Zero Motorcycles is an American brand of electric motorcycles produced in Santa Cruz, California. They produce high performance, electric motorcycles that are lightweight, efficient, and fun to ride. With technology that is specially designed, and a frame made of rigid, aircraft grade aluminum to minimize weight, they are committed to delivering exceptional value, performance, and fun for customers and partners worldwide. They are also the global leading brand in electric motorcycles. The company was founded by Neal Saiki, a former NASA engineer, in 2006, in his garage in Scotts Valley, California. The company was formerly known as Electricross. He built the company to be exactly as he wanted it to be and then left the company to his team in 2011. He issued a statement that he had fulfilled all that he wished for the Zero company, and then would be continuing another dream project in human powered flight.
Model Rundown
Zero S- Streetfighter- Runs up to 197 miles in the city, has 54 horsepower and 68 feet per pound of torque. 2017 ZF6.5 base MSRP $10,995, 2017 ZF13.0 base MSRP $13,995.
Image result for zero s
Zero SR- Max Performance- goes 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds, has 67 horsepower, and 106 feet per pound of torque. 2017 base MSRP $15,995.
Image result for Zero SR
Zero DS- Dual Sport- Runs up to 179 miles in the city, has up to 54 horsepower, and 68 feet per pound of torque. 2017 ZF6.5 base MSRP $10,995, 2017 ZF13.0 base MSRP $13,995.
Image result for Zero DS
Zero DSR- Max Adventure- New model, has 67 horsepower, 106 feet per pound of torque and has a top speed of 98 miles per hour. 2017 base MSRP $15,995.
Image result for zero max adventure
ero FX- Stealthfighter- has 44 horsepower, 70 feet per pound of torque and weighs less than 300 pounds. 2017 ZF3.3 base MSRP $8,495, 2017 ZF6.5 base MSRP $10,495.
Image result for zero fx
Zero FXS- Supermoto- New model, has 44 horsepower, 70 feet per pound of torque and goes from 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds. 2017 ZF3.3 base MSRP $8,495, 2017 ZF6.5 base MSRP $10,495.
Image result for zero fxs
Production Timeline
2010- The Zero S began shipping and DS model became available in 2010. An XU model was a smaller street bike produced only from 2011 to 2013. 2012- The ZF9 Power Pack technology was introduced with the S and DS models. This product allowed the existing models to be the first production models to exceed the EPA’s estimated 100 miles on a single charge for an electric motored vehicle. 2013- The S and DS models were redesigned to have an improved battery capacity and motor. The FX model was also introduced, with the CHAdeMO fast charging available. 2014- The Power Tank technology became available and the SR model was developed. 2015- Battery pack size was increased to 12.5 kilowatt hours. The ABS brakes and new suspension was added and improved. CHAdeMO was forced to be eliminated due to interoperability problems. To replace this, there was an option of a quick charger accessory for an additional expense. 2016- The DSR and FXS models were announced. The battery pack size improved again and these models were left with 13.0 kilowatt hours. Air cooled motors on SR, DSR, and FXS were redone to reduce heat output.
Why Electric?
Advantages of going electric are: no gas station stops, no oil changes or mess, no exhaust or fumes, etc. Over time, a considerable amount of money can be saved by eliminating the fuel and maintenance associated with a gas engine. If you can get used to the quiet motor and zero use of the clutch, that is also a big advantage, but the hardest to get used to if you love a big classic American motorcycle. The handling is much safer, response time is immediate, and the bikes tend to be much lighter. There is also the appeal of pure adrenaline, addictive as any drug, that comes from having one-hundred and six pound-feet of torque immediately available at the snap of a wrist; taking you from 0 up to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds.
Charging and Technology
Charging can be done at a standard outlet, can range from a couple hours, to overnight for charge times. Different levels of charge are the standard level 1, which is the built in charger which you can plug in anywhere.
Image result for zero motorcycles
The Level 2, quick charge on the go, includes the ‘Charge Tank’, which triples the on-board charging speed in 2 to 3 hours. Level 2 can also be the quick chargers that work in conjunction with the motorcycles standard charger.
Technology includes:
Z-Force Motor- has 130% more power and 150% more torque than competing brushless motors. Requires no routine maintenance and you can combine with the Z-Force power pack to increase horsepower and acceleration.
Power Tank- optional accessory that adds 2.8 kilowatt hours of storage capacity.
Z-Force Power Pack- Advanced battery management: packs more energy into less space. This allows the bikes to travel farther, faster, and last longer. This requires no active cooling or maintenance.
These technologies are able to be easily swapped out and are fully recyclable.
Competition
In Production:
Victory’s Empulse
Energica’s Ego
Alta Motors Redshift
Lightening LS 218
Johammer J1
Saietta NGS
Lito Sora
Prototype/Concept
BMW eRR
Harley Davidson Live Wire
Honda CB160
Yamaha’s PES1 and PED1.
KTM Freeride -E
Although Zero Motorcycles is the world’s leading brand in electric motorcycles (Best Electric Motorcycle 2015, and 2016 by Motorycycle.com), these brands contribute a level of healthy competition. Often electric bikes are made by well-known brands but are only produced to be concept bikes or prototypes that never become a production motorcycle. Victory’s Empulse, Energica’s Ego, Alta Motor’s Redshift and Lightening Motorcycles are all selling production electric motorcycles that are becoming healthy competition for Zero.
