Zero and LiveWire race to launch affordable electric motorcycles for the US
America’s two best-known flagship electric motorcycle brands are making a bold pivot – opening their business models up to include smaller, more affordable bikes – and the timing couldn’t be better. Zero Motorcycles and LiveWire have each unveiled new, budget-conscious models aimed at expanding the mainstream appeal of electric two-wheelers.
Zero’s new XE and XB go into production
Back in mid-June, Zero confirmed production had begun on its XE and XB models, part of its “All Access” initiative to attract a wider customer base. These bikes, priced at between $4,395 to $6,495, position Zero squarely into the light EV dirt-bike segment dominated by brands like Sur‑Ron and Talaria.
Unlike its flagship $15–$25k street and dual-sport motorcycles, these new models are smaller, simpler, and much more affordable. That’s exactly what younger or less-wealthy riders have been waiting for.
That said, there’s a catch: neither the XE nor XB is currently street-legal in the US, limiting US sales to off-road or private-property use. Europe will see fully homologated versions, but US customers must wait, at least unless legislation or business priorities change.
Zero is leaning heavily on Asian manufacturing partnerships, most notably with China’s Zongshen, to hit these price points, while still leveraging its Californian brand identity to keep the bikes feeling as Western as possible.
LiveWire’s street-legal approach
Days ago, LiveWire unveiled two new small-format electric bikes – one built for the street and one for trails – positioned well under their premium S2 series. It’s not yet known if the platform these smaller bikes are built on is the much-awaited S3 platform, but it does look like a scaled-down version that could help LiveWire push out several interesting new models at more affordable price points.
Though final pricing remains unknown, these models are expected to cost well under the $16K‑$17k range of LiveWire’s current offerings. With performance targeting 125cc combustion bike levels (yet without all the muss and fuss of combustion engines), a pricetag falling well below half of current LiveWire sticker shock levels is a likely ballpark.
The fact that one model appears to be designed as street-legal right out of the gate sets LiveWire apart from Zero, at least in the US market. This urban-ready motorcycle could immediately serve commuters, hobby riders, and riders new to the brand – a group that’s been largely alienated by high-end pricing. While the trail version caters to off-road enthusiasts, the road-ready variant suggests LiveWire intends to disrupt the small-displacement market with premium build quality and dealer support, perhaps giving the Honda Grom some electric competition.
Why now?
Several industry trends are converging to make these smaller bikes a timely bet.
Affordability is becoming ever more essential as inflation squeezes motorcycle riders who are often buying something seen more as a recreational choice than a daily necessity. But with many young adults eschewing car ownership and instead opting for two wheels, an affordable price could open the door to an easier-to-justify sale.
With rising battery production and falling parts costs, sub‑$7K electric motorcycles are now viable. We’ve seen startups like Ryvid jump into this affordable commuter motorcycle market while being met with open arms from a market starved for affordable electric motorcycles.
Changing rider demographics are also putting more pressure on the market for new types of bikes. Younger, urban riders and first-time buyers want reliability and practicality, yet without premium prices. Spoiled by electric bikes that “just work” without breaking the bank, riders are looking for electric motorcycles with a maintenance schedule closer to a toaster than a Triumph.
Regulatory and branding momentum are also moving the needle. OEMs now have legacy street-legal systems in place, European homologation channels, and global production partnerships that make scaling even easier. Zero has been building street-legal bikes for over a decade, and LiveWire’s parent company (good ol’ H-D) has been building street-legal bikes since before our grandparents were just a twinkle in someone’s eye. They know how to do it, and now they can apply it to their partnerships with Asian companies that can produce these bikes more affordably.
And lastly, the competition is already here. Small EV dirt bikes from Sur‑Ron, Talaria, NIU, and others are filling demand and supplying the roving gangs of teenagers already throwing money at these companies for the chance to terrorize their neighborhoods on silent wheelie machines. While those companies lack major name-brand backing and significant dealer networks, they’ve still been able to flood the market with bikes. Imagine if the more established companies could do the same.
