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We recently covered the launch of the JackRabbit OG2 Pro and XG Pro electric bikes, which added more range and power to the existing micro e-bike lineup from JackRabbit. Having spent a few weeks testing the XG Pro myself, I can attest to just what that means from the perspective of someone with saddle time doing things you wouldn’t have thought possible on a micro e-bike.

To get a sense of what I mean, check out my video review of the JackRabbit XG Pro below.

Or keep reading for my full written thoughts on this fun, high-performance ride stuffed into the body of a much smaller-than-expected micromobility device.

JackRabbit XG Pro video review

JackRabbit XG Pro tech specs

  • Motor: 749 geared rear hub motor
  • Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h) – or faster 24 mph (39 km/h) in off-road mode
  • Range: 48 miles (77 km)
  • Battery: 720 Wh battery (2x 360Wh RangeBuster batteries)
  • Max load: 275 lb (125 kg)
  • Bike weight: 37 lb (16.7 kg)
  • Brakes: Front and rear mechanical disc brakes on 180 mm rotors
  • Wheels: 2.8×20″ off-road tires
  • Price$2,249 
  • Extras: Thumb throttle, 90-degree fold-flat rotatable handlebars (in high-rise format), foldout Mega Metal footpegs, bell, LCD display, kickstand, LED lights that run off the main batteries, plus plenty of optional accessories

What’s new and different?

Don’t forget to check out my article on the launch to see what makes this model so different from the original JackRabbit XG. But to summarize, the XG Pro gets a more powerful motor, larger brakes, high-rise handlebars, wider tires, faster top speed, bigger batteries, and just generally feels like a major upgrade in simply every way.

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A lot of those upgrades go a long way towards turning this into a highly competitive bike on more than just convenience. Now, the XG Pro competes on performance as well.

Previously, JackRabbit’s big claim to fame was that its bikes were more convenient. They were smaller and lighter while still offering 20 mph speeds, and that was the big advantage. However, you paid for it with limited range and lower power. Now, however, the JackRabbit XG has massively upgraded the range to over 48 miles (77 km) with the inclusion of not just one but two of JackRabbit’s RangeBuster big-boy batteries. These have nearly 2.5x the capacity of the standard airline-friendly batteries offered by JackRabbit and the resulting range is more than you’d find in many heavier e-bikes with similar battery capacities.

JackRabbit XG Pro: Seriously powerful and torquey

I don’t have a lot of hills to test when I do my riding in Florida, but I can say that the 749W motor will easily wheelie me if I’m not careful (no doubt aided by the short wheelbase), and so the torque is appreciable.

I can also tell you that I towed nearly 100 pounds (45 kg) of kayak and camping gear for around 10 miles, including up sandy berms that might not have been crazy steep but were a serious test of the bike’s ability to climb an off-road grade at slower speeds (i.e. without the benefit of momentum).

So let’s just say that the power and torque are there, and you’re not going to struggle to climb a medium-sized hill.

At the same time, the small footprint and lightweight (for an e-bike) 37-lb design meant that I could strap it to my kayak and take it camping on an uninhabited island that is inaccessible by motorboat. That’s a whole other story, though. Maybe I should write a separate article on that adventure?

The 20 mph (32 km/h) top speed of the previous JackRabbit models also got a boost on the XG Pro up to 24 mph (39 km/h), though only in the new Off-Road Mode. To access this, you can’t simply pop into the display menu and choose the “More speed, please” option. You have to first reach out to JackRabbit and sign a waiver that also includes confirming that you are over 18 and pledge to only use the mode on true closed course, off-road scenarios. From there, you get access to the unlock, which is so convoluted that no one will ever discover it on accident. If you are explicitly told how to do so (which I’m not sure how it won’t eventually leak online), you wouldn’t be able to figure it out from mere button-mashing.

In unlocked mode, the JackRabbit XG Pro’s 24 mph top speed gives higher-performance riders more of what they are looking for, truly unleashing those 749 watts for peak performance.

How well does it ride?

