French electric motorcycle manufacturer Valeo presented a 48V electric motorcycle at the last Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The introduction of the 48V also continues the introduction of the Smart E-Bike System.
Valeo presents a new electric drivetrain consisting of a 6-kW (8hp) motor and also has an air conditioning system transplanted from the Citroen Ami car. Valeo 48V has an electric motor with a peak power of 12kW (16hp).
Valeo claims that the prototype provides acceleration and performance similar to that of a conventional 125cc engine. However, the French manufacturer does not plan to mass-produce the electric model.
Instead, Valeo wants to be a drivetrain supplier to automotive manufacturers in Asia. In addition to its power advantages, the Valeo 48V unit only weighs 37.5 kilograms, including the motor, transmission and electronic devices. This allowed manufacturers to build lightweight engines for new powertrains.
The 48V capacity also complies with the standard configuration agreed between Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and the Eurasian swappable battery consortium consisting of Honda, Yamaha, KTM and Piaggio.
