Hybrid News

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Transportation Alternatives, On Two Wheels, Japan

Yamaha certainly has plenty of experience making sporty two-wheeled vehicles, as riders of the firm’s R6 and R1 sportbikes can certainly attest. Now, though, it seems that the Tuning Fork company has decided to branch out into human power, specifically with a new hybrid bicycle. What makes this particular machine, knows as the PAS Brace, particularly interesting is how it manages the electrical assistance. First, an eight speed rear hub is used and allows shifting at any time, even from a dead stop. Depending on what gear the bike is in, a computer controls how much electrical power to send to the motor for assistance. Once top speed is reached, the system completely shuts down.

We’ve seen similar machines from other manufactures on these pages before, but what makes this Yamaha stand out is the low pricing. When equipped with the standard 4.0 Ah 25.9 volt lithium ion battery, the PAS Brace will sell for just $1,150, though it will only be available in Japan to start. There’s always eBay…

[Sources: Nikkei, Engadget]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Penn State researchers, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, have developed a proof-of-concept device that can split water and produce recoverable hydrogen. The research is based on the principles of photosynthesis, which occurs in nature, and allows plants, trees, algae, and even certain bacteria to turn sunlight into usable energy. Recreating that process artificially is the crux of this experiment. And though it is at an extremely early phase of development, it does carry implications on the future of sustainability.

read more

Original post by shamit