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California is set to join a number of other cities and states in the US offering rebates and tax credits for electric bicycles. California’s Electric Bicycle Incentives Project has been over a year in the making, and we recently saw new updates to the planned rebates.

The updates come after an end of the year meeting of the California Air Resource Board (CARB) to discuss the parameters of the Electric Bicycle Incentives Project.

According to the California Bicycle Coalition, which shared a follow-up after the meeting, members of the discussion included representatives from the e-bike industry, bicycle shop owners, nonprofits who work with potential voucher recipients, bicycle coalition leaders, and members of the public interested in the program.

The program’s details were still being finalized at the end of the year, but the meeting helped shed more light on the aspects of the program that have already been decided.

radtrike rad power bikes
E-bikes like the RadTrike are becoming even more accessible to a wider range of riders, yet can be expensive for those on limited budgets

One of the new updates is additional funding for the program.

$10M had already been earmarked for the program, but we’ve now learned that an additional $3M in funding will be added to the total, likely to help with program outreach. That would allow more of the initial $10M to go directly towards the e-bike rebates themselves.

CARB also confirmed that the income limit to qualify for the e-bike voucher will be lowered. We previously reported that in order to qualify for the voucher, participants’ household income would have to be below 400% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL), which amounts to $51,000 for a single person and $106,000 for a family of four at current figures.

Now we’ve learned that the income limit would be lowered to 300% of FPL to align the eligibility requirements for the e-bike program with those of other CARB clean vehicle programs. That would amount to approximately $38,000 for a single person or $79,500 for a family of four.

E-bikes like the newly-launched Lectric XP 3.0 have become popular car replacers

The program originally listed only Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes (those that are limited to 20 mph) as qualifying for rebates. But due to overwhelming support for allowing Class 3 e-bike models (that can reach 28 mph with pedal assist) to be eligible for incentives, CARB will include all three classes of e-bikes in the program. However, manufacturers will have to apply for their models to be eligible for purchase with the vouchers. 

The California Bicycle Coalition reports that those manufacturers will also have to provide a 2-year warranty on their e-bikes, likely in a nod to concerns about maintenance.

That could prove to be an issue since many of the largest electric bicycle manufacturers in the US only offer one year warranties on the entire e-bike, though many offer longer warranties on the frame or motor. Some companies have started to offer even longer warranties of 5 years or more, though this is still not common in the industry.

Some companies with US manufacturing, such as Electric Bike Company, offer warranties of five years or more

We have not learned of any changes to the proposed value of the e-bike rebates, which were previously expected to be set at $750 for a standard electric bicycle and $1,500 for a cargo electric bicycle.

Because the program’s details still have not been finalized and more public discussions are expected to be held, all of the above figures could still change before the program reaches implementation. There is also still no firm date for when the program will begin, though it is expected to become active this year.

We’ll keep our ear to the ground on this important e-bike rebate program and be sure to update as soon as we have more information on the Electric Bicycle Incentives Project.

Until then, let’s hear what you think of the current tentative details for the program. Sound off in the comment section below!

via: Streetsblog

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Finally! The Nissan LEAF has been reborn as a new 2026 crossover, and it has NACS! [Video]

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Finally! The Nissan LEAF has been reborn as a new 2026 crossover, and it has NACS! [Video]

After years of development and months of teasers, Nissan has officially launched a reimagined version of the LEAF as a 2026 model year crossover, set to hit dealerships later this year. We will always love the original LEAF, but this new model is sharp and includes some well overdue upgrades, including a NACS port and Plug & Charge capabilities.

It’s been over fifteen years since the original Nissan LEAF debuted as one of the world’s first viable, mass-market EVs. For nearly a decade, the LEAF was the best-selling plug-in EV in the world, before Tesla took over.

While the original hatchback LEAF will go down in history as one of the earliest successful BEV models, its market status in recent years has been repetitive, laughably archaic (CHAdeMO), albeit nostalgic. The last five or six model years of the Nissan LEAF have essentially been the same car, and the public has been petitioning for something new.

How could an automaker so ahead of the BEV curve in 2009 fall so far behind over the course of a decade? Nissan asked itself that same question and has since bounced back with the ARIYA, which has been in production since 2022, but what about a new LEAF?

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In the summer of 2023, Nissan confirmed a next-gen LEAF was in the works, set to arrive in 2024. If you look at your calendar, you’ll notice that it didn’t happen, but we’re closer than ever! Last year, Nissan began sunsetting LEAF production to make way for the new version.

Since January 2025, we have been following several camouflaged images of the reimagined LEAF in the wild before Nissan gave us a first official look in March. Earlier this month, Nissan shared even more details, including a timeline for the new BEV’s global debut.

