In the ever-evolving world of electric bicycles, the Starrun S20 has emerged as a true powerhouse, redefining the boundaries of what a folding bike can achieve. This dual suspension folding electric bike has set a new standard for thrilling rides up steep hills and long-distance adventures. There is a lot going on in such a small package: folding capability, battery and motor, performance, control and safety, gearing, and cadence assist, and more.
Display and Design
The Starrun S20 immediately catches the eye with its sleek orange and black design. Unlike conventional folding bikes designed for short commutes, the S20 is built for the challenge of conquering steep hills and covering substantial distances. With a weight of approximately 80 pounds and an impressive carrying capacity of 300 pounds, this bike is a true workhorse. Its wide rack and easy mounting options push the boundaries of what folding bikes are expected to do.
One standout feature is the S20’s vibrant and user-friendly display. Most folding bikes have a simple and monochrome display, but not here. With easy to read colors and graphics, the display is also equipped with a convenient remote switch, allowing riders to effortlessly adjust settings on the go, enhancing the overall riding experience.
Folding Feature
Perhaps one of the most enticing features of the Starrun S20 is its folding capability. This innovation allows the bike to fold its frame, handlebars, and pedals, making transportation and storage incredibly convenient. Whether you’re a daily urban commuter or a weekend explorer, the S20’s versatility is a game-changer.
Battery and Motor
At the heart of the Starrun S20 lies its impressive powertrain. With a 52-volt, 16-ampere-hour battery and a robust 750-watt geared motor, this bike is designed for those who crave power and performance. It effortlessly tackles steep inclines, making hill climbs feel like a breeze.
Dual Suspension for Practicality
With so many features packed in, the headliner is the dual suspenion. Having the capability of absorbing about 800lbs, the comfort for the rider, and the control it can provide is great for staying cool, or staying balanced while carrying a load. The front suspension is adjustable and has a lockout to meet your preference, and combined with the wide footprint of the rear rack, I’m sure this bike can do more than meets the eye.
Performance
During testing on challenging terrain, the Starrun S20 exhibited lightning-fast throttle response and an unwavering ability to conquer inclines with ease. Its powerful motor feels like having a superhero sidekick, propelling you up even the steepest hills.
Control and Safety
Safety is paramount when riding a bike capable of speeds up to 28 miles per hour. The Starrun S20 features hydraulic brakes that provide precise stopping power, ensuring rider safety even during high-speed rides. Additionally, the front and rear lights, including a tail light function, keep riders visible and secure during nighttime adventures.
Gearing and Cadence Assist
While the electric system delivers impressive power, the inclusion of a Shimano Tourney derailleur supported by the cadence-based pedal assist function adds another layer of convenience. This feature reduces rider effort and optimizes gearing for a smooth ride, making the S20 suitable for various terrains.
Convenience
The Starrun S20 excels in terms of convenience. Its locking and removable battery simplifies recharging, allowing riders to bring the battery inside or charge it on the bike. This design maintains optimal weight distribution, crucial for maintaining balance in challenging terrain.
Conclusion
In summary, the Starrun S20 is a game-changing electric bike that seamlessly combines power, style, and convenience. It is the ideal choice for thrill-seekers who crave exhilarating rides up steep hills without breaking a sweat. With its folding capability, top-tier power, and eye-catching design, the S20 stands out as a true innovator in the electric bike world.
Special thanks to Starrun for sponsoring this review! You can show for your own Starrun with the promo code “electrek15”, and check out this link:
The BYD “Shenzhen” set sail on its first voyage overseas this week. With 9,200 parking spots, or about enough to fill 20 football fields, BYD’s new car transport ship is now the world’s largest.
BYD’s largest car carrier sets sail for Brazil
BYD’s Shenzhen is on its maiden voyage to Brazil after setting sail on April 27. The vessel is carrying over 7,000 new energy vehicles (NEVs), including electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). It’s the largest single batch of NEVs exported from China so far.
The new vessel is BYD’s fourth car transport ship and the world’s largest, capable of carrying 9,000 vehicles. According to the company, that’s enough to fill about 20 football fields.
BYD launched its first car carrier, the Explorer No 1, in January 2024. It has already completed several trips to Germany, Spain, and Brazil.
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Its second, the BYD Changzhou, set sail in December 2024, followed by the Hefei earlier this year. All three vessels can carry up to 7,000 vehicles, making the Shenzhen the largest so far.
BYD Shenzhen, the world’s largest car transport ship (Source: BYD)
The Shenzhen is named after the automaker’s hometown and demonstrates “BYD’s firm determination to promote sustainable development in Brazil.”
