Here I am, back at it with another test run of a new product in electric mobility. This go-around is with Base Camp and its F11 electric skateboard. Unlike many of the longboards I’ve reviewed in the past, the F11 is much closer to the skateboards I grew up unsuccessfully kickflipping on. Its specs won’t blow you away, but its portability, ease of use, and available accessories are definitely worth a look.
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Base Camp wants to be a skateboard brand for the people
Base Camp was founded by two product design students while they were still in college. Although the company specializes in electric skateboards and scooters today, its roots were paved in surfing… and failure.
The company’s first product was a surfing accessory whose manufacturing ended up 3 millimeters askew from the original design draft. Rather than sell the incorrect size accessory and risk a 0.6% failure rate, Base Camp founder Steven decided to pull the product and eat a loss of $150,000.
Clearly, quality is important to the Base Camp team. According to the company’s website, the customer’s love for its products is far more important than the pursuit of profits. Most economists might argue there’s a middle ground there, but this is an admirable ethos nonetheless.
Since then, the company has (hopefully) recouped from its early losses and is offering an expanded lineup of electrified mobility solutions and safety accessories. My first exposure to Base Camp is its lone electric skateboard offering – the F11. This mini-board is light, portable, and super fun to carve around on, especially if you grew up skating.
The Base Camp F11 electric skateboard specs
As you’ll see in my video review below, this is a significantly smaller board than I’m used to… at least compared to all-electric rides. The F11 from Base Camp is a mini-board, although I’d argue it’s only mini compared to a longboard and is similar in size to a classic skateboard from the ’80s. Bart Simpson would love this thing.
It measures 29.1 inches in length and is 9.3 inches wide, offering a compact, mobile footprint that’s a blast to carve around on. I felt like one of the Lords of Dogtown, crouching and zooming around on this board, and found myself much more comfortable on it from the first ride thanks to its smaller size (I’m admittedly more comfortable on skateboards rather than longboards).
The Base Camp F11’s small size does have its downsides, however, especially if you’re a seasoned electric skateboard rider. The limited space on the 8-ply maple deck allows for a 4,000 mAh (14.8 Wh) battery pack, and the right rear wheel houses the board’s single 300-watt hub motor.
As a result, the F11 can only reach a top speed of 10 mph – quite a bit lower than other boards that usually top out around 25-30 mph. Some would argue that level of speed is unnecessary for an electric skateboard. I’ll agree that 30 mph on a deck scares me, but it would have been nice to go a bit faster. The remote control offers four different speed modes in addition to four different levels of braking distance (something I’ve never seen before):
Beginner Mode: 0-3.1 mph
Eco Mode: 0-6.2 mph
Expert Mode: 0-10 mph
Pro Mode: 0-10 mph (faster acceleration)
It would have been nice to have a second motor for some extra power going up inclines. The F11 is only designed to handle hills up to 10 degrees, a fact that was immediately apparent. I lost a lot of speed on the slightest inclines.
On flat surfaces and downhill rides, however, Base Camp’s skateboard and its 90 mm wheels provide one helluva ride to cruise around on. It’s also, hands down, the most portable electric skateboard I’ve ridden yet.
Backpack, helmet, and accessories to boot
Be sure to check out the video review below so you can get a feel for the accessories that come with the purchase of a new F11 electric skateboard from Base Camp. Each deck comes with a backpack that can be folded up and used on its own or can securely store the F11 and your tools/other stuff during travels around town.
I threw everything into the backpack, hopped on my electric bike, and rode to a flat open area to test the F11 out. It may not seem like much, but the backpack accessory is a really nice touch here by Base Camp – I loved having all my skate stuff in one portable bag. It’s great for storage when not using the board, as well.
In addition to the skateboard, Base Camp also sent me a brand new BC019 helmet to test out – complete with a rechargeable rear light with five different display settings. It’s like having taillights on the back of your head!
While I remain a proponent of safety, I am admittedly not a huge fan of helmets – mostly because I have a bigger head and have struggled to find one that fits comfortably without making my dome look like an egg. The BC019 offers a lightweight ABS shell that is easily adjustable and an EPS liner that is very comfortable. The color I chose is called Tumbled-Rigid, which is dark denim, but there are four other options to choose from.
