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Coal granules are prepared for loading into a reactor that converts coal to char and coal liquids, which will eventually be turned into graphite and gas in another reactor. Carlos Jones/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Researchers from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory have figured out a way to change the dirtiest fuel out there, coal, into materials to help build batteries for new clean vehicles.

The new process turns coal into graphite, which is an important component in electric car batteries. Graphite is used in the anode, which is the negatively charged end of the battery.

While we hear a lot about various other battery materials, such as lithium and cobalt, those materials actually occur in relatively lower quantities in electric car batteries.

The most common material in these batteries is actually graphite (see an infographic here, though this is for NMC-type batteries), so it’s important to ensure that there is a large supply of this material anywhere batteries need to be built.

And one of those places is in the US – thanks to President Joe Biden’s EV policies, there have been hundreds of billions in investment and hundreds of thousands of jobs brought to American manufacturing, largely in the form of battery plants to ensure that vehicles with modern technology will be made right here in America. Those policies also focused on ensuring onshored or “friend-shored” critical mineral supply for battery materials, such as graphite.

But there’s a problem: a majority of the world’s graphite comes from China. While this isn’t necessarily a problem in and of itself, it’s always better to have multiple sources for any particular material, so that one entity can’t throw their weight around if they see an opportunity. And given the anti-China saber-rattling that a certain treasonous reality TV host regularly engages in, it’s entirely possible that global tensions could result in disruption of graphite supply chains, which could then jeopardize the aforementioned burgeoning US EV manufacturing industry (which that same reality TV host/convicted felon seems determined to ensure does not flourish).

So, in come researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratories, who figured out a way to turn something that America still has a lot of – coal – into graphite.

It’s not too big of a leap, as graphite is a form of carbon and coal is also mostly carbon. But ORNL’s process takes impurities in coal and removes them to create material that is suitable for a battery anode.

Other methods to create synthetic graphite exist, but require more time, more cost and higher temperatures. The new process is estimated to cost 13% less than the old Acheson process, according to an analysis by ORNL researcher Prashant Nagapurkar.

In the ORNL process, if the electricity is green, the whole process is green. Especially because coal historically has this reputation as ‘dirty,’ a particularly important next step is to track emissions from the entire supply chain through the manufacturing process. This could demonstrate that it is indeed a greener option to manufacture graphite from coal.

–Prashant Nagapurkar, ORNL R&D associate

Better yet, the process doesn’t just work on coal straight out of the ground (which is where coal belongs and should stay) – it also works on coal waste like fly ash, the leftovers of previous coal mining efforts, of which there are over a hundred million tons of this hazardous waste strewn about the country. Thankfully, most of this is on the surface and won’t require further mining to get to.

Researchers say that the process could help to clean up that waste, and give it a use in powering modern vehicles. They estimate that the amount of waste in the US would be enough to provide around 30% of the graphite needed for EV batteries between now and 2050.

The process doesn’t need to be used only on coal, though. Project lead Edgar Lara-Curzio explained to Electrek how it could have potential applications on other sources of carbon:

However, while this particular project focuses on finding a positive use for coal waste, the electrochemical graphitization technology that we are scaling up can be used with other amorphous carbon sources. Once we get rid of waste coal – which would be a major environmental restoration achievement in itself – biomass (e.g., dead vegetation), petroleum, or other carbon sources could be used to manufacture graphite using the same process.

For example, methane pyrolysis, which can be used to produce hydrogen, generates solid carbon as a byproduct, which could be electrochemically graphitized for lithium-ion battery applications. This technology offers the benefit of strengthening domestic supply chains for graphite rather than relying on graphite mined and processed in foreign countries, many of which have much weaker environmental and worker protections.

The ORNL project was done in collaboration with Ramaco Carbon, a Wyoming-based company that owns multiple coal mines and provides coal for steelmaking. Ramaco says that its guiding principle is “coal is too valuable to burn.” Its focus is to find uses for coal that replace petroleum as a feedstock for various chemical and material processes at what it says will be a much lower cost.

Electrek’s Take

At first glance, this seems like some really great research. It onshores graphite supply, offers some scalable competition globally to diversify battery material sources, can be used on old waste, and is cheaper than existing processes.

But it also feels a little sketchy, because what we need to be focusing on is keeping carbon in the ground.

