02. Mar, 2010 SANYO Releases New eneloop bike Electric Hybrid Bicycle Industry s First *1 Eco Charge Mode for More Efficient Regenerative Charging Tokyo, March 2, 2010 SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO) is pleased to announce the launch of new models for the eneloop bike lineup of electric hybrid bicycles that recharge themselves while being used. The new models, CY-SPL226 and CY-SPL224, will feature a next-generation riding mode, Eco Charge Mode, and will be launched on April 21, 2010 in Japan *2. Until now, the regenerative charging function, Loop Charge, which enables charging while riding, only recharged the bicycle battery on downhill stretches or during deceleration. In these situations, the electric motor on the front wheel switches to a dynamo in order to charge the battery. Charging while pedaling on flat ground was not possible. With the eneloop bike SPL series, however, the new Eco Charge Mode for regenerative charging control enables the rider to actively charge the battery while pedaling on flat roads. This series represents a new style of energy-creating models. The Eco Charge Mode controls the charging rate by ascertaining overall conditions such as foot pressure on the pedals and changes in dynamotor revolution speed. This enables effortless regenerative charging while riding, that is comfortable for the rider, by adjusting for the change in various conditions such as the amount of exertion, speed, and road conditions. Some consumers worry about running out of battery power mid-journey when using a power-assisted bicycle. To address this concern, SANYO added a Power Reserve function to the SPL series, based on the company s advanced rechargeable battery technology, together with a high-capacity 7.6 Ah lithium-ion battery. This will greatly reduce consumer apprehension over battery depletion. Product description Electric Hybrid Bicycle Product No. CY-SPL226(W)/(R)/(S)/(L), CY-SPL224(W)/(R) Product name MSRP (including tax) 157,290 yen Release date April 21, 2010 (Japan) *2 Monthly production 1,000 units *1 For charging rate control by ascertaining general conditions such as foot pedal pressure and changes in dynamotor revolution speed, while riding on flat ground. As of the release date (April 21, 2010). *2 This product will be available in Japan only as of the release date (April 21, 2010). Main Features
1. Industry s first *1 Eco Charge Mode for efficient regenerative charging while riding on flat roads The regenerative charging Loop Charge *3 function, which enables the battery to be charged while riding, saves the energy created when the bicycle is traveling downhill or decelerating, and then uses it for power assistance when needed. This function has been well received for its ability to generate electricity to recharge the bicycle battery. SANYO s Loop Charge function found in previous models was realized through two features: the Brake Charge System, which switches the motor to a dynamo when the brake lever is activated, and the Auto Mode, which automatically switches the motor to a dynamo on downhill stretches. With both the Brake Charge System and Auto Mode, the opportunities for charging the battery were limited to braking and downhill riding. Recharging while pedaling on flat ground was not possible. Now with a second-generation Loop Charge function, the new Eco Charge Mode controls the charging rate by ascertaining overall conditions such as foot pressure on the pedals and changes in dynamotor revolution speed. This enables effortless regenerative charging while riding, that is comfortable for the rider, by adjusting for the change in various conditions such as the amount of exertion, speed, and road conditions. Consequently, opportunities for generating energy while riding have been increased, making it possible to enjoy more energy saving for longer riding distances. Furthermore, in the Eco Charge Mode the motor assist automatically kicks in when the rider encounters an uphill stretch, for easy climbing. Then on downhill portions, the motor automatically switches to a dynamo to charge the battery. The charging effect is further increased when the brakes are applied, by means of high-efficiency regenerative charging. *3 Loop Charge is the general term for the function where the electric motor switches to a dynamo during riding in order to charge the battery (secondary charging). Even when Loop Charge is used, the battery still needs to be regularly charged with the dedicated charger. Battery cannot receive supplemental charging when it is fully charged or when bicycle speed exceeds 24 km/h. Comparison of First and Second-Generation Loop Charge Technologies Riding with first-generation "Loop Charge" in "Auto Mode" Second-generation "Loop Charge" in "Eco Charge Mode" As shown above, Eco Charge Mode enables efficient battery charging on both flat ground and downhill slopes. It is also a superior riding mode for reducing strain on the rider on uphill sections. Compared to the Power Mode, which uses the most battery power, Eco Charge Mode increases the riding distance on one charge by about 53%, based on the new industry standard riding pattern. In terms of battery capacity comparison, the new models can travel about 55 km on one charge, the furthest-class distance specification in the industry, offering energy-saving electric bike riding. The Eco Charge Mode also helps reduce the rider s environmental footprint. Someone riding 1,000 km a year in Eco Charge Mode will only emit 2.35 kg *4 of CO 2 emissions. Compared with the Power Mode, which uses the most battery power, Eco Charge is an environmentally friendly riding mode that reduces CO 2 emissions by approximately 35% (1.24 kg). *4 CO 2 equivalent amount based on the amount of household electricity used for charging, and the distance traveled on a single charge. (No CO 2 is emitted during riding) Reference: If a rider travels 1,000 km per year using an SPL series eneloop bike in Eco Charge Mode, an annual savings of approximately 20 kg in CO 2 emissions can be achieved, compared to the average CO 2 emissions value for the type 1 motor vehicles of Japan s main three manufacturers (SANYO calculation). Eco Charge Mode : Example of charge efficiency on flat ground
