Autoblog Green

New Vectrix picked up by Hesketh Motorcycles in the UK

Domenick Yoney — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:50:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, UK

Vectrix VX-1 - click above for high-res image gallery

While the company formerly known as Vectrix Corporation has just changed its name to the more descriptive Electric Scooter Wind Down Corp. appellation, New Vectrix is out and about doing deals and moving forward. In fact, it's just been announced that Hesketh Motorcycles (HMC) has taken the electric maxi-scooter under its wing in the UK, where it will now be known as the Hesketh HZE-Vectrix. The British boutique brand is itself recently-revived, having previously functioned as a marque in the early Eighties when it produced a relatively small number of gas-powered machines. Current company director Charles Hesketh had this to say about the deal,

This is a brand new chapter in the life of what we know as the World's first high performance, zero emission, production motorbike. We spent a considerable amount both financially and energetically searching for a zero emission two-wheeled vehicle worthy of the Hesketh brand, and the Vectrix VX-1 meets all our requirements.

HMC will now offer the UK dealers a warranty extension plan that covers their previously-sold bikes and supply the shops with new product as well. There might also be two new models in the pipeline for 2010, though no details are being given at this time. We can only hope they decide to move the technology forward with lithium cells rather than lead-based backward direction of the two disastrously-debuted models from last January. Perhaps they'll be bold enough to pull out the eye-popping and multi-award winning superbike concept they had earlier shelved. Press release after the break.

Gallery: Vectrix Electric Scooter

Gallery: Vectrix Superbike

[Source: Hesketh Motorcycles / Providence Business News]

http://www.heskethmotorcycles.net/index.php?p=home

Continue reading New Vectrix picked up by Hesketh Motorcycles in the UK

New Vectrix picked up by Hesketh Motorcycles in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Governor Schwarzenegger, eCarTec like Zero Motorcycles

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels

Gov. Schwarzenegger with the Zero S

Zero Motorcycles is getting more than its fair share of attention. Recently, the company's Zero X was selected as the "Best Electric Motorcycle" during eCarTec in Münich, Germany in mid-October. This year's eCarTec was the inaugural event, but by the looks of the website, they plan on investigating the future of electric mobility for years to come.

Before the win in Germany, at AltCar in California in early October, Governor Schwarzenegger stopped by the Zero booth to learn about the S motorbike during his tour of the show. The company just issued a release calling on the Governator to "Switch Out Your Harley for an All-Electric Zero S!" A nice message, but we won't hold out breath.

Gallery: Zero Motorcycles Zero DS

[Source: Zero Motorcycles]

Continue reading Governor Schwarzenegger, eCarTec like Zero Motorcycles

Governor Schwarzenegger, eCarTec like Zero Motorcycles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MP3 in its sights: Peugeot shows off Concept HYbrid3 Evolution

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Peugeot, On Two Wheels

_{Peugeot Concept HYbrid3 Evolution hybrid scooter - Click for complete high-resolution gallery}

Peugeot is no stranger to scooters and already has a 3-wheeled scooter to aim at the Piaggio MP3. Since the MP3 has a hybrid version and Peugeot is exploring hybrids in its automobiles, it's not too surprising that Peugeot has revealed the Concept HYbrid3 Evolution. The powertrain uses a 300cc engine good for 41 hp, according to Diario del Motor. This is double what the MP3 produces and uses two electric motors powering the front wheels to account for eight of those hp. The scooter starts in electric mode and turns on the combustion engine when the speed gets over 10 kmh. When running, the front wheels are activated in case of traction problems. Consumption is low, just 2 l/100 km (118 mpg U.S.), and the HYbrid3 puts out 50 g/km of CO₂. The frugal scooter still hits a maximum speed of 150 km/h (90 mph) and runs from 0 to 50 km/h (0 to 31 mph) in under 5 seconds. Unfortunately, Peugeot didn't mention when the scooter anything about a sales date for the HYbrid3.

Gallery: Peugeot Concept HYbrid3 Evolution

[Source: Peugeot via Diario del Motor]

MP3 in its sights: Peugeot shows off Concept HYbrid3 Evolution originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EICMA 2009: First electric Ducati to hit the show floor?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Europe/EU

Italwin Ducati City Pearl - Click above for high-res image gallery

Question: When is a Ducati not really a Ducati? Answer: When it's an electrically-assisted pedal bike made by the Italwing Group. The machine is known as the City Pearl, and it will be available in both men's and women's (with a dropped top tube) styles when it goes on sale in January at selected Ducati dealerships in Europe.

