Hubless NAWA Racer electric concept revealed featuring new 'hybrid’ battery tech

French energy storage company, NAWA Industries, have revealed their latest Racer electric concept to the public at the Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas.

Featuring a hubless rear wheel, lightweight carbon fibre frame and shod with aluminium and copper painted composite panelling, the bike uses a 9kWh lithium-ion battery combined with ultracapacitors to create what they are calling ‘a world-first ‘hybrid’ battery system.’

A technology unseen on mainstream electric production bikes from the likes of Zero or Harley-Davidson, the ultracapacitors sit where a conventional fuel tank would be found, with the motor and battery located lower, where a traditional engine would sit.

NAWA claim the innovative solution gives the Racer more consistent performance per charge, plus a longer range thanks to being able to recover more energy through regenerative braking. Using ultracapacitors lets the machine reuse over 80% of the energy produced while braking, whereas a conventional battery set-up would struggle to absorb such a burst of power directly.

Producing 98.6bhp and capable of a claimed top speed of around 100mph, NAWA’s concept has an impressive weight of just 150kg – around 70kg less than an equivalent Zero SR/F. Weight is kept to a minimum thanks to both the carbon frame and smaller battery.

As a result, NAWA say the Racer can cover more than 90 miles on a mixture of roads, including motorways. This jumps to more than 180 miles around town, however it’s unclear what speed a rider would need to be riding to achieve either distance.

NAWA say they are still years away from completing a full production bike, however are currently displaying a full-size model at the event, hooked-up to a riding simulator. Those attending the show that wish to see the bike can do so on Stand G, Booth 50463.

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