POWERTRAIN
Electrification
The next rational step towards clean energy comes from electrified powertrains. Bosch hope to make the experience as streamlined as possible with a gradual shift from entirely fossilfuelled vehicles to part-electrified or hybrid vehicles and even fully electric ones in the near future. The key to solving the traffic problem which plagues every major global city isn’t merely switching to autonomous vehicles; it’s primarily about reducing the number of vehicles on the road. Until then, using ride-sharing programmes, with electric vehicles recharged using solar, wind or other forms of renewable energy, is the best way forward to ensure we don’t eradicate ourselves.
E-scooters are growing in popularity globally owing to their convenience and efficiency. In fact, in congested cities, such as those in mainland China, there has been an exponential rise: the year 1998 saw around 58,000 e-scooters sold annually. This past year, the number stood at approximately 200 million; over 3,400 times as many.
The evolution of the e-scooter is imminent. The electric motor possesses a huge torque advantage, but is, at present, mostly limited by peak output and range. While the former can be corrected, as we found out, the latter will take a while.
e-schwalbe
The e-Schwalbe, made by GOVECS GmbH, is one potent e-machine, if we have to say so ourselves. The biggest bane of electric scooters at present in India is their limited top speed, which can be fixed, albeit temporarily, by compromising heavily on range. The e-Schwalbe is different.
It’s got a 4.4-inch LCD display, LED lighting, 16-inch wheels, and a 4.0-kW (5.4 PS-equivalent) electric motor. Built on a platform based on a 48-volt electrical system powered by one 2.4-kWh battery pack, or two, a quick spin around the Bosch Proving Grounds was all I needed to get to know its capabilities. With four driving modes — Go, Cruise, Boost, and Crawl — it effortlessly gets up to 50 km/h. What’s more important is that it gets up to 45 km/h in just five seconds. It can also cruise at a constant 45 km/h for a distance of up to 100 km, I’m told. The motor allows it to handle grades steep enough to make other e-scooters sweat their battery acid out.
The charging system is also made to be easier and more convenient. A 1,200-W on-board charger and a five-metre cable are provided under the seat. A 50 per cent charge can be completed in 90 minutes. The e-Schwalbe also offers buyers a choice: pick a single battery version with up to 63 km of range, or a dual battery version with up to twice that. It weighs between 120 and 135 kg, depending on the choice.
Battery tech
Battery technology is a critical aspect of future technology implementation. At present, the range and more potent abilities of systems are limited only by capacity. What is needed is more charge in a smaller area at a lower cost. Bosch are researching battery technology that will make it possible to drive longer distances without recharging, and will also cost less than current batteries. Ten years from now, Bosch expect about 15 per cent of all new vehicles worldwide to have an electric powertrain. With this in mind, Bosch are investing €400 million (Rs 3,000 crore) a year in electro-mobility.
Today’s lithium-ion batteries are superior in this respect, storing more than three times the amount of energy per kilogram. At a weight of 230 kg, the battery of a modern-day electric car provides approximately 18 to 30 kWh. To achieve the desired 50 kWh, a battery weighing up to 600 kg would be necessary. This isn’t really feasible in a compact vehicle, which is why the target is 190 kg, with a target charge time of 15 minutes for 75 per cent capacity.
The future lies in solid-state batteries, or post-lithium technology. While the technological awareness may be present, they are still in the research and pre-development stage.