There is a precedent set for a pedal-powered Ducati. The famed Italian marque's first two-wheeler was known as the Cucciolo, which was really just a small four-stroke engine that attached to a bicycle frame. Still, we do wish that there was a bit more of a direct connection between Ducati and the City Pearl - as it stands, it seems Italwin is merely trying to capitalize on the Ducati name.

In any case, the specifications for the City Pearl are right in line with other comparable electric bicycles. Power comes from a six-volt 9Ah Panasonic lithium ion battery pack and motivation comes from a front-mounted 250W brushless electric motor that's capable of propelling the bike to 24 kilometers per hour (about 15 mph). A seven-speed Nexus hub from Shimano sends human power to the rear wheel. See both versions in our image gallery below.

Gallery: Italwin Ducati City Pearl

[Source: Ducati]

Continue reading EICMA 2009: First electric Ducati to hit the show floor?

EICMA 2009: First electric Ducati to hit the show floor? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing team to enter TTXGP series

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Racing

The first new team to disclose that they will compete in the 2010 TTXGP electric superbike events has just thrown its hat into the ring. SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing and its AMA pro rider Chip Y ates will do battle at the Isle of Man event, the 4 scheduled UK races, the American race at Infineon and any as-yet-unannounced FIM international and American events. While they could use one of the new Mavizen TTX02 mounts being created for new competitors, they plan on building a bike of their own instead and have enlisted the aid of a program director, several engineers and a designer whose previous experiences includes work on helicopters and unmanned aircraft. While we can only imagine the look of the final road-ready craft, we are pretty sure it won't resemble in any fashion our own feeble attempt at photochopping the Swigz bottle you see pictured above.

It's said that the new bike is already in the early stages of development and they hope to have a fully functioning machine early in the first quarter of 2010. The next phase of their program will see the team split, with some going to the UK to establish a European base and make duplicate back-up bikes. Yates, who is a mechanical engineer and has a Master's degree in business, will be very involved with the development and plans on taking commercial advantage of intellectual property produced in the effort. This fierce competitor and former Boeing employee already holds 7 U.S. patents pertaining to automotive drivetrains currently in use by Gil de Ferran's IndyCar program and Jeep Cherokees produced since 1999. Chip sums up the teams approach to the new bike thusly,

This superbike program requires a much different approach from electric vehicles we've seen especially as it relates to weight and range. Our engineering strategy is to optimize the power, weight and range of the bike specifically around target laptimes for the tracks we will be competing on in the U.K., Europe, and in the U.S.A. Given the relatively short race distances, our simulations show us exactly what battery capacity and motor performance is needed to turn laptimes competitive to a 600cc internal combustion powered racebike. We understand and embrace the technical challenges and are prepared to do heavy lifting to advance the state of the art to meet our expectations for a legitimate lightweight and exciting superbike.

It all leads us to believe this upcoming racing season should be as interesting from a technological standpoint as it will be from a competitive one. Game on!

[Source: RoadRacing World]

Continue reading SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing team to enter TTXGP series

SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing team to enter TTXGP series originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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To Infineon and Beyond: TTXGP brings electric motorcycle racing to America

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, USA, Racing

Mavizen TTX02 - Click above to enlarge

Earlier this year at the annual time trials at the famed Isle of Man, the inaugural TTXGP electric motorcycle race proved that battery-powered bikes can be just as entertaining and exciting as their gasoline-swilling and emissions-spewing siblings. Not quite as fast, of course, but still a thrill over the 38-mile winding race course through the mountains.

Now, the event organizers are looking to bring the excitement of electric motorcycle racing to the United States. The first real competition has been scheduled from May 14th through 16th of 2010 and will take place at Infineon Raceway in California. That location strikes us as a good idea as a number of TTXGP participants hail from the West Coast, including Mission Motors, MotoCzysz, Brammo and Electric Motorsport.

