Electric bicycle created by Ferrari designers
Pininfarina, the company which designs Ferrari sports cars, has created an electric bicycle. The bicycle, named E-voluzione will come in three models - a cruiser, a mid-level performance model, and a high end sports model. However, the prices for the E-voluzione models have not been released yet.
A bit about Pininfarina
Founded in 1930 by Batista "Pinin" Farina, Pininfarina is a company known for its stellar car designs. It designs cars for legendary car manufacturers like Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Peugeot, FIAT and the like. In spite of its legendary status, Pininfarina was running at a loss from 2004-2011, but it started making profits again in 2012. In 2015, Mahindra acquired Pininfarina for $185 million.
Pininfarina's declining workforce
Pininfarina used to employ 2,768 people at its peak in 2006. That number has steadily shrunk over the years, possibly due to economic and financial constraints, with only 621 workers remaining as of 31st December 2015.
Estimated prices of the E-voluzione models
Although not officially announced, the starting price for the E-voluzione is estimated to be around $5,600. It is expected to hit the markets by May 2017.
Specifications of the E-voluzione
The E-voluzione, weighing 16 kgs, comes with a carbon fibre frame with an integrated 500Wh Panasonic battery which can be removed for charging. Also integrated into the frame is a Brose motor. The bicycle further sports an eight-speed gearbox, a custom Gates belt-drive transmission, and hydraulic disc brakes. It also comes with a built-in computer which displays all relevant metrics.
E-voluzione represents Pininfarina's spirit
"E-voluzione represents a perfect synthesis of our spirit: sporty character and eco-friendly soul. Sporty and dynamic, [this is] a harmonic bike able to guarantee high performances and great comfort," said Paolo Pininfarina, the Chairman of Pininfarina group.
