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For years, the US electric motorcycle market was dominated by $20,000+ flagship models. While those bikes are still leading the pack, a new wave of lower-cost commuter electric motorcycles has expanded the market’s reach. The latest such bike, the Ryvid Anthem, has recently expanded its deliveries after production began earlier this year. And with a price tag under half of the major flagship electric models, it’s opening the door to more riders than ever before.

After its announcement and unveiling last year, the Ryvid Anthem became one of the most hotly anticipated electric motorcycles in a growing commuter class of middleweight machines.

It featured several innovative features, including the ability to electronically raise and lower the seat by 4″ (10 cm), even while riding. The frame also features innovative folded metal construction that results in a lighter weight and easier-to-produce assembly. At 313 lb (142 kg), the Anthem is considerably lighter than several other electric motorcycles.

Deliveries of the new motorcycle officially began just a few months ago, and bikes have now been shipped across the US from Florida to Washington. Some California owners have reported that the LA-based Ryvid team personally delivered their bikes.

Now, many of those early reservation holders are beginning to share their experiences with the new bikes.

The Anthem is officially listed as having a top speed of “75+ mph” (121 km/h), and early reviews are confirming that “plus” qualifier is legit.

As one new owner explained on Reddit:

“I was able to get on the freeway and comfortably hit 82 miles an hour with what seemed like a bit more leftover on top. Although sustained highway speeds drain the battery like crazy, which is to be expected.”

Ryvid Anthem fresh off the delivery trailer (source: Reddit)

Other riders have commented on the range, indicating that the company’s range estimates based on various speeds have proven to be fairly accurate.

According to Ryvid, the 4.3 kWh battery offers an estimated urban range of around 75 miles (121 km), though various factors such as rider weight and terrain can impact that figure. When ridden at a constant speed of 55 mph (88 km/h), the estimated range drops to around 46 miles (74 km), according to the company. At a faster constant speed of 70 mph, the estimated range is further reduced to around 35 miles (56 km).

That obviously limits the role of the Anthem for largely commuting-style and shorter recreational rides. There are plenty of electric motorcycles designed for touring, but this isn’t one of them. And that appears to match how many of the first customers are reporting their usage, largely as commuter bikes to work and back.

Charging can be done from either a 110VAC or 220VAC source and uses an on-board 3 kW charger included in the battery’s casing. While many riders charge up on a conventional wall outlet in their garage, level 2 public chargers can be used with a J-plug adapter. 220V charging up to 80% capacity takes around 1.25 hours, while a 110V outlet requires around twice as long.

The battery is also removable for charging off of the bike using its built-in charger. That means riders only need an electrical cord to charge at any wall outlet. The battery’s removal process is tool-less, solving a key issue with other motorcycles that featured “removable” batteries that required several tools to access the battery. Wheels under the battery and a fold-out handle allow it to be rolled like a piece of luggage so riders don’t have to carry the 87 lb (39 kg) battery. Theoretically, riders could roll the battery into a coffee shop and charge it under the table while having lunch.

The removal process is also made easier by the battery being leveraged into place, meaning owners don’t have to lift the entire weight of the battery.

Owners can even apparently ride the battery itself, though it unfortunately isn’t powered. Thus, flatland or downhill battery riding is probably the only option for now.

One downside to the bike that several owners have mentioned is the small size of the glovebox. The storage compartment is built into the top of the “tank” area and measures around 5 in x 5 in x 1.5 in (approximately 13 cm x 13 cm x 4 cm). However, it is stair-stepped and has a shallower section. A USB port inside the compartment allows a phone to be recharged, but the storage compartment is smaller than many of today’s large smartphones.

The compartment is said to be large enough for keys or a wallet but not bulkier or longer items.

The storage lid also latches closed with a non-locking mechanism, though some handy riders have found a way to replace it with a keyed lock.

ryvid anthem glovebox
Ryvid Anthem glovebox storage area (source: Reddit)

Electrek’s Take

It’s been fun following the Ryvid Anthem’s path from production to deliveries. The bike is US-designed and built (though with several foreign-made parts, like most cars/motorcycles made in the US). Supporting locally made products is important for many people, so this is a very interesting addition to the market.

The bike seems to have a great compromise between performance and cost. At US $7,800, the original launch price was hard to beat in the electric space. Now at US $8,995, it’s a bit of a larger ask but is still several thousand dollars under the price of models from leading companies like Zero and LiveWire.

Sure, you can buy a gasser for less, but that’s not really the point. The Anthem has proved popular among both experienced and new riders, especially thanks to its approachability for riders who don’t have gas bike experience.

I really don’t need another motorcycle, but ooooooh I’m getting dangerously tempted by the Anthem.

ryvid anthem electric motorcycle
Customer-delivered Ryvid Anthem (source: Reddit)

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New cars from Volvo, VW, Cadillac, and more – plus 0% on Model 3 as Tesla sales fall

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New cars from Volvo, VW, Cadillac, and more – plus 0% on Model 3 as Tesla sales fall

It’s been a big day for big reveals with the all-new Volvo ES90, a new compact electric city car from Volkswagen, plus a pair of new, over-the-top EVs from General Motors that perfectly exemplify American excess. All this and maybe the dawn of the long-awaited “Tesla Killer” on today’s revealing episode of Quick Charge!

