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Battle Motors and Elgin Sweeper Company have collaborated to put the first all-electric street sweeper into service in the US, and we got to drive it.

The city of Los Angeles unveiled the new electric sweeper last month, and it’s putting it into service this year, mainly in a test capacity to see how it would work in the city’s fleet. The city has committed to transition to 100% clean energy by 2035, and this is part of that effort.

While the vehicle was unveiled just a couple of weeks ago, it’s been touring around various expos, touting its existence as the first all-electric street sweeper to be put into service in the US. We got to take it for a spin around the parking lot at Irwindale Speedway during an event put on by Velocity Truck Centers, a commercial truck dealer network that serves the Southwest US and distributes Battle Motors’ electric trucks. (We also drove Battle Motors’ electric garbage truck at the same event.)

Unlike the garbage trucks, we only took the street sweeper for a quick spin around the parking lot. There weren’t a lot of surprises; it felt and sounded about like what you’d expect a street sweeper to be like.

We did notice a little quirk where the powertrain seemed to have significant inertia in it – on short, hard acceleration-then-braking events, the truck would keep accelerating for a moment after letting off the accelerator. This isn’t likely to come up often in a large vehicle that mostly does consistent low speeds, but it’s something for drivers to be aware of (or for Battle to perhaps iron out in the software).

Given that this is the first electric street sweeper to go into service, fleet managers haven’t had many chances to see how they work. So events like these let them get behind the wheel and see it work in person – just to prove that, yes, these trucks do work fine, have plenty of power to get around, can push dust just as well as the diesel versions can, and so on.

Elgin, who built the body on Battle Motors’ chassis, mentioned that one benefit of an electric powertrain is the ability to customize drive software for easier operation. Sweepers like to do slow, consistent speeds, and software can be configured to automatically creep at whatever speed the operator wants, which isn’t so easy in a diesel truck. Elgin said they can put in other software customizations depending on the buyer’s needs.

For drivers, the lack of vibration from the engine can help make driving easier on the body. And, of course, the lack of pollution from a tailpipe is a major benefit for workers and neighborhoods alike.

That said, some benefits of electric drive are less pronounced with street sweepers. For example, while electric trucks are quieter due to the lack of a diesel engine, much of the noise from a street sweeper comes from brushes on the road, so only one source of noise is removed in this case.

Battle Motors’ philosophy has been not to shake the boat too much when it comes to laying out powertrain parts, choosing to mount the motor up front and deliver power to the axles through a driveshaft rather than an e-axle. For the street sweeper, the rear end is a much dirtier place, with lots of gunk and grime as well as water spraying all over the place, so they figured it would be wise to keep more sensitive components away from the part of the vehicle that is likely to experience the most corrosion.

This expands to other choices in vehicle design, like using hydraulic power steering instead of electronic. While electronic power steering is generally simpler and cheaper to implement, in a time when EVs will necessarily only be part of a fleet (so far), it makes it easier for fleet mechanics to work on alternate powertrains when the rest of the vehicle’s parts are similar.

The Battle Motors/Elgin Electric Broom Bear comes at a cost of over $800,000. This is double the price of a diesel street sweeper but is actually about $100,000 cheaper than the hybrid CNG-electric sweepers LA purchased last year.

While this is quite a big price jump, the electric sweeper will have lower fuel and maintenance costs, will qualify for both federal and state incentives, and will also produce less pollution.

Heavy-duty vehicles produce more than their fair share of pollution, and taking this pollution out of communities where people live comes with great benefits for a city. We’ve already seen improvements in air quality from higher electric car use in Los Angeles specifically, so the city knows that there are greater benefits to EVs than just fuel savings.

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Tesla Cybertruck sank when launching a jetski after Musk said you could use the truck as a boat

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Tesla Cybertruck sank when launching a jetski after Musk said you could use the truck as a boat

A Tesla Cybertruck sank in Ventura harbor in California when trying to launch a jetski despite Tesla CEO Elon Musk saying that you could use the truck as a boat.

Elon Musk has often made claims before about how Tesla vehicles could float and briefly serve as a boat.

They have never been taken too seriously because Tesla’s warranty says something different about taking the vehicle into the water.