There’s no suspension on the bike (unless you opt for the add-on suspension seat post), but you do get 2.8 inch tires that put more air volume between you and the road. That results in a better ride that isn’t as jarring as you’d expect on a small, non-suspension bike.

If you’re doing actual off-roading, which I highly recommend because of how fun it is on the JackRabbit XG Pro, then you’ll be rising out of the saddle anyway much of the time. In the same way that you drop the seat on the mountain bike because you won’t be using it much of the time anyway, you stand on the pegs and let your bent legs serve as suspension when you approach bigger obstacles.

With the knobbier off-road tires, you also get better grip, though the little bike wants to turn so hard that I am still worried about losing it in a few corners on loose gravel and sand. In my own testing, I covered plenty of different types of terrain, finding grassy fields to be my favorite place to ride the XG Pro. It did fine on gravel and sand too, but the looser terrain also had me feeling a bit squirrely, and the short wheelbase likely contributed to that. But back on grassy pasture to hold the loose soil together, I could fly around at nearly top speed and feel solid.

Who is the JackRabbit XG Pro for?

With its off-road credentials spoken for, I still think the XG Pro has plenty of room left for on-road riding. As a commuter, I can see the XG Pro being a fast, long-range option for a super convenient micromobility device. The included LED lights make it highly visible to other road users at night, and the small size means it can fold up and stow away in an office or apartment.

In fact, I really love the sideways-turning handlebars that spin 90-degrees for even more compact storage. With the bars turned and footpegs folded, the entire bike is a mere 7 inches (18 cm) wide, something you could never claim with an e-bike.

So in my opinion, the XG Pro is great for anyone who wants to enjoy the trails on the same bike they use to get to work or class, and doesn’t have the space in their life for anything bigger. You’ve got to enjoy looking different though, as it’s always going to be a unique and somewhat weird-looking ride compared to what most of us consider a ‘normal’ bike or scooter.

Is it an e-bike?

That brings me to a common question regarding all of the JackRabbits. Are they even truly e-bikes? By definition, probably not. JackRabbits don’t have pedals, instead opting for lighter and more compact foot pegs. That means that the JackRabbit is technically in the class of seated electric scooters.

However, the company refers to it as a micro e-bike, and I’m inclined to agree largely on the basis that it rides and feels like a bike, especially considering that most Americans use their throttles on their e-bikes almost all the time anyway. The pedals on most e-bikes these days are just glorified footrests that have the ability to spin, so JackRabbit basically said, “Enough with the charade,” and took away that rarely used ability.

The fixed footrests on the Jackrabbit remove the bicycle definition, but I can attest to the JackRabbit still feeling like a bike, even if you can’t pedal it. It leans into turns like a bike and feels like a bike when riding over obstacles because it uses a bike’s handlebars and wheels instead of the smaller scooter handlebars and wheels common among scooters.

So much like the Romeo and Juliet cliche, this is basically the rose by any other name situation. It still smells as sweet, and it still rides as good.

Is the JackRabbit XG Pro worth it?

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: If you’re looking for the best dollar-per-watt bargain, then move on. JackRabbit will never be the answer for you. These bikes cost a premium. The XG Pro is the new flagship model and is priced at an eye-watering US $2,249. The OG2’s $1,249 looks downright fiscally responsible by comparison.

But then again, JackRabbit isn’t trying to compete on price. Despite now matching other popular e-bikes on power, speed, and range, it will always be a more expensive alternative due to the company’s unique design that requires them to invest in building their own major components. They don’t benefit from off-the-shelf frames and batteries. Instead, they’ve invested the hard work in engineering new designs, not to mention paying for the tooling to make that happen. You can’t ask for innovation at the price of mediocrity.

For anyone on a budget, there are cheaper ways to get the same speed, power, and range. But there aren’t lighter ways to do it, or more convenient ways, or (in my opinion) cooler-looking ways. And that’s the whole point of JackRabbit. These bikes were originally designed as the perfect solution for college students getting around campus. And after many years and many new models, the company has grown into a fun solution for so many different types of people who share the same basic needs: a small yet potent e-bike-like vehicle for getting around without taking up too much space. Now, everyone from students to professionals ride them, and they’ve become a favorite among RVers, boat owners, private plane pilots, and anyone who needs a super-compact ride.

