‘World’s longest range e-bikes’ launched by Erik Buell’s electric bicycle company
World-renowned motorcycle designer Erik Buell’s electric bike company FUELL has just launched two new models of e-bikes, known as the Flluid-2 and Flluid-3. These US-assembled electric bikes aren’t just claiming to be the longest range options on the market but are also said to offer “a unique riding experience setting them clearly ahead in the crowded e-bike industry.”
The new e-bikes are designed to be true car replacers for many riders, as CTO Erik Buell explained:
“We used the knowledge gained from our initial foray into the electric bike market with Flluid-1 to develop a superior urban transportation solution, making sure that Flluid-2 & 3 are true and viable alternatives to cars.”
That first electric bike was already an impressive model in its own right, but the FUELL Flluid-2 and Flluid-3 look to be raising the bar even further.
The Flluid-2 is described as an “ultra-long-range powerhouse” with its two removable battery packs totaling 2 kWh of capacity. That doubles the battery capacity of the first-generation FUELL Flluid-1 and enables an impressive range of up to 225 mi (362 km) on a single charge.
For an easier-to-mount step-through option, the Flluid-3 offers a single 1 kWh battery that should be enough for anyone that can live with a still-impressive 110 mi (177 km) range.
Both models offer throttle-enabled 750 W continuous-rated Valeo mid-drive motors, though the throttle is limited to just 6 km/h or 3.7 mph in Europe for regulatory compliance. The motor will also carry a 250 W rating in Europe, though both the EU and US versions are listed at 130 Nm of torque, making the motor one of the strongest mid-drives available on retail e-bikes.
The FUELL Flluid-2 and Flluid-3 will both reach 20 mph (32 km/h) in the US or 25 km/h (15 mph) in Europe. A speed version of each model will be offered, known as the Flluid-2S and Flluid-3S, which will reach speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h) in both the US and EU models.
Both bikes include automatic shifting with a 450% gear range, electric bike-specific road tires, integrated LED lighting, front suspension, fenders/rack package, and a Gates Carbon Drive belt-drive setup instead of a typical bicycle chain.
The e-bikes are designed to fit a range of riders from 5’1″ to 6’5″ (155 to 195cm) and are “geometrically optimized to provide stable, confident, yet incredibly nimble steering and handling.”
Both the FUELL Flluid-2 and Flluid-3 come standard with low-maintenance components, including hydraulic disc brakes and belt drivetrains.
As Buell explained, his goal with the design of the new bikes was to create a high-performance two-wheeler that would be as easy to use as a car and with a similar range:
“The creation of the FUELL Flluid-2 & 3 e-bikes was a complex and demanding journey that took many years of research and development. We faced a lot of challenges on our way such as creating e-bikes that comfortably fit customers from 5’ tall all the way to 6’4” tall, packing 2,000 Wh of battery into the frame without getting it too massive, providing a ‘just right’ balance of agility and confident handling to the riding experience, etc. I am proud to announce that we have successfully overcome all these challenges, developing e-bikes that meet the needs of today’s urban commuters.
“Many e-bike customers are coming from driving a car or motorcycle and are not current bicyclists. This customer is looking for an e-bike that is simple and easy to use as their motor vehicle with a similar range.”
The models are launching on Indiegogo via a crowdfunding campaign, with early bird prices starting at US $3,999 for the Flluid-2 and $3,699 for the Flluid-3. Both of those figures mark a discount of over 30% off of the MSRP for each model as part of the promotional launch pricing.
We generally don’t cover products launching on crowdfunding campaigns unless they come from reputable companies that have already demonstrated the ability to deliver products to customers. In this case, Erik Buell is a highly respected figure in the motorcycle world and has gained prominence in the electric bicycle world for the well-received FUELL Flluid-1 electric bike, which has been making successful deliveries for the last two years. While that doesn’t guarantee the success of a crowdfunding campaign, it stacks the deck in riders’ favor.