The market is starting to look ripe, and Zero and LiveWire can both see it. However, the two companies appear to be deploying distinct strategies to meet these market needs. Zero aims for cost leadership with off-road models that can compete directly with Sur Ron and others, while LiveWire emphasizes immediate street credibility with a mini-bike that can commute on day one. But despite the design differences, both are banking on Asian partnerships to drive down cost without sacrificing quality or brand consistency – hopefully.
Zero seems to have an edge on timing, with its models already starting deliveries. But without a street-legal offering, they’re playing in a different league and could cede ground to LiveWire if the latter can produce a street-legal model quickly enough.
Regardless of the company though, as these new models launch, riders will finally see electric alternatives for everyday motorcycling – not just for premium performance segments. Zero’s affordable dirt bikes could grow into street-legal versions, while LiveWire’s street model could provide the first compelling commuter e-moto from a major US brand with a nationwide dealer and service network.
American electric motorcycling is at a tipping point. With both brands aiming at entry-level price points, the next 12 months could reshape what it means to start riding electric. Though having been walked right up to the edge of this promised land before without being allowed to finally enter, this could also be just another false start for the industry. Either way, the next year is going to be mighty interesting!
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We’ve got huge news in the 4X4 Ford world with the launch of the first-ever all electric Ford Bronco. Plus, we’ve got a new long-wheelbase Model Y from Tesla and a full-scale d*ck-measuring contest in the world of full self driving. All this and more on today’s episode of Quick Charge!
We’ve also got a $300 million investment from Uber into Tesla Robotaxi rivals Lucid and Nuro and a suitably rapid successor to Lancia’s legendary HF nameplate – that could be an ideal new-age Neon, if Stellantis grows the stones to bring it Stateside.
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Some of the best financing deals on EVs are offering 0% APR for up to 72 months, and if you combine that with an electric car eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit, you get a pretty solid deal if you’re looking to buy.
However, the EV federal tax credit dies a premature, unnecessary death on September 30, 2025, thanks to the Republican-controlled Congress, so check out the best EV financing deals below that our friends at CarsDirect have surfaced.
2024 Acura ZDX – 0% APR For 72 Months + up to $10,000 cash
It’s not every day you can pair 0% APR for six years with up to $10,000 in savings, but that’s what’s on the table for the 2024 Acura ZDX through September 2.
For the A-Spec trim with all-wheel drive, buyers get $6,000 off the MSRP. Go with rear-wheel drive, and that drops to $3,500. The Type S also gets a $2,500 cut.
If you own an Acura or a competing brand, there’s an extra $4,000 loyalty or conquest cash offer in the mix.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Acura ZDX in stock. – trusted affiliate link
2025 Toyota bZ4X – 0% APR For 72 Months + $2,500 cash
In many regions, Toyota is offering 0% APR plus $2,500 in bonus cash on the 2025 bZ4X when you finance through Toyota Financial Services. That $2,500 is basically a rebate tied to Toyota’s promotional interest rate.
This offer wraps up August 4, so if the bZ4X is on your list, now’s a good time to make a move.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Toyota bZ4X in stock. – trusted affiliate link
The 2025 Subaru Solterra is sticking with its usual deep-discount playbook of 0% APR for 72 months through July 31. But there’s a lesser-known perk worth flagging.
According to a national dealer incentive bulletin, Subaru is also kicking in $2,500 in dealer cash. You can stack it with the 0% financing deal, but don’t expect it to be plastered all over ads – it’s a behind-the-scenes offer, so shopping around could pay off.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Subaru Solterra in stock. – trusted affiliate link
2025 Honda Prologue – 0% APR + $11,500 cash
Through September 2, Honda’s got one of the most generous EV deals around on the 2025 Prologue: 0% APR plus up to $11,500 in bonus cash.
