Cybertruck pic.twitter.com/fiMnjjTCY9 — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) November 3, 2025 The post Tesla begins wide rollout of Full Self-Driving v14 to Cybertruck appeared first on TESLARATI.
Advancing open standards for the next generation of RF interconnects
TTI Inc. has sponsored this post. (Image: TTI Inc.) Modern defense systems depend on a complex network of modular electronics. At the core of this technology is the VITA Standards Organization, which leads the development of open standards for embedded computing, including the VPX architectures used throughout military and aerospace applications. These standards define how boards, connectors, and backplanes fit and function within rugged environments. Building on that foundation, the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) Consortium brings together government, industry, and academia to align system architectures across radar, communications, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence systems. “Open standards are vital because they eliminate vendor lock-in, accelerate technology refresh cycles, and enable interoperability across platforms and suppliers,” says Domenic LoPresti, Director of Engineering at Amphenol SV. “For defense programs, that means faster deployment, reduced cost, and the ability to integrate best-in-class technologies from multiple vendors without starting from scratch.” SV Microwave contributes directly to the development of both VITA and SOSA standards, lending its engineering expertise in RF interconnect design and testing. The company helps define test protocols, connector mechanical envelopes, and RF performance benchmarks that guide how connectors are built and evaluated. “One of the biggest challenges is balancing signal integrity at high frequencies with the mechanical robustness required for harsh military environments,” says LoPresti. “Our goal is to ensure that when system designers choose VITA/SOSA-compliant hardware, they have absolute confidence in performance from DC to millimeter-wave frequencies.” SV Microwave produces several connector types tailored to different performance needs, balancing size, frequency, and durability. The SMPM series is commonly used in VPX backplane applications where engineers need a compact connector that still provides strong mechanical performance and power handling. The SMPS series offers a smaller footprint while maintaining excellent electrical performance at higher frequencies. SV Microwave has recently added NanoRF to its VITA 67.3 connector family. Able to support up to 20 RF connections within a single slot, NanoRF is the highest-density VITA 67.3 series. This ability to route a high number of RF connections within a single VPX slot without compromising signal integrity makes it well-suited for next-generation radar and signals-intelligence payloads. To support system design and prototyping, SV Microwave has backplane developer kits, complete with ruggedized cable assemblies, and edge-launch components that help engineers integrate connectors easily into their system designs. The company also takes a system-level approach to testing. “We don’t just qualify a connector in isolation—we test it as part of a VPX module or chassis, validating signal integrity, mating cycles, thermal performance, and shock/vibration compliance,” says LoPresti. The verification process employs 3D electromagnetic simulation, environmental qualification, and electrical and mechanical testing to confirm that every design meets VITA and SOSA performance requirements. In addition to its internal validation work, SV Microwave provides testing tools, validation kits, and installation and removal tools to help engineers verify compliance within their own systems. SV Microwave’s contributions to standards development are reflected in its work on the VITA 67 family of RF interconnects. “We helped define test methods for insertion loss, return loss, and durability under military environmental conditions,” says LoPresti. “These protocols are now widely adopted by system integrators and ensure that all compliant products deliver consistent, repeatable RF performance.” The company actively sits on SOSA committees that help establish the appropriate RF signal contact types and I/O interfaces for open-architecture systems. As VITA standards continue to evolve, two upcoming specifications—VITA 90 and VITA 100—aim to increase the speed and density of modular interconnects. VITA 90 focuses on integrating optical and RF connections, allowing both light-based and radio-frequency signals to travel through the same hardware. VITA 100 looks ahead to even higher-speed designs. SV Microwave continues to develop hybrid optical/RF modules that combine both signal types in a single connector. Its existing VITA 66.5 product line, which already merges optical and RF links, serves as a foundation for this ongoing design work. SV Microwave works closely with TTI to help make standards-compliant components easier to source. “Our partnership with TTI ensures that engineers have quick access to off-the-shelf, VITA/SOSA-compliant interconnect solutions backed by deep technical support,” says LoPresti. “TTI’s distribution network makes it easy for program managers and designers to prototype, scale, and deploy systems faster without long lead times or supply chain risks. This collaboration extends beyond logistics—TTI helps us educate engineers on open standards and ensure that when they specify SV products, they’re choosing solutions already aligned with VITA/SOSA requirements.” To learn more, visit Amphenol SV at TTI. The post Advancing open standards for the next generation of RF interconnects appeared first on Engineering.com.
