[Moto] Xubaka: the electric motorcycle that will have a sodium ion battery

[#Steeven.™]

The French motorcycle brand Sodium Cycles has attended CES 2021 with the latest version of its Xubaka electric motorcycle. A vehicle that they have been developing since 2018 and that is very different from its competitors both inside and out.

Instead of using a typical scooter or small motorcycle design, its creators have opted for a tubular frame similar to a bicycle without pedals. As explained by the brand: "it is a pure vintage design, Xubaka's unique design evokes both the mythical motorcycles of the 70s, as well as the futuristic lines of the Bauhaus for furniture and architecture."

Light, innovative… But comfortable?
The frame is made of Chromoly steel and includes a traditional front suspension fork. However, it does not have a suspension to use at the rear, which has been replaced by a swingarm type to directly suspend the driver's seat. The funny thing is that the passenger seat does not have any type of cushioning.

Sodium Cycles has several accessories to replace that rear seat. For example a luggage rack or a small wooden cargo space.

The Xubaka's engine is located at the rear with a continuous power of 4 kW and 5.5 kW of maximum power, with which it can reach 80 km / h. However, this electric motorcycle is limited to 45 km / h in the European Union, to be used with the AM moped license.

It will be necessary to see if they offer it without the limitation for clients who have an adequate permit, such as the A1 or B permit with more than three years old. A very interesting fact about this motorcycle is that it only weighs 50 kg, that is to say, it has a weight well below most of the comparable gasoline or electric scooters.

Sodium ion batteries
That contributes to its 1.34 kWh battery giving it a range of between 60 and 80 km. For now, this battery uses lithium ion cells like almost all electric bikes and motorcycles on the market today. But Sodium Cycles takes its name from its ambitious plan to equip the bike with new sodium-ion batteries. Sodium ion batteries are a rapidly developing technology that could present many advantages as an alternative to conventional lithium ion batteries.

Sodium Cycles intends to use sodium ion batteries developed by the French company TIAMAT, which has received government backing from the CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research). The Xubaka is slated for an initial launch in the EU in 2021 with a price tag of 5,900 euros.