Stark VARG SM launched as street-legal electric motorcycle with jaw-dropping specs
Stark Future, the Barcelona-based electric motorcycle startup that made waves with its motocross-focused VARG MX, is back with something new…. and this time it’s headed for the streets. Meet the Stark VARG SM, an all-electric Supermoto that blends track-ready performance with daily rideability in a way that might just redefine what street-legal e-motorcycles can be.
But don’t go thinking that this is just a VARG MX with turn signals slapped on. The VARG SM is a purpose-built electric Supermoto designed from the ground up for asphalt, with tighter geometry, updated suspension, and a whole lot of power – up to 80 horsepower, to be exact. At just 124.5 kg (275 lb), the SM boasts the highest power-to-weight ratio of any production Supermoto in the world.
Oh, and did I mention it delivers 914 Nm of torque at the rear wheel? That’s not a typo. That’s nearly 675 ft-lb of instant electric torque, delivered silently and smoothly. Stark says that should result in acceleration that is equal parts insane yet completely controllable thanks to a highly tunable powertrain and Stark’s intuitive onboard display.
Built for the track, ready for the road
The VARG SM draws its DNA from Stark’s competition-proven motocross platform, but digging deeper into the specs shows how the company refined their dirt experience into asphalt performance. This new model gets a complete Supermoto treatment, including custom KYB suspension, a forged aluminum subframe, high-strength steel frame, machined triple clamps, CNC-machined hubs, and Brembo radial brakes. The 48mm front fork is fully adjustable with 290mm of stroke, and the rear shock offers 303mm of travel, giving it the precision and feel needed to rail corners or careen around kart tracks.
Up front, the VARG SM features a newly developed triple clamp that enhances steering precision and front-end feedback, something Supermoto riders will appreciate when diving into tight apexes or threading through city traffic. Add in a set of sticky Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires (with options for Dunlop, Michelin, or Anlas depending on your climate or riding style), and you’ve got a machine that feels like it was tailor-made for twisty mountain roads or technical urban playgrounds.
Smart power, smart control
Powering the VARG SM is a 7.2 kWh structural honeycomb magnesium battery, the same kind found in the off-road VARG, but now tuned for more urban versatility. It offers a real-world range of around 81 km (50 miles) under the WMTC cycle. That might not be cross-country touring territory, but the company is banking on it being enough for commuting and light canyon carving in the right location, not to mention track-day stunts.
Recharging that battery is said to be quick and painless: the included 3.3 kW portable charger fits in a backpack, plugs into any standard outlet or EV wall plug, and fills the battery in just 1–2 hours depending on how deep into the pack the last ride wandered.
The motor itself is a carbon-fiber–sleeved PMAC unit with an integrated inverter, engineered for brutal motocross abuse but refined for the road. The result is said to be silky power delivery with massive torque, yet zero shifting thanks to the single-speed electric drivetrain. It’s motocross power, but scooter control – just twist and go. Riders can even customize everything from throttle response and regen braking to power output and engine braking, all through Stark’s Android-based “Arkenstone” display mounted on the bars.
Speaking of the display, it’s waterproof, shockproof, and fully connected. GPS navigation, OTA updates, live ride data, and full ride mode tuning are all a few taps away… no laptop required.
Built-in stoke and daily practicality
For all the hardcore specs, the VARG SM still remembers it’s supposed to be fun – and functional. The bike is street-legal in Europe, the US, Australia, and New Zealand, and it’s even A1 license compliant, making it easier for new riders. In some countries, you can legally ride it with just a car license thanks to the near-scooter legal classification. That opens up a whole new category of riders who might’ve written off motorcycles as too complicated, intimidating, or loud. However, it’d definitely be a good idea to take traditional motorcycle training classes before unleashing the higher power end of the VARG SM’s spectrum.
And while it can absolutely play hard, it’s also smartly equipped for the daily grind. You get a walk mode and reverse gear to help in tight spaces, a bar-mounted handbrake option for stunt work or accessibility, and built-in security layers. The LED headlamp punches out 4,000 lumens – which is said to be roughly three times brighter than anything else in its class – and the patent-pending integrated indicators are made from flexible optical silicone to handle everyday abuse without cracking.
Pricing and availability
The Stark VARG SM is available to order now through Stark’s global dealer network of over 500 shops, or directly from the company’s website. There are two versions:
- Standard (60 hp): $12,900 USD / €12,990 / £10,900
- Alpha (80 hp): $13,900 USD / €13,990 / £11,900
Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand pricing is also available, with minor regional differences and delivery fees.
The motocross VARG was Stark’s declaration of war on gas bikes, and now the VARG SM looks to be their full-throttle cannonball into the urban performance segment. It’s electric, road legal, and might just be the wildest street bike of the year.
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Ford is cutting prices on the electric pickup by up to $4,000 to offset the loss of the federal EV tax credit. The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning now offers more driving range at a lower price.
2026 Ford F-150 Lightning prices and range by trim
After the Tesla Cybertruck took the title as America’s best-selling electric pickup last year, the Ford F-150 Lightning is back on top in 2025.
Ford sold over 10,000 Lightnings in the third quarter, nearly double the roughly 5,400 Tesla Cybertrucks sold. Through September, Ford has sold over 23,000 electric pickups. According to Cox Automotive, Tesla has only sold 16,097 Cybertrucks this year, 38% fewer than it did during the same period in 2024.