Here are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in November 2025
I’ve spent countless hours here at Electrek doing detailed hands-on testing of hundreds of electric bikes. Through thousands of miles of riding, I’ve been fortunate to learn these e-bikes inside and out, top to bottom and front to back. That long-term experience with real-world e-bike testing has helped me find the best electric bicycles on the market for just about any budget. Below are some of the top e-bikes I’ve hand-tested for every price range, current as of November 2025. For basically the entire month, e-bike companies are running their extended Black Friday (more like Black November) deals, and that means big savings for e-bike riders! While many companies are likely to toss in an extra lock or headlight or T-shirt on Black Friday/Cyber Monday itself, the real deals are pretty much already up and happening all month long. So check out the awesome e-bikes below, any one of which could become your next electric bike. more…
LibertyStream commissions lithium refinery in Texas
Canadian lithium extraction technology company LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners has started commissioning its lithium carbonate refining unit in Texas and has received a grant of $500,000 with its partner Wellspring Hydro from the State of North Dakota to support production. LibertyStream aims to build a vertically integrated supply chain for high-purity lithium carbonate sourced from its field operations in Texas and planned sites in North Dakota. The company has installed the field unit for the refinery, which it purchased in July 2025. Once operational, the refining unit will have the capacity to produce up to 10 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate that will meet the technical specifications of industrial-grade and battery-grade applications, the company said. LibertyStream recently said its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology has processed more than 250,000 barrels of Permian Basin brine at its Texas field unit. The company will make bulk samples from the Texas field site available to prospective customers for qualification and offtake discussions. The grant is part of a larger drawdown from funding awarded to Wellspring from the North Dakota Industrial Commission through the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority Program and the Renewable Energy Program. The funds are intended to advance regional lithium production capabilities in the state and accelerate the commercialization of high-purity lithium for energy storage applications. The companies will use the grant to complete the next step of commercialization, including site-specific lithium extraction qualification and associated third-party testing. This will center on lithium refining validation and sample creation to demonstrate the ability to meet customers’ requirements for quality and quantity of lithium carbonate. The primary focus of the validation will be to supply a battery cell manufacturing facility in North Dakota. The validation work will be performed with the University of North Dakota and cathode cell manufacturers. “We remain on schedule to initiate commercial lithium carbonate production with the installation of our Refining Unit in Texas,” said Alex Wylie, President and CEO of LibertyStream. “We’re also honored to receive continued support from the State of North Dakota, which enables us to expand our refining capabilities and advance in-state lithium carbonate production to support future battery cell manufacturing.” Source: LibertyStream
How extended producer responsibility fees can fuel innovation
The opinions expressed here by Trellis expert contributors are their own, not those of Trellis. You’ve probably heard of the rebound effect — the phenomenon where savings from increased efficiency (such as lower energy bills) are then spent on other goods that ultimately reduce the expected environmental benefit of the original efficiency efforts. In your own life, though, you’ve probably seen that it doesn’t have to work this way. Maybe you’ve set aside the money saved from lowering your energy bills by upgrading to smart thermostats or other sustainable home projects, such as installing more efficient appliances. These savings can function as capital for other improvements, and, in turn, snowball into more savings. Sustainable packaging is approaching a similar opportunity for savings. Right now, seven states are about to mandate packaging fees through extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs. Under EPR programs, materials — and their fees — aren’t created equal. These programs use a technique called eco-modulation to essentially grade materials on a curve: the lower the environmental impact, the lower the fee for producers. In practice, this means flexible plastic, for example, often