Connect with us

Published

on

Which e-bike company has an American name, is based in Belgium, and just unveiled a Dutch-inspired e-bike? If you guessed Cowboy, then, well that’s not really all that impressive because it was in the headline. But don’t worry, you still get to checkout the brand’s newest e-bike in all of its comfort-riding glory. Meet the new Cowboy Cruiser electric bike.

The new Cowboy Cruiser is claimed to draw heavily on Dutch inspirations thanks to its more comfortable and upright riding position.

Belgium isn’t too far from the Netherlands, but despite sharing a border, the Dutch-styled comfort bike had yet to hop the border into Cowboy’s lineup. At least that was until now, as the new Cowboy Cruiser takes a much more relaxed focus than previous commuter-style e-bikes from the company.

According to Cowboy, “The new e-bike was developed following feedback from within Cowboy’s urban rider community, who had requested a more upright  ‘Dutch’ riding position for improved posture and increased visibility on the road.”

cowboy cruiser

Don’t expect motor power over 250W or speeds over 25 km/h – these are still European e-bikes and have to play by European rules. But what you will see are a number of modifications to the classic Cowboy design that put a major focus on rider ergonomics.

Several updates to previous Cowboy e-bike models include new comfort grips on a raised and curved handlebar to provide a more natural hand position, a wider saddle with larger seating surface for extra comfort, and an increased gear ratio for “a more relaxing ride.”

As Cowboy’s design director Richard Bone explained:

With the e-bike market set to reach $119 billion by 2030 and with more people realizing the economical, environmental and health benefits of cycling, there are increasing numbers of new urban riders with different needs. At Cowboy, we are focused on addressing those needs as we focus on rider-centric innovation; developing e-bikes and software in line with what our riders actually need, not just innovating for innovation’s sake.

This thinking is also behind our renaming strategy, making it easier and clearer for customers to purchase the model that’s perfect for them. We are determined to increase the adoption of cycling by as many people as possible.

The bike weighs just 19.3 kg (42.5 lb.) and includes a wireless charging phone mount in the cockpit
that always access to the Cowboy app. The bike’s removable battery and carbon belt drive help set it apart from several other urban e-bikes, and the puncture resistance 47 mm custom tires with included mudguards give the bike a bit more rubber on the ground for more comfort as well as some added weather protection on wet or muddy roads.

The new Cowboy Cruiser is set to debut at an introductory price of £2,690 (€3,130 or US $3,416) and comes in two color options of Black or Sand.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

It’s true: High-performance electric motorcycle brand Energica is back

Published

on

By

It's true: High-performance electric motorcycle brand Energica is back

Italian electric motorcycle manufacturer Energica has just been handed a lifeline. Previously owned by US company Ideanomics, the famed motorcycle brand entered insolvency late last year after a period of financial duress prevented it from making payroll and continuing production.

Now, a new group of investors from Singapore has stepped in to take over.

The news was shared on Energica’s YouTube channel, and the company confirmed on LinkedIn that “The judicial process undergoing the sale of Energica has received an offer with a significant deposit from investors based in Singapore.” Energica says that the investors, who so far remain unnamed, “are enthusiasts that believe in, and share the common values of Energica.”

While it’s not certain how the buyout and revival will unfold, it appears that Energica is planning on getting the band back together. “If the process comes through successfully,” the company explained, “the same team behind Energica will be entrusted to run the operations, and we will continue creating cutting-edge technologies for our customers.”

Advertisement – scroll for more content

With many of Energica’s impressive electric motorcycles already in circulation from years of sales leading up to the 2024 bankruptcy, the company seems focused on starting by supporting those riders. ” Our first order of business is to support the customers and community. The judicial process will be completed in 60 days, and we will continue to share updates during the time.”

energica

Energica rose to fame by building high-performance electric motorcycles in Modena, Italy, and was one of the early pioneers in the premium electric two-wheeler space. Its lineup includes models like the Experia electric touring bike and the Ego sportbike. The company previously supplied race bikes for the MotoE World Cup until Ducati took over the role in 2023.

After being acquired by US-based Ideanomics in 2021, Energica initially benefited from an injection of capital that helped expand production and dealer networks. But Ideanomics itself has faced serious financial trouble, becoming unable to invest in the future of Energica.

