Brammo Heads For The Big Time

Electric motorcycle manufacturer Brammo has struck a production deal with international company Flextronics, who also build for Microsoft among many other big names, to build components and assemble their bikes such as the famed Empulse.

This is huge news for e-bikes and for Brammo as electric enthusiasts finally get an excellent bike with speed and range on the verge of mass production.  It’s a bold move for Brammo and a great first step to world domination.  Below is their official press release;

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PRESS RELEASE

BRAMMO SELECTS FLEXTRONICS AS ITS GLOBAL MANUFACTURING PARTNER FOR ELECTRIC MOTORCYLES

Ashland, OR, and Singapore, September 15, 2010–Brammo, Inc. a global leader in the electric motorcycle business and Flextronics (NASDAQ: FLEX), a leading global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider today announced that Brammo has selected Flextronics as its global manufacturing partner for the production of plug-in electric motorcycles and components. This strategic partnership enables Brammo to rapidly scale its manufacturing production in order to meet growing international demand for its products. This partnership is a continuing expansion of Flextronics’ Automotive segment and augments services to include new clean tech technologies and electronic systems for electric vehicles.

“As Brammo pursues its international growth strategy it is critical to our success that we continue to build our strong reputation for quality, reliability and serviceability,” stated Craig Bramscher, CEO and founder of Brammo, Inc. “Flextronics is focused on providing a high quality end-to-end solutions approach to leading global companies, including automotive, and this is why we have selected them as our strategic manufacturing partner. We can now scale globally with the demand and the rapid evolution of this growth industry.”

“Brammo offers one of the most innovative, electric two-wheeled vehicle product lines in the marketplace and we are delighted that they have selected Flextronics as their exclusive partner for the manufacture of state-of-the-art electric motorcycles. This strategic partnership allows us to further expand our portfolio for battery powered vehicles and complements our strong expertise in high voltage and energy recuperation applications for the automotive market,” said Herbert Schoeffmann, president of Flextronics Automotive. “We look forward to this very exciting partnership, where we will provide Brammo with our world-class global resources, strong vertical integration capability and supply chain logistics enabling Brammo to achieve its ambitious growth plan.”

About Flextronics

Headquartered in Singapore (Singapore Reg. No. 199002645H), Flextronics is a leading Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider focused on delivering complete design, engineering and manufacturing services to automotive, computing, consumer, industrial, infrastructure, medical and mobile OEMs. Flextronics helps customers design, build, ship, and service electronics products through a network of facilities in 30 countries on four continents. This global presence provides design and engineering solutions that are combined with core electronics manufacturing and logistics services, and vertically integrated with components technologies, to optimize customer operations by lowering costs and reducing time to market. For more information, please visit http://www.flextronics.com.

About Brammo

Brammo Inc is a leading electric vehicle technology company headquartered in North America. Brammo designs and develops electric vehicles including the award winning Brammo Enertia motorcycle and the recently announced Empulse. Brammo is an OEM supplier of its innovative Brammo Digital Drivetrain™ systems including the Brammo Power™ battery pack and Brammo Power™ vehicle management system. Brammo has vehicle distribution and marketing operations in North America, Europe and Asia.

For more information visit www.brammo.com. and Brammo on Twitter at BrammoSays and on Facebook at Brammo Powercycles. See the Brammo Empulse in action: http://tiny.cc/brammo-empulse.

Hama Zero’s ‘Solar Bike Fujin’ Electric Motorcycle

Yes we here at RTWW like our futuristic electric bikes and while Brammo and Roehr’s efforts are more appealing than Hama Zero’s, but you can’t fault creator Mr. Yamawaki it for his ingenuity.

Ok this isn’t going to please 186mph sports-bike owners, or those who love the noise and fumes of a ‘regular’ motorcycle, but despite its somewhat unattractive look the technology of the Solar Bike Fujin e-bike has to be applauded.  This could possibly the only truly zero emission, and zero cost power generation, electric bike given that it can charge solely from the sun, and if it’s not plugged in it isn’t part of the waste producing electricity grid.  The crazily low resistance wheels could maybe be a technology applied to its bigger cousins, and even the solar panel, if it could be stored compactly enough could be another trickle-charge power source for more powerful electric bikes.  Most likely the panel’s current power generation ability is pretty small but solar cell technology is improving in yield all the time.

