Lectric’s CEO answers the most common questions about its shock electric bike launch
Earlier this week, Phoenix-based e-bike maker Lectric Ebikes surprised the industry with the unveiling of a high-end yet low-cost electric bike. The $1,999 Lectric ONE e-bike, which includes components like a Pinion automatic shifting gearbox normally found on models approaching five figures, resulted in a flood of questions. To get to the bottom of the most pressing concerns, we sat down with Lectric’s CEO Levi Conlow to discuss the decisions made in designing and producing the new e-bike.
Question 1: Why does the Lectric ONE use a cadence sensor instead of a torque sensor?
When testing the Lectric ONE with both cadence and torque sensors, we didn’t really feel like the torque sensor added very much to the experience, and would end up costing the consumer a lot more. We spent a lot of time dialing in the power delivery on this bike with PWR so that the experience comes shockingly close to the experience with a torque sensor. There are several settings users can adjust to dial in the way power gets delivered on this bike.
For reference, PWR is Lectric’s own design for more natural feeling pedal assist. Compared to most low-cost electric bikes that feel jumpier and tend to lurch forward when riders begin to pedal, Lectric uses a less common current-based pedal assist system that results in a smoother and more natural feeling ride. Having tested it many times, I can personally say that it still doesn’t feel as responsive as a true torque sensor, but it’s miles more natural feeling than the cheap cadence sensor and speed-based programming on most other e-bikes in this category.
Question 2: Why didn’t you guys include a suspension fork on the Lectric ONE?
We wanted the Lectric ONE to be as light as possible to maximize ease of use for our riders. At 55 pounds, and with a 750w motor, the ONE is light enough to carry up to an apartment and powerful enough to rocket up to 28 mph for a quick, sweat-free commute.
This answer actually surprised me a bit. Sure, it definitely saves weight. But it seems like the Lectric ONE, with its much more sophisticated pedal drivetrain thanks to that Pinion electric-shifting automatic gearbox, is more of a cyclists’ e-bike. That means it is likely going to attract folks who already like to ride a pedal bike and are already bike commuters. Many (if not most) commuter bikes already lack suspension, allowing them to be more robust and longer lasting, not to mention lighter. So while the Lectric ONE is definitely lighter without a suspension fork, I imagine many of the people considering it are already frequent cyclists and likely have gotten used to common rigid bikes.
Question 3: Why the small (20-inch) wheel size on the Lectric ONE?
Putting smaller wheels on the Lectric ONE serves two primary purposes: Number one, weight savings. There really aren’t any advantages to having a commuter bike with a larger wheel diameter, and it adds weight and makes transport bulky. With 20-inch wheels and a foldable stem the ONE can be transported with ease. Number 2, acceleration is vastly improved with smaller diameter tires. It’s hard to put into words just how fast this bike gets moving from a standstill. Being able to accelerate fast adds to the joy of commuting by bike, gets you to your destination faster, and improves safety by enabling riders to maneuver quickly out of potentially dangerous situations.
I know there are some large-diameter wheel purists out there, but I personally agree about the benefits of 20″ wheels. Where I live, probably 80-90% of the commuter bikes seen on the streets and bike lanes are 20″ wheel bikes. It’s just more common around here. Large diameters have their advantages, but in commuting roles, they tend to be more than necessary.
Question 4: Is the Lectric ONE UL compliant? Does that mean Lectric does its own UL testing?
The Lectric ONE is certified to UL 2849 by SGS, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. SGS is one of the leading global testing, inspection, and certification companies with over 99,600 employees operating a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.
This is quite common. Underwriter Laboratories is divided into non-profit and for-profit sides, with the former setting the standard and the latter offering its services to test and certify to that standard. While some companies do go straight to UL for their testing, others turn to various laboratories that have received international approval to certify to UL standards.
Question 5: This is a very different type of e-bike than you’ve ever made before. What type of rider does the Lectric ONE target?
The Lectric ONE is a commuting e-bike. With this product we are aiming to get people on a bike that can actually replace car miles. The almost maintenance-free drivetrain and semi-automatic shifting make this product as reliable as a car so you don’t even have to think as you’re riding. This product is also for folks who want to see the most cutting-edge technology the e-bike industry has to offer. Lectric’s scale has enabled us to bring many advanced features to a price point that is actually reachable.
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Mammoth Solar, a 1.3 gigawatt (GW) solar farm in northern Indiana, is now powering into its biggest construction phase yet, cementing its place as one of the largest solar projects in the US.
The solar farm is set to increase Indiana’s solar capacity by more than 20% once it’s fully online. And with construction ramping up this month, developer Doral Renewables has given Bechtel Full Notice to Proceed on the design, engineering, and construction of three major phases of the project: Mammoth South, Mammoth Central I, and Mammoth Central II. Together, these phases will generate 900 MW of clean energy.
That’s enough electricity to power around 200,000 homes with clean energy, helping Indiana shift away from fossil fuels while boosting the local economy.
Construction is already underway, and over the next two years, Bechtel will install around 2 million solar panels, with about half of them made in the US. The company is also handling all engineering, procurement, and construction work, using its digital project management tools and autonomous tech to keep everything on track.
At the peak of the buildout, Mammoth Solar is expected to create over 1,200 jobs, with at least 15% of those set aside for apprenticeships.
Bechtel says its success will hinge on strong collaboration with local trades and vendors. The company is working closely with craft professionals and is committed to being a reliable community partner throughout construction.
Once the solar farm is complete in 2027, Doral Renewables plans to roll out agrivoltaics across the site. That means livestock grazing and crop cultivation will happen right alongside energy production, giving farmers in the area a way to keep working their land while supporting clean energy development.
