An electric bike for fast and fun all-day cruising

September 7, 2022 Yura

I’ve been eyeing the Zugo Rhino electric bike for a while now, especially the version in that trippy color-changing indigo paint job. I finally got the chance to test out not one but two of them when the company let me put some good honest miles on the step-over and step-through variants of the Zugo Rhino.

Having spent some fun saddle time on both of them, I can tell you that the bikes give you exactly the type of ride you’d expect just from looking at them – a powerful and fun joyride that is somehow equal parts relaxing and exciting.

A big part of the mix of a laid back and yet exciting ride comes from the combination of performance and comfort.

With a powerful motor and nice big battery, the Zugo Rhino electric bike has plenty of acceleration, speed, and range. But when you add in the tall bars and long bench seat, you get a bike that is just as comfortable as it is brawny. Those two attributes combine beautifully into a ride that will have you picking the bugs from your teeth after smiling ear from ear.

See what I mean from ride video below, where I tested the Zugo Rhinos on some fun cruises. Then read on for my full thoughts.

Zugo Rhino video review

Zugo Rhino tech specs

Motor: 750W continuous hub motor
Top speed: Shipped 20 mph (32 km/h), can be unlocked to 28 mph (45 km/h)
Range: Up to 80 miles (130 km) on pedal assist with larger battery option
Battery: 48V 15.6Ah (750 Wh) or 21Ah (1 kWh)
Weight: 65 lb (30 kg)
Wheels: 20 inches with 4-inch fat tires
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes (160 mm rotors)
Suspension: Inverted suspension fork
Extras: Long bench seat, included fenders, large LED headlight and tail/brake light, LCD display, kickstand, Shimano 7-speed trigger shifter, wide range of accessories
Price: $2,199 (currently on sale for $1,999).

It’s all in the design

It only takes one look to get a perfect idea of what this e-bike is designed for; this is a moped-style electric bike, through and through.

Many people would call this a Super73-inspired e-bike, though of course there are many electric bikes that have since co-opted similar mini-bike stylings that harkens back to the golden age of mopeds, but I would say that the fact that there is both a step-through and a step-over version of the Zugo Rhino is a big advantage.

Gone are the days of step-throughs being considered “girl’s bikes.” I actually really like the step-through version as it’s easier to mount and dismount, making it a more comfortable bike. But if you want top tank style moped vibes, the step-over is the bike for you.

Both have the same parts and performance, with the single exception of the step-over having a built-in cup holder.

The Zugo Rhinos both quickly and easily get up to 20 mph (32 km/h) on throttle-only operation, though they are just as much fun to operate by

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2022 Honda CB500F Review (A Dozen Fast Facts: Urban Motorcycle)

July 27, 2022 Yura

There is something so satisfying about a motorcycle that fits like a well-worn glove, and that’s how the 2022 Honda CB500F matches up with my five-foot six-inch 115-pound body. It follows my movements effortlessly, never getting in the way of what I want to do or overwhelming me with its weight or power. As the naked bike in Honda’s mid-size lineup of 500 twins, the CB500F is most in its element as an urban motorcycle, handling commuting duties and around-town errands, while capably serving as a weekend sportbike in the canyons.Introduced in 2013 and updated every three years, the CB500F receives several functional improvements for 2022. The well-tweaked bike now has an inverted Showa SFF-BP fork, dual disc brakes up front, and has shed a few pounds. Already an approachable, easy-to-ride bike, these refinements further hone the CB500F as one of the best go-to bikes for a wide swath of riders.

The CB500F has twin 296mm rotors upfront for 2022. Gone is the single 310mm disc and axial-mount caliper. They are replaced with smaller dual discs grasped by radially mounted four-piston Nissin calipers. Braking is linear and rewarding. There was never a time when I felt a lack of confidence in the brakes; the harder I squeezed the five-position adjustable lever, the quicker I slowed down. This allows an aggressive rider to extract the maximum performance out of the sensible 500F, while never catching a novice rider by surprise with a harsh initial bite. When riding more leisurely, the engine compression braking is often enough to slow you down. There’s a 240mm disc in the rear for finessing stops around town or aiding hard braking in the canyons. I’m a rear brake fan, and the feel at the pedal is spot-on. ABS is standard, non-intrusive, and always welcome.

