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While much of the North American electric bike industry continues to chase high speeds and low prices, Gazelle is doubling down on what it’s always done best: comfort, quality, and timeless design. The Dutch brand just announced its fall 2025 lineup, bringing three new Class 1 models to North America, including the Easyflow C7, Arroyo C5, and Arroyo C380. With clear Dutch inspiration and a focus on comfort, the new e-bike models should feel as good as they look.

At the heart of this launch is the all-new Gazelle Easyflow C7, a bike that’s all about making cycling more accessible. Gazelle targets it especially for new, aging, or less confident riders. With a pedal-forward frame that lets riders plant both feet on the ground at stops, a super low step-through design, and 24-inch wheels for extra stability, it’s designed to put comfort and control front and center.

Add in a Shimano EP5 mid-drive motor, 504 Wh battery, and Gazelle’s own adjustable Switch stem, and you’ve got a thoughtfully crafted e-bike that is meant to feel inviting and confidence-inspiring. Think of it as an e-bike that wants you to slow down and enjoy the view, while making sure you feel confident doing it.

With Class 1 performance, the bike tops out at 20 mph (32 km/h) on pedal assist and retains the ability to ride in just about as many places as possible.

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But Gazelle didn’t stop there. They also refreshed their Arroyo lineup, keeping the same relaxed step-through geometry and commuter-ready features while upgrading motors, batteries, and components. The Arroyo C5 is the simpler of the two, offering a powerful Bosch Performance Line motor with 75 Nm of torque, 540 Wh integrated battery, and a maintenance-free Gates belt drive paired with a Shimano Nexus 5 hub.

For riders who prefer stepless shifting instead of five set speeds, the Arroyo C380 takes things up a notch with an Enviolo CVT hub, Gates belt drive, and a large Bosch Kiox 300 color display with navigation.

Both Arroyo models feature Gazelle’s trademark Dutch styling, integrated lighting (with 70 Lux headlamps and daytime running lights), gel saddles, and suspension seatposts. These absolutely aren’t stripped-down budget bikes like we often see in the commuter category. Instead, they’re premium European-made commuter platforms built for the long haul.

Sure, they don’t have throttles, and no one’s breaking speed records here. But Gazelle’s latest bikes aren’t trying to win drag races or subscribe to the typical US-centric electric bike design trends. Instead, they’re sticking to the same design ethos they’ve followed for over a century and that has long worked well for the company. For riders who prioritize quality, comfort, and a bit of elegance with their pedal assist, Gazelle’s fall lineup is tough to beat in the more premium categories of e-bikes.

All three new models are now available at Gazelle dealers around the US and Canada. The EasyFlow C7 is priced at US $3,999/CAD $4,999, the Arroyo C5 is priced at US $3,999/CAD $5,499, and the Arroyo C380 is priced at US $4,499/CAD $5,999.

Electrek’s Take

At a time when budget e-bikes with throttle motors and flashy specs are flooding the market, it’s refreshing to see a company like Gazelle stay true to its roots. These bikes aren’t about going fast, they’re about going the distance (also in terms of lasting for years), feeling good, and providing confidence to riders. The Easyflow C7 in particular looks like one of the most confidence-inspiring bikes for new or returning riders we’ve seen all year, and the Arroyo models show that comfort and class can absolutely coexist with modern electric drive systems.

These bikes aren’t cheap, but they’re good. I’ve been to Gazelle’s factory in the Netherlands, where they build around 1,300 e-bikes per day (not even counting all their pedal bikes, too). They have 130 years of experience, and it shows.

In fact, when I visited Gazelle’s headquarters a few years ago, my wife spotted the previous version of the EasyFlow in a dusty corner at their HQ and asked if she could take it on our group ride later. They were a bit surprised since she was around half the age of the group they market it towards and they hadn’t really been heavily promoting the bike at the time, but we explained that petite women like her often prefer smaller bikes that allow them to put their feet down and feel more stable. You could see the confusion on the faces of the Dutch dudes towering a couple heads above her, who had never really had to think about life from the perspective of a short-legged rider before. But they shrugged and let her take it out with us, and my wife had a blast on that EasyFlow. A big reason she enjoyed the ride so much was that the bike made her feel more confident. So even though Gazelle still seems to market the EasyFlow as an older rider bike, my little 35-year-old wife would argue that it’s one of her favorite bikes she’s ever ridden. Pedal forward, comfortable, and confidence-inspiring e-bikes can be good for everyone!

