efahrer.chip.de 18.06.2022, Source: TWIKE
TWIKE GmbH, based in Rosenthal in northern Hesse, has been manufacturing electric velomobiles for more than 20 years. Thanks to new battery packs, the latest version has a range of up to 500 kilometers.
TWIKE has been since the end of the 1990s one of the pioneer in the then still negligible electric car market. The first models of the Hessen scored points with for the conditions at the time high range, up to 90 kilometers were possible possible for. This was mainly possible because the three-wheeled cars were designed to be extremely light.
Since the beginning TWIKE has used the same battery types and wanted to also for the new version – the Model 5 – not change. However, because the manufacturer specifies the preferred cell in the design 18650 in the past year discontinued, had to reorient its business.
Delivery in two variants
Although the TWIKE 5 is now significantly heavier than before with the new battery, it also boasts a longer range. As the manufacturer announced , the model will be available in two versions in the future: one with an 18 kWh battery and 250 km and one with a 36 kWh battery and 500 km range.
The special thing about TWIKE vehicles is that you can increase their performance by pedaling the integrated pedals in the velomobile. With a certain amount of effort on your part, you could achieve far more than the specified range.
Battery provides positive side effects
The integration of the new batteries also had other positive side effects besides increasing the range. The necessary adjustments have significantly increased the rigidity of the main frame, while the battery design has reduced assembly time. In addition, the increased weight has lowered the center of gravity of the TWIKE 5, thereby optimizing driving dynamics.
TWIKE GmbH has limited production of the Model 5 to 500 units, which cost between €39,900 (250 km range) and €49,900 (500 km range).
