Autoblog

FIM e-Power 2010: Last lap lead change at Mazda Raceway

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Electric, Racing

Michael Czysz at the FIM e-Power International Championship at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

In racing, planning is everything. This point was proven once again as the bright yellow (Flying Banana, if you will) race machine from Lightning Motors held the lead of the e-Power International Championship until the very last few hundred feet. And then ran out of juice.

Sadly, for Lightning Motors at least, this slight miscalculation allowed the Flying Banana to be passed literally just feet ahead of the finish line by Michael Czysz, who took the win mounted on his own MotoCzysz E1pc electric race bike. For those keeping track, Czysz was 6.7 seconds behind at the start of the last lap.

Michael Barnes took second place on the Lightning Motors machine, followed by Thijs de Ridder aboard the Crystalite bike. Our congratulations to all of the riders!

Gallery: e-Power International Championship at Mazda Raceway

FIM e-Power 2010: Last lap lead change at Mazda Raceway originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mark Miller wins TT Zero on awesome MotoCzysz E1pc [w/videos]

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Motorcycle, Electric

MotoCzysz E1pc wins the TT Zero - Click above to watch video after the jump

After a day-long weather delay, eight all-electric motorcycles took to the starting grid to compete in the Isle of Man TT Zero yesterday. The game was much the same as last year when TTXGP began what will likely be a longstanding annual affair - one 37.73-mile lap around the Snaefell Mountain Course, no gas.

For the American MotoCzysz team that had put in an impressive performance in practice, it was time to put up or shut up. They damn well put up. Rider Mark Miller didn't allow himself to be baited into a scrap andstuck to a game plan that called for a steady twisting of the throttle. In the end, he finished in the top spot with a time that was a massive two minutes and 51 seconds quicker than last year's winner. The E1pc, which easily looks as good parked as it does in a 140-mile-per-hour blur, averaged 96.820 mph around the famed circuit, just missing a £10,000 ($14,700 USD) prize had it broken the century mark. Miller shrugged off that shortfall with an easygoing, "It's all good, dude" in the post-race interview.

Last year's winner, Rob Barber, who again crouched in the saddle for Agni Racing, also beat his time from last year. The fierce competitor was astride a newly constructed Agni Z1, looking for all the world like a throwback to the '40s with a dustbin fairing mounted in place of a modern cowl. Although happy with the gains achieved by the aerodynamic package, "The Bullet" was obviously frustrated with the result, convinced he could have somehow gotten the best of the MotoCyzsz had there only been a bit more energy in the battery pack. As it was, he just managed to cross the finish line after employing a strategy that had him pushing hard from the get go.

After a long battle with another Agni Z1 piloted by Jenny Tinmouth - who, by the way, had not a mile of seat time before the green flag dropped - third place on the podium was claimed by James McBride on a converted Ducati for Ramsey-based ManTTX Racing. Check out the gallery of the winner below and hit the jump for the official TT Zero report and post-race video interviews as well as a bit of bonus footage of the bikes blasting by.

Gallery: MotosCzysz E1pc at the Isle of Man TT Zero

[Source: TT Zero | Images: AmadeusPhotography.com]

Continue reading Mark Miller wins TT Zero on awesome MotoCzysz E1pc [w/videos]

Mark Miller wins TT Zero on awesome MotoCzysz E1pc [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Secrets Revealed: Germany's Das Neue Motorrad set to release all new production motorcycle

Devon Brozek — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Motorcycle, Rumormill, Design/Style

Germany's "new motorcycle" - Click above for high-res image gallery

Emerging from behind a veil of secrecy, we were recently introduced to a new motorcycle manufacturer based out of the über cool home of Oktoberfest. With the promise of German engineering galore, this little-known company seems to have an heir of legitimacy behind them thus far. After all, it would seem that the country largely believed responsible for the "birth of the motorcycle" would have more than a single marquee brand in cycles, adding diversity to the current state of Roundel dominance in Bavaria.

Das Neue Motorrad - meaning "the new motorcycle" - is the only name identifying the company at this time, embodying a statement while providing a title in one swoop. The road leading to the bike's official worldwide release has been marked out by breadcrumbs in the form of small bits of information being released in five stages... until finally, on June 15, it will be unleashed on the masses. What little bit we do know is that the project has been years in the making, and was birthed from an unlikely collaboration between riding enthusiasts with a vision for greatness.