Here’s how it breaks down if you finance through Honda Financial Services: $5,500 in cash off the top, a $3,500 loyalty or conquest bonus if you already drive a Honda (or are switching from a competitor), and another $2,500 on top of that. It’s all stackable. Plus, the 2024 Honda Prologue is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit on purchases.
The catch? You need to live in California or another ZEV state to get the full package. But even outside those areas, Honda’s still offering solid cash incentives that make the Prologue well worth a look.
Click here to find a local dealer with the Honda Prologue in stock. – trusted affiliate link
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E – 0% APR + $0 Down + 0 payments for 90 days
Ford’s rolling out a “zero-zero-zero” deal on the 2025 Mustang Mach-E: You get 0% APR for 60 months, $0 down, and no payments for the first 90 days.
To sweeten the deal, Ford is throwing in a free home charger plus free installation. If you’re already set up with home charging or just not interested, you can opt for an extra $500 bonus instead.
For a popular EV like the Mach-E, this is one of Ford’s most aggressive financing offers in a while, especially with that no-payment cushion built in.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Ford Mustang Mach-E in stock. – trusted affiliate link
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Subaru today launched its compact AWD SUV at an event in New York City. With 300 miles of range, NACS charge port, a speedy 0-60 time of under 5 seconds, you could say that this is Subaru’s first modern EV, no offense to the rebadged Toyota BZ/Solterra…
The exterior looks a bit like a $100K Lotus Eletre with an off road flair. Uncharted will compete with Volvo’s EX30 Rivian’s R2S and other AWD EVs that might not be as rugged like the VW ID.4, Hyundai Kona and even the Chevy Equinox. Subaru’s lighting signature, shared with the 2026 Solterra and Trailseeker, along with its aggressive, rugged off-road styling will set it apart from the crowd.
It features new 18- or 20-inch wheel designs, as well as a high-contrast, available two-tone roof on Uncharted GT for enhanced curb appeal. At the rear, the sleek combination lamps, black badging, high beltline, and seamless rear design, complemented by a silver-painted lower rear fascia, add to the visual presence of the Uncharted. Low-profile roof rails on all-wheel-drive models add more options for carrying gear.
A NACS charge port with speeds up to 150 kW ensures convenient and fast charging options at more than 15,000 Tesla Supercharger stations nationwide. Even in cold weather conditions, the Uncharted can recharge its battery from 10% to 80% in nearly 30 minutes thanks to an onboard battery preconditioning system. At home, you can charge up to 11KW level 2 charging.
The interior is modern Subaru with rugged textile around a big 14-inch CarPlay/Android Auto screen experience (pictured below). There are 2 wireless phone chargers up front and 2 USB-C chargers in the rear.
All trim levels of the Subaru Uncharted are equipped with an All-Weather Package, including heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer; power rear gate; interior ambient lighting; and DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. The Uncharted Sport adds X-MODE® Dual-Mode with Grip Control, heated steering wheel, StarTex® water-repellent upholstery, panoramic view monitor, and more. Uncharted GT will include a panoramic moonroof with motorized shade, 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon® premium audio system, smart rearview mirror, and more.
The Uncharted battery is just under 75kWh, around the same size as a long range Tesla Model Y and it will get close to 300 miles in its FWD model (boo). Uncharted Sport and GT models are equipped with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-MODE, an anticipated range of up to 290 miles, and 338 horsepower which will appeal to more Subaru customers.
Full gallery below:
Electrek’s take
While Subaru maintains its close relationship with Toyota in EVs, and this is a C-HR rebadge, the Uncharted breaks some new ground. I love the NACS port, I love the range and the acceleration. Subaru’s fans might finally have an EV they can upgrade their ICE vehicle for.
That’s one thing that might be concerning for Subaru in the EV age: In ICE vehicles, Subaru makes one of the best, complicated AWD systems. However with EVs, AWD is almost table stakes at this point. Subaru will have to continue to innovate in the off road capable small SUV segment if it hopes to compete with all of the EV encombants. At this point, Subaru is a suspension and branding mod for Toyota.
The Uncharted certainly seems to be a good start.
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