Pricing, availability, and my video review
Overall, I would classify Base Camp’s F11 as a beginner skateboard due to its limited speed (10 mph) and range (9 miles real world). It’s definitely not a commuter board, nor is it trying to be. I’d recommend the F11 to riders who are not only new to electric skateboarding but are perhaps more comfortable on a shorter board.
You won’t go breaking any land speed records, and you’re going to want to keep your terrain as flat as possible, but when you do ride the F11, it’s a blast to crouch, carve, and cruise… just don’t try to ollie! (You’ll see why in the video.)
The compact size and portability is the real selling point of this board, in my opinion, as you can strap it into the backpack, hop on your bike or the train, then easily skate around on it wherever you end up. I can’t say that about most electric skateboards.
Another huge perk of the F11 is pricing – Base Camp is currently selling the skateboard package (including the backpack) for $299.99 – that’s almost $200 off. Be sure to check out Base Camp’s site if you’re interested, and if you’d like to learn more – watch my full video review below.
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Coterra Energy is refocusing on oil. CEO Thomas Jorden shared the company’s decision not to reduce its oil rig count at the JPMorgan Energy conference earlier this week. Here are several key takeaways for investors. 1. For starters, the move signals that Coterra has regained confidence in the direction of oil markets — and inherent in that is more confidence in the outlook for the economy. Alongside its first-quarter earnings report in early May, Coterra said it planned to shift some capital expenditures from its oil assets into natural gas production amid concerns about a potential tariff-driven recession that would dent demand for oil, leading to lower prices. As part of the shift, the company said it planned to reduce its oil rig count in the Permian Basin to seven. They’re now walking back that change. “We’re holding firm right now at nine [oil rigs] and we have very few under contract, so we have the flexibility,” Jorden said at the conference Tuesday. “We were looking at the possibility of a collapse,” he added, explaining the company’s view last month. “We’re feeling a little better about that now.” @CL.1 3M mountain WTI three month performance When Coterra reported its Q1 on May 5, U.S. oil benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude had fallen around 20% since President Donald Trump announced his “reciprocal” tariffs in early April. Oil cartel OPEC was also signaling that it would increase production. As Trump walked back his most aggressive trade policies, the outlook for the economy improved, which was supportive for oil prices. Then, in mid-June, the start of the Iran-Israel conflict caused a temporary oil price spike as traders worried about supply disruptions. Prices have given back those gains as tensions eased. WTI has dropped more than 11% this week alone as the market deemed Iran-Israel conflict, and last weekend’s U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites, not systemically concerning for now. With few rigs under contract, Coterra can scale back if circumstances change yet again. But for now, we were encouraged to hear Coterra isn’t worried about a price collapse driven by a recession. 2. In reacting to the first-quarter earnings, Mizuho analysts flagged concerns that Coterra’s lower oil activity spending could have negative implications down the road, particularly as it relates to the company’s three-year goal of oil production growth of at least 5% annually on average. “We believe the impact will be felt in 2026-27 given the loss in momentum,” the analysts wrote in a note to clients. Those worries might be alleviated as maintaining nine rigs could help Coterra hit its three-year goal, which the company outlined in February . The increased rig count, however, does put Coterra’s capital expenditure spending at the higher end of its 2025 guidance, which falls between $2 billion and $2.3 billion. Keep in mind, though, investors may not fret capex coming in at the high end of the range if it’s the result of more rigs staying in operation with drilling being done efficiently. It would be concerning if drilling activity fell off, but capex went higher. 3. At the same time, Coterra’s decision to keep its oil rig count steady for now is not impacting the company’s plans to increase activity in the natural gas-focused Marcellus Shale. “We are proceeding,” Jorden said at the conference. “Gas prices look very constructive and we really do see the Marcellus as a really meaningful part of our program go forward.” @NG.1 3M mountain Natural Gas three month peformance Coterra stands to win big on natural gas if the Constitution Pipeline project, which starts in the Marcellus, were to get revived. Coterra also has active nat gas assets in the Anadarko Basin and started drilling again in the Dimock Township of Pennsylvania following a 12-year-long ban that was lifted in December 2023. The company plans to drill 11 wells this year and expects to have around 17 total in the years to come. (Jim Cramer’s Charitable Trust is long CTRA. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Another company claims to have solid-state EV batteries in the works that will unlock well over 1,000 miles (3,000 km) of range and fast charging in just five minutes. And it’s not BYD this time. Is it too good to be true?