Criticism
The issues of charging, longevity, and availability are popular criticisms of electric transportation. In addition, some express concern that charging electric vehicles will increase their power bill. With a current offering including (10) different models, Zero Motorcycles has eliminated their original crisis of having narrow options. Additionally, every year there are improvements in areas such as battery life technology and charging speed.
Zero Motorcycles
History of Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles is an American brand of electric motorcycles produced in Santa Cruz, California. They produce high performance, electric motorcycles that are lightweight, efficient, and fun to ride. With technology that is specially designed, and a frame made of rigid, aircraft grade aluminum to minimize weight, they are committed to delivering exceptional value, performance, and fun for customers and partners worldwide. They are also the global leading brand in electric motorcycles.
The company was founded by Neal Saiki, a former NASA engineer, in 2006, in his garage in Scotts Valley, California. The company was formerly known as Electricross. He built the company to be exactly as he wanted it to be and then left the company to his team in 2011. He issued a statement that he had fulfilled all that he wished for the Zero company, and then would be continuing another dream project in human powered flight.
Model Rundown
Production Timeline
2010- The Zero S began shipping and DS model became available in 2010. An XU model was a smaller street bike produced only from 2011 to 2013.
2012- The ZF9 Power Pack technology was introduced with the S and DS models. This product allowed the existing models to be the first production models to exceed the EPA’s estimated 100 miles on a single charge for an electric motored vehicle.
2013- The S and DS models were redesigned to have an improved battery capacity and motor. The FX model was also introduced, with the CHAdeMO fast charging available.
2014- The Power Tank technology became available and the SR model was developed.
2015- Battery pack size was increased to 12.5 kilowatt hours. The ABS brakes and new suspension was added and improved. CHAdeMO was forced to be eliminated due to interoperability problems. To replace this, there was an option of a quick charger accessory for an additional expense.
2016- The DSR and FXS models were announced. The battery pack size improved again and these models were left with 13.0 kilowatt hours. Air cooled motors on SR, DSR, and FXS were redone to reduce heat output.
Why Electric?
Advantages of going electric are: no gas station stops, no oil changes or mess, no exhaust or fumes, etc. Over time, a considerable amount of money can be saved by eliminating the fuel and maintenance associated with a gas engine. If you can get used to the quiet motor and zero use of the clutch, that is also a big advantage, but the hardest to get used to if you love a big classic American motorcycle. The handling is much safer, response time is immediate, and the bikes tend to be much lighter. There is also the appeal of pure adrenaline, addictive as any drug, that comes from having one-hundred and six pound-feet of torque immediately available at the snap of a wrist; taking you from 0 up to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds.
Charging and Technology
Charging can be done at a standard outlet, can range from a couple hours, to overnight for charge times. Different levels of charge are the standard level 1, which is the built in charger which you can plug in anywhere.
The Level 2, quick charge on the go, includes the ‘Charge Tank’, which triples the on-board charging speed in 2 to 3 hours. Level 2 can also be the quick chargers that work in conjunction with the motorcycles standard charger.
Technology includes:
- Z-Force Motor- has 130% more power and 150% more torque than competing brushless motors. Requires no routine maintenance and you can combine with the Z-Force power pack to increase horsepower and acceleration.
- Power Tank- optional accessory that adds 2.8 kilowatt hours of storage capacity.
- Z-Force Power Pack- Advanced battery management: packs more energy into less space. This allows the bikes to travel farther, faster, and last longer. This requires no active cooling or maintenance.
These technologies are able to be easily swapped out and are fully recyclable.Competition
In Production:
Prototype/Concept
Although Zero Motorcycles is the world’s leading brand in electric motorcycles (Best Electric Motorcycle 2015, and 2016 by Motorycycle.com), these brands contribute a level of healthy competition. Often electric bikes are made by well-known brands but are only produced to be concept bikes or prototypes that never become a production motorcycle. Victory’s Empulse, Energica’s Ego, Alta Motor’s Redshift and Lightening Motorcycles are all selling production electric motorcycles that are becoming healthy competition for Zero.
Criticism
The issues of charging, longevity, and availability are popular criticisms of electric transportation. In addition, some express concern that charging electric vehicles will increase their power bill. With a current offering including (10) different models, Zero Motorcycles has eliminated their original crisis of having narrow options. Additionally, every year there are improvements in areas such as battery life technology and charging speed.
References
Ruoff, C. (2016, January 6). "Zero Motorcycles Was Forced to Abandon DC Fast Charging Option in 2013, Interoperability Testing Is Needed." Charged EVs. Retrieved 01 October, 2016, from https://chargedevs.com/features/zero-motorcycles-was-forced-to-abandon-a-dc-fast-charging-option-in-2013-better-interoperability-testing-is-needed/
Siahaan, T. (2016, August 3). Best Electric Motorcycle of 2016. Retrieved October 29, 2016, from http://www.motorcycle.com/mobos/best-electric-motorcycle-of-2016.html
ZERO MOTORCYCLES – The Electric Motorcycle Company - Official Site. (2016). Retrieved September 28, 2016, from http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/
Zero Motorcycles. (2016, September 28). Retrieved September 30, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_Motorcycles