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Regen electric motor gives e-bike a range of up to 1,000km
A Japanese electronic components manufacturer has developed an electrically-assisted bicycle that uses a regenerative electric motor to deliver a potential range of up to 1,000km on one charge. Taiyo Yuden says that its Feremo (Future Energy Recycling system for Mobility) e-bike recovers energy during braking or deceleration to charge its on-board battery, thus extending its range and helping to slow the bike when it is going downhill. The company is developing a “energy self-sufficient” version that could avoid the need to charge the battery altogether.
The 1,000km range is possible when the e-bike is operating in “eco” mode, as defined in Japanese national standards. When it is operating in medium assistance mode, the potential range is 200km, and when in a high assistance mode, the range drops to 100km.
The e-bike uses a regenerative motor developed especially for the application by the Japanese motor-maker, Nidec. The motor drives the bike via its front wheel. During normal riding, the motor assists the rider as they pedal, helping to climb hills and cycle into the wind. When the rider applies brakes, or removes their feet from the pedals, the motor slows down the bike and acts as a generator, recovering energy, which it feeds into the on-board battery.
Usually e-bike motors deliver assistance only, and do not recover energy lost during braking. Unlike these assistance-only motors, there is a constant load on the regenerative motor, which is said to make it more durable, quieter and cooler-running than conventional e-bike motors.
Nidec claims that the motor develops 30% more regenerative power than other motors, delivering “industry-leading power generation efficiency”.
Taiyo Uden believes that its Feremo e-bike could contribute to carbon neutrality and help to extend riders’ life expectancies, especially for older people, by allowing them to exercise more.
