These are the ever computer renderings of the Vauxhall/Opel RAD e pedelec. They give a good idea of what Vauxall/Opel has in mind. The RAD e’s 250 W electric motor we already knew about – but what appears to be new information is that this would be powered by a lithium-ion battery and deliver, according to Vauxhall/Opel’s calculations at any rate, 40 Nm of instant torque. The battery would be compatible with the company’s FlexFix bicycle carrying system for cars that would allow the RAD e to be charged in transit.
It’s claimed that an average speed of 12.4 mph (20 km/h) should be “easily attainable” – presumably over the entirety of its electrically-propelled range of between, er, 40 and 90 miles (64 to 145 km). You’ve heard of ballpark figures? That’s an airfield figure, though to be fair Vauxhall/Opel says this is dependent on terrain. The RAD e’s frame is intended to be made from hollow pressed-steel and its designers claim it is the first electric bicycle to be “designed around automotive manufacturing mass production methods” – of course, until this thing physically manifests itself, such claims should be regarded with some suspicion.
The bike’s styling is deliberately in line with those of the RAK e electric almost-a-bike, and would share the same smartphone controller which unlocks the engine and provides real-time data on estimated range and what have you. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the concept is that Vauxhall/Opel is applying tried and tested tech (the Li-ion battery and steel frame, specifically) to what is obviously a forward-looking aesthetic.
