World’s first: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bicycle by Linde

German’s Linde Group is one of the world’s largest suppliers of industrial gasses and that includes hydrogen. In Europe, the company is working to take the lead in building hydrogen refueling stations for fuel cell powered cars. It already has 100 operating in Germany, where BMW and Mercedes say they are working on hydrogen cars.

Linde likes the environmental advantages of using hydrogen power and has decided to promote its commitment to clean energy by building a fuel cell bicycle that has a range of 65 miles using just 34 grams of hydrogen. The battery usually found on electric bikes is replaced by a compact fuel cell which generates electric power from hydrogen and oxygen taken from the surrounding atmosphere. The H2 Bike uses a specially developed fueling system that can refill the cylinder in less than six minutes.

According to Electric Cars Report, it took Linde engineers less than three months to develop the project from the initial idea to a functioning prototype. Under the motto “I run on hydrogen”, the Linde H2 bike proves that there is a viable alternative to conventional batteries in electric bikes, thus further increasing the appeal of what is already viewed as an environmentally friendly mode of transport. Like hydrogen powered cars, fuel cell bikes have the dual advantage of a long range and a short refueling window of just a few minutes.

“Linde is …pushing new and unconventional ideas to contribute to the widespread commercialisation of hydrogen as a clean technology,” commented Dr Wolfgang Büchele, CEO of Linde AG. “With the Linde H2 bike, we have shown that the benefits of hydrogen drives are not restricted to cars – bikes are another interesting application.”

The H2 bike, which Linde will produce as a limited prototype series, runs on sustainable hydrogen fuel obtained through the electrolysis of water using wind energy or by reforming biogas. The carbon emissions of the Linde H2 bike are lower than for a typical e=bike, whose battery is charged using power drawn from the electrical grid. If hydrogen powered cars are part of the future, Linde will be supplying the fuel that makes them go.

Photo credit: the Linde Group (Linde AG).

Board Track Inspired Derringer E-Bike Hits Kickstarter

Well-known for building high-end, vintage-style mopeds, California based Derringer Cycles has taken its first steps away from the internal combustion engine with a Kickstarter launch for its new Derringer E-Bike.

Like the more traditional Derringer products, the new E-Bike can be pedaled or motivated by a motor. It’s a little strange to see an open derringer frame, but God, as they say, is in the details. Like the rest of the company’s high-end bikes, the E-Bike features a gently curving “backbone” frame tube that locates the tank (or, in this case, the battery). The tank is brushed aluminum …

… and the whole shape flows nicely into the clip on-style handlebars at the top of a high-quality “springer” type front suspension. In addition to the trick metalwork, the Derringer E-Bike features disk brakes front and rear, and a high-quality, sprung saddle.

Granted, the net effect is more “hipster cafe-racer” than it is “awesome urban assault weapon“, but the Derringer’s look and style – combined with the company’s industry reputation for quality – should be more than enough to let the E-Bike find a willing and enthusiastic audience. That audience will have to be enthusiastic, too, since the 37V entry-level E-Bike carries a hefty $3500 price tag. That’s a big ask for an electric bike, but the silent drive should help you pull off your Hell’s Angel's initiation rides because, you know, stealth.

Let us know how that works out for you- but, while you wait for Derringer to deliver your new bike, you can watch the company’s Kickstarter video, below. Enjoy!

Source | Photos: Derringer Cycles, via Kickstarter.

Bosch to Introduce its eBike Drive Unit to the USA

When Bosch announced that it would be bringing its eBike drive system to the US in 2014, the buzz was palpable. After all, the mighty German brand tows around an honorable reputation that’s been building for more than 125 years. So, when it established its eBike Systems Product Division in 2009, success seemed guaranteed. Fast forward to the present and Bosch’s ebike drive units have been so successful in fact, that the U.S. may have to wait a bit longer while backorders in Europe get filled. That got me wondering if it was worth the wait for a Bosch-equipped eBike when so many other e-bikes are ready to ride out the door.

Of its three drive unit product lines, Bosch will introduce its Performance Speed model, its most robust unit, which has been tweaked to comply with US rules and regulations. The unit boasts 350 watts and can reach a maximum speed of 20 mph, depending upon terrain and rider weight. Speed — while attractive — may lose its selling sexiness to power in the future as more consumers view e-bikes as the family “car” for hauling loads and transporting people.