has higher fees than more easily recycled materials. As these programs launch in these states and potentially advance to others, companies can unlock a new opportunity to save on fees, and then reinvest the savings back into more sustainable packaging options. Call it “improvement capital” for lower-carbon materials, more collection programs and smarter sortation technology. Potential savings for lower-impact materials We find the first steps of improvement capital in Oregon and Colorado, the first to publish the fees that packaging producers will be charged for a wide range of packaging materials such as glass, aluminum, rigid plastic, flexible plastic and compostable packaging. To look at broad trends, it helps to combine the wide range of materials covered under these laws into a few select categories and to average the fees per category. For example, the fees for rigid plastic vary from 17 cents/lb for PET plastic (used in packaging such as water bottles) in Oregon to 171 cents/lb for “rigid other” in Colorado. Looking at the average fees in Oregon and Colorado, we see that moving from rigid plastic to paper is a roughly 81 percent fee savings. Moving from rigid plastic to metal or glass gives companies savings in the 60 percent range, and moving from flexible plastic into a paper package with a bioplastic coating yields approximately 78 percent in savings. The takeaway? Companies could see substantial savings from switching to different materials — and these switches are reinforced by consumer perceptions about which materials are more sustainable. What might these savings look like for a typical company? To answer that question, imagine this: A consumer packaged goods brand is planning a switch from 34,000 tons of flexible plastic packaging to a paper option The brand does about 19 percent of their U.S. sales in EPR states with fees This new packaging option will require a 16 percent increase in material usage In this scenario, the savings are significant: $11 million in fees saved across the seven EPR states. Of course, these savings will depend on a multitude of factors, and the cost of switching to a new material needs to be factored in. But even when an alternative such as paper is more expensive, innovation can lead to savings. More back-of-the-envelope calculations show that in this case, a 34 percent increase in material costs would still lead to over $600,000 in net savings. These are just sample calculations, but the take-home message is clear. Strategically switching to lower-fee materials can add up to meaningful savings. Redeploying savings Right now, EPR fees are likely going to come out of one part of an organization’s budget and investments in sustainability, new technology, and R&D are coming from another. But what if there could be some feedback mechanisms between the two? It will take collaboration and shared goals between finance, product and sustainability teams, but once the connection between fees and innovation has been established, you’ll have even more powerful incentives to build sustainability into your budget. This is when the exciting sustainability work begins. The savings from avoided fees could be used as a way to cover additional R&D and fund more testing into how well packages are being reprocessed at material recovery facilities, paper mills and composting facilities. The savings could also be redirected back into consumer education campaigns, especially around topics such as store drop-off where we know consumers are confused and need more information. Fees can be a driver of innovation Right now, the packaging industry has the opportunity to see fees as possible new investment capital. Companies can save money by switching to incentivized, lower-fee materials and packaging formats. Then, they can reinvest these savings back into the sustainable materials that once seemed out of reach. Your company can get started by: Cross reference the materials in your packaging portfolio with the base fees and dues posted for Colorado and Oregon, two states that have posted early fee projections Calculate the largest liabilities in your current portfolio, then run back-of-the-envelope calculations on the potential benefits of switching into lower-fee material categories Find out how you can make sustainable switches or work with packaging consultancies to support sustainable transformations Just like the savings from lower energy bills can be directed towards other sustainable home projects, the savings in EPR fees can be funneled towards strategic innovations in materials and recycling infrastructure. With EPR laws in seven states, the packaging industry has the opportunity to reverse the rebound effect by turning fees into momentum needed to power sustainable packaging’s innovation flywheel. The post How extended producer responsibility fees can fuel innovation appeared first on Trellis.