In addition to the aforementioned teams, we also hope to see participation from new entrants using the newly-available Mavizen TTX02 platform, which was just officially unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: Mavizen TTX02 Electric Racebike

[Source: Infineon Raceway]

Continue reading To Infineon and Beyond: TTXGP brings electric motorcycle racing to America

To Infineon and Beyond: TTXGP brings electric motorcycle racing to America originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, SEMA Show, On Two Wheels, Racing

Mavizen TTX02 - Click above to enlarge

Right on schedule, Mavizen has released its TTX02 electric motorcycle at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Well, if you listen to Azhar Hussain, TTXGP founder and the entrepreneur behind this racebike, the TTX02 is a "laptop on wheels." How so? For starters, each machine is fitted with an dash-mounted computer that runs on Linux, comes with its own dedicated IP address, on-board web server and connectivity to wireless networks.

While all of that consumer electronics gadgetry is cool, it's the platform of the TTX02 that interests us the most. As rumored, it definitely appears that the TTX02 is based on the chassis of KTM's highly acclaimed RC8 superbike, which means it's a proven platform that's capable of solid handling and high speeds... good thing, as it's reportedly capable of hitting 130 miles per hour.

Twin Agni 95 electric motors push out a total of nearly 100 peak horsepower along with what's surely an admirable torque figure that peaks right off the bat at just about zero RPM. Three lithium ion battery packs will be made available with up to 11 kWh of power, which is reportedly capable of tackling all 38 miles of the TTXGP Isle of Man course. Pricing is not yet announced, but Hussain suggests a competitive machine can be had for around $40,000. Hit the jump to watch a couple videos of the bike's launch at SEMA.

Gallery: Mavizen TTX02 Electric Racebike

[Source: Asphalt and Rubber]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorcycle Industry Council: Two-wheelers are green

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:54:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, On Two Wheels, Green Daily

2010 Kawasaki Concours 14 - Click above to enlarge

We often hear debates about the merits of riding motorcycles and scooters for environmental reasons. For sure, older bikes manufactured before emissions equipment were prevalent are significantly more polluting than most modern automobiles. On the other hand, motorcycles are nearly always more fuel efficient than their four-wheeled counterparts and new motorcycles are pretty clean when it comes to emissions.

Ty van Hooydonk from the Motorcycle Industry Council has some input on the topic, and he highlights points such as the drastic reduction in raw material usage - including metals, plastics and engine fluids - and a major reduction in overall vehicle traffic.

These facts, coupled with the aforementioned low fuel consumption and greatly improved emissions controls make motorcycles, as Hooydonk calls them, "green machines." Somehow, we doubt this will be the last time we hear about this long-running debate, especially since Hooydonk says that motorcycling's green angle "is a message we're working harder to deliver out there."

[Source: Dealer News]

Motorcycle Industry Council: Two-wheelers are green originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Piaggio working on electric Moto Guzzi?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, On Two Wheels

Speculation is fun, right? Our friends from Asphalt and Rubber are doing just that in regards to a possible electric motorcycle from Italian motorcycle manufacturer Moto Guzzi. What makes anyone think Guzzi might give up its well-known fascination with across-the-frame air-cooled V-twins? The Piaggio Group, which owns the classic manufacturer, has announced that it will invest 12 million euros into the fabled marque as part of a widespread new business plan.

Back in December of 2008, Piaggio accepted a loan from the European Investment Bank worth 150 million euros, and that very well may be where Guzzi's newfound funding will come from. That money, though, was loaned with the understanding that it would be used solely to fund new hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Put two and two together and it seems possible that we could see an electrically-driven Moto Guzzi sometime in the near future.

[Source: Asphalt and Rubber]

Rumormill: Piaggio working on electric Moto Guzzi? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Go-Ped + propane = Pro-Ped

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Natural Gas, On Two Wheels, USA

What do you get when you exchange the 2-stroke gas engine on a Go-Ped for a 4-stroke propane-powered piston popper? Why, a Pro-Ped (of course!) You also get rid of almost all the particulates and carcinogens that burning gasoline produces as well as the mess and bother of mixing gas and oil that 2-strokes require. Patmont Motor Werks (PMW) has hooked up with LEHR, the maker of the propane power plant, and is now offering the cleaner fuel choice on both their two-wheeled GSR Sport Go-Ped and their 4-wheeled (and appropriately named) Go-Quad. LEHR's products have received the EPA Clean Air Excellence Award and have the approval of the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The top speed on both vehicles is a parent-friendly 21 mph and have a range of about 20 miles at half throttle. They can handle up to 400 lbs and supplying the propane is as easy as twisting on a fresh canister. To help celebrate their 25th anniversary of building family fun products in the USA, and perhaps get some Pro-Peds and Pro-Quads under some Christmas trees, PMW has chopped $100 off the price and are now offering the "high-visibility eco-green" machines for $499 and $699 respectively. Go ahead and read more about them at their website.

