Last year, at EICMA, the equipment manufacturer Vitesco Technologies revealed the result of its development of a hybrid motorcycle carried out in the greatest secrecy. At the time, this prototype was only a demonstrator, although it was indeed functional. This company aims to advance the hybridization of motorcycles and this year presents the second stage of development of a hybrid motorcycle with additional electric propulsion, which it claims significantly reduces CO2 emissions.
The hybrid motorcycle concept features fully electric start without clutch actuation and electric reverse. The concept is designed for motorcycles with a displacement above 125 cc and includes a 48-volt electric motor, an automated manual gearbox and, as a “control center,” a powertrain domain control unit (PDCU), called Master Controller.
Torsten Bellon, Head of 2-Wheeler & Powersports Division at Vitesco Technologies, said: “For mid-displacement motorcycles equipped with combustion engines, we anticipate that future emissions limits can only be met by using hybridization in combination with an automated manual transmission. »
“With this objective in mind, our development plan was initially entirely focused on CO2 reduction. Over the past twelve months, we have adapted technology, originating from the automotive segment, to meet the specific requirements of motorcycles, developing many additional functions that are only possible with an electrified powertrain. During our development work, it became increasingly clear that our hybrid concept opens up completely new possibilities for making the motorcycle more dynamic, more comfortable and safer. We have leveraged these options and are now able to support manufacturers with a system that is easy to implement, low cost and highly effective,” he added.
The electric motor of the hybrid concept is a standard belt starter generator from the automotive sector, which Vitesco Technologies has been supplying for 2016-volt hybridization since 48. The main controller, also from the automotive segment, is responsible for strategic control, particularly demanding in hybrid systems. It controls the 48-volt motor, communicates with the combustion engine's ECU and decides when to switch to electric drive, when to drive "conventionally" and when to use a combination of the two drive types.
The automated Smart Transmission is equipped with a centrifugal clutch and intelligent actuator. While driving, the main controller can shift gears independently without operating the clutch at the best time for more economical fuel consumption.
The 12 kW electric motor and a removable 1,5 kWh battery allow the concept to travel up to 30 km at a speed of up to 60 km/h in pure electric mode. The hybrid concept's combustion engine has an output of 43,5 hp and a top speed of 160 km/h. In this configuration and in combination with the current WMTC homologation test, the hybrid concept makes it possible to reduce the motorcycle's CO2 emissions by up to 75%. The system increases the total weight by only around 20 kg. At 170kg, the concept is lighter than a fully electric motorcycle with similar performance – and is also considerably cheaper.
Unlike the automotive sector, where hybridization can be significantly more expensive, the system developed by Vitesco Technologies for 2 wheels can already be integrated at an additional average system cost of less than €1.
Christophe Genin, head of the hybrid concept project, says for example that the challenge for novice riders who have switched to a motorcycle is operating the clutch. “That’s one of the things that motivated us to develop the electric start feature. This means that when driving at speeds of up to 20 km/h, clutch operation and the risk of stalling are no longer a problem, increasing both comfort and safety, especially in traffic jams. » Electric start is activated by the electric motor and intelligent transmission.
The engine responds with greater agility thanks to instantly available electric power. Secondly, the electric motor delivers impressive power, especially in the low rev range: thanks to the additional e-boost, the torque achieved here can reach 60 Nm (maximum torque without e-assist: 37 Nm at 7 rpm /min).
According to the company, this means that the hybrid motorcycle with a displacement of 401 cc can generate more punch than a conventional motorcycle with a 1000 cc engine. And thanks to the powerful electric drive, the thrust is available not only for a few seconds, but for several minutes.
In addition to purely electric starting, electric drive also allows the vehicle to be driven in reverse. This handy feature is extremely useful, especially in tight or downhill parking spaces. The hybrid concept also offers a number of other advantages. For example, the electric motor can compensate for the short interruption of torque that occurs during gear changes to keep wheel torque as constant as possible during gear changes.
The generator function of the electric motor, used to charge the battery, can be used as an additional engine brake so that the mechanical rear brake is only needed if the rider needs to decelerate suddenly.
Additionally, the hybrid concept's energy management can be linked to the navigation system to ensure that the battery is fully charged, for example before entering a town or before a long climb (so-called predictive driving function ). A hybrid motorcycle also offers great flexibility in route planning: With around 260 km, the Vitesco Technologies concept can provide greater range than comparable electric motorcycles – and can be quickly refueled at any gas station.
Source: Vitesco Technologies
