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Scorpion x2

I’ve spent the better part of the last month with the Juiced Scorpion X2 and 2 years with its predecessor the Scorpion X. Juiced has changed a few things with the X2 but what hasn’t changed is that this descendant of one of the first “moped e-bikes” and our once vehicle of the year is still a great ride. But is the X2 really an improvement over the X1?

One major improvement was the packing. While not eco-focussed like some of the other e-bikes we’ve seen recently, Juiced enclosed the whole bike in a black foam that kept the bike parts secured and in place. The damage from carriers from mishandling is minimized and the assembly is simplified. The downside is there is a lot of extra waste foam. This packaging wasn’t used on the original Scorpion X but was introduced midway through the bike’s run. Have a look:

Putting the Scorpion X2 together was straightforward and took my son and me about 15 minutes which is mostly unwrapping zip ties and attaching the handlebars, front wheel, pedals, and checking that bolts were all tightened. Juiced, having been in the ebike game since 2008, has refined this process pretty well.

The bike itself is a great looker, especially in the new dark orange “Lava” color. There have been a ton of 20-inch fat tire moto-looking e-bikes but I think the Scorpion is still the best. Also, as we’ve said before, the seat is both comfortable and makes pedaling as easy as possible. However, if you have even mildly long legs, you’ll want to get the 3″ seat-raiser option if you plan on peddling (I’m 6′ and it is a huge improvement). Most people don’t pedal much and can just move back in the seat to extend their legs.

The cabling is similar to before and overall very well done for the casual observer. I do wish there was a cap to protect and hide the hidden bottom of the bike cabling.

I could imagine after years of riding, enough rocks get kicked up to cause some problems, though I’ve never encountered any in my 5 years of Juiced bike riding.

The big difference-maker in Juiced bikes is the controller, which is housed under the seat. “Hyper” versions of the bikes have a 35A controller and can pretty reliably hit 30mph. This bike and most other Juiced bikes have a smaller, 25A controller which will push the bike to the mid-20mph range on “Speed mode” while pedaling and will hang just over 20mph with throttle only.

I can’t adequately explain how much more I like the faster bikes. They are a lot more fun.

In the previous Scorpion X there was also a key that would lock the controller, under the seat. Healthy thieves could pedal it away or lift it into a truck but at least they wouldn’t be able to get help from the motor.

In the X2, the only key is for the battery which you can turn off so it allows you to essentially lock the bike. However, it is a lot more effort to partially remove the battery and less hidden but probably the better overall solution. Certainly from a cost perspective. In any case, I almost never lock my e-bikes and when I do I use a big chain.

Scorpion X2 battery

Juiced upgraded the G2 52V battery mid-cycle through the X term, and while the capacity remained at 15.6kWh, it gained the all-important SGS Certified to UL 2271 which means less likely to catch fire and legal to sell in places like New York City. It also comes with an Apple Airtag holder and IP65 waterproofing.

One thing I like is that Juiced Bikes batteries, even the older ones, are all compatible with all of their bikes.

The charger that comes with the bike is rated at 2 amps, meaning that it is going to take at least 7 hours to go from empty to full on the 15.6Ah battery. There are optional 4 and 8 amp chargers that will cut the charge time in half and quarter respectively.

Scorpion X2 range

Juiced includes probably the most comprehensive range chart I’ve seen and it is mostly accurate if not slightly optimistic for its assumption of perfect conditions. The bottom line is that since this bike stays comfortably under 23mph, you will pretty reliably see 35 miles of range or likely more as long as your tires are sufficiently pumped up, it is at least warm outside, and there isn’t too much elevation gain.

While X2 and X1 get the same range on paper, those knobby tires are certainly not going to help when compared to the older low-resistance street tires. They do give it a more rugged look however and Juiced says they were more often requested. All things being equal, I’d take the road tires on mag wheels over these knobbies on spokes.

Changes from X to X2 – good or bad?

So I go over the changes in the video above but it has to be said that there aren’t any big upgrades here that Juiced can hang their hat on. Sure the Lava color is dope. I appreciate the Tectro hydraulic brakes (though the spec sheet still lists the HD-E500 Logan’s that were on the X1 so it might have been a component shortage swap). But Bafang’s value brand Sutto motor and the slightly slower experience are really hard for me to let go of.

Juiced also got rid of the horn and made the lights harder to access.

Electrek’s take

OK, this is going to be weird and uncomfortable, but I don’t think the X2 is better than the X1.

There are some components (brakes, colorway, battery packaging, etc) that are better but overall, I think I’d prefer the X1. While the speed is a big deal and we are talking about a few miles per hour drop, I also preferred the mag wheels with street tires to the spokes and knobbies.