Read more: Solar adds more new capacity to the US grid in 2024 than any energy source in 20 years
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BYD is about to launch an even smaller EV, but this one’s a little different. It’s BYD’s first kei car. You know, those tiny vehicles that dominate Japan’s city streets? BYD’s mini EV was just spotted out in public, giving us our first real look at the upcoming kei car.
BYD’s first mini EV was spotted in public
Last week, rumors surfaced that BYD was developing its first kei car, which would compete with top-selling models from Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, and other Japanese brands.
Kei cars, or “K-Car,” as they are sometimes called, are a class of ultra-compact vehicles that cannot be longer than 3.4 meters (134″). To put that into perspective, BYD’s smallest EV currently, the Seagull (called the Dolphin Mini overseas), is 3,780 mm (148.8″) long.
The mini vehicles are ideal in Japan because they are so small, making it easy to get around tight city streets. They are also more affordable and efficient than larger vehicles.
BYD’s mini EV was spotted for the first time during a road test this week by IT Home (via CarNewsChina), revealing a familiar look. It has that boxy, compact look of a typical kei car with sliding side doors.
According to reports, BYD is developing a new platform for the model. It will reportedly include a 20 kWh battery, good for 180 km (112 miles) WLTC range. By using its in-house Blade LFP batteries, BYD is expected to have a cost advantage.
BYD’s upcoming mini EV is expected to start at around 2.5 million yen, or about $18,000. That’s about the same as the Nissan Sakura (2.59 million yen), Japan’s best-selling EV last year.
既出ですがBYDの日本向けEV軽自動車と言われているフロントとリアからのスパイショット。 pic.twitter.com/CcV5pihpWc
— 主夫まぬか (@syufumanuka) May 16, 2025
Last year, around 1.55 million kei cars were sold in Japan, accounting for roughly 40% of new vehicle sales. Honda’s N-Box was the top-selling kei car (EV or gas) for the third straight year.
As Nikkei reported, some are already calling BYD’s electric kei car “a huge threat.” A Suzuki dealer said, “Young people do not have a negative view of BYD. It would be a huge threat if the company launches cheap models in Japan.”
BYD already sells several electric cars in Japan, including the Atto 3 SUV, Dolphin, and Seal. Last month, the company launched the new Sealion 7 midsize electric SUV, starting at 4.95 million yen ($34,500).
Although Japan isn’t really an EV hot spot, with sales falling 33% in 2024 to just under 60,000 units, BYD sees an opportunity.
By making virtually every car component in-house, including batteries, BYD can offer EVs at such low prices while still making a profit. BYD’s cheapest and best-selling electric car, the Seagull, starts at under $10,000 (69,800 yuan) in China.
With new smart driving and charging tech rolling out, BYD’s electric cars are getting smarter and even more efficient.
Can BYD’s mini EV compete with Japanese brands? At the right price, it may have a chance. Check back soon for more on the upcoming kei car. We’ll keep you up to date with the latest.
Source: Sina, CarNewsChina
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Ford’s electric pickup truck is back at the top. The F-150 Lightning is once again the best-selling electric pickup in the US after overtaking the Tesla Cybertruck in the first quarter.
Ford’s F-150 Lightning is the best-selling electric pickup
After launching in 2023, Tesla’s Cybertruck quickly outpaced the Lightning to become America’s top-selling EV pickup last year.
Since Tesla doesn’t break down regional sales, registration data gives us our best estimate. The latest registration data from S&P Global Mobility (via Automotive News) shows that the F-150 Lightning retook the title in March and the first quarter of 2025.
Ford’s electric pickup notched 2,598 registrations in March, topping the Tesla Cybertruck with 2,170. In the first quarter, the F-150 Lightning remained ahead with 7,913 registrations, compared to the Cybertruck’s 7,126.
Although the Cybertruck was the fifth top-selling EV in the US last year, it didn’t even crack the top ten in March. It placed ninth through the first three months of 2025, behind the Volkswagen ID.4.
While Tesla and Ford remained the leaders in the electric pickup market, several new models are gaining momentum. According to the most recent numbers from Cox Automotive, GM sold 2,383 Chevy Silverado EVs and 1,249 GMC Sierra EV models in Q1. Meanwhile, Rivian sold 1,727 R1Ts during the quarter.
Earlier today, Electrek reported that new models, including the Honda Prologue and Chevy Blazer EV, helped drive EV registrations up 20% in the US in March.
Although the Lightning reclaimed the crown from Tesla, Ford’s electric pickup isn’t exactly flying off the lot. Ford reported Lightning sales fell 16% to just 1,740 units in April. Through April 2025, Ford has sold 8,927 electric trucks, down 9% from the 9,833 it handed over last year.
Electrek’s Take
To be fair, Tesla is still ahead by a wide margin in the US. The S&P numbers show Tesla had over 51,000 registrations in March, up 1% after two months of lower YOY growth.
GM’s Chevy surpassed Ford to become the second-best-selling EV brand with nearly 8,500 registrations, an increase of 274% from last year. Ford dropped to third with 7,361 registrations.
Although it’s just one quarter, it’s starting to show how Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s political antics are likely impacting sales. After the Cybertruck’s initial hype, it appears many buyers are opting for traditional pickups, like the F-150 Lighting.
Meanwhile, Ram is delaying its first electric pickup, the 1500 REV, again. Ram is pushing production back until summer 2027, saying it’s “extending the quality validation period.” The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Ramcharger will also be delayed until the first quarter of 2026.
After pulling the Ramcharger ahead of the fully electric version last year, Stellantis blamed weak demand for EV pickups in the US.
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