These were the top 5 most-viewed electric bike news stories of the year
Electric bicycles are more popular than ever before, helping drivers become riders and replacing car trips along the way. I’m proud to have helped build Electrek into the No. 1 source for electric bike news, and so now it’s time to take look back at the biggest e-bike news stories of 2022. These stories garnered millions of views from around the world, helping to spread e-bike awareness along the way.
Ukraine is now using these 200-mile-range electric bikes with NLAW rockets to take out Russian tanks
Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine was sure to be one of the leading stories of 2022. We never thought that would spill over into the e-bike world, but that just means we underestimated Ukrainian ingenuity.
The brave fighters in Ukraine’s defense forces teamed up with Ukrainian electric bike manufacturer Delfast to create battle-ready e-bikes that could out-maneuver the Russians.
Not only were these fast and powerful electric bikes capable of covering rugged terrain in near silent operation, but they were also outfitted with tank-destroying NLAW rockets (Next Generation Light Anti-Armor Weapons). Those rockets are specially designed to allow a single operator to destroy an enemy tank.
The weapons are intended to be human-portable and carried by infantry, but the 28-lb. (12.5 kg) rocket is much easier to haul over long distances when carried on the back of an electric bike.
Such portable anti-tank weapons proved to be a game-changer in Ukraine’s fight to defend its sovereign territory from a Russian takeover, but their use isn’t without significant risk. They expose the operator’s position and make them vulnerable to immediate return fire. But when outfitted with a 50 mph (80 km/h) motor, the soldier can quickly fire the weapon and then exfiltrate, significantly reducing the risk.
E-bikes are normally tools for good, helping riders get exercise, fresh air, and avoid traffic. But when called upon to face evil, they answered that call in Ukraine.
Bolt Mobility abandoned electric bikes all over US cities. Here’s what’s happening to them
Of course not all news is good news, as was the case with Bolt’s abandonment of thousands upon thousands of shared electric bicycles and scooters in cities around the US.
The shared micromobility provider used a model similar to Lime and Bird, where free-floating e-bikes and e-scooters could be rented by the minute using a smartphone application.
The idea is solid, though the economics have proven tougher to crack — especially with so many competitors in the field.
When Bolt Mobility folded operations in most of cities seemingly overnight, these vehicles were left abandoned. We caught up with the original manufacturer that supplied the e-bikes to Bolt Mobility to hear how they were trying to help. Element LEV, the e-bikes’ manufacturer, was seeking out municipalities in each area where Bolt abandoned its equipment.
The manufacturer, which was able to unlock the vehicles, began working with each city individually to find a solution, whether that was through taking the e-bikes public as part of a city-owned program or finding alternative solutions.
Indian Motorcycle and Super73 release a fast e-bike that won’t need a motorcycle license
The iconic motorcycle company Indian teamed up with the equally iconic electric bike manufacturer Super73 back in the spring of 2022 to build an Indian-themed e-bike known as the eFTR Hooligan 1.2.
No motorcycle license necessary, since this new electric two-wheeler was legally classified as an electric bicycle.
The eFTR Hooligan was largely based on Super73’s well-known S2 electric bike. Electrek’s publisher Seth Weintraub and I had the chance to put some serious miles on that bike when we Eurotripped it across Germany last autumn.
We haven’t had a chance to test the Indian version in the eFTR Hooligan 1.2, but that’s high up on our list.
As Indian explained, the bike was modified by adding an inverted front fork, mid-height moto-style handlebars, a unique LED headlight with an FTR-inspired wind deflector, and more aggressive tires.
The eFTR Hooligan 1.2 also ditched the stock front and rear fenders, lowered the battery to the downtube (which likely resulted in improved balance), and added a gold chain to give it that authentic Indian Motorcycle look.
Another US state adds electric bike subsidy, this time with up to $1,700 rebate
That proposed national e-bike tax credit might have faltered before the finish line, but Oregon stepped up to the plate with its own statewide e-bike rebate.
A new bill known as Legislative Concept (LC) 1994 was proposed by outgoing Oregon State Representative Karin Power to help provide rebates to e-bike buyers. It was recently passed off to Representative Dacia Grayber to sponsor the bill in the upcoming session.
We don’t know for sure yet whether the rebate will make it into law. But if it does, it will offer up to $1,200 off most electric bikes and up to $1,700 off cargo electric bikes.
There are a few other small rules for qualification, such as that the bikes have to cost at least $950, but there aren’t any income restrictions or other major hurdles to access.
