Innovative Electric Motor Fits Any Bicycle, Costs Under $150

Semcon has developed a clever  and inexpensive prototype electric motor that can be easily fitted to any bicycle. It is designed and engineered so it can be produced for less than $150. That’s so more people will be encouraged to use bicycle transportation instead of driving a private car or taking public transportation. The fact that it can be easily transferred from one bike to another is a worthwhile bonus.

“The needs and wishes of the typical cyclist are what got us started. The benefits of the electrified bike are obvious, but existing solutions are expensive and complex. That’s why we developed an engine which is compatible with any bike and easily shared among friends and family,” says Anders Sundin, technical director at Semcon.

Making the engine small and easy to carry around was important for the developers. The team decided the best solution was a small electric motor with a 150 watt output. It weighs just over 2 and a half pounds. To maximize battery life, the engine detects when the cyclist is pedaling. It is only active at speeds between 4 and 15 miles per hour. That ensures a comfortable, smooth and safe ride, as the smart motor reacts to the amount of effort the rider is putting in to the ride.

The motor is connected to a small computer which controls how often it runs. That will make it possible for Semcon engineers  to develop different apps in future. They could include such things as different modes that prioritize speed or range. Other apps such as anti-theft features or smart tracking could be incorporated as well.

The electric bicycle motor is strictly only in prototype mode at present. Semcon is hoping to attract investors interested in bringing the new bicycle motor concept to the market. The Semcon unit it not very sophisticated, but its very simplicity and low cost could more than offset its lack of advanced features.

Source: Semcon

UQM Technologies Introduces 145 kW System

UQM Technologies is all over the scene as concerns the electric drive-trains for future automobiles. All that is needed is for some major auto manufacturer to sign a contract with them to supply their products to an assembly line. This announcement is for a perfectly sized motor for an all electric vehicle.

From Green Car Gongress:

UQM Technologies has released a new motor/generator system for use in electric propulsion applications. The new 145 kW system extends the peak power available in the company’s smaller 280 mm diameter frame size from 125 kW to 145 kW, has a continuous power rating of 85 kW, delivers peak torque of 400 N·m and weighs only 50 kg.

UQM propulsion systems and generators are available in a variety of power levels in either a 280 mm diameter frame size or a larger 405 mm diameter frame size.

UQM also offers a complete line of matching power electronic motor controllers to intelligently manage the operation of its motors and generators, as well as DC-to-DC converter and DC-to-AC inverter power conversion products.

We are pleased to add the PowerPhase 145 system to our line-up of electric propulsion systems for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle applications. Originally developed for a high performance passenger automobile, this system delivers exceptional peak power and torque in a compact package. It is also an ideal generator for hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric range extenders due to its high continuous output capability and an operating speed range that matches compact engines.

—Jon Lutz, UQM Technologies’ Vice President of Technology