All posts tagged: electric

Nonprofit to buy 500 electric semi trucks by 2028 in 0M deal

Nonprofit to buy 500 electric semi trucks by 2028 in $250M deal

Maryland-based nonprofit Climate United announced its intention to spend $250 million to buy up to 500 electric semi trucks over three years in what the group is calling “the biggest single order of zero emission Class 8 trucks in the country.” First, we should state the obvious: as hard as it is to imagine a nonprofit with $250 million to spend on a fleet of 500 electric semi trucks – it’s even harder to imagine one that would need that many trucks. The plan, then, must be to do something else with the trucks. And so it is. Upon taking delivery of the zero emission trucks, Climate United intends to lease those vehicles back to trucking fleets at attractive rates, encouraging truckers that haul containers to and from California seaports to electrify somewhat sooner than later by reducing or eliminating the obstacle of BEV’s higher up-front costs compared to diesel. “High upfront costs make it difficult for independent owner-operators and small fleets to transition to all-electric,” explains Beth Bafford, CEO of Climate United. Climate United says …

Louisville launches America’s first 100% electric garbage truck fleet

Louisville launches America’s first 100% electric garbage truck fleet

In what the city is calling a national first, Louisville, Colorado officials held a “ribbon cutting” last Tuesday to celebrate the launch of a new, all-electric residential recycling and waste collection fleet, which is already the city’s streets. Operating under heavy loads, in stop-and-go conditions, at low speeds, and on a predictable route, electric vehicles are well-suited to waste collection applications – especially in cities, where the average day’s work happens in well under 100 miles of driving. What’s more, their quiet operation means that residents like young kids and light sleepers are far less likely to be woken up at 0-dark-thirty by a rogue operator with a Jake Brake fetish. “We are so proud that Louisville will be the first city in the nation with a fully electric collection fleet,” said Mayor Chris Leh. “These innovative EV collection trucks will fulfill our trash, compost and recycling needs, reduce noise pollution, and include larger windshields to increase each driver’s field of vision and lower greenhouse gas emissions, making our neighborhoods quieter, safer and healthier.” It’s hard to argue with benefits like those, …

The Best Electric Kick Scooters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The Best Electric Kick Scooters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

I’ve tested a ton of scooters. Not all of them deserve a spot above, but some are still worth considering. Niu KQi3 Pro for $599: Over many rides, I became quite fond of the KQi3 Pro, and it was our top pick in this guide for quite some time. It offers great range for the money. Despite riding over steep bridges around New York City, I frequently got around 15 miles out of it, but you can probably expect 18 to 20 miles (unless you’re also a tall giant like me). It goes 20 miles per hour, the 9.5-inch tubeless tires offer a comfy ride, and the disc brakes reliably bring it to a quick stop. You get perks like a bell, lights, and space on the handlebar for attaching a phone mount. It’s super easy to fold, but it weighs 45 pounds, so it’s not what I’d call lightweight. I also wish the handlebars could fold down since they can snag on stair railings. It’s slightly older now and has been replaced by the …

Komatsu launches 400 ton electric excavator

Komatsu launches 400 ton electric excavator

Komatsu says its new PC4000-11E hydraulic mining excavator can bring both the powerful digging force of high-performance diesel machines and the emission-free operation of battery power to some of the world’s toughest mining operations. The new electric drive featured in the 409 ton (operating weight) Komatsu PC4000-11E is designed to reduce emissions by up to 95%. And, when paired the Komatsu Trolley Truck Assist System, the company says its new hydraulic excavator can offer a 50% savings in the total cost of ownership compared to a similar, conventional Tier 4 diesel drive excavators. That 50% number? It’s not just a projection – It’s backed by real-world data. The Japanese equipment giant says customers using the PC4000-11E in pilot programs have realized 47% savings in total cost of ownership. The fully automatic cable drum is designed for easier operation of the electrically driven excavator in backhoe configuration. The automatic winding of the cable makes maneuvering in the pit significantly easier and saves time. Simplified electric machine control enables fast troubleshooting and maintenance of the electrical system and contributes …

8 Best Electric Cargo Bikes for Families (2024)

8 Best Electric Cargo Bikes for Families (2024)

Electric cargo bicycles come in two configurations. The first are front-loader bikes, also known as bakfiets or Long Johns, which suspend a cargo box between the rider and the front wheel. The other layout is a midtail or longtail, which extends the rear end of the bicycle to accommodate more bodies and gear. Both shapes have pros and cons. I’ve found that the bigger the rider, the more likely they want a front-loader bike, which in addition to hauling kids can be used as a big bin for yard equipment, tools, and more. However, you will need a garage or storage space and a very good and reliable lock system; they’re harder to maneuver and much heavier if you have to go over curbs or rough terrain; and they don’t feel particularly stable at slower speeds. If you’re a smaller or lighter person, you may prefer a midtail or a longtail, which maneuver more like a regular bicycle. However, the weight is suspended on the back end and higher up, which makes some people nervous …

