Specialized, one of the leading manufacturers of high-end bicycles and e-bikes, has launched its first-ever value segment of e-bikes under the Globe line. The company’s launch model is an electric cargo bike known as the Globe Haul ST.
While Specialized calls it a cargo bike, the shorter wheel-base that keeps it in “normal bike” proportions helps put it into a class we often refer to as utility e-bikes. These are e-bikes with extra cargo capacity for hauling extra cargo or passengers, but without the extra bulk and length often associated with oversized electric cargo bikes.
The Globe Haul ST is priced at US $2,700, which might seem to be a bit higher than most budget-oriented e-bikes yet is positively low-cost for a premium brand like Specialized.
The company is pitching the Globe Haul ST as an affordable car-replacing electric bike that can handle many of the daily tasks that many people accomplish with a much larger vehicle.
As the company explained:
The Globe Haul ST represents a new category of e-bike for Specialized, one that fills the gap between a commuter e-bike and a car. The Globe line is designed with increased load capacity and a versatile accessory mounting system allowing riders to travel comfortably around the suburbs and exurbs as well as the off-the-beaten paths of their outdoor adventures.
Compared to many of Specialized’s electric bicycles that lean more toward European-style e-bike designs, the Globe Haul ST is rather Americanized.
That means a powerful 700W hub motor, a massive 772 Wh battery touting 60 miles (96 km) of range, large tires in a 20×3.5″ size, and a massive weight capacity of up to 419 lb. (190 kg).
Oh yeah, and the Class 3 top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h).
That being said, it’s missing one major piece of kit loved by the majority of North American riders: a throttle option. When we first got a look at teaser pics, I called out a thin wire tracing its way up to the right handlebar end. As it didn’t terminate in the brakes and thus couldn’t have been a common brake sensor, I suggested that it may be a giveaway for a throttle. Unfortunately I was a bit too optimistic, as it turns out it’s the switch for the ultra-bright 1,500 lumen headlight.
However, one of the many accessories option includes a plug-in throttle, so it sounds like the company is prepared to offer that option to those that prefer the ability to put their legs on autopilot for a period.
In true Specialized fashion, the bike is outfitted with some very nice parts compared to today’s mid-level e-bikes. Microshift’s 9-speed transmission makes an appearance, as do hydraulic disc brakes on massive 203 mm brake rotors, and there’s even a torque sensor for ultra-smooth and responsive pedal assist.
There’s a telescoping seat post that drops down ultra low for riders as short as 4’5″ (135 cm) or as tall as 6’4″ (193 cm). The rear rack is dual level to create enough space for panniers to clip on while potentially leaving the top bars unencumbered for extra cargo loading.
That rack seems to be a central part of several accessory options, as the company explained:
To further separate itself from the pack, the bike comes with a versatile mounting system and ecosystem of specifically-engineered accessories that allow riders to personalize with the storage and seating configuration best suited to their needs. The Globe Haul ST launches with an accessory line that includes front and rear pannier adaptors, a rear passenger seat, handlebars, and foot pegs, an MIK-ready front rack, rear wheel cover, and plug-in throttle. A rack customization kit also provides various hardware to bolt on just about anything to the front.
Even less critical parts like the included brass bell appear to be nicer quality than the typical accessories slapped on a lot of direct-to-consumer e-bikes.
Priced at US $2,700, the Specialized Globe Haul ST is available in dark and light colorways of Satin Obsidian and Gloss White Mountains. The bike is currently only available in the US, but Specialized representatives have told Electrek that there are still plans to expand international distribution “in the future.”
Electrek’s Take
I’m pretty darn impressed with the Globe Haul ST, and I’m glad to see a throttle option, even if it’s an up-charge. I can already tell you that the lack of a throttle would have considerably cut into the bike’s potential sales in the US. It’s not that all e-bikes have to come with a throttle – I love pedal assist as well. But there are so many US e-bike riders that simply won’t look at an e-bike that doesn’t at least give them the option of throttling when they’re tired.
I think it’s hard to talk about these step-through utility bikes without mentioning the RadRunner, especially since they borrow heavily from the setup popularized by Rad Power Bikes a few years ago. Even the nicest $2,500 RadRunner 3 Plus is still a bit more affordable than the Globe Haul ST, though I doubt Rad can compete with the quality of a brand like Specialized.
I’m loving the loadout here. And I’m loving the fact that you’re basically getting Specialized quality and attention to detail at a more direct-to-consumer price. In fact, the packaging and owners manual alone speak volumes about this e-bike and the company behind it. Most direct-to-consumer e-bikes expect you to say thanks for including a couple Ikea-quality hex wrenches produced out of a steel-butter alloy. But the Globe Haul ST comes with a full tool kit including a freakin’ torque wrench to make sure you not only assemble the bike properly but also torque all the bolts to spec. Mmmm, I love that.