*Update: Added video of Pro-Ped start-up procedure and demonstration after the jump.

[Source: Patmont Motor Werks]

Continue reading Go-Ped + propane = Pro-Ped

Go-Ped + propane = Pro-Ped originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Suzuki to put hydrogen two-wheelers into production

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Suzuki, On Two Wheels

Suzuki fuel cell concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki and Intelligent Energy have been working on hydrogen fuel cell-powered two-wheelers for the last few years, with the Crosscage, their first public concept, debuting back in 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Then, earlier this year, we heard rumblings that Suzuki hoped to have its first production hydrogen cycle ready within the next 12 months.

Falling right in line with those expectations, Suzuki unveiled a new concept just last week at the most recent show in Tokyo, and instead of using a pie-in-the-sky motorcycle chassis with single-sided suspension bits that have little chance of actual production, the Japanese company placed its proprietary fuel cell and storage system in a regular old Burgman scooter.

Now, Wired reports that we can expect these hydrogen two-wheelers in production in very short order. Says Dr. Henri Winand, CEO of Intelligent Energy, "These clean fuel cell engine-powered motorcycles are not simply for motor shows, and can be widely available to everyone in the near future."

If that does indeed take place, as cool as the Crosscage may be, we'd expect the initial offering to take a form similar to the conceptual Burgman scooter. We'll know for sure soon enough.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Fuel Cell Concepts

[Source: Wired]

REPORT: Suzuki to put hydrogen two-wheelers into production originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mission (sorta) Accomplished: Shocking Barack Tour ends [w/VIDEO]

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, USA

After retracing the Detroit-to-DC bailout-begging route taken earlier this year by auto execs, two intrepid souls dispatched by electric motorcycle maker Brammo have finally successfully accomplished their "Shocking Barack" mission. Sort of. While the dream of personally presenting the POTUS on the White House lawn with a slightly used Enertia powercycle bearing a lovingly-painted "Yes We Can" motto and an American flag may have fallen somewhat short, the pair has opted for a plan B C D E that can't possibly fail. Somewhere in the wilds of Washington they have chained one of their bikes to a pole and have mailed Mr. Obama the keys to both padlock and bike along with a letter explaining themselves. While we haven't decided if this tactic is sheer brilliance or whether the boys have had a little too much exposure to the elements the past couple of weeks, one thing is clear; they have already achieved a certain measure of success in bringing attention to electric motorcycles, and more specifically, the Brammo Enertia.

While driving hundreds of miles through rain, cold and dark of early evening, the two have encountered a veritable legion of souls in the many towns they have quietly entered. They have presented their story personally to these folks while asking for a socket to plug into or a couch to sleep on, while at the same time reaching thousands more with a constant barrage of tweets and steady flow of YouTube videos. They have changed the mind of a committed Harley owner and have even had Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher invited to a meeting in the White House (with other captains of industry) where he got to give a short spiel in the presence of the Secretary of Energy, Stephen Chu. Though whether or not Barack will be shocked, as it were, is still undetermined, we invite you to hit the jump to watch video of their last ditch attempt and read the text of the letter to the Prez.

[Source: Shocking Barack]

Continue reading Mission (sorta) Accomplished: Shocking Barack Tour ends [w/VIDEO]

Mission (sorta) Accomplished: Shocking Barack Tour ends [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electric motorcycle revolution means business not-as-usual

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, USA

Looking back, 2009 may be seen as the year that electric motorcycles began their rise to market dominance. If that is to happen, the start-ups in that sector will have to be successful in the execution of their various business models. What they are trying to do with the motorized two-wheeler is more revolutionary then evolutionary and so their approach to the market must be distinct, perhaps diametric to that of the companies that currently occupy the landscape. In a series of articles at Asphalt & Rubber under the caption Tradition is Not a Business Model, Jensen Beeler talks with the heads of Zero Motorcycles, Brammo, MotoCzysz and Mission Motors about their views on the topic. The posts discuss the company's ideas about engineering, education, identity and platform design that is quite insightful and worth the time spent reading.