Today, the third-generation Nissan LEAF has officially launched as a 2026 model, and it’s about as nice of an upgrade as we could have asked for.

Nissan’s new LEAF is set to hit dealers this fall

This morning, Nissan shared all the specifications for the four planned trims of the new 2026 LEAF (except pricing, sorry). There’s much to unpack here, so let’s dig right in.

For starters, the first thing you’ll notice, which we’ve already noted in the past, is that the 2026 LEAF has evolved from a compact hatchback to a (slightly) larger, family-friendly crossover SUV.

The new LEAF is marginally shorter in length than the second-generation model (173.4 inches vs. 176.4 inches), but it is about an inch wider and a similar height to its predecessor. So, arriving as a radically looking version of the LEAF without the hatchback, it will fill a similar footprint to the older models.

While the 2026 Nissan LEAF may be similar in size, most of the rest of the BEV has been significantly overhauled in the best ways. For example, the battery packs and electric motors have been bolstered to provide significantly better horsepower, charge rates, and range.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the standard configurations of the four initial LEAF trims in the new generation:

Nissan LEAF Trim Motor Battery Power Onboard Charger
S 130 kW 52 kWh 174 hp, 254 lb-ft torque 7.2 kW
S+ SV, PLATINUM+ 160 kW 75 kWh 214 hp, 261 lb-ft torque 7.2 kW

Nissan also shared initial range estimates for the new LEAF trims, except for the base-level S version. Note that the two versions of the 2025 LEAF offered ranges of 149 and 212 miles, respectively:

2026 Nissan LEAF Trim Est. Range
S TBD
S+ 303 miles
SV+ 288 miles
PLATINUM+ 259 miles

Even at its lowest range, the 2026 LEAF can go significantly farther than the previous generation. Better yet, it will be A LOT easier when future owners need to recharge. Yes, Nissan has finally abandoned the long-defunct CHAdeMO port and has replaced it with not one, but two more modern options.

A J1772 port is present on the driver’s side fender for Level 1 and 2 charging, while a North American Charging Standard (NACS) is on the passenger’s side fender, giving drivers access to Tesla’s massive Supercharger network. Per Nissan, the new LEAF models can recharge from 10 to 80% in 35 minutes on a DCFC. 240V charge times remain “TBD.”

The new models also have “Plug & Charge” capabilities.

Moving inward, the 2026 LEAF looks like an entirely new vehicle designed for the modern driver. The two higher-end trims come with dual 14.3-inch dash displays with Google built-in. The two lower trims have dual 12.3 inch displays and all support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Nissan also shared that the cabin has an upgradable dimming panoramic roof—a first for its segment, according to the automaker. The crossover’s cargo area is 55.5 cubic feet behind the second-row seats when they’re folded (20 cubic feet when they’re upright).

Additionally, the new LEAF’s PLATINUM+ trim has 64-color ambient lighting that can be customized to set any mood in the cabin.

One key element we are missing from Nissan is the pricing of these new LEAF models. Those details should come sometime toward the end of summer, as the automaker has said the 2026 LEAF models should hit Nissan dealerships this fall.

While we await more details, be sure to check out Nissan’s b-roll footage of the new 2026 LEAF inside and out below:

Source: Nissan

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Suzuki reveals prices for its first EV, a twin to Toyota’s upcoming electric SUV

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Suzuki reveals prices for its first EV, a twin to Toyota's upcoming electric SUV

Suzuki revealed prices for its first EV, a twin to the upcoming Toyota Urban Cruiser. The e Vitarra will go on sale next month in an increasingly crowded market. Can it keep up with the Kia EV3 and other popular electric SUVs?

Suzuki announces prices for its first EV, built with Toyota

Ahead of sales, which are set to begin next month, Suzuki announced e Vitara prices this week, its first EV that will also serve as a twin to Toyota’s upcoming electric SUV.

The e Vitara will start at £29,999 ($40,500) with prices ranging up to £37,799 ($51,000) for the flagship “Ultra ALLGRIP-e 4WD” trim.

Sukuki’s first EV is available with two battery options: 49 kWh or 61 kWh, providing WLTP range of 346 km (215 miles) and 428 km (266 miles), respectively.

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Buyers can choose from “Motion” or “Ultra” grades, with single (2WD) and dual-motor (4WD) options. Suzuki developed the new four-wheel drive (4WD) ALLGRIP-e system specifically for the e Vitarra and is one of the few auto brands to offer an electric SUV with 4×4.

