According to Zero Motorcycles, the company's new ”Model S” is the quickest production electric motorcycle in its class. Still, you can just barely take it on the highway as it has a top speed of 60 mph. It seems like a bike for city rats – a conclusion that isn't too far from the truth, said Gene Banman, CEO of Zero.
When Greentech Media visited the 24-Hour Electricross race in San Jose in March, Zero's founder and CTO Neal Saiki announced that his company would soon release a street model. And in mid-April, Zero Motorcycles announced the release of the Model S. The bike has earned a lot of attention in the mainstream media as it appeals to the general consumer rather than to the pioneer dirtbike enthusiasts who purchased Zero's "Model X” dirtbike.
The new street model is heavier (225 pounds), faster (60 mph) and stronger (31 horsepower) compared to the Model X. The bike also lasts longer on a single charge (up to 60 miles), which Banman thinks will appeal to commuters and a wider audience.
The bike instantly drew attention from people strolling along the pavement of the South Beach Marina where I met up with Zero's CEO Gene Banman. We took the bike out for a spin on the Embaracadero in San Francisco. ”Is that the one they showed on TV?” said one of the curious spectators. No question the Zero people know how to make the news.
In an interview with Greentech Media's Michael Kanellos a few years ago, Zero announced that its upcoming electric motorcycle would cost about $6,000 to $7,000. Anyone who wants to get their hands on a brand new bike today, however, would need to fork over about $10,000. (There is a 10 percent federal tax credit for buying one, though.)
It’s all about the battery and the development of new and cheaper solutions, says Banman. As on a regular motorcycle, the engine, or the lithium-ion battery in this case, is the most expensive part.
With a life expectancy of about five years, the cost of a battery switch is something you should really consider. And it ain't cheap. Expect to pay about $3,500 to $4,000 for an exchange, since the smaller battery for the Model X is priced at $2,950.
But the good news is that the operating costs are less than one cent per mile, according to Zero (this cost does not include future battery switches). A full recharge takes about three hours, while the bike can be connected to any regular socket in the U.S. or in Europe.
Can the Zero S compete with regular supermotos when it comes to performance and price? Probably not. But the fact that the bike is electric, environmentally friendly and comes with a recyclable battery will play a huge part in a buyer's decision.
Batteries will get cheaper while delivering more power for the buck. So to that end, the Zero could be an investment in the future for the eco-minded commuter who wants a quick and silent everyday bike that is fun to ride. But it’s not a track-racing monster replacement for the motorheads.
