Electric-powered transportation is really beginning to reach its prime, with many major car manufacturers now making electric models and companies like Tesla and Nikola working on bigger commercial trucks and semis. One type of EV that might have slipped under the radar of most gearheads is the electric motorcycle, although it's actually one of the most well-suited modes of transport to convert to electricity.
Leading the EV bike revolution is the all-American brand Zero Motorcycles, who for over a decade now have been making bikes that are not only great fun to ride but produce zero running emissions too. Many people won't have heard of them, but they're putting out some of the best two-wheeled EVs on the market. They've even been labeled as the next Tesla, so they're definitely one to watch. Don't know much about them? Let's take a look at the key facts that every gearhead should know about this up-and-coming EV brand.
8 Who Are They?
The idea for Zero Motorcycles started off in 2006 when ex-NASA engineer Neal Saiki formed a company dedicated to the production of battery-powered motorcycles. The company was initially called Electricross but changed to its current name around ten years ago.
EV technology was still very much in a primitive form when the company started, and it took four years for Zero to launch its first production model, the S. The initial S had a range of 50 miles on a full charge and a top speed of 70 mph, which are impressive specs but are dwarfed by Zero's lineup today.
7 Are They American?
The company's website says that Zero was "conceived inside a Santa Cruz, CA garage", but its headquarters are now in nearby Scotts Valley. Development-wise, the company has kept things almost completely in-house, which means a product that's as American as a classic Harley-Davidson, albeit with a very different powertrain.
Despite their home-grown beginnings, Zero fully intends to become a global brand, with dealerships constantly being added all over the world. Considering that the brand only released their first bike just over a decade ago, they've already gained a strong foothold in the international market, so they're streets ahead of many of their EV startup rivals.
6 What Engines Do They Use?
The technology behind Zero utilizes some common components but deploys them in a way completely unique to the brand. Lithium-ion battery packs are used, the same as in many other leading EV brands like Tesla. Those are wired to motors that have been developed in-house by Zero for maximum efficiency, which is then coupled to a belt that drives the wheel.
That technology is enough to propel the top-spec Zero bikes to 124 mph, or a sustained top speed of 110 mph. That's quite some feat, and more than any rider will ever really need regularly. For anyone concerned about the longevity of the technology, Zero offers a five-year and unlimited mile warranty for ultimate peace of mind.
5 What Bikes Do They Offer?
It's a cliché, but they're really is a Zero motorcycle available for everyone. The company makes both street and dirt bikes, with a variety of power and ranges. Models like the SR/S focus on speed and range, giving lightning-quick acceleration and a city range of around 161 miles.
Then there are the likes of the FX, which sports the same level of all-terrain capability as many of the top gasoline products from leading established brands. City range for the bike is slightly down at 91 miles, but anyone who only rides their FX round town is missing the point anyway. All of Zero's road-focused models are fully street-legal in the markets that they're sold, so buyers don't have to worry about where they ride their machines.
4 Have They Proved Themselves?
Every automaker loves to set records, as it's a concrete way of proving that their machine is better than everyone else's. Zero are no different and given their short time as a company they've got a very impressive record list. In 2012, a Zero S ZF6 was used to set a speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats, with rider Brandon Miller achieving an average speed of 101 mph over a flying mile.
That number has since been bettered by Zero's new production models, although as of yet there's no word on whether they're planning to relaunch an official record attempt. During a showcase event called the 24 Hours of Electricross, one team also set a Guinness World Record for the furthest distance traveled on an electric off-road motorcycle. In just the space of a day, they covered an incredible 500 miles.
3 Can You Race Them?
Traditional motorsport events have also been a great proving ground for Zero and its bikes. They've raced at Pikes Peak many times, winning the production electric motorcycle class from 2013-15. In 2014, the Zero FX was the first production bike to clock a time faster than 12 minutes on the Peak.
As well as racing in electric-only categories, Zero's motorcycles have seen success in various competitions that pit them against gasoline-powered bikes. In fact, they've raced in almost every discipline of motorcycle racing at some level, including in supercross, hare scrambles, and flat-track.
2 What Problems Are There With Zero?
One key area where Zero is lacking over their rivals is the consistency of the build quality of their products. Compared to traditional manufacturers, Zero Motorcycles have seen a lot more recalls and quality issues, with some of the biggest recalls affecting nearly half of the bikes sold in a particular year.
Another area of concern that's been shared across motorcycle forums is the level of aftercare provided once owners have bought their new bikes. It seems to vary wildly between owners, with many perfectly satisfied with their machines and others having to resort to extreme measures like court cases to get their bikes fixed. These may not be deal-breaking problems, but they're certainly worth bearing in mind for any potential buyers looking to score their own Zero.
1 How Do They Stack Up?
Quality issues and customer care aside, there really isn't anybody else out there that's making bikes like Zero is right now. Nearly all of the brand's startup competition is from companies that haven't actually put out any production models yet, so they still have a lot to prove on that front. Other competitors have gone bankrupt or failed to deliver on ever getting their bikes into the hands of customers.
Several legacy brands have been putting out EV bikes as of late, with one of the most notable American rivals being Harley-Davidson and their LiveWire model. But, thanks to their later start in development, these brands have a long way to go to catch Zero. So, it's safe to say that for now, a Zero is as good a choice as any when buying an electric motorcycle.