An inverted Showa SFF-BP fork appears on the 2022 Honda CB500F. Upgrading the conventional 41mm fork to Showa’s Separate Function Fork – Big Piston design gives the CB500F a firmer front end. There’s a spring in one tube and damping in the other, saving weight. No adjustments are available on the fork—not to worry, the action is well-dialed as-is. Plus, there’s plenty of feedback for the aggressive riders amongst you. The linkage-assisted shock is adjustable for spring preload should you take a passenger.

Dropping four pounds from its curb weight, the CB500F weighs in at 416 pounds for 2022. While that still outweighs me 3.5x times over, it doesn’t feel like a handful. Even at parking-lot speeds—where you most feel a motorcycle’s weight—the 500F is easy to maneuver. It’s 16 pounds lighter than the closely related faired CBR500R, and weighs 23 pounds less than the CB500X adventure iteration. Coupled with the low seat height, it feels even lighter. These are pluses for less experienced riders, making the 500F that much more of a blast for the seasoned rider. Weight savings came from tweaks to the swingarm, radiator, and lighter wheels.

Power delivery is smooth, supportive, and plenty

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2022 Honda CRF-E2 Review [15 Fast Facts: Electric Motorcycle Test]

July 25, 2022 Yura

The first electric motorcycle from Honda is here, and it might not be what you expected—the new 2022 Honda CRF-E2 is a trail bike for kids. The CRF-E2 is manufactured and designed by Greenger Powersports, with Honda helping with the setup of the final version. The result is described as a Honda Official Licensed Product, and we call it a Honda CRF-E2 because we’re a motorcycle publication. We grabbed one of the first E2s available from Greenger, and then let our youngest test rider loose on the local trails.

The 2022 Honda CRF-E2 is a quality motorcycle. The frame is a twin-spar aluminum design patterned after Honda’s adult motocrossers, disc brakes slow it down, Kenda Millville K771 tires put the electric power to the ground, and the E2 has a linkage-less cantilevered shock with adjustment for rebound damping and spring preload. The motorcycle looks great, and the finish is up to Honda standards. This isn’t a cheap toy you’ll find at hardware or department stores. It is sold exclusively at Honda dealers with a list price of $2950.

The size of the CRF-E2 is midway between a Honda CRF50F and CRF110F. The E2’s seat is adjustable to a height of either 24.8 or 25.5 inches. In the low position, the seat is 3.2 inches higher than the CRF50F, and the high seat position is 0.4 inches lower than the CRF110F. Test rider Avery Bart is almost 8 years old, stands 4 feet 2 inches, and weighs 48 pounds, and the E2 fits her perfectly. Speaking of weight, at 106 pounds filled with electrons, the E2 is four pounds lighter than the CRF50F and a staggering 64 pounds lighter than the CRF110F—a huge difference for a young rider.

Operating the Honda CRF-E2 is incredibly easy. It has a keyed ignition. Once the key is in the switched to the on position, the rider or supervising adult can select one of two power modes. With the power mode engaged, push the on button (a repurposed e-start button), and all the rider has to do is twist the throttle. It’s instantly game-on, as the fully automatic one-speed transmission means no clutch or gear shifting. Any youngster of sufficient size who can balance a bicycle will be able to ride the E2.

There is a significant difference between the two power modes. Stage 1 limits the speed of the E2 to 10 mph, while Stage 2 ups the ante to 20 mph. The 3.4 horsepower peak output is not nearly as important as the 18.4 ft-lbs of torque available. Without any doubt, the CRF-E2 is not underpowered.