It is kind of a moot point right now because there aren’t any Scorpions in stock. But Juiced also recently updated the similar Scrambler line with an X2 but I imagine the same decisions were made on wheels and motor.

My recommendation is to take a pass on the 25A controller and go to the 35A models, which right now only include the Juiced HyperScrambler at $2500. The best deal on Juiced’s site right now is the $999 Rip Racer which has the same drivetrain as the X2 in a BMX form factor.

That’s not to say that Scorpion X2 isn’t still great compared to the wider field of moped-y e-bikes. The X2 checks so many boxes and the new Lava color is probably my favorite Juiced color to date.

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This startup wants the $80-billion U.S. railroad industry to switch from diesel to batteries

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1 hour ago

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August 14, 2025

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This startup wants the -billion U.S. railroad industry to switch from diesel to batteries

Voltify plans to build a series of energy microgrids to power its locomotive batteries, as shown in this computer-generated image.

Voltify

Daphna Langer has a bold ambition: To decarbonize the rail industry in less than a decade.

How? By convincing U.S. freight railroad companies to switch from diesel power to rechargeable batteries — part of a business model Langer estimates could make her company, Voltify, as much as $10 billion a year.

The rail industry needs to reduce its emissions by 5% a year by 2030 to reach net-zero goals, according to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency. In addition, switching to battery electricity would save U.S. rail freight companies $94 billion over 20 years, according to a 2021 study published in the journal Nature Energy.

Voltify’s VoltCars — essentially sodium-ion batteries on wheels — are designed to connect to existing freight locomotives.

Convincing the $80-billion U.S. rail industry to switch from a traditional and long-relied on fossil fuel to renewable energy might seem a tough task, but there are several reasons Langer said she is confident in Voltify’s goal.

After a stint advising multiple early-stage companies in the climate industry, Langer noticed two things that limited their growth. “Most of them rely on subsidies of governments, and [the] second [factor] is that they rely on manufacturing and scaling that just doesn’t exist today,” she said.

In a bid to overcome those hurdles, Langer held meetings with hundreds of people in the energy and materials industries, seeking opportunities. When she first met her co-founder Alon Kessel, it was a “ding ding” moment, she said.

A computer-generated image illustrating Voltify’s VoltCar batteries attached to a locomotive.

Voltify

Kessel knew the renewable energy market well, having co-founded Doral, a firm that owns and operates dozens of solar energy farms in the U.S. and Europe. He calculated that the six largest freight railroad companies in the U.S. — including Union Pacific and CSX — were collectively spending more than $11 billion a year on diesel, a figure verified by CNBC. Union Pacific, for example, spent almost $2.5 billion on fuel in 2024, per its annual report.

Langer and Kessel saw an opportunity. What if they could convince the large companies — known as Class 1 railroads — to convert their locomotives from diesel to battery power?

“Converting six companies is not that hard. And having that ability to create such an impact with just six companies, it’s huge,” Langer said. There is almost 140,000 miles of freight railroad track in the U.S., with the majority of the locomotives powered by diesel as there is little overhead electrification.

Langer and Kessel founded Voltify in 2023 and set about meeting the railroad companies. But they found initial resistance. “There’s a lot of skepticism, because this is such a traditional industry, and uptime and and reliability are key,” Langer said. “We’ve been figuring out what would be able to … fit into their schedule, to fit into their operations without harming their efficiency.”

The companies’ biggest concern was the amount of time it might take to charge the batteries, and that there would always be the power supply to do so. “The rail companies, who have been very blunt about it, [said] ‘Listen, we don’t really care about the energy source. We just need to make sure that it’s always up. There’s always energy,'” Langer said.

So Voltify spent about a year working on an algorithm that could forecast the energy demands of trains “in every route,” Langer said, and the company is also building its first solar-powered energy microgrid that Langer said is on track to be finished by the end of the year. “Our calculations show that a network of these microgrids could eventually power all trains in North America,” Langer told CNBC in an email. Voltify estimates that to do so would require 1,400 microgrids.

Wabtec’s FLXdrive battery locomotive was developed in 2019.

Wabtec

Voltify is in “very active” talks with three of North America’s largest railroad companies, Langer said, adding that it is set to run a demonstration project with a smaller railroad company later this year. Voltify is also starting a pilot with a Class 1 railroad company in early 2026, and Langer said it is “expected” that this will become a commercial deployment after several months.

Voltify isn’t the first company to come up with the idea of powering freight trains with batteries. In 2019, freight rail firm Wabtec developed a battery-electric locomotive called the FLXdrive, with the first trains set to operate in Australia after being ordered by miner BHP Group. The company also tested its battery-electric locomotive with GE, and said in an email to CNBC that it plans to test and operate FLXdrive trains in North and South American markets.

