Electric Cars

Priority Bicycles, a brand recognized for its straightforward yet high-performing bicycle designs, has recently unveiled an electric version of its well-received Sauce model, dubbed the E-Sauce. This new offering continues the company's tradition of combining robust construction with user-friendly features, now enhanced with an electric motor for an elevated riding experience. The original Sauce, a single-speed bike with chunky tires and a belt drive, gained unexpected popularity for its adaptable nature, proving capable across various terrains from urban streets to light off-road paths.

The E-Sauce is engineered to provide a seamless transition to electric power, integrating a 750W rear hub motor and a Gates carbon belt drive system that promises exceptional durability and minimal upkeep. This design choice underscores Priority's decade-long philosophy that bicycles don't need to be overly complicated to deliver a superior performance. Beyond its robust powertrain, the E-Sauce incorporates advanced sensor technology for a more intuitive pedal assist, alongside practical utility features like integrated lighting and versatile rack mounts. This blend of power, practicality, and design positions the E-Sauce as a compelling option for a wide array of riders.

The E-Sauce: An Electrified Evolution

Priority Bicycles, a New York-based company celebrated for its commitment to elegant simplicity in bike design, has introduced an electrified rendition of its highly favored Sauce model, now known as the E-Sauce. This move follows a decade of the brand's dedication to crafting bicycles that are both straightforward to maintain and enjoyable to ride. The original Sauce, a distinctive single-speed bicycle with wide tires and a Gates belt drive, unexpectedly captured a broad audience due to its comfortable riding posture and capability to tackle diverse environments, from bustling cityscapes to serene trails.

The E-Sauce embodies a continuation of this design philosophy, now enhanced with a powerful 750W rear hub motor and a Gates carbon belt drive, ensuring a remarkably low-maintenance experience. This electric iteration is designed to appeal to an even wider demographic, offering a blend of robust power, smooth operation, and versatile utility. Riders can enjoy the convenience of a throttle for effortless cruising or engage in pedal assist, which can be adjusted to reach speeds of up to 28 mph, depending on local regulations. The bike also features both torque and cadence sensing, providing a natural and responsive assist at lower speeds and consistent motor output at higher velocities.

Enhanced Features and Versatility

The E-Sauce is meticulously designed to extend the versatility that made its predecessor a hit, featuring broad 27.5 x 2.4-inch WTB Intersector tires and 100mm of front suspension travel. These attributes significantly bolster its capability on challenging roadways and moderate trails, surpassing what typical commuter bikes offer. Priority has also equipped the E-Sauce with practical utility in mind, incorporating standard rear rack mounts compatible with various accessories, including Priority's MIK-compatible rack for panniers, cargo, or even a child seat. An innovative frame-mounted Headway Mount further supports front racks and additional attachments.

Beyond its robust build and powerful electric assist, the E-Sauce stands out with clever design details aimed at enhancing convenience and safety. Integrated LED lighting, including a taillight ingeniously integrated into the seat tube, protects against accidental damage in crowded bike racks. Despite its premium features and construction by a company with a deep understanding of cycling, the E-Sauce is competitively priced at $2,199. This pricing strategy, combined with a direct-to-consumer model, ensures accessibility without compromising on the bike-shop quality and the virtually zero-maintenance promise of its Gates belt drive, hydraulic disc brakes, and high-quality components. The E-Sauce is poised to further broaden the appeal of simple, fun, and highly functional electric bicycling.

Google has rolled out a new and improved route planning system for Android Auto, making long-distance journeys in electric vehicles more straightforward. This feature, which was first announced in March, is now accessible in a wide array of electric vehicle models, including the Lexus ES 350e. It aims to alleviate the common concern of range anxiety by proactively identifying necessary charging stops along the route, allowing drivers to focus more on their travel and less on complex calculations of battery life and charging availability.

Enhanced EV Navigation Arrives on Android Auto

In a significant move to simplify electric vehicle ownership, Google has integrated advanced route planning capabilities into Android Auto. This innovation, initially unveiled in March, is designed to transform the EV road trip experience by suggesting optimal charging points directly within the navigation system. The feature has begun rolling out to more than a dozen automotive brands, including a test run in the Lexus ES 350e, where it demonstrated its utility in easing long-distance travel concerns. Unlike proprietary systems found in vehicles like Tesla and Rivian, which offer highly accurate, integrated solutions, Android Auto's approach democratizes this convenience across a broader spectrum of EVs. Although it may not match the precise battery management data of native systems, its widespread availability promises to be a game-changer for many EV drivers, particularly those new to electric mobility.

To activate this new functionality, users simply need to configure their electric vehicle's details within the Google Maps app on their smartphone. This involves specifying the make, model, year, trim, and compatible charging connector (such as CCS, NACS, CHAdeMO, or J1772). By registering these details, Google Maps can tailor charging recommendations to the vehicle's specific requirements. Once configured, entering a destination on the car's display and inputting the current battery percentage prompts Android Auto to generate a route complete with suggested charging stops. While the system may not have direct access to the vehicle’s battery management data, leading to minor discrepancies compared to native in-car navigation, it still leverages traffic, elevation, and weather data to provide robust energy consumption estimates. For instance, a test journey from South Brooklyn to Rochester, New York, revealed that while Android Auto provided a reliable estimate, the Lexus's integrated system offered a slightly more optimized route with a shorter overall travel time. Nevertheless, the intuitive interface of Google Maps and its continuous optimization efforts mean that drivers receive timely alerts if their battery level drops critically low, ensuring a more confident driving experience.

This new development from Google marks a crucial step forward in making electric vehicle travel more accessible and less daunting. By providing a user-friendly and widely compatible route planning tool, Android Auto helps mitigate the psychological barriers associated with EV range and charging infrastructure. As battery technology advances and charging networks continue to expand, such intelligent software solutions will play an increasingly vital role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and fostering a seamless transition to sustainable transportation.