ethec
2017 - 2018, Zurich
ETH Electric Cruiser – Our team of two industrial designers and 14 engineers was given the task to develop an electric motorcycle in less than one year. The major challenges were a state of the art battery cooling system, the hub en- gines in both wheels and an unique and innovative design. Not to compromise the design against the technical requirements and the successful cooperation in a multitask team turned out to be the biggest challenge. The finished bike was presented to the public at May 29th 2018 at ETH Zurich, at Swiss Moto 2019, and Formula-E Race Zurich 2018, and many more Events as well.
Design
The monobody is the base of the whole motorcycle design. It is modelled following the shape of a human body. The headlight, attached to the collar, is a key visual element and characterizes the head of the design. The prominent expansion of the shoulders gives the motorcycles’ front view a powerful look. The slim seat represents the waist in front of the broadening rear, which finalizes the shape of the monobody. The whole monobody is kept flat and leaning to the front, thus underlining the dynamic appearance of the motorcycle even at standstill.
Innovation
While braking approximately 75 % of the energy are dissipated on the front wheel und thus lost on a conventional motorcycle. That is why ethec is integrating for the first time worldwide a front wheel-hub motor. This additional engine can be used to recuperate braking energy and obtain higher efficiency, safety and a superior overall driving experience. The lithium-ion battery, consisting of 1260 cells, is kept at its ideal operating temperature by a thermoelectrical cooling system. ethec created a reliable and impressive power source by combining a low-maintenance cooling system and a direct-cooling oil stream around all cells.
Technical Data
Battery:
- Lithium-ion technology
- 400 km range
- 15 kWh capacity
- optimized lifespan achieved through integration of an active and passive oil cooling
- continuous monitoring of the cell temperature and the cell voltage
Electronics & Motors:
- wheel hub motors
- 22 kW continuous power
- up to 50 kW peak power
- high voltage interlock for security
- variable recuperation
Mechanics, Design & Packaging:
- tube frame for a low weight
- fairing made of carbon-fiber-enforced plastic
- girder fork allows geometry optimization
- stereo swingarm at the back is a proven design
- entire user-interface through a display
