The Chic Ecologist

Brammo Enertia TTR Electric Motorbike

The Enertia TTR Electric motorcycle by Brammo could be one of the first to production (and available to buy from a store in the US). In fact west coast Best Buys are lined up to carry them later this month.

With a ‘real world’ range of 35 miles, a top speed of over 50mph, and a wall outlet recharging system that only takes 3 hours for a full charge, it is a very practical and economical option for commuting. Each charge costs approximately 40 cents translating into a cost of one penny per mile.

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Tags: Electric, Green Design, Motorcycle, Superbike

Mission One Street Superbike: Worlds Fastest Electric Motorcycle Title Revoked!

It wasn’t too long back that I wrote about the British built TTX01 GP electric super streetbike as becoming the fastest production electric motorcycle out there with a top speed of 125mph and a range of 50 miles. The new Mission One electric motorcycle pretty much blows that away. Based in San Francisco, Mission Motors developed an all new (as opposed to being built on a previous model frame, like the TTX01 GP) frame that is pretty darn sexy.

The  Mission One has a range of 150 miles and has a top speed of 150mph. So, theoretically, you could just pin it at top speed for one hour and travel 150 miles. Once you exhaust battery power, all it takes is a 2 hour wait time (long enough for a leisurely lunch at the mountain top cafe) to fully recharge your batteries using a 240v power source. Forrest North, the founder of Mission Motors, is a former Tesla employee who began work on converting a gas-powered Ducati motorcycle into an electric bike. His overall goal was to combine the performance of a superbike with a green, environmentally friendly zero emission motorbike. I would say he succeeded with flying colors. I am a little wary of the triangular side work, and the stinger-tail seat, but it is nonetheless beautiful still.

Built with lithium-ion batteries powering an electric induction motor, the result is an on-demand 100+ foot-pounds of torque for insane acceleration and throttle feel. They didn’t skimp on components either, Brembo 4-piston calipers and Ohlins shocks suspension are a nod to their earlier works with Ducati street bikes. Targeting affluent green motorists, the first 50 limited-edition Mission Ones are likely to sell for $68,995 with a more budget-minded version debuting this summer.

Full specs:

Powertrain
Battery Pack:	High Energy Lithium-Ion w/ Integrated Thermal Management System
Motor:	Liquid-cooled, 3-phase AC Induction
Torque:	100 lb-ft @ 0 to 6,500 rpm
Transmission:	Single speed
Chassis
Suspension/Front:	Ohlins 43mm inverted fork; fully adjustable, 4.5-in travel
Suspension/Rear:	Ohlins Single shock w/piggyback reservoir; fully adjustable, 4.5-in travel
Brakes/Front:	Dual Brembo 310mm disc; Brembo radial-mount forged 4-piston calipers
Brakes/Rear:	Brembo 220mm disc; single-piston caliper
Wheels/Tires/Front:	Marchesini forged aluminum 3.5″ x 17″, 120/70ZR17 – race Compound
Wheels/Tires/Rear:	Marchesini forged aluminum 6.0″x17″, 190/55ZR17 – race Compound
Target Performance
Top Speed:	150mph
Range:	150 miles per charge (est. EPA drive cycle)
Recharge Time:	Under 2 Hours @ 240V (8 Hours @ 120V)
Interactive Feature:	Adjustable regenerative rear wheel braking
Interactive Feature:	Intuitive / adjustable data acquisition system

Tags: Automotive, Electric, Motorcycle, Superbike

Worlds Fastest Electric Superbike Motorcycle – The TTX01

TTX01 GP Electric Super Street Bike

One of my favorite modes of transportation just got better. I’m a pretty big street bike fan- all that fun and an average of 56 mpg ain’t bad! But now it can be even better.

Based on the Suzuki GSX750 frame, the TTX01 is the fastest electric street superbike to date. The Vectrix (pictured below) is a close competitor, but its unclear if they will produce a production model. With a top speed of 125mph and a 50mi range, the TTX01 electric motorcycle technology leaves a bit to be desired, but progress is being made. There are several other electric bikes/moto-scooters out there, but this is the first i have seen (that is not a one off custom or a prototype) that has that street bike appeal.

Vectrix Electric Motorcycle

The TTX01 uses two 43 bhp Agni Lynch electric motors on the rear wheel providing the power equivalent of a 600cc gasoline powered motorcycle, but they also added a motor to the front wheel as well which is said to improve handling. A two wheel drive motorcycle, how odd, but possibly awesome. The bike is lightened with the help of a carbon fiber frame and lightweight components allowing for the 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds.

There should be a limited number available for purchase at the end of 2009, the price? £20,000 ($30,000).

To get a view of this bike, and several others like it, check out the world’s first clean emission Grand Prix to be held at the Isle of Man during TT race week in June 2009 which should showcase some fast new electric bikes. If you like fast and electric, you may want to checkout the Wrightspeed X1 electric supercar.

[via gizmag]

Tags: Automotive, Electric, Motorcycle, Superbike, Supercar