Showing posts with label Electric Motorcycles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Electric Motorcycles. Show all posts
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Brammo Empulse
U.S. based electric motorcycle manufacturer Brammo, has released details about its second generation electric motorcycle, the Brammo Empulse and... it's alright!
...more than alright. Until now, Brammo were associated with the competent, but rather boring, commuter-style Brammo Enertia. Three years later and technology has taken a leap forward. Twice the range and nearly double the top speed at around the same price as their 2007 commuter model. This bike uses quality components and has an aggressive modern styling.
The best thing is that this is not just a prototype or an expensive racebike. This bike is going into production next year, pricing starts at $9,000 and you can drop down $100 to reserve your place right now.
Check out this promotional video and the extensive article about this bike on Gizmag.
...more than alright. Until now, Brammo were associated with the competent, but rather boring, commuter-style Brammo Enertia. Three years later and technology has taken a leap forward. Twice the range and nearly double the top speed at around the same price as their 2007 commuter model. This bike uses quality components and has an aggressive modern styling.
The best thing is that this is not just a prototype or an expensive racebike. This bike is going into production next year, pricing starts at $9,000 and you can drop down $100 to reserve your place right now.
Check out this promotional video and the extensive article about this bike on Gizmag.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
TTZero at IOM Hots Up
This year's all-electric TTZero race at the Isle of Man is shaping up to be an exciting and technically interesting race.
The MotoCzysz bike is definitely one of the most beautifully sculpted bikes, of any type, I have seen and seems to go as fast as it looks. Yesterday's second practice saw the MotoCzysz 'zeroing' in on 100mph (160kph) average lap speed which is a good improvement on last year's record of 87.5mph set by Team Agni. A £10,000 prize will be awarded to the first all-electric bike to crack 100mph average speed at the Isle of Man.
The main limit to performance still seems to be battery storage and the need to conserve power. This is why you don't see the electric bikes flying off the start line, even though they are capable of it. It is the highest average speed that wins the day.
Speaking of Team Agni, this year's bike is sporting a dustbin fairing which is allowed under the FIM rules for electric motorcycles.
The excitement of this year's Isle of Man race is providing a much needed 'shot in the arm' for electric motorcycle racing. There are two competing electric bike world series being run this year: the TTXGP series and the FIM's e-Power.
The first round of this year's e-Power series, at Le Mans, was a dismal display with only 6-bikes turning up (one of them an electric scooter) and only 5 of those managing to get to the start line.
The first 2010 TTXGP round at the US Infineon track, in May, was not much better. The electric bikes were shuffled to the side and made to race on the little-used infield track, out of sight and out of mind of the crowd who had turned up to watch the superbikes. The most exciting electric-bike related thing to happen was probably the Hell for Leather crew's antics with an electric supermoto in the woman's bathroom (for which they were thrown out of the paddock).
Update: The MotoCzysz E1PC won this year's TT Zero event at the Isle of Man with the Agni bike coming in a respectable second. The MotoCzysz came close to but did not break the 100 mph (160 kph) average speed. Perhaps next year. If you want to read a good overview of the MotoCzysz bike and it's development then check this story on the Popular Science website. It's worth a look for the pictures alone.
The MotoCzysz bike is definitely one of the most beautifully sculpted bikes, of any type, I have seen and seems to go as fast as it looks. Yesterday's second practice saw the MotoCzysz 'zeroing' in on 100mph (160kph) average lap speed which is a good improvement on last year's record of 87.5mph set by Team Agni. A £10,000 prize will be awarded to the first all-electric bike to crack 100mph average speed at the Isle of Man.
The main limit to performance still seems to be battery storage and the need to conserve power. This is why you don't see the electric bikes flying off the start line, even though they are capable of it. It is the highest average speed that wins the day.
Speaking of Team Agni, this year's bike is sporting a dustbin fairing which is allowed under the FIM rules for electric motorcycles.
The excitement of this year's Isle of Man race is providing a much needed 'shot in the arm' for electric motorcycle racing. There are two competing electric bike world series being run this year: the TTXGP series and the FIM's e-Power.
The first round of this year's e-Power series, at Le Mans, was a dismal display with only 6-bikes turning up (one of them an electric scooter) and only 5 of those managing to get to the start line.
The first 2010 TTXGP round at the US Infineon track, in May, was not much better. The electric bikes were shuffled to the side and made to race on the little-used infield track, out of sight and out of mind of the crowd who had turned up to watch the superbikes. The most exciting electric-bike related thing to happen was probably the Hell for Leather crew's antics with an electric supermoto in the woman's bathroom (for which they were thrown out of the paddock).
Update: The MotoCzysz E1PC won this year's TT Zero event at the Isle of Man with the Agni bike coming in a respectable second. The MotoCzysz came close to but did not break the 100 mph (160 kph) average speed. Perhaps next year. If you want to read a good overview of the MotoCzysz bike and it's development then check this story on the Popular Science website. It's worth a look for the pictures alone.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Electric Superbike 'Leap Forward'
MotoCzysz, have announced the availability of its kit, which could be suitable for manufacturers or teams wanting to develop an electric race bike for this year's inaugural TTXGP electric world series. MotoCzysz press release follows...
