Just because it's electric doesn't mean you can't row your own. Brammo, maker of electric bikes, just announced four new concept bikes that incorporate a 6-speed transmission to improve performance and efficiency (range). Unusual to both electric cars and bikes, the 6-speed transmission will be engaged by clutch just like conventional gasoline bikes. Craig Bramscher, Brammo's chairman and CEO, told NYT the new bikes are "better in some ways. They give you a chance to slip the clutch, pop a wheelie - some of the more fun things you can do on a conventional motorcycle."
Adding a selection of gears will be interesting, if not inspiring. It's well known that electric motors have greater energy losses at higher RPMs due to friction. Adding a 6-speed transmission will keep the electric motor at more ideal speeds, but there is a downside: added weight and cost.
Even so, according to Brammo, their 6-speed bikes can go 10 to 15 percent faster than their direct-drive bikes. Expect a top speed of 70 mph.
Prices start at $9,995 for the Engage MX, dirt-only; and the Engage SMR, asphalt racing; the Engage SMS, a street-legal version will run $11,995.
[Source: The New York Times]
Adding a selection of gears will be interesting, if not inspiring. It's well known that electric motors have greater energy losses at higher RPMs due to friction. Adding a 6-speed transmission will keep the electric motor at more ideal speeds, but there is a downside: added weight and cost.
Even so, according to Brammo, their 6-speed bikes can go 10 to 15 percent faster than their direct-drive bikes. Expect a top speed of 70 mph.
Prices start at $9,995 for the Engage MX, dirt-only; and the Engage SMR, asphalt racing; the Engage SMS, a street-legal version will run $11,995.
[Source: The New York Times]
Ashland, OR, and Italy, May 4th 2011--Brammo, Inc. a global leader in the electric vehicle industry and S.M.R.E. Engineering, a leading engineering research and development company today announced that Brammo and SMRE have entered into a strategic partnership. As a part of this agreement, Brammo has acquired an exclusive international license of SMRE's patented Integrated Electric Transmission™ (IET). IET enables Brammo to offer its electric motorcycles with a 6 speed transmission - further improving performance and range. The first application of the new IET will be on the Brammo Engage and Encite which are announced today and which will be unveiled prior to competing in the MiniMotoSX race in Las Vegas on Friday, May 6, 2011.
"It is fundamental to Brammo's success that we continue to innovate and develop our strong reputation for high quality, exciting motorcycles," stated Craig Bramscher, CEO and Founder of Brammo, Inc. "Combining the SMRE Integrated Electric Transmission system with the Brammo Power™ Batteries and Battery Management System keeps Brammo at the forefront of Powersports drivetrain technology."
"We are delighted to have Brammo as our strategic partner." said Samuele Mazzini, founder and CEO of SMRE and creator of the IET™. "This alliance will see the IET integrated into Brammo motorcycles and enjoyed by riders all around the world."
Today Brammo announces four new models all featuring the IET™ and swappable Brammo Power battery packs.
Engage MX - dirt bike competing in MiniMotoSX - anticipated price $9,995.00
Engage SMR - Super Moto Racing - anticipated price $9,995.00
Engage SMS - Super Moto Street - anticipated price $11,995.00
Encite MMX PRO - mini dirt bike competing in MiniMotoSX - no price announced
Prices do not include relevant taxes or Federal and State electric vehicle incentives.
The Engage and Encite join the award winning Enertia and stunning Empulse. Together, these four model ranges offer motorcycle dealerships the most comprehensive range of electric motorcycles available. Brammo continues to expand its dealership network in North America and will be adding many new dealers over the next 90 days.
Integrated Electric Transmission (IET™) - The IET™ is a mechatronic propulsion unit that emulates the feeling and performance of a traditional internal combustion engine, with a specially developed electric motor, clutch and gear shift, that enables Brammo motorcycles to accelerate hard from the line up to a high top speed, something that is just not possible to achieve with a single ratio electric motorcycle.
