I went inside China to the world’s largest EV maker’s summit. Here’s what I saw
When you think about the biggest names in electric vehicles, Tesla or BYD probably come to mind first. But the largest electric vehicle producer by sheer numbers isn’t either of these car giants—it’s Yadea, the Chinese powerhouse behind an enormous array of electric two- and three-wheelers. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit China and attend Yadea’s annual retail summit, an expansive event hosting over 4,000 global dealers and showcasing what felt like an endless variety of electric rides.
It was an eye-opening that you can relive with me by watching my video from the event below. Or just keep reading for the full details!
The retail summit, held in Wuxi, China, was equal parts impressive product showcase and dealer-focused presentations. Navigating through a bustling hall filled with thousands of attendees was daunting, especially when breaks saw everyone flood the floor at once. It definitely showcased just how broad the company’s reach is, with dealerships spanning the globe. Yadea recently surpassed 100 million electric two-wheeler sales, underscoring just how massive their global reach has become.
Capturing footage and pictures of every vehicle on display was nearly impossible, but I did my best to highlight the extensive diversity in Yadea’s lineup.
Yadea’s design ethos clearly recognizes that different riders have vastly different needs, whether it’s high-performance scooters packed with cutting-edge technology, or adorable mopeds designed around current fashion trends and popular licensing agreements. Although some of these designs lean heavily toward Chinese consumer preferences—the company’s largest market—there’s no shortage of international influences woven into their offerings, proving Yadea’s global ambitions are well underway. From automotive inspiration to more childish and fun-looking rides, there’s seriously something for everyone.
Admittedly, not every model suited me—particularly some of the more “cutesy” scooters clearly aimed at a demographic less familiar in Western moped commuting circles. But considering how universally popular two-wheel commuting is in China, Yadea clearly knows its audience. In China, commuting by scooter or moped transcends typical demographics, becoming a practical transportation option for everyone, regardless of age or gender. That’s a pretty sharp contrast with many Western markets, where motorcycles and mopeds still largely remain associated with younger demographics and male riders. Suffice it to say, you don’t see a lot of bubbly, cartoonish mopeds or child seats in the west, but they were all over the expo in various fascinating forms.
Yadea isn’t just about stylish scooters, though. They showcased a robust selection of utility and fleet vehicles, from sturdy police patrol units to versatile three-wheeled cargo haulers. I’m personally a huge fan of their electric trikes, which range from rugged utility vehicles perfect for agricultural use to enclosed commuter vehicles ideal for running errands or taking kids to school. While these trikes are incredibly popular throughout Asia, they’ve yet to fully catch on in Western markets—something I believe is overdue after spending quality saddle time in them. The versatility of these three-wheelers makes them an excellent option for urban environments with congested streets, offering enhanced stability, cargo capacity, and ease of operation compared to traditional two-wheelers or larger vehicles.
Beyond trikes and mopeds, Yadea impressed me with their comprehensive foray into practically every two-wheeled electric category imaginable. They featured trail bike-style dirt bikes, substantial full-sized electric motorcycles, and even a broad spectrum of electric bicycles designed for fitness, mountain biking, and commuting. Standouts included the popular Trooper, beloved by fans of the moped-style bikes, and the growing lineup of stand-up electric scooters, such as the affordable Starto scooter designed specifically to target budget-conscious consumers in markets like the U.S.
The diversity in Yadea’s electric bicycle lineup has continued to grow over the several years I’ve followed it closely. The sporty fitness models I saw feature lightweight frames and sleek designs aimed at urban commuters and recreational riders looking to blend exercise and convenience. Their mountain e-bikes boast robust frames, powerful mid-drive motors, and quality suspension, ready for challenging trails and off-road adventures. The commuter-style e-bikes are practical, with designs optimized for daily use, complete with integrated lights, fenders, and racks to accommodate everyday necessities. Basically, they’ve come a long way and branched out into very specific cycling niches that we hadn’t seen from Yadea only a few years ago.
