Hello, dear readers and riders! Welcome to the first installment of our EV news roundup series for the month of October. This week, we’ll cover Tesla’s strange humanoid robot, a new sci-fi e-Scooter, and New York’s push to ban gas vehicles. If you see anything interesting you’d like us to cover, shoot us an email at stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Bandit9 Unveils a Sci-Fi e-Scooter
The Nano is the latest kickass design from Bandit9, this time in the form of an eScooter. [Bandit9]Designer Darryl Villanueva and his Vietnam-based vehicle company Bandit9 have been featured on The Vintagent and included in our Petersen Museum exhibits in the past, as Villanueva's skills are world class. From futuristic lightweight Honda clones to EV cars looking like F1 refugees, Bandit9 consistently moves the needle forward on anything they touch. The latest project on two wheels is a sci-fi-inspired e-Scooter. Called the Nano, the futuristic scoot features a robust frame crafted from Rolex steel and a sleek, metallic sheen. Created for city dwellers, the scooter is available in two different models and has a 60-mile range.
Meet a Four-Wheeled e-Scooter
The Dragonfly is stable without gyros...with four wheels, is it a standup car? [Dragonfly]A new four-wheeled e-Scooter recently hit the market. Called the Dragonfly, the scoot is touted as the “world’s first hyperscooter.” Made of carbon fiber and aluminum, with 10" tires and 4-wheel independent suspension, the Dragonfly weighs 40lbs and folds up flat. With 3 ride modes from a handlebar display, top speed is reckoned to be 30mph in Mode 3...but we reckon hackers will pump up the volume on that in short order. After all, we've seen 70mph standup eScooters before...can this be even quicker?
One EV Is on Its Way to Pre-Production While Another Drags Its Feet
The Faraday is on its way, with over 1000hp on tap - quite the fam wagon! [Faraday]The long-anticipated electric crossover from Faraday Future is finally on its way to pre-production. Called the FF91, the EV promises to churn out 1050 ponies and has a range of just under 400 miles, thanks to its impressive 130kWh battery.
Lordstown's groovy ePickup is on hold while they raise funds. Go for the commercial market, folks, to secure a financial pipeline. Just sayin'. [Lordstown]Another company isn’t so lucky. Ohio-based EV truck maker Lordstown still needs to raise the funds to build the remainder of its Endurance electric pickups. While the company plans to release 50 trucks by the end of the year, the remaining 500 vehicles are on hold until further notice.
Charge Cars to Debut the Charge ’67 at the Petersen Museum
The Charge '67 is surely an electric Bullitt, shooting silently across our urban streets. Will the remake be silent? [Charge]London-based EV-maker Charge Cars recently announced that it will be debuting its electric AWD carbon fiber modernized 1967 Mustang, the Charge ’67, at the Petersen Museum in LA later this month as part of its US launch. Production is limited to just 499 vehicles. The Charge ’67 can go from 0-62mph in under four seconds, cranks out 536hp and 1120 lb.-ft. of torque, and features a Ford-licensed bodyshell, custom suspension, and AC Racing brakes. “We are delighted to be in Los Angeles with our partners to celebrate the launch of the Charge '67 in the United States. It’s the ideal destination for our technology, design and performance, which has come to life in such an exciting way,” said Vadim Shagaleev, CEO of Charge Cars.
Yamaha Bicycles Releases All-Mount e-Bike Models
No trail is impossible with super-sophisticated technical assistance. Yamaha's new eMTB is all that. [Yamaha]Yamaha Bicycles recently announced the addition of two YDX-MORO models to its e-Bike lineup. Called the YDX-MORO 07 and YDX-MORO 05 models, the bikes are outfitted with a PW-X3 drive system that boasts a max torque of 85Nm, while ensuring 250W nominal assist, 500W maximum assist, and power assist up to 20mph. The bike’s Automatic Support Mode gives the right amount of assist based on riding conditions, allowing riders to conquer any obstacle on the trail. “The PW-X3 drive unit is 10% lighter and 20% smaller, while producing more torque and the most ‘Pure Ride’ feeling of any e-MTB on the market,” stated Drew Engelmann, Sales and Marketing Manager at Yamaha Power Assist Bicycles.
New York Aims to Ban New Gas Vehicles by 2035
It's happening on the streets of NYC already: it's hard to find a gas station in Manhattan, but EV chargers will be everywhere...
Not wishing to be outdone by California, the Empire State recently adopted a plan to phase out the sale of new gas trucks and cars by 2035. The plan will require 35% of light vehicle sales in the state to be zero-emissions by 2026. This percentage will increase to 68% by 2030, and then to 100% by the target year.
A Human Tesla
In the 'fuck that!' category of true Halloween stories, Tesla's ethically challenged CEO builds an AI version of himself, for his own clone army and eventual takeover of Mars. Amirite? [Tesla]Leave it to Elon to turn the terrors of The Terminator into reality. Earlier this week, the Tesla CEO unveiled a humanoid robot prototype during the company’s AI Day. Called Optimus—really, Tesla?!—the robot uses software derived from Tesla’s cars to move itself and is powered by a 2.3kWh battery. According to various sources, the robot can be used to tackle tasks you don’t want to do yourself, including office work and gardening. If you want your own creepy robot servant, it’ll cost you around $20,000. No guarantees it will not kill errant children or motorcyclists.
Fresh Funds
The global battery materials market is forecast to cross $120B by 2027
Euler Motors raised $60M in series-C funding led by GIC Singapore to beef up its manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello, dear readers and riders! Welcome to the last installment of our EV news roundup for September. This week, we’ll cover the world’s first flying motorcycle, a truly ugly autonomous concept from VW, a Dutch e-Bike literally designed to last a lifetime, and the latest from Livewire. If you see anything cool you’d like us to cover, hit us up at stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Livewire is Taking Reservations for the S2 Del Mar
The hotly anticipated S2 Del Mar is the second model from Livewire, and available next Spring. [Livewire]
Earlier this week, Livewire announced that it is taking reservations for the production version of its S2 Del Mar e-Motorcycle. This will be the brand’s first model to feature the new ARROW architecture. The S2 Del Mar, priced at $16,999, will churn out 80 ponies, 184 lb-ft of torque, and is expected to have a city range of 110 miles.
CAKE’s New Line of e-Bikes Supports Global Bee and Pollinator Population
On the 60th anniversary of Rachel Carlson's groundbreaking book 'Silent Spring', CAKE is supporting the Global Bee Initiative with a series of floral Kalks. [CAKE]
Swedish e-bike maker CAKE dropped its new line of Flower Power Limited Edition mono- colored motorbikes earlier this week. The new bikes, available in a wide range of stunning colors, were made in an effort to raise awareness and support the World Bee Project, a global initiative to protect pollinators. “The reality of bees diminishing has been disturbing, but it was not until I and the rest of us here at CAKE watched the French documentary, Insecticides, A Licence to Kill, that the complete crisis fully materialized. The Flower Power initiative is a small contribution sharing the painful reality of our fragile ecosystem, where everyone is obligated to change and take action,” Stefan Ytterborn, founder and CEO of CAKE, said in a press release. Read our most recent interview with Stefan here.
Meet the World’s First Flying Motorcycle
Wannabe Iron Man? Sounds amazing, sounds terrifying, and if I see you in the sky making as much noise as on your chopper I will consider you a target. [Poetry by HS Thompson, image by JetPack Aviation]
Flying cars are cool and all, but JetPack Aviation’s flying motorcycles are even better. The California company, which has already made a name for itself in the vertical people propeller department, recently announced a successful test flight of the world’s first flying motorcycle. The 300-pound flying machine, called the Speeder, can take off and land vertically, as well as fly autonomously. The ultralight version can be flown sans pilot’s license, has top speeds of 60mph, and a flight time of about 15 minutes. The company’s experimental version does require a basic pilot’s license, tops out at 250mph, and has a flight time of 35 minutes. The final design will be outfitted with eight turbines and a size-to-payload ratio of 600 pounds. The Speeder is expected to be commercially available by next year.
An e-Bike That Lasts for a Lifetime
A modest assault an planned obsolescence: the new business ethic? [Roetz]
Amsterdam-based Roetz-Bikes recently released the Roetz Life, an e-bike that’s intended to last forever. The modular e-Bike’s development was three years in the making but well worth it. The result is a futureproof design that relies on a modular concept that enables separate modules to be repaired and replaced as needed. This allows the Roetz Life to evolve with its owner.
The Ugliest Concept We’ve Ever Seen
Well, they called the Beetle 'ugly bugly', and if this is ever produced it will surely deserve a nickname. [VW]
Volkswagen is no stranger to boundary-pushing designs. However, the automaker’s latest concept, the VW Gen.Travel, is truly a sight to behold—and not in a good way. The battery- electric autonomous vehicle is set to replace short-haul flights thanks to its modular interior. Depending on the interior’s configuration, you can host a conference, sleep inside overnight, or entertain the kiddos with augmented reality. This all makes the Gen.Travel a testament to function over form.
Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Plant Will Alleviate Critical Material Supply Chain Woes
A gritty glimmer of hope: if LiON batteries can be recycled, the pressure on the environment will be reduced. [Cerba]
Heritage Battery Recycling, an affiliate of Cirba Solutions, recently announced plans to build a lithium-ion recycling plant in Eloy, Arizona. This will help alleviate the critical material supply chain that is currently challenging the U.S. The 75,000 sq.ft. facility is expected to produce enough battery material to support 50,000 electric vehicles each year and will be up and running by mid-2023.
Volvo’s New EV is Spying on You
If you drive this car forever, you will never ever sleep. [Volvo]
Swedish automaker Volvo’s newest EV, the EX90, keeps a watchful eye on its driver. The car’s Level 3 driver-assist system carefully analyzes your attention and will notify you if you take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel for too long.
20+ Countries Agree to Increase Low-Emission Hydrogen Output by 2030
As part of a global effort to protect the planet, more than 20 countries have agreed to increase low-emission hydrogen output in the next seven years by 90+ million tons. The agreement, led by Japan, will include the U.S., Germany, and Australia. Japan aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
For China, EVs are not the Future, they are the Present
"New electric cars parked under photovoltaic systems in Jinzhong. China has one of the fastest-growing E.V. markets, with sales expected to double this year to about six million vehicles." [China Group via Getty Images]
The New York Times featured an article today explaining how "more electric cars will be sold in the country this year than in the rest of the world combined." 25% of all new cars purchased in China are electric, and more than 300 companies are making EVs in China. The US, by comparison, EVs just passed 5% of new car sales, whereas China passed that marker in 2018. China's leader Xi Jinping declared in 2014 that EVs were the only path forward to make China a global power in the automobile market. With an expected 6 million electric cars selling this year in China, more than the rest of the world combined, that's already true domestically. The number of EV charging stations in China stands at 4 million today, which is double the number from one year ago - an extraordinary infrastructure commitment. The reason for their popularity in China? Price. Reasonable EV sedans sell for $5-10,000, and have 1/10th the running cost of a gas or diesel motor. Electric cars in the West are typically luxury models, but in China they're economy cars (plus some swank rivals to Tesla et al). It will take a few years, but keep your eyes out for Chinese EVs in Western markets soon.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello, dear readers and riders! Welcome to the latest installment of our EV news roundup, your hub for the latest updates about the electric revolution. This week, we’ll take a look at BMW’s plans for Tesla-inspired battery cells, a pioneering e- Motorcycle that’s pushing technological boundaries, a cute and compact city-friendly EV, and an all-electric camper. Your thoughts, tips, and feedback are always appreciated. Please send your inquiries to stephanie@thevintagent.com. iLet’s roll.
BMW’s Big Battery Plans
BMW will share battery dimensions with Tesla by 2025, meaning some modularity of production and use? [BMW]
Earlier this week, German luxury automaker BMW revealed its plans for a new kind of battery cell. The company plans to outfit their cars with the new round-cell batteries starting in 2025. BMW’s new batteries promise quicker recharging times, longer ranges on a full charge, and to reduce costs by as much as 50% compared to its current cells. BMW’s new batteries will share a format with Tesla.
Meet the New Boundary-Pushing e-Motorcycle
The Arc Vector is a hypersports eBike is in a class of its own. [Arc]
A new electric motorcycle dubbed the Arc Vector promises to be the most technologically advanced e-Bike in the world. Hand crafted in the UK, the e-Motorbike has a 40-minute charging time and a range of 436km. But that’s only the start. The Arc Vector lineup also includes a first- of-its-kind human-machine interface (HMI), including a helmet with head-up display and the Arc Origin haptic jacket, which keeps the rider alert with real-time vibrations and taps.
A Cute EV That is Reshaping the Future of Personal Mobility
The CUV is a micromobility vehicle intended for urban use, probably the #1 category for EVs today. [Biomega]
Meet the Biomega CUV, a compact EV that is positioned to redefine the future of city transportation. The petite production-ready electric vehicle features a range of 160km, top speeds of 130 km/h, a 20kWh battery capacity, and four in-hub motors, which keep the cabin clear. The vehicle’s minimalistic design allows for easy maneuvering in tight urban areas.
A Sustainable Bike Made of Concrete
Anytime you're slogging uphill and think your bike is made of concrete, think again. This one is! [Play to DIY]
While our main focus is electric vehicles, we also love to feature eco-friendly mobility concepts as well. This new concrete bicycle built by the team at the Play to DIY YouTube channel immediately caught our attention. Tipping the scales at almost 300 pounds, the concrete bike can roll and pedal. The bike is made from recycled bicycle parts, plywood, pipeline, and, of course, concrete.
This Electric Flying Car Comfortably Fits in Your Garage
The dream of a flying car is evergreen: will Doroni finally crack it? [Doroni]
Skip the hassle of rush-hour traffic when you fly the skies in the Doroni H1 flying car. Developed by Doroni Aerospace, , the two-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) can be parked in a two-car garage. The Doroni H1 has a 60-mile range, payload capacity of 200 kilos, and can reach 80% battery capacity in as little as 15 minutes.
Experience Fully Electric Camping with the NS-1
Campworks is ready for you eSUV for a fully off-grid experience. [Campworks]
Want an eco-friendly camping experience? If so, meet the NS-1 electric camper from Campworks. This “off-road micro-grid” is powered by the sun and can store up to 1,840 watts of solar energy, allowing it to work as a generator for any EV that tows it. The NS-1 has 19 inches of ground clearance, enabling it to navigate all types of terrain. The double-pane windows and acoustic insulation wall panels will keep you comfy all year long. The caravan also has spacious sleeping areas and a small kitchen, complete with utensil storage, LED lighting, and a sliding counter.
Fresh Funds
President Joe Biden recently announced the approval of the first $900 million in funding of a $1 trillion infrastructure bill to develop EV charging stations across 35 states.
EnviroSpark, a commercial EV charging startup, raised over $5.7 million in Series A funding.
Monta, another EV charging company, raised $30 million from Energize Ventures.
Electric fleet charging infrastructure company, TeraWatt Infrastructure, secured over $1 billion in Series A funding.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello, dear readers and riders! Are you finally feeling the chill of the autumn air where you are? We sure hope so. It’s a nice reprieve from the sweltering summer heat we’ve been dealing with. This week’s EV news roundup is pretty cool too. We’re covering a hydrogen fuel cell cyberpunk motorcycle, a Tesla-inspired motorbike, a retro-themed e-Bike complete with a sidecar, and much more. If you’ve come across any compelling EV news you’d like us to cover, shoot us a message at stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Hydra: The Hydrogen-Powered Cyberpunk Motorbike
A hydrogen motorcycle? There's no reason why not. [Hydra]
We always love a distinctly designed motorcycle. And the Hydra is dressed to impress. The brainchild of designers Anton Guzhov, Anton Brousseau, and André Taylforth, the Hydra is powered by hydrogen fuel cells that have zero harmful emissions. The bike also makes toxic battery acid from EV batteries a thing of the past. In fact, the only by-products of this bike are heat and water—hence its name. And thanks to its fascinating aesthetics, this bike definitely grabbed our attention.
Meet the Tesla-Inspired e-Motorcycle
It's well known that Elon Musk doesn't give a fig about motorcycles, but folks have been designing bikes around the Tesla name for years. Here's the latest concept suggesting what a Tesla bike might look like, although Tesla doesn't build particularly exotic cars... [Zhang Yanqi]
Electric motors have led to an onslaught of peculiar designs. Zhang Yanqi’s new e-Motorcycle concept is just that. Dubbed the “Tesla Model-Z,” this abstract bike boasts thick front spokes, a hubless rear wheel, and a futuristic design. The tilted case with ventilation flares sleekly disguises the typical bulky look of the batteries. The Model-Z promises to go from 0 to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, with top speeds of 200km/h and a 75km range. These specs, of course, are theoretical.
High-End Electric Boat Features Smart Tech and a Roomy Deck
Xshore is a pioneer on the e-boat scene, and has had success in Sweden's amazing waterways. [Xshore]
Want a luxury, electrified at-sea experience? If so, meet the electric X Shore 1 by Swedish electric boat manufacturer X Shore. Promising to be the “future of boating,” this high-end boat features a generous deck, cantilevered roof, a range of 50 nautical miles, and top speeds of 55km/h thanks to its 125kW electric motor. The X Shore 1 is also outfitted with smart tech for anti-theft and can reach 80% charging capacity in just 50 minutes.
E-Bike with Sidecar
Take a friend on an e-bike adventure! [Modeasy]
Want to take your partner or pooch for a spin? The Mod Easy Sidecar allows you to do just that. Developed by Austin-based electric bike company Mod Bikes, this striking sidecar model is outfitted with 24-inch rims and thick tires, ensuring stability and supreme comfort. The throwback design gives us total vintage vibes. However, this EV has all of the modern creature comforts your heart desires, including LCD display and password-protected unlocking.
This e-Motorcycle Charges All Your Devices
We are reaching the point where our vehicles will be fully integrated into our devices. [Mokwheel]
Want to keep everything juiced, including your EV? Mokwheel’s latest e-Motorbike can do that! Called the Basalt, this bike harnesses the power of the sun to charge all of your gadgets. It’s equipped with a robust 960Wh battery pack and uses a specially developed inverter to charge your devices. Thanks to the solar panels, you can charge this bike virtually anywhere, making it perfect for your next camping adventure.
Electrify America to Build Fast Chargers for EV Truck Fleets
After the call last week for EV owners not to charge their vehicles during peak hours in California, Electrify America is building one possible solution. [Electrify America]
Electrify America will be installing 30 fast chargers in the Port of Long Beach, CA for electric drayage truck fleets. The chargers will feature battery energy storage systems (BESS), enabling them to store energy for use at any time, alleviating issues currently arising with excess demand on the grid at peak hours, and the ironic request by the state of California to take electric vehicles off the grid on hot weather days.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello, dear readers and riders! We hope you had a great Labor Day weekend! Welcome to the first EV roundup of September. This week’s roundup promises to be a doozy, including an all-electric watercraft that can be turned into a campervan, a wooden balance bike, and Jeep’s plans to become the top zero-emissions SUV brand on the globe Please send your tips, questions, and feedback to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
All-Electric Watercraft/Camper That Can Tackle Both Land and Sea
It's an RV on the water, or a boat on the highway, and it's all electric: looks like the future of caravaning to us. [Schneider Caravaning]
Have you ever dreamed of a campervan that can be turned into a catamaran? If so, the all-electric land-and-sea watercraft from German company Schneider Caravaning is right up your alley. Dubbed the Caracat 860, this innovative concept is an electric boat and trailer rolled into one. Available in three sizes that span from 21.7 feet to 28.2 feet, the Caracat needs to be towed by a truck but can propel on its own once it hits the water thanks to its 15hp outboard electric engine.
Eco-Friendly Kids’ Balance Bike with a Wooden Frame
If Moebius designed a kid's bike, there you go. The cool monocoque Sweep Bike. [Bored Eye Design]
Start teaching your kids about sustainability early on with an eco-friendly balance bike concept that features a wooden, fluid frame. The brainchild of designer Liam de la Bedoyere from Bored Eye Design, the “Sweep Bike” entices kids to learn how to ride. Seamlessly blending imagination with function, the Sweep Bike requires no pedaling, allowing children to learn how to balance their bodies the right way.
Hyundai’s New Luxury EV Brand Has Finally Arrived
Will it be cheaper / faster / better than a Tesla? Well, it's built a lot closer to China... [Hyundai]
South Korean automaker Hyundai will now take on Tesla and Mercedes while undercutting their prices with the arrival of its new luxury EV brand, Genesis. Their 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 sedan, soon to be available in several US states, cranks out 365 ponies and 516 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to its 87.2kWh battery, the Electrified G80 has a range of 282 miles. Best of all, the starting price is $80,920, making it a bargain in the luxury EV segment.
Jeep Aims to Be the World’s Top Zero-Emission SUV Brand
Jeep plans to be a big player in the lookin-offroad EV market. [Jeep]
Jeep is taking the electric realm by storm with four new EVs rolling out in the next three years. The automaker’s ultimate goal is to become the world’s leading electric SUV manufacturer. “We are designing and developing the most capable and sustainable Jeep SUVs to date, on our path to becoming the leading zero-emission SUV brand in the world,” Christian Meunier, Jeep brand CEO, said earlier this week.
Hydrogen Might Save the Electric Grid
"NREL's hydrogen and fuel cell research is lowering the cost and increasing the scale of technologies to make, store, move, and use hydrogen across multiple energy sectors." [NREL]
As the demand for EVs continues to rise, the need for a smarter electric grid has never been greater. Hydrogen might be the solution. A recent paper from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory takes a deep dive into such a plan, stating that off-peak electric grid capacity allows for the cheap production of hydrogen for better energy storage. Do you think a plan like this could work?
Fresh Funds
Ascend Elements, an engineered materials and lithium-ion battery recycling company based in the US, just received $50 million from SK ecoplant, the environmental leg of SK, Inc.
Mobile EV charging network provider SparkCharge raised an additional $7 million to its Series A round. That brings the company’s total to $30 million.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello, dear readers and riders! Can you believe it’s already September? This year seems to be whizzing by. While the summer was packed with exciting EV news, a little bird told us that this autumn will be even better. Just look at this week’s EV news round up. From stunningly designed e-Motorcycles from Italy to a cyberpunk bobber that looks like it came straight out of Blade Runner, this week’s stories are coming in hot. As always, send us your tips, questions, and feedback to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Form Meets Function in These Exquisite Italian e-Motorcycles
The new Arlix ebike mixes vintage motorcycle cues with modern MTB looks. [Arlix]
Arlix, a bespoke e-Motorcycle manufacturer based in Italy, is transforming machines into works of art with their line of luxury sustainable vehicles. What started out as a vision quickly became a reality when long-time friends, Giancarlo and Agostino, took their passion for assembling off-road motorcycle one step further. Today, the two innovators are creating provocative EVs that straddle the line between bicycles and motorcycles. Their limited-edition line of handcrafted bikes attracts both art lovers and motorcyclists alike. The parallelogram fork and other thoughtful components give the Arlix a futuristic look, while the 250W motor allows the bike to have a range of 125 miles. The Arlix is truly the perfect merge of form and function.
Meet the Cyberpunk Electric Bobber
Vaporware, but an indication of designers' response to contemporary EV issues: a big battery in the middle, and a need for wheels to move it. The Hermes falls into the Lotus X1 camp, with a long and low chassis. Would you ride it? [Ravichandra Madhavarapu]Many EVs have been inspired by Greek gods. Take Curtiss’ Zeus and Hera e-Motorcycles for instance. Another recent example of an EV paying tribute to the gods is the Hermes-X30. The brain child of Ravichandra Madhavarapu, the Hermes-X30 is a futuristic electric bobber concept that boasts a geometric body, square tank, and a flat saddle. With a mostly concealed suspension, thick wheels, and panel covers, the Hermes-X30 was inspired by the Netflix series Cyberpunk 2077. While the Hermes-X30 is a just a digital rendering for now, we’re excited to see what the future holds.
Polestar to Supply Batteries for Candela Boats
Polestar meets Candela eBoats, making us wonder why more boat companies aren't teaming up with car tech. [Candela]Polestar is teaming up with Candela Boats to supply batteries and electric charging stations for the electric hydrofoil maker. Candela currently offers small hydrofoils that are powered by 40kWh batteries and offer a range of 50 nautical miles. Polestar is reported to soon be using a new gigafactory in Gothenburg, Sweden to build future EV batteries.
Canoo Testing Walmart EV Vans
The business of EVs is business. Like contracting with municipalities and the military worked for Harley-Davidson (for a century), EV companies are targeting delivery businesses for fleet sales. Canoo X Walmart is the latest. [Canoo]Canoo is partnering with Walmart to begin real-world testing of its electric LDV vans. Walmart has ordered 4,500 electric vans from the EV manufacturer for home deliveries. The vans are designed for last-mile, high-frequency deliveries and offer a range of up to 250 miles.
TransPod FluxJet Reaches Tops Speeds of 1,000 KM/H
Having ridden a Chinese mag-flux 350mph train, I can say ditch the jet for medium-range travel. [Transpod]Canadian startup TransPod is in the process of building an ultra-high-speed ground transportation system called the TransPod Line. This week, the company unveiled its FluxJet, which will reshape how people and packages are moved. The fully-electric vehicle, which is a mash-up of a train and plane, features contactless power transmission technology and a new field of physics dubbed veillance flux, which enables the FluxJet to travel 1,000 km/h. To put it into context, that’s three-times faster than a high-speed train. TransPod just announced the next phase of its $18B infrastructure project, which is slated to create 140,000 jobs in Canada. Once the lines are in operation, TransPod is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 636,000 tons every year.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello, dear readers and riders. Welcome back to your news hub for all things EV. This week we’ll be taking a look at an e-Bike made out of plants, an electric backpack helicopter, Kawasaki’s plans for an electrified future, and fully electric restorations of some iconic classics. Be sure to send your tantalizing EV tips to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
A Folding e-Bike Made from Plants
The Hummingbird Flax is light in the hand and attempting to be light on the planet, using only sustainably-grown plant fibers for its frame. [Hummingbird]What’s more eco-friendly than an electric bicycle? One made from plants! Meet the Hummingbird Flax, a new folding e-Bike outfitted with a frame made from sustainable flax plant fibers. Weighing just 22 pounds, the Flax e-Bike features a 250W rear hub motor and is powered by a 158Wh battery, giving it an electric assist range of about 31 miles.
Electric Backpack Helicopter Concept is the Future of Personal Transportation
Dreams dreams and more dreams. We love that people build stuff like this: it's no surprise that making helipacks commercially available is pretty much impossible, despite startups and promises, but we can dream, no? [Copterpack]Forget personal aircrafts. Australian startup CopterPack created an electric prototype that allows you to fly through the sky using a bookbag. The company’s electric-helicopter backpack features a self-leveling autopilot and lightweight carbon fiber honeycomb airframe that becomes a natural extension of the pilot’s body, enabling them to take flight. How cool is that?
Kawasaki Looks to an Electric Future
Looks like and e-Kawi on test to us. Will they style it conservatively like most other OEM bids to join the future, or will they try something ultra stylish? Methinks it will have a 'gas tank' etc... [Kawasaki]Kawasaki is readying itself for an electric future with two new e-Motorcycles, codenamed
Following the brand’s traditional pattern, the ‘X’ is used to designate a sport bike while the ‘R’ represents a naked roaster. Both models are expected to be unveiled next year.
DeLorean Unveils Omega 2040 Concept at Pebble Beach
Not your daddy's cocaine-fueled stainless roadster! We've moved to stronger stuff here - look out world. [DeLorean]DeLorean recently revealed its wild Omega 2040 Baja-themed electric off-roader at Pebble Beach. The new EV features huge wheels, a lifted stance, and futuristic styling. But is it a pickup or SUV? The automaker also showcased its new Alpha5 Plasmatail that boasts a streamlined fastback design and gullwing doors.
Lightning Tachyon Hopes for an Electric Speed Record
The Lightning Tachyon, designed to hit 250mph, which will snatch the 'world's fastest production motorcycle' securely back in the hands of this small California company. [Lightning]Lightning Motorcycles recently announced that it is going after the e-Motorcycle speed record with its Tachyon Nb. The brand claims that the Tachyon can reach speeds in excess of 250mph. The bike’s namesake is a nod to the hypothetical particle that can travel faster than the speed of light, which is scientifically impossible. The “Nb” is the chemical symbol for niobium, which is the main product of Lightning’s project partner, CBMM. The Tachyon’s fairings were made in collaboration with motorcycle saddle maker Corbin, whose founder, Mike Corbin, set an e-Motorcycle speed record in the 1970s.
Bandit9’s Electric Sports Car Concept is Easy on the Eyes
Tired of those Instagram clips of some ultrawealthy dude driving his unregistered F1 car on the freeway recently? Bandit9 caters to the dream, bringing you an F1 inspired street car to your door. [Bandit9]Bandit9 recently dropped its new all-electric sports car concept, the attention-grabbing Monaco. Encased in stunning black carbon fiber monocoque, the sexy EV is powered by the same electric engine and LPF batteries that are under the hood of the Tesla Model S. The Monaco churns out 526 horses and 445 lb-ft of torque thanks to having its batteries and engine positioned in the rear. Sprinting from 0 to 60 in just 2.7 seconds, this car can cover 250 miles on just one charge. “That’s faster and stronger than most modern muscle cars,” Bandit9 stated. The Monaco, also featuring an ultrawide tactical camera and jet-like cockpit, starts at $150,000 and ships worldwide.
Kindred Motorworks Electrifies Iconic Classics
We all love the looks of vintage cars, but in truth they're filthy! No emission controls, leaky engines, poor carburation. Keep the style, swap the motive power, make 'em 'lectric. [Kindred Motorworks]California-based Kindred Motorworks is transforming beloved classics into eco-friendly EVs. The company has turned a Volkswagen Bus, Chevy Camaro, and Ford Bronco into fully electric restorations. Prices for the updated classic vehicles range from $149,000 to $199,000 and include a guaranteed 200-mile range.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello, dear readers and riders! It looks like this heatwave that has had the world in a chokehold isn’t going to let up anytime soon. We hope you all are staying cool and hydrated. The EV industry is also still holding plenty of heat. In this week’s roundup, we’ll take a look at a weird boomerang-shaped off-roading EV concept, the first all-electric aluminum camper, the new Polestar 6 electric roadster, and more. If you have any tips, questions, or feedback you’d like to share, send your inquiries to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Boomerang-Shaped EV Concept with Off-Roading Capabilities
What shape are your dreams? OK, it isn't really a boomerang, more a doorstop, but it looks very interesting all the same. [Artem Smirnov]Belarus-based designer Artem Smirnov recently released a new two-seater EV concept that blew our minds. The boomerang-shaped urban mobility concept, called the PIX L7, boasts a forward-thinking V-shaped body and off-road capabilities. The buggy-inspired design is outfitted with guard rails that span the entire length of the vehicle’s top half, panning front fog lights, and can be turned into a load carrier for shorter trips.
Bowlus’ New Luxury EV Camper is a Reimagined Airstream
Lookin' like an electric bullet, the Bowlus aluminum camper is solar-powered and retro-modern. Llamas not included. [Bowlus]Luxury RV brand Bowlus recently revealed its all-electric aluminum camper, the Volterra. Claiming to be the first of its kind, the Volterra will have satellite internet, 480W solar panels, a 50-gallon fresh water tank, and 17kWh battery system. Measuring just over 27 feet long, the Volterra can sleep four passengers comfortably. The starting price for this baby is a whopping $310,000, which makes it better suited for glamping instead of camping.
Meet the New 884hp Polestar Electric Roadster
Faster than your Miata, or Jaguar, the new Polestar convertible looks to kick IC booty. [Polestar]Polestar recently announced that it will be adding an 884hp electric roadster to its lineup in 2026. Called the Polestar 6, the hardtop convertible will share the same drivetrain as the Polestar 5 super-sedan and deliver 663 lb-ft of torque thanks to its 800V dual-electric motor setup. Polestar says the roadster will be able to sprint from 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds and achieve top speeds of 155mph.
Ford Reopens Order Books for Its Lightning Electric Pickup
After a year of delays, hesitations, and layoffs, Ford is back in the electric pickup biz. [Ford]Ford fans will be thrilled to hear that the automaker is taking more orders for its first electric pickup, the F-150 Lightning. Unfortunately, the trucks are now much more expensive than their originally promised starting price of around $40,000. New buyers will now have to shell out $48,769 or more for a new Lightning.
Elaqua Marine Debuts Fully-Electric Personal Watercraft
Elaqua Marine, Inc. recently revealed its fully-electric personal watercraft that boasts 81 miles worth of range and top speeds of 55mph. Riders can enhance their time on the water with the PWC’s onboard Human Interface screen and 5G connectivity. The fully-electric powertrain means less maintenance and downtime, so you can spend more time riding the waves.
CAKE to Host a Weekend of Clean Racing
CAKE has its own-make race series worldwide: the start of something new? [CAKE]Electric bike maker CAKE is hosting the CAKE World One Design Race on Gotland in Sweden this Saturday. The electric off-road racing series will include elite riders from every corner of the globe who will compete against each other using identical bikes, making the series an inclusive, industry-first. “CAKE One Design Worlds is an initiative to promote inclusive, silent, and clean racing in the aftermath of racing tracks shutting down in the past 15 years, due to disturbance and pollution. Thanks to light, torquey, and snappy bikes, the format is available, exciting, and compact for riders as well as for audience and media,” said Stefan Ytterborn, founder and CEO of CAKE.
VW’s Unveils Working Electric Air Taxi Concept
Taxi! Fly me to the moon, so I can sing among the stars! [VW]Volkswagen recently revealed a working concept of an electrical Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) craft that is being developed in China. The new concept has a planned range of up to 124 miles, measures 36.7 feet in length, and is equipped with eight exposed rotors along its top and two additional ones in a pusher configuration for horizontal flying. VW says the eVTOL will be able to carry four passengers.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello, dear readers and riders! We hope y’all are keeping cool. This heatwave feels like it’s never going to end. This week’s EV news roundup is just as hot. We’re covering an electric Meyers Manx dune buggy, the world’s lightest folding e-Bike, new e-Motorcycles from Can-Am, a fat-tired e-Bike that can tackle the toughest terrain, and more. Send us your EV tips, questions, or feedback to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Say What? Meet the Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric Dune Buggy
The Myers Manx EV prototype captures the wonderful spirit of the original Dune Buggy. [Myers Manx]
The very first Meyers Manx was painstakingly built by hand in a rented Newport Beach garage in 1964. Boy, how times have changed! Earlier this week, the brand announced that its fun- loving dune buggy is back. But now, it’s electrified. The new Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric features a 40kWh battery and has an estimated range of about 300 miles. The first 50 buggies will go to Beta testers next year, while regular customers can get behind the wheel in 2024.
Sweet booty! Looks like a very fun ride, and the ultra light weight will make for Cobra-like performance. [Myers Manx]
The revival of the beloved Myers Manx brand has been imminent, since the purchase of all assets by a group led by billionaire Philip Sarophim a few years ago. The Vintagent team has been proud to include two of Sarophim's collection in our Petersen Museum exhibits ('Big Oly' and the Lancia Stratos Zero), and we've known of the plan to develop an EV version of the Myers Manx since the acquisition of the brand. The revived Myers Manx sponsored a significant entry of vintage dune buggies in the Mexican 1000 race earlier this year, raising the profile and visibility of the iconic design, and the buzz about the new model began. A launch party in LA earlier this week confirmed that development is well underway, with a fully function prototype present. Question remain: how is this thing street legal? We promise to dig in on that soon.
Ryvid Releases Rad New e-Bike
The new Ryvid eBike looks to be a worthy competitor to Zero and Livewire. [Ryvid]
eBike maker Ryvid recently dropped its first launch-edition e-Bike, The Anthem. Developed using aerospace technology, this versatile e-Bike clocks in at 240lbs and features a bespoke stainless-steel chassis, Ergo-Easy ride height-adjustable seat, and removable battery pack. The pre-sale launch is slated for this Sunday, August 14 at 10am PST. With only 1,000 bikes available and priced to please at $7,800, you better act fast.
The World’s Lightest Folding e-Bike
Super light, super foldy. The new Vello (we Velocette owners object to the name, let it be known), from Austria. [Velo]
Austrian e-Bike manufacturer Vello just announced that it will be developing a folding electric bicycle that weighs under 22lbs. To achieve its feather-light weight, Vello’s Ultralight will be made from a titanium frame that is combined with carbon fiber components. Riders can fold the bike completely in just eight seconds. The discreet rear-wheel hub motor uses an integrated slope sensor that acts like a gear change, automatically adjusting the motor assist as needed. The discreet battery will be seamlessly integrated into the engine to conserve space and weight thanks to Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) technology.
Can-Am Unveils Its New Electric Street Bikes
The new Can-Am lineup: street and ADV inspired Pulse and Origin, targeting existing motorcyclists with light and modestly priced machines. [Can Am]
Earlier this week, Can-Am gave the world a virtual tour of its two new e-Motorcycles, the Pulse and the Origin. The latter is a rally bike/scrambler mashup and, according to the company, is “designed to bring new exhilaration to the street and the trail.” The Pulse lacks a gearbox but is equipped with a twist-and-go throttle. Want more details? Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until next year.