This is where the extra 100 watts that the Performance Speed unit has over its closest competitors could come in handy. However the Bosch-equipped bikes to be sold in the US are designed for sport performance. Skeptics resisting the idea of an electric mountain bike should know that Trek’s Powerfly electric mtb scored a  hit with European hikers who were looking for a more efficient way to reach remote, alpine trailheads.

Things to know about Bosch’s Performance Speed ebike drive unit:

• the Bosch system consists of a drive unit, a battery back, a display/HMI with remote control and a charger, plus a assembly kit.

• Haibike, BH Bikes’ Easy Motion, Cycle Union’s Kreidler brand, Felt, and Cannondale will be the first brands to sell bikes with the Bosch drive system in the US

• There are no current plans to sell the Performance Speed unit separately

• Bosch expects the eBikes to be available through retailers in May 2014

If however, you live in e-bikes’ hotbed — Germany, where Bosch already roosts comfortably as the market leader, you’ll have another option once challenger Shimano introduces its STEPS (Shimano Total Electric Power System) groupset for e-bikes in August 2014. This is take two for Shimano, which failed to gain a foothold  for its first version of the STEPS drive system back in 2010 because it was deemed too complicated and expensive at the time. This new version will work with Shimano’s external and internal rear hubs, but is initiating the launch by focusing on the Di2 internal hub.

Things to know about Shimano’s STEPS:

• STEPS consists of a battery, front gear set, mid-motor drive unit, cycle computer, and dedicated eBike chain.

• At 3.1 kg. (6.8 lbs.), the drive unit claims to be one of the lightest units on the market.

• The system engages only when a rider is pedaling and cuts out once 25 km./hour (15.5/mph.) is reached.

• STEPS can be used in temperatures ranging from -10C – 50C (14F – 122F)

Germany will serve as a test market for the initial product rollout in August 2014. Bikes developed specifically to accommodate STEPS will be manufactured by BIKE&CO and ZEG and sold through their respective dealers.

Source: Gas2.0

E-bikes Turbocharge Category with Sexier Bikes and Sophisticated Tech

LAS VEGAS, Nev. No fewer than 53 companies showed off electric bikes this week at Interbike 2013, North America’s annual bike industry tradeshow, and that’s not even taking into account  exhibitors who didn’t exclusively categorize themselves as e-bike companies.

The range of e-bikes now includes full suspension 29ers, classic cruisers, folding bikes, and rare but questionable prototypes (what is the world going to do with an electric downhill bike?) Or, if a full rig isn’t a budget line item just yet, you can electrify an existing bike with one of the many available retrofit systems being shown here in Las Vegas. To keep up with the growing interest, e-bike technology has been evolving to yield ever-more sophisticated batteries and drivetrain systems.

Once a curiosity, e-bikes are rapidly becoming the solution to high gas prices, traffic congestion, and hauling heavy loads like groceries, tools, and even people. E-bikes are just getting started here in North America, what’s below are just a few examples of what’s out there.

Haibike Xduro AMT Pro

Haibike Xduro AMT Pro, 150mm of travel, SRAM X01, Bosch “Performance Line” mid-motor drive system optimized for the U.S. standard of 20 mph (32km/h), hydro-formed aluminum frame with gravity cast bottom bracket, which protects the motor and results in a lighter frame. $7,800

Hi-Power Cycles Revolution

Hi-Power Cycles Revolution, this prototype downhill e-bike seems a little overkill, given its intended use but it’ll get you up your local hill for a few practice runs if you can’t make a break for lift-assisted riding. Custom anodized aluminum frame, lithium battery, power level: 3,500-6,000 watts; speed: 20-60 mph.; range: 38-60 miles; weight: 74 lbs. $6,499

A2B Shima

A2B Shima, 500 watt brushless built-in rear hub motor, internal cabling throughout frame, battery life 18-45 miles, maximum speed 30 mph. $3,800

Solex Solexity 500

Solex Solexity 500, aluminum alloy frame with internal cables, lithium-ion battery, 500 watt brushless rear motor, range: 25-37 miles/40-60 km., Shimano components, 20 mph/32 kph motor-assisted, Schwalbe 26″ tires, and integrated front and rear lights. Total weight: 57 lbs./26 kg. $2,795

e-Bann Modern Retro II

e-Bann Modern Retro II, aluminum alloy frame, 200-500 watt brushless hub gear motor, 36 or 48 volt lithium battery, max speed: 15.5 mph, range: 25-37 miles; Shimano 7-speed, Avid bb5 brakes, and handmade genuine leather saddle and handlebar grips. $1,795-$2,500

Source: Gas2.0

The Enorm V3 Bullet eBike Looks More Like A Motorcycle - VIDEO

One of the most interesting, yet least talked about trends in green transportation is that of electric-assisted eBikes. Beyond being an efficient way to get around, eBikes have become increasingly stylish, drawing their inspiration not from pedal power, but motorcycles. The Enorm V3 Bullet is one such eBike, and it looks like the spawn of an iPhone and a crotch rocket.

