2012 Zeros

2012 ZEROS

ROUNDUP

Fast-tracking to better range and performance

WILL ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES BECOME viable alternatives to gasoline-powered two-wheelers? Zero is sure trying hard, designing new e-bikes that are vastly more capable than its previous offerings.

The S and DS models are probably the most changed, receiving new, brushless PMAC (permanent magnet alternating current) motors to replace the brushed motors of previous years, along with battery packs of dramatically increased capacity. With either the standard 6or optional 9-kWh battery pack of lithiumpolymer cells replacing the 4.2-kWh cell pack of the past— combined with much-increased efficiency from the new motor and controller, and the addition of regenerative braking— range has increased by nearly a factor of three.

On the same suburban driving cycle, last year’s bike squeaked out just 42 miles on a charge; the new machines with the optional pack will do about 114 miles. But just as significantly, performance also has increased, with maximum torque delivered to the rear wheel (and thus acceleration) increased by almost 50 percent; top speed has jumped roughly 20 mph from the mid-60s to the mid-80s.

Similarly, performance of the X and MX dirt models has dramatically increased, with battery capacity up by roughly 50 percent and range doubling to around 40 minutes on an MX track.

But perhaps more important are enhancements to appearance. The new machines have blacked-out battery boxes along with black-anodized frames that disguise their non-internal-combustion components, and they feature sexier headlights and bodywork, too.

The new bikes will be available in early 2012.

—Steve Anderson