The most recent tidbit of news centers on the bike's proposed powerplant. Addressing the speculation of electric motivation, the company says its design is based on "a very efficient combustion platform," even indicating multiple cylinders but leaving the exact number as a mystery for now. Added to this was the promise, "Our engine concept is based on one currently found nowhere in the motorcycle world." We cannot help but be left with an almost giddy anticipation, coupled with the potential to be thoroughly disappointed if this claim is not substantiated. Stay tuned for updates as the countdown progresses and "the new motorcycle" comes to life.

Gallery: Das neue Motorrad

[Source: Das Neue Motorrad via news.motorbiker.org]

Secrets Revealed: Germany's Das Neue Motorrad set to release all new production motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Writing on the Wall: Yamaha raising funds for alternative engine development

Devon Brozek — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle, Electric

Yamaha Gen-Ryu concept bike

In traditional Yamaha fashion, the company announced a move that may finally allow it to stake a claim as the first big player in the breakout electric motorcycle category. By putting the For Sale Sign on 63.25 million corporate stock shares, the tuning fork company hopes to raise an impressive 812 million dollars that it will dedicate to a highly charged electric and hybrid engine development plan across both their two-wheeled (motorcycle and electric bicycle) as well as aquatic (boat and outboard motor) product lines. We have seen many concepts and indications of Yamaha's intent, but very little follow through up to this point.

The plan seems to be part of a healing process following 2009 in which the company posted losses north of $2.3 billion. Yes folks, we said billion... ouch! Yamaha, a company that traditionally has been eager to carve its own path in the powersports segment, hopes new fuel efficient and electric designs will lead to increased popularity in developing markets that have an ever-growing importance to manufacturers industry wide. We are left holding our breaths as to when these developments will make their way into the U.S. That will, no doubt, be largely dependent upon our buying trends. In addition, the company has also pledged to make all of its offerings more competitive throughout its lineup.

Most importantly, this means we will see some much needed diversity in the development of electric motorcycles. This from the company that brought us the fist modern four-stroke motocross bikes, as well as snowmobiles. We will eagerly look forward to Yamaha's new offerings, and the following jolt that it could mean for the company as a whole. Now, to figure out how to commute in the bicycle lane on our shiny new Yamaha electric motorcycle.

[Source: Reuters]

Writing on the Wall: Yamaha raising funds for alternative engine development originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First look at the KTM Freeride: Electric motorcycle photos leak from Germany

Devon Brozek — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Electric, Off-Road

KTM Freeride electric motorcycle concept - Click above for image gallery

We first brought you news of KTM's planned debut of two new electric motorcycle only days ago. It appeared as if the world would have to wait for the Tokyo Motorcycle Show and the official March 26th release date to get its eyes on fully exposed photos.

If you were holding your breath for the unveiling, you can thank German mag Motorrad for breaking the photos early. As we can see now, the supermoto and enduro versions differ quite extensively, despite sharing a frame and power-train. The unique single crown fork protruding from a BMX-like handlebar and headtube combination holding a single headlight certainly set the slick-tired version apart from its knobby clad counterpart. We can't help but notice the rather dainty tubular steel frame on each model, despite plastic covers that give the illusion of a much beefier unit.

How much will it cost for your very own stick of 30-horsepower, 200-pound, orange-blooded electric dynamite? A proposed price of €10,000, which at current exchange rates is just over $13,500, seems in no way competitive amongst stiff competition from Zero and others already in the market. But it is still way too early to take much of an educated stand regarding KTM's charge into the electric cycle niche. We won't know anything concrete until we can put power to the ground aboard a Freeride ourselves.

Gallery: KTM Freeride electric motorcycle concepts

[Source: Motorradonline.de, 1000ps.at via Hell For Leather]

First look at the KTM Freeride: Electric motorcycle photos leak from Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roehr announces electric superbike, plans to contest US TTXGP *UPDATE

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Motorcycle, Electric, Racing

It seems that the promise of recognition through electric motorcycle racing is bringing out an increasing number of unlikely competitors to the racing fray. Add newly-born American motorcycle manufacturer Roehr to that growing list as the company has just announced its intentions to offer both racing and street versions of the eRoehr electric motorcycle.

Roehr's first motorcycle, the 1250sc, offers up 180 horsepower via a modified and supercharged Harley-Davidson Revolution engine. That's plenty of power, but electric motors have a reputation for being major torque-monsters, and the AC induction unit specified for the Roehr eSuperbike is no exception. How does 96 hp and 210 pound-feet of torque sound?

