(PRWEB) October 16, 2004
London based Sakura Battery Company, are to launch Europes first production lightweight electric bike in spring 2005, powered by the companys latest development Advanced Lithium Battery System (ALBS), coupled with an aluminium frame the bike is expected to weigh in at around 23 kilos, a massive 17 kilos lighter than current lead acid powered electric bikes.
Sakura Director Dan Hornby said Whilst the sale of electric bikes has been growing rapidly over last few years, sales have been held back by the sheer weight of the batteries needed to get an acceptable range, we have been working to solve this problem for more 2 years. The Lithium battery technology was fairly easy; most laptops use similar batteries, the battery management system and the electronic controller were the difficult parts to crack. Unlike the normal lead acid battery pack in a standard electric bike, which contains two or three 12 volt batteries, the ALBS system has between seven and ten 3.7 volt batteries. Each battery in the system has to be charged individually, they also need individual monitoring during discharge. This makes for some very complex control circuits.
ALBS technology lends itself brilliantly to electric bikes; which means much lower weight, increased range and a longer life for the battery pack. Targeted to sell at around £900.00, the ALBS powered bike will compete head on with top of the range offerings from other manufacturers committed to using heavy steel frames and lead acid batteries. Electric bikes with existing lead acid battery packs can be replaced with ALBS with the proviso that the system works in a different voltage to lead acid batteries, the range advantage of a bike purpose built to take the ALBS system will be lost.
This innovative product is already being modified by Sakura for use in, electric mobility vehicles, golf trolleys, electric scooters and motorbikes. Hornby concluded This is a here and now product and we see it as a breakthrough for the electric vehicle market. Production fuel cell technology remains years away and as more and more manufactures follow our lead volumes will increase, it will be possible to reduce costs, bring prices down, and make ALBS the industry standard.
For more details call free phone 0800 169 6593
Editors Notes:
We have prototypes available for press demonstrations.
To comply with the Road Traffic Act, allowing an electric bicycle to be used on the road as a pedal cycle, an electric bicycle must have; max weight of 40 kilos, max rated power 200 watts, a useable pedal system, the rider has to be at least 14 years old, max speed of 15 mph.
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