Light battery-powered Veloteq two-wheelers will soon be propelled by high-density nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries. Manufactured by PowerGenix, NiZn packs aren't exactly new. They are also a far cry from Lithium-ion batteries soon to power next-generation electric cars. However, with a high energy-to-mass ratio NiZn power storage technology is five to six times more efficient than the outgoing lead-acid packs, yielding 75 percent more juice per unit.

PowerGenix claims that it is exactly this power-to-mass advantage that makes the NiZn technology perfect for light electric transport and will allow Veloteq ebikers travel 40 miles on a single charge. "We've found the silver bullet with PowerGenix's NiZn batteries - the unparalleled power-density enables us to achieve optimum performance while reducing power system size and weight," explained Jim Wood, President of Veloteq. "We investigated both nickel metal-hydride and lithium-ion technologies, but found that under deep discharge conditions only PowerGenix's NiZn provided the high storage capacity our robust power systems require while meeting Veloteq's strict safety and reliability mandates."