Suzuki-first-EV-Toyota-prices
Suzuki’s first EV, the e Vitara electric SUV (Source: Suzuki)

The e Vitara sits on a new dedicated “HEARTECT-e” EV platform, which houses the eAxle and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

As part of a deepening alliance, Toyota will use Suzuki’s EV powertrain for its upcoming electric SUV, the Urban Cruiser (shown below in white). Toyota will launch the Urban Cruiser in the next few months, which will essentially be a rebadged e-Vitara.

The e Vitara measures 4,275 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. That’s about the size of Kia’s new EV3 at 4,300 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,560 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm.

In the first quarter, the Kia EV3 was the best-selling retail EV and the fourth best-selling electric vehicle (including commercial EVs) in the UK.

Suzuki-first-EV-Toyota-interior
The interior of Suzuki’s first EV, the e Vitara (Source: Suzuki)

The EV3 starts at £33,005 ($42,500) in the UK. IT’s also available with two battery options: 58.3 kWh or 81.48 kWh. The former is good for a WLTP range of 430 km (270 miles), while the latter provides a range of 599 km (375 miles), respectively

Suzuki e Vitara trim OTR Pricing
49kWh Motion 2WD £29,999
61kWh Motion 2WD £32,999
61kWh Ultra 2WD £35,799
61kWh Motion ALLGRIP-e 4WD £34,999
61kWh Ultra ALLGRIP-e 4WD £37,799
Suzuki announces prices for its first EV, the e Vitara

Suzuki is offering a few discounts for early buyers, including 0% PCP for two years with a 20% deposit. With a deposit of £8,436 ($11,500), monthly payments for the 61 kWh Motion 2WD model would be £379 ($513).

If you order before September 30, Suzuki will give you a free Ohme home charger, plus 10,000 miles in home charging credit.

Can Suzuki’s new e Vitara keep pace with the Kia EV3 and other popular electric SUVs like the Hyundai Inster? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Tesla (TSLA) is sitting on so much inventory it has to take over parking lots all over the US

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Tesla (TSLA) is sitting on so much inventory it has to take over parking lots all over the US

Tesla (TSLA) is currently sitting on so much inventory in the US that it has to take over parking lots outside of its exciting delivery centers to act as “overflow lots.”

Over the last few weeks, there have been increased reports of Tesla vehicles spotted in parking lots not directly linked to Tesla retail, delivery, or service locations.

In Chesterfield near St. Louis, Missouri, Tesla has rented the parking lot of a partly demolished mall where it is parking hundreds of unsold cars, which its delivery location three miles away can’t hold.

This is what is known as an “overflow” lot to handle rising inventory levels. Tesla has been using a lot more of these this year amid demand problems.

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There was another Tesla overflow lot spotted in Farmington Hills, Michigan earlier this month that has been controversial. The lot was reportedly not coded for vehicle storage, and the city notified Tesla:

In this case, many vehicles were Cybertrucks, which Tesla is having a tough time selling. We previously reported that sales fell by half compared to last year despite bigger discounts, and Tesla had to throttle down production to avoid building even more inventory.

About 100 Cybertrucks were spotted in the Farmington Hills lot.

Similar Tesla overflow lots were also spotted in Nevada, Florida, and Ohio in recent months.

Tesla’s inventory in the United States can be difficult to track. Some sites track Tesla listings, but the automaker can sometimes post a single listing for multiple vehicles with the same configuration.

Nonetheless, the latest data points to Tesla inventory increasing over the last week, with a surge of Model 3 listings:

Tesla’s overall inventory is higher than it was at the same time last quarter.

Cybertruck inventory has decreased slightly as Tesla has reduced production, but the automaker is still holding over 3,000 unsold Cybertrucks.

Electrek’s Take

Tesla is now offering record-low lease prices and subsidized financing to move its vehicles in the US, and yet, it still has higher inventory this quarter than it did the last, with only two weeks left in the quarter.

This is a problem for Tesla because the US is its last market where things are not completely terrible.

Sales in Canada are now gone. Almost completely. Europe is down roughly 40% even with the new Model Y.

In China, Tesla is currently down approximately 3,000 units compared to Q1, despite having ramped up Model Y production, made all variants available, and offered 0% financing.

At this point, it looks like Tesla is going to deliver between 350,000 and 360,000 vehicles in Q2, despite the Wall Street analyst consensus still being at 410,000 vehicles.

That would be down a whopping 80,000 units compared to the same period last year, and this time, Tesla has no Model Y changeover to blame things on. All that amid surging EV sales globally.

Maybe Tesla shareholders start to wake up and realize that there’s a problem that needs fixing, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

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