The extremely light-weight Li-Ion drive unit by Panasonic has been tested in the ExtraEnergy Test 2002/03 in a pedelec for the Japanese Domestic Market. Test Rating 2002/03: Good
Amazing about the Panasonic Li-Ion pedelec tested is its extremely low weight with the battery being as little as 1.7 kg including the case. The test riders were pleased with the good battery locking mechanism and the easy-to-use human interface. The Li-Ion battery and the bottom-bracket drive unit are both manufactured by Panasonic. An earlier generation of the motor technology has been successful on the Giant Lafree Twist pedelec. The Panasonic pedelec model tested has been specifically designed for the Japanese domestic market. However, a number of manufacturers in Europe are introducing products with the new Panasonic Li-Ion drive. The first manufacturer to use the new Panasonic drive in Europe is Biketec in Switzerland. Their pedelec has fist been presented at the Bike Show and Congress in Bremen, Germany, “Fahrrad.Markt.Zukunft”, in late February as well as at the fall shows 2003. The Test results are based on test rides along the “Every-day“ test track in Tanna, Germany, as well as an overland and two hill tracks in Kirchheim/Teck, Germany. Pros: + the power system is very compact + extremely light-weight battery Cons: - battery capacity is not visible while riding Range: Mixed Track: Normal Mode (strongest): 37.31 km / 23.8 mi Eco Mode: 77.08 km / 47.9 mi Hill: 8 km / 5 mi Average Speed: Normal Mode: 18.5 km/h / 11.5 mph Eco Mode: 16.5 km/h / 10.3 mph Assistance Rate: Every-day: 0.79 (44%) Hill (7%): 1.63 (62%) Specifications: Battery weight: 1.7 kg / 3.7 lbs Battery Capacity: 141.81 Wh Battery Type: Lithium-Ion Replacement battery: No price given Charger: Separate Charging time: 3:38 (hh:mm) Prices: Recommended retail price of the pedelec in Japan: JPY 109,800 (approx. € 847 /USD 1,011) Recommended retail price of the battery charger in Japan: JPY 10,000 (approx. € 77 /USD 92) Recommended retail price of the optional Lithium-Ion battery in Japan: JPY 29,800 (approx. € 230 /USD 274) (Exchange rate: Nov 24, 2003) Contact: National Bicycle Industrial Co., Ltd. 13-13, Katayama-cho Kashiwara-City, Osaka 582-8501, Japan Tel: +81-(0)729-77-2399 Fax: +81-(0)729-77-3569 Contact person: Kaz Suzuki www.panabyc.co.jp
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