When we take carbon out of the ground, we sure do have a tendency to burn it, which means it ends up in the air, which is bad. Currently the air is 423ppm carbon, which is higher than the 280-350ppm range that represents a proper balance for current life on Earth. This means we don’t need to be taking carbon out of the ground, we need to be putting it back in the ground – and a lot of it.

So, any new process that might make us look at that carbon in the ground and think of another way that we might use it is suspect.

At least in this instance, it’s being proposed by a company that owns coal mines not for burning, but for finding other uses. So they might not use this as an excuse to burn more coal. Which is nice.

However, there has also been a significant push lately for coal-free steel, led by companies like SSAB in Sweden. Coal-based steelmaking (like that which Ramaco provides coal for) is linked to nearly a thousand deaths, $13 billion in healthcare costs and hundreds of thousands of lost school and work days annually in the US.

Given that this research was done in collaboration with a company that provides coal for that same dirty process, it gives us some pause. The process of turning coal into batteries will be cleaner than simply burning coal into the air, and graphite is potentially recyclable and usable long-term in multiple generations of electric car batteries, but it’s hard to shake the fact that coal is one of the most-polluting substances humans have available to us.

So, would we be giving ourselves more reasons to take coal out of the ground with this process? Even though researchers point out that coal waste can be used in this process, what if companies find out that it’s more difficult or costly to process the waste than it is to dig up new coal?

Given that we stubbornly refuse to impose the real price of this pollution on the companies that cause it, it’s entirely possible that coal mines will figure out a way to use this to justify their continued operation (especially whenever a republican administration, who have routinely shown themselves to be hostile to human health and too cozy with the coal industry, finds itself in charge).

So while new science is never a bad thing, this strikes me as something that we should keep an eye on. Cleaning up the environmental disaster of stranded coal waste is a fantastic usage, but lets not let this forestall the rapid shutting down of coal mines in this country.

Another thing you can use batteries for? Powering your home! 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. – ad*

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Rad Power’s new Radster Trail and Road e-bikes hit $1,999 lows, EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale takes up to 54% off units from $429, more

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June 26, 2025

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Rad Power's new Radster Trail and Road e-bikes hit ,999 lows, EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale takes up to 54% off units from 9, more

Leading today’s Green Deals is Rad Power’s newly launched 4th of July Sale that is taking up to $600 off three e-bikes and up to 50% off add-on accessories – with the standout offers being the new Radster Road Commuter e-bike and the Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike returning to their $1,999 lows for the second time ever. We also have a 48-hour early Prime Day flash sale from EcoFlow that is offering up to 54% off either the DELTA Pro or DELTA Pro Ultra power stations, as well as the DELTA 2 expansion battery with return lows starting from $429. From there, we have two Greenworks deals, the first being the Greenworks 82V bundle of the Commercial-Grade 25-inch Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower with three 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger at $700. Bringing up the rear is a roundup of the brand’s electric pressure washers, with the 1,800 PSI Open Frame model with an onboard soap tank leading at $120. Plus, there’s all the rest of the hangover Green Deals in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Anker SOLIX F3000 power station launch deals, the exclusive Bluetti early Prime Day savings we’ve secured for our readers, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Rad Power Bikes celebrates 4th of July with its new Radster Trail and Road e-bikes back at $1,999 lows

Rad Power has launched its 4th of July Sale through July 9 that is continuing its $999 low on the RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike, while also offering $200 off on two of its newest models, with the Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike for $1,999 shipped alongside the Radster Road Commuter e-bike also at $1,999 shipped. These two new models normally fetch $2,199 since they were released in March, with only one previous discount on the books to this same low price back during the brand’s Memorial Day Sale. Now the low pricing has returned, giving you $200 savings and the best rates yet on some of the latest e-mobility options. Below, you’ll also find several of the brand’s add-on accessories with up to 50% discounts during this sale too.

Rad Power’s Radster Road commuter e-bike and Radster Trail off-road e-bike differ based on where you plan to trek, with both boasting improved speed and mileage over the brand’s legacy models. They both come equipped with 750W rear hub motors producing 100Nm of torque alongside a 720Wh Safe Shield semi-integrated battery. You’ll be able to activate five pedal assistance levels (supported by a torque sensor) in order to travel up to 65+ miles on a single charge at up to 28 MPH top speeds.