BYD is preparing to launch two more vessels, the Changsha and Xi’an. The Changsha is expected to launch soon, while the Xi’an was introduced on April 2.
The new car carriers will help accelerate BYD’s aggressive overseas expansion. In the first three months of 2025, the company sold over 206,000 NEVs overseas, more than double the number it sold last year.
BYD sells a wide range of vehicles in Brazil, including the low-cost Dolphin Mini, starting at around $20,000 (99,800 BRL). In October, it launched its first hybrid pickup truck, the Shark, starting at 379,800 BTL ($66,900).
Brazil is only one overseas market that BYD is targeting. BYD’s sales are expected to double in Europe in 2025, with significant growth in other key regions like Southeast Asia, Japan, Mexico, and South Korea, to name a few.
‘Tesla homes’ in a Houston neighborhood where all the homes have Tesla solar roofs and Powerwalls went for sale.
7 out of the 11 homes have reportedly already sold.
Tesla neighborhood is a term that is being used for new developments where all the homes integrate all or part of Tesla’s power ecosystem, including the Powerwall home battery pack.
The best example is a giant new development project in Austin, Texas, by Brookfield Asset Management and Dacra in which up to 12,000 new homes are to be built and offering Tesla solar roofs and Powerwalls.
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However, since the announcement, it looks like only some of the homes in the new neighborhood have Tesla energy systems.
One such ‘Tesla neighborhood’ is a small block of 11 townhouse homes featuring Tesla solar roofs and Powerwalls in Houston, Texas.
The homes were recently completed and went on sale, starting at $544,900.
Here are some pictures from the listings:
Utopia Homes, the developer behind the project, described the properties (via Chron):
Step into modern elegance expertly crafted by Utopia Homes. This property showcases groundbreaking Tesla Solar Roof Shingles and Power Wall technology, ensuring 100% energy security and eliminating electric bills for a truly sustainable lifestyle.
The house has proved popular according to the real estate agents, with 7 out of 11 homes already sold.
Tesla has largely stopped discussing it, but it is still being deployed through some third-party installers, such as in this case, on new homes.
However, its Powerwall product remains a very popular solution for homeowners seeking greater energy independence and protection against outages, which have been a frequent problem in Texas.
More homeowners are turning to generators, and alternatives like home battery packs are gaining popularity.
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Canadian electric propulsion specialist Vision Marine continues to graduate beyond advanced outboard motors into a provider of all-electric boats. This month, Vision introduced two new electric pontoon boats – the 12-passenger V24 and 15-passenger V30, each capable of a range up to 90 nautical miles.
Vision Marine Technologies ($VMAR) is a Canadian technology company with over 25 years of experience in the marine industry. The company made waves (literally) by introducing its E-Motion turnkey powertrain system, which it has since integrated into a catamaran speedboat, which set a speed record of 109 mph in 2022.
Since then, Vision has introduced six hp two-cruiser vessels – the Fantail 217 and Volt 180, each capable of transporting 10 passengers via its E-Motion technology. Most recently, Vision Marine has integrated the full power of its 180 hp electric powertrain technology into two additional vessels, both electric pontoon boats.
Earlier this month, the company officially began sales of the Vision V24 and V30, which you can view below.
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The V24 Electric Pontoon Boat / Source: Vision Marine
The V30 / Source: Vision Marine
Vision Marine brings power and range to electric pontoons
According to Vision Marine Technologies, orders for its two new electric pontoon boats are now open, and they are touting the same E-Motion technology that put the company on the map a few years ago.
The first model is the V24, a 12-passenger electric pontoon that is 24′ 8″ in length and has 180 hp. The ultra-quiet E-Motion powertrain is powered by a standard 43 kWh marine battery pack, offering 40 nautical miles (46 miles) of all-electric range on a single charge. For added range, Vision sells a version of the electric pontoon with a second battery pack, totaling 86 kWh and delivering up to 90 nautical miles (104 miles) of range.
While the V24 offers more of a classic attempt at the pontoon boat, Vision’s additional new vessel, the all-electric V30, is a tad sportier and provides room for more passengers aboard (15). This 30′ vessel features the same E-Motion powertrain options, complete with the same two battery configurations to offer the same ranges as the V24.
However, the V30 has additional features such as 4 x 6.5″ interior speakers and cool-touch seats. Both models feature an integrated onboard charger that supports both 120- 240V (30 to 50 amps) for seamless charging, no matter the dock plug while moored.
The Vision V24 starts at $99,995 for the standard battery pack version, while the V30 starts at a higher price of $139,995. As previously mentioned, both electric pontoon boats are available to order today.
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