What’s next - Zero emission electric motorcycles for speed freaks
As we know it:
With the contemporary surge of ‘green’ technology, many of you might have the wrong impression that electric motorcycles are a recent phenomenon. But the earliest references to electric motorcycles can be found in patents as long back as in the late 1860s. And by 1911, electric motorcycles were available in the market, at least according to a Popular Mechanics article; and so was the first electric Harley MK2 in 1978. But the problem always lied with two of the very intrinsic attributes of motorcycles that we always tend to identify them with; their fleeting speed and the raw sound of an engine revving.
Historically, electric motorcycles generally tended to have lower top speeds, and also lost that characteristic engine noise. Moreover, up front costs were higher than in comparison to its gas guzzling cousins, and so was the accentuation of battery capacity inefficiency, especially in cold weather.
Need for change:
But in the present scenario, the Asian giants China and India alone account for around 71 million petrol powered motorcycles. While, from the engine mechanism perspective, motorcycles may produce much less pollution in terms of greenhouse gases (about 65 percent reduction in carbon emission than cars), but on the other hand many sources have found that a motorcycle can in some cases emit 10–20 times the quantity of nitrogen oxides (NOx) when compared to the NOx emissions of a car (because of lack of catalyst converters in majority cases). This in effect adds another adverse dimension to the already degrading state of our environment. But with the spurt of progressive ‘green’ technologies, the glorious ’second coming’ of more improved and advanced electric motorbikes might still save the day for sustainability.
What’s next:
1. Tryton MM2 electric motorcycle concept:
What’s New?
The scrupulous fusion of classic styling and futuristic demeanor, this fascinating piece of ‘machine-art’ is the brainchild of auto designer Vil Tsimenzin. Poetic visual imagery aside, the Tryton MM2 is also fully electric for a zero emission escapade.
What difference will it make?
It may give us a sense of heftiness, but actually the sublime form is composed from a carbon fiber frame with reinforced thermoplastic body panels. Powered by sturdy electric batteries, the light motorcycle can zoom to speed of 100mph in just 4.4 seconds with a top speed of a whopping 160mph. The substantial range is 132 miles on a single charge, while its onboard battery pack can be refuelled in just two and a half hours via a conventional 110V outlet.
2. AMPLIO Electric Motorcycle Concept:
What’s New?
More than just a bike, designer Sebastian Tymoczko has meticulously visualized a fully automated system, where the advanced technology would allow nigh instantaneous replacement of the full electric battery pack, instead of cumbersome charging. All of these will be possible because of the motorcycle’s inherent design attribute, which allows a light weighted aluminum rack and a bottom placed battery tray to lock the 10 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery (in the middle) into its place. When the charging process commences, this rack can be opened, while an automated switch platform ‘plucks’ the depleted battery from underneath the motorcycle, to replace it with another newly charged one.
What difference will it make?
According to the designer, the recharging process will take much less time than an ordinary petrol filling process, especially because in this case the driver will remain seated in his position during the whole automated quick process. Moreover, the substantial range (160 km) of the battery can actually allure more customers beyond the traditional urban scope.
3. Zero Moto electric concept motorcycle:
What’s new?
Though many of our first impressions would be that of a giant dumbbell, but the Zero Moto is supposedly inspired by Art Deco Steam Locomotives. This minimalistic yet modernistic bearing will feature an all wheel drive with a distinct steering mechanism. At slow speeds, the front and rear wheel will turn opposite to each other to decrease turning radius (with extra control), but at highway speeds, the wheels will turn in the same direction for quick lane changes. All of these will be regulated by an on-board CPU, while the vehicle itself will be powered by two electric hub motors.
What difference will it make?
The conventional headlights and control displays have been replaced by LEDs to reduce the load on the electric batteries. This will in turn enhance the overall range of the bike to up to 200 miles, with a top speed of 90 mph and acceleration of 0-60 in just 3.9 secs.
4. EV geek aims to create 400mph electric motorcycle:
What’s new?
