Zero Motorcycles

Last updated
Zero Motorcycles, Inc.
Company type Private
Industry Automotive
Founded2006;18 years ago (2006) in Santa Cruz, California
FounderNeal Saiki
Headquarters
Scotts Valley, California
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Samuel Paschel (CEO)
  • Abe Askenazi (CTO)
  • Curt Sacks (CFO)
Products Electric motorcycles
Website www.zeromotorcycles.com

Zero Motorcycles Inc. is an American manufacturer of electric motorcycles. Formerly called Electricross, it was founded in 2006 by Neal Saiki, a former NASA engineer, in Santa Cruz, California. The company is now located nearby in Scotts Valley.

Contents

Zero electric motorcycle models include the Zero S (street), SR (street racing), FXS (supermoto), DS (dual-sport), DSR (dual-sport racing), FX (motocross), and SR/F.

Model history

The Zero S began shipping in volume in 2010, the first model year to include the Agni Motor, [1] [2] at which time the DS, a dual-sport model based on the S chassis became available. The XU, a smaller street bike with a removable battery, based on the same chassis as the Zero dirtbikes was produced from 2011 to 2013.

In 2012, Zero introduced the ZF9 Power Pack with the Zero S & DS models making them the first production electric motorcycles that can exceed an EPA-estimated 100 miles on a single charge.

In 2013 the Zero S and DS were completely redesigned. [3] The battery capacity was increased to 11.4kWh, and a new brushless permanent magnet AC motor was introduced. In 2013 the Zero FX dual-sport model with modular removable power packs was introduced. CHAdeMO fast charging was also available on 2013 models. [4] [5] [6]

In 2014 the optional 2.8kWh "Power Tank" became available. [7] [8] [9] 2014 also saw the addition of the Zero SR to the range, a higher performance version of the Zero S, incorporating more powerful controller electrics and a motor with higher temperature magnets. [10]

The 2015 models had battery pack size increased to 12.5kWh, for a total possible maximum capacity of 15.3kWh including the optional Power Tank. Also introduced in 2015 were standard ABS brakes and Showa suspension. CHAdeMO fast charging was eliminated as an option, leaving instead an optional quick charger accessory at added cost.

In 2016, Zero announced the DSR and FXS models. The DSR is based on the DS, but with the more powerful motor from the SR. The FXS is a supermoto version of the FX. Additional changes for the model year include the availability of a "Charge Tank" accessory, which is an on-board Level 2 charging system compatible with the J1772 plug. Battery pack size improved again to 13.0kWh (3.3kWh per FX power pack), for a total possible maximum capacity of 15.9kWh including the optional Power Tank. The air-cooled motors on the SR, DSR, and FXS were revised to reduce heat produced during high output. [11] [12] [13] [14]

For 2017, all models have the interior-permanent-magnet (IPM) motor. All models also received a larger capacity controller which provides an increase in maximum torque and horsepower output, up to 116 lbs/ft on the SR and DSR models. All models but the S ZF13.0 (Already Installed) receive a wider, high-torque carbon fiber reinforced belt. Other changes for 2017 include a locking tank box and more durable paint on S/DS/SR/DSR models, and the ability for owners to update their bike's firmware through the mobile app.

For 2018 Zero introduced the ZF14.4 battery, available for the S and D models (alongside the ZF7.2 battery) and the SR and DSR models (where it is the only available option). [15] Until the introduction of the 2020 SR/F, traction control was absent across the lineup.

For 2020, new trellis-framed motorcycles were introduced, the SR/f and the faired SR/s, with higher performance, as well as 6 kW and 12 kW onboard charging options. [16]

Zero Motorcycles also produces a line of electric motorcycles for police, authority, and military use. [17] The fleet motorcycles are based upon the company's standard models but outfitted with equipment such as police lights, sirens, crash bars, and storage accessories.

In 2016, the company celebrated its 10th anniversary. [18]

Powertrain

Zero's Lithium-ion power packs and motors were developed in-house, and are branded under the names "Z-Force" and "ZF" (even though ZF is since 1915 the well-established abbreviation of ZF Friedrichshafen, a spin-off from Zeppelin that nowadays also offers electric drive-trains and motorcycle parts).