Simulation Apps: The Future of Decision-Making in Engineering and Business
By Bjorn Sjodin, SVP Product Management, COMSOL Computer modeling and simulation has been a cornerstone of engineering innovation for decades. For applications ranging from aerospace products to consumer electronics, companies have long relied on computational models to test ideas, predict performance, and guide product development. Simulation is, at its heart, a decision support tool: data goes in, knowledge comes out, and critical choices are made with greater confidence. But while simulation is powerful, creating and running sophisticated multiphysics models typically requires specialized expertise and expensive computational resources. As a result, simulation engineers have played a central role in turning the physics into actionable insights. However, it is common that organizations only have a small group of simulation experts, making it unpractical to have direct access to simulation across the organizations. Luckily, this paradigm is changing. The rise of simulation apps, powered by multiphysics modeling, neural-network-driven surrogate models, and GPU acceleration, is democratizing access to advanced simulation. These easy-to-use applications extend the reach of simulation far beyond R&D, enabling teams in the field, on the factory floor, and in the boardroom to make real-time, physics-informed decisions. In other words, simulation apps are no longer just about engineering; they’re becoming indispensable business tools as well. From Models to Apps: A Shift in Accessibility The traditional workflow of simulation engineering has always been about precision. Whether focusing on a single physical phenomenon or coupling multiple domains together in multiphysics models, simulation engineers aim to capture reality as faithfully as possible. Single-physics simulations can provide excellent accuracy when one effect dominates, while multiphysics simulations enable engineers to include interacting effects for an even greater level of realism. Models are then validated with experiments and used to forecast behavior under a wide range of conditions, delivering confidence in their predictive power. With apps, validated models are encapsulated in streamlined interfaces, enabling users to simply enter parameters into intuitive fields (e.g., geometry, material properties, operating conditions) and receive precise results in real time. These apps make it possible for nonexperts to run analyses without needing to master finite element methods or specialized multiphysics software. To give an example of how apps make simulation more accessible, an audio supplier for luxury car manufacturers ran into challenges with evaluating how design tweaks to car interiors affected in-cabin acoustics. The organization’s engineers built a custom app on top of their core acoustics model, and instead of waiting for the simulation specialists to rerun models, a global and cross-functional team was able to simply input design changes into the app and see how sound quality was impacted. This streamlined workflow eliminated delays across time zones and kept development aligned with fast-changing car designs. Extending Simulation Beyond R&D In various industries, simulation apps are increasingly being distributed across field operations, manufacturing, and even business management. For instance, one of the world’s largest suppliers of cement rolled out a simulation app for contractors that can help them decide on concrete curing times, a critical factor for both safety and profitability. The app integrates local weather data, soil conditions, and building geometry into a multiphysics model to predict curing timelines. With this app, contractors now make onsite decisions backed by physics, avoiding costly errors and delays. Simulation apps are also being used in power grid maintenance. For instance, a utility company built an app for field technicians diagnosing cable failures. Instead of calling in simulation engineers or guessing based on limited test data, technicians input onsite observations into an app powered by multiphysics models. The app evaluates environmental and material factors in real time, enabling faster and more accurate troubleshooting and repair. Let’s now consider additive manufacturing facilities. Factories that produce parts via metal powder bed fusion face challenges with humidity and heat control. Poor conditions not only compromise part quality but also pose safety risks due to the flammable nature of metal powders. A U.K. manufacturer built a simulation app to model its factory layout, incorporating variables like outside climate, machine placement, and operational schedules. Factory managers use the app to adjust ventilation and workflows in a way that keeps optimal production quality and worker safety in mind. A simulation app for predicting the conditions of an additive manufacturing facility. Image courtesy of MTC. Another area where apps are being used is in the global food supply chain, where cold room managers face constant challenges around limited refrigeration space and food spoilage. A Swiss-led consortium used multiphysics simulation to predict fruit shelf life based on size, peel thickness, and storage conditions. The resulting mobile app provided real-time guidance to farmers and managers in rural India, cutting post-harvest food losses by 20% and boosting farmer income by the same margin. An app forecasting fruit freshness based on multiphysics (left) and a mobile app offering insight into the expected shelf life of a crate in storage (right) based on science and real-time information. Image courtesy of Empa. The Role of Surrogate Models While simulation apps are powerful, running detailed multiphysics models in real time can still be computationally expensive. This is where surrogate models, often built using neural networks or other machine-learning-based reduced-order modeling techniques, benefit workflows. Surrogate models act as lightweight stand-ins for full-scale physics solvers. They are trained on data from high-fidelity simulations and experiments and approximate the input–output behavior of the underlying model with high accuracy. Once trained, these reduced models can run thousands of times faster than traditional solvers, enabling near-instant predictions inside apps. For example, a transformer design team may need to explore hundreds of material and geometry combinations. Instead of waiting hours per simulation, a surrogate model embedded in their app can deliver results in seconds. Harnessing GPU Acceleration Another enabler of advancements in simulation is GPU acceleration. GPUs are designed for massively parallel computations, which map naturally onto the numerical solvers used in simulation. Simulation usually involve solving equations in millions of variables, and GPUs provide significant speedups over CPU-only computations. For simulation apps, GPU acceleration means: Real-time interactivity: Users can adjust parameters and instantly see updated
California quietly kills e-bike voucher program, funnels funds into cars instead
California’s ambitious statewide electric bicycle incentive program is officially dead – and it didn’t even get a funeral. After years of buildup, delays, and surging public interest, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has quietly ended the program, rolling the remaining $17 million of the original $30 million budget into its “Clean Cars 4 All” initiative without even making an official announcement. more…
The 800 V EV transition: HIL simulation’s crucial role
Sponsored by Pickering Interfaces. Discover how the shift to 800 V power system architectures is revolutionizing electric vehicle design and testing. This white paper delves into the reasons behind the move to 800V charging, the challenges it poses for test professionals, and the critical role of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation in this transition. Learn how 800V systems enhance efficiency, range, and charging times while increasing complexity in battery management and component durability. Explore strategies for building HIL test platforms, identifying early design issues, and leveraging high-voltage switching, RTD simulation, and fault insertion for cost-effective EV development.
