While the electric transformation among cars is in full swing and looking bright, motorcycles are still struggling to make that jump. We saw major automakers try their luck (like the Harley-Davidson Livewire), but things didn't turn out as anticipated.
Even Alta Motors stumbled and lost, who managed to make an all-electric dirt bike with no compromises. But at this moment of gloominess, certain new-age electric motorcycle makers do give us hope for a bright all-electric two-wheeled future. We are talking about Zero motorcycles - the Tesla of the two-wheeled world. This manufacturer has been at the forefront of technological innovation and practicality among electric bikes.
And now, the Swiss government is embracing it by ordering two 2022 Zero SR/S motorcycles for the Lausanne City Police fleet. Currently, only two are being added with one getting all the "Police" goodies installed. The other will be an undercover machine, retaining its stock form. Eventually, Switzerland will be replacing their old, bulky, and gigantic fleet of BMW R1150RT motorcycles with more Zero machines.
The police department of the Swiss city of Lausanne gets "Tesla on two wheels" added to their motorcycle fleet.
Two Purpose-Built Zero SR/S Motorcycles For The Swiss Police
The Swedish city of Lausanne is all set to replace its existing fleet of BMW motorcycles with new Zero electric motorcycles. The first wave of which will include two Zero SR/S models, one of which has been modified. Switzerland is on an environment-friendly makeover, and the "Zero" move is part of that effort.
Apart from being zero-emission, these new police bikes will be way less polluting and cheaper to maintain than their old fleet of Bimmers. One of the Zero SR/S is equipped with all the Police goodies that include the likes of crash bars, panniers, a taller windshield with extender, and the flashy lights and sirens to remind of the cop on the road.
The other specimen is stock and will be used, most likely, as an undercover patrol vehicle with hidden flashing lights. This will also be the first time that the Swedish police will move away from the traditional blue-white paint scheme. The police personnel of Lausanne Squadron are excited because these new electric bikes will be quieter and easier to handle, owing to their lightweight and compact structure.
Based On 2022MY That Packs New Batteries And Has A Range Of 227 Miles
Both the Zero police motorcycles for Switzerland are based on the 2022 Zero SR/S. And Zero Motorcycles have pitched in quite a few interesting updates. The new battery pack comes in either a 14.4+ kWh or 15.6 kWh+ option. These battery packs are locked via software and can be unlocked to utilize their full physical capacity of 17.3 kWh.
This battery tech, called ZF75-10 was first unveiled on the Zero SR/F. In its standard state, the software-locked battery pack is capable of churning out 74 hp and tops out at 104 mph. Unlock the whole pack, and you are treated to an impressive 110 horses and a top speed of 124 mph.
And if a 17.3 kWh pack isn't enough, then Zero also offers an optional PowerTank accessory that bumps the total battery capacity to an impressive 20.9 kWh. With added performance, the SR/S also gets a bump in driving range. And so, with the power accessory installed, the Swiss police can now patrol for 227 miles on a single charge in the city. And even with the added battery capacity, and upgraded and bigger cooling fans; Zero has somehow managed to shave off six pounds from its motorcycles.
It's All About The Software Magic Here, Just Like Tesla
Zero Motorcycles is hailed as the Tesla of the two-wheeled world. And the main reason for this is its wholesome software experience. Zero has honed its technology in such a way that the software commands valiantly over its hardware tech. And the new software-enabled battery capacity upgrade feature is a testimony to the same.
The Zero motorcycle line-up for 2022 is also the first in the motorcycle world to have this remote battery upgrade tech. The new Cypher 3+ operating system will have a lot of new features backed into it. Some new tech bits include fast charging, extended range, speed and performance boosts, onboard GPS navigation, heated grips, and reverse function with Park Mode. And all these features will be available via their intuitive smartphone application in the first quarter of 2022.
Zero Motorcycles Are The Gold Standard Among Two-Wheeled EVs
While the two-wheeled world is struggling to make the EV jump, it is new-age automakers like Zero Motorcycles that give us hope. With commendable riding range and smile-worthy performance, the 2022 line-up of Zero offerings is sure to please more aspiring motorists willing to make the bold jump onto EVs.
Also, their software experience continues to be their USP, which is also how they got the "Tesla of motorcycles" tag. And just like the Swiss Police Department, it is not far when other countries also embrace and put in their orders for these capable all-electric motorcycles.
Sources: Laussane.ch, Zeromotorcycles.com, Electrek.co, Rideapart.com