Texas-based MOD Bikes launches 28 MPH full suspension adventure e-bike
MOD Bikes, the Austin, Texas-based e-bike maker with a flair for the unconventional, has just announced the newest addition to its electric bike lineup. The new MOD Black is the brand’s newly updated full-suspension electric bike, designed with adventures in mind.
In fact, I had the chance to get a sneak peek and test ride of the new model when I was in Austin at the SXSW Festival. There, MOD Bikes unveiled their entire new 2024 lineup, which featured a number of new components across the line.
Several of those updates, such as the new color displays and integrated torque sensors, also made their way onto the new MOD Black e-bike announced today.
The new e-bike features MOD’s new electrical system, including a 750W rear hub motor that allows the bike to reach a peak of 28 mph (45 km/h), though it can be electronically limited to slower speeds if riders desire.
Throttle lovers will rejoice to see that the bike comes with a throttle, though the included torque sensor and four PAS settings of Eco, Cargo, Sport, and Turbo actually make the bike a pleasure to pedal. With a full-suspension ride that feels like a sporty mountain bike, pedaling is a big part of the fun. That’s one of the first things I noticed on my own test ride of the bike.
Pedaling also helps the 48V 15Ah UL-certified battery eke out up to 50 miles (80 km) of range, since throttle-only riding tends to reduce that max range quickly. For riders who want even more range, a factory-installed second battery is available, doubling the max range to 100 miles (160 km).
The MOD Black also works with MOD’s signature Snap-On rack accessories on its rear rack, meaning riders can easily add various gear to the bike’s rear rack without busting out a multi-tool and spending several minutes tightening a handful of bolts.
Just like MOD’s other e-bikes, the Black uses the MOD Connect system to integrate various wirelessly connected products into the bike.
For example, one of the first partnerships MOD touted was with Lumos, makers of smart helmets that can be wirelessly connected to the bike’s turn signal controls. When the rider pushes the turn signal buttons, the helmet flashes on either side. Pulling the brake lever also flashes brake lights on the helmet, in addition to operating the bike’s own brake lights.
Other nice-to-see parts sprinkled around the bike include punchy hydraulic disc brakes, 3-inch tires that split the difference between softer fat tires and more nimble mountain bike tires, and a bright 300 lumen headlight.
Then of course there’s that full suspension setup, giving riders the most comfortable ride across various terrain. Afterall, MOD is pitching this bike as an adventure-ready two-wheeler, and so they’re certainly expecting riders to make full-use of off-road trails around them. Though at the same time, the included rack and wireless turn-signal connectivity means that it would make a pretty awesome full-suspension commuter, too.
The MOD Black is now available for pre-order ahead of deliveries starting in mid-June. Priced at US $2,999, it’s more expensive than most direct-to-consumer electric mountain bikes, but MOD is likely banking on its nicer tech and reputation as a reliable, local-feeling national e-bike company. Plus, it offers a generous 5-year limited warranty and free returns.
I spent about an hour with the bike back in March, so I can’t yet give you a full review (unlike the Mod Cargo, which I have a full review of coming in the next few days).
But what I can tell you is that the Black rides so much nicer than the typical direct-to-consumer electric mountain bikes we see. It feels much nicer, looks less clunky, and sports better suspension for a ride that actually feels confidence-inspiring and not like I might eat dirt if I hit a log too hard.
The 750W motor is probably more powerfull than I really need, but I’m glad to have it. And while I enjoy that the bike has a throttle, I spent most of the time pedaling the bike since the torque sensor makes it feel so responsive, and it makes me feel like I’m actually part of the ride, instead of just sitting on the bike as it does the work. Realistically, I’m sure the motor is still doing more work than me, but I like to feel as if I’m helping, and dropping it down into Eco mode definitely still makes my heart beat faster.
So while it’s pricey, it’s got a much better ride than some cheaper alternatives, and that’s before I even consider the added technology.
Below you can see several images from my own early test ride. This model had a suspension seat post, but I don’t think that’s included on the production version (and triple suspension is probably overkill, anyway).
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Nissan is the latest victim of BYD’s “liberation battle” against gas-powered cars. After BYD’s aggressive price cuts this year, Nissan is shutting down a factory in China as it struggles to keep up.
As is the case for many legacy automakers, China is a critical sales market for Nissan. Nearly a third of Nissan’s global sales and net profits are from China.
After slipping out of the top five automakers (by market share) in China in 2022, Nissan’s woes are worsening. Nissan’s sales fell 16% in China last year and the trend has continued into 2024.
Nissan’s sales fell another 2.8% last month, with 64,233 vehicles sold in China. The company cut guidance by 23% last year, with 800,000 vehicle sales expected in fiscal 2024. According to Nikkei, Nissan will do so with one less factory.