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Tern launches next-gen Vektron folding e-bike in the US – now with belt drive

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Tern launches next-gen Vektron folding e-bike in the US – now with belt drive

Tern’s popular Vektron folding e-bike just got a big upgrade for the US market. The urban mobility brand has announced the launch of the fourth-generation Vektron, now available in two models, including a long-awaited belt-drive option that promises lower maintenance and a cleaner ride.

The Vektron has been a fan favorite for years, appealing to city riders, multi-modal commuters, and travelers who want a premium e-bike that folds quickly and stores easily. The new version retains its fast-folding frame, Bosch mid-drive motor, and compact portability, but introduces key improvements in comfort, ride quality, and drivetrain options – most notably the new Vektron P5i with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive. While the new version came to other markets a few months ago, the US is finally getting a chance to ride the new model.

“The Vektron has been a solid favorite of Tern riders, whether they are multi-modal commuters, urban dwellers in need of an e-bike that stores in minimal space, or campers looking to easily include an e-bike in their travels, ” explained Steve Boyd, General Manager at Tern USA. “This 4th generation introduces several important improvements while retaining its category-leading combination of Bosch mid-drive power, superior ride quality, and incredibly fast and easy folding action. We’ve also added a belt drive model and, through careful component choices, managed to deliver competitive pricing despite cost increases due to tariff pressures.”

Paired with a Shimano Nexus 5 internally geared hub, the Vektron P5i is designed for ultra-low maintenance and daily convenience. For those who prefer a traditional derailleur setup, the Vektron P10 is still available with a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain and a more aggressive geometry.

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But it’s not just the drivetrain that got a refresh. Tern borrowed design elements from its popular GSD and HSD cargo bikes to give the Vektron a more upright and comfort-focused cockpit. Riders get a taller stem, swept-back handlebars, and better weight distribution, offering a more relaxed riding posture ideal for urban cruising.

Despite its compact size, the Vektron delivers big design features. Reinforced frame components, including Tern’s robust OCL+ folding joint, give it a stable and confidence-inspiring ride that the company says sets it apart from other folders on the market.

Folding takes less than 10 seconds, and once compacted, the bike rolls easily on its own wheels – no awkward lifting required. It tucks neatly under a desk or next to a workstation, offering a secure indoor parking solution for city riders wary of bike theft.

Importantly, both new Vektron models are UL 2849 and EN 15194 certified, ensuring the electrical systems meet rigorous safety standards – a welcome reassurance in a market increasingly crowded by low-cost, uncertified imports.

The Vektron P10 will retail for $3,699 USD, while the belt-drive P5i model comes in at $4,099 USD. Both are expected to land in North American bike shops by the end of the year.

Electrek’s Take

Tern definitely deserves its place as one of the leaders in premium folding e-bikes that don’t compromise on ride quality. The addition of a belt-drive model is a major win for commuters and anyone tired of greasy chains and derailleur tune-ups. And in a market where safety certifications are becoming more critical, it’s good to see Tern doubling down on UL compliance. With the new Vektron, it looks like the Goldilocks of folding e-bikes just got even better.

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Peak Energy’s $500M deal will deploy the world’s largest sodium-ion battery system

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Peak Energy’s 0M deal will deploy the world’s largest sodium-ion battery system

Burlingame, California-based Peak Energy just scored a huge win for sodium-ion batteries. The company announced a multi-year deal with utility-scale battery storage developer Jupiter Power to supply up to 4.75 GWh of sodium-ion battery systems between 2027 and 2030.