MotoCzysz Electric D1g1tal Dr1ve System
MotoCzysz announces the most integrated electric drive available. The first product from a family of integrated drives being developed by MotoCzysz is designed and engineered specifically for high performance electric motorcycles. The eDD system integrates advanced technologies with new proprietary industry first solutions. For individuals, teams and companies interested in building a high performance electric motorcycle, the new MotoCzysz Digital Drive system is the most advanced integrated electric drive system available.
MotoCzysz power, your imagination
Electric drive systems are rapidly moving beyond the resources available to individuals and small teams, but the vision and ability to build a next generation e motorcycle has not. With the MotoCzysz eDD system an individual or team can use their imagination and build a highly competitive proprietary race bike or utilize parts from a donor bike to build the electric motorcycle of their dreams.
Motor
The MotoCzysz liquid cooled 75kW/100hp electric motor is one of the highest torque/density motors in the industry (250+ft/lbs/340+Nm continuous 77lbs/35kg). The integrated permanent magnet solution generates more torque while being more efficient than any comparably sized AC induction motor. The MotoCzysz cooling system elevates the motor’s nominal power output closer to the motor’s peak power output. The MotoCzysz motor can deliver a continuous 75kW (100hp) and is 93% efficient under continuous heavy load (140C). The motor is available to accommodate either right or left hand chain drive.
Controller
The MotoCzysz LQ 240V 85kW Controller is specifically optimized for the motor, in both function and packaging. Accepting 240V and 350+ amps the sealed Controller contains ALL the high voltage components and plugs directly into the motor, resulting in a nearly completely wireless (high voltage) system. The Controller receives battery motor and rider command data and adjusts current accordingly.; The Controller software has multiple embedded maps for setting or customizing functions like torque contouring and overall power settings.
Batteries
The new Digital battery pack utilizes high density, high discharge LiPo (Lithium Polymer) cells. Each pack is embedded with monitoring capability that sends vital data wirelessly via infrared to a Digital Vehicle Management System and ultimately to the Controller. Additionally, each battery pack houses an LED display that indicates the overall pack as well as individual cell group data. Each battery pack weighs less than 18lbs and effortlessly “snaps” into the “suitcase” chassis. The “suitcase” holds 8 battery packs for a total energy storage of 10kWh.
Chassis
MotoCzysz has designed the “suitcase” chassis to optimize the mass location and vehicle’s overall on board energy density. The chassis accommodates virtually any modern double sided swingarm from a 1,000cc motorcycle. The suitcase also ships with a matching top plate for the mounting/fabrication of a new or existing front end.
MotoCzysz Electric Digital Drive Specifications:
Motor:
| Voltage | 240V+ |
| Power | 75kW/100hp (continuous) |
| Weight | 77lbs/35kg (complete with pump and mounts) |
| Diameter | 254mm/10″ |
| Width | 190mm/7.5″ |
| Cooling | liquid (oil) |
| Efficiency | 93% (under continuous load at 70C) |
Controller:
| Voltage | 240V |
| Current | 335A |
| Power | 85kWh |
| Weight | 17lbs/7.7kg |
| LxWxH | 335×205x90mm/13.2×8.0×3.5″ |
| Cooling | Liquid (water) |
| Efficiency | 95% |
Battery Pack: individual
| Voltage | 29.6 (nominal) |
| Capacity | 40Ah |
| Weight | 17.5 lbs/8kg |
| Energy Storage | 1.25kWh (1.2kWh nominal) |
| Discharge | 10c peak |
| High voltage | direct contact to buss |
| Data Link | via infrared |
| Hot swap | yes |
| Voltage monitoring | yes |
| Thermal monitoring | yes |
| Digital readout | yes |
| Alarm status LED’s | yes |
Total ESS:
| Voltage | 240V |
| Capacity | 40Ah |
| Weight | 140lbs (17.5lbs X 8) /63.5kg |
| Energy storage | 10kWh (9.6kWh nominal) |
Complete eDD System:
| Total Weight | 255lbs/115kg |
| Total Length | 635mm/25″ |
| Total Width | 320mm/12.5″ |
| Total Height | 675mm/26.5″ |
Price:
Complete Electrical Digital Drive System W/ 10kWh ESS $42,500
(motor, controller, suitcase chassis, 8 battery packs)
Complete Electrical Digital Drive System W/O ESS $24,500
(motor, controller, suitcase chassis)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
TTXGP Electric World Series 2010
A teaser promotional video for the inaugural TTXGP world series for electric bikes. History in the making.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Fully Charged
Above is a trailer for the new Mark Neale documentary Charge. The movie is narrated by actor and motorcycle fan Ewan McGregor and documents the world’s first electric motorcycle race, the TTXGP, at the 2009 Isle of Man TT.
