Top 5 electric bike makers in India

Shubhananda Bera 

Electric bikes have been popular in India for a while now and have been running quite successfully. The top 5 electric bike companies include Ampere Vehicles, Hero Ultra, Yo Bikes, ACE Motors and Eko Vehicles. Here are the best models in the market right now.

Hero Ultra

Hero Exports Private Limited (HE), an affiliate of Hero Cycles Ltd has taken up a joint venture with Ultra Motor Company (UMC), a global electric vehicle company based in UK. The new venture has produced two new models -- Velociti an electric scooter with extra speed, and Optima, an electric scooter with extra range.

Velociy, priced at Rs 34,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) is available across selected showrooms in north, west and southern parts of India initially. It targeted mainly the 28 year plus -- the evolved commuters.

Velociti is available in two colour options: Silver and Burgundy.

On the other hand, Optima is a new addition to the already existing range of seven models of basic electric scooters of Hero Ultra.

Hero is one of the leading cycle manufacturing companies in India. In case of electric bikes too, Hero has become one of the leading sellers in India. Manufactured with a high power engine and an extended battery backup, Hero has captured the market for electric bikes in India.

Ampere Vehicles

Ampere Vehicles Pvt Ltd., located in Coimbatore was established in 2008 and is now reputed as one of the top five electric bike manufacturing companies in India. The vehicles produced by the company are cost effective and of high quality. What's more? They look stylish and they perform well.

Ampere Vehicles is known to provide electric mobility solutions for people from all walks in Asia and beyond. The company has an assembly line in its manufacturing facility at Sulur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. It has been able to establish wide network of partners and associates all over the state within a short period of time.

Their electric bikes can be seen in all metros and the other tier one cities in India.

Various models produced by the company includeAbhi, Adya, Angel, Aditi, Bobo Retro, Buddy, E-Puller, E-Trollery, EM Truck, LC4, Mitra, Pearl, Prince, Trishul, V60, Visva DD and Zeal.

Yo Bykes

In 2006 Electrotherm (India) Ltd, was the first to introduce electric scooter with the brand name of Yo Bykes. It offers the most economical, eco-friendly, easy and safe mobility solution. Bikes are powered with electric drivetrain where BLDC motor and rechargeable batteries replace the conventional engine.

Bikes produced by the company consist zero tail pipe emission, and therefore, do not create air pollution (0 per cent carbon dioxide emission) and noise pollution.

The bikes are economical, with highest speed limit of 55kmph. These electric bikes are safe for city riding conditions, while the feature ample storage space with lock to store valuables.

Yo Bykes provides wide range of models to choose from. The no-license category includes Yo Electron (Rs 22,200 at Delhi Ex-showroom), Yo Style ( Rs 25,000 at Delhi Ex-showroom) and Yo Xplor (Rs 31,705 at Delhi Ex-showroom).

Extended range variant available with Yo Electron and Yo Style. The high-speed category includes Yo Spark (Rs 34,000 at Delhi Ex-showroom) and YO EXL (Rs 37,500 at Delhi Ex-showroom)

Eko Vehicles

They were the first company to introduce electric bikes to the Indian subcontinent.

Based out of Bangalore, the company mainly deals with battery-operated bikes in India.

Two of its models include Eko cosmic (Rs 23,000 at Ex-showroom Bangalore) and Eko Ev (Rs 21,000 at Ex-showroom Bangalore).

ACE Motors

Located at Pune, ACE Motors is primarily involved in manufacturing electric bikes like E-Trendy and E-Sports, and are getting impressive response from the market. Both of these electric bikes priced at Rs 26,500 and run 200 km on a 6-8 hour charge.

These two-wheelers are assembled with technical assistance from Changtong E Bike Company Ltd of China. Having established a liaison office in China, the company has started taking in export orders from Amsterdam, Germany and other European nations.

Initially, two models E-sports and E-trendy were manufactured in India with the technical assistance from Changtong E Bike Company, one of China's leading electric bike manufacturers.

The bikes launched featured rechargeable battery that promises to run between 60-70km for a charge that would cost no more than just Rs 4.50.

The brand NEW Royal Enfield Bullet 500

he Bullet 500 is here and we are all drooling already!

When you think of the Royal Enfield Bullet bikes you get that nostalgic feel, which has always made this classic bike a winner, of the fifties and sixties. We all are probably aware of the history that goes with the legend of Royal Enfield; the British army used it in the sixties to trod on and through the rough and tough routes.