The technology can reduce diesel consumption and emissions by 30%, according to Tim Bader, Wabtec’s director of external and engineering communications, in an email to CNBC. “This benefit is critical since fuel is one of the major operating costs for a railroad,” he said.

But as the technology is emerging, there are challenges such as charging time and battery capacity, plus a “challenging” business case given the infrastructure investments required. “Like any emerging technology, these challenges will diminish as the industry continues to research and improve battery-power solutions,” Bader said.

A computer-generated image of a passenger train on New York City’s MTA Metro North network, which is set to be powered by Siemens Mobility Charger B+AC battery.

Siemens Mobility

There’s also “substantial” market potential for battery-powered passenger trains, according to Tobias Bauer, the acting CEO for Siemens Mobility North America, in an email to CNBC. “Battery-powered trains represent a new and exciting platform for the rail market, particularly as operators seek alternatives for non-electrified routes,” Bauer said.

Siemens Mobility has sold more than 400 diesel-electric Charger locomotives in North America, and in June launched its battery-electric train, the Charger B+AC, selling 13 to the New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Metro-North Railroad.

The new locomotive draws electricity from overhead catenary wires and transfers to battery power when needed, according to an online release. While the locomotives’ range is currently up to 100 miles, Bauer said that is expected to grow as the battery technology advances.

In February, Siemens Mobility received an order from Swiss freight operator WRS Widmer Rail Services for two of its Vectron lithium-ion battery locomotives, which can be used for shunting without the need for overhead power lines. Asked about the potential for battery-powered freight trains, Bauer said: “A full transition to battery-powered freight would depend on route specifics and charging infrastructure, but the potential is there.”

— CNBC’s Michael Wayland contributed to this report.

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Environment

That Silverado EV that went 1,059 miles? These guys predicted it!

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5 hours ago

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August 14, 2025

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That Silverado EV that went 1,059 miles? These guys predicted it!

Chevy set a new EV range record going nearly 1,060 miles on a single charge in an optimized, but unmodified Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck that no one saw coming. No one, that is, except Chargeway founder Matt Teske. His EV route-planning map predicted the Silverado’s record-setting run with better than 99% accuracy – and he’s here to talk about it on today’s electric episode of Quick Charge!

We’ve also got a deep dive into what I think the biggest issue facing more widespread EV adoption might be, and a new solution from Blink Charging that might solve it.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec—makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure. Check out Retrospec’s viral city ebike, the Beaumont Rev 2, made with a vintage-inspired frame design and modern electric features, all for just $999!

The best part: Electrek listeners can get 10% off their next ride until August 14 with the exclusive code ELECTREK10 only at retrospec.com

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Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (most weeks, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news.

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.

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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Environment

Aventon Abound SR smart cargo e-bike gets first discount to $1,799, Jackery Explorer 300 at $169, Rachio sprinkler controller, more

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10 hours ago

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August 13, 2025

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Aventon Abound SR smart cargo e-bike gets first discount to ,799, Jackery Explorer 300 at 9, Rachio sprinkler controller, more

Headlining our hump day Green Deals is Aventon’s final summer sale that is taking up to $500 in increased savings off e-bikes, including new models, with the Abound SR Smart Cargo e-bike getting its first-ever discount to $1,799. We also spotted Jackery’s Explorer 300 Portable Power Station falling to $169, as well as Rachio’s 3rd gen 8-zone Smart Sprinkler Controller also dropping back to $169. From there, we have additional savings a budget-friendly e-scooter, a new low on a pro-grade cultivator, dual one-day-only pressure washer/attachment deals, and more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings are at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s exclusive new low price on Anker’s SOLIX F2600 power station bundle, or the brand’s PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh station dropping to $80, and much more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Aventon’s final summer sale gives the new Abound SR smart cargo e-bike its first discount to $1,799, more from $1,199

Aventon has launched its final summer sale through September 3 with up to $500 being taken off its e-bike lineup, including increased savings on legacy models, and two of its newest smart models seeing price cuts. Alongside the second-ever discount on the new Pace 4 Step-Through e-bike, we’re seeing the first cash savings on Aventon’s Abound SR Cargo e-bike to $1,799 shipped. This smart commuting solution has been fetching $1,899 since hitting the market at the end of 2024, with discounts having been placed on its predecessor model (currently down at $1,599). This is the first time we’ve spotted any savings being attached to this model, setting the bar for future discounts. Head below to learn more about it or to check out the full lineup of deals during this sale.