Can solid-state EV batteries unlock +1,000 miles range?
Last week, a local report surfaced, claiming BYD was already testing solid-state batteries in its Tesla Model 3-rivalling Seal sedan.
BYD addressed the rumors in a statement released on Monday (via CLS), saying, “Currently it is unknown, and the first model and parameters are not officially reported.”
In a new patent, discovered by CarNewsChina, Chinese tech giant Huawei filed for a sulfide-based all-solid-state battery. The new battery reportedly unlocks a driving range of up to 3,000 km, or over 1,800 miles, and supports ultra-fast charging in just five minutes.
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Is it really possible, though? To put that into perspective, the current longest-range electric vehicle you can buy, the 2025 Lucid Air Grand Touring, is rated with a WLTP driving range of up to 839 km (521 miles).
Lucid Air electric sedan (Source: Lucid)
On the EPA scale, Lucid’s electric sedan is rated for a driving range of up to 512 miles and features fast charging (up to 200 miles) in 12 minutes.
That would mean Huawei’s new battery would unlock over three times the driving range while cutting charging times by over half. It would also have energy density that’s two to three times higher, between 400 and 500 kWh.
BMW i7 equipped with all-solid-state EV battery cells from Solid Power (Source: BMW Group)
According to industry experts in Korea, the claims might be too good to be true. Yang Min-ho, professor of energy engineering at Dankook University, explained that “Even the most advanced lithium-ion batteries, which generally have higher capacity than solid-state prototypes, fall far short of that kind of range.”
Yang said that “Such performance might be possible in lab conditions,” adding “but real-world factors like energy loss and thermal management make mass production extremely difficult.”
Mercedes EQS modified with a solid-state battery (Source: Mercedes-Benz)
The patent describes a new approach, doping sulfide electrolytes with nitrogen, to improve stability. According to a researcher for one of Korea’s major battery makers, the nitrogen doping approach is “a standard technique with limited scalability.”
“While nitrogen doping can help with interface stability, it’s usually done under vacuum and with great precision,” the researcher pointed out, adding “It’s not something you can scale for commercial production without major cost and time penalties.” They described it as “like trying to sprinkle pepper on a sandwich using tweezers.”
BYD Seal test drive in Mexico (Source: BYD)
Although it sounds promising, Huawei’s patent needs additional third-party validation or other data to suggest it’s production-ready. “That’s the nature of patents. They grant rights, not credibility.”
According to the researcher, Korean battery giants, LG Energy, Samsung SDI, and SK On, don’t seem too worried. “We monitor developments in China closely, but this doesn’t look like a game-changer yet,” they said.
Samsung SDI has already sent solid-state battery samples to clients and aims to begin mass production by 2027: LG Energy and SK On both plan to introduce solid-state battery tech by 2030.
(Source: Stellantis)
Are solid-state EV batteries capable of delivering ultra-long driving range as promised? It may, but it could be a few years before it hits the market. As Yang said, “Battery science doesn’t move in leaps. It moves in increments, and those increments take years to scale.”
Meanwhile, several automakers and others are also advancing solid-state EV batteries, promising longer driving range and faster charging.
Mercedes-Benz announced it had tested “the first car powered by a lithium-metal solid-state battery on the road” with Factorial Energy earlier this year using a modified EQS. Last month, BMW completed its first on-road tests using Solid Power’s all-solid-state battery (ASSB) cells. CATL, Stellantis, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Nissan have also announced plans to launch EVs with solid-state batteries in the next few years.
Will the “holy grail” of EV batteries live up to its hype? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The HappyRun G300 Pro is the epitome of an out-of-class electric bike. That is to say, it has many of the components of an electric bicycle, key among them the functional pedals, but its extremely high power and speed place it well outside the limits of traditional e-bike classifications. The result? Basically, an electric motorcycle with pedals. And I’ve got some thoughts about that.
But before I dive into those, this is one of those rides that you’ll want to see in action. Check out my review video below. Then keep reading for the full details.
HappyRun G300 Pro Video Review
HappyRun G300 Pro Tech Specs
Motor: 3,000W continuous and 6,500W peak-rated rear hub motor
Top speed: Up to 50 mph (80 km/h)
Range: Claimed up to 70 miles (121 km)
Battery: 72V 30Ah (2,160 Wh)
Weight: Heavy (well off the scale on my 100 lb scale)
Rear suspension: “Yopi Box” rear spring suspension
Extras: Looks like a Sur Ron or Talaria-style bike, color LED display, included fenders, LED headlight and tail light with turn signals, very nice kickstand, two color options available.