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As I stated before, there’s a few key differences based on the model, with the Radster Road tailored for street riding with 29-inch by 2.2-inch Kenda Kwik puncture-resistant tires with a reflective strip while the Radster Trail has 27.5-inch by 3-inch Kenda Havoc puncture-resistant tires. Aside from those, there are some slight fender and handlebar grip variances, with both offering the same smart features like passcode locking, an included security fob, and more. From there, they share hydraulic suspension forks, hydraulic disc brakes, auto-on headlights, taillights with brake and turn signal lighting, rear cargo racks, 8-speed Shimano derailleurs, and a color display with a USB-C port to charge your phone.

Rad Power’s 4th of July Sale offers (through June 9):

Rad Power’s 4th of July Sale add-on accessory deals:

EcoFlow DELTA Pro portable power station

EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale takes up to 54% off two expandable power stations and extra battery offers starting from $429

EcoFlow has launched the next of its early Prime Day flash sales, offering up to 54% off three units and running for 48 hours. Two of these units even have different ways to save money, which we detail for each. The first of these deals gives you the DELTA Pro Portable Power Station with a free protective bag at $1,799 shipped (extra savings are not valid here), or you can add the station from this page to your cart and use the code EFPDAFF5 at checkout to get a price cut to $1,709.05 shipped along with a free RAPID 5,000mAh power bank. Down from the $3,699 MSRP, this is the first time since March that we’ve seen sales bring the costs down to $1,799, with it being the next-best price behind the $1,709 low from the extra savings option. You’ll find it priced at $1,799 from Amazon right now too, though this doesn’t include any free gear or extra savings options.

EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro power station is one of the most popular and most expansive units under the brand’s flag, starting with a 3,600Wh LiFePO4 capacity that can be boosted as high as 25kWh with additional equipment. It provides a steady 3,600W output, can surge up to 7,200W when needed, and comes with 14 ports to cover your devices and appliances. For recharging, you’ll have the option to plug it into a wall outlet, your car’s auxiliary port, or utilize up to its max 1,600W solar input to take advantage of sunny days.

While the next of the flash offers gives you the DELTA Pro Ultra Portable Power Station at $4,399 shipped, down from its full $6,098 price tag, you can’t stack the extra savings, but you can add the station to your cart from this page and use the code EFPDAFF7 at checkout to score it at $4,370.07 shipped – plus, you’ll be getting a free 250W solar panel along with it. This is the largest and most expansive of the brand’s stations, starting at a 6.1kWh LiFePO4 capacity and 7,200W output that can be built upon to reach as high as a 90kWh capacity and 21.6kW output. It even comes as the best whole-home backup system when paired alongside the Smart Home Panel 2, which lets it cover your home’s breaker but also connect to roof panels, among much more.

The last of these flash offers gives you the DELTA 2 Smart Extra Battery at $429 shipped, bringing it down from $799 with no way to score more savings like the other two – though this is a returning low price. With this add-on device, you’ll be able to expand your DELTA 2 power station setup with an additional 1,024Wh capacity, up to the unit’s 3,072Wh max capacity.

Be sure to check out the full lineup for EcoFlow’s early Prime Day Sale running through July 7, with 60% discounts, bonus 5% and 7% savings, free gifts, and installation subsidies – all starting from $179.

greenworks 82V 25-inch cordless self-propelled lawn mower

Score Greenworks’ 82V commercial 25-inch cordless self-propelled mower with three 4.0Ah batteries at $700

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 82V Commercial-Grade 25-inch Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower bundled with three 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger for $699.99 shipped. You’d normally shell out $700 at full price for the mower with two batteries, but this first-time bundle offer gives you the additional 4.0Ah battery ($250 value) for free. All-in-all, this is a 26% markdown on a bundle that would otherwise cost you $950 to buy separately, with the mower being one of the brand’s newest models at only a year old.

This 82V Greenworks mower comes with a 1.8kW brushless motor that “outperforms 160cc gas engine machines,” tackling up to 1/2 an acre with just two of the 4.0Ah batteries, which fit into the dual ports on the mower to prolong runtimes. It’s all housed inside a 25-inch steel deck, with self-propulsion tech supported by a variable speed rear wheel drive for effortless mobility. Alongside foldable handles for vertical storage and a 2-in-1 functionality for rear-bagging and mulching, it comes with SmartCut tech that auto-adapts cutting speeds based on the thickness of sensed grass as it moves. Like the other solutions under the Greenworks flag, this model starts at the push of a button and releases no fumes, no emissions, and far less noise.

