Electric bikes in India !
These days we are observing Noise less, pollution less bikes on Indian roads in almost all metros. This shows that the time has come for bikes run by electric motor and powered by battery pack. Current maturity level of the Electric bikes may not be so high to replace the fuel based vehicles but the pace at which this bikes are penetrating into Indian market really shows its potential. Currently there are more than 30 suppliers of E-bikes in India.
Why India is seen as hub for Electric bikes manufacturing?
Growing cost of convectional fuels.
Increase in pollution levels of many Indian cities.
Demand projections for two wheelers in India.
Cost competitive manufacturing capability as of China with better quality.
For low speed bikes, there is no need of licence and registration which reduces the effective cost of the E-bike.
The following are the some key E-bike suppliers in India
Hero Ultra - Hero cycles with technical colloboration with UK's Ultra Motors ltd. Already released many models out of which Hero Maxi is doing good in market. Recently released Velociti for High speed range bike. Still to see its feedback.
Yo bikes - Electrotherm ltd which has pioneered the E-bike supplying on Indian roads already released many models but not many successful but has gained a brand name YO BIKE as a identification of any E-bike. Cost range of the bikes are between Rs.17,500 till Rs.29,000
Avon Cycles - This ludhiana based cycle manufacturers already into market with many E-cycle models like E-bike , E-bike VX , E-plus , E-lite , E-magic etc.
Yash E-bikes - Hyderabad based Cynosure Enterprises ltd launched Yash bikes and having well spread dealership in South India.
ACE Motors- This Pune based company launched E-trendy, E-sportz bikes.
Eko Vehicles- Bangalore based company deals with battery operated bikes.
TI cycles- Chennai based Murugappa group company launched E-bikes.
Delhi based SAR-Group launching E-bike soon on to Indian roads with Lectrix Motors as Brand name.
Other than the above , there are many small players also in to market now. All people claim that the bike runs 60-70 km per a single charge. Battery takes 8 hrs to fully charge.
Battery is the main constraint due to bumpy roads. Battery deteriorates due to current fluctuations on these roads. Due to this battery needed to be replaced after an year. This is the biggest concern for a E-bike owner as he needed to pay Rs.5000 (approx.) at a time. But fact is that , even including battery replacement cost, E-bike running cost would be far below the fuel cost. This needed to be educated to people while selling E-bikes.
We can observe, almost all companies started in 2005-07 era except a few. This clearly shows the market potential of Electrically propelled bikes in India. Though the speed doesnt attract youth , E-bikes are well suiting for Children , Ladies & elderly people. As the technology matures, this will get extended to higher speeds and slowly to three wheelers and four wheelers.
http://www.coolingtheglobe.org
Wednesday 18 March 2009
Electric Bikes FAQs !
Basic Questions to be asked before buying an Electrical bike. ( As per Indian Conditions )
What is the motor power rating ?
Motor power is classified into two categories. one is <250W , other is >250W range.
<250W power motor range is basically for children , housewifes and older people. This is most basic bike and easy to handle. This generally suits for an adult and a child.
>250W power motor is for young people who like speed. The pickup and acceleration would be attractive and can take more load effectively but we need to sacrifice speed & drive range during over load conditions.
What motor technology being used in bike?
HUB motors being used now a days which are directly fitted to the rear hub of the bike. This reduces the transmission losses due to chains.
Geared Hub motor also used these days which are compact in size with same performance. This is also connected to the hub and reducing the transmission losses.
Chain/Belt drives also coming where motor is fitted on the frame of the bike and wheel is moved by some chain/belt.
What is the Ampere hour of the battery used?
These days the battery Ampere Hours used is 20AH. Battery technology is Valve regulated Lead acid , which is non spilling and maintanence free.
Other technologies of batteries prevail are Lithium ion, Nickle metal hydrid etc. These are having better energy density but too costly to afford for a bike.
What is the life of a battery?
The life depends on how the charge and discharge is done on it. For instance the bike will go 70 km/hr a day for full charge.
If you use , 35 kmph a day which means you are discharing the battery to 50%. If this continues every day, it lasts for longer time.
If the bike used for 70 km every day , means 100% discharge , the battery life will be lower.
Is there any regenerative braking feature in the bikes?
Regenerative braking is a feature which will charge the battery while the bike is running down the hill. This feature will add to the cost of the controller and not much value adding to bike. Hence generally this feature not being used.
What is the maximum speed?
Maximum speed of the bike has two categories.
<25km/hr
>25 km/hr
How long a bike go for an single charge?
For a charge the battery lasts for 70 km for a <250W category. This condition is for a battery for first 6 months to 1 year. As the time goes , the range becomes lower due to deterioration of the battery capacity.
