Dual-motor Apollo Rover launched as ‘future of urban mobility’
Canadian electric scooter maker Apollo says its new Rover, just launched today, is the “future of urban mobility.” And considering the company is known for making innovative models that have helped push the industry into that future, it may be worth a second look.
The new Apollo Rover maybe be the company’s latest entry-level scooter, but it’s far from simple. The two-wheeler is described as a “groundbreaking addition to the Apollo scooter lineup [that] is set to redefine urban mobility, offering an unparalleled combination of power, performance, and cutting-edge features.”
The urban electric scooter features a pair of hub motors giving it all-wheel-drive performance. The dual motors, each rated at 350W, help keep the weight balanced while still increasing the scooter’s total power. Those dual motors also provide stronger regenerative braking, which can be varied in strength through the use of a second throttle lever on the left handlebar. According to the company, the regenerative braking can help add as much as 10% more range to the ride.
The company lists the top speed as 43 km/h (27 mph). A 36V and 15Ah battery offers 540Wh of energy storage and provides a range per charge of 50 km (31 miles) on Eco mode. The scooter’s weight pegs it at a reasonably portable 20 kg (44 lb).
As is common with Apollo’s existing electric scooter lineup, the Apollo Rover will feature self-healing 9″ tubeless tires that are designed to reduce the chance of a puncture leaving you stranded on your way to school or work.
A basic display adorns the handlebars, though Apollo also includes a Quad Lock mount so that riders can use their phones with the Apollo app for a much more advanced display. According to the company, riders can use the Apollo app to “effortlessly navigate to their destinations, track their trips, receive real-time range estimates, and fine-tune regenerative braking and acceleration settings.”
For safety, Apollo included turn signals mounted on either end of the handlebars. The higher mounting point helps make them more visible for cars and other road users.
The Apollo Rover will begin taking pre-orders next month on September 6 ahead of a Spring 2024 delivery estimate. The price is projected to land at US $1,199.
Electrek’s Take
I’ve had the chance to test several of Apollo’s electric scooters in the past, including their most recent flagship model, the Apollo Pro.
The company has made a concerted effort to avoid traditional, off the shelf components and instead produce as much of its scooters from an innovative design approach.
While that method proved risky for e-bike company VanMoof, it seems to be working well for Apollo so far. Their scooters are high performance rides that have proven to be well made workhorses.
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With its tire-blistering acceleration and record-setting performance, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has been getting attention throughout the auto industry, impressing everyone who’s seen it. That “everyone” now seems to include the OG supercar brand, itself.
CarNewsChina posted pictures from a Weibo user that reportedly show a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra exiting the storied Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. According to a Chinese blogger going by 西米露在博洛尼亚 (which seems to translate to “Sago Dessert in Bologna”), the prancing horse brand is actively benchmarking the Chinese hypercar for its own upcoming EV.
The SU7 Ultra was definitely coming from inside Ferrari’s facility. After verification, we learned this specific vehicle was officially purchased by Ferrari for testing, and the development of their next-generation electric platform.
Yet another Chinese auto blogger, 苏黎世贝勒爷, claims that Ferrari representatives visited Xiaomi headquarters last year, allegedly to discuss the joint development of next-generation high-performance EV motors.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra made its debut last year, promising 1,548 hp, sub 2.0-second 0-60 mph times, and a top speed well over 200 mph – all at a price lower than a Tesla Model S Plaid or Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The car sold out almost immediately after it was unveiled, racking up some 50,000 orders almost overnight.
The new electric benchmark
In the automotive world, “benchmarking” is a process in which car companies systematically tear down each others’ competitive products to compare everything from sound insulation, vehicle ride and handling, component materials, and even manufacturing methods against their own or against other industry leaders. The goal is to evaluate performance, cost, quality, and other key metrics, effectively figuring out “where they stand” in the market.
If Ferrari really did buy an SU7 to benchmark it against their own upcoming electric supercar, it’s more than just a curiosity – it could mean that the highest tiers of automotive innovation have shifted from West to East. Maybe forever.
Featured image via Xiaomi; sources throughout the post.
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We’re finally getting our first teases of the upgraded 2027 Chevy Bolt, built on GM’s battery/motor platform formerly known as Ultium. So far, so good for the vehicle, which will be revealed later this Fall.
Chevy took to social media today to tease the 2027 Chevy Bolt, saying, “You asked, we listened. The #ChevyBolt is back and better than ever. More this fall. 👀”
Chevy ended the original Bolt program with the 2023 model, which was loved by a loyal group of customers (including myself). Some of the major gripes, including charging speed and rear brake lights, already look to be addressed. Also, a new more aggressive fascia is debuting.
Electrek’s take
GM has done an incredible job keeping the 2027 Bolt under wraps. It will be the first GM vehicle with a native NACS port after the Cadillac Optiq-V, which we spied in Seattle last week.
Hopefully, the new Bolt will have improved charging speeds over and above the 54kW that previous Bolts adhered to. One possible downgrade is that the old Bolt’s amazing wireless CarPlay/Android Auto system will likely be replaced by GM’s move to Android’s built-in experience. For a few years, the Chevy Bolt was the most affordable long-range EV, and it won our 2022 Electrek car of the year for its versatility and price.
I would, of course, like to see the new Bolt as a hot hatchback, but GM CEO Mary Barra has hinted that it will likely take more of the EUV’s SUV form factor. Things like AWD options, SuperCruise, pricing, power and range are yet to be revealed, but stay tuned to Electrek for the latest on Bolt developments.
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On today’s test-acular episode of Quick Charge, it’s a new day and a new Chinese ADAS test for Tesla to conquer – but this one’s got a LOT more pedestrian carnage to parse through! We’ve also got some great e-bike deals from Retrospec and a bladder-busting Hyundai.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec – the makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure! To that end, we’ve got a pair of Retrospec e-bike reviews followed up by the updated Hyundai IONIQ 6 with nearly 350 miles of range from its updated long-range battery. With that, Hyundai now has the longest range Korean EV on the market, while Texas is adding megawatts of battery energy storage to beef up its troubled grid, and it’s doing so faster and cheaper than ever before.
Plus: Quick Charge listeners can get an extra 10% off the price of their next awesome e-bike by using code ELECTREK10 at retrospec.com!
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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.
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