A 10 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack will provide the power for that machine, which Roehr plans to enter in the U.S. TTXGP Series later this year. A second version with a similar motor offering 48 hp and 105 lb-ft paired with a 6kWh battery will reportedly have enough juice to hit 100 miles per hour.

What we don't yet know are expected base prices, the performance expectations of the higher-spec eSuperbike or the range of either machine. In other words, stay tuned, and feel free to read the press release pasted after the break.

*UPDATE: Asphalt & Rubber reports that the higher-spec eSuperbike will cost about $30,000 and the eSupersport is targeted at $15,000.

[Source: Roehr]

Continue reading Roehr announces electric superbike, plans to contest US TTXGP *UPDATE

Roehr announces electric superbike, plans to contest US TTXGP *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:41:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Performance, Motorcycle, Electric

Mavizen TTX02 - Click above to enlarge

Right on schedule, Mavizen has released its TTX02 electric motorcycle at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Well, if you listen to Azhar Hussain, TTXGP founder and the entrepreneur behind this racebike, the TTX02 is a "laptop on wheels." How so? For starters, each machine is fitted with an dash-mounted computer that runs on Linux, comes with its own dedicated IP address, on-board web server and connectivity to wireless networks.

While all of that consumer electronics gadgetry is cool, it's the platform of the TTX02 that interests us the most. As previously rumored, the TTX02 is definitely based on the chassis of KTM's highly acclaimed RC8 superbike, which means it's a proven platform that's capable of solid handling and high speeds... good thing, as the TTX02 is said to be capable of hitting 130 miles per hour.

Twin Agni 95 electric motors push out a total of nearly 100 peak horsepower along with what's surely an admirable torque figure that peaks right off the bat at just about zero RPM. Three lithium ion battery packs will be made available with up to 11 kWh of power, which is reportedly capable of tackling all 38 miles of the TTXGP Isle of Man course. Pricing is not yet announced, but Hussain suggests a competitive machine can be had for around $40,000. Hit the jump to watch a couple videos of the bike's launch at SEMA.

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Brammo rides Detroit to Washington, 40 miles at a time

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Electric

Brian Wismann on the Brammo Enertia - Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this week, Brammo's director of product development Brian Wismann along with Dave Schiff of Crispin Porter Bugosky, began a ten-day journey meant to take them to Washington, DC. The trip, which is being chronicled on the site shockingbarack.com, is intended to raise awareness of the company's new electric motorcycle, the Enertia, and electric vehicles in general.

The trek began at Zingerman's deli in downtown Ann Arbor, MI, which just happens to be a a few blocks from this blogger's office. Brian and Dave swung by the office for a visit to show off the bike - which they prefer to call a powercycle - and chat about what it can do. Along the route to the capital, they'll be making plenty of similar stops, partly to demonstrate the bike but mostly out of necessity. While the Enertia is undoubtedly a neat ride, it underscores two of the major problems with EVs. They are expensive ($11,995 for the Enertia) and have limited range. This bike only has a 42-mile range and then takes four hours to charge. That means plenty of short hops to cover the 520 miles to DC. On the plus side, it should only take about $4 worth of juice to make the trip.

Hopefully sales will bring volumes that help bring the cost down. In the meantime, check out the video after the jump.

Gallery: Brammo Enertia: Shocking Barack

[Source: Green Fuels Forecast]

Continue reading VIDEO: Brammo rides Detroit to Washington, 40 miles at a time

VIDEO: Brammo rides Detroit to Washington, 40 miles at a time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW previews its vision of a safer city scooter with C1-E concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Safety, BMW, Motorcycle, Electric

BMW C1-E Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Says BMW, "This is what a safe, environment-friendly and highly practical single track vehicle for city traffic could look like in the future." Well then, let's dissect that statement and see how BMW sought to accomplish these seemingly contradictory goals.

First, safety. Between 2000 and 2003, BMW offered a scooter in Europe called the C1. Though a marketplace failure, that machine may still be the safest two-wheeler ever offered. Featuring a fully-enclosed cabin with integrated rollover protection, a front-end impact zone, a rider seat belt and a low center of gravity, the C1-E has safety baked right in from the start. To that package, BMW adds electronic aids that include integral ABS, Tire Pressure Control, Anti-Slip Control and Traction Control. So... safety? Check.

