Electric Cars

Segway has recently unveiled an eye-catching iteration of its acclaimed Xafari electric bicycle, now presented in a vibrant Crimson Red finish. The company, a prominent figure in the micromobility sector renowned for its scooters and balancing technology, has infused this multi-surface cruiser with a distinct personality. This update comes without compromising the exceptional comfort, integrated connectivity, and robust performance attributes that distinguished the initial release, making this new model a compelling and unique offering in the e-bike market.

The Xafari, which made its debut at CES 2025 alongside the more aggressively styled Segway Xyber, is engineered to function across Class 1, 2, or 3 electric bicycle categories. It's meticulously crafted for diverse riding experiences, adeptly serving both urban commuters and those seeking moderate off-road adventures. This versatility ensures the Xafari can seamlessly transition between city streets and natural trails, catering to a broad spectrum of rider preferences and needs.

Equipped with a robust 750W rear hub motor and a substantial 936 Wh battery, the Xafari delivers an impressive range of up to 88 miles (142 km) on a single charge, ensuring long-distance capabilities for riders. Furthermore, its comprehensive full suspension system, coupled with semi-fat 26x3.0-inch tires, is designed to absorb impacts and smooth out irregularities, providing a comfortable and stable ride across various surfaces, from paved roads to compact dirt paths.

However, the true innovation lies in the Xafari's advanced technological suite. It boasts a sophisticated 2.4-inch TFT color display, offering intuitive navigation and comprehensive ride metrics. An adaptive pedal assist system intelligently adjusts power output in response to terrain gradient and rider input, optimizing efficiency and comfort. Moreover, the e-bike integrates a suite of connectivity features seldom seen in this price segment. These include Apple Find My and Segway's proprietary GPS tracking for enhanced security, an app-controlled lockout system with an integrated motion alarm, and cloud-based maintenance alerts for proactive upkeep. Riders can also effortlessly manage assist levels and display settings via a convenient handlebar scroll wheel. An intelligent lighting system with automatic high/low beam functionality further enhances safety and convenience.

The introduction of the new Crimson Red color option was a direct response to feedback from Segway's dealer network, who expressed a strong desire for a more audacious and expressive aesthetic. Nick Howe, who leads Segway's e-bike division, articulated that this bold color not only captures attention but also mirrors the confident and adventurous spirit of the riders for whom this product was conceived. He noted that the original Xafari models were launched with more subdued color palettes. The Segway Xafari in Crimson Red is now available for purchase through Segway's official website and authorized dealerships, with a recommended retail price of $2,399.99. For a limited time, an early bird promotional price of $1,999.99 is being offered during its launch phase, providing an attractive incentive for early adopters.

The Segway Xafari in its vivid Crimson Red offers a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal, robust performance, and cutting-edge technology, reinforcing Segway's commitment to advancing personal electric mobility. Its design and features aim to provide a versatile and exhilarating riding experience for both urban exploration and light off-road escapades, establishing a new benchmark in the competitive electric bicycle market.

California's energy infrastructure recently witnessed a groundbreaking achievement as a network of over 100,000 residential battery storage systems collectively functioned as a virtual power plant. This innovative approach, detailed in a new assessment by The Brattle Group, delivered an unprecedented level of support to the state's electrical grid. This demonstration highlights the critical role of distributed energy resources in enhancing grid resilience and managing peak demand, offering a glimpse into a more decentralized and robust energy future.

The test, conducted on July 29 between 7 and 9 PM, was a collaborative effort by the California Energy Commission, CAISO (California Independent System Operator), and various utility providers. Its primary objective was to assess the grid's preparedness for the heightened demand typically experienced during the scorching August and September heatwaves. The outcomes of this coordinated exercise proved highly successful.

A significant portion of this aggregated power came from Sunrun, the largest orchestrator of these home energy systems, while Tesla emerged as the leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the battery units involved. The majority of these participating batteries were enrolled in California’s Demand-Side Grid Support (DSGS) program, a testament to the growing integration of consumer-owned energy assets into mainstream grid operations.

During the two-hour demand response event, Sunrun’s expansive fleet of distributed batteries contributed more than two-thirds of the total energy injected into the grid. This collective effort resulted in an average output of 535 megawatts (MW), a substantial figure capable of supplying electricity to over half of San Francisco. The strategic timing of this power injection, coinciding with the typical evening surge in electricity consumption, allowed these residential batteries to function precisely like a conventional power plant, but from thousands of individual homes.

The analysis conducted by The Brattle Group underscored the visible and significant impact of this battery output on the statewide grid's load profile, particularly during critical periods of high demand. Ryan Hledik, a principal at The Brattle Group, noted the consistent performance of the system throughout the event, emphasizing the absence of major fluctuations or degradation. He characterized this as a "dependable, planning-grade performance at scale," suggesting the immense potential of such virtual power plants for future energy planning.

Hledik further elaborated on the broader implications, stating that residential battery systems offer more than just demand reduction during peak hours. They possess the capacity to diminish the need for constructing new power generation facilities entirely. These systems can effectively manage CAISO’s net peak, thereby alleviating the financial burden of investing in additional generation capacity and mitigating the strain on the grid during rapid evening load increases.

This recent success is not an isolated incident. Earlier in the summer, on June 24, Sunrun’s network had already demonstrated its capabilities by delivering 325 MW during a similar event. To incentivize participation and acknowledge the value provided, Sunrun offers compensation to its customers, with payments reaching up to $150 per battery per season for their involvement in these grid support initiatives.

Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun, articulated the company’s vision, affirming that distributed home battery systems represent a potent and adaptable resource. She highlighted their ability to consistently supply power to the grid on demand, offering benefits to all households by aiding in the prevention of blackouts, reducing peak demand, and stabilizing extreme price volatility in the energy market.