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It looks like the Batmobile from the future. Mercedes unveiled a stunning new Vision Iconic EV concept, promising to “stand out in a sea of sameness.” The show car blends the Golden Era of auto design with advanced new tech and features like Solar Paint and Level 4 self-driving capabilities.
Meet the Mercedes Vision Iconic EV concept
The Vision Iconic offers a glimpse of the luxury brand’s new era of design. It’s no secret by now that legacy automakers are struggling to keep up with the influx of new, more advanced, and oftentimes better-looking EVs coming out of China, South Korea, and other regions.
Mercedes is drawing inspiration from its past icons to revamp the brand with a fresh new look. The first thing you’ll notice is the redesigned grille.
The updated grille design was first shown on the new GLC in August. After introducing a closed-off grille design on its first electric vehicles, Mercedes is going back to a more traditional luxury style with a massive, bold new look.
Mercedes said the new front face, showcased on the Vision Iconic, enables the brand to “stand out from the sea of sameness.” And that it does. The concept builds on it with an illuminated upright star on the bonnet.
The electric coupe is inspired by the Golden Era of auto design, the 1930s. It draws inspiration from Mercedes’ icons, like the 300 SL and 600 Pullman.
According to Mercedes’ chief designer, Gorden Wagener, the Vision Iconic is “more than just an automobile – it is a sculpture in motion, a homage to timeless elegance, and a statement for the future.”
The concept is more than just a beautiful show car. It’s also packed with Mercedes’ most advanced tech and features.
An entirely new driving experience
Inside, the Vision Iconic is defined by “lounge-like comfort” and an entirely new digital experience. The instrument panel is a floating glass structure Mercedes calls “Zeppelin.”
Once you open the door, the instrument cluster comes to life with a screen stretching pillar to pillar. At the center, one of the four clocks is shaped like the Mercedes’ logo and acts as an AI assistant. The massive four-spoke steering wheel almost looks like something you’d find on a sailboat.
With steer-by-wire, Mercedes claims the Vision Iconic offers an entirely new steering experience with rear axle steering.
Mercedes said it’s also looking into using solar modules applied to the body of an EV to draw energy from the sun and extend the driving range.
According to Mercedes, an area of 11 square meters, or about the size of a mid-size SUV, could produce energy for up to 12,000 km (7,456 miles) a year in ideal conditions. The coating can be easily recycled and does not contain any rare earths or silicon.
Mercedes said the solar cells have a high efficiency of 20% and generate energy constantly, even if the vehicle is off.
And that’s not all of it. The company is also advancing neuromorphic computing, which Mercedes said “has the potential to reduce the energy requirements for data processing in autonomous driving by 90 percent compared to today’s systems.”
The Vision Iconic will come with Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, but on the highway, Level 4 autonomy is activated.
Will we ever see the Vision Iconic on the road? Don’t get your hopes up, as it’s just a show car. However, you can expect to see several elements and new tech make their way into upcoming Mercedes models.
What do you think of the electric show car? A timeless design? Or should Mercedes head back to the drawing board yet again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Aptera reports having secured access to $75 million in funding to bring its solar car to production as it is set to go public later this week.
As we reported last week, Aptera is about to go public on the NASDAQ this week, but there were, and still are, some concerns about their approach.
The company is doing a direct listing rather than an IPO or a SPAC deal, which means that Aptera doesn’t secure any funding from going public.
Generally, a direct listing serves as an exit strategy for existing shareholders. In the case of Aptera, there are numerous shareholders, as the majority of funding comes from crowdfunding campaigns.
One of the biggest red flags is that company insiders, especially the co-CEOs, had no lockup period with the listing.
Furthermore, Aptera disclosed that it had only $13 million left by the end of June, as stated in its SEC filing. That’s not enough money to bring its solar car to production, and again, the direct listing is not getting any money into the company.
However, two days before going public on the NASDAQ, Aptera is now announcing that it secured “up to $75 million in equity financing”:
Aptera Motors Corp. (“Aptera”), the solar mobility company focused on developing highly efficient vehicles, today announced it has entered into share purchase agreement providing for up to $75 million of committed equity financing (the “ELOC”) with New Circle Principal Investments LLC, an affiliate of leading growth-focused investor New Circle Capital.