Naturally, I couldn’t leave without testing as many of these rides as possible. Rainy conditions and a slippery rock slab floor outside the exhibition hall made for tricky testing conditions, but miraculously, I kept the rubber side down on everything I test-rode.
From fat-tire mopeds like the Trooper e-bike to practical scooters like the Starto, it was easy to see why these models are already gaining traction internationally. The Starto scooter, in particular, struck me as an ideal entry-level model—affordable, practical, and perfect for urban commuting. Its simplicity and affordability position it perfectly for new riders who may have previously considered electric vehicles too expensive or complicated.
I’ve tested other Yadea electric kickscooters and have been impressed, but several of them have loftier prices thanks to fancier features, full-suspension, and higher performance. The Starto’s basic design helps keep it within reach of more commuters.
Throughout the day, I was consistently impressed by the sheer number of electric vehicles on display. The vast range highlighted Yadea’s commitment to addressing nearly every possible niche in the electric mobility market. But perhaps even more striking was the scale and detail of Yadea’s dealer support system. Dealers benefit from extensive training programs, robust diagnostic tools, and a comprehensive range of accessories and upgrades. Conversations I had with dealers from all over the world highlighted the unique challenges and successes of bringing these electric vehicles to their respective markets. Many shared stories about the ease of working with Yadea as well as the brand’s name recognition helping to win over new riders.
Last year, I toured one of Yadea’s eight global factories, gaining insight into the meticulous manufacturing processes behind these vehicles. Witnessing the production process highlighted the precision, technology, and quality control standards that underpin every product Yadea manufactures. This year’s summit completed the picture, demonstrating Yadea’s equal commitment to customer-facing operations. From their expansive product lineup to their global dealer network, Yadea is making two-wheeled electric transportation accessible and appealing worldwide.
Yadea’s global impact is truly impressive. They operate on nearly every continent, with robust sales networks spread around the world. This international presence isn’t just about market share, it’s also about driving the global adoption of electric mobility solutions. Yadea’s products help reduce emissions and traffic congestion while providing affordable and accessible transportation options to millions worldwide.
When discussing true global impact, few can rival Yadea’s sheer reach and scale. Even the major electric automakers like BYD and Tesla are playing for a distance second place when it comes to annual units sold. After spending time immersed in Yadea’s latest offerings and engaging with their global dealer community, it’s clear that Yadea isn’t just leading in volume—they’re also at the forefront of innovation, design, and customer support, truly defining the future of electric mobility.
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The feces-filled freight train of dystopian horrors rolls on with the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill and the untimely demise of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. But if you’re ready to pull the trigger on a new EV this month, you’re in luck! There are plenty of great options with zero interest financing to choose from … and one with zero interest in general.
You know how we usually do these lists – some pictures, a few punchy paragraphs, and an invitation to explore local deals.
We’re doing things a little differently this month. Instead of brief write-ups, we’re highlighting the most significant 0% deal of the month (yes, that is largely opinion-based – thanks for noticing), and an “honorable mention” that doesn’t quite fit the 0% EV deal template … but might still be worth checking out.
Enough talk! Here are the deals.
Most significant new 0% offer
Demand for Tesla Cybertrucks has been a long, long way from the “conservative” 250,000 per year projections Elon was making just a few years ago. Demand for the low-poly electric pickup is so dismal, in fact, that Tesla is offering 0% financing on a new Cybertruck for up to 60 months – if you’re willing to spring for the company’s Full Self Driving (Supervised) level 2 ADAS.
Not quite a 0% EV deal
Don’t act surprised – my Twitter handle is VolvoJo, after all, and I’m on my fifth consecutive long-roof Swede as I type this. As such, when trying out a new format for this monthly column it made perfect sense to check out the Ironmark’s offers … and I found a good one: a new, not perfect but getting there seven-passenger EX90 at 1.99% financing plus $1,000 in “Summer Safety Bonus Cash.”
Is zero interest financing good enough to overcome the fact that most people seem to have zero interest in buying a CT these days? Is the Volvo worth a look at 1.99% with an additional $1,000 cash back? Let us know your take in the comments – but before you do that, check out the full list of 0% interest EV deals for July 2025 and click the links for additional local deals.
