Woah, Todd Kollin has come up with a doozy.
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/06/lightning_lithi.php
This bike is at a prototype stage. It's a Yamaha R1, a big Lithium-ION (LiFe) pack, an AC motor system, etc. He says it'll go about 100 miles/hr, and he says it gets a 80 mile range. He didn't say whether it does both at the same time.
The goal, as they say, is to burn rubber not gasoline. So.. that's not a surprising goal coming from Todd. Take a look towards the end of this: April 2004, Antigravity EV Expo ... that's from three years ago, at the second antigravity uphill race.
His web site, http://electricmotorsport.com/ .. does not list this new bike, but it does say the Electric GPR is out of production. But on the parts section he lists Thundersky LiFe batteries. That's a rather strong hint as to what batteries are being used on this bike.
- David
I've watched this back-to-back 4 times now I think. Ohmygod, Todd has really done it. I'm not exactly the crotch rocket kinda guy, but wow this bike is it.
We are entering a new phase of EV's as lithium-ion batteries become available in large sizes and safe formulations. EV's have been held back by the lead acid battery.
- David Herron, http://davidherron.com/
- David Herron, The Long Tail Pipe, davidherron.com, 7gen.com, What is Reiki
I too am cautiously optimistic on seeing more LiIon in ebikes and scooters. I just read yesterday that Tesla motors is going to sell their battery packs to the current manufacturer of the Th!nk City Car. Tentatively they will sell this car in the US at the end of 2008. Even if it is 2009 it looks like it will beat the competition in the affordable electric car market.
I was a bit bummed when I found out that Cobasys is one of the owners of the A123 technology and Cobasys is owned by Chevron. Five years from now we'll be watching "Who Killed the A123-Powered Car?" Then I read that Cobasys is up for sale. So there is hope on that front too.
In the mean time the LiIon pack on my Bionx bike is behaving very well. No problems or noticeable loss of range or speed in 10 months.
--
Full time ebiker
BionX and Wilderness Energy
"we must be the change we wish to see in the world"
Yep Todd and crew have been real busy. Here is the direct link to LAtimes.com Article by Susan Carpenter on the cycle. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/highway1/la-hy-throttle30may30,1,1756041.story?coll=la-news-highway_1
Of course, also a write-up about it at http://electricmotorcycles.net