IAA 2011: Ford's Pure Electric E-Bike Concept

Lost somewhere between the world premieres of the production 2012 Focus ST and the conceptual Fiesta ST and EVOS at Ford's Frankfurt Motor Show gig, is the E-Bike Concept that was created to demonstrate how the company's design language can translate into a bicycle.

The pure electric bicycle was developed by a Ford Design team headed by Executive Design Director Martin Smith, in partnership with cyber-Wear, the German brand behind the automaker's lifestyle collection products.

The E-Bike features a lightweight frame made from aluminium and carbon that tips the scales at a mere 2.5kg or about 5.5 pounds. Concealed in the frame is a lithium-ion battery that drives a front wheel hub motor and which promises to offer a range of up to 85km (52 miles) on a full charge.

The conceptual bicycle is fitted with control unit that activates or deactivates the electric motor, with Ford claiming that it provides "a seamless integration of the power of the legs with the power of the motor".

“The E-Bike market is growing very, very rapidly, with some 30 million units sold globally last year,” said Axel Wilke, director, vehicle personalization, 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."

Ford noted that while it has no plans to produce the E-Bike, it will continue studying the concept.

Technical Specifications [From Ford Press Release]

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

PHOTO GALLERY