July 0% interest EV deals
Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirect, CarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 07JUL2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied).
Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
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The new Lectric XP Trike2, just unveiled today, is the hands-down winner in the best-bang-for-your-buck category of electric trikes. And as perhaps the longest-running electric bike reviewer in the industry, I can say that with confidence. I’ve seen a lot of electric bikes in my time. I’ve spent a lot of butt-in-saddle hours on e-trikes. But I’ve never before seen a value like this roll by on three wheels.
As an able-bodied, mid-30s electric bike rider (and writer), I’ll be the first to say that electric trikes aren’t just for older folks. They’re fun e-bikes in their own right. But let’s face it – the vast majority of the market for electric three-wheelers are those who just aren’t as comfortable on two wheels due to age, accessibility, or other reasons. And so if you’re a senior or otherwise on the hunt for a fun and affordable electric trike, the Lectric XP Trike2 is probably the one you’re going to end up getting, and deservingly so!
If you don’t know Lectric eBikes, they’re the Phoenix-based e-bike company that took the US by storm in the early 2020s, quickly growing into the #1 best-selling e-bike company on the continent. They started with the ultra affordable, high-value XP line of e-bikes, and then took that same recipe to other types of e-bikes, from cargo bikes to off-roaders, and now to trikes.
The new XP Trike2 is the latest generation of their best-selling e-trike, and it’s absolutely better than ever.
First of all though, let’s look at what stayed the same. The ultra-affordable price of $1,499 remains untouched, keeping this not only one of the best e-trikes on the market, but also the most affordable. It also keeps the low step-over height for easy mounts and dismounts, the folding frame to help riders transport it more easily, and the powerful motor that makes it a great hill climber.
Other than those features, basically everything else has received an upgrade.
First of all, we now get included suspension with a 50mm suspension fork up front. The frame has been redesigned with a new hydroformed aluminum downtube and a more stable footprint. The stem angle has been modified to make it more comfortable and allow a more upright, relaxed riding posture. A more powerful and longer-range version of the Trike2 is also available, upgrading the motor with 50% more power for even better hill climbing, as well as including a torque sensor for more responsive pedaling and a longer-range battery.
The included TFT color screen is a major upgrade over the older model, and there are even six new colors to choose from, which is a major improvement over the original XP Trike’s color option list of… one.
Base model versus the long-range upgrade
Both the base model (Lectric XP Trike2 500) and the higher-spec option (XP Trike2 750) are compelling options, but they’ll likely serve different types of riders.
Even the base model comes with a reasonably large 13 Ah (624 Wh) battery, which is already going to give most riders at least 30 miles of range (or a claimed 50 miles if using low power pedal assist and riding slower). Plus, the 500W motor is actually much more powerful, likely peaking at closer to 1,000W of actual power. That’s the “oomph” that riders will feel when climbing hills. And for many folks, that’s plenty. Plus, the $1,499 price of the XP Trike2 500 is quite attractive.
But riders who want to upgrade to the XP Trike2 750, the higher price of $1,799 does come with some nice upgrades. First of all, the higher power 750W motor will be that much better at climbing hills, helping riders up steeper inclines, or just maintaining higher speeds up the same slopes. Next, the larger 17.5 Ah (840 Wh) battery is going to give more range, to the tune of nearly 50 miles with mixed riding (or the claimed 70 miles if using lower power pedal assist and staying off the throttle). The other benefit of a bigger battery is that it simply doesn’t need to be charged as often. Even if you’re riding around at 10 mph for an hour each day, that’s a week of riding before you have to think about recharging the battery.
The last significant upgrade on the 750W model is a torque sensor, which is a more refined pedal assist sensor that results in a more natural feeling ride when pedaling. For riders who only use the throttle, there’s not much benefit to a torque sensor. But for anyone who actually wants to pedal along and get a bit of fitness in, the torque sensor means the acceleration and the riding just better mimic the natural feel of bicycle pedaling, making it more like real pedaling – albeit if you had the legs and muscle definition of a professional cyclist.