Check out the video below for an overview of the Hama Zero Solar Bike Fujin

The Age Of The E-Bike Has Arrived

It’s a bit like waiting for a bus isn’t it?  No electric motorcyles for a while then suddenly half a dozen turn up at once!

Hot on the heels of Brammo’s ‘Empulse’, Roehr Motorcycles has unveiled its entry into the world of plug-in motorcycles with its range of eSuperbike machines.  Like Brammo there are three models but these are distinctly different than just varying in range like the Empulse line.  Roehr has the ‘budget’ eSupersport, mid-range eSuperbike, and its flagship eSuperbike RR, and each feature suspension and brake upgrades as well as battery capacity changes.  It’s great to see a mini explosion in the e-bike market after Zero Motorcycles being the only source of battery powered fun for the last year or so.

However the excellence of Roehr offerings come at a price.  The basic eSupersport is $16,995, the eSuperbike $27,595, and the eSuperbike RR weighs in at $34,495.

Some more pics of the eSuperbike are below along with tech specs and company introductions.  Head over to Roehr Motorcycles web site here for more info.

eSupersport Model Specs

The eSupersport is the entry level of electric sportbike performance. Although it is entry level, it is first and foremost a sportbike, as such, it is equipped with quality suspension, brakes and running gear. From the 41mm inverted front forks, single shock rear suspension with progressive linkage, to the dual 300mm front brake discs and light weight 17 inch aluminum wheels with sportbike sized tires, this motorcycle reaches far beyond your typical entry level offerings.Power is provided by a single AC Induction Motor producing 48hp, and 8000 RPM capability. AC motor technology, with it’s higher efficiency, superior reliability and efficient energy regeneration has proven itself superior to it’s DC motor counterpart.

The eSuperSport also uses state-of-the-art Lithium Iron Phosphate large format cylindrical battery cells capable of up to 15C of output. This, combined with 5.8Kwh’s of battery capacity provide unparalleled levels of entry level performance and range.

Drivetrain:

Single AC Induction Motor
48 HP
Single speed direct drive
Ratio 12:60

Batteries:
Large format, cylindrical LiFePo4
Capacity: 5.8 Kw/h
96 Volts/ 60Ah
600 amps (continuous)
900 amps (max)

Battery Management System:
LVC, HVC, Shunt balancing
On- board 15 amp charger

Chassis:
Steel twin spar beam frame with integral
motor and battery mounting substructure.
Rake: 24deg
Trail: 89mm
Wheelbase: 56in.

Suspension:
Front:
41 mm inverted front forks
Rear:
Single shock with linkage

Wheels:
Front:
3.0 x 17 6 spoke aluminum
Rear:
4.0 x 17 6 spoke aluminum

Brakes:
2 x 300mm discs
2 x 2 piston front calipers

Tires:
110/70/17 front
150/60/17 rear

Overall weight:
395 lbs.

eSuperbike Model Specs

The eSuperBike embodies the ROEHR legend of power and performance. Simply put, the eSuperBike raises the bar for electric motorcycle performance to a whole new level.Powered by dual AC induction motors, producing 96hp combined with our high power 7.7Kwh battery pack will thrill you with arm wrenching acceleration, high top speeds and class leading range. The eSuperBike is also equipped with an Ohlins, fully adjustable, rear shock for exceptional response and performance as well as increased stopping power from powerful dual Brembo 4 piston front brakes.

Your dream of owning a fast, high performance electric sportbike has now become a reality.

Drivetrain:

Twin AC Induction Motors
96HP
Single speed direct drive
Ratio 12:54

Batteries:
Large format, cylindrical LiFePo4
Capacity: 7.7 Kw/h
96 Volts/ 80Ah
800 amps (continuous)
1200 amps (max)

Battery Management System:
LVC, HVC, Shunt balancing
On- board 6 amp charger

Chassis:
Steel twin spar beam frame with integral
motor and battery mounting substructure.
Rake: 24deg
Trail: 89mm
Wheelbase: 56in.

