In one of our previous articles, we discussed the importance of batteries and how the development of microprocessors has been crucial for the creation of modern electric vehicles. One of our readers commented on the article, asking something along the lines of, "Is it true that thanks to electronics, your battery can last more than eight years?" The answer is yes. It truly can. The lifespan of a battery depends heavily on factors like its charge/discharge cycle, the speed and intensity of usage, and the instantaneous power requirements. Not only is the overall battery being monitored, but each individual cell within the battery is also checked. The state of each cell, its level of "fatigue," is compared against others. This isn't just passive monitoring; the information gathered every second is processed, and based on this data, the most optimal mode is selected for each specific situation. For instance, whether you're charging your electric bike, accelerating at a traffic light, overtaking another vehicle, or taking a leisurely ride through the park.

Let's consider a scenario: you accelerate at a traffic light, brake at a crossroads, enter a park trail, and suddenly stop because a squirrel jumps onto the path. Each action is unpredictable, requiring an immediate response. Imagine if you twisted the throttle at a traffic light and nothing happened—your e-bike froze for a few seconds before slowly starting to rev up. Terrible, right? All these actions are programmed and processed in real-time. Can you imagine the sheer volume of data and variables required for this? Electric motors are even more complex. Adjusting the rotational speed and torque involves manipulating the electromagnetic field in the winding, meaning we need another controller to manage the electric motor in electric transport. Historically, electric motors were used for straightforward tasks, like lifting loads with a winch. Since we know the weight of the load and the height it needs to reach, the algorithm is relatively simple and doesn't require electronics. However, in electric transportation, situations change constantly, demanding far more intelligent and rapid control over the electric motor.

Now we understand that in our electric bike, there's a "smart" battery communicating with a similarly "intelligent" motor controller. At some level, they must "understand" each other, exchange information, draw conclusions, and make decisions. The higher the level of this "understanding" and "conversation," the better the battery and motor will perform, extending their lifespans and increasing efficiency. And it doesn't stop there. To begin moving, you need either a throttle or a PAS system. How do you determine how quickly you want to start moving—smoothly or with a sudden burst of speed? Consider the squirrel example again. Your bike should instantly detect this and send a signal to the battery, which then provides the necessary voltage to the motor while ensuring the motor doesn't overheat, preventing potential battery damage. Therefore, an electric bike's block diagram might look something like this:

We cannot stress enough that viewing an e-bike as a regular bike with an electric motor attached is fundamentally incorrect. While an electric bike performs similar functions as a traditional bike, the difference is akin to comparing a potter's wheel to a 3D printer. Both can create nice saucers, but a 3D printer can handle much more complex tasks. Notice that there are no pedals in the block diagram of an electric bike. This is crucial. A traditional bike relies on human muscle power, whereas an electric bike uses energy stored in its battery, managed and distributed automatically via a processor. Of course, a cyclist on an electric bike can pedal all the way, but the effort remains consistent, regardless of terrain. Whether riding on flat ground or uphill, the motor quietly kicks in to assist. This is similar to how your smartphone or laptop operates—a "smart" electronic device, only on wheels. This means that any task solvable by a smartphone can theoretically be implemented on electric bikes, provided it makes sense. Note that sensors and modules connect to the circuit via a bus, allowing for easy integration of additional functionalities. Thus:

Why is it important (or possible) to have an electric bike with built-in GPS, anti-theft systems, and other features?

Because all the systems of a modern electric bike can—and, in the future, should—work as modules under unified control. For example, a GPS module can calculate routes and inform the central processor about the optimal speed to ensure sufficient battery life for the entire journey. If the battery charge is low, the GPS map can direct you to the nearest charging station and estimate travel time. We can also use the GPS data to track the bike's location and link it with the anti-theft system. Additionally, the anti-theft system can be integrated with a user-identification system, making the device highly personalized. Features like a media center, radio station, temperature sensors, radar distance monitors, cameras, and a communication module could all work together as a cohesive unit. Tesla has demonstrated what's possible, and it's feasible to implement similar technologies on any electric bike, given adequate funding. The key point is that electric bikes, like all electric vehicles, are already integrating seamlessly into the modern world, offering endless opportunities for growth and innovation.

Why is Delfast an electric bike for professional use?

But that's a topic for our next article.