![Lectric XP 3.0 launched as most affordable 2-passenger e-bike, and we got the first ride [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/11/lectric-xp-3.0-first-ride-header.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Lectric XP 3.0 launched as most affordable 2-passenger e-bike, and we got the first ride [Video]
Phoenix-based electric bicycle brand Lectric eBikes has just unveiled its newest model, the Lectric XP 3.0. Full of new features and updated components, it’s set to likely become one of the best-selling electric bikes in the country.
That’s because the Lectric XP 3.0 is now replacing the Lectric XP 2.0, and it’s upgrading a number of key areas on that bike while retaining the same low $999 sale price. There’s also a long range version with 40% more battery for just $1,199. And for a limited time that promotional price includes free upgrades included a premium seat, suspension seat post, free lock and free upgraded headlight.
From the bike’s new brakes to dual passenger support and upgraded electronics, the new e-bike is chock-full of interesting new additions.
The company was kind enough to invite me out to Phoenix in early September and offer me the first ever test ride on the model, which you can check out in my video below.
But then keep reading afterwards to learn all about the new upgrades on the bike.
Lectric XP 3.0 first ride video
First, what stayed the same?
We’ll start off with what remains unchanged, which is essentially the foundation of the bike.
It’s still a folding e-bike with throttle operation up to 20 mph (32 km/h) or pedal assist up to 28 mph (45 km/h). We’ve still got those fairly fat tires at 20″x3″. We’ve still got full LED light package, rear rack, and included fenders, which is basically the commuter trifecta.
And it’s still priced at the more than reasonable $999 that the previous XP 2.0 sold for. Plus the bike shows up at your door fully assembled, meaning there’s not much to do other than pull off the packaging material and start riding. No long assembly process needed!
So the best parts are still there, but the upgrades are where the real interesting features are lurking.
Two passengers, twice the fun
First of all, there’s an integrated rear rack instead of a bolted-on rear rack. That means it’s part of the bike’s frame and is thus extra strong. The rear rack comes with a 150 pound (68 kg) weight rating and is the key to making this a two passenger e-bike.
With the passenger package accessory (and extra $75), owners can add a padded rear bench seat, a set of foot pegs and a handlebar that mounts on the seat post and gives rear riders something to hold onto. If you and your buddy aren’t waist-hugging close then that will likely be a much appreciated accessory.
Lectric eBikes co-founder and CEO Levi Conlow took me out on an XP 3.0 so we could test the passenger package together. He got us up to around 25 mph or so (40 km/h) with me on back, and then I got to take the reigns and shuttle him along for a ride too.
There’s also a “passenger mode” that can be selected via the display to limit the speed to 10 mph (16 km/h) for anyone who isn’t comfortable carrying a second rider at high speeds. It’s a good idea if you’re not used to carrying the extra weight or if your passenger is of the extra flailing variety.
Upgraded motor and controller
To better handle the extra weight of a second rider, the Lectric XP 3.0 received an upgraded motor with extra torque and a higher current controller.
That increased current essentially translates into more peak power, which can be helpful on hill climbing and when getting rolling with a heavy load. The Lectric eBikes team took several XP 3.0 bikes to San Francisco to prove them on the steepest hills in the city, ensuring that the bike will work just about anywhere.
They’ve also made it even easier to pedal at those higher speeds by increasing the highest gear ratio. The 14t sprocket on the rear has been replaced with an even smaller 11t sprocket, meaning your feet won’t be spinning quite as fast at top speed.
And as Levi explained, “you can get up to 28 mph really freaking fast.”
Other improvements include upgraded touchpoints such as nicer hand grips and a more comfortable saddle. And as Levi again explained in his elegantly blunt way, “The seat just cups your butt better, there’s no better way to describe it.”
The bike also sports improved disc brakes with 180 mm rotors and 20% more travel in the hydraulic suspension fork.
A number of new accessories were launched as well, such as food boxes and platforms for delivery riders, Yepp seats for carrying kids, a brighter “Elite” headlight option (which is included for free as part of the Black Friday deal at launch), a new bike cover and waterproof panniers for carrying gear or groceries.