By traveling 1 km in Eco Charge Mode over flat ground, enough electricity is generated and stored to travel about 300 m in Power Mode. Based on a riding speed of 15 km/h over flat ground. The amount of regenerative charging will vary depending on riding speed. 2. Industry s first *5 Power Reserve function supplies an additional 1 Ah *6 of power after indicator shows battery depleted Some customers have told SANYO that they worry about running out of battery power before their trips are complete when using their eneloop bikes. In order to address this kind of concern, SANYO created a Power Reserve function, which supplies additional power for motor assist after the charge indicator reaches the battery depleted level. Previous eneloop bike model (CY-SPA226) had an LED-light battery level indicator that only warned the rider to charge the battery with a flashing light. This allowed some riders to run out of power before their journey was complete. Using SANYO s advanced rechargeable battery technology, the new Power Reserve function alerts the rider to recharge the battery and discontinues the motor assist function, when about 1 Ah *6 of power is remaining in the battery. At this point the rider can hold down the power button for two seconds, and the charge indicator will return to the one light level, and the motor assist will resume with about 1 Ah of battery power remaining. Using the Power Reserve function, the rider can resume motor-assist cycling, and return home in order to recharge the bike with the dedicated charger. If the rider is far from home at the time that the motor assist stops, the person can also still select the Eco Charge Mode, in order to maximize the remaining battery power while riding. *5 For power-assisted bicycles for women, as of the release date (April 21, 2010). *6 A level of 1 Ah is about 1/8 the capacity of a new bicycle battery (standard equipment). 3. Two Wheel Drive *7 for superior riding stability With a conventional bicycle, human pedal power is applied to the back wheel, while the front wheel just rolls freely. With an eneloop bike however, pedal power is still applied to the back wheel, but the front wheel also has an electric motor, creating a Two Wheel Drive system. As a result, both the front and back tires securely grip the road, increasing the feeling of stability while riding, and providing a very smooth ride and stable straight-line traction. *7 Two Wheel Drive indicates that motive force is applied to both tires, using human pedal power for the rear wheel, and an electric motor for the front wheel. Other Features
Class 25 *8 rear luggage carrier holds up to 22 kg of parcels With a Class 25 rear luggage carrier that can handle up to 22 kg of parcels, the new eneloop bike models will meet the needs of consumers to carry slightly heavier loads. Power Up Mode provides a human-to-motor assist ratio of 1:2. Taillight with Braking Indicator for increased safety. Low Frame and Low Saddle Design for easier riding and dismounting. Kurupita *9 Handle Lock for parking convenience. Aluminum Frame that contains the cables for a clean design. Three Speed for easy climbing of hills based on better gear ratios Dimple Key (back wheel circle lock) for superior theft prevention. Comfortable Saddle for good support on long rides. Easy Kickstand can be effortlessly deployed based on the lever principle. *8 Class 25 means that it can support up to 22 kg of cargo, based on the JIS D 9453 standard for bicycle rear luggage carriers *9 Kurupita is a registered trademark of Shimano Inc. 4 patents pending (17 claims) Outline and Background Amid the global move towards creating low-carbon societies, power-assisted bicycles are gaining attention as an economical and ecological mode of transportation, which offers a comfortable ride without producing any CO 2 emissions. With the revision of the Road Traffic Law Enforcement Regulations in Japan in 2008, the permissible ratio of human power to motor power for bicycles (assist ratio) was changed to 1:2, further expanding the applications for power-assisted bicycles. In fiscal 2010 (April 2009 March 2010), the number of power-assisted bicycles shipped in Japan increased at a higher rate than in the previous year, and the market for these environmentally friendly bicycles is expected to expand even more in the future. Number of Power-assisted Bicycles Shipped in Japan; Source: Bicycle Association (Japan) Member Statistics 2000 2009 (January - December) Reference: Bicycle Association (Japan) Regulation on the Measurement and Labeling of Riding Distance on One Charge The labeling of riding distance on one charge for power-assisted bicycles is based on the Bicycle Association (Japan) s regulation on the measurement of riding distance on one charge for power-assisted bicycles, and other applicable regulations. Starting in April 2010, a new standard riding pattern will take effect to replace the general road riding pattern that has been used as the standard until now by the industry. SANYO will also adopt the new standard in labeling of its new products, and as a result, the labeled riding distance per charge will appear to be shorter than before. Therefore, the riding distance based on the old standard will also be labeled for a period of time, as a reference. The following two points represent the main changes from the old to the new regulation standard. 1) The hill gradient has been changed from the previous 2 degrees to 4 degrees
2) The total distance of the course has been shortened from 5 km to 4 km (with increased hill portions) Unified measurement standard logo for riding distance in power-assisted bicycles This symbol indicates that the participating manufacturers measure riding distance using the same conditions.