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Bosch-powered electric bikes rarely get to share the same sentence as the word “low cost,” but Gazelle has a history of bringing quality Dutch-made mid-drive e-bikes to US customers at reasonable prices. The brands’ latest launches in the US keep that legacy alive, delivering new 2024 versions of the Gazelle Medio T9, Medio T9 City, and Ultimate C8.

These aren’t the same Gazelles we’ve seen in the US for the last few years, but rather newly designed updates that feature novel frames, updated looks, and a focus on serving a wider range of riders.

One major difference in the frame is the inclusion of a true step-through design, which is becoming more common among e-bike makers with several recently released models of purely step-through bikes, eschewing the once common strategy of building both step-over and step-through frames.

Proper frame geometries and welding techniques, which you’d better believe a 130-year-old Dutch bicycle company has mastered, have largely made that top tube obsolete for many frame styles. Case in point: the new Gazelle Medio T9 and Medio T9 City models.

“A re-engineered frame with improved stiffness and stability makes it easier to step on and off, especially in urban environments or for older riders,” explained the company.

The new T9s are some of the most affordable Bosch-powered mid-drive e-bikes available in the US, starting at US $2,299 for the T9 City and US $2,599 for the all-road T9.

Both models sport similar step-thru frames that come in four sizes, including a new XS size to fit shorter riders of 4’9″ to 5’2″ (145 to 157 cm). Both models can also reach 20 mph (32 km/h) on pedal assist, making them Class 1 e-bikes. The pair of bikes include 75mm-travel spring suspension forks from Suntour, dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano, and come with commuter-focused standard components such as fenders, rear rack, LED lighting, and frame locks that secure the rear wheel to the bike.

The T9, which is designed for more all-road conditions than the urban-centric T9 City, gets an upgraded Shimano Alivio 9-speed drivetrain and a more powerful Bosch Active Line Plus motor with 50 Nm of torque, compared to the Bosch Active Line’s 40 Nm of torque on the T9 City. The more powerful motor is paired with a larger 545 Wh battery, upping the 400 Wh battery that comes with the T9 City.

Compared to the previous models with rack batteries, the switch to an on-tube battery helps lower the center of gravity of the bikes.

For riders who want to go a bit more premium, the new Gazelle Ultimate C8 might be the better choice. The Ultimate C8 combines its step-thru frame with a Gates Carbon Drive belt-drive system and a Shimano Nexus 8 internally geared rear hub.

The bike features a mono-integrated suspension stem in the fork offering 40mm of travel, higher-end LED lighting, an MIK-compatible rear rack for mounting a wide range of accessories,

The drivetrain on the Class 1 Ultimate C8 consists of a Bosch Active Line Plus motor and a 500Wh Bosch battery.

Priced at US $3,999, the Ultimate C8’s higher end components and drivetrain price it a bit higher, yet without reaching the upper end of Gazelle’s more European-leaning flagship models with flagship prices.

“We’re thrilled to bring high-quality ebikes to the North American market at a price that makes them accessible to more riders,” said Mark Danhof, General Manager for Gazelle North America. “With our latest models, consumers don’t have to compromise on safety, reliability, or features. Our ebikes are designed to offer top-notch performance and convenience, ensuring every ride is enjoyable and worry-free.”

Electrek’s Take

Gazelle’s expansion into the US market and the updated designs that accompany it are great news for riders who want the more robust, premium European-style electric bikes common across the pond but don’t want to spend an entire paycheck or two to get there.

These updates help bring Gazelle’s best-selling e-bikes in the US to a more modern look (no one will miss the rack batteries!) while retaining what keeps them Dutch. Oh, and the new smaller frame size option is going to be quite welcome, as well. I visited Gazelle’s factory in Holland a couple of years ago and spent much of the time with a stiff neck from looking up at the friendly Gazelle staff towering above me. Let’s just say they’re built differently, and so a smaller frame size for shorter Americans couldn’t come soon enough.

While these aren’t going to be the flashiest models out there, they offer great production quality and the peace of mind that comes from having one of the oldest bicycle companies in existence standing behind these products.