"Electric motorcycle design has always been a bit of a balancing act in direct drive systems where great acceleration performance comes at the expense of low top-end speed." Stated Brian Wismann, Director of Product Development at Brammo. "The IET™ system provides the best of both worlds and is the perfect complement to Brammo's industry leading Brammo Power battery and vehicle control technology to maintain our position as the world's leading electric motorcycle manufacturer."
About SMRE
SMRE srl is an Italian engineering company with a strong emphasis on innovation through research and development. SMRE distinguishes itself through the creation of high quality revolutionary technology. By working closely with its customers, SMRE is able to develop custom engineering solutions that redefine the limits of what is thought possible. For more information, please visit www.smre.it
About Brammo
Brammo Inc is a leading electric vehicle technology company headquartered in North America. Brammo designs and develops electric vehicles including the Enertia, Empulse and Engage motorcycles. Brammo is an OEM supplier of its innovative Brammo Digital Drivetrain™ systems including the Brammo Power™ battery pack and Brammo Power™ vehicle management system. Brammo has vehicle distribution and marketing operations in North America, Europe and Asia.For more information, please visit www.brammo.com
"It is fundamental to Brammo's success that we continue to innovate and develop our strong reputation for high quality, exciting motorcycles," stated Craig Bramscher, CEO and Founder of Brammo, Inc. "Combining the SMRE Integrated Electric Transmission system with the Brammo Power™ Batteries and Battery Management System keeps Brammo at the forefront of Powersports drivetrain technology."
"We are delighted to have Brammo as our strategic partner." said Samuele Mazzini, founder and CEO of SMRE and creator of the IET™. "This alliance will see the IET integrated into Brammo motorcycles and enjoyed by riders all around the world."
Today Brammo announces four new models all featuring the IET™ and swappable Brammo Power battery packs.
Engage MX - dirt bike competing in MiniMotoSX - anticipated price $9,995.00
Engage SMR - Super Moto Racing - anticipated price $9,995.00
Engage SMS - Super Moto Street - anticipated price $11,995.00
Encite MMX PRO - mini dirt bike competing in MiniMotoSX - no price announced
Prices do not include relevant taxes or Federal and State electric vehicle incentives.
The Engage and Encite join the award winning Enertia and stunning Empulse. Together, these four model ranges offer motorcycle dealerships the most comprehensive range of electric motorcycles available. Brammo continues to expand its dealership network in North America and will be adding many new dealers over the next 90 days.
Integrated Electric Transmission (IET™) - The IET™ is a mechatronic propulsion unit that emulates the feeling and performance of a traditional internal combustion engine, with a specially developed electric motor, clutch and gear shift, that enables Brammo motorcycles to accelerate hard from the line up to a high top speed, something that is just not possible to achieve with a single ratio electric motorcycle.
"Electric motorcycle design has always been a bit of a balancing act in direct drive systems where great acceleration performance comes at the expense of low top-end speed." Stated Brian Wismann, Director of Product Development at Brammo. "The IET™ system provides the best of both worlds and is the perfect complement to Brammo's industry leading Brammo Power battery and vehicle control technology to maintain our position as the world's leading electric motorcycle manufacturer."
About SMRE
SMRE srl is an Italian engineering company with a strong emphasis on innovation through research and development. SMRE distinguishes itself through the creation of high quality revolutionary technology. By working closely with its customers, SMRE is able to develop custom engineering solutions that redefine the limits of what is thought possible. For more information, please visit www.smre.it
About Brammo
Brammo Inc is a leading electric vehicle technology company headquartered in North America. Brammo designs and develops electric vehicles including the Enertia, Empulse and Engage motorcycles. Brammo is an OEM supplier of its innovative Brammo Digital Drivetrain™ systems including the Brammo Power™ battery pack and Brammo Power™ vehicle management system. Brammo has vehicle distribution and marketing operations in North America, Europe and Asia.For more information, please visit www.brammo.com
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