The Can-Am Pulse takes design cues from the Husqvarna Viltpilen, making it modern but not too edgy. [Can Am]
Can-Am, part of the Canadian powersports giant Bombardier (BRP), has a history of motorcycle production back in the 1970s, building winning MX bikes with Rotax powerplants. They even won the 1974 MX World Championships (rider Gary Jones), but ceased production in 1987 with recession and big market changes (read, unbeatable Japanese MX investment). BRP revives the Rotax connection with the new models, teaming up to use Rotax E-Power for its new models. That collaboration has likely been ongoing since 2018, when BRP acquired important intellectual property assets from the bankruptcy sale of Alta motorcycles - by far the industry leader in off-road eMoto technology even today. Harley-Davidson absorbed significant Alta tech (and a few important personnel) during a short-lived investment deal with the brand in 2017/18, so Alta tech now forms the heart of two giants now in competition with each other: Can-Am and LiveWire. Very interesting indeed. LiveWire recently teased their new, lighter lineup, which puts it in the same market category as the proposed Can-Am models. The original LiveWire, of course, remains in a category by itself, as no other major OEM has dared to invest in production of a large motorcycle, yet.
The e-Bike You Can Ride Off Road
Rokon? Nope, it's the 2X2 Ultra Bike from Robo Systems, capable of going just about anywhere. [Robo Systems]
Want an e-Bike that can go further? If so, check out Robo.System’s new ultra-fat-tired e-Bike. Called the 2x2 Ultra Bike, this thing looks like it came straight out of Mad Max. Featuring a 1,000W brushless DC motor and a 49-volt LifeP04 battery pack encased in a waterproof compartment, this bike can travel through mud, water, and everywhere in between for up to 40 miles. Is that far enough?
Coswheel’s New GT20 Sports e-Motorcycle
A new entry into the go-anywhere, lightweight eBike, the Coswheel GT20. [Coswheel]
The GT20, Coswheel’s new electric sports ebike, will definitely push the boundaries of 'bicycle' and 'motorcycle.' It has bicycle pedals, all-terrain tires, and an aluminum alloy chassis, plus a 750W high-speed motor with 30 to 60 miles of range. Looks like room for an extra battery in that basket, which presumably doubles the possible range, and the pedals make it rideable without a motorcycle license, with a one-time, permanent licensing fee in most states. Whether machines like this remain under the 'bicycle' category is unclear.
Want to Rent an EV? Here’s Your Chance
Try before you buy? The UFODrive car rental system lets you try an EV for as long as you like, or at least gives you the option for short-term use. [UFO Drive]
The world’s first EV rental company, UFODRIVE, just landed in San Francisco. Thanks to its wild popularity over in Europe, the company decided to open up shop in California and has plans to open in additional cities this fall. Drivers can rent Teslas, electric VWs, and more. UFODRIVE is part of Inspiration Mobility, a sustainable infrastructure investment platform exclusively focused on the real assets that enable the EV transition.
New EV Tax Credit Proposals Has Its Limitations
According to FOX Business, 70% of the United States’ current EVs wouldn’t qualify for a $7,500 tax credit under a recent proposal to the Senate. That’s because the proposal requires that the vehicles’ batteries and mineral components are sourced from the US. Currently, that's an impossible situation, as China controls the majority of battery production, from rare mineral mining internationally to actual manufacturing of batteries, and while US-controlled companies have (belatedly) ramped up both mining and manufacturing, currently it is impossible to supply Made In USA vehicle batteries in significant numbers. So, if FOX is correct, the much-vaunted support for EVs in the current legislation is an empty claim.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello, dear readers and riders! Can you believe it’s already August? Time flies when you’re behind the handlebars. This week’s EV news roundup spotlights some pretty intriguing stories, including a new e-Bike that tracks air pollution in real-time, a sleek e-Motorcycle concept from an innovative Spanish designer, fully-customizable electric Mokes, and an e-Bike trailer that’s sure to enhance your next camping trip. If you want to voice your opinions or send us a story you’d like us to cover, hit us up at stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
The New Noordung e-Bike Fuses Music and Eco-Consciousness
The Noordung eBike rocks tunes. [Noordung]
Passionate about music? More importantly, do you want to combat climate control? If so, the sleek new e-bike from Noordung is definitely your cup of sustainable tea. Outfitted with a boombox that features four built-in speakers, Noordung’s new e-Bike allows riders to enjoy their favorite tunes while on the go. Better yet, the e-Bike’s PM 2.5 and PM 10 particle sensors allow riders to record air quality changes in real-time via an intuitive app.
This Sexy New e-Motorcycle is an All-In-One Cruiser, Café, and Dragster
The Wayra EV-03 is way long, like a bevel-drive Ducati twin of the 1970s, and packs interesting technology. [Wayra]
Spanish designer Pablo Baranoff Dorn is bringing sexy back in a sleekly sophisticated way. His new e-Moto concept, called the WAYRA EV-03, is a ruggedly elegant motorcycle inspired by the perfect balance of nostalgia, distinctive design, and cult classics. Packed with personality, the WAYRA EV-03’s design tips its hat to the heritage of cruiser-length and fat bikes, while also having the subtle nuisances of café aesthetics. Featuring a curved body that hugs the tank, low-slung rider positioning, and an onboard display with retro-inspired digital typeface, the WAYRA EV-03 is ahead of the EV curve when it comes to form and function.
Meet the New All-Electric Moke
Mokes! An iconic beach vehicle, now with 100% less noise. [Moke]
Moke America recently put a new spin on the 1960s classic cruiser by making it entirely electric. Exclusively available in the US, the new e-Moke features a bigger, wider, and sturdier 2,300- pound design than its predecessors. Furthermore, these electric Mokes are fully customizable and outfitted with 13 to 14-inch wheels. Riders can choose their own seats, colors, steering wheel, and additional features. The EVs can reach a full charge within eight hours via a 110 outlet, reach max speeds of 25mph, and are priced at $21,975.
Former HD Assembly Plant Will Now Manufacturer e-Rickshaws
Mayuri electric rickshaws will be built in this former H-D assembly plant in India. [Economic Times]
An India-based assembly plant that was formerly used to assemble Harley-Davidson motorcycles will now be rolling out Mayuri e-Rickshaws. Saera Electric, the plant’s new owner, will use the space to assemble all-electric rickshaws. The company plans to start producing electric two- wheelers at the site next year. Sono Motor’s New Sion Charges Itself Sono Motor’s new electric car, the Sion, harnesses the power of the sun to charge itself. Outfitted with nearly 500 half cells that are seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s body, the Sion is fully self-sufficient on short-distance trips. With a range of up to 189 miles, the Sion can also be used as a sustainable power plant for your home for up to five days.
This e-Bike Camper Makes Any Solo Outdoor Adventure Comfortable
"Martha, Martha, I love you can't you see?" (Tom Waits). Got an eBike? Wanna go camping in comfort? Here you go. [Maxmess Design]
Don’t have the budget or space for a massive RV? You might want to scoop up the new Martha e-Bike trailer from Maxmess Design. Thanks to its multi-functionality, the Martha trailer offers downsized camping comfort. Crafted completely from aluminum, the single-person trailer features a solar-connected battery, skylight, electrical command center, and more.
Fresh Funds
• GM sold $2.25 billion worth of green bonds.
• EV conversion startup Everrati received an investment from former Nest CEO Matt Rogers.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello, dear readers and riders! Welcome to the last EV news roundup of July 2022. This week, we’ll cover a new hybrid car from Bentley, KTM’s new electric dirt bikes for the kiddos, new high-end e-Motorcycles from Bajaj, and more. Don’t forget to send your questions, feedback, and tips to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Guido On The Market
Can't touch this! Well actually, you can, as Guido is available. [Henne Co]
In 2020 we wrote about Henne Co's amazing EV custom 'Guido', which gets massive likes on social media for its outrageous stance and slick shape. Henne is putting Guido on the market: if you want something totally unique and an all-eyes vehicle, here's your huckleberry. Give 'em a shout if you need some Guido.
Layer’s Sleek New e-Bike Adds Style to Any Commute
R U RD? The Layer chassis resembles a Puch moped in its universal U shape, but this one's a ute - an urban utility vehicle and ideal commuter bike. [Layer]London-based design company Layer recently released a sleek, minimalistic, and compact e-Bike that adds beauty to your everyday commute. Called the Pendler, derived from the Danish word for ‘commuting,’ the new electric bike features a toned-down aesthetic that will still get you noticed. The bike comes with several different detachable accessories that allows riders to carry shopping bags and luggage. It also features a phone deck, 20-inch wheels, and folding pedals. The Pendler has a range of about 15.5 miles thanks to its compact 45Nm motor and 250Wh battery.
The Stromer ST7 Will Feature New Electric Shifting Technology
Bye chain! Stromer uses a belt drive, and an electric shifting system...which has been avail on hi-end bicycles for decades. [Stromer]The Stromer ST7 will be the first Speed Pedelec that boasts instant electric shifting technology. The bike uses the Pinion Smart.Shift C1.12i electric shifting system and a Gates Carbon Belt Drive for instant and intuitive shifting. The Stromer ST7 also features a 1440Wh battery, 27.5-inch tires, and 161 miles worth of range.
Bajaj to Releases High-End e-Motorcycles
Bajaj is the 4th largest motorcycle producer in the world, after Honda, Yamaha, and arch-rival Hero. Bajaj built 6.3 Million two-wheelers in 2019. By contrast, Harley-Davidson sold less than 200k bikes that year. [Bajaj]Leading motorcycle manufacturer Bajaj Auto recently announced that it would be exploring platforms for high-end e-Motorcycles with its e-Bike partner, KTM. The company is also taking a strategic approach to the expansion of its Chetak e-Scooter. Bookings for the high-end scooter currently stand at over 16,000.
KTM’s e-Bikes for the Kiddos
KTM's balance bikes are cool for kids! [KTM]Speaking of KTM, the company recently unveiled three new mini off-roading e-Bikes for kids. The new lineup includes the SX-E 3, the MC-E 3, and EE 3. The company hopes to bridge the gap between its electric balance bikes and beefier mini e-Bikes with the new kid-friendly lineup.
“Our relationships with our dealers, their feedback and input have always been invaluable to us. That’s why we are proud to present our range of electric motorcycles for the youngest riders for the first time here in the world’s biggest offroad motorcycle market,” said KTM Chief Sales Officer Florian Kecht.
Jeep’s New Fat Tire e-Bike
Goes anywhere, does everything? While we applaud the Jeep eBike, we think it should be two wheel drive, no? [Jeep]
The team over at QuietKat recently dropped the Jeep Fat Tire e-Bike. Developed in collaboration with Jeep, the new off-road e-Bike features front and rear suspension, fat all-terrain tires, front and rear disc brakes, an 1500W electric motor, a SRAM nine-speed drivetrain, and a lithium-ion battery that powers the bike for up to 58+ miles over all types of terrain.
Bentley’s New Hybrid Luxury Vehicle
OK, I'd drive this over a Prius any day. Bentley goes badass on the hybrid tip: pass the organic grey poupon. Note location: hi LA! [Bentley]Luxury automaker Bentley is now expanding its portfolio to include electrified powertrains. Part of this push is the new Flying Spur, a hybrid powertrain-equipped luxury sedan. The new model features a 2.9-liter V6 engine mated to a hybrid system. The Flying Spur can crank out 536 ponies and 553 lb-ft of torque.
GM’s Grandiose Plans for EV Domination
Planning to dominate: GM's EV lineup will be massive, from commercial vehicles and people movers to Hummers, pickups, and passenger cars. [GM]American automaker GM recently announced that its on its way to producing one million EVs by 2025. The company already has 150,000+ reservations for the Silverado EV and 80,000+ reservations for its electric Hummer.
Fresh Funds
Ola Electric will invest $500 million to establish a new battery innovation center in India.
Sodium-ion battery maker, Natron Energy, raised $7 million from Nabors Industries.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello, dear readers and riders! We hope everyone is staying cool during this oppressive heat wave. Thankfully, you can kick back and relax in the AC while checking out this week’s top EV stories, including a futuristic electrified beast of burden, a limited-edition electric mountain bike from a Polestar collab, and Lightning’s new electric adventure bike. Send your tips, questions, and feedback to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Ouca Unveils a Futuristic Electric Cargo Trike
The Ouca is an interesting variant on the trike theme, which will undoubtedly become the last-mile delivery vehicle of choice in urban areas. [Ouca]
Finland-based startup Ouca Bikes just dropped an electric cargo trike that, as the adjectives on the side of the vehicle suggest, is smooth, strong, and stable. The trike is built with utility and durability in mind, ensuring a smooth ride regardless of road conditions and can tow up to 562 pounds. While Ouca has yet to release specs, we do know that the trike comes in three models, including the Ouca Kiddiebus, Transport, and Space. All three models are equipped with a powerful Revonte motor, automatic gearbox, and a reverse gear.
Polestar Partners with Allebike to Release Limited-Edition, Full-Suspension EMTB
Polestar is having strong sales in the EV market, and is branching out to the highly profitable electric mountain bike market. [Polestar]
Swedish EV maker Polestar has teamed up with Swiss high-end bike manufacturer Allebike to develop a full-suspension electric mountain bike. Called the Allebike Alpha Polestar, the limited-edition product aims for a minimalistic and lightweight design. Öhlins, another Swiss company, will handle the suspension. The e-Bike will feature a carbon-fiber frame, full suspension, and a slack head tube angle of 65 degrees. Only 100 of these hand-built bikes are available online.
Lightning to Design Electric Adventure e-Motorcycle
Lightning still builds the fastest road bike the world with their LS218: no doubt their adventure bike will have serious performance too. [Lightning]
Lightning Motorcycles could be entering the EV arena with plans for an electric adventure bike. The folks over at Motorcycle.com managed to get their hands on regulatory paperwork from China which details a bike with ADV characteristics.
Hyundai Releases Two Performance EV Concepts
Hyundai taking aim at the current crop of high-performance EVs. [Hyundai]
Automaker Hyundai unveiled two N brand performance EV concepts earlier this week. The “rolling lab” N concepts will allow the company to test and verify future technologies. The two models include the RN22e and Vision 74. The former will be built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform and feature four-piston mono-block calipers, a 400mm hybrid disc, and reach speeds of 155mph. The Vision 74, a nod to Hyundai’s 1975 Pony Coupe, will be built on an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system and have a 373-mile range.
Northern Light’s Single-Seater Electric Trike
Northern Lights builds a badass electric cyclecar - the past revisited. [Northern Lights]
Want to replace your car with a head-turning trike that looks like a Morgan? If so, meet the new three-wheeled single-seater EV from British startup Northern Light Motors. Touted as the “future of personal transport,” the trike is available in three different models, with the pedal-powered base model featuring a 10-speed gear derailleur and hydraulic disc brakes. The premium model is outfitted with a 48V, 20Ah battery and a 1.5kW hub motor and offers 40 miles of range and top speeds of 28mph.
Job Cuts
Ford is eliminating up to 8,000 jobs in the next few weeks in an effort to fund its transition into the EV industry. The job cuts will affect the automaker’s white-collar workforce and will most likely come in phases. Arrival, a UK-based commercial EV company, is also planning to let go of 30% of its workforce in an effort to weather challenging economic times. Rivian is also expected to cut 4,000 jobs in the near future, as supply chain issues have slowed production.
Fresh Funds
Nyobolt raised $59 million in Series B funding to develop an EV battery that can charge in five minutes.
The e-Scooter market is forecasted to grow from $21.02 billion to $36.10 billion by 2029.
Lightship, an electric RV startup founded by Tesla alumni, raised $23 million in Series A funding.
Husband Builds e-Bike-Wheelchair So His Wife Can See the Sea
Electric has always provided mobility options: the original Invacar concept has been built with electric power since the 1930s. [Kevin Harvey]
This is a sweet note to end on. Kevin Harvey of New Zealand was struggling to push his wife Bev’s wheelchair up the steep hills of New Plymouth’s Coastal Walkway. To help make his job easier, Kevin decided to weld her wheelchair to the front of his homemade e-Bike. The e-Bike-wheelchair mashup is outfitted with a seatbelt, disc brakes, and curved front forks. Now, Bev and Kev can get around town and enjoy gorgeous oceanic views together.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello, dear readers and riders! While we’re stoked that gas prices are finally dropping, the electric vehicle space is continuing to ramp up. In this week’s EV news roundup, we’ll take a look at a sleek Honda e-Bike collab, an all-electric bespoke hypercar, the latest on Rivian, and how America’s greenhouse gas emissions are causing damage to other countries. Be sure to send your tips, feedback, and opinions to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
US Emissions Have Inflicted $2 Trillion Worth of Damage to Other Countries
America definitely loves big trucks. But according to a new analysis, the emissions that the US is continuously pumping out is having a devastating impact on other countries. In fact, America has inflicted almost $2 trillion in damages to other countries from its greenhouse gas emissions. Under-developed countries have been hit the hardest, experiencing crop failures and heatwaves. The US, along with China, Russia, India, and Brazil, are the five biggest culprits behind worldwide losses, totaling a staggering $6 trillion in damages, or about 11% of the annual global gross domestic profit (GDP).
Honda x MUJI New e-Bike Has an Impressive 40-Mile Range
The high-design/low-cost store MUJI is an international legend. Their collaboration with Honda looks fun and harkens back to Honda's most iconic designs. [MUJI]
Japanese retail company MUJI recently teamed up with Big Red to create a sleekly minimalistic e-Bike. Called the MS01, the bike is powered by a 400W electric motor that delivers top speeds of 15.5mph and a 40-mile range. Additional features include 17-inch wheels, keyless start/stop, and an LCD instrument panel. Only 5,000 bikes are available, so if you want one, you better act fast.
Ducati Drops Fat Tire Folding e-Bikes
Using their popular Scrambler brand, Ducati returns to its bicyclish roots with their first eBike, an electric folder. [Ducati]Ducati, typically known for its muscly sportbikes, has found another calling: pint-sized e-Bikes. The company just unveiled two new folding fat tire e-Bikes, expanding its EV portfolio. Both of the new bikes were released under the company’s Scrambler brand and use a 60Nm Bafang rear-mounted hub motor. The SCR-E GT model is outfitted with 20-inch street tires and a 500Wh battery that promises 50 miles worth of range. Ducati’s other folding e-Bike, the SCR-X, is more suitable for trails.
After Five Years of Development, the Rimac Nevera is Finally Headed to Production
Rimac's new hypercar has absurd horsepower and gem tone paints. Will the hypercar buyer dig it? [Rimac]
Mate Rimac’s sexy electric hypercar, the Rimac Nevera, is finally in production. The 150-unit limited run will be produced over the next three years by this Croatian startup, who have been showing their prototypes around for years. The four-motored, 120kHh vehicle is promised to crank out 1,914 ponies and 1,740 lb-ft of torque. Nearly every major component of the bespoke model was custom build exclusively for the Nevera, including a new-gen battery system, electric motor, and control system. "The Nevera was developed with the intention to become the cutting-edge electric hypercar it is today, ready to thrill drivers and passengers in a way they have never experienced before,” Rimac stated.
Triumph Releases TE-1 e-Motorcycle Prototype Test Results
One step closer to becoming only the second major OEM to build a full-size eBike, as rivals like BMW and Ducati stick to scooters and ebicycles. Triumph is building buzz with the development of their TE1, and no doubt, it will hit the mark: affordable, great performance, stylish. Although, what's with the 'gas tank'? A design cue we see as retrograde, but we know...it feels familiar to the traditionalists. But is appealing to the usual buyer a good strategy with eBikes? Time will tell... [Triumph]Triumph recently announced the official completion of its TE-1 e-Motorcycle development project and has released the test results of the new prototype. Daytona 200 Champion Brandon Paasch participated in engine performance evaluation and track testing. According to the results, the TE-1 delivers 100 miles of range, 175hp at peak power, and a 20-minute charging time.
Fresh Funds
Antin Infrastructure Partners recently invested in RAW Charging to support the UK startup’s $300 million EV charging installation plan.
Swedish battery maker Northvolt secured new funds at last year’s valuation of $12 billion, making them the 800lb gorilla of European battery makers.
Preparing for potential money troubles, Rivian plans to announce layoffs and cost-reduction measures later this week, and is planning to lay off 5000 workers. It's been a rough couple of years with supply chain issues, making deliveries impossible at the level Rivian planned. After a big hiring spree earlier this year, they're laying off the same folks.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello, dear readers and riders! We hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day weekend! Speaking of independence, electric vehicles are giving folks the freedom to travel in ways they never could before. Take the growing electric micro-bike market, for instance. Never heard of micro-bikes? Don’t worry, we’ll cover them and more in this week’s EV news roundup. As always, contact us at stephanie@thevintagent.com to share your tips, thoughts, or criticisms. Let’s roll.
The Dawn of the Micro-Bike
The Voro microbike, one step up from a standup scooter, and almost a moped, but faster. [Voro]
Still wondering what the heck a micro-bike is? While they’re technically not really bikes, electric micro-bikes are gaining traction in the EV world thanks to their conveniently compact size. Great for urban commuter, some micro-bikes can reach speeds of up to 20mph. They’re also more affordable than traditional e-Bikes, with some costing less than $1000. One micro-bike we love is the FIIDO seated electric scooter from Voro. Priced to please at just $899, this petite scoot has everything you need to get around town.
How EV Batteries of the Past Are Poised to Reshape the Future
LFP battery technology patents expire soon, which could transform the battery industries of the US and Europe. [Alibaba]
Numerous patents for lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistries that are due to expire this year could transform battery production in both the US and Europe. Thanks to an agreement with patent holders, China has been using this battery technology for nearly a decade. Now, other manufacturers outside of China are developing lithium-ion chemistries for EVs. LFP is affordable, safer, and doesn’t need scarce raw battery materials such as nickel and cobalt. This means that LFP batteries could play a significant role in the future of US battery production.
R.I.P. European Internal Combustion Engines
Bye bye tailpipes...but does this mean the end of interesting alternative fuels, like hydrogen? [AutoWeek]
Just last week, the European Council of Environmental Ministers agreed to increase the target for reducing C02 emissions for new cars by 2030 from 50% to 55%, as well as reducing fleet limits for cars to ZERO by 2035. This essentially means that all new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles won’t have any tailpipe emissions.
Tesla May Team Up with Kayne to Produce a Foam Car
Vantablack+Foam+Ye = Donda. Donda Industrial Design has a new chief, footwear designer Steven Smith, a longtime Kanye collaborator. But will Elon Musk build it? [Donda]
Rapper Kayne West’s vision for a car made of foam could soon come to fruition. Named after his late mother, Kayne tweeted an image of his Donda car concept, along with a caption that it would be “conceptualized, designed, and manufactured in the United States.” This has prompted many to believe that Tesla might produce Kayne’s Donda car. As shown, it has airless 'tweels' that rely on their own structure for suspension. What do you think?
Triumph Acquires Electric Moto-Manufacturer OSET
Triumph buys OSET, looking to acquire useful assets for their push to be only the second major motorcycle manufacture to offer a full-size eBike. [Triumph]
Earlier this week, Triumph announced that it had purchased electric motorcycle manufacturer OSET. While it’s no surprise that Triumph wants—and is—going electric, the new acquisition will allow the brand to offer an EV product with proven production capacity and consumer interest. “We are excited about the opportunity of joining forces with OSET Bikes: a dynamic brand that has been encouraging children into motorcycling for many years and have been at the forefront of developing electric trials bikes for fun and competition,” Triumph CEO Nick Bloor said.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! Welcome to the final EV news roundup of June. Much like this weekend’s Fourth of July firework shows, this roundup is pretty explosive.
Before we dive right in, we wanted to let you know about the exciting new film we recently dropped exploring the gorgeous designs and innovations of Curtiss Motorcycles. Be sure to have a look and let us know your thoughts.
'The Opposite of Death' explores the thinking behind Curtiss Motors' 'The 1' [Curtiss]This week’s roundup includes some awesome EV projects from Oxford Brookes University Formula Design Student team, Max Chilton’s explosive record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and one cool scoot. Please send your tips, tricks, and thoughts to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
A Lightning-Fast Time Record in an EV
The McMurty Automotive Fan Car blew away the competition at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and set a new course record. [Classic Driver]Racecar driver Max Chilton was up to some pretty exciting stuff this week. He set a 39.08 speed record in the McMurtry Automotive 1,000hp, 2,2200lb Electric Fan Car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Now, that’s one fast EV. Watch the video here.
UK Students Develop EV Racecars
After 20 years of designing internal-combustion cars, the students of Oxford Brookes University have turned their attention to a racing EV. [OBU]On the other side of the pond, the Oxford Brookes University Formula Design Student team is up to some pretty neat stuff. After 20 years of developing combustion-powered cars, the students are now designing EVs. Their innovative concept is based around a 4WD in-hub motor configuration with AMK AC servo motors that are seamlessly mated to a compact epicyclic gearbox. The design can crank out over 300Nm of torque at each wheel. The 600V 6.6kW-hr battery pack uses LCO pouch cells with peak power outputs of 130kW. An open-controls platform and advanced vehicle controls unleash the EV’s true power and potential. “We want to stay relevant to what is currently happening in the market and to keep engineers ahead of the curve. We see the potential that electrical powertrains have. It gives us a competitive edge over everyone still using fossil fuels,” Ole Ramming, a member of the team, said. We wish the students luck in their upcoming competition!
Plan B’s Stunning Revamp of the Zero FX
The Blackbird by Plan B is a very cool revamp of the Zero F/X. [Plan B]While we touched on this gorgeous bike in one of our past roundups, we wanted to take a deeper dive into Christian Moretti’s Blackbird. The Italian builder is no stranger to daring design. Founder of Plan Be Motorcycles, Moretti recently dropped his stealthy version of the Zero FX. Dubbed the SR-71 Blackbird, the iconic electric dirtbike is wrapped in rich black hand-crafted bodywork. With the swooping curves of a sportbike and all the simplicity of a cafe, the Blackbird was “ink coated” by Paint Republic Vignale. The loud rumbling of the bike is due to the fan speed being controlled by the throttle. The more gas you give this baby, the more it roars as air is channeled through the fairing, cooling the motor, battery, and regulator assembly.
Meet the e-Scooter of the Future
Throwing shapes in the street! The Yamaev e-scooter is a statement on wheels. [Yamaev]Alexander Yamaev, Chief Industrial Designer at Karfidov Lab, recently dropped a distinctive, L-shaped e-Scooter inspired by retro-futuristic design. Despite its unusual appearance, the electric scooter, called ZID, is ready for the road. Designed for a single rider, the scoot can reach speeds of up to 37mph. The unique L-shape design allows the rider to sit upright while optimizing weight distribution. The unified two wheels allow for pinpoint navigation and steering. The scooter also features three headlights, an intuitively designed kickstand, and two brake lights.
Meet the eVTOL LEO: A Jet Turbine Three-Seater Electric Flying Car
LEO will leave you in the dust, staring skyward. It's a VTOL EV flying car. [LEO Flight]Did you think flying cars were only accessible to the Jetsons? Think again! The LEO Flight is a manned alpha electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle. Created by Pete Bitar of Electric Jet Aircraft and Carlos Salaff of SALAFF Automotive, the flying car can travel 300 miles on a single charge and reaches top speeds of 250mph. According to Bitar, the aircraft will use 200 small vertical jets, each measuring about 4.4 inches in diameter, to produce a combined thrust of more than 2,300lb. The LEO will be able to carry three passengers, including the pilot, and features gull-wing doors and semi-autonomous controls.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! With the average price of gas hovering around $5, many folks are leaving their cars in their driveway and taking their motorcycles out instead. This coming Monday is Ride to Work Day, and the perfect opportunity to hop on the bandwagon. Speaking of bikes, this week’s EV news roundup is full of new e-Bikes, a quirky new CAKE concept, big news from Fiat, and VW’s goal of creating a cost loop by recycling batteries numerous times over. If you have any tips, feedback, or thoughts you’d like to share, hit us up at stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Energica Drops New Adventure e-Motorcycle
The new Energica ADV eBike breaks new ground for the EV industry, boldly going where no EV has gone before. [Energica]Italian e-Motorcycle manufacturer Energica pulled the wraps off its new adventure e-Motorcycle earlier this week. Called the Experia, the bike promises to deliver around 260 miles worth of range in a single charge thanks to its 22.5kWh battery pack. Other goodies include four riding modes, a six-level traction control system, heated grips, and 115Nm worth of torque.
90% of New e-Motorcycle Made from Indigenously Sourced Components
The all-Indian EV: the Atumobile is the kind of simple, straightforward motorcycle India is known for. [Atumobile]India-based EV maker Atumobile is planning to release its new café-styled e-Motorcycle to the market in the near future. The e-Bike even received a nod from the Automotive Research Association of India. As much as 90% of the new bike is made from indigenously sourced materials. It features a 2.4kWh battery pack, tubular chassis, and top speeds of 40mph.
An OX from Madrid
Dirty like an OX should be: and enduro EV right out of the box. [OX]
Spanish eBike manufacturer OX Motorcycles was founded in 2019 with the aim of providing affordable and fun mobility. Their latest model is the Patagonia, an ADV bike with 110kmh top speed (65mph), light weight, 5 hour complete charging time, and a modest price. They've chosen a rear wheel hub motor for simplicity, but the Patagonia has a very complete spec, with saddlebags, long-travel suspension, off-road tires, and high handlebars for adventure out of town.
Meet Kibb, a Quirky Concept Electric ATV for Your Farm
The future of farming? CAKE thinks so: their Kibb autonomous EV is a new concept for their :work series. [CAKE]Swedish EV manufacturer CAKE has built a strong reputation for innovative concepts. However, digital designer Fanny Jonsson took things one step further with her design proposal for the CAKE Kibb ATV. With the main frame resembling CAKE’s Ösa, the Kibb – which means “ox” in Swedish – will pave the way for more sustainable farming by taking people completely out of the picture. The autonomous ATV will be able to efficiently transport crates of produce without disturbing the soil or wildlife. While traditional farm equipment relies heavily on fossil fuels, the Kibb will be outfitted with solar panels. “We must harness the generative power of earth itself. The power lies in biodiversity, and we can no longer operate farms and ranches with only one type of crop or animal,” Fanny explained.
Fiat is Going Entirely Electric and Hybrid Next Month in the UK
FIAT joins the European trend for all-EV and hybrid vehicles in the very near future. [FIAT]Fiat, the Italian marque, will have a UK lineup exclusively made up of EVs and hybrids starting on July 1. The automaker currently offers two electric vehicles in Britain, including the electric New 500 and E-Ulysse minivan.
VW Aims to Recycle Electric Batteries Multiple Times Over
German automaker Volkswagen is developing a program that will allow it to recycle EV battery materials multiple times over, creating a closed loop. VW’s goal is to offer a decentralized process that consumes less energy than making new batteries from freshly mined raw materials.
Buick’s New Wildcat is a Luxury Electrified Coupe
The new Buick Wildcat is sleek and luxurious, with bold lines. [Buick]Buick recently unveiled its new luxury coupe concept. Called the Wildcat, the EV features a sleekly sloped roofline, wraparound windshield, “semi-swing” doors, and an aggressive stance. The Wildcat’s design will be used across numerous Buick models in the future. Performance details have yet to be released.
Cadillac Unveils its High End Luxury EV
The Cadillac Celestiq aims for the high-end luxury EV market. [AutoEvolution/Cadillac]
Earlier this week, GM announced that it would be investing $81 million to hand build the ultra-exclusive Cadillac Celestiq, a new limited-production flagship EV. GM will officially unveil the new model next month, which will have a starting price of $200,000.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! We hope you all are enjoying the first full week of June. Make it to the beach yet? This week’s EV news roundup is packed with some pretty exciting stuff, including Triumph’s all-electric motorcycle, Jeep’s EV goals for the European market, and a sleekly designed e-Motorcycle that is bound to knock your socks – and riding boots – off. If you have any tips or feedback you’d like to share, send ‘em to stephanie@thevintgent.com. Let’s roll.
The Tastefully Redesigned Super73 S2
The Super73 re-imagined by Chronos Design as a retro-futuristic cafe racer, part Akira and part Tamburini. [Chronos Design]Chronos Design recently dropped their new sleek redesign of the Super 73-S2, a minimalistic bike with a lot of edge. The stunning new kit fits seamlessly over the existing bike and definitely pushes boundaries. Promised to be available to the market in the very near future, the design took three months of development, from sketch to 3D printing.
Triumph Completes Final Testing of Their New Electric Motorcycle
The new Triumph e-Moto looks to be the first from a traditional OEM to compete against Harley-Davidson's LiveWire. [Triumph]
Triumph just completed testing of their first-ever fully-electric motorcycle. Dubbed the TE-1, the bike is a collaboration between Triumph and Williams Advanced Engineering and will be built in four stages. The UK government’s Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy and the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles provided funding for the collab. This week, Triumph announced that they completed the final testing phase of the e-Motorcycle. They even released a short teaser of the new prototype doing a wheelie. However, we’ve got to wait until July 12 for the full details to be released.
Jeep Aims to Only Sell EVs and Hybrids in Europe by Next Year
During a promotional event for Jeep’s Jurassic Park collaboration, the automaker’s CEO, Christian Meunier, discussed changes to the brand’s EV strategy. By the end of this year, Jeep plans to cease all sales of internal-combustion-engine vehicles in Europe. As 2022 comes to a close, the 80-year-old brand will focus solely on battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). "There is enough demand for us to make that bold move in Europe," Meunier said. But are there enough Lithium, computer chips, and wiring harnesses by the end of 2022 for a real production line?
Mercedes to Launch eActros LongHaul in 2024
You can carry a lot of batteries in a 40-ton chassis! The Mercedes E-Actron will make 'engine braking' far less obnoxious. [Mercedes]Mercedes is set to begin testing of their new 40-ton eActros LongHaul on public roadways later this year. The company will begin the production of their electrified long-hauler in 2024. The electric truck will be outfitted with several battery packs with a capacity of 105kWh each, and promises a whopping 310 miles worth of range. The company has also partnered with Volvo Trucks and Volkswagen’s Traton truck brand to create a joint venture for EV truck infrastructure. The three companies will develop and operate an advanced network, called the High-Performance Charging in Long-Haul Truck Transport (HoLa), designed solely for battery-electric heavy-duty long-haul trucks and buses in Europe.
Electrify America and Stack Charge are Rolling Out Charging Lounges
Until charging technology is as fast as filling up with gasoline (and that will be a looooong time, if ever), long-distance driving will need lounges like this. [Stackcharge]In an effort to make the use of EVs more widespread across the U.S., Electrify America and Stack Charge have started to roll out charging station concepts that offer more amenities and a comfy waiting area. Called “charging lounges,” the concept will be introduced to Santa Barbara, San Francisco, San Diego, and Beverly Hills, CA, as well as in Brooklyn and Manhattan in New York. The lounges will feature event spaces, valet charging, security lighting, and curbside delivery options. The companies hope to open five to 10 additional lounges in the next few years.
Nimbus Now Accepting Pre-Preorders for Their Compact EV
Nimbus rolling on a motorcycle legal technicality in full enclosure. [Nimbus]Micro-mobility startup Nimbus is now taking preorders for their cute and compact electric vehicle. The Nimbus One, which is essentially a roofed motorcycle, measures less than three feet wide and 7.5 feet long, making it five times smaller than a traditional compact car. The little EVs will cost around $9,900. The company also intends to offer subscription services for $200 per month.
Fresh Funds
In an effort to accelerate its EV expansion, Porsche recently bought Fazua, a German e-Bike motor manufacturer.
Ford will invest $3.7 billion on Midwestern plants to increase production on all new Rangers, Mustangs, and commercial EVs.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! Did y’all have a relaxing Memorial Day weekend? We hope you got at least a few hours of riding in between the barbecues and other holiday festivities. This week’s EV news roundup includes hospital EV fleets, new fast-charging battery technology, and a pole-to-pole adventure for an electric Nissan. Please send your tips, feedback, and inquiries to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
H-D's Serial 1 Unveils an Electric Mountain Bike
To the moon! Harking back to the origins of mountain biking on Mt Tamalpais with single-speed Cruiser bikes, the Serial 1 EMTB is old-school stylee for this new-school brand. [Serial 1]Harley-Davidson’s e-Bike brand, Serial 1, recently dropped its new electric mountain bike. Dubbed the BASH/MTN, the limited-production, single-speed bike is the perfect fusion of minimalistic styling and off-roading capabilities. The BASH/MTN features a maintenance-free Gates Carbon Drive belt, a mid-mounted Brose S Mag motor, and Serial 1’s 529Wh lithium-ion battery, which was developed in-house.