So in my opinion, the question of whether or not the JackRabbit XG Pro is worth it comes down to whether you want these capabilities in this form factor. You can find it for cheaper, but it’s not going to be as small or lightweight or slick. That’s the magic sauce at JackRabbit, and when you ride it, you damn well feel that magic.

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This new Texas battery storage project runs on used EV packs

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This new Texas battery storage project runs on used EV packs

California-based B2U Storage Solutions is building a new battery energy storage facility east of San Antonio, Texas – and it’s going to be powered by used EV batteries.

The Bexar Corrilla project in Bexar County is B2U’s third grid storage site and its first in Texas. When complete later this year, it’ll have 24 megawatt-hours (MWh) of capacity and plug directly into San Antonio utility CPS Energy’s distribution system. B2U will repurpose around 500 end-of-life EV battery packs, housed in 21 modular cabinets, to store and dispatch power to the Texas grid.

The company has already deployed over 40 MWh of used EV batteries as battery storage in California. Its tech skips the expensive and energy-intensive remanufacturing process, thanks to a patented plug-and-play system that connects the batteries directly to the grid. The system’s certified to UL 9540 safety standards and uses AI to manage real-time power trading.

So why Texas? The state’s grid is notoriously volatile, and demand for backup is rising fast with more renewables and people plugging in. Batteries like these can help stabilize things when transmission can’t keep up.

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B2U’s CEO Freeman Hall says the Texas expansion “is a significant strategic milestone” and shows how repurposed EV packs are becoming a go-to solution for grid and industrial-scale energy storage.

Over the next year, the company plans to build three more projects in Texas, bringing its total footprint in the state to 100 MWh. Add in its California solar + storage sites, and B2U expects to hit 150 MWh of repurposed EV batteries on the grid by mid-2026.


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Acura just donated its largest vehicle fleet in brand history, and they’re all EVs

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Acura just donated its largest vehicle fleet in brand history, and they're all EVs

Honda’s luxury brand is teaming up with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to electrify its fleet of vehicles. Acura donated 75 electric ZDX SUVs, its largest vehicle donation to date, to support the mission. The new EVs will be used to get to and from remote conservation sites.

Acura donated 75 ZDX EVs to The Nature Conservancy

Acura is donating 75 ZDX SUVs to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) this year through its dealership network across the US.

The fleet will be used to support the organization’s missions, including fieldwork, community engagement, and conservation efforts in rural and remote areas.

As part of their +30-year partnership, Honda is donating another $1 million to expand charging options and support TNC’s transition to EVs.

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Over 30 years ago, Honda and TNC collaborated for the first time to preserve the Big Darby Creek. Since then, the automaker has invested over $1 million to protect the aquatic system.

“The donation of these vehicles has significantly accelerated our efforts to electrify our fleet, reducing our carbon footprint and setting a powerful example of climate leadership,” Daniel Salzer, director of sustainability at The Nature Conservancy, said after receiving the donation.

Acura-ZDX-EVs-donated
Acura ZDX electric SUV for TNC (Source: Acura)

The ZDX is the luxury brand’s first all-electric vehicle, and it’s been a surprise hit so far in the US. It’s currently one of the best-selling premium EVs in the US.

Through the first half of 2025, Honda has sold 10,355 Acura ZDX models, surpassing the Cadillac Lyriq, which is also based on the same Ultium platform.

The company is selling even more than it expected. Mike Langel, Acura’s president of national sales, told Automotive News earlier this year that the luxury brand expected to sell around 1,000 ZDX models a month in 2025.

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Acura donates 75 electric ZDX SUVs to The Nature Conservancy (Source: Acura)

Acura has offered some of the most generous discounts of any electric vehicle, reaching nearly $30,000 off in some states.

According to CarsDirect, the electric 2024 Acura ZDX A-Spec AWD is available to lease for as low as $299 per month.