The Enorm V3 Bullet certainly isn’t your standard, back-to-basics eBike, as it sports huge wheels (24 inches in the back and 26 inches up front) and an impressive battery range. Enorm claims the 48 volt battery will give riders about 62 miles, or 100 kilometers of unassisted range. Styling definitely comes from smartphones, but the motorcycle influences in the low handlebars and big wheels are undeniable as well. Definitely better looking than some of the more“standard” eBikes on the market.

It even comes with a smartphone and while Enorm doesn’t reveal the top speed, from the video it looks like the 0.25 kW electric motor helps this eBike scoot along at an impressive clip. All that said, the Enorm V2 cost  €4000, or about $5,100. You can bet that the V3 Bullet won’t be cheap, but can you put a price on style?

As we all know, of course not. We welcome yet another addition to the cool-looking-eBike club, and it is certainly in good company.

Source: TechVehi

Electric Bike Technologies and AllCell Technologies partner on Li-ion batteries for e-bike conversions

Electric Bike Technologies LLC (makers of the E-BikeKit electric bike conversion kit) and AllCell Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding jointly to promote and to sell lithium-ion batteries for use in electric bike conversions.

A central objective of the partnership is to displace imported batteries, the high failure rates of which have hampered the industry, according to the partners.

By combining AllCell’s lightweight, compact, and long-lasting batteries with Electric Bike Technologies’ marketing, retailing, and customer service expertise the two firms intend to create a compelling value proposition for both consumers and bike dealers. A few of AllCell’s battery models are already available for purchase through the E-BikeKit website, with an enhanced offering coming soon.

AllCell’s patented thermal management technology employs a phase change material (PCM) composite to rapidly absorb and distribute the heat generated during battery discharge. Because AllCell’s proprietary PCM composite operates passively, it functions even when the bike is not in use, protecting the battery from solar loading on hot summer days as well. By preventing the lithium-ion cells from overheating, AllCell is able to build high energy density batteries with extended cycle life and maximum safety.

Ford Rides into E-Bike Market with Stunning Concept

PRESS RELEASE

E-Bike Concept demonstrates how Ford's design language can translate to a bicycle
The concept pairs cutting-edge sensor technology from the world of Formula One with top-of-the-range bicycle components
Promising a range of up to 85km on a full charge, Ford E-Bike Concept could be an innovative solution for urban mobility

FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 19, 2011 – Alongside the exciting line-up of new vehicle and technology introductions on its stand at Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford is also unveiling a rather surprising addition to its range – an E-Bike.

Designed to show how the company's design language can translate to a bicycle, the Ford E-Bike Concept also demonstrates the spectrum of Ford's electric mobility competence. Ford has no plans to produce the E-Bike but will continue studying the concept along with other future mobility solutions.

"The E-Bike market is growing very, very rapidly, with some 30 million units sold globally last year," said Axel Wilke, director, vehicle personalisation, Ford Customer Service Division Europe. "We see E-Bikes as an important element of urban electric mobility. More and more people are using E‑Bikes for short distance commuting and they are becoming comfortable with the concept of electric mobility."

Cross-Gender Design
Developed by a Ford Design team led by Executive Design Director Martin Smith, in partnership with cyber-Wear, the German brand behind Ford's popular Lifestyle Collection products, the Ford E-Bike Concept has been created from the ground up to appeal to both men and women.

At the heart of the design is a trapezoidal frame profile. Constructed from aluminium and carbon, the frame combines outstanding strength with a weight of just 2.5kg. The wheels, with a six-spoke V-design, appear to float around the frame, while the drive system is hidden from view, creating a clean, minimalist appearance.

Cutting-Edge Technology
Providing the power is a drive system consisting of a motor in the front wheel hub, a lithium-ion battery concealed in the frame, promising a range of up to 85km on a full charge, an integrated controller and patented magnetostriction sensor technology from the world of Formula One.

Magneotostrictive materials are used to convert magnetic energy into kinetic energy, and vice versa. In Formula One, these sensors help handle high engine revolutions in combination with intense thermal strains. They need no physical contact with other parts of the engine, are temperature-independent and are completely maintenance-free.