'Firefly' Custom eBike for BSTN
The BTSN-built 'Firefly' custom Sur-Ron shows just how simple it can be to ramp up the appeal of a fairly utilitarian machine. [BTSN]BSTN is a 'European basketball heritage' shop in Hamburg and Munich...and yes, there is basketball in Europe! It's mostly a clothing and culture shop, and deeply, deeply cool; their website is an excellent rabbit hole to fall down, and no doubt you'll see a lot of books, magazines, music, clothing, and people you've never seen elsewhere. In short, we dig it! Even better, they created a custom eBike in partnership with Nike called the Firefly, based on a Sur-Ron lightweight quasi-moto platform. The Sur-Ron is already big fun, and probably illegal to ride on the streets where you live, but you can buy it anyway: we've featured them a bunch on The Current News. BTSN's aesthetic remodel of the Sur-Ron just shows how a talented designer can make a motorcycle oh-so-desirable using only color and accessories...the bare-bones basics for a custom build. The Firefly is blowing up our Instagram feed, which means they have a hit on their hands. Sadly, they only built one, and back in ...March 2020! Which is why the word is only just getting out. Build some more, BTSN peeps, it cool.
Nissan Prepares for an Epic EV Expedition
Like the 'Long Way Up', but much longer! The Nissan trans-polar EV expedition will test the limits of remote charging. [Nissan]English actor Chris Ramsey announced this week that he will attempt to drive a modified Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE from the North to the South Pole next spring. The 16,800-mile adventure will include one main vehicle that will be modified with upgraded tires, wheels, and a suspension, along with a support vehicle. Ramsey’s journey will be the first attempt along this specific route in an electric vehicle. “Our mission is to show that electric vehicles can tackle the harshest of environments—from the bitter cold of the poles to the hot and humid jungles of South America, and illustrate that they are exhilarating to drive whilst meeting the daily demands of drivers around the world,” Ramsey stated.
Kia e-Niro to Join British Hospital Fleets
Replacing dirty diesels with EV support vehicles, the NHS is moving into the future. [Kia]The UK’s East Midlands Ambulance Service put an order in earlier this week to replace 16 diesel models with Kia e-Niro EVs. The electric vehicles will be used for non-emergency patient transport tasks and can cover about 90 miles of ground per day. Here in the U.S., only a handful of ambulance services are considering adding EVs to their fleet. Hopefully, we’ll see the light soon.
New Battery Tech
Battery improvements are essential to better range on EVs, and while there's been no radical shift, and solid-state batteries are years away, gradual improvements have made even current battery tech see vast improvements year on year. [Store-Dot]EV maker Polestar recently invested in StoreDot, an Israeli startup that is developing fast-charging battery tech that promises to add 100 miles of range in just five minutes. The company developed its proprietary battery technology by synthesizing organic and inorganic compounds that will be used in lithium-ion battery production. The “100in5” battery cells are scheduled for production in 2024.
EBikeGo is making moves to improve its battery performance. [eBikeGo]Meanwhile, eBikeGo has partnered with Log 9 Materials to develop advanced battery technology for its upcoming Velocipedo e-Scooter. The startup’s insta-charge technology will allow the scoot to be fully charged in just 10 minutes.
Fresh Funds
French startup Upway secured $25 million in Series A funding. The company will use the funds to sell more refurbished e-Bikes.
Solid-state battery tech startup Natrion raised $2 million in seed funding.
Hyundai is planning to invest $10 million to support EV and autonomous vehicle tech in the U.S. Looks like they're buying in on the plan to divest drivers of autonomy...
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! Are you ready for the non-official start of summer this weekend? We know we sure are. Just like this year’s historically high temperatures, this week’s EV news roundup is burning up, and sometimes blowing up. We’ll take a look at the e-Bikes Ukraine is using to haul anti-tank weapons, a Cybertruck-inspired café racer, and much more. Send us your tips, quips, and feedback to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Ukraine Uses e-Bikes to Haul Weaponry
Not shown in the catalog! Ukrainian soldiers using Delfast eBikes to move anti-tank weapons quickly and silently through battleground areas. [Internet]Military officials in Ukraine are using whisper-quiet modified e-Bikes to transport next-gen light anti-tank weaponry as fighting continues with Russia. Soldiers are using EVs from Ukrainian brands ELEEK and Delfast to move quickly into position or conduct guard patrols. In happier times, we reported on Delfast using the Dnepr name and taking records at Bonneville. Now the Ukrainian military is utilizing them to haul the latest in anti-tank rocket launchers, which are light and easy to manage, unless you're sitting in a tank. The e-Bike’s swift speeds of up to 50mph and quiet design is an ideal solution for frontline soldiers. It's the new wave of guerilla warfare, with a little help from their friends in the USA and NATO, and a big part of why Russia hasn't trampled over Ukraine as they expected. EVs give a modern spin to an old war scenario, with militarily superior armies promising quick victory to their leaders, but the ground game proves to be a different matter: after all, isn't that how the USA became independent? And how Afghanistan booted both the Russians and Americans out? Neither country seems to have learned much from their own history.
Serial 1 'Bash/MTN' Minimal Trail Bike
Serial 1 branches out, to the woods! The Bash/MTN is their latest model, coming soon to a trail near you. [Serial 1]
Harley-Davidson's 'other' EV spinoff, Serial 1, is branching out with a trail bike based on one of their designers' personal machines. The Bash/MTN is intended for off-road riding in an ultra simple format; single-speed, no suspension, pedelec. Well, the seat post is sprung, to save your spine, which sounds much like a 1920s/30s Harley-Davidson! The mid-mount motor drives the rear wheel via a carbon belt, has four ride modes, with 66ft-lbs of torque, which is a lot more than their early motorcycles. The design is clean and minimal. Serial 1 has partnered with Google Cloud for a mobile app providing turn-by-turn navigation, gathering real-time data directly from the bike to assist the riders on the current status of their ride. Next time you see an eBike in the woods mounted with 20 cameras, you'll know it's Google mapping your trail. JK!
Robo Systems going anywhere and everywhere, like an EV Rokon, with a similar spec: 2 wheel drive using floation big wheels. [Robo Systems]Robo.Systems’ new 2x2 cross-country e-Bike is paving the way for the future. The biggest selling points of this off-road monster are its unlimited mile range, ability to conquer water obstacles, and low-pressure tires. The e-Bike can efficiently navigate swamps, mud, sand, water, and snow, all with minimal energy consumption. The vehicle also features top speeds of 30mph, two 1kW motors, a payload capacity of 330lbs, and lightning-fast charging times.
Nissan’s New Four-Door Sakura’s Exceptional Capabilities
The new micro Nissan urban runabout Sakura at a very low price. [Nissan]Earlier this week, automaker Nissan debuted its Sakura kei car in Japan, an innovative four-seater EV that boasts 112 miles worth of range, 63hp, top speeds of 80mph, and 144 lb-ft of torque. Priced at $14,000, the EV is named for Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms. Measuring just 113.7 inches in length and 58.1 inches in width, the Sakura is the perfect vehicle for urbanites.
Renault’s ScénicVision is an Electric/Hydrogen Powerhouse
French carmaker Renault is one of the oldest auto manufacturers in the world, and is looking toward the future with the Scénic Vision electro-hybrid with a lighter carbon footprint than a pure EV. [Renault]Renault just unveiled their newest EV concept, the Scénic Vision, at the ChangeNOW summit. Thee dual-powered concept harnesses the power of the company’s H2-Tech, a combination of both electric and hydrogen power and will be released in 2024. The company claims that the revolutionary cross-over uses 70% recycled materials and 95% of the production vehicle can be recycled. Furthermore, the Scénic Vision will have an overall running footprint that is 75% less than traditional EVs. “Its battery is up to 60% less carbon intensive than an equivalent battery, thanks to the use of short loops and low-carbon sourcing of minerals, and the use of low-carbon energy to assemble and produce the battery,” the company said. The future is eclectic: we're sure to see a wealth of good ideas for vehicles using many hybrid powerplants in the coming years.
TVS Motors Launches the iQube e-Scooter
TVS is the enormous Indian company you've never heard of, that builds more motorcycles than all European and American moto companies combined. Their iQube will likely sell in huge numbers, and if India can get a handle on power production using something other than coal, their urban air quality will surely improve. [TVS]
TVS Motors dropped their new iQube e-scoot this week. The scooter will be available in three different models, including the base-version iQube, the iQube S, and the iQube ST, with the two former avatars now available at the company’s outlets in 33 cities. TVS Motors plans to expand their footprint in 52 additional cities. The iQube and iQube S models are both outfitted with a 3.4kWh battery that delivers 100km of on-road range per charge. The iQube ST is equipped with a 5.1kWh battery that promises 140km of on-road range per charge.
New Cybertruck-Inspired Model M Bike is the Café Racer of the Future
Squared-off and sleek, this Tesla-inspired eBike design points a way forward for new silhouettes for two wheels. [Victor Rodriquez Gómez]Spanish designer Victor Rodríguez Gómez recently developed a Cybertruck-inspired café racer called the Tesla Model M. Created with future adventurers in mind, the efficient, eco-friendly machine boasts Tesla-eqsue geometric lines and a sleek, forward stance. Gómez’s extreme attention to detail can be seen throughout every facet of his visionary e-Motorcycle, right down to the detachable bag that enables a rider to carry their belongings as they dismount the bike. The bag is equipped with its own battery that powers multimedia systems and lights.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! Can you believe we’re less than 10 days away from Memorial Day weekend? It seems like January was only two weeks ago. Another thing that seems to be zipping by at a lightning-fast pace is EV technology and designs. Need proof? This week’s roundup is full of it. From an electric Bentley packed with 1,400 ponies – you heard us correctly – to a 1930s board tracker-inspired e-Motorcycle, this week’s EV news will definitely get your motor running. As always, send your tips, feedback, and questions to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Wyld’s E-Tracker is a Testament to Enduring Elegance
The Wyld board track-inspired eBike includes a 'flat tank' between upper frame rails, a rigid rear frame, and girder forks to evoke the feel of a 1920s board track racer. [Wyld]If you know anything about the machines built to race around the murderdromes – er, motordromes – of the 1920s and 30s, then you’re well aware that most of those old board tracker bikes are virtually unrideable on modern roadways. However, that hasn’t stopped Scottsdale-based Wyld Garage Co. from building a real showstopper. Dubbed the Urban Tracker Electric, Wyld’s e-Motorcycle is a nod to the stripped-down board track racers of yesteryear. This ground-up creation promises 60 miles worth of range and 18hp. While it’s not fast, this bike certainly is pretty.
Plan B Motorcycle’s New EV Design is a Real Stunner
Best seen in person, the paintwork on the Zero-based Plan B 'Blackbird' is a transparent deep noir. [Plan B]Based in Italy, Plan B Motorcycles is a “neo-café” workshop that specializes in distinct designs and bespoke bikes. Owner Christian Moretti’s stunning redesign of a Zero e-motorcycle, fittingly called the Blackbird, will be on display at the Bike Shed Motorcycle Show in London from May 27-29. Under the right lighting conditions, the rich chrome-black ink-coating reveals the intricate aluminum bodywork beneath. This bike is absolutely gorgeous.
Bentley’s First EV Packs 1,400 Ponies
The horsepower wars have moved into EVs, which will always win over internal combustion motors, as they are simply more powerful, and each wheel can have its own motor. [Bentley]Luxury automaker Bentley is entering the EV arena with the debut of its brutal 1,400hp all-electric car. Arriving in 2025, the new car boasts Bugatti-like specs and can go from 0 to 60mph in 1.5 seconds. All that power comes with a hefty price tag. The electric Bentley will cost more than $262,000.
One of North America’s Oldest Off-Road Races Gets Electrified
The Corduroy includes many vintage racers as well as modern machines for professional men and women riders. The new e-bike class will be fascinating, with the widening selection of off-road racers from CAKE and KTM, etc. [Corduroy]The folks over at the Corduroy Enduro - 'Canada's toughest race' - in Gooderham Ontario, recently announced that they will be adding an electric racing class to their lineup this year. The Cord, which runs September 22-25, has amateur and pro classes for contemporary bikes, plus many vintage classes. The new EV class will feature a special, shorter course designed for electric machines. We’re excited to see how things play out on the track.
Honda Teases First Electric SUV
Taking their sweet time entering the EV space on two and four wheels, Honda is teasing a new design, which means they've already built and are testing it! [Honda]Earlier this week, Honda dropped a teaser image of its new electric SUV that is slated to arrive in 2024. The Prologue will be the automaker’s first battery-electric vehicle to be sold in the United States and one of two that Honda is co-developing with GM. The SUV will be built on GM’s Ultium platform, while future Honda EVs will be built on the Honda E architecture, arriving in 2026. The new release will initiate Big Red’s goal of having 100% of its sales be comprised of fuel-cell or electric vehicles by 2040.
EV Battery Costs Predicted to Surge 22% By 2026
The cost to make EVs is primed to skyrocket over the next four years due to a scarcity of essential raw materials needed to produce electric battery cells, like Lithium, as we noted in The Current Newson on May 5. Prices are expected to peak at $138 per kWh. This will also cause a spike in the price of EVs sold in 2026 by as much as $3,000 per vehicle for a car. The shortage of Lithium has already increased the price of a new Tesla by $1000, according to Elon Musk.
McLaren to Race in Formula E
McLaren's bid to secure a spot in the new Formula E race series is a boost of confidence in the future of racing. [McLaren]Earlier this week, McLaren Racing confirmed that it will be competing in the Formula E World Championship. The new team will be formed through the acquisition of the Mercedes-EQ Formula E team.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! Since this week is packed with some pretty exciting stuff, we’re going to cut straight to the chase. This week’s stories include HD’s most affordable e-Motorcycle to date, Volkswagen’s new electric off-roading brand, and an EV that could blow Lucid’s 520-mile range out of the water. As always, share tips, opinions, and feedback to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Harley-Davison’s Most Affordable EV Yet
With the new Del Mar, LiveWire begins a whole new ballgame. [LiveWire]This week, Harley-Davidson’s electric spinoff, LiveWire, announced its most affordable e-Motorcycle to date. The S2 Del Mar is priced to please with a base model price of $15,000. A middleweight bike, the S2 Del Mar will be built on LiveWire’s Arrow platform, which includes a motor, battery, and electronics stored in a single unit that the company can use to support various models. HD’s new bike will crank out 80 ponies and have 100 miles worth of range. It will also be able to go from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds. Perched on 19-inch Dunlop DT1 tires, the S2 Del Mar can ride both on- and off-road.
'Electric Revolutionaries' Exhibit at the Petersen Museum
JT Nesbitt of Curtiss Motorcycles explains features of the Curtiss One to curator Paul d'Orléans [MAF]
With a focus on 11 of the most innovative EV designers in the motoring world, 'Electric Revolutionaries' includes a collection of ground-breaking creations by visionaries at the forefront of this ever-expanding industry. Highlights of the exhibition include "KillaJoule," the land speed racer that made Eva Hakansson the fastest woman on an electric motorcycle with a run of 240.7 mph. Built by Hakansson and her husband at home and with a limited budget, "KillaJoule" is the fastest sidecar streamliner ever, regardless of engine type. On the slower side of the spectrum are the innovative solar-powered "Solar Scooter" and "Solar Rickshaw" created by Samuel Aboagye, a 17-year old Ghanaian teenager, constructed using only salvaged, discarded and recycled materials that he could source for free. Making its worldwide debut will be the intricately designed and exquisitely crafted "The One" by Curtiss Motors. Conceptualized by JT Nesbitt, "The One" features a retro-futuristic design and quality of construction usually only found on exotic hypercars.
Eva Hakkansson's Killajoule streamliner at the Petersen Museum. [Paul d'Orléans]A follow-up to the Petersen Museum's popular first-ever electric motorcycle exhibit, "Electric Revolution" of 2019, the new display features over 25 unique electric vehicles. It's the fifth Petersen exhibit curated by Motor/Cycle Arts Foundation Co-Founder Paul d'Orleans, who says, "I'm super excited to assemble this wildly diverse collection of EV pioneers. 'Electric Revolutionaries' really does represent the range of interests in an electric future, from a humble teen in Ghana making EVs from scrap, to genius artisans building conceptual and boundary-pushing designs, to speed demons and global superstar designers interested in pushing mobility into the green zone." Electric Revolutionaries is produced by the Motor/Cycle Arts Foundation and Sasha Tcherevkoff, with generous support from LiveWire and Damon Motorcycles as a contributing sponsor.
The Sondors Metacycle prototype at the Petersen Museum. [Paul d'Orléans]"It is incredible how far electric motorcycles have come in the short time from our first exhibit in 2019," said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. "This new display gives a unique and close-up look at the innovative machines and the creators behind them pushing the boundaries of motorcycle electrification and design. The detail, level of craftsmanship and unorthodox thinking behind these electric motorcycles make them must-sees." Other notable electric motorcycles on display include Joey Ruiter's "NOMOTO," which camouflages as utilitarian street furniture and his geometric "Moto Undone" concept. Also part of the exhibit is famed motorcycle designer Walt Siegl's ultra-minimalist "RONTU" that uses carbon fiber, aluminum and a lack of body panels to help weigh a scant 100 lbs. Hugo Eccles' avant-garde and award-winning "XP Zero," a radical reinterpretation of a production ZERO SR/F into a futuristic cafe racer, is also among the extensive collection of unique and innovative electric motorcycles.
The panel discussion of Electric Revolutionaries. [MAF]A fascinating panel discussion was held at the April 14th reception, moderated by Paul d'Orléans and including five of the featured designers, plus Charles Fleming of the LA Times. To watch the video or read the transcript, click here.
Specialized Revives the Globe
The Specialized sub-brand Globe is an urban utility/commuter machine. [Specialized]
In the 1990s, Specialized bicycles had a sub-brand called Globe, a no-frills urban-oriented bicycle line. They've revived the Globe name for a line of urban eBikes with a utility focus, for carrying loads like groceries and kids. The new Globe brand is a stand-alone product that “will focus on bringing more fun to local living while reducing the number of car, truck, and SUV trips needed for everyday transportation;" that's certainly a goal we support at The Vintagent. Globe's leader Saul Leiken said “in order to offer the bicycle as the ultimate climate-friendly solution for everyday trips [the firm must] alter traditional notions of how and why we ride.” We've previously posted articles on Specialized's interest in EVs and history of bucking trends, as with their fUCI racing bicycle with an electric boost, designed by Robert Egger. Read that story here for a bit on context on the Specialized mindset, and likely approach to their eBike new lineup.
Volkswagen Launching Scout, a New Off-Roading EV Brand
The new Volkswagen Scout line...a familiar name with a new profile. [VW]German automaker Volkswagen recently announced that they would be launching a new EV company in America called Scout, a nod to the International Harvester Scout of the 1960s. The new brand will offer an electric off-roading SUV and pickup. VW plans to make an initial investment of $100 million in their new branch.
Can Fisker Beat Lucid’s 520-Mile Range?
The Fisker Ronin long-range EV sedan. [Fisker]EV startup Fisker is planning to create a four-door luxury sportscar that could dethrone Lucid Air’s 520-mile rating. Called the Ronin, a namesake of the 1997 John Frankenheimer Euro sedan, the EV is due to drop in 2024. "The aim is to achieve the world's longest range for a production EV, combined with extremely high levels of performance. Project Ronin will be a showcase for our internal engineering, powertrain, and software capabilities,” Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker stated.
Volvo’s Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks
The new Volvo e-fleet. [Volvo]Every day, it seems like another luxury brand is hopping on the electric train. This week is Volvo’s turn. The Swedish automaker has six electric trucks now on the menu, including the Volvo FH, Volvo FM, and Volvo FMX. Volvo plans for half of its total truck sales to be electric by 2030. Tractor versions of the trucks will be available in 4x2, 6z3, and 6x4. The trucks will be outfitted with two or three electric motors that churn out between 450 and 66hp and have top ranges of just under 200 miles.
Samsung is Accelerating Development of Solid-State Batteries
The battery of the future looks like a diaper, for now. A solid-state battery from Nissan. [Nissan]Samsung SDI is ramping up the development of solid-state batteries and will produce them in early 2023. The company states that the new technology will be a more powerful and safer alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Samsung aims to have their solid-state batteries on the market within the next five years. This is an ambitious goal, as the technology has only been proven in very small test batteries, and not in large batteries used under various conditions as in a vehicle. The trick for solid state batteries is preventing degradation by coating the anode and cathode in materials that do not slow down a smooth flow of ions. The advantages of a solid-state battery is a much wider choice of materials for the anode and cathode, which makes scientists (and environmentalists) hopeful that far more common materials than cobalt and lithium can be used to produce the millions of batteries needed in a wholesale shift to electric power. We'll be watching developments in this space: much as with hydrogen technology, Nissan and Samsung claim a breakthrough is 'just around the corner' or 'on the verge.' That's a state of affairs that could last for decades, but the promise of solid state batteries would mean a truly on-par performance in terms of range and lightness between internal combustion and EV vehicles.
Fresh Funds
Atlis Motor Vehicles is planning to submit a Nasdaq Global Market applications for a public listing in the stock market. They have reserved the ticker symbol “AMV.”
Lordstown Motors needs more funding to build their Endurance pickup. The EV maker saw a net loss of $86.9 million in Q1 of 2022 and is hoping to close a critical deal with Taiwan’s Foxconn for its Ohio factory to make up for the losses. Even if the sale is successful, Lordstown still requires an additional $150 million to start production of it pickup.
Rivian received a staggering $1.5 billion incentives package to build a factory in Georgia.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! Welcome to the first EV news roundup of May. This week’s stories include a first looks at the stunning Formula E Gen3 race car, a seven-pound powertrain, and the results of CAKE’s first ever electric race. If you see any cool stories you think we should cover, shoot us a message at stephanie@thevintagent.com. Oh, and don’t forget to call your mother on Sunday! Let’s roll.
Formula E’s New Gen3 Car Shows How Fast Battery Technology is Advancing
A gorgeous render of the new Formula E Gen3 racer. [Formula E]Formula E revealed its new Gen3 race car last week at Monaco’s Yacht Club. With a design inspired by a fighter jet, this car is faster, stronger, and more efficient than its predecessors. While the maximum power output from the Gen1 to the Gen2 only increased by 50 kW, FIA’s newest EV blows previous generations out of the water with a staggering 650 kW of total power. And that power upsurge was achieved in only one year! Some other noteworthy features of the Gen3 include a weight that is 60 kg lighter than the previous models and top speeds of over 200 mph. The new race car will also be built from renewable materials, including recyclable batteries, natural rubber, and recycled fiber from Gen2 cars.
CAKE Worlds Race Winners Announced
CAKE racing in the dirt. Just because it's quiet doesn't mean the action isn't exciting. [CAKE]Earlier this week, Swedish EV manufacturer CAKE announced the winners of the Cake Worlds Race, the first ever all-electric, gender-neutral race in North America. After the action-packed weekend in Del Mar, CA, professional MXA test-rider Josh Moisman was crowned the North American 4X champion. Ashley Fiolek, coming in ninth place, was crowned the best female rider. Dylan Gaszak secured first place in the amateur class. All three will represent the U.S. in the CAKE Worlds Finals, taking place later this year. While their press arm is robust, CAKE really needs to work on their PR before an event, as one of our team attended the Del Mar race, and found it sparsely attended. EV racing is a blast to watch, so ramp up the notice, CAKE!
Lucid Will Build 100,000 EVs for the Saudi Government
Lucid Motors secures a major contract with the Saudi government. But how will supply chain issues affect their projections? [Lucid]Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance recently made a purchase commitment for 50,000 Lucid EVs, with an option to buy another 50,000 more over the next decade. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) currently holds a controlling 61% stake of the EV maker...an interesting point given the country's status as the world's largest exporter of crude oil. Saudi Arabia is also opening up formerly forbidden areas to tourism, and has made huge infrastructure investments in new tourist areas of ancient architecture and astonishing natural beauty, all of which look simply amazing. The question is, will Saudi Arabia invest in Lithium mining to ensure they can build those 100,000 cars?
The World’s Lightest Powertrain?
The Mahle X20 ultra-light powertrain. [Mahle]The new Mahle X20 e-Bike powertrain claims to be the lightest in the world. The X20 system barely tips the scale at just 7.05 lbs, including the motor, wiring, battery, controller, and head unit. Due to its ultra-lightness, the rear hub motor only cranks out about 23 Nm of torque, but will still be a welcome boost for any bicycle.
Aston Martin Plans to Go Entirely Electric
The Aston Martin Valhalla is the company's first plug-in hybrid vehicle, which is expected to arrive in 2024. With no EV design in evidence, it's a bold move for the company to announce a total switch to EVs. [Aston Martin]Luxury automaker Aston Martin announced earlier this week that it is targeting 2030 as the expiration date of new cars with gas-powered engines. The company also plans to drop its first electric model by 2025.
Major Global Lithium Shortage, and 'The New Oil'
From the Publisher: Lithium is a very common mineral on planet Earth, found in rock and soil and seawater. Lithium is also a critical element for the battery technology currently powering EVs, but extracting Lithium from all these places is difficult, expensive, and is currently a filthy business, perhaps even dirtier than oil extraction. The planned-for shift to EVs across Europe and North America, and the current growth of the EV mobility sector, have exposed a major weakness in the supply chain: the demand for Lithium by battery manufacturers worldwide has exceeded the available supply by 50,000metric tons every year since 2020. The price of Lithium carbonate has gone through the roof, shooting up 442% since 2020, and now accounts for 80% of the cost of EV batteries. The cost of a new Tesla long-range has gone up $1000 this year to reflect this, as one example of a quantifiable impact of the mineral shortage on EV mobility. And looking forward, "All the world's cell production combined represents well under 10% of what we will need in 10 years," said Robert Scaringe, CEO of Rivian.
Lithium mining in Sonora, Mexico. [Mexico Now]Lithium has earned the name 'white gold', but perhaps it's better called 'the new oil', given its impact on global energy geopolitics, and a shift away from the Middle East as primary energy brokers for a power-hungry world. China remains in control of an estimated 80% of the world's Cobalt extraction, according to a New York Times story, but Lithium production is currently split between Australia (#1), China, Chile, and Argentina. After threatening to nationalize Lithium production in Mexico, President Obrador (AMLO) allowed Chinese company Ganfeng Lithium to take a 50% stake in UK mining company Bacanora currently controlling mineral mining in Sonora...effectively giving the Chinese a 50-year lease on 100,000 hectares in the Sonoran desert. Economically weak countries with vast natural resources are under tremendous political pressure to concede their natural resources to foreign economic powers. And whether the world will know what the extraction ultimately looks like is an open question, given the regular murder of journalists and activists daring to give voice to local concerns over extraction. At The Vintagent, we believe in sustainability and a clean environment, and support efforts to that end. The EV industry is painted as essentially 'green', but that is still an open question, given the usual ugliness of extraction. Let's hope the rush to reduce carbon in our atmosphere doesn't lead to an even worse situation on the ground.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! While Elon Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter nearly broke the internet earlier this week, we’d like to turn your attention to much more captivating EV stories. This week’s roundup includes a stunning café-inspired e-Motorcycle, an EV brand that was born to be different, a Dodge Ram EV pickup, e-Bikes from MINI, and even an electrified Corvette. If you see any stories you’d like us to cover, drop us a message at stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Meet the New Nuit: A Visionary Café-Inspired e-Motorcycle
The Nuit is a pared-down eBike, and looks in profile surprisingly like a 1960s Velocette Valiant! [Nuit)
Some designs will never go out of style. A good case in point is Belgium designer Benjamin Surain’s new e-Motorcycle, the Nuit. Based on a TC Max Super Soco. Ben completely transformed the bike into his own unique minimalistic vision. The Nuit, or Night, is built entirely from sustainable materials. Ben tore apart the TC and reworked the entire frame using eco-friendly materials and 3D printing technology. The result is a sleek, barebones bike that weighs only 187 pounds. The Nuit can reach top speeds of 110km/h and features fully adjustable firmware for a customized riding experience.
A Brand as Distinct as da Vinci
The DaVinci eBike takes a unique approach to the design issue of the big battery required for high power and long range. I see the design heritage of the 2009 Mission One here. Also, the 'follow you around' self-balancing trick![DaVinci]
We all know that Leonardo da Vinci was an artist ahead of his time. And it’s safe to assume that Davinci Motor Corp. is too. Founded in 2013, the Chinese startup’s motto is, “Scientists discover the world that exists. Engineers create the world that never was.” And these revolutionaries are definitely living up to their words. Davinci’s two high-performance models, including the DC100, are self-balancing bikes that will follow you around. The DC100’s single-sided swingarm showcases its distinct rear wheel that seemingly floats in mid-air. The only caveat to this is that the front wheel is encased with an immense swingarm on the right side of the bike. A brave act by the designers, to say the least. The DC100 also features a 17.7kWh battery and a “creep” feature that allows the bike to slowly start moving when you release the brake lever, a lot like an automatic car. There’s also an app-based remote-control feature that allows your bike to come to you from wherever it’s parked.
Ram’s EV Truck Concept Debuts this Fall
The Dodge Ram teaser campaign, looking like an action film logo...which is pretty much how cars are framed these days. [Dodge]
Ram plans to unveil its EV pickup concept this fall, possibly at the Los Angeles auto show. The automaker released a teaser on Twitter earlier this week which featured an illuminated Ram logo.
MINI Drops Four New e-Bikes
Cooper Bikes! The bicycle brand of BMW's Mini cars. [Mini]
MINI Cooper’s bicycle brand, Cooper Bikes, just revealed four new e-Bike models this week that feature regenerative braking. Designed for city commuters, the lineup includes the drop-bar CR-72 Randonneur bike, the single-speed CS1E, and two gender-specific models, including the CG-7E and the CL-7E. All models use the Zehus Gen2 electric bike drivetrain and produce 40Nm of torque and top speeds of 25km/h. Swanky, yes. Fast, not so much.
Here Comes the EV Corvette!
The E-Ray in the wild? We won't see a production version for several years. [Chevrolet]
GM has finally confirmed what we all new was eventually coming: an electric Corvette, to be called the E-Ray. While a hybrid version of the muscle car will hit dealerships as early as next year, GM will use its Ultium platform to support future all-electric ‘Vettes. It's expected to be a 1000hp all-wheel-drive beast with 3 or 4 motors.
Fresh Funds
Portuguese e-Skateboard company, Hunter, raised a $1.3 million seed round.
Elon Musk’s Boring Company is now worth $5.7 billion after raising $675 million in a Series C round of financing.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration’s new program will open the door to $6.4 billion in formula funding to develop carbon reduction strategies over the next five years.
Ola: The World’s Tesla Alternative
"A Tesla for the rest of us." The proposed Ola EV auto, an outgrowth of their two-wheeled company. [Ola]
Ola founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal has big plans for the company and wants to launch its first EV by 2023 or early 2024. The vehicle is promised to have autonomous technologies, making it valuable for international markets. “Tesla is for the west and Ola is for the rest,” Aggarwal said.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! We’re neck-deep in spring now and the EV industry is only continuing to crank out awesome vehicles and innovative technology. The one caveat to this week’s roundup is that we’ve noticed more and more stories about e-Bike battery explosions! Follow that story! This week’s roundup includes a new EV drag racer, an electric SUV concept from Ford, Cake eBikes for younger riders, and a man who outran a Tesla. As always, send your tantalizing tales to us at stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
New Hookie Co Dragster
Hookie goes to the drags! The makers of the Tardigrade lunar cycle are moving on to faster things. And, how did they make an Ösa do 100mph? [Hookie Co]
Dresden-based startup Hookie Co. just dropped a sick dragster that was their reinterpretation of Cake’s Ösa electric utility bike. Dubbed the ‘Silver Ant,’ this futuristic e-Motorcycle is made for drag racing. And while the idea of a silent drag race sounds strange, that’s exactly what you’ll be witnessing when the Silver Ant goes head-to-head with other bikes at the Glemseck 101 festival’s EV-only race this fall. The otherworldly motorcycle is promised to reach speeds of 100mph and has unique sprinting capabilities, including one brake and an aerodynamic rider position.
Three New Cake Bikes Aimed at Younger Riders
CAKE gets small! And appeals to riders of all ages with a new range of little bikes. [CAKE]This week, Cake unveiled three new e-Bikes specifically designed for younger riders. As part of the Cake Kids Evolution Program, the lineup includes three new two-wheelers called Ready, Steady, and Go. The company’s goal is to build confidence in kids as they’re learning how to ride a bike by gradually building skills as they graduate from one model to the next. “Being a dad, I have been disturbingly surprised by the motorized off-road kids bikes that lately have hit the market, addressing kids from toddlers and up. With the Cake line of bikes, we want to excite young riders and stress safety. You need to learn how to walk before you run, and you need to master your balance before you start playing around with a throttle,” Cake Founder and CEO, Stefan Ytterborn, said.
Ford’s New Electric SUV Concept
The trend towards jellybean bland finds full expression in the new Ford SUV concept: when all the rules are erased, why not try interesting as a design brief? [Ford]Ford recently revealed its new Lincoln Star electric SUV concept in preparation for adding four new EVs to its lineup by 2026. Featuring Tesla-like aesthetics, the Lincoln Star boasts panoramic windows, a Land Rover-esque silhouette, and three “rejuvenation moods” that adjust the cabin’s sound, lighting, and even smell.
California Goes Electric
The Golden State is giving up gas-powered vehicles. The California Air Resources Board’s new proposal would require 35% of new passenger cars sold in the state to be battery- and hydrogen-powered by 2026.
Man vs. Tesla: Man Wins
Can a man outrun a Tesla? Well, yes, based on a single charge...
Earlier this week, ultramarathoner Robbie Balenger outran a Tesla Model 3 by 100 feet. Man and machine began at the same starting point about 250 miles outside Austin. The Tesla was driven at an average speed of 65mph for the duration of a full charge, which equated to 242 miles. Balenger followed the car’s exact route on foot and beat the car’s distance by 100 feet, despite soaring temperatures. Balenger completed the race in 76 hours, 54 minutes, meaning he literally ran for three straight days, only briefly stopping to sleep, eat, etc. No doubt Balenger consumed considerably less energy than the Tesla, required less infrastructural support, and did not upset the balance of international power in his requirements for rare minerals! It's long been said that a standard bicycle is the most efficient form of transportation in terms of total energy consumption; perhaps Lance Armstrong could repeat this test and begin a discussion of lifecycle energy consumption!
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! Did you get your taxes done? Are you ready for Easter? With so much going on this week, we encourage you to take a breather while catching up on the latest EV news. This week’s stories include some upcoming releases from Honda and Cake, the race to secure battery materials, a crazy hyper-car concept that promises 2,200hp, some mind-blowing funding news, and a custom e-Motorcycle exclusively made for Shaq. As always, shoot us a message at stephanie@thevintagent.com if you think we should cover a particular story. Let’s roll.
Killer Concepts from Honda and Cake
Mystery concepts from Honda, stepping into the e-vehicle game cautiously. [Honda]
Both Honda and Cake revealed awesome EV concepts this week. The former includes two electric Honda sports cars that will be released later this decade, including a “specialty” and “flagship” model. Both cars will most likely be built on the automaker’s e:Architecture platform.
Looks like CAKE is going into the pedelec business! [CAKE]Meanwhile, Cake recently dropped a teaser that hints at a lighter two-wheeled EV. What are your thoughts?
An Electric Hyper-Car Concept that Promises 2,200 Ponies
The DEUS hypercar concept...is 2200hp enough though? [DEUS]DEUS Automobiles debuted its jaw-dropping Vayanne electric hyper-car concept at the New York International Auto Show this week. The Austrian company is less than two years old but has bold ambitions. The startup’s stunning new concept is predicted to churn out 2,200hp, 1,475 lb.-ft. of torque, and reach top speeds of 248mph. The Vayanne was developed in partnership with Britain-based Williams Advanced Engineering, the tech division of the Williams Formula 1 racing team.
NASA Partners with Canoo to Develop EVs for Artemis Missions
Canoo to the moon! [Canoo]
This week, NASA announced that they would contract startup Canoo to build EVs to transport astronauts to the launchpad for the upcoming Artemis mission to the moon. According to a press release, Canoo will provide NASA with crew transportation vehicles (CTV) and customized lifestyle vehicle (LV) models by next summer.
Fresh Funds
BMW's EV line is growing by leaps and bounds. [BMW]BMW Group reported that they more than doubled their EV sales in Q1 of 2022. A driving factor of the automaker’s success was the recent arrival of the i4 and iX. Overall, BMW Group sold 35,289 BMW and Mini EVs in the first three months of 2022.
The X Shore eboat is a perfect app for EV tech. [S Shore]Electric boat manufacturer X Shore secured $50 million in their latest round of investment funding. The company will use the funds to increase research and development of maritime EV technologies, as well as to support the manufacturing of their first production boat.
Porsche's efuels plant is currently producing synthetic fuels at $45/gal. [Porsche]Porsche dropped $75 million in investments in the industrial production of eFuels to support their goal of electrifying 80% of their model lineup by 2030.
GM and Ford Shore Up Battery Materials
Automakers General Motors and Ford are making strategic moves to secure EV battery materials. This week, GM signed a cobalt supply deal with the Glencore, a global mining company. Ford also signed a supply agreement with lithium miner Lake Resources.
