While automotive OEMs dominate the headlines when it comes to electric transportation, Zero Motorcycles has been quietly (pun intended) putting out high-quality all-electric motorcycles since 2006.
The Santa Cruz, California-based company is years ahead of leading motorcycle manufacturers when it comes to electric bikes, and with price tags of 2018 models ranging from $8,500 to $16,500, they could own the market by the time the big boys even take the streets.
According to Zero, their latest models feature significant advances in acceleration, charging times and top speed. Battery capacities range from 3.6 to 14.4 kWh on the six new bikes, which include street, dual-sport, motocross and supermoto models.
This equates to motors with up to 70 horsepower and 116 foot-pounds of torque, which is typical of bikes these sizes, but the fact that they weigh significantly less, from 247 to 419 pounds, means they accelerate more quickly than their fuel-fired cousins.
Obtaining a full charge will take 5-10 hours, depending on the bike, and battery ranges vary from 89 – 163 miles in the city for the cruising models. These numbers drop significantly on the highway where more battery power is needed to reach higher speeds.
The motocross and supermoto models come in at under 50 miles between charges.
Zero also offers a number of add-ons that can bring charging times down to as little as 1-1/2 hours, boost ranges to 223 city and 103 highway miles, and ramp top speeds up to as high as 96 mph. A smartphone app allows owners to check performance and battery data, as well as update the bike’s firmware.
The emergence of Zero and electric motorcycles comes as the industry hits a crossroad. Legacy riders want a touring bike – one they can take on afternoon rides that demand more than 90 minutes of power. However, a decline in sales from a number of industry stalwarts point to the emergence of a new type of rider.
This next generation is looking for a stylish, fuel-efficient, lightweight bike that offers acceleration over belching exhaust pipes and economics over a nameplate. This is the group that could push Zero into the forefront.