How much maximum weight the bike can afford?
The bike weight will be specified on the manual. Commonly the <250W range bike can afford 100 to 120 kg with rider and pillion.
>250W motored bike will have better capability but might effect the drive range.
Any legal/road regulations advantages using a Electric bike?
<250W motored bike need not require the Licence and Registration. No helmet is needed.
>250 W motored bike require the licence, registration and road tax. This is adding to the cost.
Any problems related to wire harness connections and fastners?
You should not play with the wire harness leads and connectors. This might break the connectors and its replacement might be a problem again.
Main advantage of using this bike as an Individual
No noise and hence no noise pollution. you drive would be smooth.
Not contributing to environmental pollution which is a feeling good factor.
If there is a pedal, you can even excercise which is good for health.
You can forget about visiting petrol/filling stations and just charge at home.
Lot of operating cost difference compared to petrol/diesel vehicles. Average cost 50 INR ( I.25 USD approx.)per day with a petrol , 5 INR ( 0.125 USD approx. ) using Electric bike.
Source: http://www.coolingtheglobe.org
What is the motor power rating ?
Motor power is classified into two categories. one is <250W , other is >250W range.
<250W power motor range is basically for children , housewifes and older people. This is most basic bike and easy to handle. This generally suits for an adult and a child.
>250W power motor is for young people who like speed. The pickup and acceleration would be attractive and can take more load effectively but we need to sacrifice speed & drive range during over load conditions.
What motor technology being used in bike?
HUB motors being used now a days which are directly fitted to the rear hub of the bike. This reduces the transmission losses due to chains.
Geared Hub motor also used these days which are compact in size with same performance. This is also connected to the hub and reducing the transmission losses.
Chain/Belt drives also coming where motor is fitted on the frame of the bike and wheel is moved by some chain/belt.
What is the Ampere hour of the battery used?
These days the battery Ampere Hours used is 20AH. Battery technology is Valve regulated Lead acid , which is non spilling and maintanence free.
Other technologies of batteries prevail are Lithium ion, Nickle metal hydrid etc. These are having better energy density but too costly to afford for a bike.
What is the life of a battery?
The life depends on how the charge and discharge is done on it. For instance the bike will go 70 km/hr a day for full charge.
If you use , 35 kmph a day which means you are discharing the battery to 50%. If this continues every day, it lasts for longer time.
If the bike used for 70 km every day , means 100% discharge , the battery life will be lower.
Is there any regenerative braking feature in the bikes?
Regenerative braking is a feature which will charge the battery while the bike is running down the hill. This feature will add to the cost of the controller and not much value adding to bike. Hence generally this feature not being used.
What is the maximum speed?
Maximum speed of the bike has two categories.
<25km/hr
>25 km/hr
How long a bike go for an single charge?
For a charge the battery lasts for 70 km for a <250W category. This condition is for a battery for first 6 months to 1 year. As the time goes , the range becomes lower due to deterioration of the battery capacity.
How much maximum weight the bike can afford?
The bike weight will be specified on the manual. Commonly the <250W range bike can afford 100 to 120 kg with rider and pillion.
>250W motored bike will have better capability but might effect the drive range.
Any legal/road regulations advantages using a Electric bike?
<250W motored bike need not require the Licence and Registration. No helmet is needed.
>250 W motored bike require the licence, registration and road tax. This is adding to the cost.
Any problems related to wire harness connections and fastners?
You should not play with the wire harness leads and connectors. This might break the connectors and its replacement might be a problem again.
Main advantage of using this bike as an Individual
No noise and hence no noise pollution. you drive would be smooth.
Not contributing to environmental pollution which is a feeling good factor.
If there is a pedal, you can even excercise which is good for health.
You can forget about visiting petrol/filling stations and just charge at home.
Lot of operating cost difference compared to petrol/diesel vehicles. Average cost 50 INR ( I.25 USD approx.)per day with a petrol , 5 INR ( 0.125 USD approx. ) using Electric bike.
Source: http://www.coolingtheglobe.org
Product reviews of electric bike models in India
Product reviews of electric bike models in India.... you can go to the link http://www.evhub.biz/e-bikeproductreviews
All visitors can give their own reviews which will be published by us.
Learn more about electric bikes technology - http://www.evhub.biz/technology
You can ask your queries on http://www.evhub.biz/forum and get answered ...
Message archieve is at http://www.evhub.biz/messagearchivehome
All visitors can give their own reviews which will be published by us.
Learn more about electric bikes technology - http://www.evhub.biz/technology
You can ask your queries on http://www.evhub.biz/forum and get answered ...
Message archieve is at http://www.evhub.biz/messagearchivehome
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)