Taking off from a standing start is not as smooth in Stage 1 as we’d like it to be. Electric motors on motorcycles are only as usable as the controller for the motor. With so much torque available as soon as an electric motor turns, it must be padded down for the power to be usable. In Stage 1, we found the power

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Can the automotive industry scale fast enough?

May 16, 2022 Yura

The automotive sector is on the cusp of changes not seen since the Model T Ford rolled off the production line in the early 1900s, as new regulations, technologies, and consumer preferences transform its products and business models. Both traditional OEMs and new start-ups are spending more to address these trends: since 2010, intrigued investors have funneled $280 billion into innovative automotive hardware and software solutions. Almost half of this investment, about $115 billion to $120 billion, has gone to electric vehicles (EVs).

Capital markets have rewarded this influx. With a weighted average total shareholder returns (TSR) of 79 percent from March 2020 through January 2022, traditional OEMs and component suppliers outperformed companies in many other thriving sectors, including high tech and chemicals. The results were even more impressive for the relatively new kids on the block, such as NIO, Tesla, and other EV start-ups, whose weighted average TSR of 278 percent topped the list.

The industry has typically relied on sales of traditional vehicles with internal-combustion engines (ICE) for much of its growth. But overall vehicle sales are projected to increase at a modest 2 percent CAGR through 2025 and might even decline over the balance of the decade. But the industry’s TSR remains high because of optimism about increasing revenue from other sources, including those related to new technologies and services. EVs, which now represent a small portion of vehicles sold, are at a tipping point and are responsible for much of the enthusiasm within capital markets. In the second half of 2020, sales and penetration of passenger EVs accelerated in major markets despite the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. McKinsey projects that worldwide demand for EVs will grow sixfold from 2021 through 2030, with annual unit sales going from 6.5 million to roughly 40 million over that period.

These optimistic projections for EVs come with some big caveats, however. While consumer demand appears clear, the automotive ecosystem must quickly address three major constraints before EV production and sales can gain scale:

difficulties sourcing enough raw materials, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt, used in batteries
an insufficient number of gigafactories that produce batteries, as well as low productivity within existing facilities
a public charging infrastructure that must be built up to keep pace with the number of EVs on the road

Although some large companies may attempt to increase their access to raw materials, most automotive companies currently lack this option. What the industry can tackle, however, are issues related to gigafactories and the charging infrastructure. Taking quick action will be key to extending the momentum in EVs and may even help to accelerate adoption of autonomous vehicles (AVs), through which OEMs will find even more opportunities in services and life cycle revenues from such things as over-the-air software updates, mapping services, and in-vehicle entertainment.

EV motors get their energy from batteries

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GM to launch hydrogen fuel mobile turbines for fast EV charging, cellular electric power

January 23, 2022 Yura

DETROIT– Basic Motors programs to start electricity generators for various makes use of, together with EV charging, powered by its Hydrotec hydrogen fuel cell technology, the automaker claimed Wednesday.

The electrical power turbines are designed to enable rapidly-charging ability for electric motor vehicles without long term charge points, the addition of very affordable DC speedy charging at fuel stations without the need of increasing the grid and cellular vitality at military services bases.

GM’s spouse for the turbines, Renewable Innovations, designs to set up 500 Empower rapid chargers at fuel stations and in well-known vacation corridors throughout the place by the end of 2025.

The turbines could substitute gasoline- and diesel-burning generators at worksites, structures, movie sets, data centers and outdoor concert events and festivals, GM claimed.

The generators could also act as a backup strength source for the duration of a blackout in household communities.

The energy turbines are the subsequent section in GM’s strategy to extend its Hydrotec know-how to adjacent industries. The automaker is also deploying Hydrotec technology in the aerospace, locomotive and heavy-obligation truck industries.

“Our eyesight of an all-electric potential is broader than just passenger autos or even transportation,” Charlie Freese, GM executive director of the worldwide Hydrotec company, stated in a statement. “Our vitality system knowledge with Ultium car architectures and propulsion components and Hydrotec fuel cells can expand obtain to vitality across numerous distinctive industries and buyers, while helping to reduce emissions frequently linked with electricity era.”