The Zero power packs use a cell configuration that operates at (nominally) 102 volts, which is well below the threshold of 200 V required for Combined Charging System (CCS) which is the most common DC fast charging standard, at least outside of Japan and China.[ citation needed ] Some electric motorcycle competitors like Energica and (Harley-Davidson) LiveWire offer CCS. In electric cars, 400 V are common, some new high performance vehicles use up to 924 V.

The motorcycles' propulsion is provided by a single electric, air-cooled, brushless, permanent-magnet 3-phase AC motor. [19] [20] [21] The motor is coupled to the rear wheel by a belt or – optionally on the Zero FX – a chain. A controller manages the power delivery and comes in 420-amp, 550-amp, 660-amp, and 775-amp sizes depending on the year and model. Zero has made their electric powertrain systems available to commercial partners. [22]

Racing use

Zero Motorcycles has had success racing at Pikes Peak. Zero has won the production electric motorcycle class in 2013, 2014, and 2015. [23] [24] In 2014 a Zero FX was the first production electric motorcycle to break the 12 minute mark. [25]

In 2012, Brandon Miller set a Bonneville Land Speed Record on a Zero S ZF6 model. [26] He achieved an average speed of 101.652 mph over a one-mile course. This beat the previous record for modified production motorcycles weighing less than 150 kilograms by over 23 mph.

Zero Motorcycles hosted an endurance racing event for electric motorcycles on April 4–5, 2009, called the 24 Hours of Electricross. This event was the largest electric motorcycle race to date. [27] The 10 teams competed on Zero X electric motocross bikes. [28] Team HotChalk set a Guinness world record for the furthest distance traveled on an all-electric off-road motorcycle in 24 hours at just over 500 miles. [29]

Racers have used Zero Motorcycles against gasoline motorcycles in a number of other forms of racing, including flat-track, [30] hare scrambles, [31] supermoto, [32] and supercross. [33]

Competitors

Zero's main competitors were the now defunct [34] Victory Empulse [35] [36] [37] (formerly Brammo), [38] and halted [39] Alta Motors, but current and upcoming models from Evoke, Lightning, and Energica compete with Zero's product lineup. [40] [41] [42] Some of the larger OEMs have also released electric motorcycles and prototypes such as the Harley-Davidson LiveWire motorcycle and Yamaha's PES2 and PED2 concepts. [43] [44]

See also

Further reading

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supermoto</span> Form of motorcycle racing

Supermoto is a form of motorcycle racing held on race tracks that alternate between three kinds of track surfaces: the hard packed dirt of flat track, the irregular jumps and obstacles of motocross, and the paved tarmac of road racing. Supermoto was originally conceived by Gavin Trippe in 1979 as a segment of the TV show Wide World of Sports. It was something like an all-star game, in which the best riders from the three separate genres of motorcycle racing could temporarily leave their normal race class to come together and compete for the title of best all around racer. Today supermoto is a distinct genre of its own and riders in the other classes do not routinely cross over into supermoto.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toyota RAV4 EV</span> All-electric compact crossover SUV

The Toyota RAV4 EV is an all-electric version of the popular RAV4 SUV produced by Toyota until 2014. Two generations of the EV model were sold in California, and to fleets elsewhere in the US, with a gap of almost ten years between them.

Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD), also known as Toyota Hybrid System II, is the brand name of Toyota Motor Corporation for the hybrid car drive train technology used in vehicles with the Toyota and Lexus marques. First introduced on the Prius, the technology is an option on several other Toyota and Lexus vehicles and has been adapted for the electric drive system of the hydrogen-powered Mirai, and for a plug-in hybrid version of the Prius. Previously, Toyota also licensed its HSD technology to Nissan for use in its Nissan Altima Hybrid. Its parts supplier Aisin offers similar hybrid transmissions to other car companies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric bicycle</span> Bicycle with an integrated electric motor