Suspension:
Front:
41 mm inverted front forks
Rear:
Ohlins Single shock with linkage

Wheels:
Front:
3.0 x 17 6 spoke aluminum
Rear:
4.5 x 17 6 spoke aluminum

Brakes:
2 x 300mm discs
2 x 4 piston Brembo front calipers

Tires:
120/70/17 front
170/60/17 rear

Overall weight:
500 lbs.

eSuperbike RR Model Specs

The RR is our flagship electric sportbike, designed to race in the current TTXGP and e-Power racing series. Based on our eSuperBike, the RR additionally features, 43mm, Ohlins, fully adjustable inverted front forks, 320mm Brembo brake rotors with 4 piston radial calipers, in addition to light weight aluminum racing wheels with race spec performance tires. The RR is available for track or street use and is the ultimate expression of an electric performance motorcycle.

Drivetrain:

Twin AC Induction Motors
96HP
Single speed direct drive
Ratio 12:54

Batteries:
Large format, cylindrical LiFePo4
Capacity: 7.7 Kw/h
96 Volts/ 80Ah
800 amps (continuous)
1200 amps (max)

Battery Management System:
LVC, HVC, Shunt balancing
On- board 6 amp charger

Chassis:
Steel twin spar beam frame with integral
motor and battery mounting substructure.
Rake: 24deg
Trail: 89mm
Wheelbase: 56in.

Suspension:
Front:
43 mm Ohlins inverted
Rear:
Ohlins Single shock with linkage

Wheels:
Front:
3.5 x 17 6 spoke lightweight aluminum
Rear:
6.0 x 17 6 spoke lightweight aluminum

Brakes:
2 x 320mm discs
2 x 4 piston radial

Tires:
120/70/17 front
190/55/17 rear

Overall weight:
500 lbs.

Has Brammo made the best E-bike yet with the ‘Empulse’?

RTWW is a fan of electric bikes.  It’s only fitting that motorcycles are the future of personal transport when set against gas guzzling cars and the gridlock they cause.  While there have been many concept machines and some very good e-bikes from the likes of Zero Motorcycles, it seems as if everyone specialised at certain areas but bringing them all together was a problem.  Where a bike had performance it lacked range and vise versa.

However it would seem Brammo’s new ‘Empulse’ has managed to address these problems and have created a great bike that covers all the bases.  With performance relative to a regular 600cc sports bike, and 100+ miles within its reach this could be a game changer.  Three models are to be released varying in their travelling range from 60 miles to 100.  Best of all is the price which if they keep it at the suggested $9,995 for the lowest of the three proposed models, with $13,995 topping out the range the Empulse could be a very big, very affordable hit.

Below is a video advertising the Empluse accompanied by the official press release from Brammo.

The Brammo Official Press Release

Brammo announces the Empulse – a trio of 100+mph electric motorcycles, including one model that can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge. Prices start at $9995.
Ashland, Oregon – July 15th, 2010. Brammo, Inc. announced today it will begin production of an electric sportbike, calling it the “Empulse.” Brammo demonstrated a pre-production prototype today and all three production models of the Empulse will be capable of sustaining 100 mph. The three models will have different battery capacities, all utilizing an innovative proprietary array, the Brammo Power™ battery and vehicle management system. The Empulse is available for immediate order and deliveries will commence in 2011.
Craig Bramscher, Founder and CEO of Brammo said “motorcycle riders have been requesting increased speed and range and I am proud and delighted to reveal these game changing Brammo electric motorcycles. Our customers expect Brammo to design and produce the world’s most exciting (and affordable) electric motorcycles and that’s exactly what we have done.” Bramscher continued, “Today’s announcement promises no more range anxiety for Brammo customers.”

The Empulse Trio
All three models of the Empulse will be freeway capable and will enjoy a top speed in excess of 100mph. Each of the three models will offer customers a different average range from a single charge. The Empulse 6.0 is capable of 60 miles average range, the Empulse 8.0 is capable of 80 miles average range and the top of the line Empulse 10.0 is capable of a travelling 100 miles on a single charge. Range of all three models can be extended by travelling at lower speeds.
The estimated MSRP for the Empulse trio when deliveries start next year are; Empulse 6.0 $9,995, Empulse 8.0 $11,995 and Empluse 10.0 $13,995. All three models will be eligible for Federal and State tax incentives. For example, the Empulse 10.0 may cost as little as $7,000 in certain states after Federal and State incentives.

