Here’s what to expect when Lectric XP 4.0 e-bike becomes next best-seller in the US
Lectric Ebikes has long set the standard for other companies to follow in the budget electric bicycle space, continuously rolling out new models that offer never-before-seen value. A new cargo e-bike with more features? They did it. A new off-roader with better components? They did that, too. But what about the company’s best-selling model, the Lectric XP 3.0 folding fat tire e-bike? It’s due for an update, and here’s what you can expect.
Believe it or not, it’s been over two years since the Lectric XP 3.0 was launched in early November 2022. That model has since dominated the industry, giving riders with an under $1,000 budget better bang-for-their-buck than ever before as it rose to the top of the US bestselling e-bikes list.
With 28 mph (45 km/h) speeds, hydraulic disc brakes, suspension, built-in rear rack, heavy-duty cargo/passenger capabilities, and multiple battery sizes, it’s become the go-to $999 electric bike for thousands of new riders every month. It’s even a personal favorite of mine. I’ve put my family members on XP 3.0s, I’ve bought multiple XP 3.0s to donate to the underprivileged, and it’s the model I chose when I went undercover as a food delivery worker to see the world through e-bike couriers’ eyes.
But nothing lasts forever, and two years is a long time in the electric bicycle industry. We don’t yet know quite when a Lectric XP 4.0 will come to replace the US’ current best-selling electric bike model, but you’d better believe that Lectric’s designers in Phoenix have been whiteboarding ideas for a while now. And I’d bet dollars to donuts that these are some of those ideas.
Upgrades in component quality
With every new launch this year, we’ve watched Lectric eBikes flex its purchasing power by bringing us higher quality components than we deserve at these price levels. The XPeak routinely gets oddly high-tier forks. The Lectric One received a transmission that probably costs as much as the whole bike if you were to try to buy it retail. And the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 offers a Gates belt drive for under $900. This is all absurd, or at least it used to be until Lectric started waving its wallet around at the offices of higher-end component makers that aren’t used to seeing customers in this affordable price range.
That means the Lectric XP 4.0 is likely to benefit from that same purchasing power. I can foresee major upgrades including a higher-end suspension fork, better hydraulic disc brakes, and likely even a torque sensor for improved pedal assist. I don’t imagine the derailleur will make a huge jump in quality (maybe just an 8-speed Shimano Tourney?), but a color screen is likely in the cards, as are nicer bolt-on grips and other comfort enhancements. We may even see better suspension seat posts and nicer tires.
But for the love of all things holy in this world, if those do-gooders on Utopia Rd even think about touching that right side half-twist throttle, then by the beard of Zeus we’re going to have words…
More power?
There’s a real chance that the XP 4.0 could be more powerful, especially since Lectric has become quite fond of its M24 electric motor, which has graced models like the XPeak 2.0 and XPedition 2.0. That 750W motor puts out just over 1,300W of actual electrical power, due in no small part to Lectric’s assistance on using higher current electronic speed controllers than most of its competitors.
In fact, the Lectric XP 3.0 is probably the most powerful “500W” e-bike around right now, but that doesn’t mean it will always remain in the five hundred club.
A power increase isn’t a given, and Lectric may still reserve that higher-power motor for its more premium models. After all, they can’t just give us all the good stuff at such a low price. Or can they?
No price change
Speaking of price change, I find it incredibly hard to believe that the XP 4.0 would launch at anything other than US $999. Lectric has only ever changed the price of this model once, increasing it from the original $899 of the XP 1.0 to the $999 of the XP 2.0. Ever since, they’ve steered clear of price increases on the XP line.
Lectric’s Co-founder and CEO Levi Conlow recently explained at the Micromobility America 2024 conference that whenever the company’s increasing efficiency causes the margins to creep “too high” (a foreign concept to most brands), they either lower the price or release a new version of the bike with more features. And so that’s likely exactly what the 4.0 will prove to be – another $999 e-bike, but this time with even more features.
Design and build
I don’t expect we’ll see any huge design changes to the structure of the bike. Sure, there will be a new frame. But I expect the company to retain the same boxy tube structure they’ve used ever since the brand’s first XP bike rolled out in late 2019. They even use it on their XPedition cargo bike despite there being no real reason for it (the batteries aren’t housed inside the frame) other than design continuity with the Lite, XP, and XP Trike lines.
What we are likely to see in the design department are minor updates for improved strength and ruggedness. Lectric has been investing more heavily in third-party certifications, including both structural frame testing and electronic certifications like UL compliance. That’s likely to continue with the XP 4.0, meaning we could see improved certification indicating even more confidence in the bike’s ability to haul cargo and passengers.
The color scheme is unlikely to change heavily. Black and white have been the XP’s MO for years now, and even that’s an improvement from when they were only available in white. We’ve of course seen splashes of Lectric’s blue accent color on most of the brand’s models, and the XP 4.0 is unlikely to be different in that regard. But expect it to be more along the lines of the new XPedition 2.0’s color swatch design, not a radical color departure.
Fancy features?
