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Technology

Apr 30, 2013,00:38 AM

Power.

To set Turbo far ahead of the rest, Specialized engineers focused on three critical areas — the battery, motor, and electronic interface— as integrated components of a complete machine.

They started by choosing the best and most powerful rear-hub motor available, and then customized and redesigned it for the Turbo’s precise demands. The battery was built from scratch to specific parameters, providing the motor with efficient, immediate, and lasting power. Finally, the electronics were engineered to assure the entire package works flawlessly and intuitively—easily allowing for rider customization and interface with current and future technology.

Only a motor with extraordinarily tight tolerances could provide the power we demanded. So we searched the industry and found the only producer capable of meeting our precise needs.

To achieve Turbo's lofty performance goals—and set if far ahead of the rest—engineers focused on three critical areas: the battery, motor, and electronic interface. They looked at them not as individual parts, but as integral parts of a whole. We started by choosing the finest, most powerful rear-hub motor available, and then we customized and redesigned it for our precise demands. Then a battery was built from scratch with our specific parameters to provide that motor with the most efficient, immediate, and lasting power. Finally the electronics were engineered to assure the entire package works flawlessly and intuitively—easily allowing for rider customization and interface with current and future technology.

Waterproof power connector

Fully integrated power connector for easy accessibility and fast wheel changes.

Lithium Ion cells like these all have what’s called a “C-rating”—it’s a measure of how much power can be pulled from the battery at once. Think of it like the diameter of a hose that connects a gas tank to an engine: a big tank with narrow hose means it can’t deliver a lot of fuel to the motor. Our custom Li-Ion cells have extremely high C-rates, allowing maximum power to be delivered to the motor quickly, so fast accelerations are guaranteed. Further, the cells were carefully aligned to facilitate the quickest cooling, keeping the battery safe and maximizing run time. Our custom charger refuels the battery in only 2.5 hours.

On-board charging with Magnetic connection

When it’s time to recharge, simply plug into the down tube. The magnetic connection is simple, secure and safe. Of course, the battery is easily removable, so you can charge wherever is most convenient for you.

LED Power Indicator

Located right on the battery—where it should be—the LED indicator is simple and intuitive, showing remaining charge at a quick glance

Integrated Battery Lock

A quick turn of the key locks your battery in place for added security.

Turbo Charger

Our exclusive Turbo Charger operates quickly and silently, without noisy fans, and puts the indication lights on top, making it easy to read.

Turbo comes equipped with all the electronics you need, including integrated head and taillights, wireless power control, cycling computer, and regenerative brakes that help recharge the battery when engaged. Connecting it all, our Wireless BUS system takes Turbo to a whole new level. All electronics are powered by the main battery, and are either completely wireless, or wired with internally routing. No more dead headlamp batteries or crisscrossed wires spoiling the racy aesthetic. And it’s ANT+ compatible, so most accessories like heart rate straps will work without modifications.

Computer

A custom wireless computer keeps track of your speed, distance, and is even compatible with ANT+ heart rate straps. And you’ll definitely want to see your speed—otherwise you wouldn’t believe it!

One system, many benefits

Regenerative Braking

Every time you pull the brake levers (even before the discs engage) you are actually recharging the battery by switching your motor into a generator, boosting battery life even more.

Comments: view entire thread

Specialized Turbo E-Bike

By: DRMW : April 30th, 2013-00:37

Press Release: In designing the Turbo we created an entirely new category of eBike: a speed-focused, high-tech urban bike that looks and performs like a fast bike should and it just happens to have a motor! With a top speed of 45kph, the Turbo is unquest...

Technology

By: DRMW : April 30th, 2013-00:38

Power. To set Turbo far ahead of the rest, Specialized engineers focused on three critical areas — the battery, motor, and electronic interface— as integrated components of a complete machine. They started by choosing the best and most powerful rear-hub m...

Video

By: DRMW : April 30th, 2013-00:39

...

i prefer the Kawasaki GPZ 750 Turbo from the early 80's :)

By: G99 : May 1st, 2013-02:29

LOL! [nt]

By: DRMW : May 1st, 2013-02:34

Nice & Fast

By: RW Kev : April 30th, 2013-01:30

battery placement in Down Tube is good just like in Gocycle. 45km/h.....sounds dangerous. Cheers

re: nice

By: DRMW : April 30th, 2013-13:15

It sure is an interesting idea. For places like San Fran with all those hills, I can see how this would come in handy. As far as dangerous, it's no more dangerous than a scooter, moped, or motorcycle. I didn't see that many bike lanes when I was there but...