The electric age is upon us, and with the rise of electric cars, their two-wheeled cousins aren't looking to be left behind in the dirty gasoline-burning past. There are already several EV startups with the potential to change the electric car industry. Also, most top manufacturers have promised to transition to all-electric production in a few years.
Many don't know that electric motorcycles are fast gaining traction in the startup ecosystem. Even traditional motorcycling giants like Harley-Davidson built the Livewire to join the scramble for the electric future. But among the new startups, Zero Motorcycles has to be the most recognizable electric motorcycle brand. The California-based manufacturer has produced 100% electric motorcycles since its inception in 2006. Seeing they are a relatively new company, they aren't as popular as the traditional giants, and there are plenty of things people don't know about them. Here are ten things we just learned about Zero and their electric motorcycles.
10 Pioneers Of Mass-Produced Electric Motorcycles
The story of electric motorcycles began in the 19th century, when Ogden Bolton Jr of Canton, Ohio, submitted a patent application for an electric bicycle, followed by several similar patents in the first half of the 20th century. But in modern times, Zero Motorcycles are among the pioneers in mass-producing electric motorcycles, availing groundbreaking innovation to customers.
The company, called Electricross initially, was founded by former NASA engineer Neal Saiki. Since unveiling the first prototype in 2006, the company has rapidly grown into an internationally revered motorcycle company.
9 Zero Motorcycle Manufacturers Own Power Pack
It is common practice for EV companies to outsource parts from specialist manufacturers. Panasonic supplies the advanced Tesla batteries, Volkswagen partners with Umicore 24M Technologies and Vulcan Energy Resources, and the list of partnerships is endless. It makes sense to let specialists take care of certain parts, so you can focus on what you are good at. Zero Motorcycles has a different approach.
Since its inception, Zero has used its own in-house developed power packs rather than outsourcing to other companies. They are branded Z-Force and ZF and operate at 102 volts.
8 Three Rider Modes For All Models
You won't be getting the thrill of a v-twin scream or the symphony of a Yamaha MT-09's cross-plane inline-three from a Zero Motorcycle. But you get all the excitement you need from the instant power delivery, with just a low whine of the electric motor and the sound of the wind rushing by your helmet for sounds.
Zero offers three rider modes for all bikes to make the bike dance to your tune. An eco-mode softens throttle response, limits power, and top speed, and increases regenerative braking. The Sport mode maximizes performance with the custom model, letting the rider customize the ride using the Zero app.
7 Hosted World’s First All-Electric Motorcycle Endurance Race
Endurance racing has remained the best form of motorsport racing that helps test the durability of the machines and participants' endurance. The FIA World Endurance Championship, the premier international championship, is now in its tenth season and includes events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other races at Sebring, Spa, Monza, Etc. Zero made history by hosting the largest ever electric motorcycling race.
In 2009, Zero held a two-day event called the 24hours of Electricross. Ten teams competed on Zero X electric bikes in a memorable event where many new records were set.
6 Zero Motorcycle Government Contracts
For years, Zero Motorcycles has been infiltrating multiple state and federal government vehicle fleets, and in the USA, there are over 125 law administration and military agencies using Zero bikes. The California-based company has delivered two consignments of MMX off-road motorcycles to the Department of Defense in the last year. While they are the same as standard motorcycles, they come fitted with extra features like sirens, storage areas, and crash bars.
Zero Motorcycles has also struck deals with governments outside America, having previously signed a landmark fleet agreement with the Swiss Police and the Hong Kong government.
5 Racing Success
Any vehicle's legend isn't complete until it has been used in competitive racing, and winning etches its name forever in the history books. Zero Motorcycles has done enough to ensure its name is remembered whatever happens in the future. They have had success notable at Pikes Peak, winning the production electric motorcycle class between 2013 and 2015.
Also, in 2014, the Zero FX was the first electric motorcycle to beat the 12-minute mark at Pikes Peak International Climb. In 2019, they did better with a Zero SR/F and finished the course at an impressive time of 10:45.
4 Cypher Operating System
Electric vehicles come with high technological advancements, and the software needs to be as good as the hardware for optimum performance, usability, and adaptability. The software components are necessary to manage batteries, charging, power delivery, diagnostics, etc. Zero Motorcycles come with the Cypher Operating System, a proprietary and acts as a hub that integrates all the motorcycle systems.
The Cypher runs on one of the most advanced neuro systems and delivers precise performance seamlessly to give a consistently superior riding experience. A rider can customize and track their bike performance through the Zero App. The latest version of the OS, 13 years in the making, is only available on SR/F and SR/S motorcycles.
3 Z-Force Powertrain Performance
The electric motorcycle doesn't require the heavy and complex components necessary to power traditional motorcycles. So, the motor in electric motorcycles is unsurprisingly compact and lightweight. The Z-Force powertrain is no different, as it is sealed and air-cooled and comes with a single moving part, making it highly efficient with no routine maintenance.
With 116lb-ft, the Z-Force produces more torque than any liter gas-powered bike, even with its tiny proportions. Also, among its EV peers, the power pack prides the highest power and energy density.
2 Comparison To Tesla
Tesla has been on a constant rise since they brought the all-electric Lotus Elise-based Roadster to the market in 2008. As the Elon Musk-owned company continues to be the poster boy for the future of electric cars, Zero Motorcycles offers a much fuller vision of the future of motorcycles.
Some parallels justify their comparison to Tesla. For instance, they sell more electric motorcycles than all their competitors combined, and they keep innovating and advancing the electric technology with each new model.
1 2022 Zero Motorcycle Lineup
In 2022, Zero is offering nine new models, and there is much to look forward to after 2021 models saw the American motorcycle company improve battery life significantly. Street-focused models include the Zero SR/S, SR/F, SR, S, FXE, and FXS, with the Zero DSR, DS, and FX forming the dual-sport triple delight.
The SR/S is the first Zero model, now in its second generation, and is the flagship sports touring model. The Zero SR/F is the naked version and the most expensive option in the lineup, at $21,495. At the other end of the spectrum is the Zero FXS going for $9,494, and it features subtle Supermoto styling.