The Brammo Empulse can go up to 100 Miles Per Charge and is Ready to Race in the e-Power Championship.
July 26, 2010 by Trader Online
Filed under Electric Cycles, News
Zdnet.com features a story on Brammo’s new Empulse electric motorcycle. According to Brammo, the Empulse is the electric motorcycle to feature water cooling and can run 100 miles on a single charge. Brammo also says that their motorcycles are eligible for the recently passed 10% federal tax credit for plug-in vehicles.
How do electric motorcycles compare to four-wheeled electric vehicles for range? Electric motorcycles don’t have dual power from gas engines and batteries like the Toyota Prius, so there is no fossil fuel backup if you start running low on charge.
Hell For Leather reports that the Empulse can get up to around 100 miles on a single charge, but you can extend the range up to 130 miles if you lay off the speed.
The Empulse won’t be taking a casual ride anytime soon. Asphaltandrubber.com reports the Empulse hit the track at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California for the e-Power Championship on July 25th.
Source: Brammo, Zdnet.com, Hell For Leather, Asphalt and Rubber
The MotoCzysz E1pc Pushes the Limits of Electric Motorcycles
June 11, 2010 by Trader Online
Filed under Electric Cycles, News
Here are some amazing photos by Amadeus Photography of the 2010 MotoCzysz E1pc, a bike described by Popular Science as “pushing the limits of electric performance to the absolute max.”
According to the Popular Science story, the 2010 MotoCzysz E1pc has ten times the battery capacity of a Toyota Prius and 2.5 of a Ducati 1198.
This bike will need all the power it can get, it is set to race in the the Isle of Man TT, considered to be the toughest motorcycle race in the world for electric bikes.
Source: Amadeus Photography, Popular Science, Gizmodo, Hell for Leather
New Electric Motorcycle Racing Series Arrives Next Year
November 23, 2009 by Trader Online
Filed under Cycle Events, Electric Cycles, News
The Autopia blog reports that electric motorcycles are hitting the big time with the organizers of MotoGP launching a new electric racing series next year.
According to Autopia, the series will be organized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Road Racing Commission with the first race set for April 18 during the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The first zero emissions grand prix, the TTXGP (Time Trial Xtreme Grand Prix), was held this past June on the Isle of Man and featured 13 teams.
Source: Autopia
Electric Motorcycle How To
April 6, 2009 by jesrod
Filed under Electric Motorcycle How To, Electric Motorcycles, How To
Purchase an old bike to tear down and rebuild into your electric motorcycle. There are a number of places you can look to find a decent bike at a decent price. You may want to first try your local junkyard or the Internet.
Strip the bike down and remove all the combustible engine parts. Since you are building an electric motorcycle, you will not need a gas tank or other engine pieces from a combustible engine. Figure out where to install the new parts on your bike frame.
Connect the motorcycle’s new motor to the drive shaft. Simply turn the motor sideways and place the drive sprocket over the top of the motor shaft.
Place four batteries in the place where your motorcycle’s mufflers used to be. Check hardware stores or car dealerships for a good price on batteries. Install the batteries using Uni Strut channels.
Place the remaining four batteries on aluminum slats above the motorcycle motor. This is a great place to store your batteries as they will be easy to reach for recharging and your bike frame should still conceal them.
Connect the DC/DC converter and throttle to your batteries. The DC/DC converter will power your lights and other electronics, while the throttle will control your speed.
Install the on-board charger on the side of your bike. This charger will allow you to charge your bike on the go, such as when you’re at work or visiting friends and family.
Install the main contactor. This is essentially a throw switch that controls the flow of power from the battery to the controller. Wire the main contactor to the key switch so that whenever you turn the key, the bike starts.
Give your bike a decent paint job and perhaps even a coat of gloss to give it some shine.
