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