2-Wheel Electric Vehicles? A Brief Intro for Hybrid and Electrical Mechanic Training Grads
2-Wheel EVs have seen a significant uptake in recent years. Some are built for affordability, while others are built for speed. However, they all provide a great alternative form of EV transportation. The way that a 2-wheel EV system operates is similar to a car, just on a smaller scale. Once you complete your hybrid and electrical mechanic training, you’ll have the knowledge to work with all aspects of these EV systems.
If you are interested in learning more about 2-wheelEVs and their impact on the EV industry, continue reading!
Different Types of Electric 2-Wheelers
Electric 2-wheelers come in several different forms and fulfil different purposes. The most popular one is the electric scooter. These are what most people think of when considering an electric 2-wheeler. There are also progressively more electric motorcycles being made as technology advances. Overall, the electric 2-wheeler industry is expanding quickly and is considered by many a more economical and practical alternative to the electric car.
How Popular are 2-Wheel EVs?
As EVs rise in popularity and demand, it is no surprise that there has been an increase in the number of 2-wheel EVs as well. In 2021, there were approximately 17 million passenger EVs in operation worldwide. In comparison, there were 275 million electric motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds in operation worldwide. 42% of all 2- and 3-wheelers sold during 2021 were EVs. In Asia, the adoption of 2-wheel EVs has been significant, mainly the high-speed scooter. However, this adoption of 2-wheel EVs has yet to truly catch on in the western world.
Applying this to Canada and the industry you will be working in as a hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic, approximately 81.6% of all Canadians live in cities, and the average commute distance is 11.9 km. Travelling this distance in a large car, which requires large batteries and is a significant financial outlay compared to a cost-effective 2-wheel EV, is a discussion to be had. The 2-wheel EV can cover that distance with ease and make the commute more affordable and easier.
Performance of 2-Wheel EVs
The performance of 2-wheel electric vehicles can differ quite a bit. Looking at the most popular option worldwide, the scooter, there are two main options. The first is the low-speed scooter, which can reach a top speed of approximately 25 km/h. These are great for travelling short distances, and keeping away from busy roads. The high-speed scooter has significantly more performance. These vehicles are capable of speeds up to 160 km/h and are similar to regular petrol-powered scooters.
The performance capabilities of these vehicles may surprise you when you become a hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic. The electric motors that power them give them great acceleration, and they can achieve speeds comparable to their petrol counterparts. Overall, the 2-wheel EV industry is expanding quickly, with manufacturers finding ways to package batteries into smaller forms and still get great range and performance from them.
How Will 2-Wheel EVs Impact Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Mechanics
After completing hybrid and electrical mechanic training, you’ll understand how EV systems work. On an electric scooter or motorcycle, the systems are relatively simple, especially compared to the systems of a passenger EV. The training you’ll receive ensures that you can maintain, service, and fix these vehicles. If they do become as popular in Canada as in Asia, then there are likely to be many, many 2-wheel EVs on the road. With the adaptation to bigger batteries and stronger motors in electric motorcycles, this may be a great avenue for North American and European countries to start adopting. These will all require servicing and maintenance and will certainly help boost the electric vehicle industry.
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