All of this is to say: The base model with 500W of power is likely sufficient for most riders, but that extra $300 does offer better hill climbing, more power, longer range, and a nicer pedaling experience – which may be important for some riders.
Lectric may have announced the XP Trike2 today, but they aren’t quite ready to ship. In something of a throwback to Lectric’s early days, the bikes are available on pre-order. Orders placed now get priority, with the 500W model shipping later this month (July 2025). The 750W models will take a bit longer, with current orders expected to ship by September.
It’s a bit of a delayed gratification situation, but if the XP Trike2 is anything like the original (and it looks to be even better), then these bikes are absolutely going to be worth the wait!
Electrek’s Take
Once again, Lectric has left all the other e-bike makers fighting over second place. My hat is off to the company – time and again they have surprised us with increasingly better e-bike generations at increasingly the same price. Each time they roll out a bike, they give us more and more, all without touching the price tag.
The XP Trike2 follows that strategy perfectly, though it definitely looks like they’re hoping the XP Trike2 750 will bring slightly fatter margins – perhaps making up for just how ridiculously affordable the XP Trike2 500 is. And while I think the lower power model will be sufficient for most people, that bigger battery, beefier motor, and nicer torque sensor do sound like a tempting upgrade.
I haven’t ridden the XP Trike2 yet, but I will be on it soon and I can’t wait to share the experience with you guys. In the meantime, let’s hear what you think about the new e-trike in the comment section below!
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Japanese equipment giant Kubota brought 22 new or updated machines to the 2025 bauma expo earlier this year, but tucked away in the corners was a new retrofit kit that can help existing customers decarbonize more quickly, and more affordably.
No matter how badly a fleet may want to electrify, harsh economic realities and the greater up-front costs typically associated with battery electric remain high hurdles to overcome, but new retrofit options from major manufacturers are popping up to help lower those obstacles.
The latest equipment maker to put its name on the retrofit list is Kubota, who says its kit can be installed by a trained dealer in a single day.
That’s right! By this time tomorrow, your diesel-powered Kubota KX019 or U27-4 excavator (shown) could be fitted with an 18 or 20 kWh li-ion battery pack and electric drive motors and ready to get to work in a low-noise or low-vibration work environment where emissions are a strict no-no. Think indoor precision demolition or historic archeological excavation.
Then, if necessary, it can go right back to diesel power.
From diesel to electric and back again
If that sounds familiar, that’s because we’ve talked about a similarly flexible power solution from ZQUIP. The battery packs and diesel engines are much larger in that application, but the basic sales pitch remains the same: electric when it benefits your operation, diesel it doesn’t.
Kubota says its modular retrofit kits is a response to the increasing global demand for sustainable alternatives by focusing on making machinery that’s flexible and repairable enough to be “reusable,” and offer construction fleet managers a longer operational lifespan, superior ROI (return on investment), and lower TCO (total cost of ownership) than the competition.
Kubota’s solution also notably reduces maintenance costs and operational overheads. With no engine and associated components, servicing time and expenses are considerably reduced, saving customers both time and money. Additionally, with electricity costing far less than fossil fuels, it offers a highly economical advantage.
International Rental News reports that other changes to the excavators include a more modern cab controls with a digital instrument cluster, a 60 mm wider undercarriage for more stability, and an independent travel circuit allows operators to use the boom, dipper, bucket, and auxiliary functions without an impact on tracking performance.
Kubota’s new kit, first shown at last year’s Hillhead exhibition in the UK, will officially be on sale this summer – any day now, in fact – though pricing has yet to be announced.
Electrek’s Take
If you’re wondering how it is that we’re still talking about bauma 2025 a full quarter after the show wrapped up, then I haven’t done a good enough job of explaining how positively massive the show was. Check out this Quick Charge episode (above) then let us know what you think of Kubota’s modular power kits in the comments.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Kubota, via International Rental News.
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