On today’s thrilling episode of Quick Charge, we’ve a huge spike in global EV sales and a huge dip in Tesla deliveries. Plus a whole bunch of news from Toyota, including an updated bZ that’s just a bit better than before … but is a bit better going to make a big difference?
The development of Rivian’s R2 validation builds continues to progress. We know so because the American automaker’s founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe, continues to pepper us with welcome updates with plenty of fantastic images. The latest post features the inner workings of Rivian’s Maximus drive unit, which will propel the upcoming R2 EVs when they hit the market next year.
Tesla has reportedly yet to start testing its robotaxi service in Austin without a safety driver behind the wheel – just weeks before the planned launch.
More than 1 in 4 cars sold around the world in 2025 are expected to be EVs, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). And if EVs stay on track, they could make up over 40% of global car sales by 2030.
Headlining today’s Green Deals are four website-exclusive solar generator bundles from EcoFlow’s ongoing Mother’s Day Sale, which is running parallel to its Spring-to-Summer Sale, and feature a new low price on the DELTA 2 Max Power Station with two 220W solar panels and a protective bag for $1,424. If you would prefer the smaller DELTA 2 Power Station, you can grab it at Amazon with a waterproof handbag for $449, which beats out the brand’s direct pricing. There’s also Greenworks’ latest Pro-tier 2,300 PSI Electric Pressure Washer that has returned to its $280 low, as well as some other notable discounts from the brand. Lastly, for budget commuters, you can hop aboard the Hoverfly X1 Electric Scooter at a new $214 low or the XR Elite Electric Scooter at $202. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s new low prices on the Greenworks 80V Venture 20-inch Utility e-bike, the EGO dual-port mower combo, 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.
As it scrambles to turn things around, Nissan is scrapping plans to build a new LFP battery plant in Japan. The facility was expected to be key to reducing EV battery costs to keep up with leaders like BYD. With alarm bells ringing, Nissan is preparing to cut 20,000 jobs, or about 15% of its global workforce.
Tesla has shared a video of the progress of its Optimus humanoid robot, but it still looks like it is catching up to the competition.
On today’s episode of Quick Charge, it’s back to your regularly scheduled news programming with reports that Tesla employees are getting fired for asking Elon to step down as the new Model Y flops hard in the global marketplace. We’ve also got a new electrified Volvo XC70 and Micah has a close call with the law!
China has reclaimed the No. 1 spot on BloombergNEF’s annual Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking, bumping Canada to second place, as its low electricity prices and strong infrastructure gave it the edge in 2024.
The report ranks 30 countries based on how well they’re positioned to build a secure and sustainable battery supply chain, and this year’s reshuffling says a lot about where the market’s headed.