The new Royal Enfield Bullet 500 launched on April 12, 2013 has been priced at a whopping price of Rs 1,53,855 (on road price for Delhi). What is most fascinating about the model is that this time the company has kept the traditional 'Tiger Eyes' look alive with an all new refreshing and sturdier model.

Apart from all the traditional features, the motorcycle is a delight for both the rider and pillion with comfortable seating. It features a new pillion grab rail, which is aesthetically designed like a backrest to cushion an impact. The front wheel comprises of a disc brake while the rear comprises of a drum.

The new model is a highly modernised version of the legendary original machine, and continues to maintain its aristocratic lineage

Engine

Royal Enfield Bullet features a 499 cc, four stroke, single cylindered, twin-sparked, air cooled engine, which adds muscle to the specifications of this bike. Moreover, it offers a displacement of 84mm x 90mm.

The compression ratio offered by Bullet 500 is about 8.5:1, and comes with a maximum power output of 26.1 bhp at 5100 rpm, with a peak torque of 40.9 Nm at 3800 rpm.

The ignition system has a TCI unit, and the clutch is both multi-plated and wet. Last but not the least, while the gearbox supports a heavy duty 5 Speed Constant Mesh, the engine offers the options of both an electric, as well as kick star

Dimensions

The wheelbase is about 1370 mm, and comes with a ground clearance of 135 mm.

The length of the bike is about 2140 mm while the width being 810 mm (without mirror).

Further, the bike measures 1110 mm (without mirror) in height, and has a kerb weight (with 90 per cent fuel) of 193 kg. Moreover, it has a fuel capacity of 13.5 litres, for an extended run.

Chassis and suspension

The Enfield Bullet 500 is one of its own types and comes with a single downtube, using the engine as the stress member.

The front suspension is about 130 mm, and is telescopic in nature, and offers a comfortable travel, while the rear suspension is about 80 mm, and consists of a twin gas charged shock absorber, offering a shock-free travel.

Overview

Although the new release of Bullet 500 has come as a surprise to Bullet freaks, everyone was expecting the much awaited 'cafe racer' to be launched a lot sooner. However, the good news is that the delay has not disappointed any of its fans and is reportedly being enjoyed by aspiring riders. One look and you'll know why it's been named as 'Classic'. It's a perfect blend of the modern and vintage styling.

It comes with a classic styled round headlamp and visible steel springs. The powerful bullet 500 sports 18" spoke wheels and a cool fuel tank with post war graphics. The thigh pads and the single saddle seat equipped with springs give this bike an extra benefit.

Moreover, the Royal Enfield has given a traditional look to the front number plate to maintain its sanctity.

The New Variants of Classic 500 are the Royal Enfield Classic 500 Chrome, and the Royal Enfield Classic 500 Desert Storm. Although both the variants are same in terms of engine and other tech specs, the classic chrome 500, features an all-over chrome finish, while the Classic Desert Storm 500 comes in a light brown shade with a matte finish.

The Classic Chrome has been priced at Rs 1.65 lakh, which is about Rs 10,000 more than the regular variant of Classic 500.

The Classic Desert Storm has been priced at Rs 1.58 lakh, which is about Rs 3,000 more than the regular variant of Classic 500. However, both the variants are powered by a 499cc, single cylinder engine which generates a maximum power of 27.2 Bhp at 5250 rpm and offers a peak torque of 41.3 Nm at 4000 rpm.

The Classic 500 Chrome is available in two shades: black and royal maroon. On the other hand, the Classic 500 Desert Storm is available in only one shade: light brown with matte finish.

There is one more variant of Classic 500 known as the Classic Military 500. However, it shall not be launched in India because the green shade is reserved for the Indian Army only.

The Bullet, since ages has been known as the bike for the rough riders, who mostly like to ride solo. The space and comfort level of the Classic Bullet 500 is addictive and this bike returns a fuel economy of around25-30 kms/litre in city conditions, while on highways, its mileage ranges between 32-35 kms/litre.

Undoubtedly, the Royal Enfield Classic 500 has no competitor in the Indian bike market. Exclusivity is the biggestUSP of this bike. Moreover, the performance and the ride quality of this bike, makes it most distinctive. We feel it's a complete value-for-money bike, and should be the first choice of the grown-up boys

Meet Makr Shakr, the perfect robot bartender

Scientists have developed a robot that can act as the perfect bartender - from shaking a martini to slicing a lemon.

Makr Shakr consists of three robotic arms which mimic the actions of a bartender.

The robots are linked to an app which allows users to create their own cocktails from scratch, BBC News reported.

"Makr Shakr is a great example of how digital technologies are changing the interaction between people and products," said Carlo Ratti, director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Senseable City Lab, which directed the project.