An electric bicycle is a motorized bicycle with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion. Many kinds of e-bikes are available worldwide, but they generally fall into two broad categories: bikes that assist the rider's pedal-power and bikes that add a throttle, integrating moped-style functionality. Both retain the ability to be pedaled by the rider and are therefore not electric motorcycles. E-bikes use rechargeable batteries and typically are motor-powered up to 25 to 32 km/h. High-powered varieties can often travel more than 45 km/h (28 mph).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MotoCzysz</span> Defunct American motorcycle company

MotoCzysz was an American motorcycle company based in Portland, Oregon that intended to compete in MotoGP. The C1 prototype engine was designed with perfect balance not needing a balance shaft. Some of the patented innovations included a slipper clutch with twin clutches, and a unique front suspension. The business also developed a successful electric racing motorcycle, the E1pc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Husaberg</span>

Husaberg was a manufacturer of enduro motorcycles with four and two-stroke engines, the displacements ranging from 125 cc to 650 cc. Originally based in Sweden, its motorcycles were later manufactured in Austria by parent company KTM until the line was retired in 2014.

Brammo, Inc. was an American producer of electric traction motors and traction batteries based in Talent, Oregon, United States. Brammo also developed and sold a range of electric motorcycles via the company's website and motorcycle dealers throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric motorcycles and scooters</span> Plug-in electric vehicles with two or three wheels

Electric motorcycles and scooters are plug-in electric vehicles with two or three wheels. Power is supplied by a rechargeable battery that drives one or more electric motors. Electric scooters are distinguished from motorcycles by having a step-through frame, instead of being straddled. Electric bicycles are similar vehicles, distinguished by retaining the ability to be propelled by the rider pedaling in addition to battery propulsion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pedelec</span> Type of electric bicycle

A Pedelec or EPAC, is a type of low-powered electric bicycle where the rider's pedalling is assisted by a small electric motor. However, unlike some other types of e-bikes, pedelecs are classified as conventional bicycles in many countries by road authorities rather than as a type of electric moped. Pedelecs have an electronic controller that cuts power to the motor when the rider is not pedalling or when a certain speed – usually 25 km/h (16 mph) or 32 km/h (20 mph) – is reached. Pedelecs are useful for people who ride in hilly areas or in strong headwinds. While a pedelec can be any type of bicycle, a pedelec city bike is very common. A conventional bicycle can be converted to a pedelec with the addition of the necessary parts, e.g., motor, battery, etc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brammo Enertia</span> Type of motorcycle

The Enertia is an electric motorcycle designed and sold by Brammo, Inc. It uses a Lithium iron phosphate battery, and is intended as a commuter vehicle. Enertia motorcycles first went on sale in late July 2009, and began selling at Best Buy in August 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Husqvarna Motorcycles</span> Swedish motorcycle manufacturer

Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH is an Austrian company which designs, engineers, manufactures and distributes motocross, enduro, supermoto and street motorcycles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mitsubishi i-MiEV</span> Five-door hatchback electric city car

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a five-door electric kei car produced in the 2010s by Mitsubishi Motors, and is the electric version of the Mitsubishi i. Rebadged variants of the i-MiEV are also sold by PSA as the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero, mainly in Europe. The i-MiEV was the world's first modern highway-capable mass production electric car.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zero S</span> Electric motorcycle

The Zero S is an electric motorcycle made by Zero Motorcycles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coda (electric car)</span> Four-door, four passenger electric car manufactured by Coda Automotive

The Coda is a four-door, four passenger electric car once manufactured by Coda Automotive. After being rescheduled several times, deliveries to retail customers in the United States began in March 2012. The car was sold exclusively in California and only 117 units were delivered by April 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LiveWire (motorcycle)</span> Electric motorcycle

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire is an electric motorcycle by Harley-Davidson, their first electric vehicle. Harley-Davidson says the maximum speed is 110 mph (180 km/h) with claimed 105 hp (78 kW) motor. The LiveWire, released in 2019, targets a different type of customer than their classic V-twin powered motorcycles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Terry Hershner</span> American motorcycle designer