The EV geek we are talking about here is one Eva Håkansson, and she ambitiously aims to create an astutely aerodynamic ‘green’ beast, which will be able hit an astounding speed of 400mph (640kmph)! Aptly named as the KillerJoule (in allusion to the unit of energy), unfortunately we do not have many details on the project. But what we do know is that she will attempt to break the current record of 376.3mph at Bonneville, by incorporating an equivalent of a 400hp engine. The bike will be powered by 1300 cells, which are similar to what we find in wireless power drillers (though they are powered by a paltry 10).
What difference will it make?
The project has already drawn the attention of some sections of the commercial motorbike circuit, as Greenstage-Tumanako is reportedly providing the motor controller, and a sponsorship deal with A123 is in place for batteries. Now a commercialized zero emission conception that easily challenge the upper speed limits of its gas guzzling cousins, would surely be a ‘green’ sight to behold.
5. AER concept racing motorcycle is powered by four electric motors:
What’s New?
The irregular yet swanky chassis incorporated with the conspicuously sturdy electric battery pack, emerging like four ‘vehemently loud’ speakers, makes the AER concept racing motorcycle conceived by Andre Federico Look, certainly a class apart. This racing machine will supposedly have four electric engines, which can generate a prodigious 143.5KW of raw power. But that doesn’t come at the cost of weight or control, as the sustainable conception will feature a compact, self-contained form with sensitive tire temperature management for better performance.
What difference will it make?
The bike will ingeniously utilize regenerative braking (used in FI), which can provide that extra bit of acceleration during crunch racing moments. The designer also looks forth to integrate oxygen in the air for energy generation. Two types of ultra-efficient battery packs with either lithium-air technology or zinc-air technology can be used (that can provide up to ten times the energy density of conventional lithium-ion battery).
6. Honda Oree Electric Motorcycle Concept:
What’s New?
Well, you just can’t keep Honda out of ‘green’ ventures, and this time they are back with their minimalistic, avant-garde Oree Electric Motorcycle Concept, designed by German students Nike Albertus and Andre Look. The bevy of radial battery packs complements the electric motor, while according to the designers - the bike will also do without a CVT gearbox or clutch, with the power being transmitted through a belt drive. The enhanced performance will guarantee high torque at low revs and quick acceleration.
What difference will it make?
The 90 hp motor will produce 125 lb-ft of torque, while the light 290-375 lbs motorbike will have a top speed of 120mph and an extended range of 80-190 miles. Furthermore, Andre Look explains:
The major aspect of the suspension is to expose functions and attitude – in standstill for every viewer and also while riding. At first the direct effects of the road can be recognized through the fork and swingarm movement - further the motion of the suspension shocks between the frame halves can be realized.7. Abarth NGR concept electric superbike utilizes hubless technology:
What’s New?
Another ‘green’ conception that aims to score high on a myriad of features including acceleration, performance and most importantly zero-emission. Conceived by Rob Thornham, the Abarth NGR (Next Generation Racer) will be composed of an ultra light weight material for its streamlined body, while the wheels will truly be of the next generation hubless design.
What difference will it make?
The sleekness of the body will be punctuated by strategically placed fins/ducts that could create a ‘network’ of air supply for cooling the concealed battery system underneath. Moreover, in a true sci-fi fashion the rider will receive all the important performance data through a helmet head-up display that is projected onto the visor.
8. BMW E 100R electric motorcycle concept has a lightweight frame for an efficient ride:
What’s New?
The BMW E 100R electric motorcycle concept can be described as a simplistic fusion of the ‘bare’ form dirt bike with the stylish alignments of a sports-bike. This design by Miika Mahonen looks forth to incorporate a zero emission electric ride in a super-light frame, which can essentially provide torque at even zero RPM.
What difference will it make?
The light, bantam frame with easy controls will make the motorcycle conducive to many different types of terrains. Moreover, other than being just eco friendly and functional, the design will also be conceived as a practically cost effective alternative for bike enthusiasts, of course not before moving into the commercial scheme of things.
