While two-wheeled vehicles are already highly efficient because of their ultra-low weight (usually 10 times lighter than cars), the idea of an electric bike has gained momentum in a number of quarters.
Californian company Mission One could be one of the first companies to offer a zero emissions 2-wheeler."As a motorcycle enthusiast and engineer I knew I could combine my passion for motorcycles with my passion for innovation and create a motorcycle that truly sets a new standard in the perception of electric vehicles," said Forrest North, the founder and CEO of Mission Motors.
"With the Mission One, we're writing the next chapter in motorcycle design, delivering a new riding experience without sacrificing performance or design in a zero emissions vehicle," added Mr North.
Powered by a liquid-cooled three-phase induction motor hooked up to a lithium-ion battery pack, the silent sports bike generates 135Nm of torque from standstill and uses a single speed gearbox.
The vehicle is expected to blitz the zero to 100km/h sprint as a result of this instant torque.
The American company is targetting a top speed of 241km/h (150mph) and a range of roughly 240km (150 miles) for the electric motorcycle.
Mission One claims the batteries can be fully charged in under 2 hours with a 240V outlet, which would make the bike very practical (it takes 8 hours to recharge with 120V mains).
The bike's vital statistics are as follows:
fety Motor Liquid-cooled, 3 phase AC Induction Torque 135Nm @ Zero RPM Transmission Single speed, #525 O-ring chainChassis Front Suspension Ohlins, 43mm inverted fork, fully adjustable Rear Suspension Ohlins, single shock w/piggyback reservoir Front Brakes Brembo forged 4 piston calipers. Rear Brakes Brembo, 220mm disc; single-piston caliper Wheels/Tires/Front Marchesini forged Al 3.5"x17", 120/70Z Wheels/Tires/Rear Marchesini forged Al 6.0"x17", 190/55
Target Performance Top speed 150mph Range 150 miles per charge (Est. under EPA drive cycle) Recharge Under 2 hours @ 240V (8 hours @ 120V) Features: Adjustable regenerative braking, Intuitive/adjustable data acquisition system
As the specs show, the bike will feature regenerative Brembo brakes that will recoup energy, plus high quality inverted Ohlins forks and light weight Marchesini wheels which should please enthusiasts.
The new electric motorbike is rumoured to be pencilled in for performance tests in front of thousands of eager motorcyclists at the Isle of Man for the Time Trials Xtreme Grand Prix in June.
If everything goes to plan, Mission One hopes to have its ultra-green, high performance bike on sale late this year or early 2010, but it won't come cheap.
Prices are expected to be higher than industry exotica such as limited edition Bimoto and Ducati models, and early estimates suggest a US$70,000 price tag, which works out to about $108,000 in local currency.
Forrest North and Mission One turned to Yves Béhar's fuseproject team to create Mission's unique design, believing the motorbike makes a 'bold statement about performance, technology, sustainability and design'.
"This project was a dream come true: a statement about how design can make performance and sustainability come together without compromise," said Yves Béhar.
"I believe Mission is an icon for a new era of efficient and exciting vehicles.
"Designed to express speed and efficiency in it's overall sharp lines, the Mission bike is also highly detailed with special attention to a riders needs, bringing a high level of product design and ergonomics to a new generation of performance transportation."
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Mission One could be onto something with its new motorbike and never having to pay for petrol again will work in its favour.
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