In the Ford E-Bike, the first application of this technology in the bicycle industry, the sensors read the revolutions in the inner bearing and relay this information to the control unit within a hundredth of a second. The control unit then instantly activates or deactivates the electric motor, providing a seamless integration of the power of the legs with the power of the motor.

A handlebar-mounted display provides trip information and allows the rider to select from three support modes – Economy, Comfort and Sport.

Range-Topping Bicycle Components
The drive system is complemented by top-of-the-range bicycle components, including a Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal gear hub and a 2012 Shimano Rapidfire shifter. In place of a traditional chain is a Carbon Belt Drive System, making for a cleaner, lighter and more immediate transfer of energy.

"With its cutting edge design, cross-gender appeal, robust build quality and high performance drive package, we believe the Ford E-Bike Concept would be the perfect addition to the e‑mobility solutions we will offer," added Wilke.

Technical Specifications
Drive Unit:
Front wheel hub motor
Max. nominal power: 350W
Electricity: 36V – 250W
Supports up to 25km/h (to EN 15194)
Clutch with freewheel function
Gearbox: Planet gears
Integral sensor technology

Battery:
Cell type: Lithium-ion accumulator
Electricity: 340Wh, 36V, 9.3Ah
Charging cycles: 1000 cycles at 80% residual capacity
BMS (Battery Management System): protects against deep discharge and self-discharge Charge times: 80% after 2 hours, 100% after 3-4 hours (at room temperature)
Range: Up to 85km (depending on drive power and support mode selected)
Temperature range: -20°C to +60°C

Extremely small unit to connect battery (remains on bike) to normal mains network.
Intelligent electronics to prevent overcharging, undervolting, overheating and shortcircuit; in particular, sleep function prevents deep charging and necessity for recalibration with charger connected

Controller display functions:
Background lighting with light sensor system
Energy-saving automatic sleep mode
Diagnosis function with fault code display
Support modes: Economy, Comfort, Sport
Displays: Range, Battery capacity, Speed, Time, Distance, Maximum speed, Average speed, Total distance, Service reminder, System diagnosis, Support modes
iPhone Smartphone app control function planned

Bicycle Components:
Wheels: Mavic Elipse Aluminum black (modified with Ford Design crossing)
Tyres: Continental Ultra Sport black
Pedals: Wellgo LU-C27G, silver/black
Handlebars: Downhill Aluminum black, custom made
Stem: Giant SLR Carbon 110mm
Saddle: Selle Italia SLR XC
Brakes: Avid Elixir 5, full hydraulic, 185mm, white

# # #

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordmotorcompany.com.

Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 51 individual markets and employs approximately 66,000 employees. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford of Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 22 manufacturing facilities, including joint ventures. The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.

Look for Electric Scooters and Motorcycle Sales to Take Off

Electric scooters and motorcycles are quietly competing with electric cars for dominance in the green-transportation future, and – according to analysts at the Pikes Research facility, the North American market will grow to more than 41,000 electric motorcycles and nearly 28,000 electric scooters by 2017.In other parts of the world, scooter and motorcycle markets benefit from government incentives and high (relative to US) gas prices that contribute to sales already, but cities worldwide are facing urban transportation difficulties due to population growth and rising fuel costs, which have led the Pikes team to predict significant e-bike growth in markets outside of the US, as well.

• Western Europe: 109,945 e-motorcycles, 91,625 e-scooters
• Pacific Asia: 2.7 mil e-motorcycles, 13.5 mil e-scooters
• China: 2.2 mil e-motorcycles, 19.5 mil e-scooters

Growth like this would boost the overall electric 2-wheeler market from its present size (approx. 17 million units in 2011) to an estimated (again, by Pikes Research) 138 million units by 2017.

Senior analyst Dave Hurst writes that increasing population density will become a challenge for transportation systems and that e-motorcycles and scooters have a strong appeal to consumers and governments, alike. “They are relatively low cost to own,” explains Hurst. “They do not take a lot of space, and are easy to maintain, therefore making them attractive for city dwellers. Governments also like these vehicles because they can utilize existing transportation and electricity infrastructure without the congestion problems and emissions impacts of conventional automobiles.”

What will it take to finally get Americans out of their cars and on to two wheels? Money and time are effective incentives. There are the strides being made in major cities on both coasts to promote the bike/motorcycle culture as a realistic alternative to cars in places like L.A. (where lane splitting is legal) and New York City. Maybe the added benefit of “being green” and staying (relatively) immune to gasoline prices will finally be the tipping point.

Source: Gas2.0