Zero Motorcycles is one of the few companies currently producing electric motorcycles. There are other like Brammo but lets face it, Zero builds some serious purpose built bikes that make the Brammo look like a scooter. They have 2 different dirt models a dual sport enduro bike and a street version.
All of these bikes produce some serious power for an electric motorcycle. The street and dual sport bike can hit speeds of 55 mph and have a range up to 50 miles. These bikes can be charged up in less than 4 hours from a standard household wall socket.
Here are some specs on the Zero S from the Zeromotorcycles.com website -
| Motor |
 |
| Type |
Brushed permanent magnet electric |
| Top Speed |
55 mph (90 kph) |
| Power System |
|
| Type |
Patent-pending lithium ion array |
| Capacity |
4 kWh (58volts @ 70Ah) |
| Range |
Up to 50 miles (80 km) |
| Recharge time |
Less than 4 hours |
| Input |
Standard 110V or 220V |
| Drive Train |
|
| Transmission |
Clutchless one speed |
| Drive system |
17T / 61T, 420 Chain |
| Chassis / Suspension / Brakes |
|
| Front Suspension Travel |
8 inches (203 mm) |
| Rear Suspension Travel |
9 inches (229 mm) |
| Front Brakes |
2 Pot Hydraulic, Stainless Rotor, Hand Actuated, Full Float |
| Rear Brakes |
1 Pot Hydraulic, Stainless Rotor, Foot Actuated, Full Float |
| Front Tire |
110/70-16 |
| Rear Tire |
140/70-16 |
| Dimensions |
|
| Wheel base |
55.75 inches (141.6 cm) |
| Seat height |
35.5 inches (90.2 cm) |
| Head angle |
24 degrees from vertical with 8 inch (20 cm) fork |
| Trail |
3.26 inches (82.8 mm) |
| Steering Angle |
+ 35 Degrees, -35 Degrees |
| Weight |
|
| Frame |
29 pounds (13.2 kg) |
| Power Pack |
80 pounds (36.3 kg) |
| Total weight |
270 pounds (122.5 kg) |
| Economy |
|
You can buy any of these bikes now, pricing and information on how to order can be found on http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-s-order.php for the zero S, or just check out http://zeromotorcycles.com.
$9,950 is not bad for a motorcycle capable of so much, throw in the tax credit and that number drops almost 1000 dollars.
Going from 2 stroke ozone burners to green concept vehicles is quite a change… Yet Austrian motorcycle company KTM wants to do just that. KTM has partnered up with FH JOANNEUM University to bring the world a new look at green cars. KTM has brought out the X-Box roadster (pictured above) and apparently there is more to come.
This electric powered car reminds me of the Atom Ariel. The 4wheeling version pictured below is just bad ass and I hope to see more of this in the future.
Just recently America was introduced to the new Audi Q5 when The Audi Mileage Marathon took place a few weeks ago. In the event, Audi had a 3.0l diesel Q5 which of course has no plans to get to the USA. We will be getting the much less efficient 3.6L v6 gas version. Now Audi is planning the release of a Q5 hybrid that may be released in Japan around 2012. An Audi Q5 with a lithium ion battery might even make its way to the USA in 2010 or 2011. Japan will follow suite in 2012.
Go GREEN!
I knew for months that Tesla was planning on a 4 door. I had no idea it would be this bad ass. This 5 passenger sport scar will do 0-60 in less than 6 seconds and can do 240 miles per charge. That is very impressive. Whats even more impressive is the price tag, at a 49k price reduction of the Roadster, the Model S may just become a semi affordable car. 60k is still no joke but will be in reach of a lot more customers.
Tesla is building a new 250 million dollar factory in preparation for the Model S production. The plan is for the car to go on sale in late 2010.
Lets all hope they dont price hike the model S. I want one.
source- Roadandtrack
I have always been a fan of BMW’s. When I heard today that BMW was bringing back the M1 I was pumped. After reading a bit more I discover that the M1 is also going to be using a kinetic energy recovery system. This system will allow regenerative breaking for the car. So all of you bimmer heads out there can now look forward to a hybrid M1! The vehicle will be powered by the same engine found in the 335i which is a twin turbo 300 hp 6 cylinder. That is the plan but things may change as it is still in the designing stages.
The vehicle is not expected to hit the market untill 2012 but it should be very exciting times when it comes out. I have a feeling though that Americans may not see it till a few years later…
source- AutoCar
