HOVSCO launches two new fat tire e-bikes that both pack a punch
Not familiar with HOVSCO? Eh, it’s not really your fault. Even if you spend all day wrist-deep in the e-bike industry like me, there’s a thousand and one e-bike companies out there. I’ve only followed HOVSCO for a few months now through some rather run-of-the-mill e-bike launches, but the company’s latest two models have actually gotten me interested. Meet the new HOVSCO HovWagon and HovScout.
If the HovWagon sounds like the RadWagon from Rad Power Bikes, that’s probably not an accident. Rad has been copied up and down the e-bike block for years, from its designs to its product names.
But the HovWagon, despite borrowing the same naming and coloring scheme, brings some interesting bits and pieces to the table.
It’s a smaller format cargo bike, bordering on utility bike territory, and uses 20″ fat tires to keep the ride fairly low on a compact cargo bike. The wheels are small enough in diameter to prevent the bike’s center of gravity from climbing higher, yet still offers a nicer ride on big fat air-cushion tires. For anyone who takes occasional detours off-road, it will likely make a big difference.
The 750W Class 2 e-bike ships with a 20 mph (32 km/h) speed limit on throttle and pedal assist, but can be unlocked via the company’s app to reach 28 mph (45 km/h).
Those that plan to make use of that pedal assist will be happy to hear that the bike includes a torque sensor to offer a higher quality pedaling experience. As the company explained:
The torque sensor pedal assist systems measure the amount of power you are putting into the pedals and it will increase or decrease the electric assist based on your pedaling power. The torque sensor systems have a very intuitive ride feel because they emulate your pedal power very well.
The frame-integrated yet still removable 720 Wh LG battery is said to offer up to 60 miles (96 km) of range on pedal assist, though I’d estimate that riders will get around half of that range if they’re heavy on the throttle and don’t pedal very much. Even so, that’s a nice big battery and some decent range, to boot.
The real star of the show for any cargo bike though is its cargo capacity. With a long rear rack that be converted into a bench seat, the HovWagon claims a maximum capacity of 450 lb (205 kg). That’s one of the highest weight ratings we’ve ever seen in the e-bike industry. There’s almost no way to verify that claim, and since Tern’s heavy hauling e-bikes are rated for similar or slightly less weight yet routinely break the test equipment used to certify them, there might be a bit of a guesstimate going into those HOVSCO weight capacity numbers.
But with hydraulic disc brakes, a 7-speed Shimano transmission, a 2-year warranty and a whole host of cargo-related accessories that bolt onto the front and rear of the HovWagon, this still seems like a more than capable e-bike for most families, and the $1,999 price tag feels fair compared to several other similarly-spec’d cargo e-bikes on the market. If you find the bike on Amazon, though, there seems to be a $100 coupon that makes the price even more attractive.
For those that want to step things up a notch with their adventure level, the HovScout is a bit more appropriate.
This full-suspension e-bike features larger diameter fat tires that are better for dedicated off-road riding, as opposed to the smaller dual-purpose fat tires on the HovWagon.
The HovScout is thus a more purpose-built trail bike for adventurous riding.
Despite the different geometry and design, the tech specs are actually quite similar between the two. The HovScout shares the HovWagon’s 750W power rating and 20 mph (32 km/h) top speed out of the box, but can also be unlocked for Class 3 28 mph (45 km/h) riding.
Other parts that appear to be shared by the two models are the 720Wh battery, torque-sensor pedal assist, hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano 7-speed transmission, and massive weight rating.
You’ll have to fork over an extra five hundred bucks, though, as the HovScout is priced at $2,499.
Electrek’s Take
Color me interested. Of course it’s hard for any cargo e-bike to compete with the Lectric XPedition these days, but HovWagon looks like it has a place to stand on its own. The $1,399 XPedition can save you some cash, but it’s got a smaller battery and no torque sensor, plus the integrated battery on the HovScout looks better than the ol’ behind-the-seat-tube battery on the XPedition.
For the HovScout, again it’s the torque sensor that has me really interested. A full-suspension fat tire e-bike isn’t cheap, but a torque sensor generally adds significantly to the price by putting it in a higher quality e-bike class. $2,499 isn’t nothing, but it’s not bad for a full-suspension e-bike with this loadout.
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Massachusetts is launching a first-of-its-kind statewide vehicle-to-everything (V2X) pilot program. This two-year initiative, backed by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), aims to deploy 100 bidirectional chargers to homes, school buses, municipal, and commercial fleet participants across the state.
These bidirectional chargers will enable EVs to serve as mobile energy storage units, collectively providing an estimated 1.5 MW of new storage capacity. That means EVs won’t just be getting power – they’ll be giving it back to the grid, helping to balance demand and support renewable energy use. The program is also focused on ensuring that low-income and disadvantaged communities have access to this cutting-edge tech.
