The KLD Neue makes impressive claims for its electric motor's performance, including a top speed of 65 mph on its E-165 model.
Based out of Austin, Texas, KLD Energy Technologies is another start up looking to make it big in the burgeoning electric vehicle industry. The firm’s lithium-powered electric propulsion motor is slated to debut in the Neue
scooter line, which will feature two models, the E-140 and E-165 - the latter claiming a remarkable 65 mph top speed.
KLD claims its brushless DC Neue motor, which appears to be directly mounted to the rear wheel hub, is more efficient than similar electric designs because “through the use of an innovative nano-crystalline composite material the motor conducts energy ten times more efficiently than traditional iron-core motors, eliminating the need for additional cooling mechanisms and enabling greater responsiveness.”
The E-140 motor claims 38 lb-ft of torque with top speed a modest 40 mph, comparable to a 50cc gas-powered rival. The 65 mph top speed claim of the E-165, is achieved via much more impressive 75 lb-ft torque (which, frankly, sounds unbelievable, but that's what it says...). Both
scooters promise a 100-mile range ridden at 25 mph, using an optional second battery pack (which bumps price up an extra $1000).
Previous electric spec sheet claims have been humbled in real world applications (remember the Mission Motors 150 mph/150 range claims for its electric superbike). Seeming to lend credibility to the Neue project is the hiring of Rob Ferber, a former employee of Tesla Motors, as the Texas company’s new chief technology officer.
What makes the KLD Neue really different, however, is its claimed $3288 (E-140) and $3888 (E-165) MSRP – pricing it closer to comparable gas-powered designs and far below current electric scooter offerings. The KLD scooters also list a three-year warranty and the company is currently accepting a $500 “reservation fee” on its website.
According to a KLD press release earlier this year, Vietnamese scooter manufacturer Sufat plans to manufacture scooters using the KLD motor in its Hanoi facility during the upcoming fourth quarter. The new designs will be “available throughout Vietnam by early 2010.”
KLD Neue Electric Scooter Specs:
The expected KLD Neue sports a $3888 MSRP for its E-165, considerably less than previous electric designs.
Motor: Brushless DC, radial air-gap motor
Torque: E-140 38 lb-ft, E-165 75 lb-ft
Speed: E-140 40 mph, E-165 65 mph
Range: 50 miles @ 25 mph (100 miles using optional second battery pack)
Battery: Lithium
Recharge: 2-3 hours – 1 hour less with Fast Charge Accessory
Brakes: Front disc
Rear: regenerative brake
Tires: Pirelli GTS23 120/70-14 front, GTS24 140/70-14 rear
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 288 lbs
Wheelbase: 53 inch
Seat Height: 25 inch
Warranty: 3-year
MSRP: E-140 $3288, E-165 $3888
