Game-changing Lectric XP4 next-gen electric bike launched, shocking industry once again
In true Lectric style, North America’s largest e-bike company just unveiled the latest generation of its best-selling electric bike in a high-energy, adrenaline-fueled product launch this morning. The Lectric XP4 is the newest generation of the ultra-popular e-bike line, and once again brings a shocking level of upgrades at price points never before seen in the industry.
To put it simply, Lectric has done it again; they’ve absolutely crushed it and set a new high watermark for value in the US folding e-bike market.
The XP line is the best-selling electric bike in the US, so this was bound to be a hotly-anticipated launch. With roughly 1 out of every 10 electric bikes sold in the US being a Lectric XP (out of many hundreds of models available in the market), any new launch in the product line was set to grab eyeballs. And despite the extremely high expectations, Lectric appears to have risen to not only meet them but likely exceed what most could have expected at this price point.
The launch of the new XP4 actually includes a pair of launches, with the base 500W model offering the same $999 price tag we’ve come to know ever since the XP 2.0 days. A new long-range XP4, which swaps the 10.4Ah battery for a massive 17.5Ah battery and upgrades the motor to 750W, bares only a slightly higher $1,299 price tag.
“Because this model is so important to us and our riding community, we were determined to hold the line on price,” said Lectric eBikes co-founder and CEO Levi Conlow. “While other e-bike companies continue to raise prices and launch new products at higher price points, we know riders are going to appreciate Lectric going against the grain and making huge improvements for the same entry price we set more than four years ago.”
Levi isn’t paying lip service there, either. Both models share a number of key upgrades covering everything from the hardware design to the included componentry, and even the riding feel.
Both models include a new in-house designed torque sensor, offering smoother and more responsive pedal assist across the full range of power levels. A new 56-tooth chainring is larger and provides a more comfortable pedal cadence at higher speeds, meaning those taking advantage of the Class 3-capable 28 mph (45 km/h) speed can do so without their feet needing to spin uncomfortably fast.
The handlebars now feature an upgraded TFT color display with a built in USB-C port for phone and device charging. Having personally tested the e-bike yesterday, I can attest to just how beautifully designed the TFT screen truly is, providing much more information to the rider yet in a neatly laid out way that keeps it clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
My full first ride experience will be coming soon, but first let’s continue with what makes these models so new and innovative.
The frame has been redesigned with a novel rack setup, a larger main frame tube to accommodate the longer-range battery, and a new handlebar stem that provides a more comfortable reach in the cockpit. That rear rack adds to both the bike’s appearance and utility, providing a color and styling accent but also offering more compatibility for accessories mounted to its round tubes while still maintaining the boxier tubes consistent with the design legacy across the XP models’ successive frames.
New hydraulic disc brakes were developed specifically for Lectric and provide punchier stops than the previous version’s hydraulic disc brakes. The brakes’ model number of 602 even pays subtle homage to the area code in Phoenix, Lectric’s headquarters.
The transmission also received an upgrade, with the lower tier 7-speed Tourney derailleur getting replaced with a step up in Shimano’s hierarchy to an 8-speed Altus.
Other hardware improvements on the bike include the quick-release pedals, which have been redesigned, increasing the quality and making them easier to use. The new derailleur is matched with new trigger shifters on the right side of the handlebars paired with Lectric’s upgraded locking ergonomic bar ends. The new shifters and bar ends required a new throttle though, resulting in an updated left-side paddle-style thumb throttle.
The lighting on the XP4 has also been upgraded, now including rear turn signals.
The keyway for locking the battery has been relocated to the non-drive side of the main tube, making it easier to access, and is located next to a newly designed cover for the charging port and on/off button for the battery.
Like all of Lectric’s e-bikes, the XP4 is compliant with UL2849, and the two battery sizes are both compatible with a 5A fast charger that provides a full recharge in either 2 or 3.5 hours for the smaller or larger battery option.
New 20×3.0 tires include a mixed-terrain tread with a novel design that creates a smoother center patch for quieter riding on smooth surfaces like asphalt but retains enough knobbiness on the edges for better grip in off-road riding conditions. The tires’ quiet ride has been specifically designed to complement the ultra-quiet Stealth motor that Lectric has brought from its other models to the new XP4.
Unlike the XP 3.0 that had previously been available in just white or black, the new XP4 comes in multiple color options, a nod to customers who often asked the company for more variety in colorways. The XP4 now includes color options of Stratus White, Tempest Gray, Raindrop Blue, and Pine Green. The bike is also available in two frame styles of standard and step-over.
Pre-orders are now open for the XP4, priced at either $999 or $1,299 for the 500W and 750W versions, with shipping expected to begin next month.