Nissan is closing the doors to its plant in Changzhou as the factory is building more cars than it can sell.
The facility accounts for about 8% of Nissan’s production capacity in China, with an annual capacity of around 130,000 units. According to the report, the plant shuts down on Friday.
Under its joint venture with China’s Dongfeng Motor, Nissan has eight plants in the region. Its total annual capacity is around 1.6 million, double Nissan’s projected sales figures for fiscal 2024.
Nissan shuts down China plant amid BYD’s EV price war
The plant shutdown comes as Nissan struggles to keep up in an increasingly competitive China EV market.
China’s largest automaker, BYD, kicked off a “liberation battle” against ICE vehicles earlier this year. The goal is to continue taking market share from gas-powered cars with lower-priced EVs. So far, it seems to be working.
BYD has drastically cut prices while introducing lower-priced EV models. Its cheapest, the Seagull EV, starts under $10,000 (69,800 yuan).
BYD’s CEO, Wang Chaunfu, said EVs have entered “the knockout round” and that the next two years will be critical for automakers to catch up.
With lower-priced, more advanced models hitting the market, BYD sees joint venture brands (like Nissan’s) market share falling from around 40% to 10% in China.
Nissan isn’t the only legacy automaker feeling the heat. Japanese rivals Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Honda have also pulled back in China amid slumping sales.
Meanwhile, BYD looks to expand its global footprint after outgrowing China’s EV market. BYD is closing in on a deal for a plant in Mexico that would be among the biggest in the country. The company expects to sell 50,000 vehicles in Mexico this year.
BYD is also expanding on Nissan and Toyota’s home turf. According to data from the Japan Automobile Importers Association, BYD accounted for over 20% of Japan’s EV imports in January.
With longer-range, lower-priced models rolling out, BYD’s momentum is expected to continue. China’s leading automaker is also expanding into new segments like pickups (check out the new Shark PHEV), mid-size electric SUVs, and luxury.
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Tesla scrapped promotional financing on the Model 3 Long Range this week after it became eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit.
As Electrek reported on June 17, Tesla and the IRS confirmed that the Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive is now eligible for the full tax credit. Today, Tesla is pricing the EV’s upfront purchase price at just $34,990 – $1,000 more than the Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive – including the federal tax credit and an estimated five-year gas savings of $5,000.
The Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive still doesn’t qualify for the federal tax credit because it uses LFP battery cells from China.
The Model 3 Long Range is now listed at 6.39% APR on loans up to 72 months. The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive continues to offer 1.99% APR for 36 months with a 60-month option at 2.99%.
Even though the Model 3 Long Range is now $7,500 cheaper, the higher interest rate is a bit of a party pooper, as it eats up potential savings. The folks at CarsDirect estimated that on a five-year loan, thanks to the 6.39% interest rate, the Model 3 Long Range has more of a $4,200 advantage than a $7,500 advantage.
If you’re eligible for the federal tax credit, the Model 3 Long Range is cheaper than before but costs around $3,200 more to finance through Tesla than last week. CarsDirect suggests comparing your options carefully if you’re shopping for a Model 3 Long Range.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Model 3 in stock –affiliate link
If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. 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. They have 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.
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Electrify America and electric utility Rocky Mountain Power have rolled out the first of 20 DC fast charging stations in Utah.
Electrify Commercial, a business unit of Electrify America, and Rocky Mountain Power, a division of PacifiCorp, are deploying more than 80 chargers at 15 DC fast charging stations in the Salt Lake City area and five DC fast charging stations in surrounding regions.
So far, four charging stations have come online in Millcreek, Vernal, Moab, and Kimball Junction.
Rocky Mountain Power, the only rate-regulated public utility providing electric service in Utah, will own the new charging stations. Each will have “hyper-fast” chargers capable of speeds up to 350 kW. The utility will set the pricing and Rocky Mountain Power utility customers get a discounted rate.
Since 2016, Rocky Mountain Power has installed more than 120 DC fast chargers in Utah and completed an electric highway corridor along I-15, Utah’s primary and only north-south interstate highway. It’s also facilitated the installation of more than 3,000 Level 2 chargers for workplaces, retail, and multifamily housing. The utility is spending $50 million to install EV charging infrastructure across Utah.
All 20 of Utah’s new DC fast charging stations will be on Electrify America’s coast-to-coast “locate a charger” map, which includes more than 950 stations and over 4,250 chargers in the US and Canada. Drivers will be able to access and pay for charging on Rocky Mountain Power’s chargers through the Electrify America mobile app.
Read more: Here’s what Electrify America’s EV charging plans are for 2024
To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to 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. They have 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 you share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –affiliate link*
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