Empulse Technology
Today’s announcement sees the first application of Brammo’s innovative Brammo Digital Drivetrain™ including the Brammo Power™ battery pack and Brammo Power™ vehicle management system. Brammo’s breakthrough in price/energy density is at the heart of today’s announcement and is unequalled in the electric vehicle industry. The Empulse is also the world’s first production electric motorcycle to have a water cooled motor.
Brian Wismann, Director of Product Development at Brammo and designer of the Empulse said,
“The Empulse reveals the significant price performance that we can deliver using Brammo Power™ technology. Just like it did with the Enertia Powercycle, Brammo has again raised the bar in terms of electrical drivetrain innovation and time to market.”

Empulse Availability
Customers can place their order for an Empulse by visiting the Brammo website http://www.brammo.com . Deliveries are expected to commence in mid-2011 and orders will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Customers placing an order will be expected to place a refundable deposit once their Empulse is within 90 days of delivery. The Brammo range of motorcycles will be available globally through select motorcycle dealerships and participating Best Buy stores during 2011.

Brammo Distribution
Brammo is expanding its dealership network both within the USA and in Europe and Asia. Organizations interested in selling and servicing the Brammo range of motorcycles, which includes the award winning Enertia, can register their interest by visiting http://www.brammo.com/dealerapplication
Adrian Stewart, director of Sales and Marketing at Brammo said “We are always looking for individuals and organizations that want to enter into a long term business partnership with Brammo to sell and service our range of electric vehicles. JCAM, our distributor and dealer in Hong Kong and Singapore is an excellent example of such an organization. ”
Forged in the Heat of Competition
Brammo Power™ technology employed in the Empulse is race proven in the Brammo Empulse RR race bike. You can see the Empulse RR in action at the 2010 Red Bull Grand Prix, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Brammo will race the Empulse RR in the FIM e-Power series which will see 15 electric motorcycle teams from around the world compete on this demanding circuit.
Meet the Empulse
Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher will be unveiling the Empulse at the 2010 Red Bull Grand Prix at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, 11.15am, Saturday July 24th 2010.
Later this year the Empulse will be at EICMA Milan, Italy and at the Macau Grand Prix, China.

About Brammo
Brammo Inc is a leading electric vehicle technology company headquartered in North America. Brammo designs and develops electric vehicles including the award winning Brammo Enertia motorcycle. Brammo is an OEM supplier of it’s innovative Brammo Digital Drivetrain™ systems including the Brammo Power™ battery pack and Brammo Power™ vehicle management system. Brammo has vehicle distribution and marketing operations in North America, Europe and Asia.

MotoCzysz E1pc Wins Zero Emissions Race at the 2010 Isle of Man TT

Rider Mark Millar on the MotoCzysz E1pc has won the  Zero Emissions Race at the 2010 Isle of Man TT.  A much improved result on last years failure to finish by the electric bike and a dazzling performance, and advance, in the general field of E-bikes.

While it is taking time to pull together all the working elements electric bikes are becoming more and more viable as an alternative to the gas guzzling machines we all love.  Handling and speed as demonstrated by the MotoCzysz E1pc during one of the most trying road races in the world seem to be on par with regular sports bikes now, and is testament to the skills of Millar being at one with his ride.  Range is still the crippling factor for E-bikes and that’s something that can only be solved by better battery technology, which is getting there, but not keeping pace with the rest of the motorcycle technology on show.

Below is a video of the Mark Millar’s press conference after his well deserved win and further below is a more in-depth look at the MotoCzysz E1pc as featured in an article earlier this week from Hell For Leather and Popular Science magazines.

This is the 2010 MotoCzysz E1pc, a race bike built by a tiny Oregonian company focused on pushing the limits of electric performance to the absolute max. It packs 10 times the battery capacity of a Toyota Prius and 2.5 times the torque of a Ducati 1198 into a package that looks like something out of a 24th-century Thunderdome……..continued at Popular Science or at Hell For Leather

A New German Motorcycle Company Rises?

Das neue Motorrad – The updates began quietly enough on-line on the 12th of May and will continue until launch day on the 10th June 2010.  My knowledge of German is non-existant, my apologies any fans in Germany, but this all seems very exciting.  Launching a new bike brand in the current financial climate is bold to say the least, and what are they launching, a standard or electric/hybrid bike.  Hope it doesn’t turn out to be bland after the build up.  Should BMW be worried?