The Massachusetts pilot is one of the largest state-led V2X initiatives in the US and is designed to tackle key challenges in deploying bidirectional charging technology. By strategically placing these chargers in a variety of settings, the program aims to identify and resolve barriers to wider adoption of V2X technology.
Massachusetts EV owners and fleet operators enrolled in the program will get bidirectional chargers capable of both vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and backup power operations at no cost. Here’s what they stand to gain:
- No-cost charging infrastructure: Bidirectional charging stations and installation are fully covered for participants.
- Grid resilience: With an estimated 1.5 MW of new flexible and distributed storage assets, the program strengthens Massachusetts’ energy infrastructure.
- Clean energy integration: V2G technology allows EVs to charge when renewable energy is available and discharge stored energy when it’s not, supporting the state’s clean energy goals.
- Backup power: EV batteries can be used as backup power sources during outages.
- Revenue opportunities: Some participants can earn money by sending stored energy back to the grid.
Clean energy solutions firm Resource Innovations and vehicle-grid integration tech company The Mobility House are leading the program’s implementation. “With the charging infrastructure provided through this program, we’re eliminating financial barriers and enabling school districts, homeowners, and fleets to access reliable backup power,” said Kelly Helfrich of Resource Innovations. “We aim to create a scalable blueprint for V2X programs nationwide.”
“Bidirectional charging benefits vehicle owners by providing backup power and revenue opportunities while strengthening the grid for the entire community,” added Russell Vare of The Mobility House North America.
The program is open for enrollment now through June 2025. For more details, visit the MassCEC V2X Program webpage. A list of eligible bidirectional vehicles can be found on that page.
Read more: Cambridge’s new solar VPPA is the largest ever by any US city
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Compton, California, has unveiled 25 new electric school buses – the school district’s first – and 25 Tellus 180 kW DC fast chargers.
Compton Unified School District (CUSD) in southern Los Angeles County is putting 17 Thomas Built Type A and eight Thomas Built Type C electric school buses on the road this spring. In addition to working with Thomas Built, CUSD also collaborated with electrification-as-a-service provider Highland Electric Fleet, utility Southern California Edison, and school transportation provider Durham School Services.
Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program awarded funds for the vehicles in the program’s first round. EPA also awarded CUSD funds for the third round of the program and anticipates introducing an additional 25 EV school buses in the future.
“I can’t stress enough how vital grants like these are and the need for continued support from our partners in government at the state and federal level to fund additional grants for school districts and their transportation partners that are ready to deliver and operate zero-emission buses,” said Tim Wertner, CEO of Durham School Services.
CUSD, which serves Compton and parts of the cities of Carson and Los Angeles, currently serves more than 17,000 students at 36 sites. The district has a high school graduation rate of 93% and an 88% college acceptance rate. One in 11 children in Los Angeles County have asthma, which makes the need for emissions-free school transportation that much more pressing.
Read more: Thomas Built Buses debuts its next-gen electric school bus
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After cutting lease prices by $200 this month, the Rivian R1S is now surprisingly affordable. It may even be a better deal than the new Tesla Model Y.
Rivian cuts R1S lease prices by $200 per month
Rivian’s R1S is one of the hottest electric SUVs on the market. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you’re missing out.
With some of the best deals to date, now may be the time. Rivian lowered R1S lease prices earlier this month to just $599 for 36 months, with $8,493 due at signing (30,000 miles). The offer is for the new 2025 R1S Adventure Dual Standard, which starts at $75,900.
Before the price cut, the R1S was listed at $799 per month, with $8,694 due at signing. The electric SUV now has the same lease price as the R1T, despite costing $6,000 more.
The 2025 R1T Dual Motor starts at $69,900, essentially making it a free $6,000 upgrade. At that price, you may even want to consider it over the new Tesla Model Y.
Tesla’s new Model Y Launch Series arrived with lease prices of $699 for 36 months. With $4,393 due at signing, the effective rate is $821 per month, or just $13 less than the R1S at $834. However, the 2025 R1S costs nearly $15,000 more, with the Model Y Launch Series price at $59,990.
Rivian is also offering an “All-Electric Upgrade Offer” of up to $6,000 for those looking to trade-in their gas-powered car, but base models are not included.
| Starting Price | Range (EPA-est.) |
|
| 2025 Rivian R1S Dual Standard | $75,900 | 270 miles |
| 2026 Tesla Model Y Launch Series | $59,990 | 327 miles |
To take advantage of the Rivian R1S lease deal, you must order it before March 15 and take delivery on or before March 31, 2025.
The 2025 Rivian R1S Dual Standard Motor has an EPA-estimated range of up to 270 miles. Tesla’s new Model Y Launch Series gets up to 327 miles.
Which electric SUV would you choose? Rivian’s R1S or the new Tesla Model Y? If you’re ready to check them out for yourself, you can use our links below to find deals on the Rivian R1S and Tesla Model Y in your area.
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