Terra Motors announced the release of its new A4000i electric scooter, which includes an iPhone connection for data collection.
Terra Motors will deliver this model mainly Asian market. Terra Motors target is 100,000 unit sales by the end of 2015. There’s been no release date yet for the scooter to launch over seas.
A4000i riders will be able to keep track of the vehicle’s remaining battery charge, mileage information and average driving speed all with their iPhone.
Owners will be able to download apps that are free of charge. Terra Motors said these apps will help owners find recommended stores in their local area, as well as provide other navigational assistance. The scooter will be compatible with iPhone versions 3GS and up.
Using smartphone connection and data collected from each electric scooter, Terra Motors intends to deliver new services with big data in medium to long-term.
In the South East Asian market, smart phones are starting to prevail. However, since the main means of transportation there is still motorcycles, there are few companies that provide information services related to location,” the company said. “Therefore, Terra Motors is going to provide an electric scooter with a smart phone connection.
Asian market takes up about 80% of the whole motorcycle market. In this market, high gasoline price and air pollution caused by gas emission have aroused need for electric scooter. As the result, in China, more than 30,000,000 units of electric bikes are sold each year.
The A4000i electric scooter features a rear in-wheel motor, powered by a removable 48-volt/40-Ah lithium battery pack, with a reported life span of up to 50,000 km (31,000 miles). According to the Terra Motors, most electric scooter batteries last only about one-fifth that amount.
The A4000i battery can be recharged in 4.5 hours, and ought to keep the electric scooter going for about 65 km (40 miles), depending on use and conditions.
The A4000i’s maximum speed is 65 km/h (40 mph).
Its estimated price in the Japanese market will be ¥450,000, which is about US$4,500. A less expensive A4000 model (that doesn’t feature smartphone integration) will also be available, although its price has yet to be released.
[source: Terra Motors][wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]