Shaq’s Custom e-Motorcycle
Shaquille O'neal has been a moto fan for decades, and is jumping on the EV bandwagon with a custom bike by Ty's Profab. [Shaq's IG]Remember when West Coast Choppers built a custom bike for Shaquille O’Neal over 20 years ago? Well, the NBA star is at it again, but this time it’s an EV. Oklahoma-based Ty's Profab build a café-style e-Motorcycle for Shaq in just 14 days.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! Before we jump into this week’s EV news, we wanted to announce our new exhibit at the Petersen Museum spotlighting the electric renaissance. Opening April 9th, the 'Electric Revolutionaries' exhibit showcases 12 pioneering designers/teams that are leading the way for the EV industry. Standouts in the exhibit include the ‘KillaJoule,” the swiftest sidecar streamliner developed by mechanical engineer Eva Håkansson, Hugo Eccles’ “XP Zero,” and the global debut of Curtiss Motors’ “The One.”
If you’re in the LA area, and want to join the reception on April 14th, here's where to buy tickets. We'd love to see you there!
Now let’s get into this week’s stories, which include some awesome women making headway on EV production in Mexico, Lexus’ new electric car that features a steering yoke, and the obstacles preventing the U.S. from moving the needle on its ambitious goals regarding electric vehicles.
If you see a story you’d like us to cover, send it to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Our inbox is always open. Let’s roll.
Meet Zacua, the Mexican EV Developed by Women
Mexico has a small motor manufacturing industry, for both motorcycles and cars; the Zacua is the newest, with an all-woman workforce making EVs. [Zacua]When it comes to electric vehicles, it seems like there’s always a man behind the machine. Mexico’s Zacua is about to change all that. The Zacua is a car created mostly by women. While this EV has been in development for the last five years, a 7.1-degree tremor that rocked the region in September, 2017 delayed plans. Luckily, the company has recently introduced two models to the market, including the Zacua MX2 coupe and the MX3 hatchback. Both cars can reach speeds of 85kph. The batteries are protected by an aluminum chassis that is designed to absorb energy in the event of an impact. The battery has a range of about 160km, but this number will vary depending on speed, incline, decline, and daily driving habits.
The Zacua M2 looks like a perfect urban runabout that has the potential of cleaning up Mexico City's smog issues. [Zacua]Zacua aims to accelerate the use of environmentally friendly energies in Mexico by manufacturing small, non-polluting urban vehicles with great functionality and aesthetics. They plan to gradually open 150 charging stations in Mexico City.
How the War on Ukraine Will Impact the EV Industry
[Alain Pitton / NurPhoto/ Getty Images]In Rivian’s latest SEC filing, the startup forecasted “significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future,” citing the effects of the conflict in Ukraine among the factors that will severely impact its success. “The cascading impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and more recently the conflict in the Ukraine, have impacted our business and operations from facility construction to equipment installation to vehicle component supply,” Rivian stated. The war has prompted other automakers to halt production, including Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Renault, and Porsche. Since Russia and China, their greatest ally, are leading suppliers of the raw materials needed to produce EV batteries, EV makers are faced with the additional hurdles of rising prices and declining availability of these resources.
UPS’s New Adorably Tiny Electric Delivery Vans
Brown gettin' down! The last-mile UPS EV delivery vehicle, the eQuad, that's technically a bicycle in disguise. [UPS]UPS tested out their new electric delivery vans this week and they’re downright adorable. Technically considered quadricycles, the vans are powered by an electric bike motor and measure less than 10 feet long and 33 inches wide. Called the eQuad, the small vehicles can efficiently zip through long lines of traffic, making last-minute deliveries a breeze. The vehicle’s drivetrain is nearly identical to that of an electric cargo bike and features a traditional bicycle seat, handlebars, and an electrical assist system that comes alive when a rider begins pedaling. UPS is now trialing 100 of their tiny vans in EU markets and plans to expand testing into the U.S. soon.
Lexus’ First EV Will Be Piloted by a Steering Yoke
Amazing that Lexus doesn't already have an EV offering; this is the RZ450e, coming soon. [Lexus]Luxury automaker Lexus will be revealing the RZ 450e, their first EV, on April 20th. To promote the release, the company recently dropped two teaser images, one of which features a steering yoke. We’d love to hear if Lexus’s steering yoke is a yea or nay for you.
America is Losing Speed in the Race for EVs
At the FIA Formula E race at Templehof airport in Berlin: - Lucas Di Grassi (BRA), Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler, Audi e-tron FE05, leads Sébastien Buemi (CHE), Nissan e.Dams, Nissan IMO1. [FIA Formula E/Handout/Getty Images]
The Washington Post published an article this week about America’s difficulty to keep up in the EV battery race. Despite efforts to boost the domestic availability of raw materials, China still monopolizes 60% of battery production, and controls 80% of some vital minerals like Cobalt. With rising material prices and market imbalances, the hurdles will only continue to get higher for US companies. Furthermore, the U.S. government currently has only 1% of the chargers it needs to support EV usage in the next decade. According to recent testimony from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the U.S. government owns only 1,100 of the 100,000 stations it needs to power a planned shift to electric government vehicles.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! They’ve always said that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, right? Well, as far as EV news is concerned, the last week of March was anything but soft and meek. This week’s electrifying stories include the largest e-Bike in the world, a startup looking to swap out plastic parts for paper, and a new EV that boasts some incredible autonomous driving features. As always, drop us a line at stephanie@thevintagent.com if you see any news you think we should cover. Let’s roll.
Paper or Plastic?
CAKE is moving on to alternative construction materials for their EVs, in hopes of lightening their carbon and fossil-fuel footprint. [CAKE]
EV manufacturer CAKE recently announced a partnership with a Swedish startup called PaperShell that wants to replace plastic parts with paper. While this may seem like an absurd endeavor, PaperShell’s paper-packed technology seems to be possible. Founded in 2021, PaperShell is aiming to replace plastic components with an eco-friendlier alternative that “resembles an artificially engineered and exclusive wood.” In the most basic sense, the company would press their sustainable concoction into whatever shape you’re looking for, be it parts for an electric scooter or a spoon.
“Our components are made by press molding, or inflation bladder molding. They create 3D surfaces that are hard and load-bearing for indoor and outdoor products,” PaperShell said. The natural fiber composite solution is hydrophobic, UV, fire-, and weather-resistant. The company states that since the amount of bio carbon is close to 100%, every 1kg of fossil-based plastics replaced with the solution will keep 7.5kg of fossil-based CO2 from being released into the atmosphere at end of life.
The First Rolls-Royce EV Will Arrive Next Year
Not much detail, but it's inevitable: a Rolls-Royce EV. Not such a dramatic shift, really, as Rolls' have always been smooth and silent... [Rolls-Royce]
Luxury car manufacturer Rolls-Royce will release their first electric car, the Spectre, late next year. The company’s winter testing recently wrapped up, and another 1.24 million miles of testing is already scheduled. Most of the winter testing took place on the frozen surface of Lake Kakel in Sweden. The company’s goal for testing its new model in -40-degree conditions was to ensure the vehicle handled as well as any other Rolls. “By driving on low traction surfaces such as snow and ice and willfully destabilizing Spectre, the engineers can create dynamic circumstances at low speeds that would ordinarily occur at high speeds,” the company stated in a release. “This can be reviewed and guided in situ and in slow motion, in doing so parametrizing and finessing cold-weather vehicle performance in areas such as handling, controllability, stability, predictability, and the ‘waftability’ that defines the Rolls-Royce experience.”
Barq’s New e-Scooter is the First from the Middle East
The Barq Rena Max is an update of the Motocompo concept - super compact and convenient short-haul transport. [Barq]
Abu Dhabi-based startup, Barq, just dropped their Rena Max, the first EV from the Middle East. Barq explained that their e-Scooter was intentionally designed for use in the “last-mile” delivery market and aims to combat “inefficient costs and low productivity.” To do that, the scooter features state-of-the-art tech, including battery cooling regulation and an integrated software system that will regulate the temperatures in the scoot’s storage to boost the quality of deliveries. “The insulated top box includes a food safe lining, configurable shelving and integrated thermometer,” Barq said. Designed by CALLUM, the scooter will also feature an integrated eight-inch touch screen, adjustable riding modes, and an 150km range per charge. The bike will be able to hit top speeds of 97kph. Talk about a fast delivery!
The World’s Largest EV Made is Perfect for Giants
Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear! The eDirtySixer on 36" rims is really really big! [DirtySixer]
If you were 7’1”, what type of EV would you choose to ride? Probably one with 36” tires. DirtySixer, founded by 6’6” David Folch, has been developing larger bikes for larger people since 2013. The company, loved by NBA legends including Lebron James and Shaquille O-Neal, recently introduced their first EV model, fittingly called the eDirtySixer. You’ve got to be leggy to ride this thing. The massive e-Bike features 36” tires, a Shimano E8000 mid-drive motor, and a 500wH battery. And did we tell you that this baby also lacks a chain? Rather, the motor is linked to the rear wheel through a Gates carbon fiber-reinforced belt drive. This makes the eDirtySixer quieter, cleaner, and more durable.
Meet the Lotus Eletre
EV SUV Eletre, the latest Lotus. Lotus has always been at the cutting edge with tech, as the first manufacturer to use glues instead of welding for their chassis, and if you recall, the first Teslas used a Lotus chassis. [Lotus]
Lotus recently unveiled their new electric “hyper” SUV dubbed the Eletre. It will be the first of a trio the company plans to release during the next four years. The Eletre, which translates to “coming to life,” can skyrocket from 0 to 60mph in just under three seconds and has 373 miles worth of range on a full charge. The SUV is “future proofed” with hardware that can be controlled via over-the-air software updates to enhance its driver assistance system. Lotus also plans to have four light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors “deploy” when needed. When not in use, the sensors will be tucked away at the top of the windscreen, rear glass, and front wheel arches. These sensors enable the vehicle to enter and exit parking spaces through a smartphone app.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! So how about those soaring gas prices? Yah, we don’t want to talk about them either. What we’d rather chat about is this week’s hot EV topics. With tons of new electric releases from leading luxury brands, a new plant that will support US battery production, and more, the first week of spring really packs an electrified punch. As always, drop us a line at stephanie@thevintagent.com if you see anything you’d like us to cover. Let’s roll.
e-Bike Sales Are Surging
Remember how we said we didn’t want to discuss gas prices? We lied. The dramatic spike in gas prices has caused an epic explosion of e-Bike sales. Many e-Bike manufacturers, including Pedego Electric and VanMoof, have experienced record high sales for the last several weeks. EV sharing companies are also seeing an increasing demand for their services.
Michigan is Getting a Graphite Processing Factory
Graphex Group, a volume producer of spherical graphite for lithium-ion battery anodes, just entered into an exclusive non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to form a joint venture with Emerald Energy Solutions to build and operate a graphite processing plant in Warren, Michigan. The 150,000 square-foot factory will bring about 125 new jobs to the region and help support America’s EV battery production. Currently, the majority of graphite is being produced in China. Bringing the process and refinement of graphite to home soil is expected to alleviate supply chain issues.
New EV Releases from Leading Luxury Brands
Audi, Maserati, and Porsche, oh my! This week, tons of luxury brands unveiled new electric cars. Including:
The Audi A6 e-Tron. [Audi]Audi showcased its new A6 e-Tron concept at the Shanghai Auto Show. The car is a sneak peek of a new family of EVs built on a fresh EV platform co-developed by Porsche. Called the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the platform will support midsized SUVs and sedans. The A6 concept features a 100kWh battery with a range of 435 miles. The car is promised to produce 469 ponies and 590 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Maserati GranTurismo concept - will they be the first luxury car brand to offer a 100% EV? [Maserati]Maserati released new details about its electrified future this week during its earnings report. The company stated that they are on the path to being the first luxury brand to launch a 100% electric sports car. Dubbed the GranTurismo, the car will come to market next year and offer 1,200hp from three electric motors. The company aims to produce 100% electric versions of all their models by 2025.
Porsche's electric concept 718, which won't need so much air ducting...[Porsche]Porsche is planning to bring an electric 718 to market in 2025, as well as an all-electric Macan.
Spooky pix in place of details: the BMW iX1 electric SUV. [BMW]BMW recently dropped a teaser image of their iX1 electric SUV, which will debut later this year. The vehicle is built on the FAAR platform and will offer 272 miles worth of range.
Is Can-Am Returning to Two Wheels?
Can Am, how we missed you, but did see your trikes. The patent office is a great place for picking up vehicle activity... [Can Am]Powersports giant, Can-Am, recently dropped new patents for an electric roadster and trailbike, as well as outlines for a retro model and cruiser. The patent shows a tubular frame housing the battery pack. Unlike the LiveWire platform, this one can be rotated to accommodate different configurations.
Note the abbreviated frame around the battery pack, and controllers up top, and a motor behind the batteries. [Can Am]
Washington Aims to Ban All Gas Cars
Washington – the state where we attempted to host Electric Revolution Live – just passed a bill to require all new light vehicles sold in the state to be electric. This will start with the 2030 model year. If passed, the bill would make exceptions for emergency vehicles and those weighing over 10,000 pounds.
Toyota Wants to Bring Charging Stations to the Masses
Toyota is partnering with Chargepoint to install EV charging stations in public places and residential homes. The at-home charging stations will come with a 23-foot cord and be able to charge a RAV4 Prime nine times faster than a standard outlet.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! We hope you weren’t that jostled by turning your clocks forward this past Sunday. Here at The Vintagent, we truly appreciate the extra hour of daylight. We’re also pretty amped up about this week’s EV news roundup. From an electrified vintage-inspired Ford Mustang to an EV that can support people moving to the moon, here are the EV stories that grabbed our attention this week. If you see a story you think we should cover, hit us up at stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
The OG EV Gets a Makeover
The FLEX lunar rover on test in Death Valley. [Astrolab]
Remember the Tardigrade lunar motorcycle? Well, here’s another EV aimed at the moon. Way back in 1969 when humans first landed on the moon, we relied on an electric lunar rover to navigate the uncharted terrain. This week, Cali-based startup Astrolab revealed its ‘flexible logistics and exploration’ (FLEX) lunar rover. Designed to support people inhabiting the moon and Mars, FLEX is intended to carry both passengers and cargo and open the door to next-gen planetary exploration. While previous rovers were developed to carry a specific payload, FLEX will be built around a modular payload interface that supports intermodal transportation. The vehicle features a removable deck that holds two standing passengers, a deck equipped to carry 3m³ of cargo, hazard detection sensors, and wheels developed for soft soil.
The company recently tested a full-scale prototype in the California desert near Death Valley. Former astronaut Chris Hadfield was in the driver’s seat. Despite tackling earthly terrain like a champ, Astrolab needs to get its EV moon-ready with the hopes of using it in NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) project, which will make lunar rovers for future Artemis landings. In order to do this, FLEX needs to meet anticipated NASA requirements, including the ability to run for an eight-hour moonwalk, be able to operate for 10 years, and survive frigid lunar nights. We’d love to see thicker sidewalls so it can better absorb impacts from lunar rocks and exoplanet obstacles. And maybe adjustable solar arrays to keep it juiced.
The Classic Mustang Reimagined
The new EV Mustang conversion by Charging Cars, with 536hp. [Charging Cars]
What’s more American than apple pie? The Ford Mustang. However, British engineers at Charging Cars are reimagining American muscle with an electric, zero-emissions Ford Mustang. Inspired by the 1967 classic, the company will only have 499 of the EVs available for reservation. Developed in partnership with Arrival, the electric sportscar features a 64kWh battery that powers two motors and churns out 536 ponies and 1,061 lb.-ft. of torque. Better yet, this electric powerhouse will go from 0 to 100 in less than four seconds. Whoa.
Alpha Motor Drops Its ACE Electric Coupe Series
The Ace electric coupe range by SoCal company Alpha Motor: from standard to super sports. [Alpha Motor]Alpha Motor, an EV manufacturer based in Irvine, California, recently dropped its new ACE electric coupe series. The new series features three distinct models, including the ACE, ACE performance edition, and the SUPER ACE. All models will be built on the company’s mechanically adjustable vehicle platform. For its new series, Alpha has partnered with AMP to outfit its vehicles with an ‘energy ecosystem.’ The system includes eCloud, charging stations, and a battery management system. The AMP ecosystem is connected to the cloud, allowing for AI-powered battery analytics. One of the most unique aspects of the AMP energy ecosystem is its super compact energy management unit, which dramatically reduces the cost of vehicle power electronics by reducing the component count and size by up to 70% of the industry average.
Honbike Releases a Driveshaft e-Bike
The Honbike eschews a chain or belt in favor of a driveshaft. [Honbike]Japanese company Honbike recently released a futuristic folding e-Bike with a driveshaft. Ideal for urbanites, the driveshaft transmission allows for no maintenance for up to 25,000 miles. The motor packs 250W of power and tops out at 15.5mph. Best of all, the foldable design fits under just about any desk. Bicycles with shaft drive have been around since the turn of the Century, with Pierce bicycles the best known; the same company as Pierce-Arrow cars and Pierce motorcycles, which also used shaft drive.
Big News from Super73
Super73 is going gangbusters, here with an Indian-branded version of their popular ebike. [Super 73]Indian recently aligned with e-Bike manufacturer Super73 to release the eFTR Hooligan 1.2. The e-Bike, priced at $3,999, has moto-styled bars, inverted front forks, an LED headlight, and the distinct gold Indian Motorcycle chain. The eFTR promises top speeds of 20mph on throttle operation. The bike will reach 28mph with the pedals. This allows for non-motorcycle-license carriers to legally ride the bike. The 960Wh battery delivers 75 miles worth of range.
The new Super73 C1-X is the company's first motorcycle. It's small, with 15" wheels, so is not much bigger than their current ebike range, but will offer much more performance. [Super73]More and bigger news from Super73 is the introduction of their first proper motorcycle, the C1-X. With 15" wheels and a short wheelbase, the overall dimensions are similar to the standard Super73 ebike, but the C1-X has no pedals, and proper motorcycle suspension. It will undoubtedly have real motorcycle power, as the swingarm and forks look substantial. Framing a motorcycle with the same dimensions as their ebikes is a smart move, making a transition from pedelec to full eMoto less daunting, and the standard Super73 models the perfect gateway drug to motorcycling. We approve!
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hello dear readers and riders! Can you believe that spring is only 10 days away? We sure are ready for longer days and warmer weather. If you’re looking for more good news, you’re in luck! This week’s EV roundup includes exciting new releases from Volkswagen, Ferrari, and Yamaha. Better yet, wireless charging stations might be closer than we thought! As always, drop us a line at stephanie@thevintagent.com if you’ve seen any EV stories you’d like us to cover. Let’s roll.
Hong Kong's Felo Ready to Go
The Felo Fw-06 DX is a new style e-Scooter with aggressive styling and an in-wheel rear motor. [Felo]
Felo-EV is a new Hong Kong-based electric motorcycle brand, with some innovative 'crossover' offerings. That means they're mixing scooter X dirtbike X Transformers for some pretty cool model styles. Seems like their model list hasn't hit the West yet, but in Hong Kong, and certainly China, there's an enormous market waiting.
Volvo to Test Wireless EV Taxi Charging Stations
Will the new Volvo EVs using inductive charge stations?. [Volvo]In a world that demands convenience and lightning-fast results, wireless EV charging stations are a concept that drivers dream of. Why make the extra effort to plug in your e-Bike or car when you could just park it over a battery juicer in your driveway? Thankfully, Volvo is helping this technology gain traction. The German automaker will be testing wireless charging stations for its small fleet of EV taxis over the next three years. Volvo will use wireless induction charging pads developed by Momentum Dynamics that are installed directly into the pavement. When a compatible EV parks over the pad, charging will start automatically. Volvo plans to have its taxis work 12 hours a day and cover around 60,000 miles annually. Their goal for the current tests is to understand the durability of the system for commercial vehicles.
Ferrari is Entering the EV Realm
The new Ferrari: finally faster than a Tesla? [Ferrari]Ferrari will soon be a part of the electric revolution with its 296 GTB Hybrid sports car. The vehicle will be the luxury automaker’s first V6-powered road car and also one of its first hybrids. The 296 is promised to crank out 818 ponies when you enhance the internal-combustion engine with an electric motor. While deliveries aren’t expected until the summer, you can still order yours now.
The VW Brings Back Its Iconic Bus, but with an Electric Twist
The VW bus reboot is all-electric and super cool. [VW]
Volkswagen dropped some exciting news this week with the revival of its iconic Bus. The reborn Bus, dubbed the ID.Buzz, will be built on the same platform as the company’s other electric vehicles. The ID.Buzz will produce 229 lb.-ft. of torque and 201hp. The 82kWh lithium-ion Battery pack promises 77kwH of use. If you want to enjoy a lazy drive down to the beach for some surfboarding, the ID.Buzz is certainly ideal, as it will reach top speeds of only 90mph.
Yamaha Drops New e-Bikes
Yamaha's comprehensive fleet of e-bikes: still no superbike though. [Yamaha]Earlier this week, Yamaha announced that it will soon be bringing its three own-label e-Bikes to market. The bikes will cover all urban, gravel, and mountain segments and will be available for purchase by the end of the year. While Yamaha has been an innovator in the EV space since it first introduced its Power Assist System (PAS), which formed the foundation for the world’s first production e-Bike way back in the 90s, the company is breaking down new barriers with its new “Switch ON” campaign where it revealed an additional six new EVs. The new lineup includes e-Bikes and e-Scooters in the 50cc to 125cc equivalent class.
Aston Martin’s New EV Development Deal
The new Aston Martin X Britishvolt collab promises the Valhalla will be their first EV effort. [Aston Martin]On Monday, Aston Martin announced that it had entered into a partnership with UK-firm, Britishvolt, to develop new battery and EV tech. This will help Aston make the pivot to EVs in the next several years, including the 2024 release of its first plug-in hybrid car, the Valhalla, and the 2025 release of its first EV.
Tesla Gets the Go-Ahead
Tesla received environmental approval from the Brandenburg, Germany government for its Giga Berlin plant. The plant, which will be Tesla’s first in Europe, is expected to make up to 500,000 EVs annually.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor of The Current vertical on TheVintagent.com, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she’s not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles. Her Instagram is here.
Hello dear readers and riders! Can you believe it’s already March? Time flies like and e-Moto on full throttle…This week’s EV news roundup includes two weirdly wonderful tricycle concepts, an electric Meyers Manx, fresh funds, and how some awesome folks oversees are showing their support for Ukraine via EV charging stations. As always, drop us a line at stephanie@thevintagent.com if you see something we should cover. Let’s roll.
Showing Support for Ukraine
There's a war going on. Sadly, there's always a war going on, somewhere, and for most of the West, wars in the Middle East and Africa are sadly normalized in the media, and paid little attention. War is always a tragedy, and a failure of our humanity. We support the cessation of all warlike activities by all parties in all countries. This week, Russia's attack on Ukraine is dominating the news: this isn't the space to dive into the complex history behind this invasion. We uncategorically support the Ukranian people in their hour of suffering and bravery. Several EV companies are taking direct action to support the Ukraninan people: Tesla is offering free power from their Supercharging stations for all EVs around Ukraine. This could help at least some people flee dangerous locations. Other Ukraine advocates are showing their support in more creative ways: earlier this week, some Russian EV charging stations were hacked to show a message reading “Slava Ukraini!” on their screens. This reportedly translates to “Glory to Ukraine!” Other stations are also displaying messages that support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Small gestures that do not replace or repair lives, but who knows how or who they might help?
Wacky, Wonderful EV Tricycles
The Arcimoto has a laid-back stance and looks seriously cool with its disc wheels [Arcimoto]Two fascinating new EVs that caught our attention this week are both tricycles.
Oregon-based startup Arcimoto dropped an awesome new full-suspension, three-wheeled EV this week dubbed the Mean Lean Machine (MLM). Harnessing tilting tech to corner like a two-wheeler, the MLM’s other specs, including range, features, and pricing, will be unveiled later this year.
Taito is an upgrade on the standup scooter with a wooden step and cool tech. [Taito]Developed to be the more “grown-up” alternative to scooters and hoverboards, TAITO is a sleek three-wheeled EV that can conquer roads, sidewalks, gravel, and even cobblestone. Featuring an IP55 water-resistant construction, an 18.6-mile range, an innovative shock-absorbing bamboo platform, and supreme stability, this scooter is perfect for urban commuters who want to glide around town in style.
Tiny, But Mighty
Bolstering the new vehicle category of ultralight but fast off/road quasi-legal e-Bikes. [Revx]The REVX is a sprightly, little e-Motorcycle that caters to both novice and performance riders. With a barely-there body weighing just 114 pounds, the REVX can reach max speeds of 60 to 90km/h and is powered by a lithium-ion 54v battery that offers 100km of range.
First New Meyers Manx Vehicle Under New Ownership Will Be Electric
The original Meyers Manx design, upgragded with some tasty/racy mag wheels, from the 1968 film 'The Thomas Crown Affair', with Faye Dunaway and Steve McQueen [Michael Ochs archive]Many of you may know the Meyers Manx by its more generic name, as the original 'dune buggy'. The marque is now owned by Philip Sarophim, who Vintagent fans will know as the contributor of Big Oly to ADV:Overland and the Lancia Stratos HF Zero to Silver Shotgun, both exhibits curated by Paul d'Orléans at the Petersen Museum. Meyers Manx is planning a partnership with battery-coating company, Coreshell, to develop a 240hp, big-range EV, going above and beyond to ensure the new vehicle mimics the look and performance original Meyers Manx. They started the design process by digitizing the original buggy and uploading it onto a computer to closely scrutinize it from every angle, including the width and wheelbase. Then they took a long look at the electrical components to see where they would all seamlessly fit. We have seen some sneak peek concepts that we sadly can't share, but suffice to say, we can’t wait to see what emerges.
Polestar Aims to Develop Climate-Neutral Cars
Can an automobile be truly carbon-neutral? Let's see what Polestar comes up with. [Polestar]Polestar announced earlier this week that it would be working with suppliers to develop new manufacturing processes that would result in climate-neutral vehicles. The project, called Polestar 0 Project, could completely eliminate emissions from the supply chain. "Norwegian aluminum and renewable energy company Hydro intends to collaborate with Polestar’s experts on zero-carbon aluminum, while automotive systems supplier ZF intends to explore with Polestar how their innovation in electric powertrain and overall systems competence could eliminate carbon emissions and save resources," the company stated.
Fresh Funds
The all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning is expected to be their best-seller EV. [Ford]Automaker Ford just boosted its EV spending to $50 billion. In shades of the Harley-Davidson/LiveWire split, Ford will establish a separate EV brand as a unique entity distinct from its legacy combustion engine company. Ford plans to develop more than two million EVs by 2026.
Rideshare standup scooter company Beam gets a cash injection: this is their Saturn scoot. [Beam]Singapore-based startup Beam secured $93 million in funding to further develop its fifth-gen e-Scooters and expand into new markets across Asia.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor of The Current vertical on TheVintagent.com, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she’s not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles. Her Instagram is here.
Hello dear readers and riders! Did you know that spring is less than a month away? For many of us, longer daylight hours and milder temperatures mean more time at the handlebars. In other awesome news, the last week of February was stuffed with plenty of electrifying stories. From e-Bikes that cater to cycling enthusiasts to an EV making a big splash in the boating industry, here are the EV news stories that matter most to you. As always, if you see something that deserves our attention, drop us a line at stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Three e-Bike Models Perfect for Cycling Enthusiasts
The Rebeld street racer with a little electric kick. [Rebelde]If you’re an avid cycler who’s on the hunt for an e-Bike that can truly go the distance, look no further than the three e-Bike models designed by Pablo Baranoff Dorn and Rebeld. The series, including the ‘FIXIE,’ ‘MTB,’ and ‘URBAN’ models, were developed with cycling enthusiasts in mind, including urban commuters and off-road adventurers. All of the models are built on the Shimano Steps e8000 frame but feature their own distinct design and amenities.
Electric Hydrofoil Boat’s Maiden Voyage Makes Waves for the Future of Boating
A badass electric hydrofoil pleasure boat. [Candela]
Almost a year and a half after development, Swedish watercraft manufacturer, Candela, dropped a video of the maiden voyage of its C-8 electric hydrofoil boat. Silently and smoothly moving above the water’s surface on computer-guided underwater wings, the vessel successfully completed its first flight outside the company’s headquarters in Lidingö, Stockholm. The C8 uses 80% less energy than traditional boats. Merging aircraft technology with cutting-edge software, the C8 can lift itself above the water’s surface after reaching speeds of 16 knots, or 18.4mph. And the electric direct-drive means no noise, no oil changes, and no maintenance.
Z-Triton Drops an Electric Camper, Boat, and Trike Fusion
Just when we thought EV concepts couldn’t get any wilder, Latvian design and prototyping company, Zeltini, released a market-ready amphibious trike-camper vehicle that truly blew our minds. The EV has room to sleep and ride two and features integrated solar roof panels with a lithium-ion battery pack, an electric boat motor with cabin steering, two days worth of range, and even a spot for your favorite houseplant. It's an extraordinary machine - have a look at the video!
The Axiis Liion Electric Supermoto Inches Closer to Production
Almost ready for the road...the Axiis. [Axiis]Portuguese Axiis Engineering Art, known in the motocross world for its superior CNC machined products, unveiled a mind-boggling concept electric superbike dubbed the Liion that promised to crank out 134 ponies and 177 lb.-ft. of instantaneous torque. However, after an exciting initial debut, the Liion seemingly slipped off the radar. Until now. While the Axiis Liion isn’t available just yet, the company has made its concept a reality. While the real-world details have yet to be revealed, we’re excited to see this design come to life.
A Steampunk-Inspired Wooden e-Scooter
A woodie hybrid e-scooter [Kalpa Taru]What’s more eco-friendly than an EV? An EV made from wood. The custom one-off-built e-Scooter from Kalpa Taru, a Bali-based bespoke furniture design studio, is called the NIU NQi GT/S and is made entirely from brass and wood. Every component of this scooter is made entirely by hand from blocks of wood that were thoughtfully finished, assembled, and topped off with brass accents.
Electric Motorcycle with Top Speeds of 250mph
A 250mph street legal Lightning? Don't count them out, they've proven themselves over and over again. [Lightning]Here’s one for all of you speed demons out there. Lightning Motorcycles recently joined forces with CBMM to create the fastest production motorcycle on earth. The targeted speed is 250mph. Lightning has been the world's fastest production motorcycle before, with their LS-218 of 2008, which definitively proved its top speed claim at Bonneville...quite unlike the usual top speed claims by manufacturers. And, they kicked butt at the Pikes Peak hillclimb with an LS-2018 in 2013. So, if Lightning says it will make a 250mph street legal motorcycle, I'd say that's very likely. The question is, will you actually be able to buy one? [And if you want a look at the LS-218, one was included in our Electric Revolution exhibit of 2019]
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor of The Current vertical on TheVintagent.com, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she’s not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles. Her Instagram is here.
Hello dear readers and riders! We hope our British readers had the opportunity to check out the MCN London Motorcycle Show this past week. From the looks of it on Instagram, they showcased some pretty stellar EVs, including one we’re going to chat about later on. This week’s EV news roundup includes plenty of exciting stuff, including a freakin’ EV Hovercraft (!!!), a device that can transform cycles into electric bikes, and even an electric DeLorean (!!!!). As always, keep your ears to the ground and drop us a line at stephanie@thevintagent.com if you hear anything interesting. Let’s roll.
The TS is On the Verge of Greatness
The Verge TS is slated to begin production very soon, and prototypes have been spotted in the wild. [Verge]One e-Motorcycle that has been captivating us for a while now is the Verge TS. The EV has come a long way since its days of inception in Finnish designer Teemu Saukkio’s garage. In fact, the Verge TS is no longer just a prototype and is being produced for the EU market within a few short weeks, with a long-term goal of global domination. The TS, featuring 80kW of power, 1,000Nm of torque, and 200km worth of range, is bound to be a success. We’re excited to see what the future has in store for Verge.
BMW’s Funky, Fast e-Motorbike Takes Centerstage at the MCN
What ho! BMW showed an eccentric and funky minicycle at MCN. [BMW]While the MCN was packed with killer bikes, one EV that stole the show was BMW’s zany little Motorrad CE 02. Designed for teens and young adults, the CE 02 concept was originally unveiled last fall. But EV fans got to see it live and in the flesh this past week at MCN. Powered by a 11kW motor, this lightweight urban bike boasts top speeds of 56mph. But would you expect anything less from BMW?
VonMercier Arosa is Basically a Luxury Hovercraft
With a bright red paint job and black fan port, one might think it's an Italian supercar...but those aren't wheels, and it doesn't touch the ground. [Arosa]Something that really blew our minds this week was a sport-luxury EV Hovercraft from VonMercier. But this isn’t your dad’s big, bulky, and super ugly amphibious vehicle. Dubbed the Arosa, this stunning EV seamlessly blends innovative luxury with cutting-edge performance technology to create a machine like no other.
F1 references abound, abetted by the need to funnel lots of air through the chassis. [Arosa]Able to conquer land, shore, and sea, the Arosa features air-cushion hovering technology, an advanced directional control system, and sports seating for two. And it’s all wrapped up in a low-body profile that looks like something straight out of a Ferrari showroom.
An Electric DeLorean??
As so few people ever drove (or heard) a Delorean, an EV version makes perfect sense. It was always about the shape, right? [DeLorean]Okay, all you cyberpunk enthusiasts out there, listen up. We’ve got news for you. The DeLorean Motor Company recently dropped a short teaser that previews an EV with gullwing doors that’s set to a dramatic trailer soundtrack with horns that sound like they’re taken straight from the Book of Revelations. Promised to arrive later this year, the company alludes to its first EV being called DeLorean EVolved. While it’s clear the company is intending to drop an EV sports car with gullwing doors, that’s as much as we know. Dun-dun-DUN.
New Device Turns Water in to Wine – Or Cycles into EVs
Gursaurabh Singh has created an easy-attach electric motor/battery unit for the typical Indian bicycle. It's a 'motosacoche' updated and upgraded. Kudos! [DVECK]India has gone above and beyond when it comes to creating new EV technology. And one citizen just did it again with a revolutionary device that can convert any old bicycle into a battery-powered, motorized vehicle. Gursaurabh Singh is the founder and creator of Dhruv Vidyut Electric Conversion Kit (DVECK), a cutting-edge technology that allows normal pedal bikes to reach top speeds of 25kmph and a payload capacity of 170kg. It's waterproof and fireproof!
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor of The Current vertical on TheVintagent.com, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she’s not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles. Her Instagram is here.
After the tremendous success of our 2018 'Electric Revolution' exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum (with 6.3 Billion media impressions), The Vintagent team and the Motor/Cycle Arts Foundation are following up with an exhibit featuring a dozen individuals and teams making an impact in the EV scene. 'Electric Revolutionaries' opens April 9th, and includes the work of our subject today: Hugo Eccles. Hugo's futuristic XP Zero prototype has won design awards and garnered attention around the world, and will be featured in Electric Revolutionaries, along with more of Hugo's work. Our EV Editor Stephanie Weaver interviewed Hugo about his process designing the XP Zero.
It’s no surprise that the electric revolution is taking the world by storm. And one of the fastest-growing markets in the EV space is electric motorcycles. In fact, the global e-Motorcycle market is projected to experience an explosion over the next decade, with a forecasted CAGR growth rate of 32.5%. And while we’re beyond debating about whether or not the future of transportation is electric (it is), there’s still plenty of discussions to be had for some folks when comparing gas-powered bikes to electric ones. But that’s like comparing apples and oranges.
The XP Zero is a superb piece of design, and points a way forward for electric motorcycles. By simultaneously retaining traditional styling cues, then literally puncturing them with voids, the XP Zero highlights exactly what's different about EV design. [Aaron Brimhall]Hugo Eccles, co-founder and design director of Untitled Motorcycles (UMC), began his EV journey almost a decade ago. A professionally-trained industrial designer who has worked with a robust roster of heavyweight marquee brands, including Nike and Ford, Eccles established the American arm of UMC in 2014. “At that time, Mission Motors was based in San Francisco and I reached out to them and parleyed a test ride on their Mission R, which just blew my mind. I think that was the turning point for me,” Eccles said. “Once you’ve seen it, you can’t unsee it. I couldn’t un-experience it. The sensation was amazing, it was like catching a glimpse of the future.” Eccles, who earned his Masters at the Royal College of Art in London, combined his engineering intuition and a fresh perspective to create XP Zero, a visionary motorcycle that celebrates all things electric. “The trick with industrial design is that you’re simultaneously being worldly and naïve. While you need to know how things are manufactured, you’re also trying to look at the world with the wide-eyed innocence of a child and think, ‘why couldn’t it be like that?’” he says.
Hugo Eccles of Untitled Motorcycles America (UMC) at work on the XP Zero prototype. [Simone Mancini]When Eccles first received the project from Zero, he created a number of self-guided design principles to build a vehicle that was entirely distinct from gas-powered machines. “I wanted to celebrate electric. I didn’t want to design a motorcycle that was covered in fairings and was indistinguishable from a gas bike. I don’t understand the point of electric motorcycles mimicking combustion. It’s a lost opportunity and misleads riders into thinking that electric bikes are just like gas, except with a different motor. The experience is so fundamentally different,” Eccles explains. The divergence of gas and electric bikes has left all riders at a crossroads. But it’s one we’ve seen before. “At the beginning of the project, I started researching electric vehicles and discovered that the first cars were electric. At the turn of the last century, there were twice as many electric cars on the road as there were gasoline vehicles. Around 1914, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were in serious negotiations about starting an electric car company. It struck me that we were so close to living in an alternative reality where had they started such a company, and where we would all be driving EVs,” Eccles says.