Renegade brands sell ‘clean’ toilet paper with audacious ads
Big toilet paper brands generally avoid potty humor, but their latest challengers are embracing it. In three separate ads for PlantPaper, celebrities perch on toilet seats. Alicia Silverstone, Stephen Dorff and a breastfeeding Rumer Willis speak about the company’s “100 percent toxin free” bamboo toilet paper. “I know a thing or two about a–holes,” Dorff says. The actors warn of cancer and other health risks from chemicals detected in some mainstream toilet paper. PlantPaper, Potty Mouth, Who Gives a Crap and other young businesses counter the soft-focus messaging of Charmin, Cottonelle and AngelSoft. They reject the cherubs, cartoon bears and other mascots that Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark and Georgia-Pacific have deployed for decades. Instead, the startups sell bamboo toilet paper via social media ads laced with bleeps and irony. The irreverence isn’t new. Seventh Generation ran a quirky yet G-rated spot in 2019 for recycled TP starring comedian Maya Rudolph crooning to “Mike the Tree.” However, the new entrants mark a shift from the old “save the trees” pitch. “We’re talking about something that’s both inherently funny and inherently jarring,” said PlantPaper Co-founder and CEO Lee Reitelman. “After years of seeing toilet paper ads that seem like their target audience is 5- to 8-year-olds, I think it’s exciting for people to see something very different.” The company’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube ads have attracted millions of views. PlantPaper is profitable, pulling in nearly 40,000 orders each month. Its doorstep deliveries count 85,000 subscribers. The self-funded Brooklyn company uses three-ply bamboo sourced from China, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Reitelman and spouse Deeva Green have grown the team to nearly 10 since selling their first rolls in 2019. ‘Impact-native’ brands “Awareness of the environmental impact of products has increased substantially, allowing brands to skip lectures about climate change in favor of actually talking to people in unexpected ways,” said Luke Purdy, director of sustainability at ad agency Wieden + Kennedy of Portland, Oregon. “To be relevant, you need to deliver on themes that actually matter to people and give them a reason to care.” Humor is a natural fit for “impact-native” brands, he added. Social media ads from PlantPaper with Alicia Silverstone, Potty Mouth with Luca Aldag and PlantPaper with Stephen Dorff. “Eco-friendly” toilet paper will grow from less than $1 billion in sales this year to $1.25 billion in 2033, according to Market Reports World. Bamboo‑based toilet papers make up 12 percent of those sales. That’s a tiny share of the $41 billion toilet paper market, yet 68 percent of buyers show a preference for recycled or bamboo options, a report from Global Growth Insights shows. “The best way to sell sustainability is to think selfishly — to understand why people buy your products and then use sustainability claims to reinforce, not replace, those reasons,” said Jamie Hamill, consulting director at Ogilvy in New York City. Compare that with the “innovation jargon” of P&G, noted Joe MacLeod, communications veteran and founder of AndEnd Consulting. “This is not the language of commonality of humans in their most intimate act,” he said. “I am wiping my bum with toilet paper. It is comedy gold. Let’s bond over the funny stuff, and then we can change the world together.” Simon Griffiths, CEO and co-founder of the 13-year-old toilet paper brand Who Gives a Crap, sat on a toilet for 50 hours to crowdfund the startup. The newest entry, Potty Mouth, launched two months ago after two years of research and development. Founder Luca Aldag, a stand-up comedian, posted his first TikTok video that praised going to the bathroom as an escape, reeling in 1.5 million views. Another Instagram post had 3 million views. He timed the first bulk purchase from China during a pause on U.S. tariffs. He and his best friend/co-founder unloaded the first 3,000 boxes in Oakland. Aldag sells the product as “good for your butt, good for the planet and good for a laugh.” It’s also wrapped in paper, not plastic. The health angle “These ads are definitely working to tap into fears around chemical content, and I’ll bet it’s working,” said ERM Shelton Communications Senior Partner Suzanne Shelton. “We’ve also long seen what anybody who has ever watched a Super Bowl ad knows — humor works!” PlantPaper