Oregon could soon join other states such as Vermont and New York that have either implemented or are in the process of creating their own statewide electric bicycle rebate programs.
Chinese electric moped giant NIU’s radical new e-bike is set to shakeup the US, EU markets
NIU is better known for its wildly popular smart electric scooters, which have taken off in Asia and continue to post strong sales in the European and North American markets. But the company’s tech has also been making its way into a wider range of lighter electric vehicles. Earlier this year NIU launched an electric bicycle that turned heads in the e-bike industry.
The NIU BQi used a step-through design, though it did so without falling back on a Dutch bike design or something that looks like a classic “women’s bike.”
The U-shaped frame made the bike easier to mount and easier to handle when the rear rack gets loaded down with heavy cargo or kids.
Another advantage of that unique frame was a unique way to store batteries. Yes, “batteries” as in plural. While the vast majority of all e-bikes use a single removable battery, NIU’s unique frame design made it easy to fit two batteries. And it managed to stuff in dual batteries without looking bulky or disproportioned.
The bike eventually launched at a price of $1,999, putting it in the higher end of the value e-bike category.
What’s in store for next year?
Those were the five biggest e-bike news stories of the year for 2022, but who knows what we’ll see next year.
As the electric bicycle industry continues to grow, we could have a whole host of new designs, new technology, or even new scandals awaiting next year. Here’s hoping for more of the first two!
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Tesla has reportedly received 50,000 orders for the new Model Y with an updated design in about 24 hours, according to a new report in China.
Last week, Tesla unveiled the mid-cycle refresh of the Model Y in China and a select few markets supplied by Tesla’s factory in Shanghai.
Deliveries are expected to start in March. The new Model Y hasn’t launched in Europe or North America yet, but it is expected to in the coming months.
The update has received mixed reviews as the updated design is not as well received as the Model 3’s recent design refresh and the specs and feature upgrades are basically in line with the Model 3 refresh.
But Tesla has reportedly received a significant number of orders for the updated electric vehicles.
According to several reports from Chinese bloggers claiming to have information coming from Tesla salespeople (via Car News China), the automaker secured 50,000 Model Y orders on the first day of the design refresh unveiling.
It’s hard to assess how significant this is for Tesla. The automaker delivered about 480,000 Model Ys in China in 2024 – up about 5% year-over-year.
50,000 units would represent just over a month of orders in a single day, but the design refresh was anticipated for about a year. Therefore, there was a lot of pent-up demand for it as people waited for the update to order.
It’s also worth noting that one of the sources claimed that Tesla is guiding that new orders being placed now won’t get delivered until April or May, which was used as evidence supporting the number of orders.
However, Tesla’s Chinese Model Y configurator is still mentioning March deliveries for new orders being placed now:
That’s true for both versions of the new Model Y. Tesla has yet to launch the updated performance version the new electric SUV.
Electrek’s Take
I wouldn’t be really surprised if Tesla secured 50,000 orders for the new Model Y in China, but I would still take this report with a grain of salt. Tesla salespeople have extremely limited visibility into sales beyond their own locations, and the sources appear to be coming from them and are relayed by Chinese bloggers on social media.
That, combined with the fact that the configurator still mentions March deliveries, makes me have doubts.
With that said, 50,000 orders is also not an unbelievable number.
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The rugged new electric SUV will be here before you know it. Jeep is fast-tracking Recon EV production as it prepares for an upcoming launch. Here’s what to expect from Jeep’s new electric SUV inspired by the legendary Wrangler.
Just as Jeep’s first global electric SUV, the Wagoneer S, is arriving at US dealers, the brand is already preparing to introduce another EV.
The Recon was revealed in 2022 as part of Jeep’s new strategy to become “the leading electrified SUV brand” in North America and Europe. Although Jeep launched the Avenger in Europe in early 2023, the Wagoneer S and Recon will be the brand’s first EV models to roll out globally.
The Recon will be Jeep’s first true off-road electric SUV. It’s built from the “ground up to be 100% Jeep 4×4.”Jeep said the new EV is for “those who love to explore extreme adventures in near silence.”
Jeep maker Stellantis said the Recon is “inspired by the legendary Wrangler.” Like the iconic off-roader, it will feature options like removable windows and doors.
With an expected launch just around the corner, Jeep (Stellantis) is reportedly fast-tracking Recon EV production.
When is Jeep launching the Recon EV?