Terry Hershner, nicknamed Electric Terry, is an electric vehicle and renewable energy advocate from Florida. He is known for his long-distance trips and record breaking on his electric motorcycle. He rides a modified production 2012 Zero Motorcycles S ZF9 electric motorcycle, outfitted with a Craig Vetter streamlined fairing. In 2013, he was the first person to cross the United States on an electric motorcycle. In 2014, he became the first ever electric motorcycle rider to go 1000 miles in 24 hours and earn an award from the Iron Butt Association, and was also the first electric motorcycle to win the Craig Vetter Fuel Economy Challenge. Hershner is a board member of the Electric Auto Association, frequent public speaker and radio show guest, and transportation advisor to the international environmental student organization IDEAS for Us.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Volt (second generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The second generation Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric compact car produced by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. It debuted at the 2015 North American International Auto Show to replace the original Volt, on sale since 2010. Retail deliveries as a 2016 model year began in October 2015 in the U.S. and Canada, and it was released in Mexico in December 2015. Availability of the 2016 model was limited to California and the other 10 states that follow California's zero emission vehicle regulations. It went on sale as a 2017 model year in the rest of the U.S. in February 2016. Volt production ended on February 15, 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Common Modular Platform</span> Motor vehicle platform

Common Modular Platform (CMP) is a modular car platform which is jointly developed and used by French car manufacturer PSA Group and Chinese car manufacturer Dongfeng. Debuted in 2018 with the release of the DS 3, the platform is mainly used by B-segment vehicles along with some entry level C-segment vehicles. For larger cars from the C-segment above, PSA/Stellantis uses the Efficient Modular Platform (EMP2).

SilentHawk is an all-wheel drive, hybrid-electric military bike designed for the United States Armed Forces. The bike, currently in its prototype stage, is being developed by Fairfax, Virginia-based contractor Logos Technologies with the aid of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). According to Logos Technologies, the objective of the SBIR is to deliver a low-acoustic, highly maneuverable vehicle that can carry American Special Operations personnel and their equipment behind enemy lines, over difficult terrain, without being detected.

