Brammo Expands into Australia and Welcomes ELMOFO to Dealer Network

Brammo has announced the appointment of ELMOFO (Electro Motive Force) as their importer and distributor for Australia.

Brammo is excited to partner with ELMOFO, who have a deep understanding of the Australian EV market and the challenges associated with building premium electric vehicles.

Commenting on this latest appointment, Founder and CEO of Brammo Inc., Craig Bramscher, said, “Our vision continues to be to bring our world-class motorcycles to leading global markets. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our expansion. We look forward to being part of the Australian EV market and working with ELMOFO.”

"Over the past two years, ELMOFO has been searching globally for the best two wheel EV company to provide electric motorcycles to the Australian market. Brammo offers award-winning, leading-edge technology that will bring a real world impact to Australian riders," said Brett Sutherland, CEO of ELMOFO.

ELMOFO have been racing a battery powered Radical, the current electric lap record holder and the only electric powered vehicle in a field of petrol powered cars in the NSW SuperSports State Championships.

Read more »

Bosch Launches Next Generation E-Bike Systems [VIDEO]

Bosch eBike Systems is introducing two new drive systems which will be available next to the existing Classic+ line. The newcomers are called Active Line and Performance Line. Both Lines have a new mid-motor developed by Bosch which is smaller and lighter than the current one. It's also not possible to mount it upside down at 220º as the Classic+ one. Thanks to its design the new drive unit of both Active and Performance lines offer even for the sportive segment enough ground clearance.

While the Classic+ drive system is offered in both up to 25 km/h and up to 45 km/h versions, the new agile Active Line comes only in a 25 km/h version and stands for "carefree enjoyment". The more dynamic and powerful Performance Line offers next to a 25 km/h also a 45 km/h version for derailleur-equipped bicycles. Also new is that the Active Line offers a version for coaster brake bikes.

Also new at the Active and Performance Lines are 'drivetrains'. Bosch means by that a drive concept ensuring optimal coordination by relying on three sensors for force, cadence, and speed. According to Bosch there are now, "1,000 sensor measurements per second and more powerful electronics with a modern 32-bit processor." Also new: gear shift detection for derailleur systems. "During shifting, the torque is reduced at precisely at the right moment and then increased, resulting in a smooth shifting process which reduces stress on the components and cuts down on wear."

Not only the mid drive unit and rear carriers that hold the battery pack are tuned, but also the Intuvia onboard computer that comes with the Bosch e-bike kit. More functions are available as well as more modes: eco, tour, sport, turbo, and off. Both Active and Performance e-bike kits weigh less than four kilograms (Classic+: 4.1 kilos).

Read more »

Voltron Evo win Australian eFXC electric Formula Xtreme

Round 1 of the 2014 Australian electric Formula Xtreme Challenge - eFXC - was help today at Queensland Raceway.

Five electric superbikes made the record grid with first time entrant O'Hanlon Electric Motorsport winning all four heats with their new Voltron Evo ridden by Danny Pottage.

Built in Western Australia by Dr Chris Jones, the new bike is based on a custom frame fitted with Turnigy 40c LiPo RC batteries that provide 700 VDC to an Evo Electric AFM-140 Axial Flux BLDC motor good for 400 Nm peak, 250 Nm continuous.

Read more »

Harley-Davidson Reveals Project LiveWire EV Concept [VIDEO]

Innovation, meet heritage. Today, Harley-Davidson reveals Project LiveWire – the first Harley-Davidson® electric motorcycle.

In keeping with the company's customer-led product development approach, starting next week select consumers across the country will be able to ride and provide feedback on the bike, helping to shape the future of Harley-Davidson's first-ever electric motorcycle.

While not for sale, Project LiveWire is specifically designed for the purpose of getting insight into rider expectations of an electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

"America at its best has always been about reinvention," said Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "And, like America, Harley-Davidson has reinvented itself many times in our history, with customers leading us every step of the way. Project LiveWire is another exciting, customer-led moment in our history."

Spurred by this heritage, the Project LiveWire Experience invites customers to test ride, provide feedback and learn more about the story of the motorcycle. Even those who don't yet ride will have the opportunity to feel the power of Project LiveWire through Jumpstart – a simulated riding experience.

A 2014 U.S. tour – kicking off with a journey down Route 66 – will visit more than 30 Harley-Davidson dealerships now through the end of the year. In 2015, the Project LiveWire Experience will continue in the U.S. and expand into Canada and Europe.

"This builds on many recent reinvention successes for Harley-Davidson," said Levatich. "In just the last few years, we've broadened our reach to serve an increasingly diverse society, as well as reinvented our approach to product development and manufacturing. This has resulted in cutting-edge products like the recently launched Project Rushmore touring bikes, Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750 models and this reveal of Project LiveWire."

