Cyclist husband that I'm looking to keep up with-- help choosing!

it compares well with my Yamaha PW-SE powered gravel bike
The 48V 'B' version is super smooth and if mounted well, very quiet. Anyone handy can do it. That Breezer has an 8-speed internal hub with an extra-strong E1 chain. It cost $240 and sold the next day before it was even finished. Yes, you can have a better bike, save the planet, while saving money.
 
Just curious, have you ridden a Trek, Specialized, Giant, or similar mid-drive for comparison?
No, and I'm sure they're superior to my middle-tier hub-drive in many ways. But the OP has a very specific use case and a budget, and a less expensive torque-sensing hub-drive of decent quality may well meet her needs within her budget.

Have you tried a good torque-sensing hub-drive?

Not pushing a torque-sensing hub-drive — especially if the OP rides big hills. But given the totality of the OP's comments, she might do well to test one.
 
No, and I'm sure they're superior to my middle-tier hub-drive in many ways. But the OP has a very specific use case and a budget, and a less expensive torque-sensing hub-drive of decent quality may well meet her needs within her budget.

Have you tried a good torque-sensing hub-drive?

Not pushing a torque-sensing hub-drive — especially if the OP rides big hills. But given the totality of the OP's comments, she might do well to test one.
Yes I have. The last one was actually a Surface 604 Rook! A decent bike for the $$$, but the response and feel of the hub drive even with the torque sensor isn’t as natural to me as the mid-drives I have owned/ridden. There’s still a notable delay when starting and stopping pedaling similar to other hub drives I have ridden. That’s personally a showstopper for me.

As far as cost, my Serial 1 with a Brose mid-drive was less than the retail price of the Rook….just have to keep a lookout for the deals!
 
Back