The offer is for 24 months with $3,999 due at signing, but is limited to California, New York, Oregon, and other select states. The A-Spec AWD variant offers a range of 313 miles, while the RWD model has an EPA range rating of 304 miles. Honda’s electric SUV, the Prologue, is listed for lease starting at just $259 per month.

Looking to test one out for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our links to find Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue models in your area.

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Hyundai’s new IONIQ 6 takes the crown for Korea’s longest-range domestic EV with 350 mi

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Hyundai's new IONIQ 6 takes the crown for Korea's longest-range domestic EV with 350 mi

The new and improved IONIQ 6 is smarter, more stylish inside and out, and can drive even further. With nearly 350 miles of driving range, the new Hyundai IONIQ 6 now leads as Korea’s longest-range domestic EV.

Hyundai’s new IONIQ 6 leads Korea’s longest-range EV

Hyundai’s electrified streamliner is back and better than ever. The IONIQ 6 has received its first refresh since its launch three years ago in September 2022.

The new IONIQ 6 features Hyundai’s 4th-generation batteries, unlocking nearly 350 miles (562 km) driving range on a single charge. That’s the longest among domestic electric cars in Korea, beating the Kia EV4, which has a range of up to 341 miles (549 km).

Hyundai fine-tuned the exterior fastback design for maximum efficiency. With a drag coefficient of just 0.21, it’s the most aerodynamic of any Hyundai, Kia, or Genesis vehicle.

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Although still based on Hyundai’s “Mindful Cocoon” concept, the interior has been improved based on customer feedback. It now features a refined center console and incorporates “luxurious materials” into the three-spoke steering wheel and door trim.

Hyundai-new-IONIQ-6-EV
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 refresh (Source: Hyundai)

Hyundai added new features, including a new Air Conditioning Occupancy Detection function. The system, a first for a Hyundai vehicle, can detect passengers and adjust the AC system.

Another new feature is Smooth Mode, designed to reduce motion sickness by providing less sensitive acceleration and deceleration.

Hyundai-new-IONIQ-6-EV
The interior of the new Hyundai IONIQ 6 (Source: Hyundai)

The new IONIQ 6 is available with two battery options: 63 kWh and 84 kWh. With a range of up to 272 miles (437 km), the updated standard range model offers over 43 miles (70 km) more driving range. The extended-range battery is rated at 349 miles (562 km) range.

A Hyundai Motor Company official said, “The New Ioniq 6 is equipped with a 4th generation battery, securing the longest driving range among domestic electric vehicles.”

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The new Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Line (Source: Hyundai)

Despite the larger battery, the IONIQ 6 can still recharge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes with a 350 kW fast charger.

Hyundai launched the updated EV in Korea on Monday, priced from 48.56 million won ($35,000). That’s for the base E-Value+ standard range model.

The long-range Exclusive trim starts at 55.15 million won ($40,000) while the flagship Prestige N Line variant will run you 61.32 million won (61.32 million won). With government and local subsidies, Hyundai said the actual purchase price will be lower.

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The new Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Line interior (Source: Hyundai)

To celebrate the ultra-long-range capabilities of the new IONIQ 6, Hyundai is launching an ad campaign titled “the beginning of a new trend” in Korea.

For those in the US, Hyundai is expected to launch the new IONIQ 6 in early 2026. The current model is already rated with an EPA-estimated range of 342 miles.

With the updates, we could see it top 350 miles EPA-estimated range. Like the 2025 IONIQ 5, it’s also expected to arrive with a built-in NACS port to charge at Tesla Supercharger.

What are your thoughts on the updated model? Do you like the changes or does the IONIQ 6 still need some tweaking? Let us know in the comments.

Looking to test out Hyundai’s EV for yourself? With new models on the way, Hyundai is offering some sweet deals on its current lineup. The 2025 IONIQ 6 is available for lease starting at $169 per month. The 2025 IONIQ 5 may be an even better bet at just $179 per month. You can use our links below to find Hyundai’s electric vehicles near you.

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