Aventon, one of the most well-known players in the US electric bicycle market, has announced the launch of its latest model, the Level 3. A smart e-bike designed for modern commuters, the Level 3 is packed with advanced security features, extended range capabilities, and comfort-focused components. It’s all part of the new Aventon Control Unit (ACU), which serves as the central brain of the smart bike, and helps it offer new standards in daily riding and commuting convenience.

The Level 3 marks Aventon’s second e-bike equipped with the Aventon Control Unit, a smart bike technology system that provides a suite of advanced theft deterrent features. The ACU offers geofencing, GPS tracking, remote locking, and a passcode system, ensuring riders can park and leave their e-bikes with confidence. The real-time bike stats accessible through GPS tracking and a 4G connection also allow users to monitor their rides with ease.

Built with intuitive geometry and a comfortable riding position, the Level 3 seems to add additional focus on providing a smooth and enjoyable everday experience for commuters. The inclusion of a front suspension fork and a suspension seat post with 50mm of travel are both nods toward comfort, even on rough urban roads that many of us would consider akin to light off-roading. The adjustable stem also allows riders to fine-tune the handlebar position for a personalized fit, further increasing the comfort and customizability of the bike.

Powering the Level 3 is a 500W, 36V hub-drive motor that delivers 60Nm of torque, with peak output reaching a claimed 864W. This is an interesting choice as it technically represents a reduction in system voltage for the Level 3, compared to the 48V system found in most of Aventon’s other e-bikes, including the Level 2 that preceded this one. However, Aventon still claims that the motor is robust enough to ensure riders can tackle steep inclines and flat roads alike without breaking a sweat.

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The top speed of the Level 3 is listed at 20 mph (32 km/h), and so it appears that the Class 3 option on the previous version of the bike hasn’t made the jump to the Level 3. At 20 mph on throttle or pedal assist, the Level 3 will operate in either Class 1 or Class 2 mode, but not Class 3. This may be an attempt to fall in line with increasingly strict e-bike regulations that have begun in California and may spread further in the US.

The Level 3 also claims an impressive range of up to 70 miles (112 km) on a single charge. While that marks an increase in range, the battery is listed at 36V and 20Ah, which is roughly similar in capacity to the 48V 15Ah battery from the Level 2.

Next-Gen Security and Connectivity

The performance specs may not be leaps and bounds above the Level 2, but the Level 3’s technology suite is certainly a major upgrade. As Aventon’s CEO JW Zhang expalined, “We are excited to announce our second addition of next-generation e-bikes with our ACU technology. We are setting new standards on what a smart bike means to our modern customers, elevating their riding experiences.”

With its advanced security suite, the Level 3 is said to provide unparalleled peace of mind for e-bike owners who are rightfully worried about the risk of bike theft. The ACU’s Remote Lock feature allows riders to disable the motor remotely, while geofencing alerts users if the bike leaves a designated area. Passcode protection adds an extra layer of security, making unauthorized use nearly impossible.

That won’t prevent thieves from carrying the bike away, so a good lock is still a must, but thieves in the know may soon learn to leave the bikes alone if they won’t be able to operate it and fleece it for a good price afterward.

The Level 3 is available in four color options: Glacier Mint, Sandstone, Matte Black, and Matte Aurora. Riders can choose between Step-Through and Step-Over frame designs, ensuring a better fit for a wide range of users.

The MSRP for the Level 3 is listed at $1,899, with preorders available now and shipping expected in April.

Kia recently held its annual EV Day event overseas, and we were one of the select outlets invited to attend in person. During that time, Kia executives outlined the Korean brand’s global EV strategy, which reiterated its unwavering approach to going all-electric, bolstered by several new models that made global debuts, including the Concept EV2, PV5 lineup, and the Kia EV4, which we learned will officially be sold in the US.

Kia continues to establish itself as a bona fide mover in the EV segment as part of a larger electrification strategy from the parent company, Hyundai Motor Group. The Group’s decision to invest in advanced platform technology early on culminated in the E-GMP platform, the 800—or 400-volt nucleus of all its bespoke EV models. This platform has already paid dividends in the market growth of all its marques, particularly Hyundai and Kia.