regularly conducts third-party tests for forever chemicals, heavy metals, organic chlorine and certain plasticizer chemicals. In 2023, researchers blamed toilet paper for up to 4 percent of U.S. and Canadian wastewater compounds that can become “forever chemicals” such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The chemicals appeared to slip in, unplanned, through manufacturing or packaging, or through recycled pulp. (Unlike with toilet paper, however, forever chemicals are sometimes intentionally added to diapers and tissues.) To cut toxic dioxin releases, brands now bleach TP with chlorine dioxide rather than elemental chlorine. Some use formaldehyde to increase wet-strength but public data is limited. Credit: NRDC Watchdogs PlantPaper received a B-plus and Who Gives A Crap a B grade in the Natural Resources Defense Council’s 2024 “Issue with Tissue” rankings. Charmin, Amazon Basics and Angel Soft flunked. (Recycled-paper options from Aria, Whole Foods 365 and Trader Joe’s earned A-plus.) “Toilet paper companies that truly prioritize health and environmental sustainability demonstrate it not only through PFAS testing and disclosure policies but also through their fiber sourcing,” said Ashley Jordan, NRDC’s boreal corporate campaign advocate. Like the startups, consumer watchdogs are also wielding humor. As P&G faces a greenwashing lawsuit over Charmin, it’s also the target of a short, joke-laced documentary that Texan Brian Rodgers has produced, accusing the corporation of clearcutting old-growth forests. “You’d better change because there’s a paradigm shift,” he said. “The younger generation is gonna be more active and more angry as our world changes.” PlantPaper’s messaging is meant to connect human and environmental health, according to Reitelman. “Ecology is not something that’s happening in a pond or a forest,” he said. “Ecology is what’s happening when you flush this or that thing down your toilet.” The post Renegade brands sell
Achieve Smart Manufacturing with Advanced 3D Data Management
Advanced 3D data management provides engineering and quality teams instant access to a centralized hub of critical measurement information. Accuracy, efficiency, collaboration, and profits all improve. All manufacturing companies must manage an ever-growing mountain of priceless inspection data. Yet measurement results, process iterations, and approval reports are scattered across hard drives and USB sticks. We live in a digital world that advances daily, but obtaining, accessing, sharing, and tracking digital files often feels like digging through an overstuffed file cabinet—hoping to locate what you want without actually knowing if it is what you need. Now, imagine a streamlined digital data management system where all your 3D measurement files exist in a central secure, searchable hub. Doubts and time-wasting disagreements on whether metrology tasks or reports were already done or not all vanish. This is impossible to accomplish with metrology data scattered across the enterprise on equipment hard drives or USB sticks in various locations. Add intuitive indexing, search, and filtering tools that seamlessly retrieve data based on part number, serial number, or production line and you can be sure you’re working effectively. Gigabytes of 3D data you’ve already captured are turned into accurate, timely, and secure documentation and reports. All your invaluable inspection data stays organized, up to date, and readily available to engineering and QA teams, indeed to anyone who needs it. The Manual Past Surprisingly, many companies still store their 3D measurement data on the hard drives of the computers connected to their devices. This practice creates data silos, consequently amplifying the risk of errors. These measurement files can also quickly achieve gigabyte status. When manually handled, they must first be copied and zipped with retrieval instructions. Each team member, whether working on-site or remotely, must then follow those instructions and copy the file onto their own computer.This not only creates duplicates, it strips downstream comments and actions from the context set by the inspection data. Catching a mistake or suggesting an improvement means sending it through a different communication channel. And when discussion is key to collaboration and product improvement, disconnecting it from the 3D measurement data compromises its value, delays decision-making, and weakens its overall impact. The Digital Future, Now Now envision