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For a limited time, save $500 on a Centris folding eBike from Buzz Bicycles

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For a limited time, save 0 on a Centris folding eBike from Buzz Bicycles

In honor of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, eBike specialist Buzz Bicycles is offering an exclusive discount for Electrek readers on its Centris Class 2 Folding Bike.

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Buzz Bicycles is back with an exclusive new deal

Buzz Bicycles has been a mainstay on Electrek for a few years now, as we have covered several of its electric bikes, which suit riders of all skill levels and help them “Buzz through life.” Buzz is an omnichannel eBike brand that prioritizes direct-to-consumerism and has found success in its mission to deliver ultimate transportation solutions at an excellent value for its growing base of eBike enthusiasts.

The company strives to deliver riders a “Wow moment,” which is usually brought on as they feel the pedal assist function kick in. This feature delivers all you need to conquer hills and longer rides while enjoying new adventures with friends.

The Buzz team has utilized decades of industry experience into its portfolio of eBikes, all conceived and designed in Dayton, Ohio. The company, which operates under the United Wheels umbrella alongside brands like Huffy Bicycles, Niner Bikes, and Batch Bicycles, has adopted an ethos that the freedom of riding should be fun and accessible for everyone, no matter what adventure lies ahead.

By leveraging the global presence of its parent company, Buzz Bicycles can make good on its promise to deliver affordable eBikes that are comfortable, powerful, and safe, much like the Centris Folding eBike, which is as versatile and compact as it is fun. The exclusive deal Buzz Bicycles is offering on the Centris makes it even more fun. You can take advantage of it below.

But first, you’ll want to learn about the capabilities of this foldable eBike to truly understand its value, as well as what accessories are available to level up your purchase.

Buzz Bicycles

The Buzz Centris is an easy to ride foldable eBike for all

The Buzz Centris is a Class 2 Folding eBike built for comfort and convenience no matter where you take it. At full size, the Centris’ step-through frame offers a low step-over height of just 16 inches, perfect for riders of all sizes, enabling easy transitions from ground to saddle for its riders.

When you’re not riding, the Centris from Buzz Bicycles folds neatly to 34 inches in length and 22 inches in height, making it easy to store at home or to carry in a vehicle on the way to your next ride. Furthermore, the assembled bike only weighs 68 pounds, making it easy to transport.

You can easily navigate tougher terrain on the Centris thanks to the eBike’s 20″ x 4″ knobby tires and front suspension. The bike is powered by a 48V, 500-watt-hour (Wh) battery pack that can propel it to a top speed of 20 mph for an all-electric range of up to 40 miles on a single charge.

Additionally, this folding model from Buzz Bicycles comes equipped with both a front and rear rack, offering versatile cargo-carrying options so you can customize your ride with a variety of Buzz accessories.

Like all Buzz eBikes, the Centris is tested and deemed compliant with the UL2849 standard. This standard covers the entire electric bicycle system, including the motor, battery, controller, and charger, offering the highest safety standards for added peace of mind.

The Centris Class 2 folding bike from Buzz is available in two colors: Gloss White or Matte Black. This $1,199 eBike is currently reduced to $899 – and you can score an additional $200 off with this exclusive promo, but only for a limited time.

With the purchase of any Buzz eBike, including the Centris, you are guaranteed the following:

  • 10-year limited warranty (lightweight aluminum frame protected for full 10 years)
  • 2-year limited warranty (electrical components covered by 2-year warranty for peace of mind)
  • 6-month limited warranty (additional bike components protected by a 6-month warranty)
Buzz Bicycles

Are you interested in the Centris from Buzz Bicycles? You’ve come to the right place. Starting today, while supplies last, you can take advantage of an additional $200 off the sale price by using promo code “ELECTREK200. That’s a $500 discount in total!

Don’t wait, because this deal only runs through 11:59 PM on December 8, 2024.

We highly recommend perusing Buzz’s entire lineup of products. They are designed for commuters and casual riders, with technology and features that help you quickly feel comfortable riding. If you are new to the world of E-transportation, Buzz Bicycles is the brand for you. 

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It begins: Mercedes eActros 600 electric semi truck enters production

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It begins: Mercedes eActros 600 electric semi truck enters production

With up to 500 km (310 miles) of all-electric range, the new Mercedes eActros 600 electric semi truck was designed for long-haul trucking – and now, it’s officially in production at the company’s Wörth plant in Bavaria.