"The system explores the new dynamics of social creation and consumption - 'design, make and enjoy' - allowing users to design their own cocktail creations, while digitally controlled machines transform these designs into reality," Ratti said.

The team behind the project hope to create a "bottom-up bar culture", allowing users to learn from each other by sharing drink recipes and photos.

The robots' movements have been modelled on the gestures of Roberto Bolle, a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre.

Makr Shakr will be serving cocktails to delegates at the Google I/O conference in San Francisco this week.

iRobot charged with improving public safety for Brazil 2014 World Cup

The Brazilian government says some of the security robots bought to improve public safety during the 2014 World Cup will be ready for the Confederations Cup in June.

The company iRobot says the 30 robots would be delivered by the end of the year, along with spares and other support gear. The government confirmed Thursday that some will already be in action in the six cities hosting Confederations Cup matches.

The company said Brazil signed a $7.2 million contract, which included the small unmanned ground vehicles which can provide surveillance, bomb removal and other law-enforcement missions.

The Confederations Cup is the first of a series of high profile events Brazil will host, including the World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Security at sporting events has become a hot topic after the recent bombings at the Boston Marathon, although Brazilian officials have said they didn't make significant changes to the country's security plans because of the incident in the United States. Brazil has never had to deal with terrorist attacks in the past.

The equipment being purchased by Brazil includes a type of multi-use robot "that has proven useful for a variety of law enforcement applications, including the inspection of potentially dangerous areas and objects, the removal of suspicious devices and the detection of chemical and explosive agents," according to iRobot.

The robots weigh about 60 pounds and are customizable to include a robotic arm and other feature. They are operated remotely with a small control unit that essentially is a ruggedized laptop with a game-style controller, the company said.

"The purpose of these robots is to keep the operator and other people safe while an investigation is being conducted," iRobot told The Associated Press in an email.

The company said it has "delivered more than 5,000 robots to military and civil defense forces worldwide."

Brazil plans to have between 3,000 and 5,000 soldiers in each of the 12 host cities during the World Cup, the first in Brazil since 1950. The 2016 Olympics in Rio will be the first in South America.

The Brazilian Air Force earlier this year said it invested nearly $25 million to purchase two Israeli-made drones to help provide public safety. It already had two of the unmanned planes since 2001. The air force said it will also have a new radar system in place.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff had already announced that security will be reinforced along the 10,000 miles of the country's borders in preparation for the Confederations Cup. About 20,000 troops are expected to be added to reinforce security in the region.

Brazil shares borders with 10 countries in South America. Most police action in the region involves combating drug traffic and the illegal entrance of goods.

How Intel blew the opportunity to be inside the original iPhone

As Intel's former CEO Paul Otellini hands over the charge to Brian Krzanich, he reveals that he missed a chance to get Intel's processor inside the first iPhone.

In an interview with The Atlantic, Otellini disclosed that Apple had approached Intel to source a chip that they wanted to put in the iPhone but there were differences in the price that Apple was willing to pay and what Intel estimated. 

"We ended up not winning it or passing on it, depending on how you want to view it. And the world would have been a lot different if we'd done it," Otellini said.

He also added that his gut told him to say yes. There was also a sign of regret. "The lesson I took away from that was, while we like to speak with data around here, so many times in my career I've ended up making decisions with my gut, and I should have followed my gut," said Otellini. "My gut told me to say yes."

"The thing you have to remember is that this was before the iPhone was introduced and no one knew what the iPhone would do... At the end of the day, there was a chip that they were interested in that they wanted to pay a certain price for and not a nickel more and that price was below our forecasted cost. I couldn't see it. It wasn't one of these things you can make up on volume. And in hindsight, the forecasted cost was wrong and the volume was 100x what anyone thought."

It's not clear from the interview if Apple wanted the iPhone to be powered by Intel's x86 chips or, as is more likely, Apple wanted Intel to manufacture ARM chips on contract. Going by the Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson, Jobs had his reasons for not going with Intel chips for the iPhone. 

"There were two reasons we didn't go with them. One was that they [the company] are just really slow. They're like a steamship, not very flexible. We're used to going pretty fast. Second is that we just didn't want to teach them everything, which they could go and sell to our competitors," said Jobs.

This implies that Apple did not choose Intel as it was not sure of the company's existing chips and of the company's ability to offer a customised solution in time. It also didn't want Intel using its know-how to help competitors.

He is quoted saying,"At the high-performance level, Intel is the best.They build the fastest, if you don't care about power and cost." Jobs also added that "We [Apple] tried to help Intel, but they don't listen much."