The automaker will build the Hydrotec gas cell systems at its Gasoline Cell Techniques Manufacturing joint venture with Honda in Brownstown, Mich.

GM’s associate for the generators, Renewable Innovations of Lindon, Utah, will produce the turbines at its services in the Salt Lake Metropolis space.

GM and Renewable Innovations strategy to deploy the generators in 3 programs: retail EV charging stations, a cellular energy generator and a palletized cellular generator.

Retail EV charging stations: GM and Renewable Improvements have collaborated to acquire a quick charger to assist fuel stations add DC quickly-charging capacity. The Empower immediate charger will let the stations to provide EV quick charging without the need of investing in EV infrastructure. The speedy chargers can be mounted at gasoline stations and alongside corridors well-known amongst tourists throughout distinct seasons, these types of as national parks or vacation places, GM said.

The Empower swift charger can demand as numerous as four motor vehicles at once by means of DC speedy chargers in about 20 minutes. Renewable Innovations designs to set up 500 Empower rapid chargers throughout the place by the conclude of 2025.

Cell electrical power generator: GM’s fuel mobile hardware and computer software, merged with Renewable Innovations’ electricity integration and management units, will create a generator that can supply rapid EV charging devoid of expanding the grid or installing long lasting charging stations when there is only a temporary have to have for electrical power, these types of as worksites, film sets and outside concerts and festivals

Palletized mobile electrical

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Automotive globe undergoes fast tech transformations

November 19, 2021 Yura

NEW YORK Metropolis, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES, November 15, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — The in-depth research of the newest automotive application advancement tendencies uncovers the crucial tech drivers that will move the know-how in the adhering to several years. The top posture acquire IoT and blockchain systems together with AI and Massive knowledge tendencies. By way of the total period of existence of the automotive marketplace, now this branch is uncovered to alterations it has hardly ever been going through before.

Uncover 7 transformative automotive program trends:

Autonomous vehicles
The expansion of electrification of transportation and the introduction of ADAS (Advanced driver-help methods) in accordance to Gartner’s report, has drastically influenced the problems with electronics. The long term of the motor vehicle straight relies upon on the data processing devices. To support these programs with a big amount of data, and enhance the info circulation potential, AI technologies are actively integrated into the development procedure.

Innovative connectivity
Lots of embedded units set up in automobiles are Bluetooth cellular and WiFi embedded. Energetic incorporation of secure coding tactics are aimed at busting the chance of details leaks as nicely as security assaults and strengthening useful protection.

Around the air (OTA) updates
By the establishment of an upgrading motor vehicle improvement middle, it is attainable to upgrade the auto application and Eu(digital command models).

Shared mobility data
Shared mobility, electrification, and technologies convergence have entirely reshaped the notion of the automotive field.

Lower architectural complexity (Decoupled architecture, Support-oriented architecture)
Deficiency of modularity and complex layouts rise the requirement to trace mistakes to unique software modules and improvement teams and improve standardization and modernization to maintain the application complexity workable.

User-centered design approaches
Iteration to new software program offering with conclude-buyers applying the customer’s knowledge with much less time used to outline purchaser necessities.

Open-supply application (OSS) strengthening
Utilization of the licensed software decreases threats and supports all basic safety prerequisites.

GBKSOFT as your ideal tech spouse

GBKSOFT with substantial tech area skills supplies advanced options:
Data-pushed remedies for drivers adopting IoT (including ADAS)
AI and ML tools help to approach information and enhance operational preparing, stock management, far better budgeting
Implementation of good market 4. techniques to automatize business procedures and improve efficiency
Our experts offer substantial aid for all enhancement functions as nicely as article-delivery administration. Automotive software progress, superior screening from the preliminary stages, unique UX/UI designs, DevOps, and cloud-centered improvement practices make us an innovative trusted automotive computer software partner.

Gutnik Irina
GBKSOFT
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