Energica’s future prospects seemed dim at the time of its insolvency in 2024, but the uncertainty appears to be clearing with the hope that new owners can breathe fresh life into the company.

Even so, Energica’s core competency is building the fastest, most powerful, and longest range production electric motorcycles the world has ever seen, and that’s not exactly an inexpensive enterprise. Combined with current market trends that favor smaller, lighter, and less expensive commuter-spec electric motorcycles, it begs the question of whether or not a newly revived Energica will find a receptive market, or whether the company will be forced to expand the scope of its products to match better the type of electric motorcycles that are selling today.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

$250M Series B raise boosts XPeng AeroHT flying car ambitions

Published

on

By

0M Series B raise boosts XPeng AeroHT flying car ambitions

Chinese carmaker XPeng is getting perilously close to bringing its AeroHT consumer eVTOL concept to market, thanks to a $250 million Series B round that’s set to accelerate the company’s modular “flying car” production plans.

XPeng subsidiary AeroHT had its first successful proof of concept test flight ahead of the brand’s annual 1024 back in 2023, where the company unveiled a pair of flying car designs. The X3 is an actual flying “car” that can drive, park, and take off on its own, and a second, modular eVTOL that folds up into the back of an electric van called the Land Aircraft Carrier.

That vehicle pair, shown at CES in January, was set to begin production this year, with the eVTOL component set to begin production in 2026 – and that’s looking a lot more likely thanks to the new infusion of capital!

AeroHT at CES 2025


Xpeng Aeroht raised $150 million in Series B1 funding last August, before launching its Series B2 funding round. The most recent announcement that the company has secured an additional $100 million in its Series B2 funding round brings the total amount raised to more than $750 million, with a $1B pre-revenue valuation.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

CNEVPost reports that company aims to establish itself as a commercial pioneer in urban air mobility ahead of a potential IPO – and may get there sooner than later, thanks to several hundred pre-orders at the $280,000 projected price.

Electrek’s Take


flying car Dubai
AeroHT sixth-generation X3 flying car; via XPeng.

Scooter Doll said it best, writing, “this footage (of the AeroHT test flight) is as scary and concerning as it is exciting and awe-inspiring.” Which is to say that these things are real, they seem like they’re getting built, and they seem like they’ll sell well enough to convince at least one or two remaining boomers that the flying car they’ve been promised their whole lives is – finally! – coming to market.

Here’s hoping.

SOURCE: Xpeng, via CNEVPost; gallery photos by the author.


If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and 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.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

This metro Atlanta factory roof is now a solar record-breaker

Published

on

By

This metro Atlanta factory roof is now a solar record-breaker

Flooring manufacturer Beauflor USA just turned on the biggest rooftop solar system by capacity in metro Atlanta — and it’s now powering part of its Georgia factory.

The new 1,040 kW system in Cartersville officially beats metro Atlanta’s previous rooftop solar record of 1,034 kW. The new array produces enough energy to power more than 100 homes. The system is expected to cover about 10% of Beauflor’s electricity needs and cut its carbon emissions by about 920 metric tons annually.

“This solar installation represents our commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices while making sound business decisions,” said Emile Coopman, continuous improvement manager at Beauflor. He added that the system is designed with room to grow: “This is the first step toward more renewable energy.”

The company partnered with Cherry Street Energy to install the nearly 2,000-panel system, which was completed in less than four months. Cherry Street invested $1.8 million into the project and is covering all construction and maintenance costs through a 30-year energy procurement agreement. Beauflor will buy solar power directly from Cherry Street, allowing it to avoid upfront capital costs while still lowering its energy bills.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

“As Georgia’s manufacturers ramp up production amid rising costs for grid energy, sophisticated operators seek ways to quickly and sustainably address their energy needs,” said Cherry Street CEO Michael Chanin. “On-site solar with no capital expense delivers just that: reliable, affordable electricity.”

Chanin added that the system’s power output is especially impressive: “The previous record-holder for metro Atlanta’s largest rooftop solar required over 4,000 panels. We’re using less than 2,000 to reliably generate even more power.”

Read more: This is New Jersey’s largest high-rise residential rooftop solar array


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and 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.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending