Mahle: Lightest E-Bike Drive with Two Batteries and Range Extender
The automotive supplier MAHLE is advancing diversification in its Smart Bike Systems division and has introduced the X20, which it claims to be the lightest drive system for e-bikes. This system weighs 3.2 kilograms including the battery and aims to set a new industry benchmark in the weight/performance ratio of e-bike drives. The design is intended to be so discreet that the drive integrates seamlessly into the frame and hub. Additionally, electronics based on artificial intelligence are supposed to provide a riding experience perfectly tailored to the rider. The new drive will be available from April 20, 2022.
"With the X20, we are opening a completely new chapter as we combine weight advantage, aesthetics, and customization in an unprecedented drive solution," enthuses Jochen Sommer, Head of MAHLE Smart Bike Systems.
The system provides riders with exactly the support they individually need, adds Marco de la Serna, Head of Strategy and Business Development at MAHLE Smart Bike Systems. The motor itself weighs only 1.4 kilograms and is said to ideally fit gravel bikes and urban e-bikes in its compact form. Furthermore, it can be disconnected from the system with a click. This means the rear wheel can be easily removed without technical knowledge or special tools.
Efficient: Enough Power Directly to the Wheel
The hub motor delivers 23 Newton meters directly to the wheel. According to the manufacturer, this performance is comparable to operating with a mid-drive motor with 55 Newton meters of torque. A sensor package measures acceleration, speed, torque, temperature, and cadence, continuously adjusting the drive system to the pedaling person using artificial intelligence, also tailored to different riders or their training conditions. The drive system aims to provide a natural pedaling feel, akin to that of a classic high-performance sports bike. Additionally, it aims to deliver noiseless assistance.
HMI with Haptic Feedback and Two Batteries
Communication between the rider and the vehicle is facilitated through a contemporary HMI with haptic feedback. The two available batteries, iX250 and iX350, are designed to deliver sufficient energy and can be quickly charged with the MAHLE Active Charger, reaching 80 percent charge within an hour. For greater range requirements, a range extender is available, which nearly doubles the distance. The battery weighs only one kilogram and is shaped like a water bottle that can be attached to the frame. It can also be used as a power bank via a docking station to charge laptops or mobile phones on the go.
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