The Korean marque found early success with its EV6 and EV9 models and has since introduced several additional vehicles set to join the lineup, including the EV3, EV4, and EV5. Additionally, Kia shared plans to enter the commercial EV segment with a new lineup of modular BEVs called “Platform Beyond Vehicles,” or PBVs for short.

During Kia’s second annual EV Day event, these models and some additional surprises were on display in Tarragona, Spain. We were there in person to get an up-close look at the nine different models on display (see the video recap below) and have some exciting news to share about Kia EVs and the US market.

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Kia unveils EV4 and confirms it’s coming to the US

Much of Kia’s EV Day 2025 touched upon new models designed for Korean and European markets, hence why the event was held in Spain, but there were some juicy tidbits for North American customers, including news that the new EV4, which was unveiled in Tarragona, will enter the US market.

The EV4 initially debuted as a concept model at the 2024 LA Auto Show alongside the EV3 concept, which has since been confirmed for the US market. We have been covering all the glimpses of the EV4 since, which has expanded into sedan and hatchback configurations.

During EV Day 2025, Kia officially unveiled both four- and five-door versions of the EV4, described as an “athletic all-rounder launched to redefine the C-segment.” This is another core model in Kia’s global EV strategy and the automaker’s first dedicated sedan hatchback EV.

When it arrives, it will offer the best-in-class cabin and cargo space (490 liters in the sedan and 435 liters in the hatchback) and is currently being optimized to deliver the best-in-class EV range. Kia is also targeting another IIHS Top Safety Pick award for this model, and it will be the first in the EV lineup to feature over-the-air (OTA) updates available through the Kia App. Here are some key specs:

• Battery size: Standard (58.3 kWh) and Long Range (81.4 kWh) packs will be available
• The Long Range battery is expected to deliver up to 630km (392 miles) of WLTP range, and 430 km (267 miles) of range in the Standard model
  • The long-range hatchback version can deliver up to 590km (367 miles) of WLTP range
• A full underbody cover contributes to aerodynamic performance and a drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd
• A front-mounted 150 kW motor can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.4 seconds with the standard pack and 7.7 seconds with the long range battery.
  • Both battery variants can reach a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph)
• It features a 400V E-GMP platform, enabling the long-range pack to charge from 10-80% in 31 minutes (29 minutes for the standard pack)
• Comes equipped with vehicle-to-load (V2L) (3.6 kVa) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) (10 kVa) capabilities with an 11 kW onboard charger

Here’s a closer look at the sedan version:

The Kia EV4 will also arrive with new tech, including Digital Key 2.0, which allows your smartphone to act as a key and is compatible with Apple Watch. The BEV also features i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking, which we recently tested in the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5.

Another feature is “Rest Mode,” which utilizes front-row relaxation seats and a mood lamp to create a comfortable atmosphere while parked and/or charging. Theater mode optimizes the dashboard’s 30″ display, mood lighting, and optional Harmon/Kardon 8-speaker sound system for video streaming on newly added services like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+.

Per Kia, the EV4 sedan will be built at its new EVO Plant in Korea, and the hatchback version will be built in Slovakia for targeted sales in Europe only. Sedan production will begin in Korea in mid-March, followed by hatchback production in the second half of 2025. Production for North America is planned for later this year, but we do not have a more concrete timeline yet.

Kia President Ho Sung Song told the crowd the automaker is targeting a build of 160,000 units of the EV4, 80,000 of which will be sold in North America. Kia said it targets a starting MSRP of 37,000 euros for the EV4. While we don’t have US pricing yet, Mr. Song told reporters the US dollar and Euro are pretty even right now, so we can expect US pricing to be similarly competitive to Europe, at least for the entry-level model.

Kia debuts the Concept EV2 alongside the EV4

In addition to the EV4, Kia unveiled its new Concept EV2 – its smallest BEV model to date, representing the automaker’s “vision for a B-segment all-electric SUV.—its smallest BEV model to date.” Per Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song:

The Kia Concept EV2 represents a bold step forward for the future of urban mobility. With the Concept EV2, we challenged ourselves to create a vehicle that defies expectations, offering innovative technology and practicality beyond its size. This concept previews Kia’s future vision to redefine the segment, bringing a new level of sophistication and usability to urban drivers. It’s a clear signal of our dedication to making electric vehicles truly accessible for everyone.