This isn’t the only commercial-grade Greenworks deals we’ve seen lately, as you can pick up the 82V 760 CFM Cordless Axial Leaf Blower bundle with two 82V Bluetooth 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger that is now 50% off at a new $300 low, or the 82V 18-inch Commercial-Grade Cordless Chainsaw that comes with 4.0Ah and 2.5Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger at a new $400 low.

greenworks 1,800 PSI open frame electric pressure washer

Clean outdoor spaces with Greenworks’ 1,800 PSI electric pressure washer with an onboard soap tank for $120

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 1,800 PSI Open-Frame Electric Pressure Washer at $119.99 shipped. You’d normally have to shell out $170 for this model at full price, which we’ve only seen taken down to $127 twice in 2025. Today’s deal is going even lower thanks to the 29% markdown here that cuts $50 off the tag and lands it at the second-lowest price we have tracked – just $1 above the low we last saw during October’s Prime Day event.

Summer is in full swing and outdoor cleaning is well under way, and you can keep your driveway, walkways, patio furniture, and more in pristine condition with this open-frame electric pressure washer from Greenworks that has an onboard soap tank. It provides up to a max 1,800 PSI at up to a 1.2 GPM flow rate, and comes with four varying nozzles and a 25-foot high-pressure hose – with everything having an onboard place to keep them. You won’t be dealing with any gas, oil, or emissions here, with the system starting up at the press of a button.

Greenworks’ other electric pressure washer deals:

There’s also the Greenworks 40V bundle that gives you a 13-inch cordless string trimmer/edger, a 350 CFM leaf blower, and three replacement spools of line at a new $150 low.

Best Spring EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Hyundai and Kia are cutting prices with nearly $17,000 in discounts in some markets

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3 hours ago

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June 26, 2025

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Hyundai and Kia are cutting prices with nearly ,000 in discounts in some markets

Hyundai-Kia-cut-prices

Are the Korean auto giants facing slowing sales? Hyundai and Kia are offering generous incentives globally, resulting in price cuts worldwide. In some markets, discounts can reach nearly $17,000.

Hyundai Motor, including Kia, has launched aggressive sales promotions this month in six of its biggest global markets: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Central and South America.

The discounts apply to some of its top-selling EVs, including the IONIQ 5 and SUVs like the Tucson and Santa Fe.

According to the Korea JoongAng Daily, Hyundai and Kia cut prices by up to 23 million won, or nearly $17,000 in some regions.

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The promotions vary depending on the market. For example, in Serbia, Hyundai is offering up to 15,000 euros ($17,500) off the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 models. In Thailand and Chile, discounts reach as high as 12 million won ($8,900) and 17.8 million won ($13,100), respectively.

Why is Hyundai offering such significant discounts? The report suggests that it could be all due to the new 25% US auto tariffs on imported vehicles, Hyundai’s largest market.

Hyundai-Kia-cut-prices
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Source: Hyundai)

After the tariffs were introduced, Hyundai and Kia reportedly told regional leaders to “increase sales by 10% in other regions.” A local report this week claimed Hyundai was temporarily pausing production of the IONIQ 5 and Kona EV at one of its plants in Korea due to slowing sales.

Hyundai-Kia-price-cuts
2026 Kia EV9 (Source: Kia)

What about the US?

In April, Hyundai launched its “Customer Assurance” program, promising not to raise vehicle prices in the US until June 2. The program has since been extended until July 7.

Although Hyundai is expected to hike prices following the window, the company denied the rumors, saying no decision has been made yet.

Several automakers have already announced plans to raise vehicle prices in the US, including Toyota, Ford, and Jeep maker Stellantis.

Hyundai-Kia-cut-prices
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 at a Tesla Supercharger (Source: Hyundai)

About 24% of Hyundai and Kia vehicles sold last year were in the US, making it a priority to protect prices. Although 60% of them were exported from Korea in 2024, Hyundai is ramping up local production to mitigate the blow.

