Choosing between control or power, new 40 mph Apollo Phantom e-scooter opts for both
Launched less than two years ago, the original Apollo Phantom electric scooter showcased the company’s first all-original scooter design. It set the stage for a new wave of e-scooters that were no longer just a collection of off-the-shelf parts, but rather a purpose-built commuting machine. Now the company is back with the all new Apollo Phantom 2023, a powerful dual-motor electric scooter that reaches fast top speeds while still focusing on control and comfort as well.
The new Apollo Phantom 2023 electric scooter makes a number of major improvements to the design.
One of the key aspects of the new scooter is that the company didn’t only focus on stuffing in more power and bigger batteries – a hallmark of the electric scooter industry of late – but focused on controllability as well.
And having met several of the Apollo team last year, I can tell you just how serious they are about building ground-up electric scooters that deliver more than just power, but rather actually improve the riding experience as well.
Case in point is the Montreal, Canada-based company’s proprietary Mach 1 electronic speed controller.
As Apollo explained:
The new and improved MACH1 controller generating 25 Amps of power per motor allows for improved top speed and acceleration. The 52V system combined with the efficiency and performance of the MACH1 controller will enable a top speed of 41 mph (66 km/h), previously only attainable by the 60V version. This allows us to bring an equally performing scooter with connected features at a lower price than the Phantom 60V. The next-generation MACH1 controller is proudly designed in Montreal and is exclusive to Apollo.
Reaching that maximum speed of 41 mph (66 km/h) requires putting the scooter in “Ludo Mode,” which unleashes 1,200 watts of power from each of the two motors.
In addition to the new controller, the interface and touch points also get a remake.
A larger throttle paddle makes it easier to operate the scooter, especially while wearing gloves.
The Apollo Phantom 2023 includes powerful regenerative braking that not only helps supplement the scooter’s own front and rear mechanical disc brakes, but also helps dump energy back into the battery. The regenerative braking is activated via a second throttle on the left handlebar, allowing riders to dial in the exact amount of regen they desire. I tested out a similar setup on the company’s smaller Apollo City, and it was a much nicer way to operate the regenerative braking that could nearly replace the need to use mechanical brakes.
The screen is also new, creating a larger visual center for all of the scooter’s important data. The redesigned screen reduces glare thanks to positioning the display panel closer to the protective cover.
The Apollo Phantom 2023 also joins the company’s growing line of smart scooters that integrates with the company’s smartphone app, allowing you to take advantage of increased features such as GPS navigation directly on the handlebars.
LED lighting is found in both the front and rear, though it gets an upgrade up front with new turn signals.
Quadruple spring suspension and 10-inch tires also make the ride better on rough streets.
It’s not just about new controllability and fancy features, though, as the Apollo Phantom 2023 has the speed and power to hang with the big scooters.
In addition to the 40+ mph speeds from the AWD setup, the large 52V 23.4Ah battery offers 1,788 Wh of capacity. That’s enough battery for a range of up to 40 miles (64 km), at least if you’re not trying to do it at top speed all the time.
The 77 lb (35 kg) scooter certainly isn’t light, but it’s built ruggedly enough to support riders up to 300 lb (136 kg).
The scooter is now available to order, priced at US $2,299 in the states or CAD $2,699 north of the border.
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On today’s informative episode of Quick Charge, we’ve got Honda engineers Jason Hwang and Emilio Sanchez to talk us through some of the things that make the GM Ultium-based Honda Prologue EV feel like a real Honda, and why that matters.
Jason and Emilio talk about some of the choices they made to make the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX feel different from its GM-branded cousins, and explain why this was much more than a case of badge-engineering. Give it a listen, then let us know what you think of the Prologue and ZDX in the comments.
Today’s episode is sponsored by BLUETTI, a leading provider of portable power stations, solar generators, and energy storage systems. For a limited time, save up to 52% during BLUETTI’s exclusive Black Friday sale, now through November 28, and be sure to use promo code BLUETTI5OFF for 5% off all power stations site wide. Learn more by clicking here.