In short, Aptera will be able to sell shares New Circle Capital, which appears to be a small boutique firm.
Aptera says that it will use the proceeds to bring its solar car to production:
Proceeds from the ELOC are expected to support production readiness, including tooling and other activities required to bring Aptera’s Launch Edition vehicles to market. This structure gives Aptera the flexibility to raise capital in stages over time, aligning with the Company’s strategic priorities and market opportunities.
The company had aimed to bring its vehicle to production this year, but that goal was delayed due to ongoing funding issues throughout the year.
Electrek’s Take
This is relatively good news. As I mentioned last week, Aptera’s only chance is to raise money after the listing. However, the ability to do so without unreasonable dilution would only occur if the price holds next week.
For that to happen, Aptera needs insider and crowdfunders not to sell, and that’s a tall order.
Perhaps this announcement that Aptera can secure the funding to bring the vehicle to production encourages people to stay put. New Circle Capital buys the shares from Aptera, hoping that the stock gains momentum as the company reaches production.
We will see, but a lot of things need to go right for this to happen, and only a few need to go wrong for the whole thing to come crumbling.
I am hoping for the best as I’d love to see Aptera’s hyper-efficient EVs on the road.
While solar cars are cool, the most efficient way to power an electric car with solar energy is to have solar panels on your home. If you are in the US, the next few weeks are likely the last opportunity to secure a solar installation and take advantage of the federal tax credit, which is set to expire.
If you want to make sure you’re finding a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage. EnergySage is a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar – whether you’re a homeowner or renter. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, including those who install Tesla Solar and Powerwalls, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20 to 30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here. The company is currently working double time to help people secure solar installations before the end of the tax credit.
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President Donald Trump could still slap China with 100% tariffs on Nov. 1 or sooner, depending on Beijing’s next move in a dispute over rare earths, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CNBC Tuesday.
“A lot depends on what the Chinese do,” Greer told CNBC in an interview. “They are the ones who have chosen to make this major escalation.”
China announced sweeping restrictions on rare earth exports last week that would disrupt U.S. defense, technology, semiconductor and automobile industries if implemented.
Trump retaliated with the threat of massive tariffs that would effectively shut down trade between the world’s two largest economies. But the president appeared to dial back his rhetoric earlier this week, saying saying “it will all be fine” with China.
“We can’t have a situation where the Chinese keep this regime in place, where they want to have veto power over the world’s high tech supply chains,” the U.S. trade representative said.
Trump, Xi scheduled to meet
The restrictions took the White House by surprise ahead of an expected meeting between Trump and President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit later this month in Seoul, South Korea.
Trump and Xi are still scheduled to meet, Greer said, though he suggested those plans are subject to change depending on how the situation develops.
“Whether it will go through or not, I don’t want to precommit either ourselves or the Chinese,” Greer said of the meeting. “But I think it makes sense for people to talk when they can.”
U.S. and Chinese officials at the senior staff level spoke as recently as Monday in Washington about the rare earth dispute, Greer said.
“We think we’ll be able to work through it,” Greer said of the trade dispute.
‘We want to work with the Chinese’
The U.S. stock market erased about $2 trillion in value on Friday in response to Trump’s tariff threat against China. The White House watches the market, Greer said, but the administration is focused on building long-term economic success by bringing supply chains back to the U.S., and reducing dependence on China.
“We want to make sure that the market is also responding to appropriate information,” Greer said. “You’ve seen the market settle out this week as they realize that the president and his team, we want to work with the Chinese.”
Rare earths are critical minerals used to manufacture magnets, which are key inputs in U.S. weapons platforms, electric vehicles, the semiconductor industry and other applications.
China controls about 60% of rare earth mining and more than 90% of refining worldwide, according to the International Energy Agency. The U.S. is dependent on China for roughly 70% of its rare earth imports, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
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