After celebrating the grand opening of its new EV plant in Georgia, Hyundai kicked off production of its first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9.

Hyundai-Kia-price-cuts
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 (Source: Hyundai)

The larger electric SUV joins the updated 2025 IONIQ 5, which Hyundai has been building at the facility since last year.

Once up and running, the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) is expected to have an annual production capacity of 300,000 units. If necessary, the output can be expanded to approximately 500,000.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Trim EV Powertrain Driving Range (miles) Starting Price*  Monthly lease price June 2025
IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range 168-horsepower rear motor 245 $42,500 $179
IONIQ 5 SE RWD 225-horsepower rear motor 318 $46,550 $199
IONIQ 5 SEL RWD 225-horsepower rear motor 318 $49,500 $209
IONIQ 5 Limited RWD 225-horsepower rear motor 318 $54,200 $309
IONIQ 5 SE Dual Motor AWD 320-horsepower dual motor 290 $50,050 $249
IONIQ 5 SEL Dual Motor AWD 320-horsepower dual motor 290 $53,000 $259
IONIQ 5 XRT Dual Motor  AWD 320 horsepower dual motor 259 $55,400 $359
IONIQ 5 Limited Dual Motor AWD 320-horsepower dual motor 269 $58,100 $299
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 prices and range by trim (*includes $1,475 destination fee)

After Hyundai cut lease prices again in June, the 2025 IONIQ 5 is now listed starting at just $179 per month. The three-row 2026 IONIQ 9 is available to lease starting at just $419 per month with up to $13,000 in discounts. Kia is currently offering up to $12,500 off its three-row EV9.

Hyundai is even throwing in a free  ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger with the purchase of any new 2026 IONIQ 9 or 2025 IONIQ 5 until the end of the year.

Looking to take advantage of the savings? We can help you get started. You can use our link to find Hyundai and Kia’s electric vehicles in your area.

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Want to drive 6,000 miles for just $160? You actually can. Here’s how

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4 hours ago

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June 26, 2025

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Want to drive 6,000 miles for just 0? You actually can. Here’s how

I know, it sounds like clickbait math, but it’s real: you can cover 6,000 miles for just $160 in fuel. There’s a catch, though. It’s not gasoline. Oh, and it’s not even in a car. You’ll need to trade in your four wheels for two. Specifically, you’ll need something like the Ryvid Anthem, a lightweight, street-legal electric motorcycle that was purpose-built for efficient urban commuting.

I’ve been in the market for a light electric motorcycle for my sister for a while now. And as I was perusing Ryvid’s site, I noticed a catchy graphic claiming that the bike could cover 6,000 miles (9,600 km) for just $160 in electricity.

It sounded too good to be true, so the engineer in me made me instantly bust out a pencil and start scribbling away on some scrap paper on my desk. And I’ll be damned – the math holds up. In fact, they were being extremely conservative with their numbers.

There are a few short paragraphs of math to follow here, but stick with me. It’s pretty simple, and the result is actually really impressive.

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The graphic that caught my eye

The Anthem’s 4.3 kWh battery offers up to 75 miles of city range, depending on riding style (whiskey throttling at every green light may ding your range, of course).

That works out to around 57 Wh/mile (35 Wh/km), which is impressively efficient, even compared to an electric car. (Electric cars usually consume around 220-270 Wh/mile at city speeds, or nearly 5x as much energy to go the same distance as the Ryvid Anthem).

Multiply the Ryvid’s consumption over 6,000 miles, and you’re looking at about 344 kWh of electricity consumed. At the national average residential electricity rate (roughly $0.16/kWh), that’s just $55 of electricity to travel 6,000 miles. That’s less than one cent per mile. Of course, electricity rates are vastly different around the country. In California, that much electricity would cost you double at $110. In North Dakota, it would be nearly half, costing you $35 to travel 6,000 miles at city speeds.

All of these are well below the $160 originally quoted by Ryvid for 6,000 miles of travel, likely because the company is being realistic and not trying to sneak by on “optimal conditions” figures to tout even lower charging costs. So let’s handicap ourselves and use worse efficiency numbers. Let’s say we don’t stick to city speeds. Let’s have some fun. If we instead use Ryvid’s constant 55 mph (88 km/h) range of 46 miles (74 km), that would rework the math to bring the cost up to $89 at the national average electricity prices. In California, it’d be $180. Back in Bismarck? $57 flat. Still under one penny per mile… if you’re cool with the Bismarck, North Dakota scene.

