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Genesis EV-X7 scooter is all-electric and hyper-efficient
There's a trend afoot with electric motorcycles, where we've seen hybrid motorcycle concepts by Machineart, and vehicles such as the NmG that are actually three-wheeled electric motorcycles masquerading as cars. Now this Genesis EV-X7 is a little commuter scooter that claims higher efficiency for a comparatively little amount of money.
While some reports are claiming this bike can go 90 mph, that might be an exaggeration. Others say the bike can go 15 mph up a 6-degree grade, showing that its designers are making progress against the main drawback of most electric motorcycles: Not enough torque. At whatever speed, the concept is truly efficient, able to travel 112 miles on a six-hour battery charge.
It achieves that efficiency with a new kind of electric motor dubbed "Sumo." It's electric all the way, using a hybrid approach combining a permanent magnet with electromagnetic technology. The price for all this high tech if it's ever released? It'll be around $2,000, a bit steep for a scooter, but you'll save lots on gas. No one's saying when we can expect this future techno-cycle to hit the road, but it won't be a moment too soon.
Coolest Gadgets, via Japancorp
By Isotek at 10:12 PM ON 03/19/07
Wow! Kinda like Kaneda's bike from "Akira" only....WHITE!
By pepperonislice at 11:37 PM ON 05/28/07
Electric motors and low torque?
Are you kidding?
Electric motors are all torque, 90% efficent, and powerfull.
Battery recharge time is the problem.
I need to go 60 miles to visit friends without sleeping overnight on the couch to get home.
By spartandude at 3:53 PM ON 03/12/08
Drat, why is it that all my good ideas become reality in two years. I should get investors on my next one. Looks awesome I will by one if it becomes available.
By NEO at 10:13 AM ON 06/03/08
By tscrp30 at 9:08 PM ON 08/09/08
great concept practical innovative and energy efficient just waonder what you could do with solar power and this bike as a way to increase effiency with enrgy but power from built up inertia returning power it system but have solar paenls built imto the bike. or a hydrogen protype or hybrid.
By turk at 1:03 PM ON 03/15/09
"...electric motors..all torque..."
Electric motors typically have the most torque at low RPM, dropping off as rotational speed increases. What really matters in hillclimbing is torque at the RPM corresponding to road speed. On a level road at 60 MPH, all the motor has to do is overcome drag and friction, but on a hill, the potential energy of the vehicle is being inreased as its altitude is increased. (How fast can you climb stairs with a 50-lb bag of cement as opposed to just walking with it?)
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turk:
"...electric motors..all torque..." Electric motors typically have the most torque at low RPM, dropping off as rota...More »