After the $7,500 federal EV tax credit expired at the end of September, many automakers, including Ford, are bracing for less demand.
To keep the momentum going, Ford is reducing prices for the 2026 F-150 Lightning by up to $4,000. Company spokesperson Martin Günsberg confirmed with Electrek that Ford is cutting prices on the flash trim by $4,000 and the Lariat by $2,000.
Ford introduced a new base STX model that replaces the XLT for 2026. The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX starts at $63,345, the same as the 2025 STX, but it delivers an extra 50 miles of driving range.
A 123 kW extended range battery powers the STX, providing an EPA estimated 290 miles of range. In comparison, the XLT delivered 240 miles of range from a 98 kWh battery.
Ford also raided the F-150 parts bin to add a few off-road goodies like running boards from the Tremor, new wheels, and more.
The 2026 F-150 Lightning Flash will start at $65,995, down from $69,995. Meanwhile, the 2026 Lariat and Platinum trims will be priced from $74,995 and $84,995.
| Ford F-150 Lightning trim | 2025 Starting Price | 2026 Starting Price | Range (EPA-est miles) |
| XLT | $63,345 | N/A | 240 |
| STX | N/A | $63,345 | 290 |
| Flash | $69,995 | $65,995 | 320 |
| Lariat | $76,995 | $74,995 | 320 |
| Platinum | $84,995 | $84,995 | 300 |
Although Ford decided not to move forward with plans for a program to extend the $7,500 EV tax credit, the company is still offering significant incentives to compensate for the loss of it.
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lighting STX is eligible for up to $11,500 in savings in California and other ZEV states. Ford is offering a $9,000 lease cash bonus and an additional $2,000 Ford Power Promise cash bonus. Alternatively, Ford is offering 0% APR financing for 72 months plus an extra $2,000 Power Promise bonus nationwide.
With the 2026 Lightning arriving, Ford is offering big savings on 2025 models. The 2025 F-150 Lightning XLT is currently listed for lease as low as $279 per month in California. You can use our link to find offers on the Ford F-150 Lightning near you (trusted affiliate link).
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Global EV sales passed the 2 million mark for the first time in September 2025, according to new data from EV research house Rho Motion – here’s how it breaks down.
A record-breaking September
Rho Motion’s data shows that 2.1 million EVs were sold worldwide in September, the highest monthly total ever recorded. The US, UK, South Korea, and China all hit major milestones, with tax credit deadlines, new registration cycles, and local incentives fueling the global boom.
“Global EV sales topped 2 million units in a single month for the first time, driven by record-breaking demand across major markets,” said Rho Motion’s data manager Charles Lester. “The US surged ahead as buyers raced to claim expiring tax credits, the UK hit new highs on the back of fresh registration plates and the Electric Car Grant, and South Korea set records thanks to Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and rising BYD imports. Year to date, EV sales have reached 14.7 million – up 26%.”
EV sales by the numbers YTD (Jan–Sept 2025)
- Global: 14.7 million (+26%)
- China: 9.0 million (+24%)
- Europe: 3.0 million (+32%)
- North America: 1.5 million (+11%)
- Rest of World: 1.2 million (+48%)
Europe surges on incentives
Europe had a record-breaking month with 427,000 EVs sold, up 36% year-over-year and 55% from August. The UK led the charge with record demand tied to the launch of new license plates and the government’s Electric Car Grant, introduced in July. BEV sales rose 30% year-over-year, while PHEVs jumped nearly 60%.
Germany’s EV market is expected to get another boost in 2026 after the government approved a new €3 billion ($3.5 billion) incentive package targeting low- and middle-income households. It replaces the subsidy scheme that expired in December 2023. Italy and Spain also continue to see strong growth, with sales up two-thirds and more than double, respectively, compared to 2024.
US buyers rushed to beat tax credit deadlines
In North America, EV sales soared 66% year-over-year in September as US consumers scrambled to take advantage of federal incentives before they expired on September 30. The tax credits supported both purchases and leases.
But Rho Motion expects Q4 2025 demand to dip sharply as those credits disappear. Some automakers are already taking defensive steps: Hyundai has cut prices, while Mercedes-Benz has paused production of four EV models. GM has suspended a production shift at its Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant, and Volkswagen is stopping ID.4 production in Tennessee in October. Nissan has gone further, scrapping its plans to manufacture EVs in the US altogether.
China is the world’s EV powerhouse
China still dominates the global EV market, selling 1.3 million EVs in September, a record-breaking month powered by strong BEV demand. Pure-electric sales rose 28% year-over-year to 800,000 units, while PHEVs and range-extended EVs dipped by 2% to 470,000.
China has sold nearly 9 million EVs YTD, up 24% from 2024, cementing its position as the world’s largest and most mature EV market.
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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On today’s hyped up hybrid episode of Quick Charge, we’ve got the first extended range electric Jeep in North America – the 500-mile new Grand Wagoneer PLUS news that Mazda is getting into the plug-in price war, and a whole lot more.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Climate XChange, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies. The nonprofit just kicked off its 10th annual EV raffle, where participants have multiple opportunities to win their dream model. Visit CarbonRaffle.org/Electrek to learn more.
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If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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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