Environmentally-friendly? The scooter itself emits nothing - BMW borrowed the electric motor and control systems from electric scooter manufacturer Vectrix (which recently filed for bankruptcy). Vectrix's battery pack, though, has been swapped out with a high-tech lithium ion unit for greater energy storage. Alternatively, BMW could equip the same basic platform with any electric motor or small internal combustion engine of its choice.

Now, how about practicality? First, that enclosed rider cockpit means the C1-E could be used in nearly any kind of weather. Further, the bike features a large luggage compartment behind the rider. As far as single-track vehicles go, this one's pretty darn practical. As much as we'd like to see the C1-E go into production, that's not currently in the cards. BMW built this concept as its contribution to the European eSUM safety project. Want to know more? Check out the gallery below and hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: BMW C1-E Concept

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW previews its vision of a safer city scooter with C1-E concept

BMW previews its vision of a safer city scooter with C1-E concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Green County Choppers? OCC creates custom electric chopper

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Electric

Click above to watch the video after the break

Following Orange County Choppers' frequent use of alt-fuels (see E85 bike and natural gas bike) comes something a wee bit different from what we're used to seeing from the New York-based custom motorcycle crew: a fully electric chopper. Commissioned by Siemens USA, the zero-emissions motorcycle is powered by a 27-horsepower electric motor from Advanced DC and can go an estimated 60 miles after a five-hour charge. Top speed is listed at 100 miles per hour, likely making this one of the fastest bikes ever to roll out of the OCC showroom.

Naturally, you'll get to watch the build take place on an episode of American Chopper that's current scheduled to air on TLC on Thursday, October 22 at 9PM. Says Paul Teutul, Sr.:

Building an electric bike from recycled materials was something new for us, but we definitely enjoyed the challenge and think that the end product makes a great addition to our wide range of unique motorcycles. While electric bikes probably won't surpass traditional ones for the foreseeable future, we also think that energy efficient technologies are increasingly important for both manufacturers and consumers.

At this time, OCC says it has no plans to mass produce an electric chopper, but Senior says it's would consider it if adequate demand were there. In any case, you'll get the chance to own this example after Siemens take it on a worldwide tour in 2010, after which it will be auctioned off with the benefits going to "a charitable cause that will help benefit the environment." Click past the break for a video along with the press release.

[Source: Siemens | Photo: Jason DeCrow / AP Images for Siemens]

Continue reading Green County Choppers? OCC creates custom electric chopper

Green County Choppers? OCC creates custom electric chopper originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zero Motorcycles launches a dual sport electric [w/VIDEO]

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:27:00 EST

Zero DS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Those who've savored the sweet supermoto styling of the Zero S street bike and wished there was something similar designed to handle that psycho shortcut you've long dreamed of taking, your machine has arrived. Zero Motorcycles has introduce the all-electric Zero DS, with tougher tires and more aggressive suspension, the dual sport is ready to tear up both street and trail and - with that big round headlight up front - look good doing it. While it lacks a bit of the top end (55 mph) and range (50 miles) of its street sibling, it makes up for it with more grunt and greater riding possibilities. It charges its 4 kWh battery in the same sub-four hour time as the S.

The price tag on this latest addition to the Zero range is $9,950, but they are quick to point out that the recently-passed 10% federal tax credit takes $1,000 off the price to start. On top of that, and nicely illustrated here, individual states have their own incentive programs in place or on the way. What's next for the Scotts Valley California company? Well, they have promised a super speed motorcycle with a full fairing sometime this year but we'll worry about that after we get our grubby little hands on this monster. Hit the jump for the official press release along with a video showing how the new DS gets things done.

Gallery: Zero Motorcycles Zero DS

[Source: Zero Motorcycles]

Continue reading Zero Motorcycles launches a dual sport electric [w/VIDEO]

Zero Motorcycles launches a dual sport electric [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIM to launch a new electric motorcycle racing series in 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Green, Motorcycle

Team Agni Motors at TTXGP - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following up on the success of the world's first zero-emissions motorcycle race at the Isle of Man earlier this month, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has announced plans to launch a new electric motorcycle racing series in 2010. As part of the Road Racing Grand Prix Commission, the project will be led by Azhar Hussain, organizer and founder of the TTXGP. Says FIM President Vito Ippolito:

I am very happy to with this new Series, the future of the sport depends on our capacity as well as that of the manufacturers to innovate quickly. We are convinced that very shortly the motorcycle World Championships will be accessible to non-polluting engines as far as gas and sound emissions are concerned. Now that this important decision is taken, we have to work on rules and calendar to be ready to compete in 2010.

