One of the
highlights on the Audi stand at this year's
Wörthersee Tour is the bicycle technology
concept known as the Audi e-bike Wörthersee – a
sport bike that does not fit into any of the
usual categories. It is neither a pedelec nor a
conventional bike, but is best described as a
high-end pedelec made by Audi for sport, fun and
tricks. The Audi e-bike Wörthersee combines the
Audi brand's principal competences – design,
ultra, connect and e-tron – and explores the
limits of what is technically feasible in terms
of design, lightweight construction, networking
and electric mobility.
This show bike
is futuristic at the very first glance – a bike
for tomorrow and beyond. All its components,
even the pedals, have been shaped by Audi's
designers, for instance the 26-inch wheels made
from CFRP that weigh only 600 grams each and
have innovative large-area blade-pattern spokes.
The Audi e-bike
Wörthersee's ultra-light carbon-fiber frame
weighs only 1,600 grams. It makes use of bionic
principles derived from nature. Material
reinforcements are needed only at the points
where loads actually occur. The swinging arm for
the rear wheel is also made of CFRP. All in all,
the Audi e-bike Wörthersee represents the full
extent of the brand's expertise in
ultra-lightweight design.
The rear wheel
is driven by a chain. The electric motor is a
permanent magnet synchronous machine; it is
located at the lowest point on the frame and
drives the bottom bracket shaft directly.
Maximum torque at the rear wheel is in the
region
of 250 Nm
(184.39 lb-ft). Peak output from the electric
motor is 2.3 kW – a new top value on the e-bike
scene. Excluding the battery, the complete
bicycle weighs only 21 kg (46.30 lb), equivalent
to a power-weight ratio of 9 kg per kilowatt, or
7 kg per horsepower – another record-breaking
value.
The lithium-ion
battery is housed in the frame; it weighs about
5 kg (11.02 lb) and operates at a voltage of 48
V. Its capacity is 530 Wh and it can be fully
recharged from a 230 V supply in two and a half
hours. As an alternative it can be easily
detached from the bike and replaced by a
recharged battery.
The rider of
the Audi e-bike Wörthersee can choose between
five programs; these either support use of the
pedals or permit electric-only travel.
In the 'Pure'
mode the rider only propels the bike by means of
the pedals. In the 'Pedelec' mode the rider is
assisted by the electric motor; a top speed of
up to 80 km/h (50 mph) can be reached and the
action radius is between 50 and 70 kilometers
(31 and 44
miles). In the 'eGrip' program the Audi e-bike
Wörthersee can be ridden with the electric motor
providing all the necessary power; in this case
at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph). The rider
controls the power output from the electric
motor at a twistgrip and can configure it at the
on-board computer.
In 'Wheelie'
mode the power flow is electronically controlled
in order to assist the rider when the front
wheel is in the air. Alternative operating modes
are available, and can be selected by smartphone
or directly at the e-bike: either 'Power
Wheelie' with an adjustable wheelie angle for
less skilled riders, or 'Balanced Wheelie' for
those with more experience. In the latter mode
the rider's balance is maintained
electronically: as his or her weight is
displaced forward or back, this is counteracted
by either braking or accelerating the electric
motor.