GM is practically daring the competition to build a bigger, badder EV with a new, bigger $133,000 Cadillac Escalade and 1,100 hp off-road special in the form of the new Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2. Finally, you guys are never happy … try to enjoy this episode, anyway!

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (and sometimes Sunday). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news.

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Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.

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Tesla to build a new Megafactory in Texas near Houston

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Tesla to build a new Megafactory in Texas near Houston

Tesla is going to build a new Megafactory in Texas near Houston, according to a tax abatement agreement with Waller County.

At the time of writing, Tesla had yet to comment on the new project, but the Waller County Commissioners Court confirmed the project on Wednesday when they approved a tax abatement deal with the company:

Under the proposed agreement, Tesla will receive tax abatements from Waller County based on property improvements. The deal includes $44 million in facility improvements and $150 million in Tesla manufacturing equipment that Tesla will install. The next phase involves a new $31 million distribution facility with about $2 million in Tesla distribution equipment and building upgrades.

Tesla is going to take over a 1-million-sq-ft building that it already held the lease on at the Empire West industrial park near Katy, Texas – just outside of Houston.

Logistics company DB Schenker occupied the space where it handled parts for Tesla, but it will move out and Tesla plans to build Megapack production lines at the site:

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Tesla will operate a new Megapack battery storage manufacturing facility at a 1 million-square-foot building, which was initially constructed with no tenant on speculation that it would attract jobs and economic development.

Tesla has previously referred to plants producing Megapacks as “Megafactory”. The company already operates one in Lathrop, California, and one in Shanghai, China, where it just started production.

Those factories are set up for a production capacity of 40 GWh worth of Megapacks per year.

It’s not clear if Tesla plans for a similar capacity at this new factory, but the county announced project should result in creating 1,500 jobs.

In addition to the existing building, the project will include the construction of an additional “600,000-square-foot distribution facility with some manufacturing capabilities.”

Unlike its automotive business, Tesla’s energy business has been growing at an impressive pace – although prices and margins have come down last year.

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Is Genesis taking notes from Porsche? New GV60 Magma caught with the Taycan [Video]

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Is Genesis taking notes from Porsche? New GV60 Magma caught with the Taycan [Video]

Genesis is gearing up to unleash its alter ego with its upcoming Magma lineup, its debut into the world of high-performance luxury vehicles. First up is the Genesis GV60 Magma, due out later this year. As testing wraps up, the GV60 Magma was spotted alongside none other than the Porsche Taycan.

The first dedicated Genesis EV model, the GV60, will kick off another new chapter for the Korean luxury automaker.

Genesis unveiled the GV60 Magma last March, claiming it will kick off “the brand’s expansion into the realm of high-performance vehicles.” The performance EV includes an improved battery, chassis, and motor for added performance.

The Magma model boasts a wider, lower stance for more control. Other key upgrades include a wider front air intake to help cool the batteries, motor, and brakes. It also includes air curtains to maximize efficiency and an added roof fin channels air to the rear wing, generating downward force.

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Genesis upgraded the interior to match the GV60 Magma’s luxurious, sporty design. It includes unique sports car-like bucket seats with exclusive “double-diamond stitching” in the Magma orange and titanium coloring.

Genesis GV60 Magma spotted with the Porsche Taycan

With its official debut coming up, the sporty Genesis GV60 Magma was spotted testing alongside a Porsche Taycan and Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 N models.

Despite the camouflage, the video from CarSpyMedia reveals a few new design elements, like the two-line headlight featured on the updated GV60 model.

Genesis GV60 testing alongside a Porsche Taycan, Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N (Source: CarSpyMedia)

Genesis will launch the GV60 Magma later this year in its home market, followed by the US, Europe, and others. Production is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2025.

Will the Genesis GV60 Magma keep up with the Porsche Taycan or Tesla Model S Plaid? Priced and specs will be revealed closer to launch, but it will sit above the Performance AWD trim, which starts at $69,900 in the US. With up to 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, it can hit 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

Horsepower 0 to 60 mph
(seconds)
Starting Price
Genesis GV60 Performance 429 3.7 $69,900
Genesis GV60 Magma ? ? ?
Porsche Taycan 402 4.5 $99,400
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT
(with Weissach Package)
1,092 2.1 $230,000
Tesla Model S Plaid 1,020 1.99 $89,990
Genesis GV60 Magma vs Porsche Taycan vs Tesla Model S Plaid

In comparison, the Porsche Taycan starts at $99,400 with up to 402 hp and a 0 to 60 mph time in 4.5 seconds. The Taycan Turbo GT, equipped with its Weissach package, packs 1,092 hp for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 2.1 seconds, but it costs $230,000.

Tesla’s Model S Plaid starts at $79,990 and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds with 1,020 horsepower. Which performance EV are you choosing?

Source: CarSpyMedia

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