EV Tech Simplified: Cool EV Features Explained

I strongly believe that in the next 10 years, EVs will be the new normal. Last week, Kartikeya talked about the MAYA principle, or Most Advanced Yet Acceptable, coined by Raymond Loewy. Widely considered the father of Industrial Design, Loewy spoke about balancing familiarity with innovations to help gain acceptance with users. Everything must have a sense of perceived usefulness. We seek systems that enhance our daily performance. Hence features are the lines that reel new users to the world of EVs. So let’s have a look at some of the noteworthy features on e-scooters and e-bikes today!

Hill Hold

 
How annoying is parking up a slope? Especially if you suddenly have to stop midway. Balancing the gas, brake and clutch on ICE can be a bit frustrating. But if your e-scooter senses your struggle and applies an electronic wedge on the rear wheel, it makes the process a lot less stressful. All you’re left with is throttle control. Seen traditionally on premium vehicles and 4x4s, EV makers like Ola have added it as a feature on the S1 Pro. The rear wheel even allows you to reverse out of places, the throttle is made sensitive and the speed is electronically limited.     

Cruise control

Again, a feature we’ve seen on premium cars and big touring motorcycles. The principle is simple, you catch the speed you desire and stay on it. Push a button and the software holds that speed for you. It’s especially beneficial if you’re riding down long, boring highways. In the city, eh… it’s hard to see its practicality, but a road speed-limit… limiter? That would be more useful. The system recognises speed limits, sets the maximum speed, and helps you avoid traffic fines.

Speakers generated exhaust-note

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I admit, this is a bit gimmicky, but you can’t avoid the entertainment value. I first saw this on the Revolt RV400 and it broke my heart a bunch of times. I was at a traffic light and I thought I heard an in-line four, when I turned to look, it wasn’t there. And, this happened a bunch of times. It’s a simple software trick. It's like what EA does on Need For Speed. It takes the original sound of a specific engine and electronically modulates it using the throttle. So you could be cruising down a public road at 40kmph sounding like a Ferrari flatlining at 15,000rpm.
   
TPMS or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Most know when to charge their EVs. It’s displayed on the screen. Tyres unfortunately often get ignored like every middle child. For most, it’s easy to forget keeping tyres topped up to optimum. This sensor, which again is more common on cars than on motorcycles, is now making its way to EVs like the Simple One. This is a useful one for sure.