EcoSpeed selects AllCell Li-ion batteries for e-bike and tricycle conversion kits
24 January 2012
EcoSpeed, a designer and manufacturer of electric bicycle and tricycle conversion kits, has selected AllCell Technologies to supply lithium-ion batteries. Protected by the company’s proprietary thermal management system (earlier post), AllCell batteries provide a combination of light weight and cycle life.
The new batteries represent a major upgrade for EcoSpeed customers, who will benefit from improved drive range and a standard two-year warranty.
As a result of the switch from lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries to AllCell’s tri-metal (LiNiMnCoO2) batteries with an energy density of more than 165 Wh/kg, EcoSpeed cut the battery weight in half.
The key to the improved battery size, weight, and performance is AllCell’s patented phase change material (PCM) thermal management system. The PCM surrounds each lithium-ion cell in the battery pack, where it absorbs and conducts heat away from the cells as they heat up. This simple and effective technology requires no energy to operate and can double the cycle life of the battery pack, according to AllCell.
EcoSpeed uses a mid-drive electric motor system which is positioned to spin the chain rather than built into the wheel. The main advantage of a mid-drive system, according to EcoSpeed, is that the motor can run at full power, spinning at its most efficient rate, in each gear. This allows the rider to shift down and have ample torque to climb steep hills and then still have speed on level ground in higher gears.
PCM batteries are a pretty sharp idea.
that sounds ideal for hobbyists and DIY'ers, as it reduces cooling needs.
Posted by: Davemart | 24 January 2012 at 05:54 PM
Their drives cost $2400 - $4000.
The batteries are extra.
That is quite a bit for an e-bike.
One fifth of that would be more like it.
You really don't want to pay more than $1K to electrify a bike (in my opinion).
Posted by: mahonj | 25 January 2012 at 12:09 AM
That price is crazy.
Posted by: Davemart | 25 January 2012 at 01:42 AM