According to MoparInsiders, a source at Stellantis’ assembly plant in Mexico claims production for the new Jeep Recon EV is set for February 24, 2025.
That’s well ahead of expected. After recently introducing the Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger Daytona to the market, Stellantis aims for a smooth launch with the new Jeep Recon EV.
Ahead of its official debut, prototypes of the rugged electric SUV have been spotted in public testing several times. A Recon EV was caught in Michigan with almost no camouflage by the folks at JeepReconForum last month. Inside, a display screen showed a range of 147 miles at 66% charge.
Although that suggests a range of around 223 miles, the production model is expected to be closer to 300 miles. Like the Wagoneer S, which features over 300 miles of driving range, the Recon EV will also be based on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform.
Jeep’s off-road electric SUV will be equipped with its signature Selec-Terrain system, which includes Rock, Mud, and other modes. It will also include standard four-wheel drive for added off-road capabilities. The Recon is expected to pack between 450 to 600 hp with dual EDMs.
According to the report, the Jeep Recon EV will launch in three trims: Willys, Overland, and an even more rugged Moab model.
We caught a glimpse of the Moab trim in 2023 after images leaked out of a dealer event. Over the past few months, the Recon EV has been spotted in public with less and less camouflage.
As it gets closer to production, Jeep’s upcoming electric SUV looks more like a Ford Bronco with a rugged exterior design.
Prices and official specs will be revealed closer to launch, but the Jeep Recon EV is expected to start at around $60,000. More expensive trims, like the Moab, could cost about $80,000. Stellantis will launch the Recon this year in the US and other global markets like Europe, The Middle East, and Asia.
What do you think of Jeep’s Wrangler-inspired Recon? Would you buy one for around $60,000? Drop us a comment below and let us know.
Source: MoparInsiders
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The world’s largest EV maker is making a big statement overseas. In a historic win, BYD officially outsold Toyota in EV sales on its own home turf for the first time last year.
BYD EV sales in Japan topped Toyota in 2024
After squeezing legacy automakers out of China with its low-cost electric cars, BYD is making a strong push into overseas markets.
BYD introduced its first electric vehicle (EV) in Japan in early 2023, the Atto 3. Starting at around $30,000, this SUV competes with popular domestic cars like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. It also rivals other EVs on the market, like the Toyota bZ4X and Nissan Ariya.
In its first full sales year, BYD has already outsold Toyota in EV sales in Japan. This accomplishment is even more impressive since Toyota has historically dominated sales in its home market.
According to the Japan Automobile Dealer Association (via CarNewsChina), BYD sold 2,223 EVs in 2024. In comparison, Toyota sold just 2,038 electric cars in its home market last year.
BYD’s EV sales were up 54% compared to 2023, while Toyota’s slipped 30% year over year (YOY). Since launching in 2023, BYD has introduced several top-selling models, including the Dolphin hatchback and Seal sedan.
Starting at just 2.99 million yen ($19,000), the Dolphin competes with top-selling domestic cars like the Toyota Prius and Nissan LEAF.
After launching the Seal last June, widely viewed as its answer to the Tesla Model 3, BYD’s electric sedan was already the top-selling imported EV in Japan by August. BYD’s Seal starts at 5.28 million yen, or around $33,500.
BYD is turning up the pressure in 2025 with plans to launch the Sealion 07 in Japan, its new smart mid-size electric SUV.
Japan’s total EV sales fell 33% to just below 60,000 in 2024, its first YOY decline in four years. Nissan led the market with a roughly 50% share despite LEAF sales slipping nearly 50% (30,749) from 2023. Although Toyota bZ4X sales were up 10%, only 1,012 models were sold in 2024. Toyota’s electric SUV starts at 5.5 million yen ($35,000).
Electrek’s Take
After losing significant market share in China, a critical market for Japanese automakers, BYD is now taking their home market by storm.
Although it’s still a small number, BYD’s growing presence in Japan is impressive. Japan has been a challenging market for foreign brands to compete in. Outside of luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and BWM, domestic brands have historically dominated auto sales in Japan.
Toyota accounted for over a third of the market alone last year. After topping Nissan and Honda for the first time in global vehicle sales last year, BYD is laying the groundwork for more growth in 2025.
The Chinese EV leader is expanding with new models launching in Europe, Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and more. Will BYD eventually top Toyota in global sales? As the industry shifts to EVs, BYD is quickly gaining momentum while Toyota lags in key markets.
Source: CarNewsChina, JAMA
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