In one of our previous posts, we discussed batteries and how the development of microprocessors has been pivotal in creating modern electric vehicles. A reader commented on the post, asking something along the lines of, "Does this mean your battery can last more than eight years thanks to electronics?" Absolutely. Our batteries can indeed last longer, and here's why. The lifespan of a battery largely depends on factors like charge/discharge cycles, the speed of charging, and the intensity of usage. Additionally, the power requirements at any given moment play a role. Not only is the overall battery monitored, but each individual cell within the battery is also kept track of. The health and fatigue levels of these cells are constantly compared against each other. It's not just about passive monitoring; the information gathered every single second is processed, and based on that, an optimal mode is selected for each unique situation. For instance, whether you're charging your e-bike, accelerating from a stoplight, overtaking another vehicle, or taking a leisurely ride in the park.

Let's say you’re speeding up at a stoplight, braking at a crossroads, entering a park trail, and suddenly slowing down because a squirrel jumps onto the path. Each action is unpredictable, requiring an immediate response. Imagine you twist the throttle at a stoplight and nothing happens — your e-bike “freezes” for a few seconds before slowly starting to spin the motor. That would be awful! All these actions are programmed into algorithms that process data in real-time. Can you imagine the sheer volume of data and variables involved? Electric motors add another layer of complexity. The speed and torque of an electric motor are controlled by adjusting the electromagnetic field in its windings. This means we need yet another controller to manage the motor in electric transportation. Traditional electric motors were used for straightforward tasks like lifting loads. Since the weight of the load and the height it needs to reach are known, the algorithm is simple and doesn't require electronics. However, in electric vehicles, situations change rapidly, necessitating far more intelligent and rapid motor control.

Now, we see that our electric bike has a "smart" battery that communicates with an equally "intelligent" motor controller. At some level, they need to "understand" each other, exchange information, draw conclusions, and make decisions. The higher the level of this "communication," the better the battery and motor perform over time. But that's not all. To start moving, you need either a throttle or a PAS (Pedal Assist System). How do you determine how quickly you want to start moving—smoothly or fast enough to smoke the tires? Think back to the squirrel example. Your bike should instantly detect this and send a signal to the battery, which then provides the necessary voltage to the motor while ensuring the motor doesn’t overheat, preventing the battery from being damaged. Thus, an electric bike’s block diagram might look something like this:

We can't emphasize enough that viewing an e-bike as a regular bike with an electric motor attached is incorrect. While an electric bike performs similar functions to a traditional bicycle, the difference is akin to comparing a potter's wheel to a 3D printer. Both can create nice saucers, but a 3D printer opens up many more possibilities. Notice that there are no pedals in the block diagram of an electric bike. This is crucial. A regular bike relies on human muscle power, whereas an electric bike uses energy stored in the battery, which is managed and distributed automatically by a processor. Of course, a cyclist on an electric bike can pedal the whole way, but they’ll maintain the same pace, exerting the exact same, predetermined effort. Whether riding in a straight line or uphill, the rider’s effort remains consistent. Meanwhile, the motor quietly kicks in to assist, making the experience smoother. This is similar to how a smartphone or laptop works—it’s a "smart" electronic device, only on wheels. This means that any task a smartphone can handle can theoretically be implemented on an electric bike, provided it makes sense. Note that sensors and modules connect via a bus, allowing for easy integration of additional features. Hence:

Why is it important or even possible to have an electric bike with built-in GPS, anti-theft systems, and other features?

Because all the systems in a modern electric bike can—and in the future, should—function as interconnected modules under unified control. For example, a GPS module can calculate routes and inform the central processor about the optimal speed to ensure sufficient battery range for the entire trip. If the battery is low, the GPS map can suggest charging stations and estimate how long it will take to get there. Routes and locations can be linked to the anti-theft system. Furthermore, the anti-theft system can be integrated with user identification systems, making the bike truly personalized. Media centers, radio stations, temperature sensors, micro-radar distance monitors, cameras, and communication modules can work as a cohesive unit today. What Tesla demonstrates is achievable on any electric bike, given proper funding. The key point is that electric bikes, like all electric vehicles, are already integrating seamlessly into the modern world and offering endless opportunities for growth. And now, we can answer the question:

Why is Delfast a professional-grade electric bike?

But that’s a topic for another post.