Anyway you slice it, and even with the most expensive electricity in the US, these are insanely affordable commuting figures. To put the numbers in perspective, even the most efficient electric cars, like the Tesla Model 3, average closer to 220 Wh/mi at city speeds (135 Wh/km). That same 6,000-mile journey would cost you about 1,320 kWh, or $211 at the national average. And that’s before factoring in significantly higher purchase prices for electric cars, costlier maintenance, registration fees, and all the other higher financial costs and headaches of owning a full-size vehicle.

ryvid anthem
ryvid anthem
ryvid anthem electric motorcycle
The Ryvid Anthem isn’t only efficient – it’s also eye-catching!

The Ryvid Anthem, by comparison, is a techy-yet-minimalist commuter bike that’s packed with some really clever features. It’s got an easily removable battery that you can roll inside like carry-on luggage to charge at a standard wall outlet, or you can plug the bike in directly for Level 2 charging, which gets you to 80% in just over an hour thanks to its large 3.3 kW built-in charger. The seat height is electronically adjustable (even while riding!), a huge benefit for riders closer to the ends of the height bell curve or those who share a bike with someone else. When I reviewed the motorcycle, I even found it nice for keeping the seat higher while riding and then dropping it down with the push of a button at red lights to more easily flat-foot it. And at just 313 lbs (142 kg), it’s lightweight and approachable, far less intimidating than many full-size motorcycles.

Performance-wise, the Anthem isn’t a long-distance highway cruiser, but with a top speed of over 75 mph (121 km/h), it’s more than capable of commuting on any highway or interstate, as long as you don’t need to go too far. Remember, this isn’t a sport bike and it’s not designed for long touring trips – it’s a super fun commuter.

The 4.3 kWh battery may sound small compared to an electric car, but it’s designed for efficiency. While 75 miles (121 km) is doable at city speeds, you’ll still be north of 40 miles (64 km) even when cruising at a constant 50+ mph (80+ km/h). Again, it’s for getting to work, not for getting to Sturgis. And since the battery can be rolled inside with you, riders could even bring it right into the office and charge it from a wall outlet during the day at work. Why not let your boss pay for your riding?!

For new riders who don’t want to deal with the maintenance associated with combustion engine motorcycles, regenerative braking and a simple belt drive system keep things quiet, simple, and low-maintenance. The bike even comes with a full-color LCD dash and an optional integrated mount for your smartphone. It even has reverse – an important feature missing on most electric motorcycles, including my fancy-shmancy LiveWire S2 Del Mar (a bike that also costs twice as much as the Ryvid and makes me feel like I skipped every leg day of my life when I need to back it up a 0.01% grade into my parking spot).

Commuter motorcycles like the Ryvid Anthem offer highway speeds at pennies per mile

Sure, making the switch from a car to an electric motorcycle isn’t just a financial decision, it can be a lifestyle change. You’ll need to get comfortable with no longer commuting from inside a box, occasionally using rain gear (you know, like you also do when walking on a rainy day), and the rhythm of two-wheeled commuting.

But for many riders, the benefits quickly outweigh the trade-offs. An $8,000 electric motorcycle sure sounds easier to swing than a $35,000 electric car, not to mention the considerably lower monthly cost of ownership. And beyond just the financial benefits, other advantages like easier parking, more enjoyable ride, and yes, massively lower energy consumption, make bikes like the Ryvid Anthem a compelling alternative to car ownership for urban and suburban commuters alike. And if you happen to live in a state that allows lane splitting or filtering, then the ability to cut your commute time down to a fraction of its former self and never wait in long lines of traffic again is something that feels too good to describe in words.

Yes, there are a few small barriers to entry. You’ll still have to get your motorcycle license and a good helmet. I’d also recommend some quality riding gear like a breathable mesh jacket. But after that? You’re looking at one of the cheapest and smartest ways to travel 6,000 miles without burning a drop of gas, and barely touching your wallet.

Oh, and if you want to push things to the limit and instead go 60,000 miles for $160, can I introduce you to an electric bicycle?

I love riding fast, efficient electric motorcycles… but electric bicycles are even MORE cost-effective for city travel!

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