Details on possible entrants and regulations are scarce at this time, but we'd expect to see a number of competitors from the TTXGP take part in the FIM series, such as Brammo, Mission Motors, Motoczysz, Electric Motorsport and the race-winning team from Agni Motors. Expect more information to filter out following the upcoming eGrandPrix race at Mid Ohio on July 24-26.

Gallery: Qualifying at TTXGP

[Source: eGrandPrix]

Continue reading FIM to launch a new electric motorcycle racing series in 2010

FIM to launch a new electric motorcycle racing series in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best Buy official sponsor for Brammo Enertia TTXGP race team

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Green, Motorcycle

Brammo Enertia TTR race bike - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Best Buy has hopped on as an official sponsor of the Brammo Enertia race team, which will be campaigning a pair of electric motorcycles at the world's first zero-emissions motorcycle race on June 12th at the Isle of Man. The news of Best Buy's involvement doesn't come as too much of a surprise since the Big Box retailer had earlier invested a large chunk of cash in Brammo and plans to begin selling the road-going Enertia in West Coast stores on a trial basis this summer. Plus, Best Buy already sponsors a race team that competes in NASCAR competition.

Brammo's TTR race bike is based on the chassis used in the standard Enertia, but everything has been appropriately beefed-up to handle the output of the enlarged electric motor and 100-volt, 8kWh lithium polymer battery pack. Top speed is listed at just 100 miles per hour, but Brammo believes its low 360-pound weight and high-spec suspension bits will help the TTR maintain a consistently high average speed over the 37-mile TTXGP time trial. Click here to download a PDF containing a complete list of the TTR's specifications.

Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher tells Wired.com that the his company doesn't have plans to sell the race-ready of the Enertial electric motorcycle at the consumer level, but there's a good chance a sporty, fully-faired version of the bike will be launched within the next six months alongside a less-expensive, detuned version of the standard Enertia. Click past the break for the official press release and be sure to check out our gallery of the Enertia TTR race bike below.

Gallery: Brammo Enertia TTR race bike

[Source: Brammo]

Continue reading Best Buy official sponsor for Brammo Enertia TTXGP race team

Best Buy official sponsor for Brammo Enertia TTXGP race team originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget throws a leg over the Zero S electric motorcycle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Motorcycle

Zero S electric motorcycle - Click above for a high-res gallery

Our friends over at Engadget managed to snag some seat time on the new Zero S electric motorcycle, and their initial impressions are rather favorable. While it's 60-mile range and 60 mph top speed will surely serve to limit its usefulness to a large segment of riders, those that can live with the limitations will be rewarded with a nearly silent, zero-emissions machine that's capable of scooting to its maximum speed in around five seconds.

Another point that shouldn't go unmentioned is the bike's extreme light weight. Coming in at just 225 pounds, the Zero S weighs about 75 pounds less than competing gas-powered supermoto bikes like the Yamaha WR250X. Coupled to an electric motor that puts out 62.5 lb-ft of torque at zero RPM, the Zero S is sure to be plenty of fun in the tight confines of a race track... or the streets of New York City, apparently.

Problems? A few. Engadget notes that the brakes might be a little undersized for the bike's accelerative capabilities and the plastics leave a little to be desired. The biggest drawback may be the price, which, at around $10,000, is a few thousand dollars over its gas-swilling siblings.

Gallery: Zero S Motorcycle

[Source: Engadget]

Engadget throws a leg over the Zero S electric motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zero Motorcycles unveils the Zero S [w/Video]

Domenick Yoney — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Motorcycle

Click above for a gallery of the Zero S

After months of teasing, Zero Motorcycles has finally lifted the veil from its all-electric supermoto for the streets and revealed a ride that's well worth the wait. The Zero S shares some of the same styling cues as its off-road little brother, the Zero X, but with it's highway-appropriate tires and "projector beam" headlight, it seems ready to deliver some serious asphalt action. With 31 horses and 62.5 lb-ft of torque instantly available, the clutchless one-speed "S" should take you up to its top 60 mph speed in no time. Its four kWh battery can keep you going for up to 60 miles, after which the integrated charger will allow you to do it all over again after plugging it in for less than four hours.