Electrek’s Take
It’s hard to overstate how big of a deal the XP4’s launch is, especially considering that the starting price has remained the same affordable $999. At a time when tariffs are forcing other companies to increase prices, the XP4 stands head and shoulders above other folding e-bikes in the US market, not just on price but also on features.
If you take the $1,299 long-range version with the 750W motor and 840Wh battery, it’s easy to see how far ahead it is of the competition. If the only thing Lectric had done was put that big battery and torque sensor in it, the bike already would have surpassed any other leading brand’s folding e-bike on value. There just isn’t another torque sensor-based 840Wh folding e-bike out there at this price point. But then Lectric went so much further. All of the additions are like a mountain of cherries on top of an already alluring XP4 sundae. From the beautiful new TFT display to the super punchy new brakes, from the upgraded derailleur to the quieter tires and motor, from the easy-to-use quick-release pedals to the improved ergonomics of the handlebars – it’s just more heaped on top of more.
The one feature I wish they would have included would have been Apple FindMy integration to allow for easy tracking of a lost or stolen e-bike. Trust me, I tried to plant the bug in Lectric co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer Robby Deziel’s ear, but to no avail. Oh well, maybe but there’s still hope for including location tracking on the XP5.
There’s one thing for sure though: Everyone else is still competing for second place against Lectric. That’s nothing new, but now the gap between Lectric and others has continued to grow. There was already no better option when it comes to bang-for-your-buck in the folding e-bike space, and now Lectric has grown that value gap even further.
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Solar is taking off across Africa in a big way. According to a new analysis of China’s solar panel exports data from energy think tank Ember, solar panel imports into the continent jumped 60% in the 12 months through June 2025, setting a record that could reshape electricity systems in many countries.
In that period, Africa imported 15,032 megawatts (MW) of solar panels, up from 9,379 MW the year before. While South Africa has dominated past surges, this wave is happening across the map: 20 countries set new import records, and 25 countries each brought in at least 100 MW, compared to just 15 a year earlier.
Nigeria overtook Egypt to become the second-largest importer with 1,721 MW, while Algeria surged into third with 1,199 MW. Growth rates in some countries were staggering: Algeria’s imports jumped 33-fold, Zambia’s eightfold, Botswana’s sevenfold, and Sudan’s sixfold. Liberia, the DRC, Benin, Angola, and Ethiopia all more than tripled their imports.
Still, import numbers don’t tell the whole story. It’s unclear how many of these panels have been installed yet. Muhammad Mustafa Amjad of Renewables First, an energy transition think tank in Pakistan, pointed out that countries risk losing valuable time and opportunities without proper tracking. “Africa’s transition will happen regardless,” he said, “but with timely data it can be more equitable, planned, and inclusive.”
If these panels do get installed, the impact could be massive. In Sierra Leone, the past year’s imports alone could cover 61% of the country’s 2023 electricity generation. For Chad, it’s 49%. Liberia, Somalia, Eritrea, Togo, and Benin could all boost generation by more than 10% compared to 2023, and 16 countries could see increases of over 5%.
The economic case is also strong. In Nigeria, solar savings from replacing diesel could repay panel costs in just six months, or even less in other countries. In fact, in nine of Africa’s top 10 solar panel importers, the value of imported refined petroleum outweighed solar imports by factors of between 30 to 107.
Ember’s chief analyst, Dave Jones, called the surge “a pivotal moment,” urging more research and reporting to keep pace with the rapid rise to “ensure the world’s cheapest electricity source fulfills its vast potential to transform the African continent.”
Read more: Batteries are so cheap now, solar power doesn’t sleep
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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. It has 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.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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Hyundai and Kia vehicles are popping up on US roads more than ever, and a lot of it has to do with EVs. The South Korean auto giants just hit another milestone as they gear up to introduce several new models.
Hyundai and Kia bet on EVs, hybrids for growth in the US
After launching their first hybrid vehicles in the US in 2011, the Sonata and K5, Hyundai and Kia have come a long way.
Today, two out of ten Hyundai or Kia models sold in the US are considered “eco-friendly,” including electric (EV), hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fuel cell electric (FCEV) vehicles.
After 14 years, Hyundai and Kia announced on Monday that combined, they have now sold over 1.5 million eco-friendly cars in the US. In a statement, the company said it continues seeing strong demand for several models, including the Tucson Hybrid, IONIQ 5, and Niro Hybrid.
Although 14 years is a relatively long time, in the first few years, they only offered a few models. It took 11 years to reach the 500,000 mark in 2022, and in just three years, they’ve since tripled it.
