Want to drive 6,000 miles for just $160? 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.
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.
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).
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?
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Environment
Podcast: Xiaomi shocks with YU7, Tesla Robotaxi launch, Rivian brings back tank mode, and more
In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss Xiaomi shocking the industry with YU7, Tesla’s Robotaxi launch, Rivian bringing back tank mode, and more.
The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek’s YouTube channel.
Today, the episode is live at 12:15 a.m instead due to Fred’s travels in China and Seth’s in.
As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.
After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:
We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.
Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:
Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 12:15 a.m. ET (or the video after 1 a.m. ET):
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Solar provided over 10% of total US electrical generation in April, wind and solar produced almost one-quarter, and the mix of all renewable energy generated nearly a third, according to data just released by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Solar set new records in April and the first third of 2025
EIA’s latest monthly “Electric Power Monthly” report (with data through April 30, 2025), which was reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign, confirms that solar continues to be the fastest-growing source of US electricity.
In April alone, electrical generation by utility-scale solar (>1 MW) increased by 39.3% while “estimated” small-scale (e.g., rooftop) solar PV increased by 11.8%. Combined, they grew by 31.3% and provided 10.7% of US electrical output.
Utility-scale solar thermal and PV expanded by 42.4% while that from small-scale systems rose by 11.4% during the first third of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The combination of utility-scale and small-scale solar increased by 32.9% and was almost 7.7% of total US electrical generation for January-April, up from 6.1% a year earlier.
As a result, solar-generated electricity easily surpassed hydropower output, at 6.0%. In fact, solar is now producing more electricity than hydropower, biomass, and geothermal combined.
Wind is still the renewable energy leader
Wind turbines produced 12.6% of US electricity in the first four months of 2025. Their output was 5.9% greater than the year before.
In April alone, wind provided 13.9% of US electricity supply, essentially equal to the share provided by coal.
Wind and solar now outproduce coal and nuclear
During the first third of 2025, electrical generation by wind plus utility-scale and small-scale solar provided 20.3% of the US total, up from 18.5% during the first four months of 2024. In just the month of April, solar plus wind accounted for 24.6% of US electrical output.
During the first four months of this year, the combination of wind and solar provided 20.2% more electricity than did coal, and 13.8% more than US nuclear power plants. In April alone, the disparity increased significantly when solar + wind outproduced coal and nuclear power by 77.1% and 40.2%, respectively.
Renewables are closing in on natural gas
The mix of all renewables (wind and solar plus hydropower, biomass, and geothermal) produced 10.3% more electricity in January-April than they did a year ago (9.7% more in April alone) and provided 27.7% of total US electricity production compared to 26.3% 12 months earlier.
Electrical generation by the combination of all renewables in April alone reached a new record and provided 32.8% of total US electrical generation. Moreover, renewables are now approaching the share provided by natural gas (35.1%), whose electrical output actually dropped by 4.4% during the month.
For perspective, five years ago, in April 2020, the mix of renewables provided 24.4% of total electrical generation while natural gas accounted for 38.8%.
Consequently, the mix of renewables has further strengthened its position as the second largest source of electrical generation, behind only natural gas, with the gap closing rapidly.
Ken Bossong, the SUN DAY Campaign’s executive director, noted:
Solar is now the fastest-growing major source of electricity and is generating more than hydropower, biomass, and geothermal combined, while wind plus solar provides more electricity than either coal or nuclear power, and the mix of all renewables is nearly matching the output of natural gas.
Yet, the Trump administration and the Republican Congress are seeking to pull the rug out from underneath renewables in favor of dirtier and more expensive fossil fuel and nuclear technologies. What are they thinking?
Read more: $15.5B in EV, renewable projects vanish as Senate eyes rollbacks
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. –trusted affiliate link*
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![Here's a look at the Kia EV4 GT before you're supposed to see it [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/Kia-EV4-GT-US.jpeg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Kia’s upcoming EV4 GT is gunning for the Tesla Model 3 Performance, but it’s expected to undercut the price. Could this be the affordable electric sports car we’ve been waiting for? A new video shows the Kia EV4 GT driving on US streets ahead of its debut.
Kia EV4 GT is testing in the US ahead of its debut
After launching it in Korea in April, some are already calling Kia’s first electric sedan “a box office hit.” The EV4 was the best-selling domestic electric sedan in Korea in May, its second month on the market.
Kia’s electric sedan starts at just 41.92 million won, or around $30,000 in Korea. When it arrives in the US and Europe, the entry-level EV is expected to start at about $35,000 to $40,000 (€35,000).
With its sleek, fastback silhouette, the EV4 already looks like a sports car, making it an ideal candidate for a high-performance upgrade. All the EV4 needs is a little added power. Don’t worry, Kia plans to turn up the heat very soon.
We caught our first glimpse of the interior earlier this month after a prototype was spotted outside of a Kia facility in Korea.
A new video is giving us a closer look at the Kia EV4 GT being tested in the US for the first time. The video from the folks at KindelAuto reveals a few design elements you can expect to see, like Kia’s vertical LED headlights with its signature Star Map lighting.
Although it’s still covered, you can expect to see Kia’s new Tiger Face grille design, which aligns with its latest electric models, including the EV9 and EV3.
We will have to wait until closer to launch for final prices and specs, but like Kia’s other GT vehicles, the EV4 GT is expected to feature an AWD dual-motor powertrain.
It will sit under the EV6 GT, which boasts 576 hp, enabling a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 3.4 seconds. Will the smaller EV4 GT top it? With recent advancements in battery and powertrain technology, it wouldn’t be a surprise.
Kia will launch the EV4 in the US later this year with an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 330 miles. Additionally, it will feature a built-in NACS port, allowing it to recharge at Tesla Superchargers. With the base model expected to start at around $35,000, the high-performance GT variant could cost around $50,000 to $55,000.
In comparison, the Tesla Model 3 Performance starts at $54,990 with an EPA-est range of 298 miles. It can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
Would you pick the Kia EV4 GT for around $50,000, or are you sticking with the Tesla Model 3 Performance? Got a better option in mind? Drop us a comment below.
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