Zero Motorcycles is now accepting orders with deliveries beginning in early May. Buyers have the option of either putting down $1,000 now or writing a check for the full $9,950 purchase price. You can have it shipped straight to your door anywhere in the continental U.S. for $500, though international customers who wish to indulge in the Zero S experience may pay more. We can't wait to get in the saddle of this machine ourselves but for now we'll have to make do watching someone else enjoying electric "S" action in the video after the jump. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Gallery: Zero Motorcycles Zero S

[Source: Zero Motorcycles]

Continue reading Zero Motorcycles unveils the Zero S [w/Video]

Zero Motorcycles unveils the Zero S [w/Video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brammo Enertia to be sold at Best Buy

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Motorcycle

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Brammo Enertia

In amongst the various computers, televisions and small appliances at your local Best Buy store may soon be electric motorcycles. Starting in May, five locations near the West Coast will begin stocking the Brammo Enertia, a $12,000, carbon fiber-intensive two-wheeler that stores its power in large format, lithium-phosphate battery packs from Valence.

We wondered about the possibility of the big box retailer offering the gas-free two-wheelers after Best Buy Capital extended a few million dollars in investment money to Brammo last September. According to Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher, "What we're selling is a lot closer to consumer electronics than to transportation." Features like integrated GPS and WiFi chips allow a bevy of interesting high-tech options for the Enertia, such as on-board cameras that can link up to the internet and automatically sort ride pictures by location. Sounds cool, but we're a bit wary of Geek Squad associates putting their hands on our motorcycles. Thanks for the tip, John A!

Gallery: EVS23: Brammo Enertia motorcycle

[Source: Greentech Media via Electric Motorcycle Forum]

Brammo Enertia to be sold at Best Buy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mission One EV sport bike unveiled - 150 MPH, 150-mile range

Domenick Yoney — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Motorcycle

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Mission One EV sport bike

Mission Motors has just revealed its all-electric sport bike and the family-friendly version of our initial reaction goes something like, "Holy Mother of God and all that is good and decent!", followed immediately by the sound of our jaws hitting the floor. After a couple of years of staying almost perfectly in stealth mode, the Mission One is being unveiled today at the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference. The Yves Béhar-designed bike sets a new performance standard for electric two-wheelers with a top speed of 150 mph and an estimated range of 150 miles. Of course, the strength of an electric drivetrain is torque and the Mission One has 100 lb-ft of the stuff on offer from the first twist of the throttle up until 60 mph. When it makes its race debut at the TTXGP on June 12th, we suspect the other entries will be scrappin' it out for second place.

To bring this amazing machine to market, Forrest North and his two co-founders, Edward West and Mason Cabot, have assembled a real dream team with incredible depth and experience and whose resumés list companies like Tesla Motors, Ducati and Google. The first 50 bikes produced will be a special Limited Edition model delivered in 2010 bearing a $68,995 price tag, while a standard, more affordable Mission One model will be announced this summer. If the goal of this company was to create a paradigm-busting object of desire, then we say, "Mission accomplished". Mouth watering specs below and official press release after the break.

Gallery: Mission One EV sport bike

[Source: Mission Motors]

Continue reading Mission One EV sport bike unveiled - 150 MPH, 150-mile range

Mission One EV sport bike unveiled - 150 MPH, 150-mile range originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the rumormill: Vectrix to debut an electric Superbike?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Motorcycle

Falling into the "maxiscooter" category, the Vectrix electric scooter has a top speed limited to 62 mph, allowing for a range of 68 miles from its 125 Volt NiMH battery. If the long-rumored all-electric Superbike from Vectrix does in fact make its first appearance on November 6th in Milan at the 2007 Eicma show, expect the speed and range to be a bit higher. Assuming that similar technology is used in the Superbike as in the scooter, the machine should feature regenerative braking by simply rolling the throttle backwards. When the bike is stationary, rolling the throttle back should move the bike slowly in reverse.

At this time, no details are available other than the teaser photo above. This machine is likely the work of ROBRADY Design, which worked with Vectrix on the design of the scooter. Vectrix has stated in the past that they plan on using lithium ion technology in the future, which would make sense in the Superbike since it will carry a higher price point than the scooter. Using lithium-based batteries would allow for higher speeds and greater range, potentially making for a very exciting all-electric sportbike indeed.

[Source: Motoblog, Vectrix]

Enter the rumormill: Vectrix to debut an electric Superbike? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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