Elon Musk has revealed that Tesla software-locked its cheapest Model Y (Standard Range RWD), and it plans to offer 40 to 60 more miles of range for $1,500-$2,000.

Tesla has introduced a new variant of the Model Y – the Long Range Rear-wheel drive – and axed the previous RWD model, which had previously been the cheapest Model Y ever in the US.

After firing its entire Supercharger team, Tesla has sent out an email to suppliers which shows just how chaotic the decisionmaking leading up to the firings must have been.

On the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss the additional Tesla layoffs, the entire charging team’s departure, and more. Let’s talk about it.

Sponsored by SplitVolt: The Splitvolt Splitter Switch automatically shares power from your existing 240V dryer socket with your Level 2 EV charger. Learn more here.

Today’s Green Deals are jam-packed once more with EV sales to get you geared-up for the cruising months ahead, led by Lectric eBikes’ 5-year anniversary celebration that is taking up to $570 off select e-bikes, like the XPedition Single-Battery Cargo e-bike at $1,399, while also giving away choices of five add-on accessories. It is joined by Rad Powers’ latest flash sale that is dropping the RadRunner 2 Utility e-bike to $1,299 and also offering free accessories on two other models, as well as a rare special from EVOLV that is dropping the PRO V2 Electric Scooter to its $1,799 low. Plus all of the other days’ Green Deals that are still going.

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.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) updated the EV tax credit rules today with new requirements that should enable more electric cars to become eligible.

In a first, German startup Voodin Blade Technology just installed wooden blades on a prototype wind turbine.

Tesla has revealed that the Cybertruck’s frunk is using a ‘learning algorithm,’ which explains some of the inconsistent results in finger-pinching tests.

This week on Electrek’s Wheel-E podcast, we discuss the most popular news stories from the world of electric bikes and other nontraditional electric vehicles. This time, that includes new electric bike models launched by Pedego, a discussion of the rising trend of potted e-bike batteries, Bosch-powered e-bikes enter Taiwan, I also entered Taiwan to test Gogoro’s new Pulse electric scooter, and I also went to China to visit Yadea’s factory for a tour and test riding. Oh, and a lot more!

It feels like e-bikes powered by Bosch’s popular mid-drive electric motors have been around in just about every market for as long as many of us can remember. But there are still major markets getting their first taste of the highly-engineered drivetrains. Bosch’s mid-drive motors are now entering Taiwan, rolling in on Tern’s Vektron and Quick Haul e-bikes.

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from Electrek. Quick Charge is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

Chinese state-owned company COSCO Shipping has launched what it calls the “world’s largest” river-to-sea electric container ship. The Green Water 01 is a 10,000-ton+ fully electric vessel that sets a new benchmark in sustainability in the marine logistics industry.

Chevy is offering a $4,000 discount for owners and lessees of Teslas and other EVs for the 2024 Blazer EV but with some quirky conditions.

Rivian has secured $827 million worth of incentives from the state of Illinois to expand its main factory in Normal.

Electrify America (EA) increased its total number of chargers to over 4,000 in 2023 – here’s what it’s aiming to achieve in 2024.

Today’s Green Deals are headlined by Denago eBikes’ ongoing Earth Month Sale that is still taking $500 off a selection of e-bikes, like the City 1 High-Step Commuter e-bike for $999. It is joined by the EGO Power+ 10-inch Pole Saw and Power Head at $269, with extra ways to save, as well as the return of the popular Greenworks 80V 21-inch Lawn Mower, 13-inch String Trimmer, and 730 Leaf Blower Combo with 4.0Ah Battery for $600. Plus all of the other days’ Green Deals that are still going.

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.

Urban Air Mobility specialist Joby Aviation is touting its latest milestone in eVTOL development today, relaying that it has completed testing of its pre-production aircraft and will now move into getting air certified using its production-intent eVTOL prototypes.

GM luxury brand Cadillac has yet to give up on its plans to go electric by the end of the decade, but that strategy has wavered to the point where it might also include combustion vehicles, at least for the foreseeable future. Cadillac’s global vice president recently told reporters that the company has plans for its EV and combustion powertrains to “coexist for a number of years.”

Tesla is preparing to launch its own in-car voice assistant, according to information in the source code of the latest update.

When Gogoro rolled out its new high-performance electric scooter, the Pulse, the world got its first glimpse of an entirely new side of the company. Best known for its battery-swapping system and cute, brightly-colored scooters, the Pulse launched an edgy new look for Gogoro. But even more importantly, it also showed off an entire suite of new high-tech innovations.

And so when I received an invite to be the first Westerner to test ride the Pulse and share the experience with the world, I jumped on it. Every company seems to proclaim that their new e-scooter is like none other before, but only the Gogoro Pulse is one of the few that can truly mean it. This electric scooter marks a paradigm shift in what is possible for this form factor and with Gogoro’s swappable battery standard.

Acura has officially launched its first-ever BEV – the ZDX, and we at Electrek got the invite to Montecito, California, to test drive the top-tier S-Line trim of the crossover SUV. Acura did many things right in its first venture into electrification, but is it worthy of the performance grade the Honda division is known for? Even more, is it worth the price tag? You be the judge.

A new type of electric bicycle battery is gaining traction in the industry, potentially ushering in unprecedented levels of safety and security for riders. Get ready, because we’re quickly approaching the age of the potted e-bike battery.

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from Electrek. Quick Charge is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

The US announced two proposals for offshore wind sales that could generate more than 18 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy – enough to power more than 6 million homes.