An Innovative Approach to Advance the Possibilities of Personal Freedom This exciting new ride blends the company's styling heritage with the latest technology to deliver a new expression of the signature Harley-Davidson look, sound and feel.

"Project LiveWire is more like the first electric guitar – not an electric car," said Mark-Hans Richer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "It's an expression of individuality and iconic style that just happens to be electric. Project LiveWire is a bold statement for us as a company and a brand."

The bike offers a visceral riding experience with tire-shredding acceleration and an unmistakable new sound.

"The sound is a distinct part of the thrill," said Richer. "Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. Project LiveWire's unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market."

Longer term plans for retail availability of Project LiveWire will be influenced by feedback from riders along the Project Livewire Experience tour.

"We offer a no excuses riding experience in everything we do and we are led by what our customers tell us matters most," said Richer. "Because electric vehicle technology is evolving rapidly, we are excited to learn more from riders through the Project LiveWire Experience to fully understand the definition of success in this market as the technology continues to evolve."

Helping Preserve and Renew the Freedom to Ride for Generations As riding in the great outdoors is one of the best elements of motorcycling, sustainability remains a core strategic focus at Harley-Davidson.

"Preserving the riding environment is important to all of us," said Levatich. "Project LiveWire is just one element in our efforts to preserve and renew the freedom to ride for generations to come. As a company that has seen success for 111 years, we think in generational terms about our great riding environments for the next 111 years."

Read more »

John McGuinness breaks TT Zero lap record [VIDEO]

TT legend John McGuinness won his 21st TT race on Wednesday morning when he took the SES TT Zero race in record-breaking style.

Riding the Mugen Shinden, McGuinness was always in the lead and with a stunning new lap record of 117.366mph, he came home 23.3s clear of team-mate Bruce Anstey. Rob Barber, on the Ohio State University Buckeye machine, took third.

Read more »

2014 Isle of Man TT Race: TEAM MUGEN contender revealed

Mr. Shin Nagaosa, President of M-TEC Co., Ltd., today announced the release of the new contender from TEAM MUGEN for victory at this year's Isle of Man TT Zero Challenge class, to be held during May and June.

M-TEC originally created the in-house TT Zero project as a means of developing and initiating their young engineers in the emerging technologies that are fast becoming prevalent in all forms of modern motorsport, and competed for the first time at the Isle of Man TT in 2012. Since then with two consecutive second-place finishes under their belt the team is gunning for a victory in 2014 with an all-new challenger, "SHINDEN SAN".

The development for this year sees a new oil-cooled 3-phase brushless motor that is increased in power output while at the same time is lighter and reduced in size. The team has taken the opportunity afforded by this new layout to increase the battery capacity over the 2013 machine and installed new control systems take advantage of the performance capabilities. Also with SHINDEN SAN the engineers have used the data gained from previous years racing and testing to optimise the aerodynamics of the machine and adopted newly-developed suspension in order to maximise the speed potential.

Having ridden with the team in the previous two years TT Zero events John McGuinness will be returning with TEAM MUGEN, bringing with him once again his brilliant track record and expertise on the mountain course, and this year he is joined by the highly experienced Bruce Anstey, himself a nine-time TT winner. With this talented rider line-up, and the experience and development gained in 2012 and 2013, the aim of the team is for SHINDEN SAN to raise the bar to a new level with a target at the same time, of course, to achieve victory.

* The Isle of Man TT Races are a traditional international bike race event, which has taken place since 1907 on the Isle of Man located between England and Ireland. The TT Zero Challenge class was first run in 2009 as a time trial format over the 60km mountain course on the public roads on the island, with the regulations requiring a zero CO2 clean emission power unit.

Machine Specification

Machine Name : SHINDEN SAN

Overall length / width / height (mm) : 2,125 / 680 / 1,130

Wheelbase (mm) : 1,485

Ground Clearance (mm) : 130

Seat Height (mm) : 840

Total Weight (kg): 240

Tyre (Front) : 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)

Tyre (Rear) : 200/55ZR17M/C (78W)

Frame : CFRP twin-spar type

Motor Type : Oil-cooled, 3-phase, brushless motor

Maximum Output (kW [ps]) : 100 [134]

Maximum Torque (N·m [kgf·m]) : 220 [22.4]

Battery Specification : Laminate-type Lithium-ion

Battery Output Voltage (V) : 370 or more

Read more »

Brammo Empulse Cutaway - Tech Overview [VIDEO]

Brammo's Brian Wismann dissect the high-tech inner workings of the award winning Brammo Empulse electric motorcycle!

From Battery cells to electronic controllers to a powerful electric motor. Check out this unique technical overview using a "cut-away" of the 2013 Empulse as seen at CES!

Read more »

Japan’s Terra Motors unveils electric superbike

Japanese electric two wheeler maker Terra Motors Corporation has unveiled an electric superbike, the Kiwami electric bike in India.

