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.

Electric Superbike 'Leap Forward'

MotoCzysz, have announced the availability of its Electric D1g1tal Dr1ve (eDD) 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)