Applications electric bikes

The applications described in Sections 8.1.7.1 to 8.1.7.3 are expected to have the potential to become high volume products. However, numerous niche applications with more relaxed cost requirements as compared to the mass markets are available. Electric power can be provided where there is no electric grid connection such as for light transportation (electric bikes, wheelchairs), as auxiliary power units (trucks, boats), remote area power supply (mountains, camping), for appliances (lawn mower, vacuum cleaner), for military and defence purposes, space travel or for electric grid back-up where availability is crucial (telecommunication, computing). 

Kureha Corporation has developed nongraphitizable carbons (so-called hard carbon) prepared from the cross-linked petroleum pitch for almost 20 years as an anode of the lithium-ion battery (LIB). However, in these years graphite is more popularly used as an anode of LIB of small portable equipment, such as cellular phones, digital cameras, and portable personal computers, because high-energy density is much more important in this type of application than long-life durability is. Hard carbon has been used only in the field of professional camcorders, satellites, and electric bikes because it seemed to be difficult to change a new battery at the end of its life. 

Soon after commercialization, the Li-ion battery (LIB) system became a popular choice because of its high-energy density, good performance, and no memory effect as occurred with nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) or nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. LIBs have been primarily used for portable electronics, especially cellular phones and notebook computers. Recently, the application area has been extended to power tools, electric bikes, and energy storage systems. Several companies are now working toward adapting the lithium-ion system for use in electric drive vehicle (EDV) applications. 

Valence Technology Inc. is a manufacturer of lithium iron magnesium phosphate battery packs (U-Charge XP of 12, 18 or 36 V) dedicated to electric bikes, scooters, cars and marine applications. According to the producer, this battery offers higher safety with twice the runtime and less than half the mass of similar size lead-acid batteries. On July 12th 2012 Valence filed for bankruptcy protection the company expects to reorganize itself and continue production of its battery systems. 

Applications include electrical buss ducts, side rails for safety ladders, third-rail covers, walkways and structural supports for harsh chemical environments, and resilient items such as fishing rods, bike flag poles, and tent poles. Common profile sections generally fall between 4 in X 6 in and 8 in X 24 in. 

Kokam is a very dedicated Korean manufacturer founded in 1989. Kokam possesses its own unique, proprietary technology (the Superior Lithium Polymer Battery, or SLPB), which has proven marketability over the existing and perceived competition. They offer batteries for transportation, defense and industrial application. All their battery systems are based on nickel—manganese—cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion cells. They are the battery supplier for Land Rover, Mercedes, Lotus and MotoCzysz (electric motor bikes). 

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