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| Power consumption: 62 miles = 3 - 5 kWh = 33.3 - 55.5 cents |
| How much car do humans really need? The CityEL may be the answer. This unique vehicle offers pollution-free and stress-free mobility for times when a full-sized car is unnecessary. For example, commuting to work and everyday shopping. With the CityEL, you can comfortably bridge the few miles up to the next transit station. Bring your child to school in the morning. Leave your full-sized car in the garage until you really need it. Dramatic efficiency increase in the new CityEl. The new FactFour requires only 3,5 to 5 kWhs on 62 miles as opposed to the 7 to 9 kWhs with the old model. A more efficient electric motor avoids abusing the batteries. The capacity of lead acid batteries is much reduced at high discharge currents. An inefficient electric motor requires more current for the same performance. When the battery delivers that higher discharge current, we get fewer watt-hours from the battery. Therefore, the new CityEl with the better drive is called FactFour - because it uses half the electric power consumption, range is doubled, and the lifespan of the batteries is doubled. |
| 2007 AUB, Germany — CityCom AG, manufacturer of the tiny electric-powered CityEl three-wheeler, has announced advancements in charging methods and battery technology that boost economy and driving range. Produced in Kitzingen, Germany, the CityEl is sold primarily in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. CityCom hopes that its new technical developments will boost annual sales. According to CityCom, the current CityEl powered by lead-acid batteries has a cruising range of between 25 and 50 miles. Recharging via normal plug and wall outlet takes about 6-8 hours. Reprogramming of the software used during each charge cycle now permits more efficient battery usage and results in a gain of 5-10 miles in cruising range. But the big news for this very small car is the introduction of an optional lithium-polymer battery pack for spring 2008. Found in everything from laptops to Apple's new iPhone, lithium-polymer batteries are much smaller, lighter and more efficient than the CityEl's current lead-acid batteries. CityCom says cruising ranges of up to 185 miles per charge are possible with the lithium-polymer powered CityEl. Even the lightest version (equipped with a 120-pound battery pack) will allow a cruising range of 75-95 miles per charge. The expected lifespan of the lithium-polymer battery pack is 50,000-75,000 miles, compared to a measly 6,000-15,000 miles for the lead-acid version. A CityEl's dimensions place it somewhere between the smallest European microcar and a motorcycle. At only 107.9 inches long and 41.7 inches wide, the 617-pound CityEl is a perfect fit for the narrow and overcrowded streets of many European city centers. At the moment, two lead-acid electric engines are offered. When equipped with the more powerful electric motor, a CityEl can get up to 41 mph on its three close to zero rolling friction wheels. In base format, top speed drops to 30 mph. |
