The KEB City has a step-through frame, rear-mounted battery, 28-inch wheels and mud-flaps
BICYCLES
KIA shows two electric bikes and a new manufacturing process
By Jack Martin March 4, 2014
The KEB City has a step-through frame, rear-mounted battery, 28-inch wheels and mud-flaps
South Korean automotive manufacturer Kia looks set to return to its bicycle-manufacturing roots with the showing of two prototype electric bikes at the Geneva Motor Show. Already given a brand name – Kia Electric Bicycle (KEB) – both prototypes are of the "pedelec" variety, meaning they can be pedaled and powered electrically, with one a "City" and the other a Mountain Bike (MTB).
Kia's beginnings in 1944 were as a bicycle producer and it went on to become Korea's first mass producer of bicycles before growing into one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers. Fittingly, the two prototype KEBs were displayed alongside the company's first globally-available electric vehicle – the Soul EV. Also worth noting is that KEB's bikes will, should production be sanctioned, be manufactured in an innovative fashion.
The bikes originated from Kia’s Namyang Research & Development Centre in Korea, and use a monocoque metal frame that is manufactured by combining an advanced metal stamping technology and a robotic automated welding process.
Kia's new metal stamping technology is a production method specifically developed at the Namyang R&D Centre for manufacturing the KEB’s frame, an indication that production is inevitable. After pressing a metal sheet for each half of the frame, the two are welded together by an automated robotic welding process.
Kia claims a number of significant advantages for the robotic manufacturing process, including a greater choice of metals (metal stamping will allow the frame to be made from aluminum, high-tensile steel or stainless steel), "automotive standard" quality control, a less complex and cheaper manufacturing process, a greater degree of design freedom, and an array of surfacing details that can be added during the pressing of the metal frame.
Both models use the same drivetrain and power pack – a 250 watt hub motor and a 36 volt, 10 amp lithium-ion polymer battery pack which can be removed for charging, and recharged inside four hours from a domestic powerpoint.
Both also weigh around 20 kg (44 lb), have a top speed of 25 kph (15.5 mph), a 40 km (25 mile) range and brake and gear componentry from Shimano.
http://www.kiapressoffice.com/Release/35842
http://www.gizmag.com/kia-electric-bikes/31076/
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ENVIRONMENT
The Green Network: How Hamburg could be car-free in 20 years
By Nick Lavars March 4, 2014
The green network is designed to encourage outdoor activities along with mitigating the impact of climate change and flooding
Its hard to imagine a major metropolis devoid of cars in any country, let alone in the home of celebrated brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Germany's affection for all things automotive may be in for a shake up however, with the city of Hamburg setting the wheels in motion for its "Green Network," a bold plan make cars an optional mode of transport in the city within 15-20 years.
As it stands, around half of the land making up Hamburg, Germany's second largest city, is covered by green and public open spaces. These parks, play areas, sports grounds and cemeteries are scattered from the inner city to the outskirts, with many already joined by two "Green Rings." One of the rings borders the inner city with a radius of around 1 km (0.62 miles) from Hamburg's city hall, the second a little further out with a radius of 8-10 km (5-6.2 miles).
In creating the Green Network, the aim is to better connect these spaces by building a network of closed walking and cycling paths isolated from motor traffic. This will in turn promote recreational activities and champion Hamburg's status as a green metropolis.
As it stands, around half of the land making up Hamburg
In addition to building new routes for a better connected city, the plan involves significant upgrades to existing paths and spaces. This means improving and connecting large parks in the inner city and closing gaps in the outer ring, along with improved signposting and installation of new facilities.
Along with encouraging outdoor activities and promoting walking and cycling as form of transport, the additional green infrastructure will also absorbing water in the case of rain and flooding.
"The green network makes sense from a climate change adaptation perspective, especially since our residents are quite progressive when it comes to climate change adaptation. Many Hamburgers are willing to give up their cars, which is very unusual in Germany," Jens Kerstan, leader of the Greens Party in Hamburg's state parliament told The Guardian.
Source: Green Network
http://www.hamburg.de/gruenes-netz/
http://www.gizmag.com/green-network-hamburg/31077/
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