However the book also features a rebuttal from Otellini saying that the two companies did not agree on the price and on who'd control the design of the chip.

While Intel has been a late entrant to the smartphone chips segment as its early Atom chips were not optimised for offering a good battery life, there were some reports before the launch of the original iPhone that quoted an Apple executive saying that the phone runs on an Intel powered chip. Even Intel had said that Apple had committed to use its 'Silverthorne' chip in multiple products.

Apple's first iPhone ended up using an ARM chip produced by Samsung. Till the last generation, all iPhones ware powered by chips designed by Apple and manufactured by Samsung.

An year prior to the release of the iPhone, Apple had released the first Macs that were powered by Intel processors before moving to a completely Intel based architecture in 2009.

Meanwhile Intel is trying to get its share in the mobile chipsets segment partnering with device manufacturers to power Android based smartphones as it faces tough competition from the likes of Samsung, Qualcomm and even Nvidia.

Meteoroid impact triggers bright flash on the moon

Cape Canaveral, Florida: An automated telescope monitoring the moon has captured images of an 88-pound (40 kg) rock slamming into the lunar surface, creating a bright flash of light, NASA scientists said on Friday.

The explosion on March 17 was the biggest seen since NASA began watching the moon for meteoroid impacts about eight years ago. So far, more than 300 strikes have been recorded.

"It exploded in a flash nearly 10 times as bright as anything we've ever seen before," Bill Cooke, with NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, said in a statement.

A NASA satellite orbiting the moon is now on a hunt for the newly formed crater, which scientists estimate could be as wide as 66 feet (20 meters).

The flash was so bright that anyone looking at the moon at the moment of impact could have seen it without a telescope, NASA said.

After reviewing digital recordings made by one of the program's telescopes, scientists determined the space rock was about 1 foot (0.3 meters) in diameter, and traveling about 56,000 mph (90,123 kph) when it slammed into the moon and exploded with the force of five tons of TNT.

That same night, cameras detected an unusually high number of meteors blasting through Earth's atmosphere as well. Most meteors burn up well before reaching the ground.

But not always. In February, an asteroid estimated to be about 66 feet (20 meters) in diameter exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, damaging buildings and shattering glass, leaving more than 1,500 injured. It was the largest object to strike Earth since 1908.

"The Russian fireball was many orders of magnitude larger and possessed 100,000 times more energy," than the lunar impact, Cooke wrote in an email to Reuters.

He believes the lunar impact and the March 17 meteor shower on Earth are related, the result of both bodies traveling together through a region of space sprinkled with small rocks and dust.

"We'll be keeping an eye out for signs of a repeat performance next year when the Earth-moon system passes through the same region of space," Cooke said.

THE ROAD MADE UP OF WASTE PLASTIC

Pune gets first road made from plastic waste

Pune: It is a known fact that waste generated from discarded plastic items is hazardous to the environment, but what is seldom known is that waste plastic can also be utilised in constructing roads in the city. The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) recently repaired half a km of the road outside Hutchings High School near Old Golibar Maidan.

This was done by integrating plastic with tar known as polymer-modified bitumen, thus making good use of discarded plastic and preventing further damage to the environment.  This move has been carried out with the advocacy of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to prevent the persistent problem of potholes on the roads and to increase the resistance to water at a lower construction cost.

New initiative
PCB Vice President, Prasad Kedari said, "It's comparatively cheaper than the usual road making cost and since it is on a trial basis we are planning to carry it out on roads that are not used extensively. This is our new initiative." Such road constructions were earlier carried out in the South and this is the first time it has been experimented in the city. "By using plastic we are recycling it and preventing further damage to the environment," he added.

According to the contractors, 90 per cent of bitumen is amalgamated with 10 per cent of plastic that includes everyday waste ranging from carry bags to miscellaneous items like biscuit and gutka packets. These products are shredded into small pieces and mixed with the liquid before laying it on the road. Contractors say that the cost of the entire process is not more than Rs. 325 per metre.

"Even if 10 per cent plastic is mixed, it could save up to the equivalent quantity of bitumen. We'll have to wait and see if it provides any better results," said R Khetarpal, the contractor who has undertaken the project.

If the project is successful then the board that holds eight wards including Ghorpadi, Market Yard and MG road in the Cantonment area, covering almost 20 km of the road, will repair all roads with polymer-modified bitumen.

Is plastic better?
Plastic-cum-tar roads is 25 per cent better than unmodified roads and is almost 200 per cent resistant to soaking up water. The maintenance cost of the road is very low, while its durability is high. The roads reportedly need no repairing for at least five years.