However, the CEO doubled down on the claim with Cybertruck.

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Ahead of launching the production version of the Cybertruck, Musk claimed the vehicle would be “waterproof enough” to serve as a boat and cross rivers:

Cybertruck will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes and even seas that aren’t too choppy.

The CEO added that the goal is for a Cybertruck to be able to cross the water between SpaceX’s Starbase and South Padre Island in Texas, which is about 360 meters (1,100 feet).

We have been taking the Cybertruck more seriously with water because we learned that Tesla built a ‘wade mode’ for the truck to be able to go into the water. Tesla says the mode increases the ride height to the max and “pressurizes the battery pack.”

The problem is that it is activated through the off-roading mode, which is not covered under Tesla’s warranty – so we are taking everything with a grain of salt.

Tesla Cybertruck Sank in Ventura

A Tesla owner in California learned the hard way that Cybertruck is not a boat.

The incident happened in Ventura harbor in California on Monday. The Cybertruck owner was launching a jet ski on the boat ramp when he couldn’t get the truck out of the water (via Safety for Citizens)

Beginning shortly before 11:00am, a man had to scramble out of his Cybertruck Monday morning, March 10 of 2025, after the truck fell into the harbor. The man was attempting to launch a jet ski at the time of the accident.

The owner managed to get out, but the truck sank into the water:

The Cybertruck sunk and became completely submerged off the boat launch ramp. A diver from the Coast Guard assisted a tow driver in attaching cables and ropes to the vehicle.

The rescue effort involved the Ventura City Fire Department, Vessel Assist, Tow Boat US, Harbor Patrol, additional Harbor resources, and the Coast Guard.

They shared a few pictures of the rescue effort:

Electrek’s Take

To be fair, it could also be a user error, but either way, I wouldn’t take the Cybertruck into any body of water.

Meanwhile, BYD is just trolling Tesla by actually doing what Elon claimed the Cybertruck would be capable of doing:

It really feels like Tesla is being surpassed based on every metric possible.

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Toyota just opened its first 350kW fast charging station with EVgo that can fit 8 EVs

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Toyota just opened its first 350kW fast charging station with EVgo that can fit 8 EVs

Toyota wants everyone to have access to affordable, convenient EV charging. Through its partnership with EVgo, Toyota opened its first EV fast charger on Monday. The new co-branded stations, with 350kW fast chargers, can serve up to eight EVs.

Toyota, EVgo open first 350kW EV fast charger

The new DC fast charging station opened in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California, as part of Toyota’s “Empact” vision.

Toyota announced the initiative almost two years ago, aimed at expanding charging access in underserved communities.

“Together with EVgo, we are supporting broader access to charging infrastructure for all battery EV drivers, including those driving Toyota and Lexus BEVs,” Toyota North America General Manager of EV charging solutions, James George, said at the event.

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The new stations are near “amenity-rich” areas with nearby grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and other businesses.

Scott Levitan, EVgo’s executive vice president, explained that charging availability is “essential” as more drivers choose electric. The new charging stations are strategically located to provide affordable, convenient access to the surrounding communities.

Toyota-EVgo-EV-fast-charger
Toyota and EVgo open first 350kW EV fast charging station (Source: EVgo)

State Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, said the new stations will “support the city’s residents and visitors,” adding, “Fast charging stations provide critical infrastructure that will amplify the use of clean energy transportation across Senate District 8.”

Toyota and EVgo’s initiative is “a win for our environment and for the future of sustainable mobility in Sacramento.”

Toyota-EVgo-EV-fast-charger
2025 Toyota bZ4X Limited AWD Supersonic Red (Source: Toyota)

As one of the nation’s largest public fast-charging operators, EVgo has already deployed over 1,100 stations across 40 US states. As more drivers choose an EV, EVgo will continue partnering with automakers like Toyota to expand fast-charging access.

Toyota-EVgo-EV-fast-charger
2025 Toyota bZ4X Nightshade edition (Source: Toyota)

EVgo and Toyota also expanded their partnership to offer one year of free public charging to those who buy or lease a new 2025 bZ4X.