As I was riding the streets around Lectric’s Phoenix headquarters, I couldn’t help but feel like I was on a much nicer e-bike than what you’d expect to get for under a thousand bucks. That’s been a hallmark of the company ever since they launched their original Lectric XP back in 2019: Low prices and getting more than you bargained for.
There are of course other e-bikes out there with much nicer parts, that weigh less or that offer more precision engineered drivetrains. But they compete in completely different categories.
The Lectric XP 3.0 didn’t feel like a $3,000-$4,000 precision machine, but it felt like more than I would ever need for my everyday commuting and leisure riding, that’s for sure.
Lectric XP 3.0: Best bang for your buck e-bike
While I can always nitpick at the bike compared to the more expensive e-bikes I’ve tried, any complaints feel like pot shots.
Sure, it’s fairly heavy at 64 pounds or 29 kg, but that’s what you get with a folding fat tire e-bike with just about every included accessory thrown onto it.
And yes, the parts aren’t terribly high end. You’re looking at basic Shimano shifters, mechanical disc brakes, etc. But it’s all just fine stuff. It may not be fancy, but it’s name brand stuff and it also keeps the bike affordable. For the $999 price, I simply can’t think of another e-bike that offers this much bang for your buck. And when you consider that the long range version with 40% more battery costs just $1,199, this is a legit steal of a deal.
I’ve got no doubt that the Lectric XP 3.0 is going to quickly become one of the best-selling e-bikes in the country, and it very well may sit at the top of that list.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Subscribe to Electrek on YouTube for exclusive videos and subscribe to the podcast.
VW’s retro-tastic minivan hasn’t been the sales success the company might have wanted, and a lot of that has to do with the van’s sky high price tag. Now, VW is asking: will a $10,000 discount be enough to create some buzz for the ID.Buzz?
Volkswagen is offering $7,500 in Retail Customer Bonus cash this month – up from the $2,500 the company offered its Black Friday customers – that, along with an additional $2,500 unadvertised dealer cash incentive that CarsDirect is reporting absolutely, definitely exists, adds up to a stout $10,000 total discount on the all-electric VW ID.Buzz … and that’s before you start haggling with your dealer over the MSRP.
It’s a lot
As much as I like the the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, its starting MSRP around $61,545 (incl. destination) puts it at nearly twice what you’d probably expect a minivan to cost if the last time you shopped for one was at a Dodge store. Still, that hefty price tag is some $20,000 higher than the baseline Toyota Sienna hybrid or Honda Odyssey.
That 50% higher price is a lot to swallow even if you do buy into the nostalgia. Still, the ID.Buzz is capable enough, and with ~230 miles of range and 282 hp on offer from its battery/electric motor combo – plus Supercharger access – it’s at least able to keep up with the minivan competition.
So, while that $10,000 discount isn’t going to turn the ID.Buzz into the second coming of the affordable, family-hauling Caravan, it does bring VW’s electric people-mover a little closer to earth. In fact, with a $50K price tag, it’s right in line with the average transaction price of a new vehicles. So, if nothing else, that reduced price could finally gives electric minivan buyers something to buzz about (I tried so hard to work that in, you guys).
If you’ve been shopping for a family-hauler and dig the retro vibe over something like the (excellent) Kia EV9, click through the link below and set up a test drive at your local VW dealer.
SOURCE: CarsDirect; images via VW.
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.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Peterbilt has jumped into the MD truck ring with the launch three new medium-duty electric trucks that deliver zero-emissions power, ultra-fast 350 kW charging, and proven, versatile platforms for delivery, utility service, and vocational upfitting.
The new Peterbilt 536EV, 537EV, and 548EV medium-duty trucks slot into the same versatile medium-duty segments the company’s fleets already know, but swap diesel power for latest PACCAR ePowertrain, with up to 605 hp and 1,850 lb-ft of torque available at 0 rpm. That big motor draws power from a variety of LFP battery packs and be fitted with ePTO options rated for either 25 kW (two-battery option) or 150 kW (three-battery option), making them suitable for that can be sized for daily delivery routes, urban utility work, and municipal fleets looking to cut both emissions and maintenance costs.
