On September 13, Ampace introduced its all-scenario power solution for electric motorcycles at the 22nd China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition (CIMAMotor 2024). This latest addition to the company’s “Kun-Era” series builds on the foundation of its “BP” system, now with expanded capabilities.
The BP system, short for “Boost Power,” is the result of Ampace’s deep dive into material science, process design, electrode engineering, and system optimization. First launched in 2023, this technology is central to enhancing performance in electric motorcycles, striking a balance between acceleration, safety, weight reduction, and durability.
The Kun-Era series itself has seen significant upgrades. Ampace has refined the power gradient, improved voltage platforms, and ensured broader compatibility across multiple vehicle types, aiming to meet the needs of riders in a wide variety of settings.
Yuan Qingfeng, CTO of Ampace, highlighted the performance capabilities of the Kun-Era series. According to Yuan, its ability to handle continuous discharge at 120A and pulse discharge at 150A equips it for high-speed riding, rapid acceleration, and steep climbs. The battery’s cells are engineered for long-term use, rated at 3,000 cycles in normal conditions and 2,000 cycles at elevated temperatures. Riders can customize their battery configurations using multipack parallel technology, with dual-pack setups offering a range of over 200 kilometers.
Capacities for the Kun-Era series span from 2–4 kilowatt-hours, and the system is compatible with 51V, 60V, and 74V voltage platforms thanks to a versatile battery management system (BMS). This flexibility allows the batteries to be deployed across scooters, motorcycles, underbone bikes, and three-wheelers, whether for city commutes, food delivery, or off-road journeys.
At the product launch, Yuan underscored the importance of safety, noting that Ampace has implemented multiple layers of protection within the Kun-Era series.
Ampace, a joint venture between Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and Amperex Technology (ATL), has integrated the research and manufacturing strength of both companies. The full battery development process—from raw materials to cell production and module assembly—is managed in-house, with rigorous testing at each stage.
Ampace’s testing capabilities are extensive. Its laboratory features seven major testing centers capable of running over 200 different assessments on materials, cells, battery packs, and terminal systems. This ensures that its products meet the stringent safety standards required for real-world applications.
The Kun-Era batteries have undergone a battery of tests—vibration, mechanical shock, temperature extremes, salt spray, and water immersion—to ensure reliable performance in tough conditions. For added assurance, the series was subjected to extreme scenarios, such as drops, compression, and fire tests. Notably, the Kun-Era series maintained thermal stability even after three days submerged in water without waterproof protection.
To mitigate potential risks, Ampace incorporated several safeguards into the Kun-Era series. If thermal runaway were to occur, the battery’s innovative materials and structural design significantly reduce the likelihood of fire or explosion.
At the event, Ampace showcased its collaboration with several leading manufacturers, including Segway-Ninebot, Super Soco, QJMotor, and Zeeho. Segway-Ninebot’s latest electric motorcycle, the E300P MK2, featuring 0–100 km/h acceleration in 5.9 seconds and a range of up to 135 kilometers, is powered by Ampace’s Kun-Era batteries.
“From the E300P MK2’s debut to this partnership with Ampace, we are accelerating our entry into the electric motorcycle market. Our goal is to achieve over 50% market share in this ecosystem,” said He Feilong, president of Segway-Ninebot’s China operations.
As the world continues its shift toward cleaner energy, the two-wheeler market is moving quickly toward electrification. Projections suggest that by 2026, the global electric motorcycle market will grow by 6.5% annually, with electric motorcycles making up 30% of the market by 2027.
Ampace has long been a presence in the electric motorcycle space. In 2019, the company partnered with leading Chinese two-wheeler manufacturers and played a key role in extending the national standard warranty for electric motorcycles to five years.
Lin Xiaojing, president of Ampace’s micro vehicle solutions division, noted that last year’s release of the Kun-Era 7428 has already been adopted by more than 50 electric motorcycle manufacturers, powering over 80 flagship models across more than 30 countries. Clearly, the Kun-Era series has become a critical player in the ongoing shift from gasoline to electric vehicles.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by Han Yongchang for 36Kr.