Visit the web site here for more information.

Transform two motorcycles into a car & back again.

RTWW loves a good ‘out there’ futuristic bike and this new concept model has that and a whole lot more.

The pictures are of the “Plug-In” concept car/bike by Ramesh Gound, dreamed up as his final year Diploma project at the National Institute of Design.  Gound says there’s a “buy 1 get 1 free” shopping attitude in the market around the Ahmedabad area of India where he’s based.  This everyday idea gave Gound the inspiration to take two motorcycles and give them the ability to link them in the middle to make a car!

The two drive-by-wire bikes allow a biking houshold to combine their rides to create a car for a relaxing long journey, then at your destination, break apart and go exploring.  The extra car bodywork is made of D3O, which when the bikes are not attached, neatly folds away within the bike’s frame.   There are no engine details but it would be an idea to make the bikes electric vehicles that doubled their range as a car, that would definately make it a vehicle for the future.

KTM Freeride, Electric Super Motos

The picture above was a leak of KTMs new electric moto and supermoto bikes which sprung from a German Motorcycling magazine ahead of their unveiling at the Tokyo Motorshow later this week.  Visor Down as now got its hands on more pics which you can find on their web site.  KTM’s sudden entrance into the electric bike market is a big boost for E-bikes given the status of the well known manufacturer.  No doubt ZERO motorcycles will be looking long and hard at both the spec and pricing of KTM’s offerings.

Check out Visor Down’s pictures here.

KTM Jumps on the Electric Bandwagon

Austrian motorcycle company KTM is about to hop aboard the electric bike bandwagon with two concepts due to be unveiled at the 37th Tokyo Motorcycle Show which starts on March 26th.  The teaser image KTM released doesn’t tell us much beyond the concepts striking similarity to another electric bike makers super-moto machines (cough! ZERO cough!)  The major difference is the other manufacturer has theirs on sale now.  Hopefully more details will be available during the show.

A Hybrid Future?

The UK is slightly behind the USA on episodes of ‘American Chopper’ and last night’s new build was the Schneider Electric Hybrid chopper.  The bike was impressive, as all Orange County Chopper bikes are, and joined a growing number of hybrid motorcycles as either proof of concept vehicles or production demos.

The technical spec on the OOC hybrid gives the rider a number of operation modes ranging from battery only, electric motor driving the rear wheel with the V-Twin powering a generator which in turn powers and recharges the batteries, and standard gas only, albeit a very frugal motor to give a decent range.  It’s an innovative package that a lot of people have over-looked with it being caught up in the show’s family drama. (As a side note Paul Sr is ‘the man’ Jr is an arse!)  Having the battery packs stored in the panniers, leaving regular frame space for an engine was a good idea and the linkages between electric motor, V-Twin, and generators are a marvel.

Along with OCC’s efforts other Hybrids doing the rounds are the Tim Cameron designed CAF-E, which looks awesome.

Apparently similar in design to the Toyota Prius, hopefully not where its brakes are concerned, it’s a parallel V-Twin with an electric super charger for extra power.  Electric power comes from a 180 volt Lithium Ion battery pack and it’s all delivered to the rear via a shaft drive.  One of Tim’s other futuristic designs, the V-REX is now in production so there’s hope for the CAF-E

Details on the V-REX can be found here

The most well-known Hybrid to date is probably Yamaha’s effort, the working model having been showcased at the Tokyo Motorshow in late 2009.

Originally called the Gen-Ryu Yamaha’s HV-X, of all the manufacturers, is the closest to going into production.  Honda have mentioned Hybrids on occasion and have also said they will focus on full electric of late, but Honda has been exhaling a lot of hot air over its bikes this last year.

So is Hybrid the way to go for the future?  ZERO Motorcycles’ electric range are fantastic bikes but fall down on, well, range, but they do have a place in the grand scheme of things as sports and commuting machines.  However when it comes to touring Hybrids offer the opportunity of distance for low running costs.  Easier to apply to motorcycles than cars, given the weight the engine has to shift, it would seem the best option to become technology of tomorrow.