With a Zero powertrain and components, the XP Zero is a fully functional eBike, intended to be built in series. But excellent design rarely comes cheap. [Aaron Brimhall]This concept of an alternative reality would unlock the inspiration for the XP Zero. “Rather than designing a ‘futuristic motorcycle’, which is challenging if you’re using current-day technology, I started imagining what a 2020 motorcycle from this parallel reality would look like,” Eccles explains. “How would an electric motorcycle look today if they had continued developing EVs for the past 130 years?” The result is a bare-bones café racer EV that does away with everything except the absolute essentials. With the XP Zero, you get no carburetors, no fuel tank, no exhaust. The minimalist design leaves the XP’s electric powertrain as the captivating centerpiece. Eccles included only enough bodywork to enable a rider to comfortably and confidently control the bike. “Everything that distracts from the riding experience has been removed,” Eccles explained. “Riding the XP is very pure. There’s no gearbox so whatever situation you find yourself in, you’re always in the right gear. You can dive into a hairpin corner and not worry about shifting gears or unsticking the rear, you just focus on braking and smoothness. You’re barely aware of the machine that’s carrying you, just the pure sensation of speed. It’s like flying a jet.”
The XP Zero has features you only see at certain angles, or at night, as with the elongated taillights under the seat. [Aaron Brimhall]It's time to stop comparing electric motorcycles with gas-powered ones. While rotary phones and smartphones, at their most basic levels, have the same core functions, they are two wildly different species with hugely different implications. The XP isn't trying to pretend to be something it’s not. Nor should we.
The structure of the XP Zero is clear: a short trellis tube frame connecting headstock to swingarm pivot, and a long battery cover that extends to form the triangulated seat and tail section. The rest is lightweight body panels. [Hugo Eccles]The XP is available to order from Untitled Motorcycles. Contact them at hello@untitledmotorcycles.com
The build details are simple, clean and finely wrought, as you would expect of such a design. No shabby fabby here! [Ludovic Robert]A good light exposes the rhythm of the XP Zero's smaller details: the cooling fins on the wheel covers, the ribbing over the battery panels, the drilled disc brakes. [Aaron Brimhall]
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor of The Current vertical on TheVintagent.com, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she’s not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles. Her Instagram is here.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022 (a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum), we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene via The Current. It’s an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Hello dear readers and riders! Are y’all ready for Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re planning to spend time with your honey, your Harley, or your hound, we hope you have an awesome day! This week’s EV news roundup is a doozy. From Jaguar rolling out its own EV platform and an electrified Batmobile to an e-Motorcycle from Triumph and more, here are the EV stories that we think matter most to you. As always, drop us your thoughts, tips, or V-Day love letters at stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
EVs Are Hitting the Batcave
Coolest EV ever? Maybe so: it certainly is dramatic and full of character, just like its putative owner. [Nguyen Dac Chung]Earlier this week, Gen-Z architect, Nguyen Dac Chung, revealed his electric Batmobile concept car. Talk about superhero strengths! The fully operational, tactical vehicle can reach speeds of up to 65mph, is assembled from ABS, carbon fiber, and steel, and is powered by a lithium-ion battery. Nicknamed the Tumbler for its tank-like appearance, this ultimate cosplay car also boasts hydraulic doors and four tactical cameras. The vehicle is currently on display at VAN DARYL, an automotive gallery in Vietnam founded by Daryl Villanueva of Bandit9 (we included his L-Concept in our Custom Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum in 2017). “As a kid, I was a fan of superheroes, especially Batman. Growing up, I’ve always wanted to build a Batmobile. All of them. From Adam West’s to Christian Bale’s,” Chung explained. We think Batman would be pleased.
Triumph Goes Electric
Is it live or is it a really good vaporware sketch? Apparently, this is a real Triumph TE-1 prototype, and it sure is moody. Of all the major motorcycle manufacturers, Triumph may be the most likely to succeed, as that's their track record under the ownership of John Bloor: make affordable, attractive high-performance motorcycles that are stone reliable, and they will come. [Triumph]Triumph just announced that it’s getting closer to entering the EV space with Phase 3 development of its Triumph TE-1 e-motorbike. While the British bike manufacturer initially decided to test the waters three years ago, its concept is now taking full form. Triumph handled most of the development in house, including the final chassis design. WAE oversaw most of the electronic components, including the prototype battery pack that will harness the power of “dedicated cell packaging for optimum center of gravity.” Integral Powertrain handled the prototype powertrain, which includes its electric motor with silicon carbide switching tech. The bike is estimated to pump out 174 ponies at peak power. Phase 4 of development is slated to take about six months.
Origami EVs
The Stilride has a pressed-metal monocoque body, the same as a Vespa, but oh so different. Do I detect just a -touch- of the El Solitario Impostor in those footboards? [Stilride]Sweden-based startup, STILRIDE, is revolutionizing the EV industry with its novel approach to manufacturing. Using an innovative technique called industrial origami, STILRIDE uses a potent mixture of design and robotics to fold single sheets of recyclable steel into rugged rides. The company’s first scooters are slated to hit the market later this year.
NAON Zeroes in On Production of Its Zero-One
The Naon Zero-One has a 100km/h option with twin battery packs, which puts it in Cake territory as a fast lightweight. [Naon]German startup, NAON, just released its first e-Scooter prototype. Called the “Zero-One,” this premium scoot features an appealing geometric design that explores the concept of low-impact personal mobility. Outfitted with a 2.4kWh battery, the Zero-One can travel 70km on a single charge. If the rider pops the second battery in, they can enjoy a range of about 140km. NAON is offering its new scooter in two different modes, including the L1e, which delivers top speeds of 45 km/h, and the L3e, which tops out at 100 km/h. This makes the L3e one of the quickest e-Scooters in the market. "A high-quality product should offer more than just outstanding look and feel. It is also our responsibility to consider the impact we have on our environment,” NAON stated.
Cake Partners with Polestar
No more jokes about Volvo drivers and motorcycles, they're teaming up with a new all-Swedish initiative. Now your can order your Makka with your new car, for 'last mile' commuting. [CAKE]Swedish startup, Cake, has collaborated with Polestar, to create the Cake Makka. Developed as a cargo scooter, the Cake Makka features a tubular structure, vintage aesthetics, and tons of versatility. The e-Scooter’s removable 31Ah 1.5kWh lithium-ion battery can be fully recharged in just three hours and offers 50km of range. The Makka is available in three different trims, including the Makka Flex, Makka Range, and Polestar Edition, which stands out because of its distinct white color.
Jaguar Announces Its Own EV Platform
Sadly, Jaguar has dropped plans to offer an electric conversion kit for their most beautiful model ever, the E-Type. [Jaguar]Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Thierry Bolloré, announced earlier this week that the luxury automaker has plans to build its own EV platform. Called Panthera, the EV platform will support several electric Jaguar models, and is their new strategy for a totally bespoke Jaguar EV platform, rather than a bought-in platform as they had previously considered. In effect, Jaguar scrapped its previous EV plans in a pivot towards the luxury end of the market, and needed their own distinctive architecture to make a convincing case for their new EV lineup slated for 2025, when they will cease development (but not sales) of ICE automobiles.
Fresh Funds
The Cowboy founders expect to seriously ramp up production with new funding for their modestly-priced ebikes. [Cowboy]
e-Bike startup, Cowboy, raised $80 million in an effort to expand into the US and beyond. The Belgian company hopes to reach more than 100,000 riders by next year. Cowboy currently has two basic models and a ste-thru, and the 42lb bikes have a 70km (42 mile) range.
Dott is an app-based standup scooter share system currently only found in European cities. [Dott]
Over in Europe, Dott added $70 million to its Series B, bringing its total up to $85 million.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor of The Current vertical on TheVintagent.com, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she’s not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles. Her Instagram is here.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022 (a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum), we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene via The Current. It’s an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Hello dear readers and riders! We’ve officially entered the second month of 2022! Is it just us, or does January always seem to drag on and on and on and… Our first EV roundup for February is pretty wild. There’s an awesome new store that our Brit readers need to check out, a rad racer that just came out of extinction, news from H-D and Tesla, and even an electric school bus! As always, hit me up at stephanie@thevintagent.com with questions, insights, or pictures of your dog.
Let’s roll.
Maeving Opens Brick-and-Mortar Store in London
Taking a leaf from The Bike Shed's concept of transforming a railway arch, Maeving has opened a chic new shop in London. [Maeving]
Here’s some exciting news for all of our UK readers. Maeving just opened a swanky new shop in the London Bridge Station on Western Arcade between the Underground and main station concourse. Swing by, chat with the team, and check out their stunning collection of e-Motorbikes.
Mugen E Rex Will Soon Hit the Track
The Mugen E-Rex - no dinosaur. [M-TEC]
Everyone loves dinosaurs. So, when you name an electric dirt bike after the iconic T-Rex, people are bound to get excited. Well, now that excitement is only going to ramp up when the Mugen E Rex is slated to go racing later this year. Much like its namesake, this dino-themed bike almost went extinct last year. But, according to the folks at FIM, the E Rex is doing just fine. In fact, Mugen (now going under the moniker M-TEC) officially signed on as the official factory manufacturer for the E Explorer World Cup.
Harley-Davidson’s Hefty EV Plans
The Livewire X Kymco mashup gives Livewire access to a hyperefficient production facility, rapid prototyping and development, and ultimately the possibility of lower prices for Livewire. [Kymco]
With plans already in place to make LiveWire, its EV brand, its own publicly-traded spinoff company later this year, Harley-Davidson is definitely embracing the electric revolution. Recently, H-D announced a merger with Taiwan-based manufacturer KYMCO. The partnership will enable H-D to expand its lineup of electric bikes. In fact, it’s been reported that we may see three new product levels from LiveWire in the near future, including the S2, S3, and S4. All of the bikes will feature their patented Arrow powertrain. An affordable Livewire? Something we'd like to see Harley-Davidson accomplish: they're still the only major motorcycle manufacturer in the world to offer full-size electric motorcycles, after all.
Electric Beach Cruiser Hits the Marker
The Sol Eclipse e-cruiser looks simple enough to appeal to the Venice Beach crowd. [Sol Eclipse]
Want to cruise around in style? Then check out the new Sol Eclipse e-cruiser bike from Blix. Featuring the classic styling of a traditional beach cruiser, this breezy bike boasts a powerful 750w rear-hub motor, LED lights, and cushy 2.4-inch tires. You can ride for about 45 miles before the bike needs to be charged.
We Won’t See Musk’s Cybertruck Anytime Soon
Sometimes vaporware is just...vapor. No Cybertrucks this year. [Tesla]
Earlier this week, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, stated that the weirdly wonderful Tesla Cybertruck will officially be delayed until 2023 at the earliest. "So, we will not be introducing new vehicle models this year, it would not make any sense, because we will still be parts-constrained," Musk said during an investor conference call. "We will however do a lot of engineering, tooling, what not to create those vehicles, as the Cybertruck, Semi, Roadster, Optimus, and be ready to bring those to production hopefully next year, that is the most likely."
Hydrogen Tanks Take EVs Off-Roading
You didn't know you wanted it until you saw it: a hybrid hydrogen EV for Baja. And man, does it look mean. [SCG]
Let’s be honest – short-range EVs aren’t cut out for off-road riding. However, hydrogen is about to open the doors to EV endurance racing. Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus has just updated its off-roading Boot with a hydrogen tank. Aptly dubbed the Hydrogen Boot, the hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle might be able to go the distance.
Send Your Kids to School the EV Way
A quiet, modern school bus? Sounds good to us: public transport has been electric for 130 years! [BYD]
Just this week, BYD revealed its electric school bus with V2G tech. Available in three different lengths ranging from 22.9 to 26.7 feet, the Type A bus definitely has a Type A personality, with superior attention to details. Designed to transport about 30 students and equipped with handicap accessibility, the bus offers a 140-mile range, which is more than enough to cover many daily routes.
Fresh Funds
Boeing sunk $450 million into startup Wisk. The company is attempting to develop and commercialize self-flying, electric air taxis.
Ola Electric raised $200 million in its new round of financing. The company is now valued at $5 billion.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor of The Current vertical on TheVintagent.com, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she’s not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles. Her Instagram is here.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022 (a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum), we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene via The Current. It’s an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Hello dear readers and riders! Did you know that e-Bike sales have now outpaced both electric and plug-in hybrid cars combined in the United States? That’s right! While we all know electric bike sales skyrocketed during the pandemic, new numbers recently released this week revealed that the US experienced a 70% increase in e-Bike imports in 2021, with nearly 790,000 electric bike imports last year. This immense figure is in startling contrast to the 652,000 electric and plug-in hybrid cars purchased by Americans in 2021. That’s huge! This week is packed with other exciting stories, including rad releases, fresh funds, and more. So, without further adieu, let’s roll.
An e-Scooter Inspired by Design
The Bel&Bel Z-scooter lifts design cues from the classic Piaggio Vespa, but is a self-balancing upright. [Bel&Bel]If you’ve been with us long enough, you know that over here at The Vintagent we’ve got a taste for unique design. That’s why we’re obsessed with the self-balancing Z-Scooter. Inspired by the iconic design of Corradino D’Ascanio, the Z-Scooter is an innovative mashup of a Vespa and a Segway. What folks are actually purchasing is a conversion kit that transforms Bel & Bel’s NineBot base model into a sleek scooter design. You can buy an entire package or just the add-on. Featuring the rich curves, single headlight, and aluminum body of the classic Italian brand, the Z-Scooter is outfitted with a clever kickstand and can be operated with the simple push of a large red button. From there, you just hop on board and cruise around town in supreme fashion.
Ola Shares First Peek of Its Electric Car
Indian company Ola is branching out from super-efficient scooters for a full car design that looks simultaneously futuristic and inexpensive. [Ola]Ola Electric, the Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer, is acclaimed for its cost-efficient and high-performance e-Scooters. However, earlier this week, the company released the first images of its full-size electric car. After teasing about a possible four-wheeler a few months back, the startup’s CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, took to Twitter to pique our curiosity even further with a rendering of an electric hatchback. The concept features a glass windshield that continues across the roof and top half of the vehicle. The car has four doors but no handles are visible. LED lights accent the front fascia. While Ola’s e-Car is now just a rendering, we’re excited to see it possibly come to life in the near future.
BMW’s Fantastically Weird CE 04
The CE 04 is a design that's been shown in various iterations by BMW over the years (the similar Concept Link was revealed in 2016), but it appears they're finally going to build it. [BMW]German luxury vehicle manufacturer, BMW, recently released its new boldly-designed e-Scooter, the CE 04. Aimed to go toe-to-toe with 400cc bikes, the CE 04 is equipped with a chassis-mounted motor derived from ones used in BMW’s passenger cars. The e-Bike’s handlebar controls, switch gear, and TFT display are all quite similar to other BMW motorcycles, giving seasoned BMW riders a familiar feel behind the bars. At 65.9 inches, the CE 04 is definitely a long bike and is bound to take corners, speed bumps, and potholes like a champ.
Luxury Brands Race to Get in on the e-Bike Craze
The most spectacular launch of the recent fashion/ebike collabs has been the Burberry/DAB Motors mashup. Nice backdrop! [Burberry]With e-Bike sales outpacing that of electric cars, it’s no wonder luxury brands are chomping at the bit to enjoy their piece of the pie. Electric bikes are swiftly becoming the next coveted fashion item, with upscale fashion companies partnering with e-bike companies. Examples in the past few months include Saint Laurent x Super73, Jacquemus x VanMoof, Burberry x DAB Motors, and Feng Chen Wang x Piaggio. all hoping to create extra cache in both directions. Which is cooler, the big fashion brand or the e-bike? Well, these relatively tiny companies aren't paying for a luxury brand affiliation - the cash definitely flowed in the other direction, so there's your answer.
Fresh Funds
There Gogoros my Hero...the tie up between the largest Indian motorcycle manufacturer and the Taiwanese battery-swap company means there will soon be battery stations across India... [Tech2]
Taiwanese e-Scooter company Gogoro has partnered with the Indian supergiant moto manufacturer Hero MotoCorp, and another investor, to bring its total funding efforts to $285 million. We covered the story of Hero MotoCorp back in 2017 on The Vintagent; it's an eye-opening read, as Hero dwarfs every European and American motorcycle manufacturer, combined.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor of The Current vertical on TheVintagent.com, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she’s not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles. Her Instagram is here.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022 (a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum), we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene via The Current. It’s an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Hello dear readers and riders! Now that we’re almost three weeks deep into 2022, have you stuck to your New Year’s resolutions or let them fall to the wayside? You can be honest. We won’t judge. Electric vehicle manufacturers are certainly sticking to their promises of delivering hot new releases all year long. This week’s EV news roundup includes some fantastic unveilings, fresh funds, and more. As always, if you have questions, concerns, or something awesome you’d like to share, drop us a line at stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.
Sodium Cycles Releases a Completely Customizable e-Motorcycle
Go cute or go home! Sodium Cycles changes up its offering with the adorable Xubaka. [Sodium Cycles]French startup, Sodium Cycles, debuted its Xubaka, a zippy 50cc-equivalent e-Motorcycle, a few weeks ago at CES 2022 in Las Vegas. Small but mighty, this little e-Motorbike has quickly become the darling of the EV world due to its unique customization characteristics. Able to reach top speeds of 45 km/h from the 4kW electric motor, the Xubaka promises to deliver between 60 to 80km of autonomy when fully charged. The EV is the first French e-Motorcycle to invent its own codes with its original mode of propulsion technology. Thanks to the popularity of its initial release, Sodium Cycles is working on a 125cc-equivalent EV that’s slated to drop next year. The bigger model will offer top speeds of 130 km/h and a range of 100 to 200km.
Savic Motorcycles Launches New Website and Apparel Line
After a hiatus, the Savic is expected to be available soon, with fully customizable features. [Savic]Aussie EV startup, Savic Motorcycles, is no stranger to The Vintagent. In fact, we first covered them about three years ago. After hitting a brick wall during the global pandemic, Savic secured production funding last October and dropped its new website earlier this week. The new site allows customers to assemble Savic’s C-Series model with cosmetic add-ons, different paint schemes, and performance upgrades. There’s even an augmented reality feature that enables a user to see what their creation looks like right in their own driveway or garage.
Komaki Will Drop Its Electric Cruiser
India's first electric cruiser, the Komaki promises modest range and performance, which is perfectly acceptable for Indian riding conditions. [Komaki]New Delhi-based EV manufacturer, Komaki, recently announced that it would launch its first electric cruiser motorcycle in India. Dubbed the Komaki Ranger, the e-Motorcycle will feature a 4kW battery pack that juices its 5,000-watt motor. The bike is promised to deliver over 200km of range on a single charge.
Tarforms Begins Delivery on Its e-Motorcycles
The Tarform has been long in coming, celebrated in its ambitious concept, and eagerly anticipated. [Tarform]
Brooklyn-based startup, Tarform, will begin delivering its e-Motorcycles this week. The company began the initial sketches for its line of unique electric motorcycles nearly five years ago but suffered from pandemic-related production setbacks. The hefty $42,000 price tag isn’t for the faint of heart. Neither is the bespoke design. However, the bike does deliver thrilling top speeds of 120mph thanks to its 41kW motor. Tarform’s machine also boasts its own unique sound profile that fuses the native electric motor with acoustic amplifications, giving the e-Motorbike an unmistakable presence. We included the Tarform in our 2018 exhibition at the Petersen Museum, 'Electric Revolution', and it's great to see them available now.
Projections on E-Bike Sales Through 2028
A graphic by Inkwood summing up the projections for the e-Bike market 2021-2028. [Inkwood Research]
The global e-Bike market share is positioned to hit $69.24 Billion/year in 2028, according to a 235-page research study published this week. In 2020, the global market for all things e-Bike was $41.35 Billion: that includes Pedelecs, Speed Pedelecs, and Throttle on Demand (ie, motorcycles), plus associated manufacturing of drive mechanisms (hub motor, mid-drive and others), and batteries of all types used in their propulsion (lead-acid, Li ion, and others). By contrast, the global market for internal-combustion two-wheelers in 2020 was $278 Billion; that means the e-Bike market is already 1/7th the IC market, and growing rapidly.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor of The Current vertical on TheVintagent.com, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she’s not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles. Her Instagram is here.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022 (a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum), we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene via The Current. It’s an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Hello dear readers and riders! We’re only two weeks deep into 2022 and it’s already shaping up to be an exciting year in the world of electric vehicles. This past week has been stuffed with awesome unveilings at CES 2022, rad releases, pioneering new battery technology, and other electrifying stories you won’t want to miss. Let’s roll:
Damon Motors Drops Its New 170mph HyperFighter e-Motorcycle
The Damon Hyperfighter is a badass and ultra-sophisticated electric superbike, with significant rider safety features. [Damon]Here at The Vintagent, we’re huge fans of Damon Motorcycles. However, our heart eyes almost exploded this week when the Canadian startup unveiled its new electric motorcycle line dubbed “HyperFighter Colossus.” Damon’s initial prototype was released way back in the summer of 2019. Soon after, Damon began taking pre-orders for the $40,000 e-Motorcycle. But this was all two years ago, or 200 years ago in COVID time. Last week, the company revealed its new model at CES 2022 in Las Vegas. Marketed toward eco rebels, the Damon HyperFighter Colossus is a beefy sportbike with a price tag of $35,000. Built on the same HyperDrive foundation as the company’s first e-Moto model, the bike’s powertrain features a structural battery case that is similar to HD’s LiveWire Arrow platform, and can support numerous other models.
Using Al, the Hyperfighter learns from its rider, and adjusts itself to the rider's speed and riding style in real time. [Damon]Bathed in bold yellow, the HyperFighter is expected to come equipped with Damon’s CoPilot system that boasts a 360-degree advanced warning system, cameras, and other safety features. The bike will also include the startup’s Shift technology that enables the machine’s ergonomics to seamlessly adjust in real time, changing a rider’s position in the heat of the moment. The bike’s 20kWh battery promises to deliver 146 miles worth of range, 200 ponies, and reach top speeds of 170mph. “Forget what you know about traditional streetfighters. Just as HyperSport has done to the sportbike segment, the HyperFighter stands to disrupt the streetfighter category with groundbreaking technology not found on any other bikes. The HyperFighter is a stripped-down demon of a bike that is not for the faint of heart. We’re excited to give the naked sports bike fanatic everything they want, and with HyperDrive serving as the nucleus, Damon can continue to innovate and rapidly scale to bring the world’s most electrifying motorcycles to market,” Damon Motors’ cofounder and CEO Jay Giraud stated. Prepare to be dazzled.
Crypto Has Just Been Electrified
Trikes looking like a crypto mining craft? That's the Daymak Spiritus, with a potential 130mph top speed. [Daymak Avvenire]Have you ever wondered what a car-motorcycle-mashup would look like? Well, Toronto startup Daymak Avvenire is here to answer that question. The company’s new EV, dubbed Spiritus, is predicted to be the fastest three-wheeled EV on the globe. But that’s not all. This baby also mines crypto while parked. This vehicle is not for the faint of heart. It’s all business in the front with a car-styled appearance, and a straight up party in the back with a single-wheeled, moto-centric tail. The vehicle doesn’t even tip the scales at just 620kg, making it super light on its feet, er, wheels. The Spiritus will be available in two different versions, including Deluxe and Ultimate. The former, base-level Spiritus will hit top speeds of 138km/h and have a range of 290km. The premium model will reach peak speeds of 130mph and delivers a staggering acceleration of 0 to 96km/h in just 1.8 seconds. If you’ve never given crypto a try, here’s your chance.
It’s Like a Habitrail, But for Humans
The Podbike Frikar
Norway’s mobility company Podbike stated earlier this week that it will deliver its first electric bike-car later this year. Called the Frikar, the enclosed bike-car resembles a Habitrail with wheels. The all-weather bubble protection and enhanced aerodynamics make this micro-mobility machine a really unique product. And thousands of folks agree, with over 3,400 preorders already reported. The Frikar has a price tag of $7,300, features 5.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and can reach lethargic top speeds of 15.5mph.
Washable, Stretchable Battery Created
The new flexible, washable batteries developed by the UBC team led by Dr Ngoc Tan Nguyen means they can be sewn into clothing for safety lighting or other groovy applications. [UBC]
Science knows no bounds. We saw proof of this earlier this week when researchers at the University of British Columbia created a battery that functions perfectly even after being stretched or washed. Poised to revolutionize wearable devices, the pioneering battery was developed by Dr. Ngoc Tan Nguyen and his team. He explained, “Wearable electronics are a big market and stretchable batteries are essential to their development. however, up until now, stretchable batteries have not been washable. this is a critical addition if they are to withstand the demands of everyday use.”
Quick CES 2022 Recap
Though CES 2022 was primarily a bust (thanks, COVID), we did notice some standout EV releases, including:
The CAKE :work series was well received at CES. [CAKE]
Of course, CAKE’s new updates to its RideCake connectivity app
The Delfast Top 3.0 is super-fast with a very long range. [Delfast]
Delfast’s Top 3.0 e-Bike, which promises to go 200 miles on a single charge and can hit 50mph. It's technically illegal in the US, unless it's licensed as a motorcycle...which means the kids will clamor for it.
Not your tour guide's Segway: the E110A is a proper scooter [Segway]
Segway’s new moped-esque e-Scoot, the E110a, which joins an expanding list of small EVs from this pioneering company. Monos, self-balancing roller skates, the self-balancing standups they've built for years, plus mopeds, dirt bikes, standup scooters, and now, a proper sit-down scooter.
Birds for sale: commuter ebikes not for sharing [Bird]
Rideshare company Bird will be selling ebikes and kids scooters this year at reasonable prices, from $99 for kids (non-motorized) glowlit scoots, to
The unusual architecture of the Breker is clear. A case of over-design? What do you think will be the most successful light ebikes to come? [Brekr]
Brekr is a Dutch company with an innovative loop-frame moped with a swappable battery. Their website says, "The new reality we’re creating is a combination of the beauty of yester-year and a cutting-edge, bold and honest design which embraces the future." We don't see much yesteryear in this design, but plenty of future.
Okai's e-mountain bike with a carbon fiber chassis. [Okai]
Okai is entering the e-mountain bike market with their carbon-fiber framed EB20. They aren't in production yet, so no prices offered. Okai is already on the market with several stand-up e-scooters, so this bike will definitely be built.
Soltera ebike is basic and very inexpensive. [Aventon]
Soltera is an inexpensive pedal assist ebike by Aventon. Priced at $1200, it's among the least expensive electric bicycles on the market. It has integrated lights and a single speed, but for a little extra a 7-speed version is available.
Rivian’s New Trademark Might Signal Plans for an e-Bike
EV manufacturer Rivian filed a new trademark this week that signals the company strategy will include a shift to e-Bikes. The new RIVIAN™ trademark is intended to umbrella all things two-wheeled, including e-Bikes, batteries, motors, parts, and more. With several $Billion in investment in Rivian already, the estimated $52Billion electric bicycle market (by 2028) looks ripe for the picking. Mercedes-Benz and Harley-Davidson are already on the eBike bandwagon, and eBikes are the fastest growing segment of all two wheeled sales. Makes perfect sense to us.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022 (a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum), we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene via The Current. It’s an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Happy 2022 dear readers and riders! We hope you rung in the New Year surrounded by friends, family, and lots of love. The first week of the year started off with a bang when Tesla’s Model S Plaid took on the Harley-Davidson LiveWire in the most silent drag race you’ve ever heard. We’re covering that story and loads more in our first EV news roundup of 2022. As always, shoot us a message at stephanie@thevintagent.com if you see an electrifying story that you think we should cover.
Let’s roll.
Tesla Model S Plaid vs HD LiveWire
Tesla Plaid vs Livewire...is not an apples to apples fight, as the Livewire is not designed for top speed like the Tesla Plaid. A better fight would be a Lightning LS2018? [Tesla Plaid Channel]Earlier this week, a Tesla Model S Plaid was put to the test when it went head-to-head with the Harley-Davidson LiveWire e-Motorcycle. Hosted by the YouTube channel, Tesla Plaid Channel, the race was definitely a close one. Who do you think won? We’re not going to ruin the surprise, but you can check out all of the action here.
Hydrogen-Powered Cargo Bike
A hydrogen utility bike? An interesting concept by Studio Mom. [Studio Mom]
Studio MOM, a Dutch design company, was recently commissioned by the green energy firm, LAVO, to produce a bike powered by hydrogen. Originally intended to be a lightweight EV, the end product turned out to be a cargo bike instead. Studio MOM stands behind its decision and stated “Considering the basic weight of the system, we thought a cargo bike would be more logical. because long-range cargo solutions in particular require a lot of energy. then an extra hydrogen tank of 1.2 kg is surely preferable to an extra battery that weighs 6 kg.” Created as a modular device, the cargo bike is powered by LAVO’s innovative hydrogen battery that includes fuel cells that produce power through water and solar energy. Each battery holds 40kWh and is intended for both personal or business usage. Called “green hydrogen,” LAVO’s unique energy system is projected to become an alternative to “blue” or “grey” hydrogen and be healthier for the environment because it doesn’t produce CO2 and other dangerous particles.
NIU’s e-Bike Slated to Hit U.S. and European Markets
The BQi line of NIU eBikes is a hotrod in the USA, with a regulated 28mph top speed. The Euro version tops out at 15.5mph...blah. [Niu]
NIU, a Chinese e-Scooter and e-Moped company, will soon be rolling out its line of new BQi e-Bikes to American and European markets. The EV manufacturer, known for its pioneering smart electric scooters, has created a unique product unlike the rest of the fat tire or foldable e-Bikes out there. The BQi features an attractive step-through design, making it accessible to almost any rider. Its U-shaped frame makes it easier to both mount and handle the bike when its rear rack is loaded with packages or kids. The company estimates that the BQi’s dual batteries will offer 62 miles worth of range. While the European version will be able to reach a meandering 15.5mph, the folks here in the U.S. will enjoy a 500W motor that tops out at 28mph.
Arc Vector’s $120,000 e-Motorcycle Prepared for Deliveries
Something wicked this way comes. The ARC Vector is a hypersports eBike that builds an AI relationship with its owner. [ARC]After near extinction, British e-Motorcycle company, Arc Vector, is preparing its fleet of luxury electric motorcycles for delivery. While the e-Motorbike was initially unveiled back in 2018 and priced at $120,000, disaster struck in 2019 and the company was forced to file for bankruptcy. A year later, Arc announced its return to operations. Now, the company states that it will start sending out the first units of motorcycles very, very soon. “We have a very healthy order book and customers are already going through our new commissioning suite in Central England to individually tailor each Vector motorcycle so that they are all unique,” Mark Truman, founder, CEO, and lead designer, said.
CAKE Set to Participate at the CES 2022 Show in Las Vegas
The new :work line of CAKE utility bikes emphasize function and delivery capabilities. Looks cool! A moto-Ute. [CAKE]Swedish EV manufacturer, CAKE, is slated to participate in the CES 2022 Show in Las Vegas where the company will display its series of professional motorbikes for the first time in the U.S. Additionally, the company announced several enhancement updates to the bikes’ built-in connectivity capabilities, including customized ride modes, a ride history log, anti-theft security, and real-time riding information. “The CAKE work series offers the immediate potential of moving last-mile deliveries and mobile workforces away from traditional solutions for urban transportation, clearly exceeding the efficiency of both cars and bicycles, making this initiative our single most important contribution to date in speeding up the process towards a zero-emission society”, says Stefan Ytterborn, founder and CEO of Cake. ”Above our efforts in delivering a bike that offers a clean and swift ride, our connectivity solutions add an extra layer of efficiency through riding data, measurability, control and unique settings - to both private riders commuting or racing, and fleet owners maximizing the output of their vehicles”.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022 (a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum), we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene via The Current. It’s an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Happy Near Year to all of our readers and riders! 2021 was surely a landmark year for the world of electric vehicles. From first-of-their-kind global legislations and pioneering tech to cutting-edge battery development and soaring stock prices, the EV industry’s wheels will only continue to spin faster in 2022.
The last week of 2021 for our EV news roundup is ending with a bang. Here are the electrified stories from the past seven days that we think matter the most to you. Now grab the bubbly, put on your swanky party hat, and we’ll see you on the other side of the New Year. Let’s roll.
Hit the Streets on Tozz’s Distinctive e-Scooter
The Tozz Pipegun #1 is a stand-up scooter with big wheels and a slick design that isn't over-designed, and just might become the popular adult stand-up it deserves to be. [Tozz]Istanbul-based startup Tozz dropped its first EV product this week. Initially showcased during Design Week Turkey 2021, the funky, pink-wheeled Pipegun #1 boasts a stainless-steel body, trademark ‘wishbone’ design, LED front lights, 20-inch Salt Tracer BMX tires, and 250w or 500w geared-drive BLDC motor options that crank out 45Nm or 60Nm of torque. The e-Scoot is able to climb 12-degree angled hills and produces 500w of peak motor power. “E-mobility products in the market are designed and developed to move people from point A to point B with less consumption of energy and time. These are great specifications for commuting and go with the flow – or usually rush – of the city. However, most of them are designed to fulfill the requirements and still need some seasoning to be more fun and even offbeat. We removed that secret seasoning from our design cellar and created Pipegun #1,” stated Tozz founder, Burak Kazar.
A First Look at Yamaha’s Two New e-Scooters
Yamaha's new e-scooter finally on display in the metal, the E01, looking appropriately futuristic, with perhaps the capacity to carry 3 riders? [Yamaha]Yamaha’s two e-Scooter concepts, the E01 and the E02, are headed for production and will be ready to hit the market in 2022. The brand’s E01 e-Scooter will be a 125cc class equivalent and will probably be able to produce 15 ponies, allowing it to fit into Europe’s light e-Scooter regulatory class. The E02 will be a 50cc class equivalent and produce about 5.3hp with top speeds of about 28mph. Yamaha’s patent images portray the vehicle as having a bulky, non-removable battery pack that is mounted to the center frame. The motor is mounted right next to the battery and has a belt drive or chain linking it to the rear wheel. While Yamaha has yet to release an exact date for either scooter’s production unveiling, it plans to roll out both e-Scooters across Europe and Asia in 2022.
Meet the “Porsche of e-Bikes”
The Greyp is a hi-tech EMTB from Croatia, and Porsche voted its confidence by buying a majority stake in the company, which means we'll soon see the $8k bike on our streets and trails, right? [Greyp]Greyp (pronounced “grape”) is making waves in the EV sector with its luxe new line of e-Bikes. Porsche recently acquired a majority stake in the Croatian EV company, which has about 1,200 pre-orders already slated for 2022. Greyp’s bikes come with a starting price-tag of about $8,000 and are stuffed with high-end amenities and all types of tech, including dual 1080/30fps cameras, remote and anti-theft features, real-time gamification, and 4G eSim modules. It’s basically a smartphone with pedals.
Army is Testing Sur Ron e-Motorbikes for Paratrooper Airdrop Use
The Sur-Ron is a light, cheap, and popular off-road ebike. The military thinks it just might become a useful tool in the field, to which we say, duh! [Sur Ron]EVs are becoming the darlings of humanitarian and conservation efforts worldwide. Now, the popular Sur Ron Firefly e-Motorbikes are being utilized for military airdrops. The UK’s 16 Air Assault Brigade is currently conducting airdrop drills that incorporate the 8hp bikes. The e-Motorcycles are ideal for rugged off-road terrain thanks to their trail tires, long travel suspension, top speeds of 45mph. and silent idling, thanks to quieter carbon fiber-reinforced belt. The vehicle’s feather-light weight makes it ideal for parachute drops. “The experiment aims to understand two things. How we could employ bikes tactically and what advantages do they offer over other vehicles, and what are the implications for supplying them with power and interacting with other in-service vehicles. One of the main reasons that we are interested in using motorbikes is because of the need for air portability and, in particular, airdrop. The good thing about such a small vehicle is that you can get it in the back of helicopters; you can undersling it from a helicopter; you can get several in the back of a plane, and then also, potentially you’d be able to drop it from the back of a plane under a parachute. So, it gives you a whole load of options to be able to get mobility in an expeditionary sense forward, in a way that a jeep or even a quad bike just can’t do. So that’s the main reason why we, as an air assault brigade, are interested in it, because it has what we call good strategic mobility. You can get a motorbike quite far, quite quickly, relatively easily,” Captain Dan Lauder explained.
Moonbike Brings e-Snowmobiles to the US
With a fresh, extraordinarily deep snow pack in the Sierras, the Moonbike is looking like a better idea all the time. [Moonbike]The French have given us a lot of great things. Now they’re giving us e-Snowmobiles. EV company Moonbike is slated to bring its snow transporter vehicles to the US very, very soon. The snow mobile-esque vehicle, which rides on a single forward ski, is powered by a 3kW electric motor and can reach top speeds of 26mph. The 2.5kWh battery pack has a top range of 22 miles in eco mode and offers up to one hour of usage. Prices start at $8,500.
