(Nora Manthey)
The first pedelec built on the EnergyBus Standard (EBS) was introduced to the market. At the Intermot, the international two-wheeler tradeshow at Cologne, the organization presented the Impuls Pedelec with the engine of EnergyBus member Electragil. The pedelec is equipped with nothing but EnergyBus connectors and the matching communication protocol. It is the first product worldwide with standardized the electric components of light electric vehicles (LEVs).
The exhibition of the Impuls Pedelec in an enlightened showcase at the EnergyBus booth prove a true success. The pedelec was serving as "vehicle" to present and promote the EnergyBus idea and drew considerate attention of the visitors.
Impuls Pedelec - EnergyBus only
The exhibited "Impuls“ pedelec represents the idea EnergyBus champions: effective and progressive innovation. Five members of EnergyBus pooled their efforts on the project. All electric components on the Impuls operate with the EnergyBus protocol and connect with the EnergyBus connector family, a standard which took 3 years to develop. It was first conceptualized as early as 2002.
The pedelec itself is made by Tour de Suisse. The color display, enabling 200 modes of support, was developed by Electragil and built by Acewell. Electragil is a team of developers who also built the engine called Acron and the super-sensitive torque sensor which measures the power divided by the left and right leg. The electronics send the data in real time.
The two batteries of the Impuls pedelec were manufactured by HiTech Energy, while the charging device is a cooperation between the latter and Panasonic.
All connection cables and connectors come from Rosenberger, who pooled their experience derived as an automotive component supplier. They developed a connector family that applies the latest standards in safety and technology, taking into consideration outdoor use, ergonomic handling and adjusted them to bike frames.
The Impuls pedelec will be available in 2011, exclusively in Switzerland. It won't enter other markets before 2012.
Standardization enables Innovation
Next to Electragil, other EneryBus members presented their products at Intermot. All of them point to the future of a self-containing LEV industry.
EnergyBus member Philips presented their new LED lamp, which is specially designed for pedelecs and e-bikes in compliance with standards for motorbikes.
Cube entered the electric bicycle market with a pedelec using an EnergyBus compatible charging connector. This proves clear-sighted, because with EnergyBus, public charging stations, where one can charge any vehicle of any manufacturer using EBS, are now not only thinkable but made possible for the future.