E-bike company releases over-the-air update boosting its electric bike speed over 50%
As if we needed any more evidence proving how tech-integrated the latest generation of e-bikes are, look no further than the OKAI EB50. The company has just released an over-the-air (OTA) update that lets users significantly increase the top speed limit of the bike.
Originally launched earlier this summer as the OKAI Ranger, the 1,000W fat tire OKAI EB50 electric bike arrived with a rather mundane top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).
That kept the bike legally designated as a Class 2 e-bike in the US, meaning it had a throttle-operated top speed of no more than 20 mph, and could masquerade its 1,000W motor as a 750W continuous-rated motor to comply with the Class 2 e-bike limits.
But a recently released update to the OKAI smartphone app that pairs with the bike has given owners more than just a fancy new skin or rounder icons. This time the update came with serious performance increases.
The app provides the option to unlock the top speed to a higher 28 mph (45 km/h).
Interestingly though, OKAI itself has confirmed that users are actually seeing speeds as high as 31 mph (50 km/h) with a fully charged battery. Unlike many larger electric vehicles that regulate their voltage for smoother performance, most e-bikes power their motor controllers and thus motors directly from their pack voltage. That means higher motor RPMs are available at higher states of charge, with an e-bike’s top speed then slowly tapering down as the battery discharges.
The new update also appears to unlock that new high speed on throttle-only operation, meaning that riders don’t need to pedal as well to engage speeds above 20 mph. Generally speaking, Class 3 e-bikes require pedal assist to engage motor power between 20-28 mph. An e-bike that can hit the Class 3 top speed limit of 28 mph but on throttle-only isn’t technically considered Class 3 eligible anymore.
This could have regulatory implications that see the $1,999 OKAI EB50 e-bike falling outside of the three designated e-bike classes that are adopted in much of the US. In practice, most police departments don’t yet understand the nuance of e-bike classes and thus aren’t out there patrolling for e-bikes that look like they’re going slightly over 20 mph without pedaling.
Even so, slipping outside of designated e-bike regulations is a dangerous game to play, as it could subject such e-bikes to motor vehicles laws that the three class e-bike system is designed to exempt them from.
The OKAI EB50 electric bike’s extensive app — complete with OTA updates to adjust the bike’s performance — isn’t the only tech-centric feature on the bike. The EB50 also comes with an NFC-enabled key card to give riders a secure way to lock and unlock the e-bike, though the app can also be used to unlock the e-bike over Bluetooth to avoid carrying a key card.
Many e-bike companies are doubling down on feature-rich apps and other tech-focused features as a way to differentiate their products from competitors. This is especially true of companies that rely largely on OEM components that are found on dozens of other e-bike models. Hardware innovations are often much more expensive and labor intensive to innovate, but software innovations may only require a few computer science interns and bargain basement wages.
Could OKAI’s move be a sign of what’s to come in the industry? Will there be more common performance unlocks available as simple and easy downloads? Or will e-bike companies go the way of Zero Motorcycles and offer upgrades as downloadable content to be purchased in the future? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
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The Mockingbird Solar Center, Ørsted’s largest solar project globally, is now online, next to protected prairie donated by the renewable energy giant.
This massive 468-megawatt (MW) solar farm is set to power 80,000 homes and businesses, providing a major boost to the Texas grid.
But the launch of Mockingbird Solar isn’t just about clean energy – it’s also about restoring precious ecosystems. Ørsted has donated 953 acres of the Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland, which sits next to the solar center, to The Nature Conservancy. The donated land is now the Smiley Meadow Preserve, a protected area for tallgrass prairie that’s home to more than 400 species of grasses and wildflowers.
Tallgrass prairies are some of the rarest ecosystems in the US, with less than 1% of Texas’ original tallgrass prairies still in existence. Tallgrass prairie does a lot of heavy lifting for the environment, including storing carbon, preventing floods, and providing crucial habitats for pollinators.
“Native prairies are the rarest landscapes left in Texas – so much so that many people have never seen one,” said David Bezanson, land protection strategy program director for The Nature Conservancy in Texas. He added that preserving Smiley Meadow will not only conserve one of the best prairie remnants left but also help restore other prairie habitats and boost regional biodiversity.
The Mockingbird Solar Center, a half-billion-dollar project, is part of Ørsted’s $20 billion push to expand renewable energy production across the US. Beyond generating electricity, it will inject $75 million into local property taxes, benefiting schools and other public services. The project also created over 550 construction jobs and will continue to be supported by operations staff moving forward.
Ørsted worked with US companies, including First Solar, for solar panels and partnered with local businesses like Drake Construction and Pfifer Farms for construction materials. It also gave more than $50,000 to local volunteer fire departments in Roxton and Brookston.
With Mockingbird Solar now up and running, Ørsted has more than 6 gigawatts of onshore wind, solar, and battery storage projects either in operation or being built across the US.
Read more: Ørsted got a huge Tesla battery storage system for the world’s single-largest offshore wind farm
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Jeep’s first global luxury electric SUV will arrive at US dealerships any day. Despite its $72,000 price tag, lease prices for the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV start at just $599 per month.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV lease prices
After unveiling its first global electric SUV, Jeep’s CEO said the Wagoneer S “marks a new chapter” in its storied history.
Jeep claims the Wagoneer S packs “exhilarating performance.” With 600 hp and 617 lb-ft of torque, the big-body SUV can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Its 100 kWh battery pack also gives it a driving range of over 300 miles.
The electric SUV is unmistakably still a Jeep, but it did get several upgrades to distinguish it as an EV. The grille is now enclosed without the need to cool a massive engine, giving it a sporty, more modern look.
Jeep revamped its design with a new illuminated seven-slot grille with ambient cast lightning. It also fine-tuned its profile, adding flush door handles, a rear wing, and integrated fins for better airflow.
The first Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition models get exclusive dark accent design elements like 20″ Gloss Black Wheels.
Inside, the electric SUV is loaded with the latest tech and connectivity, including a best-in-class 45″ of usable screen space. The setup includes a 12.3″ center screen and an exclusive 10.25″ interactive front passenger screen.
Jeep already announced that the 2024 Wagoneer S EV will start at $71,995, but now the company has revealed lease prices for the first time.
According to Jeep, the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition can be leased for $599 per month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year). The deal includes $4,999 due at signing and a $7,500 EV incentive. However, you may want to act fast, as Jeep’s offer is only good until December 2, 2024.
| Jeep Wagoneer S vs Tesla Model Y | Starting Price | Range | Lease Price |
| Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition | $71,995 | +300 miles | $599/mo |
| Tesla Model Y RWD | $44,990 | 320 miles | $299/mo |
| Tesla Model Y AWD | $47,990 | 308 miles | $399/mo |
| Tesla Model Y AWD Performance | $51,490 | 279 miles | $599/mo |
In comparison, Tesla Model Y RWD lease prices start at $299 for 36 months with $2,999 down (10,000 miles). The Performance AWD model starts at $599 per month. In an end-of-year promo, Tesla also offers 3 months of free Supercharging and Full Self-Driving.
Ready to drive off in your new electric SUV? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to view offers on the Jeep Wagoneer S and Tesla Model Y at a dealer near you.
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