SKF testing StopGo start-stop system for 2 wheelers; To be commercially available later this year!

SKF, more known for the range of bearings it makes also has many innovations being brewed up for the automotive industry. One such innovation that caught our roving eye in the sky, EarthFusion’s eye is the StopGo start-stop system that SKF has developed for two wheelers, particularly Indian two wheelers. Currently, a range of Indian motorcycles from the likes of the TVS Apache to the Bajaj Pulsar are on trials across the country, using the StopGo system that SKF has developed. SKF claims that this system will cut down CO2 emissions while improving fuel economy by 6-10%.

An illustration of a Start-Stop or idle stop system on a car

Incidentally, the start-stop system or idle stop system had made an appearance in a Bajaj concept scooter many years ago although Bajaj didn’t go ahead and commercialize it. SKF’s StopGo system is designed to be retrofitted on existing two wheelers, giving fuel economy gains to the buyer. Start-stop systems usually put a higher load on the starter motor and battery, requiring manufacturers to uprate these components. On the other hand, SKF claims that the StopGo system will not put any additional load on the starter or battery, unlike other start-stop systems, thus being good enough for retro fitment.

The SKF StopGo system operates with a sensor on the front wheel of the two wheeler, which after detecting wheel speed to be zero and after sensing the vehicle being stationary for a fixe amount of time shuts off the engine by delivering a engine cut off message to the ignition system of the two wheeler. Upon twisting the throttle, a throttle position sensor will send a signal to the electric starter to seamlessly restart the engine. The SKF StopGo system is designed to work in conjunction with only those two wheelers which have an electric start option.

Meanwhile, in the middle of 2012, TVS Motors will test launch the TVS Qube Hybrid scooter with a start stop system.

Via AutomotiveProductsFinder

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