The electrification of Daimler Truck’s Mercedes line is progressing nicely, with the eActros 300 and 400 models handling drayage and short-haul duties, and the eEconic seeing duty in waste disposal and airport refueling. The addition of the new 600 model expands on that work with a truly capable long-haul solution that will help Mercedes’ customers clean up their operations.

“The start of series production of our eActros 600 is a further proof of our ambition to transform the industry,” offers Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck. “With a range of 500 kilometers on a single battery charge, our eActros 600 is addressing the long-haul segment in Europe which is responsible for two-thirds of CO2 emissions from heavy road freight. Our battery-electric long-haul truck will therefore make a real difference.”

In addition to the 600’s additional range, the newest eActros marks another milestone by becoming the first electric Mercedes semi to be manufactured on a single line (the eActros 300/400 and eEconic leave their standard production lines to have their electric drive components installed at Mercedes’ Future Truck Center in Wörth).

“With the start of series production of the eActros 600, we are expanding our Wörth product portfolio with an important vehicle for the future,” says Andreas Bachhofer, Head of the Wörth site and Production at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “Construction of this first battery-electric truck made in Wörth will be fully integrated into the existing assembly hall, flexibly alongside the manufacturing of combustion-engine trucks. This means that we are ideally positioned for the production of larger quantities. Our production team is well prepared for the successive ramp-up over the coming months.”

The new electric semi truck features a 600+ kWh battery (hence, eActros 600) that sends power to a new, highly efficient electric drive axle developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz, good enough to “be able to travel significantly more than 1,000 kilometers per day. This is made possible by intermediate charging during the legally prescribed driver breaks – even without megawatt-charging.”

The company claims the massive, 600 kWh battery in the eActros can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes at a megawatt charging station, which will soon (?) be available across Europe. First deliveries of the new 600 series Mercedes electric semi trucks are expected to begin Q1 of 2025, with production ramping up to full speed soon after.

Electrek’s Take

Holcim, a global leader in building materials and solutions, has recently made a significant commitment to sustainability by placing a purchase order for 1,000 Mercedes electric semi trucks.
Mercedes eActros 600 long-haul electric semi; via Daimler Trucks.

Electric semi trucks are racking up millions of miles as more and more pilot programs being to pay off, leading to more orders for battery electric trucks and more reductions in both diesel demand and harmful carbon emissions. We can’t wait to see more.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Daimler Trucks.

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Ben Maclean adds second CAT D6XE electric drive dozer to his fleet

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Ben Maclean adds second CAT D6XE electric drive dozer to his fleet

Ben Maclean is the 24-year-old owner of a land reclamation business called Down to Earth Developments that specializes in transforming unusable or degraded land into more productive plots that can be put to residential or agricultural use – and Ben is using these hybrid machines to make reclamation an even more sustainable enterprise.

Maclean is bucking the trend of young people avoiding construction and agriculture and making a name for himself throughout the UK. Soon after becoming the youngest customer to order one of Caterpillar’s first D6XE electric dozers earlier this year. Ben was so impressed with the big electric drive CAT that he ordered another one.

It’s just arrived – and Ben seems pretty excited about it.

“It’s not just the electric drive using less fuel, but the all-round technology package you get with CAT machines that saves costs in quite a few ways,” explains Maclean. “We also have two CAT 323 hydraulic excavators and their grade assist and payload technology help us get the job done that little bit quicker.”

The electric drive CAT machines operate much the same way that range-extended EVs (or “EREVs“) do. Onboard batteries send power to electric motors while an ICE generator works to keep them topped off. The arrangement delivers superior power, torque, and control compared to diesel drive, with a 35% improvement in fuel efficiency and, according to CAT, 20% fewer harmful carbon emissions compared to the conventional 3 speed D6T Tier 4 Final.

Sustainability is quite literally what they do,” says Ryan Trafford, manager at CAT’s UK distributor, Finning. “Customers like Ben are the first generation to have grown up understanding the importance of making responsible decisions, with sustainability being at the heart of that.”

Here’s hoping more young people bring their sustainable priorities to the various trades as they come up.

CAT D6XE electric drive dozer

SOURCE | IMAGES: Down to Earth Developments.

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