The movie does a great job of describing the excitement and technical challenges of producing an entirely new breed of racing motorcycles. 2010 looks like it is going to be a watershed year in terms of motorcycle technology. It now seems inevitable that electric technology will displace internal combustion engines in the coming years. Remember photographic cameras that carried rolls of film? What about cathode ray tube computer monitors and TV screens? In a decade or so I expect that exploding petrol as a means of propulsion will seem rather quaint and young kids will scratch their heads and wonder how it was ever possible.
Mavizen Factory Training and Support
Mavizen, winners of the inaugural 2009 TTXGP (electric MotoGP) race are now offering a 4-day technical training course on electric propulsion systems throughout 2010. The course compliments the TTX02 race bikes they produce that are now on sale. Course topics include: Batteries, Motors, Controllers, Chargers, Battery Management Systems, Safety Systems, Construction & Wiring Considerations. The course is currently advertized at £900 for all four days. Visit their web site for more details.
eCRP Race Bike Unveiled
Pictured left to right: Azhar Hussain (TTXGP), Lord Drayson (UK Minister for Science), Livia Cevolini (CRP), Franco Cevolini, (CRP) and Giampiero Testoni, (CRP)
CRP Racing have released details of the TTXGP electric race bike they have built based on the Mavizen TTX02 electric propulsion system...
Source TTXGP Press Release:
On January 14th Lord Drayson, UK Minister for Science and Innovation, unveiled the super sports electric motorcycle built by CRP Racing. CRP Racing is very pleased to unveil its ground-breaking motorcyle in terms of innovative technology. This has been demonstrated with the project of the bike eCRP 1.0, where the UK-based company, TTXGP, has collaborated with the Italian company CRP Racing.
Left: eCRP 1.0 technical specs.
click image for a larger view
For more information visit the CRP Racing web site.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
More on Electric Bikes
The Voltra is a concept electric motorcycle, in the café racer style, by design student Dan Anderson of Sydney, Australia.
Faster and Faster, in an interview with Anderson, reports that ‘The bike is the result of extensive research into motorcycling history, society and culture as well as technology, materials and manufacturing.'
The Voltra is powered by Li-Ion batteries. An AC induction motor (with a programmable controller), provides 129Nm of torque and has projected top speed of more than 200km/h. The Voltra weighs 200 kilos with batteries. Anderson states the bike can be ridden for more than 90 minutes in one charge. A full recharge takes two hours.
Having such compact engines and no need for any of the piping and tubing that goes with conventional combustion engines means that electric motorcycles can have very clean lines and there is a lot of scope for rethinking the layout and appearance. Electric motorcycles must be a young designer's dream.
The limitation is still battery technology, though this is rapidly changing. Batteries are heavy and have to be large in order to give the bike a reasonable range. In this case using the carbon fiber battery box as a monocoque, connecting the steering head to the engine, is a clever idea. I also like the idea of the open triangulated tubing sub-frame and the matching design of the headlight clamp.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Future Electric?
At first, the thought of an electric motorcycle might conjure up the image of some kind of toy motorcycle. It's time to think again...
Mavizen is the company that won this year's inaugural TTXGP race for electric motorcycles at the Isle of Mann. They have just announced the availability of kits for their new electric race bike. These kits are intended for anyone who is interested in competing in the new TTXGP world series beginning in 2010.
Frame, running gear and body panels are sourced from the KTM RC8, nice choice. There are various configurations of bike and battery pack for different racing conditions: sprint, endurance etc. Without batteries, the bike weighs 110kg so the sprint race package is probably very light. I don't have any figures for horsepower but electric engines produce maximum torque across the entire RPM range which means it will have really good acceleration from rest.
In addition to having no exhaust pipe, there is also no clutch or gearbox. That seems kind of strange, almost weird, but I can see a day when people will stare in wonder at those funny old classic motorcycles belching fumes and propelling themselves about via a series of explosions.
No mention of price but I have a nagging feeling that this will be expensive (update: motoblog.it has reported that the basic price, track ready, is £25,000). However racing a conventional motorcycle is also expensive so perhaps, comparitively, it won't be too bad. I know electric bikes have nothing to do with the VUN, but I just think this is too cool.
Mavizen is the company that won this year's inaugural TTXGP race for electric motorcycles at the Isle of Mann. They have just announced the availability of kits for their new electric race bike. These kits are intended for anyone who is interested in competing in the new TTXGP world series beginning in 2010.
Frame, running gear and body panels are sourced from the KTM RC8, nice choice. There are various configurations of bike and battery pack for different racing conditions: sprint, endurance etc. Without batteries, the bike weighs 110kg so the sprint race package is probably very light. I don't have any figures for horsepower but electric engines produce maximum torque across the entire RPM range which means it will have really good acceleration from rest.
In addition to having no exhaust pipe, there is also no clutch or gearbox. That seems kind of strange, almost weird, but I can see a day when people will stare in wonder at those funny old classic motorcycles belching fumes and propelling themselves about via a series of explosions.
No mention of price but I have a nagging feeling that this will be expensive (update: motoblog.it has reported that the basic price, track ready, is £25,000). However racing a conventional motorcycle is also expensive so perhaps, comparitively, it won't be too bad. I know electric bikes have nothing to do with the VUN, but I just think this is too cool.
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