A Look Ahead
So now that 2022 is here, what does the New Year have in store for EVs? Some of our predictions include:
e-Bikes will become smarter, with more high-tech safety features
EV investments will continue gaining steam as more kickstarts crop up
More variety in EV products, including e-Trikes and cargo bikes
An emphasis on local manufacturing, sustainability, battery innovation, and circular design
Also, the Vintagent team will produce something extraordinary: Electric Revolution Live. It's a 3-day EV festival that includes racing, demonstrations, kids events, test rides/drives, great food and wine, and world-class bands and films at night. There's never been anything like it, and we think it will become the future of the auto/moto show circuit, combining fun with engagement, discussion, and entertainment. We hope to see you in Walla Walla WA in May, so you can say 'I am part of the Electric Revolution'. Stay tuned for details, participants, bands, and tickets!
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022 (a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum), we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene via The Current. It’s an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Hello dear readers and riders! At the time of writing this article, it’s currently 70 degrees in the Northeast. This is the honeymoon phase of global warming when we’re all excited to take a long ride in the middle of winter. So, try to enjoy it while it lasts.
This week’s EV roundup boasts exciting new drops, fresh funds, and some surprising potential drops (and increases) in prices from the brands we love.
Let’s roll.
Rad Releases
The Stillride e-scooter is a sculptural statement, and explores possible paths for EV design [Stillride]
Swedish startup STILLRIDE dropped an exciting origami-inspired e-Scooter that is crafted out of folded sheets of metal. The company aims to revolutionize the manufacturing of light EVs through its LIGHT.FOLD robotic origami process, enabling automation of the bending of steel metal sheets. STILLRIDE predicts that this innovative tech will cut back on hardware by 20-50% and 25-45% on labor costs.
The Pave lightweight e-bi/cycle enters the hottest e-bike market: small urban runabouts. [Pave Motors]
Pave Motors, a Brooklyn startup founded by two brothers that make an EV “fusion bike and motorcycle,” recently released its Pave 1 e-Motorbike. The bike weighs about 99lb and can reach up to 30mph and had a range of 50 to 60 miles. A 50.4V 39Ah lithium-ion battery powers the bike and can be fully charged in just three hours. The real nifty thing about this bike is that it’s connected to a blockchain. When purchased, you’ll get a non-fungible token that is basically a private key to unlock the bike via the Pave+App.
Stark Future made a big splash this week all over social media with a slew of short films featuring their new design, an 80hp dirt bike. [Stark Future]
Stark Future, a Swedish electric dirt bike company, just shook up the industry with the unveiling of its cutting-edge electric dirt bike. Featuring extreme power and torque, this EV can leave gas-powered machines in the dust. Its 80hp electric motor can produce a solid 20 more ponies than most 450cc dirt bikes currently available on the market. Best of all, the bike also supports up to 100 customizable profiles ranging from 125cc two-stroke power belts up to 650cc four-stroke monsters.
As H-D’s Prices Drop, Rad Power’s Go Up
The Livewire is getting platform changes that will lower prices, which will surely be welcome news for fans of the brand. [Livewire]Harley-Davidson’s new middleweight e-Motorcycle LiveWire platform might finally drop its prices. The manufacturer’s second go-around at an e-Motorcycle platform pushes its tech further with a new middleweight design that won’t break the bank. The major difference between the new Arrow platform and the original one is that the battery pack isn’t housed in the frame but rather is a structural component of the bike to which the motor, steering head tube, swingarm, control electronics, and other key components bolt seamlessly onto. This new platform can be used to create numerous models.
The Rad Power Bikes lineup: headed for a price rise in 2022. [Rad Power]On the other side of the price spectrum, Rad Power Bikes sent an email out this week notifying customers that the company will increase its prices across all lines of e-Bikes starting at the end of the year. The email stated,
“Over the past 18 months we’ve taken creative steps to weather the global supply chain crisis. Nevertheless, these challenges have made it much more expensive to build and ship our electric bikes and accessories. In light of this, we’ve made the tough decision to raise prices across the Rad lineup beginning December 29th, 2021.
These new prices will enable us to continue our commitment to only delivering high-quality and innovative products — plus, with flexible financing options, free shipping, and our direct to consumer business model, Rad Power Bikes will remain one of the most cost-effective ways to get around.”
Fresh Funds
Candela is an EV company on the water: in this case, a water taxi design. [Candela]
Candela,
an electric hydro-foiling boat developer, raised $24 million to accelerate production of its existing small crafts and a larger commercial boat. The silent and stylish e-Boat company looks to make an impact in the traditionally oily, burbling, polluting watercraft market.
Harley-Davidson's statement on the SPAC listing of Livewire [Harley-Davidson]Blank-check SPAC takes Livewire public: in a newly popular strategy that avoids much of the government red tape (and regulation) of taking a company public, an SPAC AEA Bridges Impact Corp took Livewire to the stock market under the heading LVW, with a nominal valuation of $1.77Bn. In the deal, Livewire will retain 74% equity, ABIC shareholders 17%, and ABIC owners plus Korean powersports company Kymco will own 4%. SPAC funding is popular among startups with little track record of sales or funding, who bank on future sales for a planned valuation. Will it work in Harley-Davidson's case? Time will tell, but read their statement here.
Solid Power solid state batteries might one day power the F-100. [Solid Power]Solid Power, the Ford-backed solid-state battery developer, made its public market debut this week and saw a boost in stock prices on its first day of trading
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022 (a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum), we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene via The Current. It’s an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Hello, dear readers and riders! Welcome to the second week of December! We hope that your holiday shopping is well underway (you may have even picked up a new e-Bike and saved $900 in the process), and that you’re enjoying this season with your loved ones. As you cozy up by a roaring fire (or space heater – we don’t judge!), why don’t you enjoy some of this week’s EV news? From weird EV mopeds and café racer-inspired e-Motorcycles to fresh funds, this week’s roundup is sure to please.
Let’s roll.
New Drops
The Maeving relies on traditional motorcycle design cues ('gas tank' and 'exhaust pipe') to create a retro appeal for their new eBike. [Maeving]
UK startup Maeving cranks up the retro charm with its hand-build café racer-inspired e-Motorcycle. Much like the Metacycle from Sondors, Maeving’s machine boasts a rear hub, in this case by Bosch, which delivers 40 miles per 3.5 hours of charge time. The café racer can hit top speeds of 45mph, making it perfect to ride around town.
Three wheels good? The Flakmotor prototype looks like fun, and design studies show it as a utility vehicle as well. [Alex Asemyr]
An oddly awesome 3-wheel EV moped called Flakmoped by Alex Asemyr of Lynk & Co was recently released this week. Vroom vroom. Asemyr shows the trike with various useful configurations, from surfboard hauler to gimble camera rig. Looks like a winner in the Ute category.
Just Addmotor! Pretty much out philosophy of everything...taken to heart by British ebike maker Addmotor with their City Pro model. [Addmtor]
Addmotor unveiled its brand spankin’ new City Pro e-Bike this week. Perfect for urban commuters, this electric pedal-assist bike comes in many millennial-friendly colors, including rose gold and olive green. Standout features include the bike’s 48V and 20Ah battery, which the company claims produces a staggering 125 miles worth of range, though that’s only likely to happen in the lowest power pedal assist mode.
The Lectric XP 2.0 is a folding ebike for easy excursions and commuting. [Lectric]
For all of you big bargain hunters out there, check out the new Lectric XP 2.0 fat-tire folding e-Bike. There’s a ton of power boxed up in its beefy little frame, and it’s priced to please at just $949. This little guy features a 500W geared rear hub motor, a 460Wh removable integrated battery with a 45-mile range, and five levels of pedal assist.
The Urtopia ebike is a carbon fiber extravaganza and a slick chassis shape. [Urtopia]
Urtopia, a startup from China, debuted its tech-heavy e-Bike this week, featuring a 250W hub motor and three levels of riding assist with an estimated range of up to 80 miles. The bike is also equipped with a fingerprint reader, GPA, integrated alarm, and the list goes on…
Tesla for the kids! The Cybertruck is an electric quad with vibes drawn from the full-scale Cybertruck prototype. [Tesla]
Tesla is dipping its toes into the micro-mobility arena with its Cybertruck, a mini Cyberquad for the kiddos. The toy costs around $1,900, which is still pretty cheap for Tesla.
Fresh Funds
Meet the solid state battery, and attempt to make a greener energy supply for the tremendous demand for battery technology today. [Factorial]
Factorial Energy, a startup that is working on solid-state batteries for EVs, added two more big-name automakers to its investment checklist, including Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis.
Phoenix Motorcars uses existing OEM chassis (in this case Ford) and adapts them with EV powertrains. [Phoenix]
Phoenix Motors recently filed for a $150 million IPO. The startup designs, assembles, and integrates electric drive systems and light and medium-duty EVs. It also sells EV chargers for both the residential and commercial markets.
The e-bike market globally is already at $25Bn per year... [Global Market Insights]
Revenue for the e-Bike market is predicted to hit a whopping $50 billion by 2027. Major players will include Schwinn, Van Moof, Lectric Bikes, and Trek Bicycles.
Equitable Commute Project Brings 5,000 e-Bikes to Frontline Workers
The Equitable Commute Project is a massive 3-year NYC program to offer 50% subsidies to buyers of light e-mobility. Did you hear that? HALF OFF a new eBike...and I can hear the manufacturers lining up now... [EQP]The Equitable Commute Project recently hosted an e-Bike distribution and training event in the Bronx. The plan is to offer 5,000 frontline workers with e-Bikes that have been subsidized and are subject to accessible financing solutions for New York City. The event drew big names in the EV realm, including Van Moof, Zoom, Rad Power, and The Hub NYC.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022 (a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum), we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene via The Current. It's an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Hello readers and riders! Can you believe it’s already December? That means 2021 is at death’s door while our Electric Revolution Live is quickly approaching!
The first week of December is brimming with tantalizing EV news, including a staggering new 283mph e-Motorcycle record, tons of fantastic releases, and even an oddly entertaining EV scooter treadmill (who woulda thought?).
Let’s roll.
Max Biaggi Sets an Astounding New Record
GP Star Max Biaggi sets a new two-wheeled EV land speed record aboard a Voxan Wattman, with a pretty awesome backdrop! Vintagent fans might recognize the integrated LSR front fender from Alp Sungurtekin's LSR Triumph - he invented the design in 2017. [Voxan]An astonishing new speed record for EVs was set this week by Max Biaggi. The team set a total of 21 new records, including a new speed record for electric bikes weighing under 300kg. Taking place at Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre Launch and Landing Facility, Biaggi, aboard the Voxan Wattman, set a new benchmark at 283mph. The company implemented a new, more horizontal seating position for Biaggi to drastically reduce drag and boost aerodynamics. The bike is outfitted with a lithium-ion battery with a 5kWh capacity that can achieve 435 ponies and 1360Nm of torque. We also not the similarity of the front fender's integration with the fairing: as 'dustbin' fairings have been banned from many classes of Land Speed Racing (LSR) competition, Alp Sungurtekin invented this overlapping fender concept on his Triumph LSR racer back in 2017. It's very clever, and obviously works! The Voxan effort makes two amazing EV speed records in one week, with the Rolls Royce plane setting the absolute speed record for an EV at 345mph. We're sure the bikes will get there soon enough!
Rad Releases
The stunning Ovoabike with leather accessories seen at EICMA in Milan last week. [Ovoabike]
Ovaobike unveiled three additional new concepts at the EICMA last week, including the MXR off-roading EV, the CT-X e-Scooter, and the CR-21 café racer.
Pretty Nito! The new Nito cargo design as seen at EICMA. [Nito]
NITO BIKES added the new CARGO & SHARE (C+S) to its already robust line of EV products. The new e-Scooter aims to seamlessly combine load capacity with The innovative design allows for greater strength and durability over time, enabling the investment in delivery fleets to be paid off over a few years. The e-Scooter is equipped with a 72V – 35Ah battery and can carry up to 100kg of goods.
We like a good pun too: the ScrAmpler from EmGo has a cooled battery unit that won't fry at extended full throttle. [EmGo]
Despite being launched a month ago, we can’t get enough of Ukraine-based EMGo Technology’s serial ScrAmpler e-Motorbike. The model has undergone three different editions, with the latest version offering a cooled battery element system which enables the 10kW battery to run for over 30 minutes without damaging the elements at a peak of 24kW. The ScrAmpler can achieve speeds of 130km/h.
Providing Women with Peace of Mind
Share scooter company Lime is looking for ways to make solo women safer on the streets. [Lime]Lime, a global provider of shared EVs, recently partnered with SafeUP, a community safety network that offers global solidarity for women, to provide free rides for women on e-Scooters and e-Bikes if they feel unsafe. The service is currently available in NYC, San Fran, LA, Seattle, DC, Austin, Miami, and Tel Aviv.
Fresh Funds
This is not a Zembo, but is a Boda, the name for a motorcycle taxi in Uganda. This remarkable photo by Jan Hoek is from his photo series on Boda Boda drivers - see more here. [Jan Hoek]
French startup Zembo, which has operations in Uganda, raised $3.4 million to begin scaling operations across Africa. The company sells e-Motorcycles via a lease-to-own program. The bikes and bodas (motorcycle taxis) are solar-powered: perfect for a country with mixed infrastructure possibiliities.
Zoomo's lease-to-own eBikes target messengers and delivery workers. [Zoomo]
Zoomo recently raised a $60 million Series B to beef up its e-Bike subscription service. The startup offers e-Bikes to gig workers or enterprise fleets.
What's inside? The minerals inside your EV battery are soon to be the most politically contentious subject on the planet. Extracting anything from the earth is an ugly business, rarely conducted with concern for nature or local cultures, so we at The Vintagent believe it's critical to be educated and understand the impact of EV technology. It ain't easy being green, and green isn't much of a concern for most EV manufacturers. Understanding these impacts will help citizens guide public policy, as neither gov'ts nor industry is naturally inclined to do the right thing. [Mangrove Lithium]
Mangrove Lithium, a company that developed a platform to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, closed a $10 million Series A round.
Upway to Build Used e-Bike Buying and Selling Platform
You thought the EV industry was just a baby, but there's already a booming secondary market. The Upway team in France was the first to recognize and respond to a new need. [Upway]French startup Upway just launched a digital marketplace for second-hand e-Bikes. The company recently raised $5.7 million in seed rounds from Global Founders Capital and Sequoia Capital. Currently, the startup is operating out of a Parisian warehouse where a team of five thoroughly check each used e-Bike that comes through the door with a list of about 20 different tests. The bikes are priced 20% to 50% cheaper than their original costs.
Step Aside, Peloton: Meet the $680 EV Treadmill/Scooter
Meet the new treadmill, same as the old treadmill? We're not sure, but you can get more exercise while cruising around town on this eScooter/treadmill hybrid. [Alibaba]Tired of using the treadmill in your living room? Well, now you can enjoy your treadmill while out and about with this unusual e-Scoot/treadmill hybrid thinger. Priced at $680, the machine can reach speeds of up to 12mph, which is probably as fast as you should ride a treadmill.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022 (a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum), we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene via The Current. It's an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
We hope all of you readers and riders had an amazing Thanksgiving! Whether you spent it with family, friends, or simply your dog, we hope it was a relaxing and joyous occasion.
While you let all of that turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing settle in your stomach, take a moment to catch up on the latest EV news for the last week of November. In this installment, we’ll explore how the power struggle over cobalt is disturbing the clean energy movement, a stunning EV-powered Cobra duo that makes the perfect holiday splurge, the innovative e-Bikes of the EICMA show in Milan, pioneering new UK laws, and more.
The new Kisanfu cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The DRC has the highest quality cobalt on the planet, and the richest mines. The majority are now controlled by Chinese firms, as part of their long-term strategy to control the minerals essential for battery production. Read the excellent New York Times article here. [NYT]A recent story in the New York Times explored how the soaring need for cobalt is upheaving the clean energy revolution. In the urgent race to save our planet from global warming, the human race’s biggest sins are yet again rearing their ugly heads. From greed and gamesmanship to exploitation, our quest to safeguard the earth comes with high stakes. Civil unrest, hazardous conditions for mine workers, and shady business deals all beg to ask the question: what are the long-standing implications of our pursuit to preserve the planet using the tools of Capitalism?
The Perfect Holiday Gift for Shelby Enthusiasts
Got Shelby? The new MkIII-E has 1500ftlbs of torque. [Superformance]Throughout motorsports history, few names stir up more passion that the iconic Carroll Shelby and his Cobra cars that forged the path for Ford overtaking Le Mans and Ferrari. This holiday season, diehard Shelby enthusiasts can indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime gift by snagging an EV Cobra duo that includes a metallic blue MKIII-E Cobra EV and a Vintage Shelby e-Bike for $180,000. At the heart of the superpowered MKIII-E is a Tesla Model S rear-drive motor accentuated by an impressive 1,500 lb.-ft. of torque. Its battery pack boasts two LG Energy 16-cell units housed in a 32-kWh pack that delivers 100 miles worth of range.
Only 100 miles of range for either choice, two wheels or four, but one is a practical everyday machine, while the other is a beast. [Superformance]“EV is becoming increasingly more popular within our cars thanks to a simpler, more powerful driving experience,” said Superformance CEO Lance Stander in a press release. “Historically, Carroll Shelby didn’t live in the past. He always said that the best Shelby is the next one, and Carroll was always researching new technologies. Anything that could provide a performance edge, he was interested in. Without a doubt, our new Superformance MKIII-E is the quickest, quietest snake that we’ve ever made.”
Exciting New EVs Unveiled at EICMA 2021
EICMA 2021is in full swing this week and promises to delight and dazzle with state-of-the-art EVs. Sweden’s CAKE launched its Work Series at the event, showcasing new utility vehicles specially made for professional applications, including craftsmen and delivery drivers. According to Cake’s website, the series flaunts “increased motor power, optimized cargo possibilities, and up to double the battery capacity.”
The series features three machines, including:
The venerable CAKE Kalk, still the gold standard for eBike design. [CAKE]
The Kalk: an off-road service tool with top speeds of 90 km/h and a range of 83 km in the city.The Ösa Flex is an electric workhorse, portable workstation, and battery storage system in one. [CAKE]
The ösa Flex: a two-wheeled tower with optimized cargo capacity, top speeds of 45 km/h to 90 km/h, and a 140-km range.
The newest of the CAKE line is the Makka, an urban commuter/utility machine. [CAKE]
The Makka: A nimble urban mobility tool and smart configuration platform that can effortlessly move tools, gear, and equipment at speeds of up to 45 km/h within a 100-km range.
New UK Homes Will Require EV Charging Points Effective 2022
Boris Johnson, Britain’s Prime Minister, recently announced that all new homes in England will be required to have electric vehicle charging points starting next year. During his speech at the annual Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference, he said, “We’re regulating so as to require new homes and buildings to have EV charging points, with another 145,000 charging points to be installed thanks to these regulations.”
The new mandate applies to developers of new residential housing, retail sites, and office blocks. Additionally, developers of renovations where there are 10+ parking spaces must abide by the law. The push for EV points is part of the UK’s bold initiative to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030.
Rolls Royce Electric Airplane is the World's Fastest EV
Based on a Nemesis NXT racing plane kit, the Rolls Royce Spirit of Innovation has 400kw of power and has hit 345mph over a 3km timed run. [Rolls Royce]You can expect nothing less than perfection from Rolls-Royce. And the company exceeded expectations yet again with their Spirit of Innovation electric airplane, which recently crushed the all-time electric top speed record, plowing through the air at a mind-blowing 384.4 mph. However, that will only happen if the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) approves the flight and certifies the record. If so, Rolls-Royce’s craft will have surpassed the current record by 132 mph!
The electric plane is powered by a 400-kilowatt electric powertrain that boasts “the most power-dense propulsion battery pack ever assembled in aerospace,” according to a recent press release from Rolls Royce.
HD’s New Satirical Video Promises Endless Belly Laughs
Ending our roundup on a light note, Harley-Davidson released a hilarious short film this week that explores how new e-Bike owners can easily fall victim to cycling culture stereotypes. Trust us, you’ll enjoy the comic relief while being trapped in a cramped room with all of your crazy relatives this holiday.
Stephanie Weaver is the EV Editor at The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’re well aware of the flurry of media around electric vehicles recently. Here at The Vintagent, we've been covering the EV scene since 2009, built our channel The Current in 2016, and deliver weekly roundups of EV news that (hopefully) appeals to both electric enthusiasts and gas-powered junkies. What's often missing amongst the PR and chatter are the stories of the folks driving the Electric Revolution.
Anthony Cross has one of those stories. Co-founder and CEO of Denver-based upstart Zaiser Motors, Anthony has piloted the company’s recent milestones, like reaching funding goals on WeFunder and unveiling a redesign of its innovative Electrocycle platform. However, Zaiser’s windfall should not overshadow its mission nor its impressive industry-first twin-hub powertrain machines. Both of its e-Motorbikes, the Silhouette and the Arrow, are accomplishing what other EV manufacturers are failing to do. With more torque, power, and a cruiser-style design built from the ground up, the Silhouette is an e-Motorcycle that is actually exceeding anything that’s available in the gas market. The company’s other bike, the café racer-styled Arrow, has captured the attention of vintage devotees and EV fanatics alike, and is poised to fulfill the current demand for smaller, more nimble electric machines.
Anthony Cross, the CEO of Zaiser Motors. [Zaiser]“The trend now seems to be that smaller bikes are in. But is this because people want smaller bikes or because they’re more usable and cost-effective than the larger ones that deliver less range because the tech isn’t there yet? I think it’s a bit of both. However, I also think that as the technology improves, we’ll start to see more people get used to the equivalent of a 500cc café racer and then want a bigger bike. I believe we’ll see a renaissance of bigger bikes down the line. And that’s what Zaiser is leaning in to. However, the smaller bikes, like the Arrow, will be dominating the market for a while,” explained Anthony. Despite the massive shift to EVs, Anthony, a classic bike and car enthusiast, is not blind to the fact that many traditionalist riders are hesitant to swap out their gas-fueled motorcycles for battery-operated ones.
The Zaiser Electrocycle has a distinctive profile and a very long range. [Zaiser]“I’m always going to have my ’72 R50/5. I love that thing. It feels good, rides well, and is a beautiful little machine. But would I take it out in less-than-optimal conditions? Probably not. I’d probably ride the Arrow for that. And I think that’s the way motorcycling is going to transition. It’ll just make more sense to have a reliable, trusty vehicle that you can ride every day and take your Shovelhead out when conditions are perfect. An EV won’t replace your Shovelhead, but if it provides you with a good portion of the joy and exceeds the reliability, it’s done its job.” Recognizing the opportunity for innovation and shifting global legislations, Zaiser Motors is working over-time to bring its Electrocycle platform to market in 2022. But Anthony is gung-ho about not losing the immersive experience of being astride a powerful, gorgeous, internal combustion machine.
The Zaiser Electrocycle in black. Will its traditional silhouette appeal to IC fans, given its parity on performance and range? [Zaiser]“Just because it’s electric doesn’t mean it’s going to be boring. We’re going to ensure our bikes are fun as hell, sound cool, and accelerate and corner seamlessly. It needs to be exciting,” he said. “When I take my BMW out, it’s a bonding experience with my machine. We can’t lose that. Zaiser Motors is committed to transferring that soul and that relationship to EVs. Those types of e-Bikes are the ones that are going to come out on top.”
Stephanie Weaver is EV Editor for The Vintagent, and a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles. Got EV news? Give her a shout.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022 (a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum), we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene via The Current. It's an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Hey there, all of you readers and riders! Can y’all believe that we’re almost halfway through November? That means 2022 is right around the corner. If that’s tough to wrap your head around, this week’s EV news roundup is sure to be a doozy. From an awesomely bizarre four-person e-Bike to an extreme e-Racing truck, this installment will astonish and amaze, and provoke thought with recent discussions around global battery/mineral supply, the a new geopolitical landscape.
"Watch that fringe and see how it flutters When I drive them high steppin' strutters. Nosey pokes'll peek thru' their shutters and their eyes will pop! When I take you out in the surrey with the fringe on top!" [Alibaba]Do you dig vehicles that are strange and unusual? Then check out this awesomely weird four-person e-Bike from Alibaba. Perfect for a party, this thing is powered by a 1,500W motor located in its rear wheels that’s powered by a 32Ah battery packing just under 2kWh. With a reported 50-mile range, a baby bumper, and two brakes, this bike is the ideal family EV.
McLaren Drops an Extreme e-Racing Truck
Gnar! When will you be able to buy a McLaren off-roader? When you can afford it, obv! [McLaren]British automotive manufacturer McLaren is trying its hand in the world of e-Racing with the Odyssey 21, an all-electric SUV. Initially unveiled at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, the SUV boasts the firm’s distinct papaya orange color palette and ornate detailing by artist Vic Lee. Extreme E is an all-electric off-road series that is made up of five races. The innovative motorsport’s goal is to explore the technological future of racing while raising awareness of sustainability and climate change. Moreover, the sport is inclusive, having all teams consist of both female and male drivers. “Our decision to enter extreme E will inform and enlighten our own journey of discovery and is underpinned by a clear imperative to accelerate McLaren Racing’s own sustainability which places carbon reduction, recycling and reuse and elimination of waste at its core,” the company stated on its website. The buggy-shaped Odyssey 21 is slated to compete next year and be driven by the renowned rally racer Tanna Faust.
Damon Starts Construction of Manufacturing/R&D Facility
The awesome Damon hyperbike, with a 200mph top speed has garnered tremendous interest and tens of $Millions in pre-orders. [Damon]e-Motorbike manufacturer Damon started construction this week on a new 110,000 square-foot manufacturing and R&D facility in Surrey, British Columbia. Slated to open next fall, Damon’s plant will employ hundreds of production and officer workers throughout the surrounding areas by 2025. Damon’s next-gen e-Motorcycles feature onboard AI to boost safety.
Big Red is Making Moves
The Honda eMaas concept of integration of EV batteries into the public power grid. [Honda]While Honda’s EV battery will soon be part of a new Indian battery-swapping network, the company recently stated that it had much bigger plans for the future. Despite an initial focus on powering e-Motorcycles, Honda is now looking at ways to utilize its EV battery design as part of the public power grid with the goal of moving to carbon neutrality by 2050. Big ambitions, and the kind of thinking we need to implement now to reduce carbon emissions asap.
e-Bikes are the Most Popular EVs
The wonderful Matt Williams illustration accompanying the NYT article. [Matt Williams]EVs hit the New York Times yet again this week in a business piece that predicts the popularity of e-Bikes will not slow down anytime soon. With 130 million e-Bikes projected to be sold by 2023 worldwide, they are the EVs that are highest in demand, and widest in popular acceptance, even in EV-resistant countries like the USA. Why? Because they're fun, and a near miracle in making bicycling easier and more accessible for those not dedicated to the Peloton.
Juiced’s Fat-Tire e-Bike Targets a Younger Crowd
The Juiced fat-tire eBike hits the hottest part of the market, the biggest segment of EV sales in the world. [Juiced]With a nimble frame and affordable price tag, Juiced’s new fat-tire e-Bike is meant to target teens and young adults. Called the RipRacer, the bike is available in two versions, including the Class 2 with a 52V/10Ah battery that can reach speeds of up to 20mph and the Class 3, equipped with a 52V/15Ah battery with a top speed of 28mph. That's skirting the law defining 'bicycle', so perhaps there's an app to bring the speed over 30mph...but we never said that, and would never encourage readers to exceed the speed limit, or the boundaries of their current reality, or Instagram's willy-nilly posting restrictions.
New York Times Nails the Issues
A battery production facility in China [Getty/NYT]This week, writer Steve LeVine summarized why 'America Isn't Ready for the Electric Vehicle Revolution.' Give it a read: we've been saying it for years - the USA is the last bastion of resistance to EVs, and our politicians the deepest in the pockets of the petro industry. While we're used to the corruption, it has blinded those who could make a difference with legislative support on a transition to greener energy sources, to strategically place US industry in a competitive path. Denial of climate change and looking backwards has given China an open door, and they walked right through it, currently owning 90% of the world's capacity to process Lithium, 70% of the Cobalt, and 40% of the Nickel. Thus, US and European manufacturers are completely vulnerable to shipping or supply chain issues from abroad, like pandemics or political issues, as . In crude terms, China now holds the cards to future transport, and despite $7Bn in the recent US infrastructure bill allocated to support battery supply chain, nothing is included to address problems of mineral processing, or other critical issues like battery development and the absurd state of EV battery recycling at the moment.
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer and Vintagent Contributor. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022, as a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum, we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene. It's an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Hello readers and riders! Are you all ready for Halloween trick-or-treaters this weekend? Well, this week has been a real treat for us as far as EV news is concerned. Flying cars! A commitment to an electric Ducati! The last week of October features tons of spook-tacular new drops, including a 1,600-pound car!
HT Aero, the latest entry into a long-promised future of flying cars. None have yet been certified by the FAA, but soon... [HT Aero]We’re going to start with the story that excites us the most. HT Aero, an urban air mobility company and an affiliate of Chinese EV company Xpeng, unveiled a new car concept this week that also flies! The startup raised a staggering $500 million in a Series A round in an effort to roll out its next-gen model in 2024. The ultralight vehicle will have the ability to turn into an aircraft via a foldable rotor mechanism. The props will seamlessly be integrated into the vehicle when it’s in car mode and when it’s ready for takeoff, the props will span about 12 meters from the large tail. If you’re scared of heights, don’t worry! The airplane car will also feature parachutes and an advanced environmental perception system to conduct safety assessments before taking flight. Parachutes or seat belts...think about it.
Ducati Plans on Making its EV Debut in 2025
Rumored and vaporware'd for years: now Ducati has committed to an EV as part of a racing program with Dorna to take over its eBike racing series from Energica. [Ducati]An EV Ducati? This seems to be the case as Ducati becomes the official manufacturer for the MotoE race series slated to kick off in 2023, after Italian eBike manufacturer Energica declined to supply the series with its already-available Ego Corse models [watch our film about the customized Energica from our Electric Revolution exhibit here]. The announcement will also see the Italian moto manufacturer stepping into the EV arena with the development of its first ever e-Motorcycle. However, this will not come to fruition until 2025 or later. The company, with its proven racing pedigree, will utilize futuristic tech solutions to develop a nimble bike that boasts best-in-class power-to-weight ratio despite the weight of the battery. The e-Motorbike will be tested on different race tracks worldwide. Would you ride one?
ICOMA Drops a Cubicle-Friendly e-Bike
The new Icoma Tatamel takes the Honda Motocompo concept from the 1980s to today, with surprisingly little conceptual modification required. Make a bike suitcase-sized! The Motocompo is a cult item now...perhaps the Icoma will become the same: it certainly is cute. [Icoma]Never worry about chain grease on your trousers when you bike to work, ever again! Japanese startup, ICOMA, recently debuted a foldable e-Motorcycle dubbed the Tatamel bike. The itty-bitty bike can be folded down to fit under an office desk. When you’re ready to ride, the bike measures 1000mm tall, 1230mm long, and 650mm wide. When folded, it measures 680mm tall, 700mm long, and 260mm wide. The Tatamel has a 40km/h (24mph) top speed and a 50km (30-mile) range: that's pretty fast and far riding a briefcase! The side panels are of course customizable, and we've seen some terrific Honda Motocompo - the closest conceptual kin - customs in the past year. What we want to know: can we carry it on a plane?
A Lighter-than-Air EV Car
Ultralight and ultrafast: the Vazirani Ekonk weighs only 1600lbs. [Vazirani]Mumbai-based startup, Vazirani, revealed its 1,627-pound electric hypercar this week. Known as the Ekonk, the EV features a single seat and utilizes a bespoke battery technology to efficiently cool its power source with air instead of a liquid-cooled system. Chief designer, Chunky Vazirani (what a name!), who has worked for Land Rover and Jaguar, used biomimicry to draw inspiration from the way animals naturally regulate their body temperatures through breathing, to cool his motor with air instead of water or oil. The Ekonk is planned to be the fastest car produced in India, with 722hp and a top speed of 192mph, and a 0-100kmh speed of 2.6seconds. Quick! Amazingly, the Ekonk will include no 'drivers aids' like traction control etc, but presumably will have a sophisticated controller instead of a light switch for on/off power. The goal was a 1:1 hp/kg power to weight ratio, and an extremely low drag coefficient, plus no passengers to keep the overall weight to a minimum. While the imagery looks like vaporware, we're assured a prototype is currently in the testing phase.
Double Your Riding Pleasure
The Velotric Discover ebike is currently available and very reasonably priced., with a nice range of colors. [Velotrix]Remember Doublemint Gum’s slogan of “double your pleasure, double your fun?” Now you can have twice the battery and twice the fun with Velotric’s Discover e-Bike. Boasting a 692Wh battery that delivers 80 miles worth of range, the step-thru bike has a 500W motor and 65Nm torque. However, the Discover 1 doesn’t forgo comfort or style for functionality. It’s designed for optimal comfort and is available in stunning color options, including canary yellow and turquoise.
Coast to Coast on Sunlight
Suhil Reddy is riding across the USA using a solar-powered ebike with a range of 40miles/day on solar power alone. [Suhil Reddy]We’ll wrap up this week’s roundup with an inspiring story of how one guy is riding a solar powered e-Bike clear across the US. Catching rays from North Carolina to Texas, Sushil Reddy is doing a coast-to-coast ride on sun-powered bike with his partner, Luis Fourzan. Sushil’s bike is powered by two solar panels mounted on the back, giving it a range of about 40 miles. Conversely, Luis is astride a regular e-Bike. Suhil already holds the world record for the longest distance traveled on an ebike, and is undertaking this ride to support awareness around sustainability and personal efforts to combat climate change. We wish them the best of luck on their travels!
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022, as a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum, we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene. It's an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Howdy readers and riders! Welcome to our weekly roundup of EV news where we report on the stories that matter most to you. In this edition, we’ll take a look at some awesome new releases from Soriano Motori and Daymak, explore an intriguing new website that allows anyone to download and build a bike, and chat about fresh funds.
The new Soriano Giaguaro V1 sportbikes are coming: 80hp and a 200 mile range claimed. [Soriano]
Soriano Motori, an e-Bike startup launched in 2019 in an effort to revive the renowned motorcycle marque’s name for a new generation, recently announced that it plans to premiere its stunning new Giaguaro V1 Gara e-Bikes at EICMA 2021 next month. Soriano promises 80 hp, a range of up to 200 miles, with a 0 to 60mph time of just 3.5 seconds. This puts them in direct competition with Energica, and soon, Ducati, in the e-sports field: a natural playing ground for an Italian brand, but a tough field as the market for very fast eBikes is still fairly small. What bike will break through to the sports rider? In other news, last December Soriano became the first moto brand to accept cryptocurrency as a preorder payment. If their bikes are anything like their forward-thinking payment options, we’re excited to see what’s next.
The Daymak Spiritus 3-wheeler is dramatic and enclosed, unlike other sports trikes. [Daymak]
Toronto-based EV manufacturer, Daymak, made waves earlier this week with its three-wheeled EV prototype, the Daymak Spiritus. One of the first vehicles in the company’s exorbitant Avvenire EV lineup, the electric “car” boasts a 180-mile range and is priced at just under $20,000. Its unique aerodynamic shape plays a significant role in its high range rating and also qualifies the Daymak Spiritus as a motorcycle in almost every jurisdiction worldwide. This means that it’s outside the stringent safety policies passenger cars must adhere to. Daymark President Also Baiocchi notes, “A poster from 2005 of our Spiritus concept three-wheeler still hangs in my office, so finally seeing our vision come to life 16 years later and sharing that dream with more than 25,000 people who ordered the vehicle is a very special moment for us. This prototype is a major milestone in our commitment to the Avvenire program, and having achieved this goal, the rest of the journey is finally coming together."
From Byte to Bike
The open source, downloadable plywood bicycle design is begging for a motor! [OpenBike]One story from this week that immediately caught our eye was Arquimana’s downloadable bike designs that can literally be fabricated by anybody in the world. The Spanish company is leveraging technology to cut down on carbon emissions by enabling folks to build wooden bicycles from downloadable drawings. A person can effortlessly download the drawing from the OpenBike website, take it to their local fablab, and build the bike with the help of 3D printing. Since the fabrication files are licensed under Creative Commons 4.0, builders can modify the bike to their exact specifications.
Show Us the Money
Electric snowbike! That looks like big and quiet fun...enjoying the outdoors without the two-stroke howl of a snowmobile. [Moonbike]
MoonBikes, an e-Snowbike (!!!) manufacturer, recently closed a $5.2 million seed funding round. Their e-Bike/snowmobile mash-up machine features a light frame, one front ski, and a track in the back. It can reach 26 mph, has a range of up to three hours, and features a 40% steepness grade. Curious how these go in the snow? Ask Roland Sands! He spent a month in a cast after crashing into a tree on one...
