http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/panasonic-launching-hybrid-electric-bicycle-17827

As the article states, the bike goes on sale in Japan on August 20th.

Not sure why they are calling it a "hybrid" as it is all-electric, with regenerative braking.

I'm glad you posted that - had seen this press release the past few days but kept forgetting to post it here.

Not much of a regen fan but if anybody could pull it off, I have to think Panasonic might have a shot? Clever that they kept the generator out of the drive unit.

Their eBikes are really good - I have an older NiMh and it's a smooth, sweet, efficient drive. Nothing else quite like it in the industry. Giant made a few models with the Panasonic drive and I don't think their owners will give them up.

I consider any bicycle with an electric or oil burning motor hybrid. My legs are usually good for a couple hundred watts - couple that to an electric drive train, I call that hybrid.

The questions begs - if you have oil, electric and your legs for power what is that, a Trybrid?

Here are other press releases with additional information.

They are claiming a typical range of 113 miles (180km) when in its automatic mode, when it monitors the pedaling effort and applies assistance as needed.

http://gizmodo.com/5022587/panasonic-makes-electric-bike-with-regenerative-braking

This one has a pic of another bike.
http://living.oneindia.in/automobiles/two-wheelers/2008/hybrid-vehicles-electric-bikes-150708.html

But I like this one because it sounds like the bike weighs 700 pounds
http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/6526

Panasonic surely has vast knowledge about eBike control software. My older unit is amazing and can get 5-10 on 3Ah @24Vdc. Throwing a 13AH battery onboard - I've managed 30-40 miles easy. After initial dead start surge from the motor - if it senses that I'm continuing to pedal hard it actually backs the motor assist off. When I pedal lightly and/or unevenly I feel the motor providing more assist than pedaling with a strong, steady, cadence.

I saw that 700 pounds story too and finally realized they were talking currency. LOL... Giant used their stuff for a few years but not any more. Too bad, Panasonic makes a very nice drive. Would love to mod one and get throttle control...