KIA shows two electric bikes and a new manufacturing process

South Korean automaker Kia looks set to return to its roots of bicycle manufacturers with the screening of two prototype electric bicycles in Geneva. Now as a brand name – Kia Electric Bicycle (KEB) – both prototypes are of the “pedelec” variety, which means they can be electrically powered and pedaled with a “City”, and the other a mountain bike (MTB ).

Kia’s beginnings were in 1944 as a producer of bicycles and went on to become the first mass producer of bicycles in Korea before becoming one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. Fittingly, the two prototypes were exhibited kebs first electric vehicle with worldwide-available from the company – the Alma EV. Also noteworthy is that bicycles KEB, should be sanctioned production, manufacture of innovative ways.

Bicycles originated in the Research and Development Namyang Kia in Korea, and the use of a metal monocoque structure that is made by combining a metal stamping technology advanced and automated robotic welding process.

New technology of metal stamping Kia is a production method specifically developed to Namyang R & D center for the manufacture KEB frame, an indication that the production is inevitable. After pressing a sheet of metal for each half of the frame, the two are welded together by an automated robotic welding process.

Kia claims a number of significant advantages to the process of robotic manufacturing, including a wider choice of metals (metal stamping will allow the frame to be made of aluminum, high-strength steel or stainless steel), control quality “automotive standard”, a less complex process and cheaper manufacture, a greater degree of freedom in design, and a number of details in the surface that may be added during the pressing of the metal structure.

Both models use the same powertrain and power supply – A hub motor 250W and a 36 volt battery lithium ion polymer 10-amp that can be removed for charging and recharging in four hours a Domestic powerpoint.

They also weigh about 20 kg (44 lbs), has a maximum speed of 25 kph (15.5 mph), 40 km (25 miles) range and the brake and gear components from Shimano.