In Chinese cities, anything smaller than a car or with less than 4 wheels is an EV, from mopeds and scooters in their tens of thousands, to 3-wheel delivery trucks that displace the universal small pickup found in other countries. [Paul d'Orléans]
The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) recently announced that EV sales in China will grow to 35% of the total market for vehicles by 2025. That’s a jump from 1.4 million units sold/year to three million per year - only EVs! China already has the largest number of eBikes on the street of any country in the world, after legislating small internal combustion motors off the roads of major cities in 2016. Now there are an estimated 10M eBikes on China's streets, which makes them very quiet, with no noxious fumes from cheap two-stroke motors. Walking the streets of Shanghai is an experience of the future of the global transport, and it's very pedestrian friendly. Combined with China's commitment to dramatically cut its use of coal for generating power, and its current ban on new coal-powered electric plants, puts China in the lead on green energy. They still have a long way to go on carbon emissions, though, While China's per-capita emission are low (hey, 1.4 Billion is a lot of people), their total carbon output grew significantly in 2020, as opposed to the rest of the developed world, which dropped with reduced travel and production during the pandemic. Have a look at China's carbon footprint here.
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022, as a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum, we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene. It's an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Hi readers and riders! Like we do every week, we’ve assembled an extensive list of valuable EV news that matters to you. This week sees several new releases, soaring stocks, fresh funds, and a new addition to our ADV:Overland Petersen Museum exhibit - the Tardigrade. Let’s roll.
Exciting New Drops
The second week of October has seen some revolutionary new releases from EV brands both old and new.
The proposed VanMoof supercycle with a higher top speed. [VanMoof]
VanMoof recently announced a brand-new concept, the VanMoof V. The company’s first high-speed e-Bike is ready for pre-order and boasts two-wheel drive, a full suspension frame, next-gen tech, and advanced acceleration with top speeds of 50 kmph (31 mph).
A prototype Kawasaki eBike sports machine shown in 2020. [Kawasaki]
Kawasaki is dipping its toes into the e-Bike sector and plans to launch 10 two-wheeled EVs and hybrid bikes by 2025. More bikes are planned by 2035.
The Corrit mini cycle is an appealing and timely offering, as the small eBike scene is booming. [Corrit]
Corrit Electric is dropping its first ever e-Scooter, the Hover, by the end of the month. The startup is currently taking pre-orders for the bike and will start delivering it to customers by late November. The two-seater scoot has a load-carrying capacity of about 250 kgs (551 lbs), a max range of 110 km (68 miles), and can hit speeds of 25 kmph (15 mph).
The CAKE anti-poaching Kalk is a special edition of their lightweight all-purpose machines, developed to help park rangers fight poachers silently in South Africa. They're now in the field being tested. [CAKE]
Swedish EV maker, CAKE, is busy this week, releasing the first batch of electric bush bikes to curb illegal poaching in Africa. Dubbed the Kalk AP, the e-Bikes feature 18-inch custom off-road tires and a rear carrier to attach medical equipment, arms, and a first-aid kit to treat wounded wildlife.
The Tardigrade, an amazing lunar cycle built by Hookie Co, will be installed at our ADV:Overland exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum by November. [HookieCo]Speaking of CAKE, the custom moto design company Hookie Co has just shipped its completed moon motorcycle, the Tardigrade, to the Petersen Automotive Museum for inclusion in our exhibit ADV:Overland. This otherworldly ride was originally conceived by Russian designer Andrew Fabishevskiy, and his vaporware sketches of a NASA motorcycle were compelling enough for Hookie Co to secure the rights to actually build it! That was quite a process, using CAKE power, although much of the build technology involved was new, including DuPont Kevlar 3D-printed wheels and NASA developed hi-temp finishes. It's a notional machine and a lot of fun, not an actual off-world prototype, and is a perfect complement to the sci-fi legends already in the exhibit: the 'chariots' from the 1960s and 2018 versions of Lost in Space. If you haven't seen the exhibit, you must!
Offset Motorcycles digs deep into the eBike scene, first with the OFR-M1. [Offset Motorcycles]
Denmark-based startup, Offset Motorcycles, just announced its fledgling project, the OFR-M1. Featuring a minimalistic design, a 6.2KwH battery pack that offers 1.5 hours of riding time and can be charged from 0% to 80% in just three hours, and a radical flux motor that’s good for 25 kW and 59 ft.-lb of torque, this zippy little thing can go from 0 to 60 in just under 4.5 seconds.
Mike Riis is developing electric speedway bikes, which are already approved in youth racing, for use against traditional methanol-burning racers. Watch a video here from Sideburn. [Mike Riis]The company’s founder, Michael Riis Eriksen, is so passionate about EVs that he’s already developing electric speedway. bikes for inclusion into European racing series. While the concept is challenging for die-hard Speedway fans, electric racers drastically cut down on noise pollution, which is the #1 problem with Speedway tracks today: neighbors complaints! The bikes will also be more cost-effective for racers, as they will no longer need routinely rebuild their engines. Thoughts?
Money and More Money
Greaves Finance recently facilitated financing for EV production in India. The company is offering nimble financing options, low interest rates, and instant loan disbursement to support an obviously booming development sector.
Stocks are soaring as homebased off-road e-Motorcycle company, Volcon, goes public. Under the symbol VLCN on Nasdaq, the company enjoyed a surge in share values, with a $9.01 jump at opening. Fluctuating throughout the day, shares reached a staggering $15.50 at one point! Volcon Powersports made history last year by creating the first American-built, off-road, fat-tire e-Motorbike. Now they’re bringing home the bacon.
Russia-based tech giant Yandex recently acquired an Israeli e-Scooter rental company called Wind. The deal is slated to be finalized by the end of the year.
e-Bike and e-Scooter Safety Concerns Hit Hard in NYC
A New York Times story cites safety concerns for eScooters. [New York Times]Earlier this week, the New York Times mused about the growing safety concerns as EV popularity continues to grow in the city that never sleeps. In 2021 alone, at least 17 people have been killed riding EVs in NYC. Then again, 20 bicyclists were killed in the Big Apple in 2020...
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022, as a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum, we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene. It's an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Hello all riders and readers! Welcome to our weekly EV news roundup, where we share everything you need to know about the world of electric bikes. The first full week of October panned out to be EV-heavy, with several exciting new releases, fresh new funding, and how the EV boom is sending battery giants scampering to fill the shortage of qualified engineer and research specialists.
Let’s do this.
More Info is Released About the $5,000 SONDORS Metacycle
The Sondors Metacycle is on track to be the first affordable mid-size eBike. The 'statement' void where the gas tank used to be is a clever design feature, as is the monocoque aluminum chassis. [Sondors]While SONDORS is preparing to release its $5,000 e-Bike, the Metacycle, we’re learning more about its battery. With a promised range of 80 miles on a single charge and top speeds of 80 mph, the bike’s battery plays a critical role in its performance and acceptance by traditionalist riders. According to the company, the removable battery boasts “unparalleled innovation, spectacular design, and next-level ingenuity.” However, there are some caveats. There is concern regarding how the cables will be connected and disconnected when a rider removes the battery since they may need to be manually disengaged.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comment section!
Ridiculously Fast e-Scoots
The 60mph Ycom electric scooter has a carbon fiber chassis and plenty of power, proving that anything on wheels can be souped up and taken racing. Can't wait to see these guys at Electric Revolution Live in My 2022! [YCOM/ Malcolm Griffiths]One downside to EVs we often hear gas-loving riders voice is that electric bikes lack speed. Well, these 60 mph e-Scooters will crush those complaints! The little YCOM S1-X e-Scooter barely tips the scale at just 77 pounds and was custom built for the new eSkootr Championship series (eSC). The races are slated to start next year on 400 to 800-meter circuits, and we want to see them! Full racing leathers and helmet required for these carbon-fiber rockets.
Fresh Funds
The Dance.co bikeshare in Germany is a white-glove rental service. [Dance.co]
German EV startup Dance recently raised $19 million in just a few short weeks after rolling out its e-Bike subscription service in Berlin. The monthly subscription will run you about $90 for the white-gloved rental experience.
Indian startup kWh bikes has secured major investment to start production of their technologies. [kWh bikes]
kWh, a Bengaluru-based e-Scooter startup, raised $2 million from Let’s Venture. The company plans to use the funds to take its prototypes to production. The company had developed an e-scooter with a steel tube chassis and in-wheel motor with modest performance and a very low price. It will join the new wave of inexpensive eBikes coming from India that will soon appear around the world.
Chinese mega-company CATL currently supplies an enormous range of companies in the tech and EV space. [CATL]
Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), China’s largest battery manufacturer, recently acquired Vancouver-based Millennial Lithium for $297 million. Chinese companies already dominate the global supply of lithum-based batteries, which are the gold standard for EVs, as well as for smartphones and computers. China currently controls 80% of the world's minerals used for the production of batteries - lithium, cobalt, graphite, etc - as part of their far-seeing strategy to secure mineral rights from countries around the planet, especially in Africa and South America. As half of the world's vehicles are expected to be electric by 2040, this makes China's position on the application of energy (as opposed to its production) the strategic equivalent of the Mideast domination of petrochemical production in the 20th Century. The United States prioritized 'energy independence' after the 1974 Oil Crisis, and achieved it in 2019, but no such long-term strategy for the protection of mineral rights or battery production - as important to future transport as petroleum is today - exists today, or is even being discussed. In other words, in all important respects, China has won, as the only runner in the race to power personal tech and EVs. The geopolitical implications are clear as the center of 'power' shifts further east.
Ultium is the new battery system being developed by GM as part of its future move to an all-EV lineup. [GM]
GM is investing a ton of money in a next-gen battery platform dubbed Ultium. The company will use a facility in Michigan called the Wallace Battery Innovation Center to drive the development and commercialization of long-range EV batteries.
South Korean Battery Giants Face Staffing Shortage
Korean battery manufacturers like LG acknowledge a huge deficit of suitably educated workers for the future of EV and tech power. [LG]Three major players in the South Korean EV battery sector are suffering from a shortage of qualified specialists as the demand for electric vehicles continues to balloon. Samsung SDI Co Ltd, SK On, and LG Energy Solutions (LGES) can’t find enough technicians with the proper training and experience needed to keep advancing solid-state batteries. This is directly impacting production of EVs already, as supply chains slow down, and manufacturers are currently unable to meet demand, or even finish their vehicles as they wait for vital parts. This has been exacerbated by 21st Century on-demand production systems that are convenient for manufacturers (as they hold no stock of parts) but requires suppliers to be flexible, and meet demand quickly. At the moment, that system is broken, in nearly all international trade, from lumber and steel to tech and transport. The global battery industry has doubled production over the last five years, and will only continue to expand as EVs take over the streets. South Korea estimates that it lacks almost 3,000 graduate degree-level positions in departments such as design and research to fulfill the ever-increasing demand. More STEM education is needed there as well as in the rest of the world!
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022, as a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum, we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene. It's an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
Happy national Drive Electric Week! Held every October, the week-long event is a nationwide observance to raise awareness of the numerous benefits of electric vehicles. Here at The Vintagent, we’re proud to be doing our part in promoting EV education by sharing valuable stories with you every week. This week sees the drop of Harley-Davidson’s most affordable e-Bike, the Serial 1 MOSH/CTY, how the UK’s fuel shortage is driving the demand for EVs, a new e-Scooter that has a staggering range of 480+ km on one charge, some fun new releases, and a ton of successful fundraising efforts.
The Cheapest Bike Harley-Davidson Will Ever Make?
Serial 1's Mosh CTY basic model is $3999: many of their models are already sold out, so sort you Xmas order today! [Serial 1]Harley-Davidson’s e-bike arm, Serial 1, just announced that its first limited-edition S1 Series e-Bike, the MOSH/TRIBUTE, is now available for pre-order. The vintage prototype is a hat tip to Harley’s past, but it features all the essential tech for today’s savvy riders. The most affordable option in the new lineup is the MOSH/CTY. Priced at $3,799, the 20-mph, pedal-assist e-Bike boasts a removable 529Wh battery, a light, mid-mounted Brose S MAG motor that produces 90Nm/66 ft.-lb. of torque, and a Gates carbon-fiber belt. The only caveat is that the bike has no built-in suspension. But if you’ve successfully ridden a hardtail, you’ll probably fare well on this lil’ guy.
Demand for EVs Spike Amidst the UK’s Fuel Shortage Crisis
Brexit and subsequent disaffection of transport drivers with low-paying, low-benefit jobs has contributed greatly to the fuel shortage in the UK. Ebikes are one solution... [Bloomberg]Remember when everyone was panic-buying toilet paper during the early days of the pandemic? Well, now the same thing is happening in the UK. EV website searches spiked by more than 60% earlier this week due to widespread panic at the pump, due to widespread shortages. Electric vehicle retailers also saw more enquiries from potential customers, with a message sent every two minutes. While the gas companies blame 'panic buying', workers around the world have re-examined their low-paying jobs, including 'essential' transport workers. Stories in the NYTimes, Guardian, etc, have discussed the devolution of driving as a career, from a secure, well-paid job to a low-wage grind with long hours and few benefits, which only got worse after Brexit and the Covid pandemic. In common with workers around the world (in restaurants and retail especially), transport drivers in the UK are re-examining their careers, while the government sent a call for 10,000 retired lorry drivers to return to 'essential' work. Most retired drivers, though, are ignoring the call.
Longest Ranging e-Scooter Drops
India is set to become the largest motorcycle manufacturing region in the world. With products like the Raft Indus NX, with a 300-mile range on a single charge, it's not hard to see why they will soon lead the world in innovation and sales. [Raft Motors]Mumbai-based Raft Motors announced this week that its e-Scooter, the INDUS NX, can travel more than 480 km (almost 300 miles) on a single charge, obliterating complaints about 'range' with eBikes. The scooter is equipped with dual-battery options with 10 amps fast charging, disc brakes, and a keyless start. It's another example of how far ahead the Indian motorcycle industry has leaped compared to the rest of the world. With sales in India alone of over 1Million motorcycles and scooters per MONTH, the Indian industry dwarfs all European and American industries combined.
Riders Across 139 Countries Log 50-Million Miles on Electric Monos
With 50 Million miles logged to date, the Onewheel is a micro-mobility powerhouse. And that photo was shot on Mt Tamalpais in Marin County, CA! [Onewheel]This isn’t recent news, but we’re going to include this because we’re really, really impressed. Future Motion, the maker of the electric skateboard, Onewheel, announced back in June that its global community of riders have collectively racked up more than 52 million miles on the device since the company dropped its first model seven years ago. The data comes from the company’s companion app where riders can track their usage. Just last year, Onewheel riders logged more than 27 million miles.
Fresh Funding
The current CAKE lineup: 3 different chassis and price points: Makka, Kalk, and Ösa. [CAKE]Many EV startups rely on fundraising to fuel their dreams. Some, like CAKE, are successful. In fact, the Swedish EV manufacturer announced this week that it had dramatically surpassed its fundraising expectations, closing at $60 million. “We knew we were entering a space with increasingly strong tailwinds when we got started back in 2016, but we couldn't dream of the pace in which things are now happening, for the good of people, planet and business,” CAKE founder and CEO, Stefan Ytterborn, stated in a press release.
Other recent noteworthy investments include:
Ubco's utility ebike is a classic example of one of the fastest growing segments of the EV market: two-wheeled utes. [Ubco]
New Zealand-based e-Bike company, Ubco, secured a $10 million investment from TPK Holdings.
Battery Resources focuses on a glaring problem with EVs: their batteries are not currently recyclable, meaning all those rare earth minerals have to be mined afresh for every battery. Not very 'green'...but Battery Resources already offers recycled materials for battery production. [Battery Resources]
Battery Resources, a startup that’s launching a closed-loop approach to lithium-ion battery materials, raised $70 million in funding.
Rad New eBike Releases
Some additional EV releases that caught our attention this week include:
Cowboy Ebike CEO Adrian Roose tests out his C4 model. [Cowboy]
Cowboy’s nimble new Cowboy 4 e-Bike, featuring an integrated “cockpit” that allows riders to securely mount their smartphones to access GPS or fitness data in real-time. The bike has a range of about 43 miles on one charge and can travel up to 20 mph.
The Rad Power e Bike is a classic city commuter. [Rad Power]
Rad Power Bikes announced the release of its RadCity 5 Plus, a commuter e-Bike that can climb hills 40% faster than earlier predecessors.
Pave Motors from NYC offers a slick, modern minibike. [Pave Motors]
NYC’s Pave Motors announced its Pave Bike, a minibike with a tiny in-wheel motor, is available for pre-order.
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022, as a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum, we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene. It's an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
It seems that with every passing week, the EV world is going farther and faster. And as the e-Bike boom continues to grow, so will our coverage on the essential stories that matter to you, dear readers/riders. This week sees 70mph e-Scooters built entirely by a team of women (definitely my cup of tea), an evocatively styled e-Bike that is sure to appeal to scrambler enthusiasts, an e-Scooter that boasts the same collision warning sensors as your car, and EV stocks worth investing in.
e-Scooters to Be Built Entirely by Women
The Ola Electric scooter has a 'universal' shape, simple enough to appeal to everyone. [Ola Electric]Ola Electric, an Indian EV two-wheeler manufacturer, plans to export its 70 mph e-Scooters, the S1 and S1 Pro, to the US very, very soon. Better yet, the company is employing 10,000 women to get the job done. The all-lady team will work in Ola’s gigantic Futurefactory. The company is planning to produce 10 million electric scooter per year, and estimates that it will supply 15% of the global e-Scooter demand by 2023. Ola’s decision to build an 100% female workforce, including women managers, is part of a unique inclusivity initiative that is crucial in India. Ola’s CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, elaborated further in a recent blog post:
10,000 women! A PR stunt or a strategic move on the part of Ola Electric? Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO of Ola Electric, stands with his workers, who will produce 2Million scooters in 2022, with an eventual goal of 10M/year for the global market. Sound like a lot? Consider that Indian motorcycle/scooter manufacturers like Hero are already the largest in the world, and Indian manufacturers sell over 10M two-wheelers per year! [Ola Electric]“Today, I am proud to announce that Ola Futurefactory will be run entirely by women. We welcomed the first batch this week and at full capacity, Futurefactory will employ over 10,000 women, making it the world’s largest women-only factory and the only all-women automotive manufacturing facility globally. This is the first in a series of initiatives we are undertaking at Ola to create a more inclusive workforce and provide economic opportunities for women across the board. We have invested significantly to train and upskill them in core manufacturing skills and they will be responsible for the entire production of every vehicle manufactured at Ola Futurefactory.
Enabling women with economic opportunities improves not just their lives but that of their families and indeed the whole community. In fact, studies show that just providing women parity in the labor workforce can grow India’s GDP by 27%. But this requires active and conscious efforts from all of us, especially in manufacturing where participation remains the lowest at just 12%. For India to be the world’s manufacturing hub, we must prioritize upskilling and generating employment for our women workforce.”
RGNT’s Throwback e-Motorcycle Caters to Scrambler Enthusiasts
The RGNT Scrambler has short chromed fenders and a grey frame. [RGNT]Are you a fan of the Honda CL series? Then you’ll probably dig the 77 mph retro-styled e-Motorbike RGNT is now taking orders for. The Swedish e-Bike manufacturer recently announced that it is taking orders for the updated Generation 1.5 RGNT Scrambler. Featuring classy, stripped-down styling, an enhanced suspension fork with increased durability, new Galfer brake rotors, and an upgraded 11 kW motor that decreases heat by as much as 30% to reduce battery waste energy, this bike is sure to appeal to classic café enthusiasts. With a 68-mile range and a Combined Braking System (CBS) for increased security, RGNT’s Scrambler is bound to sell out fast.
The Swedish eBike company RGNT based their initial model (the No.1 as seen here) on a vintage Honda chassis, but is currently a hand-built machine. [RGNT]RGNT motorcycles are currently hand-built in their modern facility just outside Gothenberg, Sweden: the Vintagent team just took a Zoom tour of their facilities! The RGNT No1 used a chassis and look based on the vintage Honda CB series, and the Scrambler is reminiscent of the CL Scrambler series. A new chassis and new production line is in the works, as RGNT grows its footprint across Europe and soon to North America. The vintage styling may not be cutting edge or reflect a tank-less future, but it appeals to a broad spectrum of riders and non-riders alike, who intuitively recognize it as 'motorcycle': it's proved a popular strategy on the 'Net, and fingers crossed the market for mid-range eBikes is as strong as for ICE bikes.
New e-Scooter Has the Same Collision Warning System as Your Fancy Car
The Unagi (Japanese for eel) has safety detection systems built in. [Unagi]Unagi isn’t cutting any corners when it comes to its next-generation e-Scooter. The Unagi Model Eleven will sport smart sensors that scan for unexpected dangers, including careless pedestrians and stop signs, and alerts the rider via audible signals. Learning from its past mistakes, the Model Eleven has swapped out the original rigid airless tires for a soft, puncture-proof foam option. And even though the scooter’s top speeds of 19 mph and steep price point won’t win everyone over, we’re still intrigued.
EV Stocks Worth the Investment
New, huge, and well-funded players in the EV market include Chinese automaker XPeng. Not paying attention to such stuff? To quote Yoda, "You will be...you will be." [Bloomberg]During Q1 of 2021, global EV sales spiked a staggering 160% , to 260Million units (!Wake up peeps!) from the same quarter last year. Such sales numbers are making stock watchers pay attention, thinking the future EV growth in sales makes EV stocks a prime investment opportunity. Some stocks worth watching are Nikola Corporation (NKLA) and Hyliion Holdings, in case you play the markets. Note: The Vintagent does not endorse any investment strategy...we spend all our money on motorcycles!
Government Investment in EVs Projected to Create 150,000 Jobs
A report by the Economic Policy Institute lays it out: if the US government does not invest in EV technology, a projected 75,000 US jobs will be lost in the coming decade, as EV production ramps up overseas (did you note all the articles above are about non-US companies?). The EPI report projects, though, that with the $175M included in the current budget proposals to support EV development, the US will gain 175,000 jobs in EV production over the next 10 years. "The Stakes for Workers in How Policymakers Manage the Coming Shift to All-Electric Vehicles" lays out the stakes: "...battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which are powered exclusively by a battery and an electric motor, currently make up a small part of U.S. auto sales. And the batteries and other drivetrain components in BEVs are largely made by non-U.S. suppliers. The coming shift toward BEVs is a transformational change to the industry that is by now inevitable." To summarize: if we're not part of the solution, we're creating more problems. Seems pretty straightforward. Give the article a read here.
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022, as a follow-up of our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum, we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene. It's an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
This week in EV news sees a baby-toting EV cargo bike, a fold-up e-Bike, a reimagined electric motorbike platform, a new drop from one of the OG e-Bike manufacturers, and updates on President Biden’s EV tax credits.
Zaiser Motors Drops a Platform Redesign and Sporty e-Bike
The Zaiser Silhouette is long enough for a serious cruise, and has room for 300 miles of battery storage. [Zaiser]Zaiser Motors, a Denver-based technology startup and creator of the world’s first Electrocycle, the Silhouette, announced earlier this week that it would be dropping the Arrow, a sportier model, that will be built on the company’s newly designed Electrocycle platform. After reaching its initial funding goals in just six weeks, Zaiser is using the capital to enhance the development of the Electrocycle platform. The Electrocycle Silhouette is a twin-hub electric motorcycle with a staggering 300-mile range, top speeds of 120 mph, and a starting price tag of $25,000. Its baby brother, the Arrow, will have a range of 160 miles and can be cranked up to 100 mph.
With the launch of the Arrow, Zaiser is hoping to target urban riders and daily commuters who are looking for a lighter, more affordable EV option. The Arrow costs $8,500 and weighs 380 pounds.
Monday Motorbikes Introduces the Piezo
The new Piezo model from Monday Motorbikes, still bearing a Puch-inspired frame system. [Monday Motorbikes]San Francisco EV startup Monday Motorbikes recently announced its newest generation of electric motorbikes. Dubbed the Piezo (after piezoelectricity, an electrical charge built up in response to mechanical stress), the lineup will be the company’s eighth generation of EVs. The Vintagent has been following the Monday story since 2013, after encountering founding engineer Nathan Jauvits on a San Francisco street with his home-built EV Puch moped, which he intended to make into a production machine. We look forward to new models!
Carqon Classic Caters to the Kiddos
The hand the rocks the cradle: the Carqon is kid friendly for the bicycle set. [Carqon]Dutch company Carqon wants to help parents ditch the stroller once and for all. Its electric cargo bike, the Carqon Classic, features a large nest that cradles your kid in comfort. The integrated children’s door, featuring double childproof safety locks, allows youngsters to effortlessly climb aboard all on their own. You can tote around up to two tots and an infant. The bike’s low center of gravity, hardy off-road tires, and front-fork suspension ensure a safe, smooth ride for all.
Everybody wear a helmet, ok? Still, strapping your child into a reinforced passenger compartment sounds like a good thing. [Carqon]That's especially easy on bicycle friendly Dutch roads, although we see plenty of cargo bicycles carrying kids to school in urban areas of the USA. Perhaps the safety angle will be push growth for Carqon?
Meet the World’s First Folding e-Bike
Clever folding design and amazingly inexpensive: the new Fiido folders. [Fiido]Anyone who’s carried luggage on a train or subway understands the importance of compact carry-ons. But what if you have to travel with your e-Bike? The Fiido X folding bike is the EV world’s answer to this question. Created by the direct-to-consumer Chinese company, Fiido, the fold-up e-Bike can be easily stowed away in your car, under your work desk, or even in the overhead compartment. The Fiido X is available in three models, ranging in price from $1,098 to $1,298. All models max out at 20+ mph and feature a built-in battery and light magnesium frame that weighs no more than 40 pounds. Though the Fiido X is a pedal-assist only e-Bike for now, the company plans on selling a mod kit later down the road for riders that want to add a throttle.
e-Bike Tax Credit Slowly Makes Its Way Through Congress
President Biden is pushing hard for more EVs on the road as part of a broader strategy to fight climate change. [Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/CNET]Remember how we told you about President Biden’s proposed EV tax credit back in April? Well, it has slowly been creeping up through the Congressional hierarchy, offering a $4500 subsidy to buy an EV. That amount may almost triple to $12,500, if the current bill becomes law. But there's a catch: the EV must be made in the USA with union labor in the bill as written, which has both Tesla and Toyota pushing against the bill, as neither company qualifies [If only Congress had been so concerned about either qualification in the 1980s/90s, when industry left the USA in droves and American industry hollowed out - Ed.] A phase-out schedule based on income brackets of $75,000 and over has also been proposed. The text also uses the troublesome “under 750 watts” phrase when defining e-Bikes that qualify for the incentive. Ideally the wording will be updated to say “not more than 750 watts” to be inclusive of all e-Bikes that are currently legal throughout most of the country. For a decent exploration of the issue, check out this CNET article.
[Editor's note: I've been asked the same question by every E-Moto manufacturer I've met: 'what will move the needle on ebikes in the USA?' I've always answered the same, 'Legislation.' Which they've always found discouraging, but it's exactly what propelled China to the top of global ebike usage, with millions on their streets today. EVs have their issues, from rare mineral extraction and its political/social/environmental cost, to clean electricity production, but walking on the streets of Shanghai today is to experience quiet and relatively pollution-free streets.]
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022, we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene. It's an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
It’s that time of the week to plug in, charge up, and ride out! The first full week of September has been a crazy one for electric motorcycles. From BMW releasing yet two boundary-pushing e-bikes (you’re guaranteed to love the 186 miles worth of range on them) to four moto giants partnering up to launch a battery swapping system, this week’s EV news roundup is bound to get all you electric vehicle nerds fired up! It's all movement towards the Electric Revolution.
BMW Drops two new E-Bikes: High-Speed and Low-Speed
The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY skirts the line between bicycle and motorcycle, but is legally firmly in the moto camp. BMW built the concept vehicle to push boundaries on legal issues cropping up for e-bikes that are as fast as motorcycles. [BMW]BMW is no stranger to making a big splash. And that’s just what the company did at the recent IAA Mobility show in Munich, Germany. The luxury vehicle and motorcycle manufacturer unveiled two new EV bikes at the event, under an 'adaptive mobility' (AMBY) banner: the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY, a low-speed electric motorcycle, and the I Vision AMBY, a high-speed e-bike. And while the two machines are similar, one is firmly in the motorcycle camp in using a twistgrip for power, requiring a helmet, and having no pedals. The Motorrad Vision AMBY is ultralight at 65kg (145lbs), and can travel up to 186 miles in its lowest power setting, while hitting speeds of up to 37 mph in the highest mode. Fun fact: the highest speed on the i Vision AMBY doesn’t fit into any current EV legislations, and is intended to push legislative boundaries for adaptive speed limits for varying conditions. For example, with 'geofencing' the top speed could be regulated in pedestrian zones to a 16mph, while in open country the full 37mph could be exploited. Our American readers are surely horrified at the concept of a motorcycle designed to invite legislation, but BMW sees a connected future, where all vehicles will communicate, with each other and with local speed limits too.
The new BMW I Vision AMBY is a sleek modernist pedelec design with full suspension. [BMW]On the other hand, BMW’s I Vision AMBY pedelec tops off at 37 mph. With wide tires and a hefty suspension system, this bike looks like it’s certainly ready for the trail.
CAKE and Polestar Announce the Maiden Electric Mobility Bundle
Polestar carries CAKE: the new Makka two-wheeler on the back of a Polaris 2 sedan. [CAKE]CAKE and Polaris have teamed up to release a new electric mobility bundle that merges the convenience and comprehensive all-road capabilities of the Polaris 2 electric car with the urban agility of the CAKE Makka moped. A rear tow bar mount will enable the bike to be easily transported behind the car and simultaneously charged.
“Our new electric mobility bundle comes as a unique first step to solve the worldwide problems of city mobility as well as to accelerate the transition towards an emissions-free future. Instead of wasting time in a car queue, struggling to find a parking spot or squashing up in a crowded subway train, we together with the team at Polestar want to make the future of mobility flexible, accessible and emission-free - while aiming to create cities for people, not for cars that pollute,” CAKE CEO and founder, Stefan Ytterborn, stated in a press release.
Would you buy this bundle? Let us know in the comments below!
VanMoof Becomes “Most Funded e-Bike Company” After Raising $128 Million
The VanMoof ebike is chic and simple, and now the best-funded company in the global market. [VanMoof]As part of its goal to put out 10 million e-bikes in the next five years, VanMoof has recently raised $128 million in funds. The Amsterdam-based company is using those funds to roll out branded stores and service hubs in more cities across the globe. VanMoof has already grown its retail and service footprints from eight to 50 locations worldwide during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vehicle Manufacturing Giants Team Up to Create a Battery Swapping System
Four major motorcycle manufacturers join forces to harmonize EV manufacture in regards to charging and batteries. [SBMC]Honda, KTM, Yamaha, and Piaggio have all signed an official agreement to provide a battery swapping service to the moto community worldwide. The four companies are the founding members of the Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC), seeking to broaden the use of light EVs, including motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters, focussing on issues such as recharging times and battery life. Most importantly, the group seeks to create an international standard for charging ports for all two-wheeled electric vehicles.
Schaeffler Group Reveals a Chainless e-Bike Drive System
The Schaeffler bike-by-wire system of pedal crank power. [Schaeffler]Schaeffler Group recently unveiled its new bike-by-wire system, called the 'Free Drive'. It's a pioneering system consisting of a crankset generator, rear hub motor, and human-interface panel that utilizes automotive technologies to allow e-Bikes a physical disconnection between the crank and rear hub motor. To put it simply, the system doesn’t use a belt, chain, or driveshaft to connect the rear hub to the generator/crankset. There's an external battery to both absorb excess energy from pedaling and to power the rear wheel hub motor at a continuous 250W: thus the battery recharges as you pedal and gives a reasonable power. The system might prove ideal for ultralight, multi-wheel delivery vehicles on which a chain drive might prove cumbersome. Ultimately, freeing a crankset from the wheel drive will also ease the development of new 'architectures' for bicycles and light multi-wheel vehicles, making feet-forward or even hand-crank vehicles much easier to build, without long or multiple-chain systems connecting the rear wheel. Imagine the possibilities.
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022, we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene. It's an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
This week has definitely been an exciting one for the world of electric motorcycles! From BMW dropping an EV bike catering to Gen Z (as a millennial, I feel slightly slighted), to an e-motorcycle setting a new land speed record at Bonneville, here is this week’s roundup of awesome EV stories from the Electric Revolution.
CrownCruiser Sets a New Standard for EV Bikes
The Crown Cruiser uses a carbon fiber chassis for a unique and chic urban style. Its designer Adebola Adeleye has been experimenting with ebikes for years, and is using an Indiegogo campaign to launch production. [Crown Cruiser]A seamless blend of retro aesthetics, high performance, and pioneering technology, the CrownCruiser just dropped on Indiegogo. With throwback styling, tons of curves, and a tech pedigree backed by input from aerospace industry experts, the CrownCruiser promises to deliver an unrivaled riding experience within a 100-mile range. With a brushless DC hub motor that produces a maximum output of 100W and an affordable price tag of $3,150, the CrownCruiser is the brainchild of Adebola Adeleye. Using his background in aeronautical engineering and his passion for exploration, Adeleye set out to create an EV motorcycle that mated form with function.
To learn more about the Crown Cruiser, or support their Indiegogo campaign, click here. [Crown Cruiser]Currently, manufacturing of the carbon fiber frame and other components of the bike are being developed by a leading independent materials manufacturer that has previously worked with Formula 1 teams. The CrownCruiser is currently ready for production. To make riding easier, Adeleye’s startup is planning to install swap-and-go battery stations across cities in the UK to allow riders to power up in seconds.
CAKE Launches Third Platform: Makka
CAKE's Makka with optional saddlebags. [Cake]CAKE's third model platform was released this week, the Makka. A light urban delivery or pleasure vehicle, it requires no license for riders 15 years an older, and is street legal. It's also CAKE's first motorcycle with an in-wheel motor, with a step-thru chassis that's similar to their Ösa platform, but uses only large-diameter tubing with no spine member. It looks to be a perfect last-mile delivery vehicle, and comes with a range of accessories, from racks and saddlebags to a child safety seat! We believe that's a first from a motorcycle company.
An industry first? The Makka with optional accessory child safety seat! [CAKE]“With cities and its mobility changing faster than expected with cleaner and more efficient solutions, we have been eager to share the Makka. An urban short-haul vessel, compact in size and price, reaching a wide audience in the process of deciding what their future means of transportation will be. I’m proud to introduce the CAKE urban shuttle, Makka.”, says Stefan Ytterborn, CEO and Founder.
BMW is Targeting a Younger Crowd with Its Motorrad Concept CE 02
The new BMW Concept CE 02 is a mini urban runabout with styling cues taken from indie ebike builders and customizers. It's an important move for BMW, which has struggled to reach new or non-riders and especially the youth market (in common with most OEMs). The future of fun is the future of motorcycling! [BMW]Do you know what is rad? Luxury vehicle manufacturer BMW’s Motorrad Concept CE 02. Catering to Gen Z youngsters ages 16 and up who aren’t that familiar with riding, the EV bike boasts styling that’s worthy of the ‘Gram, smart technology, and a design that enables riders to pick a posture that best suits them. While traditionalists might roll their eyes at the lack of footrests and gears, we’re pretty pleased that BMW is trying to get the next generation aboard two-wheels.
Making tech specs irrelevant in pursuit of pure enjoyment is a drastic shift in approach for BMW, which has been steered for decades by a corporate culture of increasing tech and sophistication, which began to alienate new riders. [BMW]Head of Design for BMW Motorrad, Edgar Heinrich, is clear about the inspiration behind the CE 02: "At first glance, there is little about the BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02 that is typically BMW Motorrad – it’s something completely new. We want to strive for something novel and be pioneers – which is what we’ve proven ourselves capable of with various projects in the past. The Concept CE 02 features new proportions and modern forms of single-track mobility in an urban environment. In addition, we wanted to achieve a level of design innovation that we have not had before at this level. Straightforward use was important, but above all the emotional component was crucial, as well as riding fun.”
The Nicolai Eboxx Ultra E-Bike is Beastly
The Nicolai Eboxx blurs the line between bicycle and enduro motorcycle with high performance, speed, and comfort with full suspension. [Nicolai]The man behind the Nicolai Bicycles brand has been putting out wild e-bikes for a long time, and his brand new 275 Nm monster is no different. Recently featured at Eurobike 2021, the Eboxx Ultra delivers power between 15 to 35 kW. Despite its power, the Eboxx Ultra is a cumbersome machine, clocking in between 121 and 143 pounds. This makes the Eboxx Ultra more comparable to a light enduro motorcycle that a mountain bike. It looks comfortable and fast for the trails less traveled, and the Eboxx Ultra handles itself pretty nicely on the pavement, reaching top speeds of about 40 mph.