References

  1. ↑ Siahaan, Troy (30 June 2011). "2011 Zero XU Review". Motorcycle.com. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  2. ↑ "TTXGP Zero/Agni || ZERO MOTORCYCLES". www.zeromotorcycles.com. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  3. ↑ "Ride Review: 2013 Zero S Electric Motorcycle" . Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  4. ↑ Yoney, Domenick. "2013 Zero Motorcycles lineup goes faster and farther, charges with CHAdeMO". Autoblog. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  5. ↑ Tibu, Florin (2012-10-04). "2013 Zero S Bike Gets CHAdeMO Charging - Photo Gallery" . Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  6. ↑ Harley, Bryan (October 2, 2012). "2013 Zero Motorcycles Double HP, Fast Charge". Motorcycle USA. Archived from the original on Mar 5, 2016. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  7. ↑ "Z-Force® Power Tank [10-06713+] - $2,495.00 : Zero Motorcycles, Electric Motorcycle Company". Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-06.
  8. ↑ Yoney, Domenick. "Zero Motorcycles reveals 2014 lineup with SR variant, Power Tank range extender [w/videos]". Autoblog. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  9. ↑ "2014 Zero S". Top Speed. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  10. ↑ Burns, John. "2014 ZERO SR- First Look Review- Photos- Electric Motorcycles".
  11. ↑ "2016 ZERO MOTORCYCLES – FIRST LOOK REVIEW". Cycle World. Retrieved 2015-12-05.
  12. ↑ Blain, Loz (2015-10-15). "Zero motorcycles announces improved 2016 models". Gizmag. Retrieved 2015-12-05.
  13. ↑ "2016 Zero Electric Motorcycles FIRST LOOK Review, Photos, Pricing | Cycle World" . Retrieved 2016-06-26.
  14. ↑ Wilson, Byron (December 9, 2015). "Zero Motorcycles' Ryan Biffard Explains New Z-Force IPM Motor". Motorcycle USA. Archived from the original on Aug 12, 2016. Retrieved 2016-06-26.
  15. ↑ "Zero S Electric Motorcycle || ZERO MOTORCYCLES".
  16. ↑ Jake, Bright (February 19, 2020). "Zero Motorcycles unveils new SR/S — a full-fairing 124-mph sport EV". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
  17. ↑ "Zero Motorcycles - Fleet Programs". www.zeromotorcycles.com. Retrieved 2016-06-26.
  18. ↑ "Celebrating 10 years of innovation". zeromotorcycles.com.
  19. ↑ "ON THE RECORD: Abe Askenazi Zero Motorcycles' CTO explains everything you ever wanted to know about EVs—and then some". Cycle World. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  20. ↑ "Going Electric Technology || ZERO MOTORCYCLES". www.zeromotorcycles.com. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  21. ↑ "2015 Zero SR". Top Speed. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  22. ↑ "Zero is the leader in electric motorcycles". www.zeromotorcycles.com. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  23. ↑ Wire, The. "Pikes Peak: Zero Motorcycles Race Report (Video)". Cycle World. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  24. ↑ "Zero Motorcycles Run Fast up Pikes Peak 2013" . Retrieved 2015-12-17.
  25. ↑ "Jeff Clark Breaks 12-Minutes On Zero FX At Pikes Peak". Gas 2. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  26. ↑ "Zero Sets LSR Records at Bonneville". Motorcycle USA. Retrieved 2015-12-17.
  27. ↑ "Zero Motorcycles Sets World Record This Weekend at 24 Hours of Electricross". HuffPost . Retrieved 2015-12-01.
  28. ↑ "Zero Motorcycles and The Electric Revolution". 2009-04-12. Retrieved 2015-12-01.
  29. ↑ "Scotts Valley company hosts record-setting electric dirt bike race" . Retrieved 2015-12-01.
  30. ↑ Rousseau, Scott (2015-04-18). "The Life Electric: Preston Petty" . Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  31. ↑ Hicks, Eric (2012-03-22). "Zero Smashes Gassers" . Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  32. ↑ "Zero FX Supermoto Racing Against Gas Bikes + Video - Motorcycle.com News". 2014-05-15. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  33. ↑ "Zero Motorcycles Dominates at Minimoto SX". Motorcycle USA. May 11, 2011. Archived from the original on Dec 22, 2015. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  34. ↑ "Polaris Industries to Wind Down Victory Motorcycles Operations Strengthening its Position in the Powersports Industry". Business Wire. 2017-01-09. Retrieved 2017-05-06.
  35. ↑ "Brammo Empulse R vs. Zero S – Electric Motorcycle Comparison Test Electric bikes come of age. If you could ignore the price, you'd buy one... really". Cycle World. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  36. ↑ Ets-Hokin, Gabe (October 14, 2014). "2014 Brammo Empulse R vs Zero S and SR". Motorcycle USA. Archived from the original on Dec 8, 2015. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  37. ↑ Roderick, Tom (April 25, 2013). "2013 Brammo Empulse R vs Zero S ZF11.4 - Video". Motorcycle.com. Archived from the original on Dec 8, 2015. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  38. ↑ Beeler, Jensen (2015-07-29). "Victory Empulse TT -- A Rebadged Brammo Empulse R". Asphalt & Rubber. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  39. ↑ "Electric Motorcycle Manufacturer Alta Motors Ceases Operations". Cycle News. October 18, 2018. Archived from the original on Feb 2, 2019. Retrieved 2019-02-01.
  40. ↑ Cameron, Kevin (October 18, 2014). "AIMExpo: Thinking Electric New Alta and Zero motorcycles jolt the imagination". Cycle World. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  41. ↑ Schaal, Eric (2014-05-19). "6 Electric Motorcycles Ready to Battle Any Gas Bike". The Cheat Sheet. Archived from the original on Dec 8, 2015. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  42. ↑ Steever, Bruce (Feb 17, 2015). "Electric motorcycle market: The OEMs ante up". Dealernews. Archived from the original on Sep 23, 2015. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  43. ↑ Golson, Jordan (2014-04-25). "Yamaha's Exquisite Electric Motorcycles Will Soon Hit the Streets". Wired. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
  44. ↑ Bruce, Chris (Apr 23, 2014). "Yamaha PES1 and PED1 electric motorcycles headed for production". Autoblog. Retrieved 2015-09-01.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.