Electrek

As states push DER initiatives, $4,500 PG&E home battery rebate leads the way

Published: Dec 8nd 2025 12:35am on Electrek

Rather than straining the grid, the batteries in EVs can actually help to stabilize the energy grid under heavy loads. PG&E gets that, and to encourage participation in its growing V2G programs, the utility is offering GM Energy customers in its territory up to $4,500 toward qualifying home battery systems.

Tesla Optimus robot takes a suspicious tumble in new demo

Published: Dec 8nd 2025 4:50am on Electrek

A new video surfacing from a Tesla demonstration in Miami this weekend shows the Optimus humanoid robot taking a nasty fall. But it’s not the fall itself that is raising eyebrows, it’s the specific hand movements the robot made on its way down, which strongly suggest it was mimicking a remote operator frantically removing a VR headset.

The electric crossover that could help save Nissan: meet the all-new NX8 

Published: Dec 8nd 2025 3:23am on Electrek

After images of an the new mid-sized electric crossover were leaked by the Chinese MIIT, Nissan pulled the wraps off its all-new NX8 – and it looks so good, I’m wondering if it couldn’t spearhead the brand’s American turnaround.

Chinese quality: BYD launches ‘Zero Defects’ as it crosses 113 GWh in Q3

Published: Dec 8nd 2025 1:59am on Electrek

This week, BYD crossed a major manufacturing milestone as its battery production crossed 113 GWh in the first three quarters of 2025 – but instead of celebrating, the company is doubling down with a new “Zero Defects” initiative to bring battery quality to an even higher level.

DOT opens public comment on plan to hike fuel costs during affordability crisis

Published: Dec 7nd 2025 5:38am on Electrek

This week, the US Environmental Protection Agency proposed a plan to make cars less efficient when Americans are already paying record-high energy bills during an affordability crisis fueled by tariff-driven inflation. That plan is now up for public comment.

I got a 5-ton electric tractor from China. Here’s what showed up

Published: Dec 7nd 2025 3:37am on Electrek

When a 40-foot container rolled up to my property and the doors swung open, I finally got to meet a machine I’d only last seen half-finished on a factory floor in China. Sitting up front, nose practically pressed against the container doors, was my new 10,000-plus-pound (4,700 kg) electric tractor: the NESHER L3000 wheel loader.

Kubota, Kilter to partner on next-generation autonomous farm robot

Published: Dec 6nd 2025 9:31am on Electrek

The Japanese agriculture equipment experts Kubota are partnering with Norwegian tech startup Kilter to co-develop, pilot, and promote the new Kilter AX-1 ultra high-precision weeding robot across Europe.

The future of electric farming is taking shape at John Deere [video]

Published: Dec 6nd 2025 8:09am on Electrek

Energy independence and cost control are top of mind for farmers, and more companies are rolling out electric equipment that can be charged by solar, wind, or even on-farm biogas. With the debut of its latest next-generation electric tractor at Agritechnica last month, John Deere is signaling that it intends to lead that revolution.

Tesla announces 2025 holiday update with a few cool features

Published: Dec 6nd 2025 12:39am on Electrek

Tesla has officially announced its 2025 Holiday Update, and this year, the automaker is not using the usually bigger update for any groundbreaking stuff, but there are a few interesting new smaller features.

You will find the release notes in this article.

Kia is still offering over $10,000 off its entire EV lineup

Published: Dec 5nd 2025 9:40am on Electrek

Kia is extending one of its biggest promotions yet, knocking over $10,000 off every EV in its lineup.