An electric bike made by TV’s American Choppers fame will be unveiled in Sydney today.
The feuding Teutul family of the TV show have built the Siemens-powered eChopper that will be a highlight of the Pacific2012 Maritime Exposition at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.
While electric cars are only just starting to hit the market, electric scooters and bikes have been around for a few years, some of which are faster than an Enzo Ferrari.
The eChopper is one of three built by the famed Orange County Choppers of New York. It uses the same technology found in submarines and naval ships. The eChopper has a top speed of 160km/h, range of 100km and the rotor blades on its wheels are designed to mirror wind and gas turbine blades.
Siemens engaged with OCC to demonstrate their green technology credentials, including power electronics and battery management systems, says Siemens Australia VP David Keenan. The technology is suitable for high-performance motors or trains for the mobility industry, he says.
"Siemens eChopper reinforces our Picture the Future of Mobility research, in that electric technology is a viable and sustainable fuel source for commercial ships and naval vessels providing defence, naval and maritime industries with significant productivity benefits and financial advantages,'' he says.
Presumably all that white bodywork is just waiting for a tribal tattoo paint job. Or maybe a scroll with ‘death before diesel’.
eChopper
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: 100km
Dimensions: 2800 x 1200 x 1000 mm (LxWxH)
Total weight: 318kg
Battery: DieHard AGM, 72 V
Brakes: hydraulic discs
Tyres: 120/70 H21, 300/35 VR18
Lighting: LED lamps from Osram Sylvania (subsidiary of Siemens)