Since reaching 100,000 in annual sales in 2021, brand sales of eco-friendly cars have grown rapidly. Hyundai and Kia sold 182,627 units in 2022, 278,122 units in 2023, and 364,441 units in 2024. This year, they sold over 221,500 in the first six months, up 20% from the same period in 2024.
Hybrids accounted for over 1.1 million, followed by electric vehicles with nearly 375,000, and FCEVs at just over 1,850 units sold.
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Kia Niro Hybrid are the brand’s top-selling eco-friendly cars in the US. Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid and IONIQ 5 ranked second and fourth. Meanwhile, the Kia Sportage Hybrid and Sorento Hybrid placed third and fifth.
Hyundai and Kia offer 19 eco-friendly vehicles in the US, including eight hybrid and PHEVs, 10 EVs, and just one FCEV.
Both brands sold more vehicles in the US in the first half of the year than ever. With Hyundai now building vehicles at its new EV plant in Georgia, including the 2025 IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9, the automaker expects the growth to continue. Kia assembles the EV6 and EV9 at a separate plant in Georgia, and will introduce the EV4, its first electric sedan, in early 2026.
Based on the advanced E-GMP platform, Hyundai and Kia’s electric vehicles offer some of the longest driving ranges, fastest charging speeds, and remain surprisingly affordable.
With leases starting as low as $159 per month, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is one of the most affordable EV lease deals in the US. Even the three-row IONIQ 9 is listed with monthly leases as low as $299. That’s pretty cheap for a nearly $60,000 three-row electric SUV.
Hyundai will continue to offer hybrids in response to the changing policies under the Trump Administration. It also plans to add hybrid production in Georgia, starting next year.
Looking to check one out for yourself? We can help you find vehicles in your area. You can use our links below to view Hyundai and Kia models near you.
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Three years after the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) became law, Rewiring America is rolling out a new effort to make sure homeowners don’t miss out on major savings.
The Save on Better Appliances campaign is designed to help families take advantage of federal energy tax credits before they expire at the end of 2025, while also showing how modern electric appliances can cut long-term energy costs.
With utility bills climbing, the group is highlighting the benefits of heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, rooftop solar, and other upgrades that can keep homes comfortable while protecting against future price spikes. For many households, energy-efficient appliances are one of the few ways to bring bills under control – and that value remains even after federal incentives are gone.
Right now, homeowners can still access the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) and Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D). On top of that, thousands of state, local, and utility-level incentives are available to help offset upfront costs.
Ari Matusiak, CEO of Rewiring America, pointed out that the IRA incentives were never meant to last forever:
Congress’s decision to repeal them prematurely means households should act fast. But the savings, comfort, and long-term value of these upgrades remain. For homeowners ready to act, we have the tools to help. And for those who need more time, we’re working to expand your options and ensure that these upgrades make financial sense whenever the moment is right.
What the campaign offers
The Save on Better Appliances campaign runs through October and includes:
- A central hub where homeowners can learn about the expiring credits, check out state, local, and utility incentives, and connect with vetted contractors.
- Weekly Zoom drop-in sessions with Certified Electric Coaches, starting September 3, to answer questions about home upgrades.
- Contractor tools, including Rewiring America’s Contractor Finder, soon to be integrated with the BetterHVAC directory for more trusted installer options.
- A new Single-Project Personal Electrification Planner to help homeowners map out common projects like heat pumps, energy audits, and electrical upgrades.
“I’ve been doing HVAC installations for the past 40 years, and I can tell you that I’ve seen firsthand how the 25C tax credit has made heat pumps, the most efficient HVAC technology, more affordable and accessible for homeowners,” said Scotty Libby, owner of Maine-based Royal River Heat Pumps. “Homeowners should talk to their local contractors now if they want to upgrade their HVAC, take advantage of the tax credit, and lock in the potential long-term energy savings a heat pump would provide.”
Beyond tax credits
Rewiring America is also working with manufacturers, contractors, and lenders to make upgrades more affordable, even without federal help. In Rhode Island and Colorado, families can already access specially priced heat pump packages, with more states on the way. These deals will expand in 2026 and beyond, lowering upfront costs no matter what happens in Washington.
Across the country, state agencies, utilities, and local nonprofits are already leading creative programs to help families save money, find trusted contractors, and begin electrifying their homes. Rewiring America says this campaign is about amplifying that work and making it easier for households to take the first step.
“Tax credits may expire, but the benefits of better HVAC – lower bills, healthier homes, and lasting comfort – are here to stay. That’s why we’re supporting Rewiring America’s campaign,” said Bill Spohn, Sr., president of the Better HVAC Alliance.
Read more: US EV sales stay strong, but looming tariffs threaten affordability
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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. It has 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.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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