Zero Motorcycles has become a global leader in electric motorcycles, selling four models in several countries.
They announced yesterday the launch of their 2010 product line, including the Zero S, DS, X, and MX.Primary new features are said to be increased power for higher acceleration, and a new battery pack design.
The most significant advance in the street legal Zero S and DS models is the "Z-Force Air Induction System". This increases airflow to the motor, keeping the motor cooler, and allowing for higher power levels. While electric motors are extremely efficient they can still become hot, and heat can damage the motor or limit its efficiency. In April 2009 this writer attended the 24 Hours of Electricross event run by Zero Motorcycles and witnessed the race teams pouring water on the motors during pitstops to cool the motors.
They are also introducing a new throttle technology they say will provide riders with exacting control over the acceleration, which sounds like adjustments to the throttle response curve. This writers experience with the Zero X bike in April 2009 is at the highest power setting it had a very touchy and powerful throttle.
The final new technology is the "Z-Force" power pack with new and more precise cell monitoring. In modern lithium ion battery packs, battery management systems are used to govern charging and discharging, ensure that each cell stays within allowable voltage ranges. They claim longer battery pack life, a likely result of good battery management systems, and more power.
Zero S: maximum speed of 67 miles/hr and a range of up to 50 miles. The Zero DS has similar specs and the same price. The difference is the Zero S is meant only for urban use while the DS can be used on the road or on the dirt (a.k.a. "dual sport"). Studying the spec sheets closely shows the frame and other equipment has slight differences. Both the S and DS are street legal.
Neither the Zero X and MX bikes are street legal and are meant only for offroad or dirt track riding. The MX is a slightly heavier bike with slightly different equipment. Both the X and MX feature a swappable battery pack that allows for longer riding periods simply by swapping packs. As observed at last years Electricross event the pack can be swapped in about one minute without tools.