The 2025 Toyota bZ4X starts at $37,070, or $6,000 less than the 2024 model. It also gained a stealthy new “Nightshade” edition, Toyota’s first EV to receive the new trim.

2025 Toyota bZ4X trim Starting Price
(excluding $1,395 DPH fee)
Price reduction
(vs 2024MY)
Range
(mi)
XLE FWD $37,070 -$6,000 252
XLE AWD $39,150 -$6,000 228
Limited FWD $41,800 -$5,380 236
Limited AWD $43,880 -$5,380 222
Nightshade $40,420 N/A 222
2025 Toyota bZ4X prices and range by trim

At 184.6″ long, Toyota’s electric SUV is slightly longer (3.7″) than the RAV4. However, the rear feels more roomy with a longer wheelbase and flat floor design.

On the inside, the 2025 model remains about the same. It includes a standard 12.3″ touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

If you’re ready to test out Toyota’s electric SUV for yourself, we can help you get started. With leases starting at just $259 per month, the 2025 bZ4X is a steal this month. You can use our link to find Toyota bZ4X models at a dealer near you and take it for a spin.

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CLIP Unveils BOLT, a $250 e-bike conversion system aimed at expanding access to cycling

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CLIP Unveils BOLT, a 0 e-bike conversion system aimed at expanding access to cycling

Brooklyn-based e-bike conversion kit maker CLIP has launched BOLT, a front-mounted electric motor designed to transform standard bicycles into e-bikes. The company is marketing the device as the world’s most affordable quick-install e-bike upgrade, with a focus on making electrified transportation accessible in low-to-moderate income communities and emerging markets.

Unlike traditional e-bikes, which often start at around US $1,000 and go up quickly from there, BOLT is positioned as a low-cost alternative. The device features a 450W motor and a swappable battery system, providing pedal assistance up to 15 mph (25 km/h).

The kit installs on the front fork of most adult bicycles, making it an option for riders who want an e-bike experience without purchasing a dedicated electric bicycle.

While CLIP has previously targeted the business-to-consumer (B2C) market with its easily mountable e-bike conversion kits, BOLT will be distributed primarily through business-to-business (B2B) channels. The company seems to have its sights set on bike sharing and other commercial operators of bike fleets.

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In the US and Europe, CLIP is selling the system to businesses for $250, including two 144 Wh battery packs. In emerging markets, BOLT will be offered at a $100 price point, excluding the battery, with users paying a $5 per month subscription fee to access rechargeable battery swaps through local partners.

“BOLT is designed to make e-bike commuting truly accessible and equitable for people everywhere, from New York to New Delhi,” said Som  Ray, Founder and CEO of CLIP. “BOLT removes the price barriers of traditional e-bikes while maximizing environmental impact to scale sustainable transportation worldwide.”

CLIP is framing BOLT as both an environmental and social mobility tool, citing the high cost of traditional e-bikes as a barrier to widespread adoption. The company states that over 60% of its riders come from low-to-moderate-income communities, and it plans to partner with local organizations to expand access.

The product is being marketed as a low-impact alternative to full e-bike production, with CLIP claiming that BOLT requires 50 times fewer resources to manufacture and has a 30 times smaller logistics footprint compared to conventional e-bikes. The system is manufactured in Kolkata, India, with localized assembly in North America, Europe, and India.

CLIP has positioned BOLT as a disruptive force in e-bike affordability, which tracks with the device’s rather rare design. Instead of a traditional hub motor or mid-drive motor, CLIP uses a friction drive that presses against the front tire of the bike, forcing it to roll forward. The device’s front-mounted motor configuration is notably different from mid-drive or rear-hub e-bike motors. Additionally, its business-to-business sales model means that individual riders will not be able to purchase the system directly, relying instead on third-party distribution networks.

The company has yet to announce specific partnerships or large-scale deployments, though it has set ambitious climate goals. It claims that widespread adoption of BOLT could eliminate up to 3.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

As BOLT appears set to enter the market, its impact on the growing e-bike sector remains to be seen. With its low price point and modular design, the system could appeal to budget-conscious riders if it proves to be a viable and reliable alternative to traditional e-bikes.

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