Even if motorcycles really aren't your thing, it's interesting how the principles discussed are also easily applied to other types of electric vehicles. Before you immerse yourself in this thought-provoking series though, hit the jump for a great video by vlogger Paul Maverick showing part of Brammo's business plan in action as potential customers check out their product at the El Segundo Best Buy with (mostly) positive results.

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading Electric motorcycle revolution means business not-as-usual

Electric motorcycle revolution means business not-as-usual originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mavizen releases another revealing teaser of TTX02 electric bike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:07:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Racing

Teasers... generally the small, grainy, purposely-blurred or otherwise difficult to decipher images don't give away very much and are used to generate excitement for a new product before its official announcement. Usually, it takes a keen eye to pull out any detail from the resulting wreckage. Such is the case with the latest teaser image from Mavizen, the company that's planning to release a new twin-motor electric racebike inspired by the TTXGP-winning electric racer from Team Agni.

Honestly, we glanced at the image and, while thought it looked pretty interesting, quickly discounted it as typical teaser blurriness. More enterprising individuals, such as Jenny Gun from Asphalt & Rubber, looked a bit closer and found that the bike's frame closely matches the unit used on the KTM RC8. More sleuthing revealed a small but clear source image that seems to prove the link between Mavizen's electric bike and the Austrian superbike. Nice work, and we look forward to getting all the details at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas next week.

[Source: TTXGP, Asphalt & Rubber]

Mavizen releases another revealing teaser of TTX02 electric bike originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bel & Bel recycling old Vespa scooters into office furniture

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., On Two Wheels, Green Daily

Vespa Chair by Bel & Bel - Click above for image gallery

As cool as vintage Vespa scooters are - which would be very cool indeed, if you ask us - there's no debate that the old air-cooled, two-stroke, single cylinder engines are extremely damaging to the environment. Of course, it seems like such a shame to let all those pretty Italian scooters go to waste, which is one reason why we like electric scooter conversions like this one.

Another option for older scooters, especially ones that have no real shot at becoming roadworthy again, is to turn them into office furniture, as seen above. Not interested in doing the work yourself? We don't blame you. Fortunately, there's at least one company that will do the job for you.

Design studio Bel & Bel is now turning out these Vespa chairs that convert the leg shields from older Vespas into fashionable and usable art. From the looks of it, color choices for both the external structure and the actual seating surfaces abound, so there shouldn't be any problem coordinating the tone for your specific office.

[Source: Bel & Bel via Motorcycle.com]

Bel & Bel recycling old Vespa scooters into office furniture originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Yamaha EC-f channels Xbox, blurs definitions

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Tokyo Motor Show

Yamaha EC-f - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's certainly not a motorcycle, and we'd have a tough time convincing ourselves that it's a scooter, too. Regardless, we think the Yamaha EC-f, which is currently on display at the Tokyo Motor Show, sports a distinctive look and plenty of cool features. According to Yamaha, the lack of "exhaust parts" is what inspired its "bold" and "sculptural" design.

Sadly, there isn't much in the way of actual hard data about the conceptual electric scooter, other than the fact that it sports some sort of lithium ion battery pack and .6 kW (just under one horsepower) of power from its electric motor. So, a speed demon the EC-f is not - we'd guess it should be able to maintain moped-like velocities of about 30 miles per hour.

Take a look at our image gallery of live photos of the green and white Xbox-esque Yamaha EC-f in from Tokyo below. Also note just how much more sinister the EC-fs looks in its silver and black scheme. As much as we'd love to see something this interesting in production... well, don't count on it.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Yamaha EC-f channels Xbox, blurs definitions originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW to focus on premium, upmarket EVs

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, BMW, On Two Wheels

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW is known for offering premium automobiles and motorcycles here in the United States, so it comes as little surprise that the German automaker would plan to produce premium electric vehicles as well. According to Autocar, those electric vehicles, which are currently being developed under BMW's Project i initiative, will be available with two-, three- and four-wheeled platforms.