The new Aventon Abound SR e-bike takes all that we love about its predecessor and steps up the game with smarter features. To start, there is a 750W rear hub motor (1,188W peak) paired with a 733Wh battery (which you can conveniently unlock and remove without keys via the LCD screen) that provides you with up to a 60-mile travel range at up to 20 MPH speeds (that can be adjusted to 25 MPH). There are three riding modes available here, with the added Ride Tune customization letting you alter their performances to suit your preferences.

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There are some great structural features like the Tektro hydraulic disc brake system, the 8-speed Shimano Altus derailleur, and the rear cargo rack with an increased 143-pound payload, but what really makes this cargo hauler truly special is the large array of new features we’ve only seen on the latest releases. First, there’s the Sensor Switch tech, allowing you to choose between a cadence sensor and a torque sensor as you ride, as well as other in-ride functions like cruise control, a boost mode to increase power for steep hills, and even a hold mode when you’re on said inclines and don’t want the bike rolling backwards. Of course, there’s also the security measures in the form of a startup password, an integrated kickstand lock, and in-app geofencing settings, which cuts the power and sends you alerts should it ever leave your designated areas.

If you want to check out the full lineup of e-bike deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

jackery's explorer 300 power station sitting on picnic table charging drone and camera

Jackery’s Explorer 300 power station is a compact companion keeping your personal devices running for $169

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Jackery is offering its compact Explorer 300 Portable Power Station for $169 shipped, beating out its pricing directly from the brand’s website by $70. While it carries a $279 MSRP from the brand, it keeps down at a $259 full price tag here at Amazon, with discounts having kept the costs even lower between $199 and $169 over 2025, with a one-time appearing $159 low back during Prime Day. Aside from that short-term discount, you’re otherwise looking at another shot at the best price we have tracked, which gives you an easy-to-manage compact backup power solution with $90 in savings ($110 off the MSRP). Head below for more on this model and its bundle options.

If you want to learn more about this power station, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

rachio 8-zone smart sprinkler controller with phones displaying app-based controls

Streamline your water system with smart controls through Rachio’s 8-zone sprinkler controller at $169

Amazon is now offering the Rachio 3rd Gen 8-zone Wi-Fi Smart Sprinkler Controller at $169 shipped. While it may carry a $230 MSRP, we’ve been seeing it keep down to $200 at full price here at Amazon. Aside from the short-term Prime Day discounts, which first took the price down to $165 before falling to $160, this is the best rate we’ve seen since mid-March. While it’s gone as low as $143 in the past, you’re still looking at a solid $31 off the going rate ($61 off the MSRP) that lands it among the best prices we’ve tracked in 2025.

If you want to learn more about this 8-zone device, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man aerating garden soil with greenworks pro 80V 10-inch cordless cultivator

Take advantage of up to 50% off this pro-grade 80V Greenworks cordless cultivator at a new $175 low

Amazon is offering the Greenworks Pro 80V 10-inch Cordless Cultivator at $174.99 shipped, which beats out its tool-only option that is sitting $75 higher in price. While this package carries a $400 MSRP, which is where it’s currently priced on the brand’s direct website, it is now 50% off the price we have been tracking on Amazon since the spring and is now at the lowest price we have tracked all-time.

If you want to learn more about this pro-tier model, be sure to check out our original coverage of this 50% deal here.

man riding gotrax apex xl electric scooter through walkway

Get a budget-friendly commute to your college or work on Gotrax’s APEX XL e-scooter at its $235 low

Amazon is offering the Gotrax APEX XL Electric Scooter at $234.90 shipped. While it carries a $349 price tag, we’ve been seeing it keep more at $320 at Amazon lately, with discounts having mostly kept the costs above $243, with one previous fall to this same rate at the end of July. That low price is coming back around here, with the 27% markdown cutting $85 off the going rate for the best price we have tracked – and just in time to cover any last-minute back-to-school commuting needs.

If you want to learn more about this e-scooter’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man clearing driveway with greenworks 1900 PSI electric pressure washer

Greenworks’ framed 1,900 PSI electric pressure washer hits $120 with the 12-inch cleaner attachment at $25 (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering back-to-back discounts on Greenworks’ 1,900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer for $119.99 shipped, while also offering the add-on 12-inch Surface Cleaner Attachment at $24.99 shipped (more on this below the fold). This pressure washer normally goes for $200 at full price, with it currently out of stock at Amazon and only down to $150 directly from the brand’s website. While we have seen it go as low as $118 before in a one-time discount back in April, you’re otherwise looking at the best price we have tracked, giving you a reliable means to tackle outdoor cleaning with $80 savings.

If you want to learn more about this model or the attachment, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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