Zero Motorcycles introduces models with 100 mile ‘tank’ range

**Bob** · 23rd November 2011, 02:26

Zero motorcycles has unveiled a new range of motorcycles that will run for ‘more than 100 miles (160km) of range’ on a single charge. New battery technology has allowed for the increased "tank" range – comparable with a number of existing petrol machines – that will also allow for up to 3,000 complete charge cycles before degradation (estimated at 80% capacity).

The range includes the Zero S - a streetfighter-styled bike capable of an 88mph top speed, the Zero DS – a “dual sport” bike that can achive 80mph and the Zero XU – a bike for inner-city riding that also includes regenerative braking technology.

**Katman:Me** · 23rd November 2011, 08:23

How long does it take to fill the 'tank' again though?

**Katman:Me** · 23rd November 2011, 08:27

And I'll go out on a the dummy limb here........

If a petrol engine can generate a current to recharge a battery why can't an electric engine do the same thing?

**avgas** · 23rd November 2011, 09:20

Originally Posted by Katman

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And I'll go out on a the dummy limb here........

If a petrol engine can generate a current to recharge a battery why can't an electric engine do the same thing?

How much power does your starter motor generate while it turns the alternator?

You will probably find its less than a 1/10 of the energy you put into the starter to begin with.

Most energy is transfered into heat and sound through the mechanical system.

Regenerative braking reclaims energy from the mechanical system. But only works when the bike is first moving.

**Katman:Me** · 23rd November 2011, 09:42

But once the electric motor is running why couldn't a separate rotor and stator recharge the battery in the same way as on a petrol engine?

What if it charged a second battery that took over the powering of the motor once the other battery became too discharged - and that battery then became the one being recharged?

(Or am I just showing my total lack of understanding of electric motors?)

**Latte** · 23rd November 2011, 09:49

Originally Posted by Katman

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But once the electric motor is running why couldn't a separate rotor and stator recharge the battery in the same way as on a petrol engine?

What if it charged a second battery that took over the powering of the motor once the other battery became too discharged - and that battery then became the one being recharged?

(Or am I just showing my total lack of understanding of electric motors?)

Using electrical energy to power a device to store electrical energy, would result in a net loss of energy to friction (heat/noise) etc.

**imdying** · 23rd November 2011, 10:15

Originally Posted by Katman

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But once the electric motor is running why couldn't a separate rotor and stator recharge the battery in the same way as on a petrol engine?

What if it charged a second battery that took over the powering of the motor once the other battery became too discharged - and that battery then became the one being recharged?

(Or am I just showing my total lack of understanding of electric motors?)

Worse, a total lack of understanding of basic physics. Your idea would work great if the entire world was down hill

**oneofsix** · 23rd November 2011, 10:28

how long does it take to recharge the batteries?

**Katman:Me** · 23rd November 2011, 11:11

Now I realise there's more chance of me winning a Nobel Prize for Diplomacy than one for my contributions to Electrical Sciences but........

If a battery spins an electric motor and on the end of the motor's shaft is a conventional rotor/stator charging arrangement, would it not produce current?

Is it perhaps that the current required to turn the motor far exceeds the output capability of the charging system?

**bogan** · 23rd November 2011, 11:18

Originally Posted by Katman

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Is it perhaps that the current required to turn the motor far exceeds the output capability of the charging system?

Yes. Free energy is a motherfucker to find.

Originally Posted by oneofsix

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how long does it take to recharge the batteries?

Zero S is 2 and a half hours. Good commuter option if you live within 100km of work.

**Katman:Me** · 23rd November 2011, 11:22

Originally Posted by bogan

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Yes. Free energy is a motherfucker to find.

Ah, starting to see the light.

So the voltage produced by the motor would need to be equal to the voltage required to spin the motor - equaling nothing left to move the vehicle along?

Fuck that - give me the smell of petrol any day.

**avgas** · 23rd November 2011, 12:03

Originally Posted by Katman

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Ah, starting to see the light.

So the voltage produced by the motor would need to be equal to the voltage required to spin the motor - equally nothing left to move the vehicle along?

Fuck that - give me the smell of petrol any day.

Actually your getting warmer.
Its power = power. Ironically petrol runs on the same principle. If we "topped up our batteries" rather than simply recharge them electrical vehicles would be very similar to petrol ones.

Think of it like remote control cars, some you need to put petrol in, some you need to put batteries in..
Petrol = power. Batteries = power. But its very hard to transfer electrical power into petrol power.

**Jantar** · 23rd November 2011, 16:13

Both the Zero and Brammo models are getting improved performance and longer running per charge. Also prices are dropping when compared to performance. At the current (no pun intended) rate of improvement I'll be looking at an electric commuter in about 18 months. Probably winter 2013. I need something that can at least keep up with traffic, so 100 kmh+, and at least 42 km per charge at sustained highway speeds.