a manufacturing organization working with multiple suppliers. Digital 3D data management across the enterprise means engineers and QA leads access formerly scattered data instantly. Identifying, defining, and sharing design changes boosts engineering efficiency and helps catch costly design issues early, before they escalate in production phases. Updating, saving, and later retrieving such valuable 3D measurement data when needed also ensures efficient documentation and preserves data integrity over time. Instead of starting from scratch, teams can build on the latest model iterations as the starting point for future efforts. The ability to track and manage 3D data throughout its entire lifecycle empowers companies to make better decisions fast. Valuable insights can be extracted from the data, leading to enhanced product design, optimized processes, and ultimately, higher-quality outputs. Advanced 3D data management brings modern digital communication features— including hyperlinks, tagging, and notifications—directly into the process. It also offers a discussion thread within every inspection project to facilitate information exchange between internal and external collaborators, no matter the physical distance. From design engineering to the shop floor, inspection practices continuously improves, data silos evaporate, and a next-generation manufacturing company emerges. You measure to know and grow. See what PolyWorks|DataLoop next-generation 3D data management can do for your organization. Schedule a demo today. Sponsored Content by InnovMetric The post Achieve Smart Manufacturing with Advanced 3D Data Management appeared first on Engineering.com.
Tenways launches Wayfarer e-bike with $577 savings at $1,899, Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 solar bundle at exclusive new $1,249 low, more
Happy Halloween, everyone! The holiday is closing out this week’s Green Deals led by the brand new launch of Tenways’ Wayfarer e-bike that is getting $277 in FREE gear and a $300 price cut to $1,899. We also have an exclusive $1,750 savings on Jackery’s Explorer 3000 V2 (HomePower 3000) Portable Power Station bundled with two 200W solar panels at a new $1,249 low, as well as two one-day only deals on a heavy-duty Greenworks snow blower and Anker’s SOLIX C1000X Gen 2 variant, and much more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals from last week that are collected together at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s combined EcoFlow Halloween Sale and Monthly Madness promotions that end tonight, Rad Power’s extended sale offers, and more. 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…
Skymark Refuelers introduces 7,000-gallon electric aircraft refueler
Skymark Refuelers has announced the debut of what it said is the largest electric aircraft refueler in the US, the EV Refueler. The 7,000-gallon (26,498-liter) vehicle is designed to support sustainable fueling operations. The EV Refueler “marks a step forward in the electrification of airport ground support equipment,” the company said. The launch customer for the refueler will be Clay Lacy Aviation, supported by World Fuel Services. The three companies say the initiative reflects a collaborative effort to advance decarbonization and modernize ground fueling infrastructure across US airports. The EV’s livery prominently features the Clay Lacy Aviation logo and a Sustainable Aviation Fuel label featuring traditional blue and green aviation fuel colors, given that SAF does not have its own universal color or symbol. The new EV refueler combines an electric drivetrain with a 7,000-gallon fuel capacity. It features a PTO shaft-driven pump designed to ensure reliable and efficient fuel transfer and is fully compliant with National Fire Protection Agency standards. A thermal management system protects vehicle performance and extends component life, Skymark said. In addition, standard smart monitoring and built-in safety systems offer enhanced visibility, control and operator confidence. “Since establishing our sustainability program in 2019, we have continually sought new ways to drive the industry forward and support our company’s environmental goals,” said Doug Wilson, Chief Business Officer for Clay Lacy Aviation FBOs. “This impressively engineered refueler sets a new standard in all-electric ground service equipment and allows us to best serve our clients while being a good neighbor to the communities surrounding our airports.” Source: Skymark Refuelers