While the EV2 remains a concept for now, Kia expressed a goal to deliver a production version that closely resembles it. Kia’s executive vice president and head of global design, Karim Habib, told the media that it is much easier to accomplish on a vehicle’s exterior. Still, it will try to bring as many elements of the EV2 interior to the masses as well.

We hope Kia will continue to incorporate sustainable materials in the EV2’s interior as well as its unique seat configuration, which includes a folding second row, a sliding front bench, and rear-hinged back doors, which allow the BEV to open up for an innovative spot to hang out. Here’s a detailed look from Kia:

Per Kia, the EV2 is targeting a starting MSRP of 30,000 euros but, unfortunately, is not planned for a US launch, just Europe and “other regions” in 2026.

Our best look at the PV5, which may or may not come to the US

In addition to the EV4 and Concept EV2 debuts, Kia also shared complete details of its PV5 EVs, the first model from its new PBV lineup to hit the market. The Korean automaker drove four unique variants onto the stage in Spain, showcasing the PV5’s modularity atop Kia’s new E-GMP.S platform, designed specifically for those vehicles. The “s” stands for “service.”

Kia describes the PV5 as a Car-Derived Van (CDV) offered in three body styles: Passenger, Cargo, and Chassis Cab. The variants on display were Passenger, Cargo, Crew, and WAV, which stands for “Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.”

While these are commercial BEVs at their core, Kia has taken a welcomed sales approach and will sell them to the public as well. That means the everyday consumer can get their hands on one and design it to their liking using Kia AddGear, enabling customers to choose from a wide range of custom accessories for personal and business use.

On the commercial side, Kia announced several partnerships to empower fleet customers with cutting-edge software with the help of companies like 42dot, Geotab, and Samsung. Furthermore, the PBV’s Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) will allow commercial customers to integrate their own software into fleets. Here are some key specs:

• Choice of a 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh NMC battery pack for all versions, plus the option for an additional 43.3 kWh LFP battery in the PV5 Cargo
• All versions feature a 150 kW front motor than can produce 250 Nm of torque
• The PV5 Passenger with the larger pack delivers a range up to 400km (249 miles)
• All versions can charge from 10-80% in 30 minutes

• PV5 Passenger: A three-row seat configuration that can be optimized for luggage or camping scenarios and has been developed with ride-hailing use cases in mind (Kia has partnered with Uber)
• The PV5 Cargo (High Roof): This variant offers up to 5.1 m³ of capacity, with standard, long, and high-roof options available. There is also an optional L-track mounting system and V2L functionality
• The PV5 Chassis Cab: It will be delivered as an unfinished vehicle, with a shared cabin, which utilizes the front section of the PV5 Cargo. It was developed with modularity to support a range of conversion configurations, from Drop Side to Freezer Box models

Other variants in the works include the PV5 Crew, which features various cargo securing options like lashing points and L-tracks, plus the PV5 WAV (both pictured above), which comes equipped with a sliding ramp that supports up to 300 kg (661 lbs) and can be positioned on the road or the sidewalk, as well as hardware to secure the wheelchair during transit.

My first thought after seeing the modularity of the PV5 was “electric camper van,” so when I interviewed Mr. Song, it was the first thing I asked. The Kia President could not confirm a camper version of the PV5 or larger PV7 was coming but did say it was being discussed. You may remember Kia unveiled a similar PV5 concept called the WKNDR at SEMA 2024, so this feels imminent and could sell well. Furthermore, Kia’s press release outlining the 2025 Kia EV Day event specifically mentioned a camper option:

Additionally, Kia has developed the Flexible Body System, an innovative technology that enables the modular assembly of body components, akin to assembling a puzzle. This capability allows Kia to effectively address the diverse needs of its customers by providing standard models including Passenger, Cargo, Chassis-Cab, WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle), and Family. Additionally, it will feature conversion models including the Crew, Drop Side, Box Van, Freezer Box, Prime (advanced model based on Passenger), and Light Camper.