This one is a bit of a wild card, and I don’t expect Lectric to go overly nuts with fancy features. I don’t think we’re going to be getting any crazy phone apps or wireless charging through the kickstand anytime soon. But we just might see the inclusion of value-added features like tracking for anti-theft.
This could be done fairly easily through the use of existing technology like the Apple FindMy network – something that Lectric’s competitor Velotric has leveraged beautifully. Such a feature would likely add little cost but could be of major value. In fact, I recently tried to plant that exact bug in Lectric Co-founder Robby Deziel’s ear. Robby has been wrist-deep in the design of these e-bikes since as early as 2019, when he personally helped me with the wiring on one of the first Lectric XPs ever. So let’s see if he listens on the integrated tracker idea.
When is the Lectric XP 4.0 coming?
I pride myself in having a bit of a crystal ball for the electric bike industry, but even I have no idea when Lectric is planning on releasing the XP 4.0. From everything I can gather, it’s not imminent.
I may have teased you with all the cool things Lectric could do on XP 4.0, but I don’t think we’ll be seeing any of those updates anytime soon.
Suffice it to say that if you’ve been wanting to join in on the XP fun and somehow you’re one of the few Americans who doesn’t yet have an XP 3.0, that’s still a killer e-bike for an amazing $999 price. One day the XP 4.0 will likely make us all “ooh” and “ahh” again, but it doesn’t appear to be in the cards yet.
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Environment
Save hundreds on Power Station eBikes and snag gift giveaways during Mokwheel’s Black Friday Sale
Unique eBike manufacturer Mokwheel has made a quick name for itself by bringing Power Station electric bikes to the market. During Mokwheel’s exclusive Black Friday Sale, there’s no better time to get one of the company’s power bank eBike models, like the Obsidian, Basalt, or Obsidian ST. You can learn more below.
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Mokwheel has carved its own spot in the eBike market
Mokwheel may be a newer company on your radar, but its history is heavily rooted in the last decade of micromobility. From 2014 onward, the company’s founders found great success in other segments of the electric mobility scene, including products like hoverboards and electric scooters.
However, those founders decided to create Mokwheel because they saw a gap in the market for a power station eBike that had yet to be done before. That market entry began with the Mokwheel BASALT, an all-purpose/all-terrain e-bike fusion integrated with power station technology.
By rethinking the design of the average eBike to offer more sustainability and accessible power on the go, Mokwheel has built out an impressive portfolio of electric bikes, many of which feature power station technology as well as safety and quality assurance through UL certification.
Mokwheel is celebrating Black Friday with a huge sale, including hundreds of dollars off power station electric bikes, which you can learn more about below.
What is a power station electric bike, anyway?
Mokwheel’s lineup of “power station electric bikes” is essentially a category of eBike equipped with solar charging capabilities. Mokwheel has brought an added layer of sustainability to the eBike space, extending off-grid capabilities for its riders while offering free backup energy from the sun.
The core of this technology is Mokwheel’s 1,000-watt inverter and high-efficiency solar panels. The components combine to help power the eBike using the sun’s energy and run multiple devices like phones and laptops, which can be connected simultaneously.
These capabilities transform the Mokwheel eBikes into versatile, portable power solutions for all outdoor adventures, ensuring the bike and your devices remain charged and ready to use.
Mokwheel’s lineup of power station solar charging eBikes has expanded to six different models, including its two newest bikes, the Obsidian and Obsidian ST, which are currently on sale in honor of Black Friday.
Mokwheel has sales on Obsidian power station bikes
Mokwheel’s Obsidian models are its high-end power station eBike offerings. They feature full suspension to ensure a smooth ride on any terrain.
It features a high-capacity battery for extended range, a powerful motor for steep inclines, and is designed for the ultimate e-biking experience. Available in either a high-step or step-through (ST) design, the Obsidian power station bikes provide the same impressive specs, apart from a higher payload capacity on the high-step version (400 lbs. vs. 350 lbs. on the Obsidian ST).
Both Obsidian bikes are propelled by a 1,000-watt motor powered by a 48V, 19.6 Ah battery pack. The pack can deliver between 60 and 80 miles of range on a single charge and can boost the bikes to a top speed of 28 mph.
In addition to a full front and rear suspension, the Obsidian and ST feature 26″x4″ puncture-resistant fat tires, hydraulic brakes, and solar charging capabilities. Please note that Mokwheel’s inverters and solar panels are sold separately. However, the inverter can be added as a gift during the company’s current Black Friday sale.
Both Obsidian models usually cost $2,999 each but are currently on sale for $2,099 (-$900 off) during Mokwheel’s Black Friday Sale. Be sure to check out more of those deals below.
Don’t miss out on Mokwheel’s Black Friday sale
While Mokwheel’s deal on the Obsidian models offers the largest discount, the company’s Black Friday Sale offers many other discounts and some gift incentives for specific purchases.
For example, customers who purchase any two eBikes during Mokwheel’s Black Friday Sale can choose between a complimentary bike rack or a pet trailer, both valued at $500.