What is this even for?
Despite looking like a bicycle in some regards, I definitely felt wrong using this in the bike lane. That meant for 95% of my road riding, I was simply in the lane like a motorbike. The only times I would use the bike lane were when I could see it was completely empty, and it was basically just a shortcut past the stopped traffic at red lights. And even then, it just didn’t sit right with me. I’m an e-biker and I live a car free life, so the safety of bike lanes is an important issue for me. I’m not going to jeopardize other riders or even make them feel unsafe in the tiny little sliver of asphalt that is supposed to feel like home for us, and so I ride this thing in the road when I’m on the road.
That being said, I don’t even think the road is the right place for this bike. Where it really shines is off-road. Between the long travel suspension, the enduro-style seat, and the unnecessarily high power for commuting purposes, the HappyRun G300 Pro is at home in the dirt and on the trails. In fact, I even enjoyed overlanding on it, going places where trails couldn’t take me. It felt like a great exploring-the-outdoors type of ride!
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If you watch my video above, you’ll see that this type of riding, recreational and exploring, is where the HappyRun G300 Pro really came into its own, and I think that’s precisely where it belongs. Just like how Sur Rons and Talarias shouldn’t really be taking over the streets, but instead should stick to the dirt trails they excel at, this is a great bike for that purpose. You’ll also notice in the video that I prefer to wear my motorcycle gear when I ride these types of bikes, and I’d make that recommendation to anyone else. A t-shirt and a bike helmet just don’t feel like enough here.
With that in mind, the included bicycle pedals start to seem superfluous though, and I really only pedaled at slow speeds, or when ghost pedaling because a cop was in the area and I didn’t want to get a bike impounded before I was even done reviewing it. So if you ask me, it doesn’t really need the pedals, and it doesn’t even really need the roads.
What about the build?
The HappyRun G300 Pro is an interesting mix of quality parts and merely acceptable parts. Nothing about it seemed terrible or dangerous, and a few components like the Sur Ron kickstand actually impressed me. But then the use of a bicycle-level handlebar stem and budget-level shocks seems to undercut that message.
On the other hand, the massive 72V 30Ah battery is huge and likely more than most people would need. I’d have preferred to see it being UL-listed, but I guess at least it claims to be underwritten by some Chinese insurance agency. I guess that’s better than nothing?
The geometry actually kind of sticks the landing, at least for me and my 170 cm (5’7″) height. The saddle is plenty comfortable, though my off-roading had me out of the saddle much of the time anyway and letting my legs join the full-suspension to better absorb the terrain.
What’s my verdict?
Here’s the thing: nothing about this bike is top shelf, but it still offers an incredibly fun, solid feeling ride. The power is more than most people need, the speed is faster than most people should ride (especially on trails), and the battery has more capacity than most people would require. So it’s not like they’re cutting corners on performance.
Some components could have been beefed up, and the decision to lean more towards bicycle-level components does make me question what a few years of hard off-road riding could do to this bike. But when used correctly, in an area where the bike is meant to be used (i.e., not where it legally isn’t allowed to be ridden), then it seems to fulfill the role of a fun adventure-style bike. At a price of $2,599 (or $100 off with the code ELECTREK), it significantly undercuts the cost of a Sur Ron or Talaria bike while giving a similar type of ride, even if the components don’t live up to the level of those costlier light electric dirt bikes.
My biggest worry, though, isn’t about the bike, but rather the potential for it to be misused. Look, it’s a fun ride and offered me more performance than I needed for all the different types of riding I tested it with. But like any bike, it has to be used in its element. We don’t blame the hammer if someone hits their thumb while driving a nail, and we shouldn’t blame the bike if someone wraps it around a parking meter. But it also really shouldn’t be used in that kind of environment, and it definitely shouldn’t be used in a way that could put others at risk.
It’s a fun ride for exploring, but this level of power requires some serious personal responsibility. If you’re a parent wondering if you should get this for your 16-year-old, the answer is probably “No.” But if you’ve got a fully developed prefrontal cortex and you want a fast and powerful ride without breaking the bank, this might be a decent option.
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