AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just weeks ahead of the launch of the first motorbikes based on its innovative electric-motor system, KLD Energy Technologies and its unique, road-ready platform have another agreement for use in high-volume scooters.
KLD and Australia-based Vmoto Ltd., a leading global scooter manufacturer and distributor, have signed a contract that will put KLD's motor system in several thousand Vmoto scooters next year. Vmoto expects to distribute the motorbikes through its broad global network, with a particular focus on sales into Europe.
"Vmoto is at the cutting-edge of electric scooters and motorcycles," said Christian Okonsky, KLD's founder and chief executive officer. "Like us, they're seeing electric motorbikes generate large and growing interest from riders and companies with fleet needs."
Up until now, worldwide acceptance of electric scooters and motor cycles has been limited somewhat by the performance of traditional electric motor systems. KLD's system, Mr. Okonsky said, represents entirely different technology and integrated development of the motor, battery pack and controller.
"We're able to deliver higher torque, higher speed and higher efficiency that make the function and value of electric comparable to or better than gas-powered motorbikes," he said, "while reducing pollution from emissions and noise."
KLD's unique nanocrystalline composite material allows the motor system to operate at significantly increased frequencies than iron-core electric motors. An innovative battery laminate prevents cascading failure of cells, extending battery life and lowering the cost of service. The company's direct-drive motor captures and regenerates kinetic energy on hills and in stop-and-go traffic, and is expandable for more power and speed.
The result is a motor system that today can produce motorbike speeds of more than 100 km per hour with a range beyond 100 km. According to industry analysts, about 140 million electric motorcycles and motor scooters will be sold worldwide in the next six years.
Both KLD and Vmoto are demonstrating their leadership in electric motorbikes this week at the 69th Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori (EICMA) international motorcycle exhibition in Milan. The event, which last year drew more than 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts and nearly 1,200 exhibitors, runs through Nov. 13. Vmoto is displaying the KLD motor system in its booth at EICMA, and KLD is featuring a Vmoto motorbike in its space.
KLD's contract with Vmoto follows an earlier agreement with Eclimo Sdn Bhd, a Malaysia company that will soon introduce the first KLD-powered motorbikes. Eclimo has said it will initially sell more than 40,000 electric scooters as part of a program to advance the country's clean-energy strategy.
KLD has a contract-manufacturing agreement with China's Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Co. Ltd., is expected to use the motor system in its own products starting next year. Qianjiang is one of the largest motorcycle and engine manufacturing companies in the world.
About KLD Energy Technologies Inc.
Austin, Texas-based KLD Energy Technologies' mission is to develop innovative, sustainable technologies. The company, focused on the research, development and commercialization of advanced technologies, has received acclaim and worldwide interest in its first product, a complete system that redefines the performance of electric propulsion and generation systems in dozens of industries. The system is designed for high-frequency operations, offering revolutionary system efficiency. KLD Energy Technologies is dedicated to bringing clean technologies to a global marketplace. For more information, visit www.kldenergy.com.
About Vmoto Ltd.
Vmoto is a global integrated scooter manufacturing and distribution group with a 40,000 square-metre, state-of-the-art production facility situated in Nanjing, China. Vmoto specialises in high-quality motor scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), of which 80 percent of the company's products are focused on the fast-growing electric scooter market. With global customers in Europe, North America, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Vmoto also operates an international scooter and ATV trading and distribution business in Shanghai, China, and a sales, distribution and design centre based in Barcelona, Spain. More information is available at www.vmoto.com and www.vmotoltd.com.
Contacts
KLD Energy Technologies Inc.
T.R. Reid, 512-869-9094
tr.reid@kldenergy.com