Those who opt for a single eBike purchase (excluding the Mesa Lite 2.0, Tor-plus, and Mesa Plus ST) can choose between a deluxe accessory pack or a spare battery. Both gifts are valued at $600.
The Black Friday Sale offers a gift option if you want one of the three excluded Mokwheel bikes listed above. Purchases of the Mesa Lite 2.0, Tor-plus, or Mesa Plus ST come with a basic accessory pack with a front basket and padded seat, valued at $355.
Other Black Friday Sale deals include $600 off the Basalt and Basalt ST power station bikes and $400 off Mokwheel’s Asphalt eBike. Explore all the deals Mokwheel has to offer during its Black Friday Sale, taking place now. However, quantities are limited, so take advantage of the savings while the bikes last!
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Tesla has boosted its referral rewards to a $2,000 discount on new electric vehicles in the US, even its brand new Cybertruck.
In April, Tesla ended its referral program after it became much less popular under its latest “point system” that could be redeemed for only limited features and products.
The automaker brought it back in August with a more straightforward program that gives direct discounts on new cars for buyers and gives Tesla credits that can be applied to anything for referrers.
Now, Tesla has given the first boost to the program since bringing it back a few months ago.
In short, Tesla has boosted the discount new buyers get when purchasing a new Tesla vehicle through a referral link:
In the US, it’s now a $2,000 discount for new buyers on Tesla’s entire vehicle lineup.
Even the Cybertruck is $2,000 off and now basically starts at $78,000:
In Canada, Tesla also boosted the program, but it is available only on a few vehicles, namely Model Y, Model S, and Model X.
The discount is now $2,600 CAD when using a referral code:
It’s not too surprising not to see the Cybertruck on the list in Canada as Tesla only just now started deliveries in the market, but it’s more surprising not to see the Model 3. It looks like Tesla feels it has enough demand for the vehicle in the market not to offer any referral discount.
This boosted referral program is only the latest of many sale incentive examples that Tesla has put in place this quarter to try to achieve record deliveries.
n Europe, the incentives include a year of free Supercharging and heavy discounts on inventory vehicles.
In the US, there are also good inventory discounts, 3 months of free Supercharger and Full Self-Driving subscription, FSD transfer, and more.
More recently, Tesla also slashed the lease price of the base Model Y and even offered discounted home charging under Tesla Electric for those taking delivery of new vehicles.
And everywhere, Tesla is heavily subsidizing loans with lower interest rates.
Electrek’s Take
This is the most discounts and sale incentives that I’ve have ever seen Tesla implement in a single quarter. It’s clear that the automaker is going all out to try to get the demand for 515,000 deliveries in the quarter.
I can’t lie. These are some great deals. Hard to pass in some cases.
I am even sweetening the deal myself locally. For people in Quebec who order and take delivery this quarter with my referral code, I’m offering a free Universal Tesla Connector for your home charging needs. I still have 4 available. First come, first save basis. You simply have to reach out to me right after delivery so I can confirm on my side that you used the code.
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Extended-range EVs are having their moment. And now Lotus is abandoning its strategy to become an all-electric brand by 2028 and shifting over to extended-range plug-in hybrid models starting in 2026. Here’s why.
Extended-range EVs, or EREVs, have become a siren call to automakers struggling to reach buyers with pure electric vehicles, serving as a sort of middle ground between kind of an electric car but also a plug-in hybrid, helping to break through to drivers still worried about getting stranded with no charge. So that, too, is where Lotus is going, with the Geely-owned UK brand saying that rolling out extended-range hybrids globally will help it reach its 2026 target of 30,000 sales. It’s a major departure from their earlier vision.
Lotus, has been mixing in some “lifestyle” EVs, including an SUV, to its sports-car lineup, but has struggled to meet its volume targets, Automotive News Europe reports. The problem Lotus says is that luxury buyers are reluctant to go full-electric.
Lotus says it sold 7,617 cars through September, including the Eletre SUV and Emeya large sedan, both all-electric vehicles – as well as it Emira sports car, once said to be the brand’s last ICE model.
Lotus also sells a full-electric hypercar, the Eveya.
But the company’s target of 12,000 sales this year is “definitely challenging,” Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng said on the company’s third-quarter earnings call last week.
At the Guangzhou Motor Show in China, he said: “Luxury car engines are already very powerful, and the driving experience is quite similar, with eight-cylinder and 12-cylinder engines performing well,” according to the report.
Shifting to hybrids, the company hopes, will be the solution, with the brand eyeing the production of a “Super Hybrid” technology with ultra-fast plug-in charging. The electric motor will paired with a turbocharged combustion engine to extend the overall range to 680 miles (1,094 km).
Of course, an interesting motivator, too, is that hybrids are not affected by tariffs by the European Union on BEVs imported from China, with both the Eletre and Emeya built in China. In Europe, Geely’s BEVs are subject to a 28.8% duty under new EU tariff regulations, designed to counter what has been deemed as unfair government subsidies from China to its automakers.
Porsche has also announced that it will keep building ICE models across its model range to “meet customer demand,” shifting away from its all-electric plans.
Photos: courtesy of Lotus
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