The company, which plans to start selling the bike in next couple of months, also plans to bring in a premium electric scooter, a range of affordable electric bikes and electric three wheelers into the Indian market.

“Besides, Kiwami, we plan to bring in a premium electric scooter and an electric three-wheeler this year. We will also consider launching affordable range electric bikes in the future,” Terra Motors Chief Executive Officer Toru Tokushige told reporters in New Delhi.

The Tokyo-headquartered firm, which will be importing the superbike initially into the country, is looking to garner 25 per cent market share in the Indian electric bike segment.

“We are targeting 25 per cent market share this year in the electric bike segment. We also plan to invest Rs 30 crore during the year,” Mr. Tokushige said.

The Indian electric bike market is estimated to be around 60,000 units per annum.

The Kiwami can cover a distance of 200 km with a single charge and achieve a top speed of 140 km/hr.

Terra Motors, which sold 20,000 electric vehicles in Japan last year, is also in the process of finalising dealer partners in India.

“With immense knowledge of electric vehicles, we will associate ourselves with the dealers who are well experienced in service quality,” Mr. Tokushige said.

Terming India as an important market, Mr. Tokushige said the company wants to be a front runner in the electric two-wheeler segment in the country.

“India is the second largest producer of two-wheelers in the world. Hence it is an important market in our strategic growth plan,” Mr. Tokushige said.

Read more »

Zero Motorcycles Announce Australian Distributor

Zero Motorcycles, as featured on a recent episode of Fully Charged, today announced a new Australian distribution partnership deal with Cento Per Cento. The team credited with re-launching MV Agusta to the Australian market in 2011, Cento Per Cento is an Australian- based distribution company focused on delivering premium motorcycle brands. Now serving as the official Australian distributor for Zero Motorcycles, Cento Per Cento will trade as Zero Motorcycles Australia in launching the all new 2014 model lineup.

“Zero Motorcycles is leading the most exciting development in the two wheel industry, representing the next curve in technology and extreme performance delivered via a unique riding experience and low cost of ownership, coupled with social awareness,” said James Deutsher, Director of Zero Motorcycles Australia. “Zero Motorcycles is a high performance global company with a range of products already changing the way people experience electric vehicles. Zero Motorcycles Australia is very proud of this partnership with one of the world’s most exciting technology and automotive companies, Zero Motorcycles.”

“The opportunity to work with a partner such as Cento Per Cento in a market as promising as Australia is a very exciting one for Zero Motorcycles,” said Phil Wilkinson, Director of Sales Asia Pacific for Zero Motorcycles. “Australians have shown strong interest and continually demand for the presence of Zero Motorcycles in Australia and we feel that with the combination of Cento Per Cento together with our thrilling 2014 model lineup, Australia won’t be disappointed.”

Delivering the first high performance, 100 percent electric motorcycle to the Australian public, Zero Motorcycles Australia will offer Zero’s 2014 model line featuring the new Z-Force® Power Tank accessory, allowing riders to travel up to 276 kilometers in the city or 141 kilometers on the highway. The new flagship Zero SR has now reached extraordinary levels of consumer performance including 0-100kph in just 3.3 seconds, up to

270km combined range, a superbike killing 144 Nm of torque and an instant 67hp on hand to the rider at all times. The industry leading Z-Force® powertrain embodies a philosophy of "sophisticated simplicity” by maximizing the exhilaration of riding and minimizing needless complexity. With instant torque, a nearly silent belt-driven system and no shifting, riders need only focus on enjoying the ride. For the owner, there is no routine powertrain maintenance and the ‘fuel’ cost is only a penny a mile.

Under the trading name Zero Motorcycles Australia, initial shipments of the 2014 Zero Motorcycles range including the SR, DS, and FX models will arrive in March.

Read more »

Fully Charged - Zero S electric Motorbike [VIDEO]

Danny John-Jules takes the Zero S electric bike for a spin.

Torque: 144 Nm (106 ft-lb)

Top Speed: 163 km/h (102 mph)

Range: 273 km (171 miles)

Cost: $0.01 per mile

For more information: Zero Motorbikes

Read more »

Kawasaki "J" EV Motorcycle Concept [VIDEO]

The Kawasaki J has three wheels. However it uses more than one mode, allowing it to transition to a sports bike, making the two front wheels mesh together. In that mode, the vehicle also lowers, closer to the ground.

The bike was recently unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. Housing an all electric motor, when the rider is taking part in leisurely, slow cruises, or stop and go trips through the city, the two wheels remain separated and the handlebars raise offering the driver more comfort.

It's during the fast speed, highway type of rides, the tires comes together and the bars lower, allowing the rider to have optimal positioning and posture.

The basic idea behind the bike is for it to stretch out as speeds increase. The radical and mean looking machine has been generating some serious buzz since the premiere, however it is just a concept for now.

Kawasaki did not release any plans to put it into production.

Read more »