Under the agreement, Peak will deliver 720 MWh of storage in 2027 – the largest single sodium-ion battery deployment announced so far. The deal also includes an option for an additional 4 GWh of capacity through 2030, bringing the total contract value to more than $500 million.

Sodium-ion vs. lithium-ion

Peak Energy says its sodium-ion batteries degrade less over time and have lower operations and maintenance costs than lithium-ion systems. Because the batteries don’t degrade as quickly, operators don’t need to add more capacity later in a project’s life to maintain performance. They also use a fully passive cooling system that eliminates pumps, fans, and other components used in lithium-ion setups, reducing maintenance and safety risks.

The company claims its grid-scale sodium-ion system uses up to 97% less auxiliary power, offers about 30% better cell degradation performance over 20 years, and comes with a lower total cost of ownership.

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Why this deal matters

The agreement marks a significant step forward for the emerging sodium-ion sector, which has been gaining momentum as a safer and lower-cost alternative to lithium-ion for long-duration and grid-scale energy storage. It also underscores the growing effort to build a domestic sodium-ion battery supply chain in the US.

“From day one, we’ve believed sodium-ion will be the winning technology for grid-scale storage, which is essential to meet rising demand from hyperscalers and AI,” said Landon Mossburg, Peak Energy’s CEO and cofounder. “Deploying the world’s largest sodium-ion energy storage system with one of the nation’s top independent power producers proves that sodium is ready for today and will dominate the future.”

Mike Geier, CTO at Jupiter Power, said the company is “excited to support domestic battery energy storage manufacturing as we continue to increase the deployment of firm, dispatchable energy when and where it’s most needed,” and called Peak’s approach to sodium-ion “a potential game changer for the industry.”

Read more: The US’s first grid-scale sodium-ion battery is now online


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The new 2026 Lexus ES is an upgrade in just about every way [Video]

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The new 2026 Lexus ES is an upgrade in just about every way [Video]

Lexus claims the new ES “takes sedan styling, luxury, and refinement to a higher level” with a complete redesign. With the 2026 ES arriving soon, Lexus offered a closer look at the upgrades inside and out.

The new 2026 Lexus ES debuts in EV and hybrid forms

The eighth-gen ES is bringing more than a sharp new style. Lexus overhauled its flagship sedan from the ground up for the 2026 model year, which will include battery electric (BEV) and hybrid (HEV) powertrain options.

Inspired by the radical LF-ZC show car, the 2026 ES has been fully redesigned with what Lexus calls the “Experience Elegance and Electrified Sedan” concept, aimed at further refining the driving experience.

The new design centers on a redesigned “spindle body” that extends from the hood to the bumper. It also features a redesigned grille, replacing the signature Lexus spindle grille as the brand looks for a new identity in the electric era.

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Inside, the new 2026 ES features the latest version of the Lexus Interface multimedia system. The setup includes a 14″ touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3″ driver display cluster.

new-2026-Lexus-ES-EV
The 2026 Lexus ES 350e (Source: Lexus)

Based on the redesigned TNGA GA-K platform, the new ES will be available in battery electric (BEV) and hybrid (HEV) powertrains for the first time.

The 2026 Lexus ES lineup consists of two models: the ES 350e, a front-wheel-drive (FWD) model, and the ES 500e, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model.

2026-Lexus-ES-EV-interior
The 2026 Lexus ES 350e interior (Source: Lexus)

Lexus expects the ES 350e to have a driving range of 300 miles when fitted with 19″ wheels, while the ES 500e has an estimated driving range of 250 miles.

Both the ES 350e and 500e feature a built-in NACS port to recharge at Tesla Superchargers. Using DC fast charging, it can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes under “ideal conditions,” according to Lexus.

With its debut just around the corner, Lexus offered a closer look at the new 2026 ES inside and out in a new video.

Lexus has yet to announce prices, but the redesigned ES is expected to start at about $45,000 to $50,000, or slightly more than the outgoing model.

After launching the upgraded RZ earlier this month, Lexus said the ES would be next. It’s expected to go on sale in Spring 2026.

What do you think of the redesigned 2026 ES? Do you like the new Lexus design? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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