Kia said the PV5 Cargo will have a starting MSRP of 35,000 euros, including VAT, and other models will be “priced competitively.”

Like the EV4, the PBVs will be built at Kia’s new dedicated EVO plant in Korea, which also includes a conversion facility next door for those customized builds. Kia shared that PV5 sales will begin in Korea and Europe in July, followed by launches in additional markets in 2026. Conversion models are also expected to begin production “sequentially” between 2025 and 2026.

But will the PV5 come to the US? This question came up multiple times during executive interviews, but we still don’t have a concrete answer. Mr. Song confirmed that the PV5 would be sold in Canada but cited the United States’ “chicken tax” as a hurdle for market entry in the US.

Given that information, it is hard to believe Kia won’t find a workaround to get its PV5s imported into the US market, but that has been all but confirmed so far. That will undoubtedly be a process to keep an eye on.

Several well-known players in the US electric bicycle market have recently joined forces in creative ways. Electric Bike Company, known for its local manufacturing in Southern California, has just announced a major merger with Integral Electrics, an e-bike brand uniquely designing electric bicycles for women and other short statured riders.

Both Electric Bike Company and Integral Electrics have carved out interesting niches in the industry. EBC has become famous for its extremely customizable electric bicycles. Riders can choose everything from the specific paint color to the combination of components and even the material choices – locally manufactured wooden fenders, anyone?

With multiple assembly locations across Newport Beach in Southern California, the local production has allowed EBC to respond quickly to one-of-a-kind builds that are designed by customers on its website or in any of hundreds of dealer locations around the US. The extreme customization has lent itself well to a market where customers often want to create unique bikes that show off personality and character.

Integral Electrics has also found itself an underrepresented market, but this time with a focus on female riders. The brand focuses on making cycling more accessible, regardless of a rider’s gender, height, or cycling experience. The company’s e-bikes are built to fit a wider range of riders, carry multiple children, and make cycling easier for everyone.

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The company’s founder and CEO Laura Belmar started Integral Electrics back in 2023 along with co-founder Paul Freedom, relying on her own experience struggling to find a cargo e-bike that she could comfortably ride with her children. A serial entrepreneur with successful ventures already under her belt, Belmar followed her instincts and tapped into that underserved market.

Now Integral Electrics and Electric Bike Company are merging under a single brand, with Integral Electric’s designs joining the EBC family. EBC has several famous models available, but the brand has long skewed more in the direction of cruisers and comfort bikes. The addition of Integral Electric’s cargo bikes and trikes will help further round out the diversity of models offered.

“Integral’s emphasis on female riders and on cargo e-bikes is a welcome addition to the EBC family,” said EBC founder and CEO Sean Lupton-Smith. “We want to stay on the cutting edge of where the e-bike market is headed, and Integral’s innovative approach helps push us forward.”

And with EBC’s local manufacturing, those bikes will be made closer to home than ever. “Building in the USA also has distinct safety advantages,” explained Belmar. “From my first visit to Electric Bike Company’s California factory, I have been indelibly impressed by the emphasis on quality and safety. Shipping bikes fully built and inspected is so much safer for customers. Electric Bike Company has already achieved one of our long-held aspirations. I’m honored to be part of this team.”

In a climate of tariff uncertainty, the ability to build and assemble bikes locally is becoming even more advantageous. “As tariffs, regulation and competition put pressure on the e-bike industry, Sean’s focus on customization and safety at Electric Bike Company was prescient,” added Freeman. “As we look around the industry, it’s clear that he has built a business that is well-positioned to meet this moment.”

As part of the merger, Belmar will assume the role of President and Chief Commercial Officer at EBC, and Integral Electrics’ Advisor Michael Edwards will join the EBC board.

The news of the merger follows quickly behind another major EBC partnership that saw Pedego ink a licensing deal with the brand to leverage EBC’s customization strengths to produce unique customer-designed Pedego e-bikes.

In addition to rolling out EBC’s Design Wall at many of Pedego’s stores, allowing customers to visually construct any e-bike combination right there in real-time on a large touchscreen, the partnership adds Pedego’s 150+ stores to EBC’s 250+ dealer network, giving customers access to one of the most extensive e-bike sales and service networks in the country.