While electric motorcycles still can't compete with gas bikes when it comes to cruising range, the just-released 2013 Zero Motorcycles lineup takes yet another step in the right direction: Claiming an average power increase of 99 percent and "the world's longest-range production electric motorcycle," Zero's new higher voltage batteries enable up to 137 miles of city range.
The gutsiest bike in Zero's 2013 lineup (which hits showrooms in January) is the FX model, which produces 44 hp and 70 ft-lbs of torque. For comparison's sake, a 2013 Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two packs a 1,200cc v-twin that produces a claimed 72.3 ft-lbs of twist. When using an optional charge accessory at a CHAdeMO station, Zeroes can get 95 percent charged in an hour or less.
Priced from $7,995 (for a base Zero XU) to $15,995 (for a top level Zero S), the new lineup isn't cheap. Also, your mileage will vary: I only pulled 61.2 miles from a 2012 Zero S ZF9, which is rated at over 100 miles range, while admittedly riding the wheels off the thing. So, based on my crude math skills, 137 miles of claimed range could, under heavy fisted real world riding, yield around 85 or so miles of actual range.
Worth it?
Source: Zero Motorcycles
Related:
- BMW c Evolution Electric Scooter Review: Coming Soon to a Future Near You
- What's it Like to Live with an Electric Motorcycle?
- How a Buell Veteran Landed in the Electric Motorcycle Business
- 2011 Zero S Review: The Electric Motorcycle Grows Up... Sorta
- Brammo's Empulse: 100+ MPH, 121 City Mile Range, $17,000 (!)
Photo © Zero
While I applaud their tenacity, we need new battery technology. I don’t think I’ll see any charging stations where I ride, and if I do NY state will be waiting in the wings to tack on huge taxes .
I love technology!!
This stuff is awesome. All technology since the beginning of time all started somewhere. Never has technology come out in the first years with a final product….I can go on and on with examples so those who are naysayers will always find something negative and will never find happiness with new ideas and new tech, it’s sad but so many ppl are too impatient and want it all right now. I applaud Zero!!
I agree with TJ. Every new idea has to start somewhere and then be refined and improved along the way. Being a serious space enthusiast I always argue that the space program is NOT a waste of money because of the myriad spin-off technologies they provide. Tang and microwave ovens did not come from NASA but many other discoveries have found their way into everyday life e.g., MRI technology, winglets on airliners, freeze-dried foods and even shoe design. Way to go Zero, keep at it!