Marc Gerard, head of interior design at BMW, explains that the automaker has yet to decide whether these Project i vehicles will "fit below Mini, between Mini and BMW or above BMW." Another issue that needs to be sorted out is whether the electric machines will break new styling ground or if the automaker will instead choose a more conservative path so as to not alienate potential buyers.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: BMW to focus on premium, upmarket EVs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zero MX bests Quantya, takes 3rd in class in French regional races

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Europe/EU, Racing

Despite a supplier problem delaying the deliveries of its Zero S and a recent recall of its Zero X and MX, Zero Motorcycles has managed to make good in one of the arenas that counts for a lot with vehicle manufacturers: the race track. The French Motorcycle Federation (FFM) just held its annual motocross event at Gironville, France, and for the first time included rankings for electric machines. It had looked like only riders astride Quantya bikes would be racing but two weeks before flags were dropped, Zero Motorcycles' European importer caught wind of the competition and managed to put together a team featuring Thomas Aubrey aboard a Zero MX. You may recall that the first meet up between the two brands didn't go so well for the Santa Cruz company. This rematch would certainly even the score.

The electrics ran amongst a field of about 40 bikes, mostly 250 and 450cc's, in two qualifiers and two races with the MX easily ranking ahead of the Quantya Tracks in the electric category with Julien Bréant and Adrien Goguet taking 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the first heat, none of the battery-powered machines finished due to a very short period between warm-up and the start that left little time to charge up their packs.

As the day wore on though, results steadily improved and the electrics were moved up to class "D" from "E". In the second heat Aubrey finished in top half of the field in 13th place, but as his position vis-a-vis his electric competitors became more clear, he seemed to become more relaxed and really hit his stride. The first of the final races saw him take 5th place and starting to get the attention of the thousand or so spectators. When the team had arrived, the electric "novelty" was on the receiving end of friendly jokes but as it moved up in the standings, the kidding was put aside.

The last race was the clincher. Thomas got a great start, moving from 13th position to 5th by the first turn on the "Prairie" style course. Moments later, there were only two raucous gassers ahead and when the checkered flag finally dropped, it was Aubrey on the Zero MX that felt the flush of victory. The result brought his ranking for the day up to 3rd in D class but more than that, it opened a lot of eyes to what may lie ahead. Next year's motocross racing could become very interesting as other makers, such as KTM, start to field electric entries of their own. We're looking forward to it.

[Source: Motorbiker.org / FFM via Plugbike]

Zero MX bests Quantya, takes 3rd in class in French regional races originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Honda rolls out the EV-Cub, we pray for a production model

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Honda, On Two Wheels, Tokyo Motor Show

Honda EV-Cub Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

You meet the greenest people on a Honda. Well, maybe not quite yet... but the World's Largest Motorcycle Manufacturer has signaled its intent to usher in a new era of electrically-powered two-wheelers, and a modern-day Cub seems like an excellent way to do just that.

Honda is showing a conceptual electric Cub as we speak at the Tokyo Motor Show, but strangely isn't letting out very much information about the machine. We know there's an electric motor powering each wheel and some kind of battery pack sitting in between somewhere in the frame rails, but that's about it.

Regardless of how little we know about the EV-Cub, it's a concept we wholeheartedly approve of. We're big fans of the original gas-powered 50cc model, which has been known to return well over 200 miles per gallon in daily use, and a thoroughly modern drivetrain seems like a fitting way to inject some new life into the old Cub. See our high-res image gallery of live shots below.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Honda rolls out the EV-Cub, we pray for a production model originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Honda to show off all-electric Cub

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Honda, On Two Wheels, Tokyo Motor Show

Honda EV-Cub concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda's little Cub motorbike has been nothing if not successful for the Japanese company, with literally tens of millions of the fuel-efficient small-bore machines have rolling out of Honda factories all around the world. Perhaps, then, it's time for Honda to refine the formula that turned the Cub into such a success story? And if so, what should power the next Cub?

We know that Honda is investigating electric motorcycle technology with plans to launch its first such machine before 2011, so it's not terribly surprising to see the motorcycle manufacturer showing off an electric version of the Cub at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Details are decidedly scarce, but it appears there may be electric hub motors powering both the front and rear wheels. Honda will also be showing off solar panels that are capable of charging the batteries of the electric vehicles on display.

Gallery: Honda EV-Cub Concept

[Source: Honda]

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Tokyo Preview: Honda to show off all-electric Cub originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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