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Read more: All my favorite EVs, racecars, and robots from Electrify Expo Austin.
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The first EV charging hub funded by the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program in the Eastern US is now online in Deerfield, Massachusetts.
The town installed the region’s first DC fast chargers (four ports), along with four Level 2 chargers, at 59 North Main Street in South Deerfield.
These new charging stations, funded with $2.46 million from the CFI program, are conveniently located near Interstate 91 in Franklin County, the most rural county in Massachusetts, which serves drivers from Connecticut up to the Canadian border.
The hub also features local and regional bus stops and designated bike lanes with secure onsite bike racks. The chargers are meant to cater to everyone: from local residents and visitors to municipal EVs and commercial vehicles that service the region’s businesses, like those in food and beverage manufacturing.
Gabe Klein, executive director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, sees this as a model for future projects:
Multi-modal charging hubs in communities are key to giving more people the choice to ride and drive electric. The Town of Deerfield is showing leadership in building out convenient charging infrastructure that brings new transportation choices to rural and disadvantaged communities while supporting local commerce.
In recent years, Deerfield has experienced increased climate change-driven flooding from nearby rivers, including the Deerfield River, the Connecticut River, and the Bloody Brook. The project incorporates environmental engineering designed to mitigate and adapt to the effects of flooding and climate, including the installation of permeable asphalt and rain gardens, planting of native trees, grasses, and shrubs, and the creation of new greenspace in the center of Deerfield.
The Biden-Harris administration’s CFI Grant Program is expanding EV infrastructure nationwide. It offers grants for projects that complement and expand upon the initiatives of the NEVI program in urban, rural, and disadvantaged and low-income communities. So far, the CFI Grant Program has allocated over $1 billion to nearly 100 projects across the US, encouraging private investments and expanding the EV charging network to make EV ownership more practical and convenient.
Read more: The US reaches milestone of 200,000+ public EV charging ports
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Kia’s upcoming EV4 electric sedan was just spotted testing in the US for the first time. The low-cost EV is expected to make its big debut by the end of the year. Here’s a look at the new model.
The EV4 will round out Kia’s new “EVs for all” master plan launched last year. Kia showcased three new models, the EV3, EV4, and EV5, during its first annual EV Day in October 2023.
During the event, Kia outlined its new global strategy to “lead and accelerate the EV revolution” with a wide range of models priced from $30,000 to $80,000.
Kia plans to rapidly expand its lineup with a series of smaller, lower-priced models. It launched the EV9, its first three-row electric SUV, which is already proving to be a hot seller in the US. Starting at under $55,000, the EV9 is still a great deal compared to others in its class, but Kia plans to go even lower.
The EV3 and EV4 are expected to be among the most affordable electric vehicles when they arrive in the US.
Kia’s new EV4 is now testing in the US
Ahead of its official debut, Kia’s new EV4 sedan was recently caught driving on US streets for the first time.
The latest image from KindelAuto doesn’t reveal much more than what’s been shown in the past, but the fact that it’s now testing in the US is significant.
Kia’s EV3 is already on sale in Korea, starting at around $30,000 (42.08 million won). Earlier this week, the company said its new compact SUV is now available across Europe, starting at around $38,000 (36,000 euros) with a “segment-leading range” of up to 375 miles (WLTP).
Next up will be the EV4. Kia is expected to officially reveal the new EV by the end of the year, with deliveries starting in 2025. It could be as soon as next week at the 2024 LA Auto Show.
The interior will feature Kia’s advanced new ccNC infotainment system with dual 12.3″ navigation and driver display screens. An otherwise minalimalistic design is expected inside.
Kia’s EV4 will also be available in a hatchback variant. Although the hatch is likely aimed at European buyers, it was also recently spotted testing in the US for the first time.
We will learn official prices closer to launch, but the EV4 is expected to start at around $35,000 to $40,000.
Kia is teasing five new vehicles for the US, at least one being a new EV, that will debut at the LA Auto Show next week. Will it be the EV3? EV4?
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