This Electric Bike Rides Itself Thanks To a Software That Controls All Its Components

One of the creators in the workshop in which they have built the first demonstration prototype of the electric bike Weel EV-B.La Weel EV-B is probably the smartest electric bike ever built, or so say its manufacturers: David Hansen, Justin Corbett and Dylan Meehan, three American visionaries inspired by the design and technology of the Tesla Cybertruck. The concept of autonomous vehicle that now evolves in electric cars is transferred here to a bike whose software controls each and every one of its components to allow it to drive alone.

Nowadays it is not strange that vehicles are endowed with a certain intelligence. However, the Weel EV-B takes that concept to a whole new level. Beyond its frame of thick matte gray aluminum beams inspired by the Cybertruck, what makes this vehicle more special is the integration of hardware and software to make it partially autonomous.

David Hansen, Justin Corbett and Dylan Meehan wanted to build a “cool” electric vehicle that looked like a bicycle, defined by software and could drive itself. The result is a pre-production prototype that although not yet available for purchase if it can be admired thanks to the video that appears below.

The software that governs the EV-B can be controlled through a dedicated application that is installed on the mobile phone. In fact, in this case the technical specifications of its engines are “unimportant”, since it can be configured to comply with the regulations of each region, so that, for example, in Europe a power limit of 250 W and a maximum assistance speed of 25 km / h would be established.

But in addition to that, from that application it is possible to control the brakes, the pedals, the sensitivity of the accelerator (to cancel it if it is not legal) and many more options. Although the maximum speed of the vehicle is limited by the software, it can potentially reach up to 80 km/h.

From what can be seen in the images, the mechanical architecture of the Weel EV-B is based on two electric motors, one in each hub of its wheels. It is powered by a battery integrated in the frame, pedals attached to a regeneration system, cables and sensors that replace components such as the chain, sprockets and gears and hydraulic brake systems.

On the front it integrates a dashcam capable of offering a 360-degree vision. It also includes several radars and a LiDAR with which it can anticipate frontal collisions, initiating, for example, the braking maneuver, to say just some of its most interesting features. The part of the software dedicated to artificial intelligence learns from the riding style of each cyclist and adjusts the parameters of assistance, braking and handling over time.

The application allows the adjustment of a large number of parameters and settings. The ‘Weel Copilot’ function is one of the most amazing functions of this electric bike because it can keep the bike balanced even when the hands are removed from the handlebars. Another notable function is the ‘Elevator Mode’ that helps to climb some stairs, for example.

While the creators have not yet revealed most of the specifications of the electric bike when it comes to the technical characteristics of its motors and battery, they do mention that they are fully customizable. Consequently, the power and kilometers during which you can assist the pedaling will depend on what each buyer chooses. If it has been advanced that the battery will be equipped with a fast charging system capable of adding 8 kilometers for every 15 minutes of connection to the network

Candela C-8 Boat Already Has an Official Presentation Date

Electric sailing enthusiasts are in luck, since from Candela, the new brand specialized in electric boats, has just made public the official date of presentation and subsequent commercialization of the C-8, its latest all-electric hydrofoil model and that they already call “the most anticipated electric boat in the world” due, particularly, to its attractive design, General specifications and capabilities.

In recent months there have been many electric boats that have been presented in society, however, there is one that has known how to shine among all of them. This would be the Candela C-8, which was presented in society as a mere digital design last August. Months later, the model began its tests in real environments and just three months ago we could see how a prototype of the Candela C-8 developed in its “inaugural navigation”. Now, the advances on this electric boat have borne fruit and from the company they assure that it is ready to be presented in society definitively, as well as to start marketing and selling to its potential customers.

Next week, specifically from May 28 to June 5, one of the largest events in the nautical sector, the so-called Salone Nautico Venezia, will be held on the Italian city of Venice, which will have a total of 9 days of exhibitions, conferences, regattas and tests of the different boats on the waters around the historic city. Taking advantage of this event of enormous international significance, from Candela they have decided that this will be the ideal environment to publicly meet the “most anticipated electric boat in the world”, as the Swedish manufacturer calls it.

This company will be present at this event during all the days of celebration of the Salone Nautico Venezia, in which it will show the details of the Candela C-8 to all those interested who come there. During the event, the Swedish firm will open the order book. They can be booked by giving a deposit (of 1,000 euros refundable) or, directly, contributing the entire amount that it will cost to get an electric Candela C-8, which is estimated to start at $ 330,000. Presumably, the first deliveries to final customers will be a complete reality throughout the second half of next year 2023.

Candela C-8: An Upgrade to C-7

This will be the second model launched by the company, after the Candela C-7, which was presented in 2019 and incorporated succulent solutions for its electrical mechanics. However, the C-8 is positioned one step above the previous model, since its hull is somewhat larger, reaching 8.5 meters in length and 2.5 meters in width. It hosts important technological advances in maritime electrification, such as its electric hydrofoil system, which is capable of reducing friction with water by up to 80%, which ensures greater electric autonomy and a higher top speed; but also its latest model of electric motor outboard, which is postulated as the most efficient in the world.

From the company they claim that their specifications will make this the closest thing there is to driving an electric supercar through the water thanks to its instant power delivery. The maximum speed will be about 24 knots (44 km/h) and its autonomy will be around 100 kilometers at cruising speed. Its hull has been developed in carbon fiber and its inspiration was that of airplanes. The Candela C-8 can present an image of a boat without a roof or, conversely, attach one to it for the days when it rains or to use it as a mere protection of its cabin.