EV Motorcycle Sets New Land Record
Ukranian ebike maker Delfast utilized the Dnepr name (and dummy fuel tank) for a run at Bonneville, hitting 107.2 mph with rider Serhii Malyk aboard, on Aug 21, 2021. [Delfast]Two weeks ago on the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Ukranian ebike manufacturer Delfast set a record in the new “A Omega” class. The 68-horsepower Delfast Dnepr ran 107.2 mph with professional rider Serhii Malyk, who set previous records in 2017 and 2018 astride Delfast ebikes. Delfast now owns the Dnepr name and intellectual property rights, and used a 1980s Dnepr two-stroke 'fuel tank' on the e-racer as a nod to the past. If the name doesn't ring a bell, Dnepr was one of the companies producing clones of the BMW R71 model during and after WW2 (along with Ural and Chiang-Jiang, Yangtze, etc), as well as building their own designs of two-strokes and even Wankel-engined prototypes before hitting troubles with the fall of the Soviet Union. Now Delfast is reviving the Dnepr name, which resonates in the former Soviet bloc countries, and is looking to secure a foothold in the future with their hi-tech ebikes. Delfast is dedicated to producing economical ebikes with great performance - they currently hold the world record for the longest distance travelled on a single charge with their Prime ebike, rounding the Kiev Velodrome for 228 miles!
Expannia's new EV Concept Worthy of Daytona Bike Week
Expannia has a bold new lineup of motorcycles, microcars, sedans, and busses, all slated for future production. Their ebike is slick and attractive, but features limp-rod fake exhausts...why? It's a beauty without them. [Expannia]Far from the caterwauling cries of Harley exhausts we expect to hear bellowing up and down Main Street during Daytona Bike Week, Miami-based startup Expannia is quietly working on a lineup of muscular EVs. As the initial part of an ambitious plan to rollout compact cars, SUVs, and microcars by 2026, the company’s e-bike, slated for next year, is a true stunner. Housing 20 to 25 kW motors powered by a 6 kWh battery, the bike promises to reach top speeds of 75 mph and have a 93-mile range. While the bodywork is angular and frankly stunning, the designers in a fit of insecurity have fitted faux dual exhaust pipes and air intakes, to fool whom? Ditch the chrome bits, Expannia, and be bold in your EV heart!
Ford and GM’s Stance on EV Impact of Gas Vehicle Values
The switch to EVs will not impact resale values, according to US industry bigwigs. Thoughts on that? [Aaron Bragman]Automotive manufacturing giants, Ford and GM, are both expressing confidence that the global pivot to using EVs will not negatively effect the values of gas-powered vehicles. C-suite executives at both companies do not expect major changes within their leasing portfolios due to the ever-growing demand for electric vehicles. Do you think they’re right?
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
As part of the buildup to our Electric Revolution Live event in May 2022, we are ramping up reportage on the EV scene. It's an ever-evolving, even frantic, landscape of electric vehicles, and it can be tough to keep abreast of all the latest bikes, batteries, and news constantly flooding the market. That’s why we’ve re-launched our weekly EV News Roundup to bring you cherry-picked stories that matter to you.
From the affordable and super durable SONDORS Metacycle EV bike that features hub motor technology designed to eliminate the common chain/belt final drive (a frustration to many of you traditional riders, we know!) to batteries that promise to charge to 80% in just 30 minutes, here are our picks for the most buzzworthy EV stories of the week!
The SONDORS Metacycle Will Soon Be Hitting the Market
The Sondors is a sleek, modern design with sufficient identity to stand out in the market, and very reasonably priced. 'Cost of entry' is second only to 'range' on the list of gripes for potential e-bike buyers. [Sondors]Priced to please at $5,000, the SONDORS Metacycle electric motorcycle is swiftly approaching its Q3 2021 shipping date. Durable enough for the daily commuter, the Metacycle delivers up to 80 miles on a single charge and can hit top speeds of 80 mph. While that won’t win this utilitarian bike any trophies on the racetrack, its affordable price-tag is sure to be appealing for the average rider who is looking for a highway-capable EV bike. The Metacycle offers hydraulic brake locks, a digital full color display, adjustable suspensions, and a rear hub motor. SONDOR’s motor choice is in stark contrast to the mid-mounted motor that most electric motorcycle manufacturers opt for. This streamlines the bike and eliminates the need for extra components, dropping the Metacycle’s price exponentially.
Husqvarna Unveils Its First EV Street Bike
The E-Pilen concept has been on display since Spring, but it's looking ever more likely to enter the market in 2021. [Husqvarna]With the public hungry for more EV options, many motorcycle manufacturers are desperately trying to keep up with the demand. Husqvarna is no exception. Known for its high-quality off-road bikes, the company is now shifting its focus to the EV sector with the release of its first EV concept, the Husqvarna E-Pilen. Fans of the brand’s Vitpilen or Svartpilen gas-powered motorcycles will already by familiar with the E-Pilen’s styling. The concept sports a similar body and panels that will contain three removable battery packs that promise a range of 62 miles.
Stand-up electric scooters are among the most popular EVs on the planet, and almost disposable in urban areas. Still, Husqvarna sees a potential for the market in personal mobility. [Husqvarna]The E-Pilen is the first in a long line of EV projects by Husqvarna’s parent firm, Pierer Mobility. The company plans to release a variety of electric motorcycles and scooters built on a 48-volt platform, with powers spanning from 4kw to 11kw. Their Vektorr scooter and Bltz stand-up electric scooter fill out their upcoming EV lineup.
At Energica, Shorter Charging Times Are Around the Corner
The stunning Energica Ego cafe racer built by DeBolex Engineering for our Electric Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum in 2019, the 'TW Steel Oil in the Blood' custom. [Tom Homa]If you ask any gas-powered motorcycle enthusiast why they aren’t keen on making the transition to electric bikes, they’ll quickly cite refueling and range as their largest discouragers. But this could all change soon. Our friends at Energica Motor Company, an Italian manufacturer of electric motorcycles, have already implemented faster charging for their model lines, including the CHAdeMO standard for the Japanese market. But, according to the company’s CTO, Giampiero Testoni, even swifter charging times will be arriving soon.
In a recent interview with Visordown, Testoni stated, “Of course, there was already a Japanese standard, but we were the first to start on a European standard, enabling charging to 80% in half an hour. In real use, when you stop for refueling, you go and drink some coffee, 20 minutes, it’s very easy to reach that target.” While this is a good start, Testoni believes that an 85% charge in just 15 minutes is completely achievable in the very near future.
An EV Ducati?!
Italjet harkens back to the era of the Wedge with their concept for an EV Ducati, a retro-futuristic shape reminiscent of deTomaso's designs for Benelli's 250-4, and Giorgetto Giugiaro's boxy 860GT of 1975, which was a flop, it should be noted. Car designers never seem to nail it with the motorcycle crowd, who seem to prefer substance over styling. [Italdesign]A company hailed for having a combustion-engine soul, Ducati is becoming increasingly involved in e-bicycles. However, a recent electric motorcycle concept dubbed the “Ducati 860-E Concept” could soon plunge the Italian company into the world of EV bikes. Created by Italdesign, a company that has a long-standing relationship with Ducati and even collaborated with them to designed the firm’s Urban-E electrical bicycle, the 860-E draws inspiration from the 1970s L-twin to convey a neo-retro model of a Ducati electric motorcycle.T he concept’s circular headlights, arching tank, and gilled side covers all pay tribute to Ducati’s distinct visual trademarks. Other features will include LED lighting, dual-mount front brakes, and an inverted front-end.
Ghanain Teenager Builds Solar-Powered Wooden Scooter from Scrap
Samuel, a 17-year old student in Ghana, gained insta-fame last week for his home-built, solar-powered electric scooter, built entirely from scrap wood and discarded parts. The scooter charges its battery from a small solar panel on the back, uses very low-draw LED lights front and rear, and incorporates the small electric motor from his mother's sewing machine! The scooter is totally functional, and captured global attention after a Ghanaian YouTube star (Efo Selasi) featured him on his channel. Now we wonder, how can we get this young man a scholarship for the engineering school he is so clearly ready for?
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Would you abandon your car if given a Federal tax credit to buy an E-Bike? Despite the 2021 tax deadline being pushed back to May 17, thousands of Americans are still scampering to organize their paperwork to enjoy hefty tax refunds under the new tax code. But would you give up your car for a large EV tax credit?
Harley-Davidson has spun off its EV division, and is launching the Serial 1 e-bike brand as an affordable fun/commute vehicle. See our post here. [Harley-Davidson]The Age of Electrifying
The current US administration has big plans for electric vehicles. Despite his love for his 1967 Corvette, President Biden plans to spend up to $174 billion to get Americans behind the wheels of electric cars. He also plans to make electric vehicles more affordable by offering rebates, tax credits, and other incentives. The President also hopes to have a million charging stations scattered across the country by 2030. Other government officials are following suit. Congressmen Jimmy Panetta and Earl Blumenaurer of California and Oregon were inspired to propose the Electrical Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment (E-BIKE) Act. They want to drastically reduce carbon emissions by getting more cars off the streets. The Act promises to provide tax credits to individuals seeking to purchase a new e-bike. In fact, consumers would get up to 30% of their total e-bike purchase back come tax season. However, the limit caps off at $1,500.
In Europe, EV manufacturers benefit from government support, and individuals earn tax credits when buying EVs, lowering their price dramatically in a bid to make them more popular. Sweden's CAKE has become very successful with niche marketing its KALK and OSA models, and the Elektrafuture urban MX series in France features racing CAKE models. [Fabio Affuso]While a tax credit sounds tempting, does the purchase of an electric car or e-bike make a significant environmental impact? And exactly how many people are actually buying e-bikes? Would riding an e-bike save the planet? According to a recent study published by the National Institute for Transportation and Communities, 45% of trips taken by e-bike riders in the US are done instead of driving a car. An additional study claims that the 15% of Americans riding e-bikes in lieu of cars could cut our carbon footprint by as much as 12%. This is huge.
Would You Take the Tax Credit?
The E-BIKE Act has a good chance of passing, but will it encourage more consumers to go electric? While Europeans have been encouraged to buy e-vehicles thanks to new legislations, and government subsidies for EVs, would America do the same? Not surprisingly, an overwhelming percentage of Americans prefer gasoline vehicles. Right now, EVs make up less than 2% of new-vehicle sales in the US. While numerous automakers are embracing electric vehicles as their future, promising to end production of gas-fueled cars and trucks by the 2030s, consumers are still dragging their feet. They have lots of reasons: the high price of EVs, the lack of charging stations in many areas, the limits on range and charging times. For most Americans, the timing just isn’t right for the purchase of an EV, yet.
In China, electric two- and three-wheelers circulate in the Millions in large cities. Here, a Shanghai carpenter has transformed his electric scooter into a utility vehicle. [Paul d'Orléans] EV sales have taken off in Europe, and eBike sales are enormous in China, because gas-powered small vehicles are already illegal in most Chinese cities. To walk on the streets of Shanghai is to experience the future of the West, as most light vehicles zipping through the city are already electric, even shaggy 3-wheel lumber haulers that in previous centuries were horse-drawn, then powered by smoky two-stroke engines in the 20th Century. Today Shanghai's streets are relatively quiet, and the air is free of exhaust smoke, which compares extremely favorably to a walk through Paris in the summer, where every stoplight becomes a drag race for dozens of small two-stroke scooters, that fill the air with a noxious, eye-watering cloud.
E-Bike Apps are hugely popular the world over, leading to unexpected problems like bicycles being heaped on popular corners. Such problems have been dealt with harshly in some cities, by cities simply scooping up and trashing ebikes by the heapful. The problem has eased, but exemplifies the type of unknowns created by new tech. [Paul d'Orléans]Will the EV experience ever gain traction in the USA? Without legislation encouraging (or requiring) EVs, it will take a very long time before Americans embrace battery power en masse. The Vintagent's own Paul d'Orléans notes, "I've been asked by every eBike maker - 'what will move the needle on sales?', and my answer is the same: only legislation will create mass adoption, for better and worse." With the proposed E-BIKE Act tax incentives, more people will surely be inclined to give electric vehicles a go, but at what scale we can only wait and see.
Clean in the Streets! A Serial 1 on test: e-bikes, electric-assist bicycles, and electric mountain bikes are the biggest growth sector on two wheels. [Serial 1][Feature image: Wisconsin State Journal, Amber Arnold ]
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Riders the world over were ecstatic when news broke that Buell Motorcycles has resurfaced. But despite that company’s pioneering ploys for the future, it will go forth without its founder, Erik Buell. Buell Motorcycle’s story is surely a wild ride. The company was created in the early 1980s by former road-racer Erik Buell. The machines bearing his name boasted advanced chassis built from Erik's racing experience, and air-cooled engines manufactured by Harley-Davidson. In spite of the brand’s initial success, it struggled after 2009. The company, becoming a division of Harley-Davidson in 1993, was closed down by the (non-riding) CEO of Harley-Davidson during the Great Recession. The same man who publicly wondered why people ride sports bikes shut down one of the most innovative lines of sporting motorcycles seen in decades. Michigan-based Liquid Asset Partners (LAP), a specialist in dismantling and selling off corporate properties, was hired to liquidate Buell’s assets.
Erik Buell, a perfect example of an American maverick, has been making waves in the motorcycle industry for 40 years. [Fuell]Despite this tremendous blow, Erik was not deterred, and founded Erik Buell Racing (EBR) in late 2009. “I ran a small company called EBR which designed a lot of innovative product concepts for HERO, and also evolved the Buell 1125 motor into an 1190 version, of which we made a few thousand. The EBRs were exciting; however, I found it more interesting creating radical concepts for HERO. Although these were concepts and most did not get to production, after so many years doing more conventional products, I found real inspiration in being able to stretch into new areas, like the HERO Leap, iOn, RnT and SimplEcity,” Erik stated. But history repeats itself, and just as it had done with Buell Motorcycles, Liquid Asset Partners liquidated EBR in 2015, after HERO was unable to pay its bills. This time, LAP decided to keep the EBR brand, and carried on producing EBR bikes in limited quantities.
Erik Buell's original hybrid, the 1982 Buell RW7501: a chassis of his own design housing a Barton racing two-stroke engine. Erik quit his job at Harley-Davidson to develop a limited number of these racers, before they were rendered obsolete by rule changes at the AMA. His next engine? A cache of 50 unused Harley-Davidson XR1000 motors left at the factory after the model was dropped, for his RR1000 model of 1987. [Buell]Now it seems that the original Buell Motorcycles brand is back from the dead, with a stream of future models in the pipeline, according to press releases. Buell Motorcycles is on target to release 10 performance-based models by 2024, including touring, dual-sport, dirt, and cruiser bikes. But Erik Buell isn’t involved with either the Buell or EBR brands. Instead, he has turned his attention to the EV market, co-founding FUELL in 2018. “I co-founded FUELL because there was clearly a great need for new products and innovations in the electric motorcycle/bicycle world. That is where I have been for the last three-plus years, and it is very exciting to be free to design radical stuff,” Erik explained.
The Fuell Fllow eBike bears much of the original thinking behind Erik Buell's work. It's intended as a light urban commuter. [Fuell]Erik believes that the future is electric. He sees the EV market growing, especially in urban areas that allow for short-distance trips. “The growth will be mostly urban short distance as the energy density of batteries is far less than that of gasoline. Thus, long range between re-fueling stops is simply not a technical possibility on a two-wheeled vehicle. To get extra range, much more weight must be carried than for equivalent range using fossil fuel. In a four-wheeler, that weight is not noticed. In a two-wheeler it is unmanageable. However, in shorter, lower speed trips, electric makes a lot of sense, and will also be forced by urban governments. Years down the road higher-energy-density batteries will come, and of course more recharging stations and more rapid recharging speeds as well. But that is way out, and the urban/suburban use and need will drive the market for some time,” he explained.
The Fuell Fllow electric-assist bicycle is on the market now. [Fuell]Diehard Buell Motorcycle fans are guaranteed to love FUELL’s bikes. “The bikes are fun, nimble and very quick-accelerating. So they have a number of attributes Buell riders enjoy. They also bristle with innovation, which appeals to these riders,” Erik said. The Buell Motorcycles name may be back and making sports motorcycles, but Erik, in his usual maverick way, has set his sights on the future, via electric-powered motorcycles and bicycles. Our Publisher, Paul d'Orléans, even managed a test ride on the electric-assist Fuell Flluid bicycle in New York City three years ago, courtesy Fuell CEO François-Xavier Terny, whom he met via Terny's other motorcycle projects in the past (Confederate, Vanguard, Veldt helmets, etc)
Our publisher Paul d'Orléans checking out the Fuell Fllow at their pop-up store in NYC in the Fall of 2019. [Francois-Xavier Terny]...and Paul d'Orléans road testing the Fuell Flluid in NYC's Chinatown in 2019. "It was a blast, so to speak, and made a zippy ride through urban streets super easy and fun." [Francois-Xavier Terny]Buells are Cool. The amazing Ronin 'Oishi Yoshio' Pikes Peak racer, a feature of our Custom Revolution exhibit at the Petersen Museum. [Ronin Motorworks]
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Need a comfortable, convenient, and eco-conscious way to get around town? The LEF by EV Mobility provides a sleek solution to short trips that will surely crush the e-bike/car combination chimera. The Dutch three-wheeled product features a cocooned cockpit designed to comfortably accommodate one passenger. A clear canopy ensures the occupant is weather-protected while the three 10Ah lithium-iron battery capacity promises a maximum range of 60 miles (90 kilometers) per charge. The LEF can reach a top speed of 16 mph/25 km, making it the perfect personal mobility machine for urban dwellers.
Easy to drive plastic pods! The LEF is an update of the Sinclair C5 concept, but looks a lot more safe and weather-tight. [LEF]The main body is made from recyclable polyethylene. Inside, the driver can keep tabs on speed, battery status, and kilometers driven via a digital display screen. There are LED lights on the front and rear, a USB port for charging smart phones, and enough storage space to fit a 50-liter bag, groceries, and other possessions. Other features include electric windshield wipers, LED turn signals, and side mirrors. The entire vehicle barely tips the scales at 198 pounds. Designer Erik Vegt was inspired to create the LEF because he wanted to provide people with a personal mobility option that used less money, energy, and resources. After three years of development, the product was approved by the RDW and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
Yes, the LEF is cool. And minimal, and un-intimidating. [LEF]“The less is more idea brought the LEF alive. Our intention was to use less energy per kilometer than a human powered bike does while providing comfort. And we succeeded. The LEF, meaning ‘courage’ or ‘guts’ in Dutch, is a low speed, high efficiency, simple product that delivers a smooth ride. We also wanted to tackle the environmental problems we face and show what else is possible,” Erik explained. Before diving into the LEF project, Erik spent 15 years designing innovative wheelchairs for the disabled. His team has been involved with greener mobility options for many years. They were also responsible for designing and building diesel motorcycles, including the Track T-800 CDI. Since diesel engines are no longer an option in the Netherlands, the switch to electric naturally happened.
An appealing shape and proportions just might propel the LEF into general usage. [LEF]The beautiful thing about the LEF, besides its miniscule eco footprint, is that practically anybody can operate it. The vehicle is intuitive and easy to handle. The retractable handlebars make entering and exiting the tub a breeze while the steering wheel-mounted throttle seamlessly speeds up the machine. The LEF’s starting price is €4,380 (about $5,309) and is available in seven gorgeous colors. While no driver’s license is required (at least in the Netherlands) to operate the vehicle, drivers must be at or over the age of 16. “The LEF represents a new way of thinking. We see a bright future for this vehicle,” Erik said.
A herd of LEFs in warmer times: a perfect beach transport. [LEF]The Current News keeps track of the latest developments in the two- and three-wheel EV market.
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Back in December, Sweden-based EV motorcycle manufacturer, CAKE, announced that it would do its part to help combat endangered wildlife poaching in Africa with a line of silent solar-charged “bush bikes.” A team of CAKE, Goal Zero (maker of off-grid solar-charging products), and the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC - a private college specializing in conservation education and training), have combined to put an end to rhino poaching.
The Kalk AP (Anti-Poaching) is silent and self sufficient, as it's supplied with its own solar charging station. [CAKE]They’ve dubbed the partnership the Electrical Bush Bike Anti-Poaching Act. “It is somewhat unreal how the sun and solar power, together with the technology of these silent off-road motorbikes can serve as something of a perpetual machine that works toward the general obligation of sustainability and, in this specific instance, to serve the purpose of saving species from extinction,” CAKE’s CEO and founder, Stefan Ytterborn, commented.
Stefan Ytterborn, CAKE's founder and CEO, sending innovative and critical support from his tiny company to the much needed conservation group SAWC. [CAKE]An estimated 30,000 species are thrust into extinction every year, with poaching being a main driver. Animals such as the black rhino, African elephant, lion, mountain gorilla, and imperial zebra are all gravely threatened by poachers. Rangers combing rural land to track and apprehend poachers mainly utilize dirt bikes for transportation. While these off-road bikes effortlessly navigate the unruly and unforgiving African terrain, their loud combustion engines can easily tip off poachers. Additionally, they need to constantly be refueled.
The Southern African Wildlife College has trained over 17,000 people across its various accredited programs and courses. This remarkable achievement was reached without any government subsidy, so support with transportation needs in their conservation efforts will make a real impact. [SAWC]CAKE’s EV motorcycles harness the power of the sun to operate, and thus do not need helicopter support to be refueled and are completely self-sufficient. Their innovative electric engines hum at just above a whisper, enabling rangers to efficiently sneak up on and catch unsuspecting poachers. CAKE plans to present the complete bush bikes by the end of this month.
The SAWC serves the south-east corner of Africa, with a very large, multi-national preserves that are constantly under threat from poachers. [SAWC]CAKE’s EV Food Delivery Box
Not only is CAKE working to protect endangered wildlife in Africa, but the EV motorbike manufacturer is also collaborating with Dometic to revolutionize food delivery services. Called The Dometic Food Delivery Box, the temperature-controlled electric-powered box will keep delicious meals at the perfect temperature during the “last mile” of the delivery journey. The delivery rider will also be able to keep a close eye on the food’s temperature through a connectivity feature.
Your dinner, delivered hot? [CAKE]The box is specifically made for CAKE’s Osa EV motorcycle and connects directly to the same battery that powers the bike via an electric cord. CAKE’s Osa battery will allow both the vehicle and the food storage box to operate for up to four hours. The product is slated to launch this September.
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
When most folks think about electric motorcycles, a reliable, eco-friendly method of transportation typically comes to mind. An art form doesn’t. The Guido EV motorcycle concept is looking to change all of that. Inspired by the Rolls Royce 130EX concept with fully-covered fenders and named after the 17th-century Italian Baroque painter Guido Reni, the Guido puts form and aesthetics above everything else. Vlad Belyakov of Box39, a custom motorcycle workshop in Moscow, is the main designer and fabricator behind the Guido. He has drawn worldwide recognition for his heavily modified Harley-Davidsons, which feature parts milled on modern Haas 5-axis machinery. The Guido concept was originally built by request for a Haas machinery dealer located in eastern Europe, for the purpose of showcasing what the machinery can do.
The machinery in question at the Box39 the workshop in Moscow. [Box39]“The Guido motorcycle is a concept of design,” said Stan Pavlov from Henne Co., a Fort Lauderdale-based company that sells finished custom bikes milled on Box39’s machines and is representing them in North and South America. “This motorcycle is not about mile range. It is nothing but form. In five years, the Guido may be in a museum of art.” The Guido’s massive front wheel, which has a diameter of 30 inches, took 200 machine hours to manufacturer. This, along with the handcrafted aluminum body, is a true testament to the painstaking detail Belyakov has invested in the design.
200 hours were required to make this one-off 30" diameter wheel. [Box39]Despite the proclamations that Guido is all about form, it is a rideable work of art, just not on the streets. Other specifications include a 17-inch front wheel tucked underneath the bodywork, a front end Girder suspension, hydraulic rear brakes, and a battery-powered motor. A unique feature about the Guido EV concept is its customizable suspension for both wheels. The rider simply straddles the bike, scans their fingerprints, and the electric motor raises its rear suspension and raises the body against the front wheels for a precise and perfect fit.
The handlebars are a masterpiece of minimalism, made a bit easier by the electric powertrain. [Box39]According to Pavlov, Belyakov represents a new school of motorcycle customizing. Box39 has been in operation for over nine years. Pavlov is a two-wheel junky himself, being a Bonneville racer and bike and hot rod builder. “I believe that we are living in a fast-paced world,” Pavlov commented in regards to the future of e-bikes. “Information and technology are both so swift. If I say that in 10 years we’ll only be riding EV vehicles, it may happen in just five. The EV revolution era already exists. It’s just a matter of time until the world catches on. When we do have the same batteries in all of our vehicles, car and bike brands will start a design war. Modern day is not about design. However, down the road, all concerns will center around the customer’s choice for vehicle forms only. This is why the Guido concept is so revolutionary.”
It was all worked out in a sketch first, then plugged into a CAD program for the 5-axis milling machine to get to work. [Box39]Amazingly well finished and minimalist details set Guido apart. [Box39]The headlamp and grille, reminiscent of 1920s Art Deco automobiles. [Box39]Guido in his elegance. A unique motorcycle design, made especially unusual in being an EV. [Box39]
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
A few weeks ago, Harley-Davidson’s spinoff brand, Serial 1, announced that they would be taking pre-orders for their new e-bike portfolio. According to Aaron Frank, Brand Director, the initial product offerings will be targeted toward casual recreational riders and urban commuters. Available in four different models, the battery-powered bikes will have a price range of $3,399 to $4,999, and will be available in America and Germany next year, with additional countries to be added as they support new growth opportunities. But with an iconic name like Harley-Davidson, why would the Serial 1 brand branch off?
Ready for urban realities: the new Serial 1 Mosh has enough power for city antics [Serial 1]“Engaging the e-bicycle market through this joint venture with a dedicated brand allows Harley-Davidson to play a key role in the e-bike mobility revolution while allowing Serial 1 the opportunity to focus exclusively on the e-bicycle space, to better understand the customer, and to deliver an unmatched riding experience rooted in the core Harley-Davidson values of freedom and adventure,” Aaron explained. While the Serial 1 collection represents the future of electric bicycles, the company is also harnessing the power of the past. Two years before Harley-Davidson was founded, 20-year-old co-founder William S. Harley drew up plans for a small motor designed to be used in a traditional pedal-bike frame.
The cockpit of the Serial 1, showing the watch-sized digital display and relatively normal ebike controls [Serial 1]“When the company was founded in 1903, the motorcycle was the cutting edge of personal mobility,” Aaron explained. “Thus, Harley-Davidson Motor Company became a motorcycle company. I believe that there is a strong case to be made that if Harley-Davidson was formed in 2020, the pedal-assist electric bicycle could be considered the cutting edge of personal mobility, at least in urban areas. So in some ways, Serial 1 is about channeling that original entrepreneurial spirit of Harley-Davidson’s founders, and applying it to our modern context. And that’s why the company takes its name from ‘Serial Number One,’ the nickname of Harley Davidson’s oldest known motorcycle.”
The battery interfaces the pedal cranks and belt drive at the bottom of the frame. [Serial 1]Depending upon the model, the Serial 1 e-bike can reach top speeds of 28 miles per hour. The top-tier model, the RUSH/CTY SPEED, is equipped with an airy, mid-mounted Brose TF MAG motor that churns out 66 ft.-lb. of torque. This innovative technology is seamlessly paired with the aesthetics of Harley-Davidson’s loop-frame prototype.
A step-thru version, the Rush City ladies' model, is also available. [Serial 1]Aaron, author of The Harley-Davidson Story: Tales from the Archives, appreciates the company’s compelling history as not only a motorcycle company, but a mobility company. The Serial 1 brand will continue to carry this long lineage of mobility and adventure to a brand new target audience, while paying homage to Harley-Davidson’s past. “You can have that same spirit of adventure in the confines of your city on an electric bike. You don’t have to take two weeks and ride a motorcycle across the country. You can take two hours and discover new parts of your city that are only accessible on an e-bicycle,” Aaron stated.
The Rush City is the top tier version, an urban commuter that just might be the escape hatch Harley-Davidson needs to outgrow its own brand strength. [Serial 1]
Remember the iconic 1968 Bultaco Pursang 250 MKII that Peter Fonda straddled in Easy Rider? Well, wipe that bike of a bygone era clear from your mind. It has now been resurrected and revamped as an e-bike by Spanish motorcycle manufacturer, PURSANG. The bike’s rebirth is due to the tireless love and labor of Jim Palau-Ribes. According to the company’s CMO, Oriol Renart, Jim used to ride Pursang motocross bikes when he was younger and developed a deep adoration for the brand.
The new PURSANG e-bike is compact, sleek, and performanc-oriented, without being mammoth. [PURSANG]After years of working for other well-known automotive brands all across Europe, Jim decided to leave his career to launch his own project in the form of an innovative and elegant electric motorcycle. “We started with the project two years ago and now we are introducing the motorcycles to the market,” Oriol said. “It’s a history of passion and we all really love this brand and bike.”
JimPalau-Ribes with the latest carbon-fiber electric version of his hommage to Spanish motorcycle heritage. [PURSANG]After creating some gasoline replicas of the classic Pursang model, Jim decided to create an 100% electric scrambler. Known as the PURSANG E-Track, the carbon-fiber wrapped bike features a 11kW Bosch motor that utilizes three 48V batteries, giving it a range of 140 kilometers and a maximum speed of 120km/h (or 74.5 m/h). The charging time for the batteries is six hours. The E-Track features three different driving modes, including Go, Cruise, and Boost. The braking system includes a 320mm front brake and a 240mm rear brake. Additional features include inverted front forks fitted with 41mm bars, an adjustable rear shock absorber, tubular chromoly frames, JJuan floating caliper hydraulic disc brakes, Morard wheels, Pirelli Scorpion tires, and a gorgeous and intuitive instrument panel boasting a color TFT screen. The bike can be effortlessly connected with the Bosch app through Bluetooth connectivity.
Clean enough to live with: with no oil drips or gas fumes, complaints about motorcycles in the living room are muted. [PURSANG]The appealing aesthetics of the e-bike are heavily influenced by the motorcycles of the flat track oval. With high handlebars, a stripped down body, a minimalistic tail, and two superior finishes, fans of dirt track racing are sure to appreciate the streamlined and subtle look. The PURSANG E-Track is priced at €13,700, or $15,000. “We have created 24 units for the first launch. However, over the next year we expect to sell over 4,000 units all over Europe,” Oriol said. “In Europe, the politics are steering us away from combustion engines. We love to ride gas motorcycles, but the future is clearly electric.”
With crossover styling, the PURSANG design hits the middle ground design-wise, with a familiar silhouette. [PURSANG]
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
A First-of-Its-Kind Electric Motocross Race Series in Saint Tropez, France
In early September, motorcycle connoisseurs Oliver Le Quellec and Vincent Prat (founder of Wheels and Waves), hosted a world-premiere motocross race for electric bikes in the heart of Saint Tropez, France featuring the motorcycles of Swedish company CAKE.
The chic coastal town nestled on the banks of the French Riviera first became famous in the 1950’s with the release of the iconic film God Created Woman, featuring the smoldering Brigitte Bardot. Saint Tropez has long been a mecca for the international “jet set” crowd. Still widely acclaimed for its pristine beaches and bustling nightlife, Saint Tropez doesn’t seem like the typical place where one would host the electric equivalent of Formula 1. However, due to Prat’s and Le Quellec’s unique vision and the zero pollution and absolute silence that electric bikes offer, the world’s very first electric motocross championship took place amidst bars, restaurants, shops, and hotels in the center of the village.
The track was tight, the action fast and quick. [Fabio Afuso]“The silence of the motorcycles made it possible to hold the competition in the heart of the city without creating the slightest nuisance, noise, or odor,” Prat explained.
More than 1,700 tons of local soil was moved to create the track. Prat enlisted the help of a local architect to ensure it was the best possible track for the riders.
1700 tons of dirt in an empty lot in the center of Saint Tropez - instant motocross! [Fabio Afuso]“The track, halfway between a BMX and a motocross track, promised to provide a fast and spectacular spectacle,” he stated.
The ephemeral track’s main advantage was its total visibility, enabling the audience to follow the duels in detail and to fully appreciate the piloting efficiency of the riders.
The competition brought together more than 100 riders with widely varying levels of experience and backgrounds. Motocross world champions such as Mickael Maschio shared the track with pilots who only participated in the sport recreationally. All riders operated the CAKE Kalk, a 67kg electric machine that delivered the power and torque comparable to a 200cc thermic motocross bike.
The CAKE Kalk racers and roadsters in various liveries: a winner of design awards all over Europe for its clean, Dieter Rams styling. [Fabio Afuso]After a day of qualifying, 48 pilots who achieved the best lap times in their respective categories were selected and divided into three series of 16, including the Swallows, Cuckoos, and Eagles, to participate in one-to-one races with direct elimination.
“The Swallows opened the competition,” Prat explained. “The 16 pilots of a very good level offered a quality show and the victory went to Amaury Mobius. Then came the Cuckoos category. The winner was Sebastien Jondeau, who perfectly mastered his competition. The Eagles category, made up of pros, delivered a breathtaking performance with virtuosos showcasing the gestural art of the pilot becoming one with his machine.”
A gopher's eye view of the action! The riders could really throw the 63kg bikes around. [Sebastien Zanella]For 2021, the race is slated to be added to the Urban Motocross circuit and include a trials and an endurance event.
“The objective is to create a real testing laboratory for new mobility in Saint Tropez. Additionally, the promoters are working in collaboration with the Federation to create a real national and international championship,” said Prat.
Organizers Vincent Prat and Olivier Le Quellec take a well-deserved break from organizing a pioneering race event. [Fabio Afuso][We are watching the future of motocross competition unfold before our eyes, right in the heart of the most unlikely of places: a major tourist destination on the French Riviera. Amazingly, a parking lot was filled with dirt, the course shaped, the riders arrived, the race was run, and everyone was pleased, in one of the most moto-bureaucratic countries on earth. If it can happen in Saint Tropez, it can happen anywhere. Sadly, although invited over a year ago, The Vintagent team was unable to attend/race at Elektrafuture in person, due to the worldwide travel ban on American citizens for our failure to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 within our own borders. - ed.]
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Toby Roberts’s Concept Z Delivers Ludicrous Acceleration and a Stripped Down, Flat Track Style
There are very few journeys more tantalizing that those fulfilled on an electric motorcycle. Mating all of the vigor of a gas-powered machine with a sustainable alternative, electric motorcycles are bound to take over the market as easily as they eat up the road.
The Concept Z in real life: huge battery and motor, ultralight flat track style chassis, minimal design. [Ed Motorcycles]Ed Motorcycle’s Concept Z by Tony Roberts is the newest electric motorcycle to hit the market. The almost naked bike’s design is heavily inspired by flat track motorcycles. With a minimal yet durable frame, the large air-cooled, radical flux, interior permanent magnet brushless Zero 75-7R motor and battery are set at the center of the vehicle. A solo seat and two LED headlights complete the machine, and that’s basically it. It’s a completely nominal machine that ignores all of the bells and whistles and can reach top speeds of up to 93 mph with current gearing.
Growing up playing with buggies and bikes at his parents’ service station, Roberts discovered the world of electric vehicles in 2007. “I was building off-road dune buggies when I saw The White Zombie, a Datsun 1200 electric car that was involved in drag racing. That caught my attention and I thought that I could convert one of the buggies over to electric.”
The semi-monocoque chassis of the Concept Z uses aluminum boxes for strength, and the battery box as a stressed member of the frame. [Ed Motorcycles]After trying his hand at developing the buggies and e-bicycles, Toby set his sights on the motorcycling realm with his Concept Z electric motorcycle, a totally self-funded solo project. “I chose the flat track style because it has an aggressive stance,” he explained. “I was inspired by the original tubular framed Zaeta 530 flat track bike. I loved that motorcycle. From there, I wanted to make the concept accelerate as fast as I could while still being usable.”
One of the most notable features of the Concept Z is that the gearing has been carefully calculated to full maximize the torque curve. The wheel RPM and motor RPM have been aligned so that max torque is provided. This equates to 850nm of torque at the rear axle. While that sounds tremendous, it does equate to around 70hp at the rear wheel, and an expected sub-3 second 0-60mph time: Roberts is looking for a professional rider to establish actual figures - any volunteers?
Looking purposeful from any angle, the Concept Z is an attempt to balance traditional design cues with new technology, and creates an aggressive vibe. [Ed Motorcycles]“The big advantage with the electric drivetrain is how the motor delivers torque. Unlike a gas bike where the torque is constantly changing with engine RPM (think of a bell curve graph), the electric motor has maximum torque from zero RPM and the delivery is very linear (flat line on a graph). This translates to great acceleration as the torque which turns your wheel is at a constant level as speed increases and the rider can always get this maximum torque instantly by simply twisting the throttle. There is no gear down changing to increase the available torque at the rear wheel as needed with a gas bike,” Toby explained.
The Concept Z provides a unique riding experience unlike that of a gas motorcycle. It has no gears, no clutch, and no exhaust. While some would argue that the electric motor removes a lot of what makes bikes appealing, for those who adore acceleration over everything else, the Concept Z will deliver.
The motor is co-axial with the swingarm pivot, meaning no alterations in chain tension as the swingarm moves over bumps. [Ed Motorcycles]Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she's not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