Own an electric bike and prepping for a hurricane? Do this now

Own an electric bike and prepping for a hurricane? Do this now

As Hurricane Milton heads towards Florida’s Gulf Coast threatening a lethal combination of high winds, storm surge, and heavy downpouring rain, here’s a reminder of what to do if you own an electric bike and expect to be in the path of a powerful hurricane. First things first: electric bikes can be both a benefit and a liability in a storm situation. E-bikes can be an important form of transportation and their large lithium-ion batteries store critical electricity that can keep your phone and other electronics charged for days or weeks, but that battery may be prone to water damage and should be protected from potential flooding. As we’ve already covered, electric vehicles of all types have a unique risk in flooding scenarios, especially when the flooding is caused by sea water from storm surge. That salty water can wreak havoc with electrical connections in submerged batteries. If you have an e-bike and live in an area expected to see flooding, it is best to park the bike indoors and somewhere elevated. Bring the entire …

Meet Joby: The 200 mph electric aircraft that will redefine commuting

Meet Joby: The 200 mph electric aircraft that will redefine commuting

Joby Aviation, a California-based startup, is developing an all-electric air taxi that could soon be seen above cities worldwide. The company recently showcased their aircraft at The Grove in Los Angeles, giving the public a chance to glimpse the future of urban transportation. What sets this air taxi apart is its ability to take off and land vertically while flying like a conventional airplane. According to Eric Allison, Joby’s Chief Product Officer, this unique capability “frees you from the traffic in a way that you just can’t right now with any other technology.” Allison’s enthusiasm reflects the promise of a future without the frustrations of city congestion. The fully electric aircraft reaches speeds up to 200 miles per hour and has a range of about 100 miles. It features innovative propellers that face upwards during takeoff and shift forward for cruising. Engineers have prioritized minimizing noise to ensure the aircraft remains city-friendly—an important consideration when introducing more vehicles into crowded skies. Joby Aviation founder JoeBen Bevirt poses next to a Joby Aviation Air Taxi ahead …

FedEx orders 15 more Workhorse W56 electric delivery vans

FedEx orders 15 more Workhorse W56 electric delivery vans

After a successful pilot program, FedEx is expanding its electric delivery fleet with the purchase of 15 Workhorse W56 electric step vans. Designed specifically to meet the demanding needs of commercial-scale last-mile delivery operations, the Workhorse W56 offers an efficient eAxle electric drivetrain, regenerative braking, and lightweight composite body panels to deliver superior efficiency, lower operational costs, and a reduced air pollution compared to diesel. The company believes these features make the W56 perfectly suited for the kind of stop-and-go delivery routes customers like FedEx, UPS, and (let’s face it) Amazon operate. “FedEx is cultivating a strong roster of electric vehicle models that can meet the demands of our network,” says Pat Donlon, Vice President, Global Vehicles, FedEx. “In joining our fleet, the electric Workhorse W56 will be part of our story as we aim to transition our global parcel pickup and delivery fleet to all zero-tailpipe emissions vehicles by 2040.” That fleet won’t just be cleaner – it’ll be much more efficient. According to the company’s press release, the W56 achieved an impressive 31 MPGe …

Chinese electric car giant BYD’s electric scooter patents might mean cheaper e-motorbikes

Chinese electric car giant BYD’s electric scooter patents might mean cheaper e-motorbikes

BYD is no stranger to seated electric scooters, having already joined a partnership leveraging its batteries for Singapore-based Scorpio’s high-performance electric scooters. But the carmaker might be interested in producing its own electric motorbikes in house, as revealed by new patent drawings. Spotted by Motorcycle Sports, the patent drawings reportedly suggest a motorbike that would fall into the 250cc to 350cc equivalent segment, likely offering around 15-25 kW (20 to 35 hp), and a battery capacity of up to 9 kWh. Higher performance designs, such as dual front brake rotors, hint at higher speeds than achieved by many of the more modest commuter electric scooters currently on the market. The motor appears to be mounted coaxially with the swingarm, a design adopted by Zero Motorcycles in its highest-performance flagship motorcycle platform. That setup also helps reduce suspension complexity by maintaining belt or chain tension consistently as the suspension flexes. BYD brands at the Bangkok International Auto Show (Source: BYD) BYD is known for building lower-cost electric vehicles that are still ripe on features, such as …

ARKHAUS founders launch new electric water taxi service in Miami

ARKHAUS founders launch new electric water taxi service in Miami

The innovative founders of ARKHAUS, a solar-electric floating social club, are venturing into a new segment in marine sustainability around Miami. Today, the team shared plans for a new electric water taxi service, codenamed “E-Lixr,” to help alleviate urban congestion. Miami is a poppin’ place. It’s flashy, it’s sexy, and it’s often times super hot, attracting locals and tourists alike to its clear waters and beachside attractions. As a popular destination in the Southeastern United States, Miami is a more popular spot than ever to move to. As a result of an influx in population, Miami has joined the the top 25 cities experiencing the most substantial rise in commute times over the past decade, with the average commute duration approaching 58 minutes. To alleviate some of that congestion, some bright minds in Miami have created a new electric water taxi service codenamed “E-Lixr.” The new company was founded by Sam Payrovi and Nathalie Paiva, who together formed CSTM HAUS and ARKHAUS—an innovative new social club hitting the waters in Miami we have covered on Electrek …