Current Technology
E-bikes are taking the world by storm. Improvements in technology and the move toward green energy have increasingly made this happen. Current technology is all lithium battery-oriented. As good as these batteries are, they suffer some limitations.
· They are relatively expensive
· They are difficult to dispose of properly
· They take a long time to charge
· Small structural defects can become a fire hazard
Alternative Research
A new technology for powering e-bikes is currently being implemented in several e-bike models by a French company called Pi Pop. This new method of power supply is supercapacitors. Although the technology is not new, its use for powering vehicles is relatively recent. It offers some potential advantages, and it could possibly be a viable alternative to battery-powered e-bikes in the near future.
Potential Advantages of Supercapacitors:
· Faster charging times- potentially minutes instead of hours
· Lighter weight may partially offset shorter-range issues
· More easily disposable than batteries
· Longer lifespan and more charge cycles than batteries. So-called ultracapacitors have potentially one million charge cycles and near-instant charging speeds
· Wide range of operating temperatures (-40 F to +150 F)
· Ideal for short commutes
Potential Disadvantages of Supercapacitors:
· Lower capacity (as little as ¼ capacity as same size battery
· They discharge faster than batteries so they are not suitable for long term storage
· Voltage declines as the supercapacitor discharges, meaning less power
· Lower capacity means lower range
· New technology is potentially more expensive
· Less power makes them less suitable for rough or challenging terrain
Are Supercapacitors the Future of E-Bikes
The use of supercapacitors is an interesting and still developing technology for usage in electric vehicles. As this storage method improves over time, it might become a viable alternative, or even replacement, for battery power. If your goal is short commutes in an environmentally friendly vehicle, even today’s supercapacitor-powered e-bikes could be a good alternative.