Though for those that don’t want the hassle of self-assembly, Specialized also offers an option to have the bike shipped to their local dealer for professional assembly.
Images from the Globe Haul ST assembly manual
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On today’s festive episode of Quick Charge, Tesla steps up for its owners by calling in mobile charging stations to cut down on wait time. Meanwhile Hyundai has some extra goodies for your stockings and Texas is cleaning up its act.
We’ve also got big savings for Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra shoppers, as well as some good environmental news in the form of new solar and wind projects coming online at a record clip, and a dirty Texas mine that’s cleaning up its act.
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (and sometimes Sunday). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!
Got news? Let us know! Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.
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Dodge is rolling out a hefty discount on the 2025 Charger Daytona EV even though it hasn’t officially hit the market yet. According to a dealer bulletin, the 2025 Daytona EV qualifies for a juicy $3,000 discount, but you won’t see it advertised anywhere. Here’s how you could snag this deal and save big.
On December 13, Stellantis introduced the BEV Dealer Cash Coupon Program, an incentive program designed to sweeten the deal on electric Dodge models. Under this program, dealers get a $1,000 cash coupon for the Charger Daytona – and here’s the kicker – they can stack up to three of these coupons for a total of $3,000 in savings. Unlike traditional rebates that go directly to the buyer, dealers have the option to keep the incentive as extra profit.
The program covers both the 2024 and 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EVs for purchases and leases. But there’s more: if you’re leasing, you can stack that $3,000 dealer cash with a $7,500 lease incentive tied to a commercial tax credit (unavailable when buying). Add it all up, and you could score a whopping $10,500 in savings. This deal is slated to end on April 30, 2025, so there’s time to plan your move.
For some context, the 2024 Dodge Charger EV starts at $61,590, including destination fees. With $10,500 in potential savings, that’s an impressive 17% discount off MSRP—and that’s before you factor in any additional dealer discounts. Interestingly, Dodge has a higher-than-usual difference between invoice and MSRP pricing on the Daytona, meaning there’s room for negotiation if you’re savvy.
Of course, there are a few things to watch out for. Dealer participation varies, so your results may depend on where you shop. Plus, Dodge hasn’t released pricing for the 2025 Charger Daytona yet, so there’s some guesswork involved. Still, if you’re hunting for a bargain, the 2024 Charger EV stands out as one of the best financing deals right now, offering 0% interest for up to 72 months.
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Toyota’s electric SUV may soon get a fresh start. After a rocky debut, the Toyota bZ4X is reportedly due for a rebrand, with a new name coming as soon as 2026.
Is Toyota giving the bZ4X a new name?
After launching the bZ4X in 2022, Toyota’s first electric SUV had a bumpy market debut. In June 2022, all bZ4X models were recalled over concerns that the wheels could fall off.
Since then, Toyota has struggled to gain traction. Through the first nine months of 2024, Toyota sold 13,577 bZ4X models in the US. Although that’s double the roughly 6,500 sold through Q3 2023, it’s still less than 1% of its over 1.7 total vehicles sold through September.
As Toyota looks to turn things around, the bZ4X is due for a complete rebrand. Speaking at a recent auto press event in Quebec, a regional director for Toyota Canada said the company is preparing to change the bZ4X name.
According to Motor Illustrated, Patrick Ryan, Toyota’s regional director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, said the name change will occur over the next year.
2025 Toyota bZ4X Limited AWD (Source: Toyota)
Toyota just revealed the 2025 bZ4X last week, so it will likely be for the 2026 model year. Prices for the 2025 Toyota bZ4X start at $37,070 in the US, or $6,000 less than the outgoing model. The FWD model has an EPA-estimated range of up to 252 miles, while the AWD trim has a range of up to 222 miles.
Toyota promotes its bZ branding as “beyond Zero” in reference to EVs cutting emissions. Meanwhile, the “4” determines its format (think RAV4), and the X tells us it’s a crossover.
2025 Toyota bZ4X Nightshade edition (Source: Toyota)
In the US, all Toyota vehicles are badged with an actual name other than the RAV4 and bZ4X. A new name may make sense since bZ4X is a bit of a tongue twister and had a less-than-favorable reception.
After unveiling its new Urban Cruiser electric SUV earlier this month, will Toyota follow a similar route with the bZ4X? Although its first three-row electric SUV is now delayed until 2026, we could see a completely different naming system rollout.
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