What’s more, the new Peterbilt’s flexible architecture allows for integration with existing PACCAR suspension bits to make 4×2 and 6×4 configurations, and any wheelbase of 163 inches or longer, and up to 82,000 lbs. gross combined weight ratings possible.
“[The new trucks are] optimized for the demands of the medium duty segment, the next generation of Peterbilt electric vehicles deliver excellent efficiency, rapid charging and versatile configurations elevating customer productivity across a wide range of applications,” said Erik Johnson, Peterbilt assistant general manager, Sales & Marketing.
In addition to all those goodies, the PACCAR EV tech continues to be top-notch, with the previously-mentioned 350 kW charging, regenerative braking, and industry-leading ergonomics.
Peterbilt’s new MDEVs ship with a blue accented crown and grille for a distinctive exterior look, as well as EV-exclusive panels on the side of the hood. The interior design features laser-etched trim panels on the EV-exclusive Magneto Gray interior, just in case the driver in the quiet, smooth, and stink-free cabin forgets they’re in an electric truck.
Electrek’s Take
Ignore the headlines. The death of the commercial EV market simply hasn’t happened, and won’t happen any time soon.
If you believe the engineers and analysts at MAN Trucks and Orange EV (and, you should), an EV like this can pay for itself in reduced fuel and maintenance costs even without incentives, then you should already know what I’m about to say: the future of trucking is 100% electric.
SOURCE | IMAGES: PACCAR.
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.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Subaru’s smaller, more affordable Uncharted EV will be among the few electric vehicles with a starting price of under $35,000.
2026 Subaru Uncharted EV prices and range by trim
The 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV will join the Nissan LEAF, Toyota bZ, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Chevy Equinox as one of the few new EVs on sale in the US for under $35,000.
It will be the most affordable electric vehicle in Subaru’s lineup, sitting below the Solterra and Trailseeker SUVs, starting at just $34,995.
The Uncharted will be available in three trims: Premium FWD, Sport, and GT. Subaru said the entry-level Uncharted Premium FWD variant will be “offered in limited numbers.” It draws power from a single 221 hp electric motor and 74.4 kWh battery pack, providing over 300 miles of range.
All trims use the same 74.7 kWh battery pack, but the Sport and GT models feature Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, which slightly reduces driving range.
The Sport and GT variants deliver 285 miles and 270 miles of range, respectively. The AWD system packs a combined 338 hp, which Subaru boasted “is more than the Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV.”
Like the new 2026 Trailseeker and Solterra, the Uncharted EV has a battery preconditioning system that boosts charging performance in cold weather. With charging speeds of up to 150 kW, the electric SUV can recharge from 10% to 80% in around 28 minutes.
All 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV models will feature a built-in NACS port, enabling access to over 25,000 Tesla Superchargers across the US.
Although the Uncharted is nearly 7″ shorter than the Solterra, it still offers more than 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.
The interior features the brand’s updated design with a 14″ Subaru Multimedia System that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Starting at $34,995, the entry-level Premium FWD trim includes EyeSight driver-assist features such as Pre-Collision Braking, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitors, Lane Departure Alert, Emergency Stop Assist, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, and a distraction mitigation system.
| 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV trim | Starting Price* |
| Uncharted Premium FWD | $34,995 |
| Uncharted Sport | $39,795 |
| Uncharted GT | $43,795 |
Eco and Snow drive modes are standard, plus an All-Weather Package is included with heated front seats, heated power exterior mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer.
Upgrading to the Sport and GT variants, starting at $39,795 and $43,795, respectively, adds an uprated powertrain and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
The 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV is expected to begin arriving at dealerships across the US in early 2026. It will join the new 2026 Trailseeker and Solterra as the lowest-priced EV in Subaru’s lineup.
With the new Uncharted and Trailseeker SUVs coming soon, Subaru is offering closeout prices on 2026 Solterra models with 0% APR financing on all trims and leases as low as $299 a month. If you’re looking to test drive one for yourself, you can use our link to find Subaru Solterra models in your area.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports2 years agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports3 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Sports3 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment3 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment1 year agoHere are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in October 2024