News
Governor Schwarzenegger, eCarTec like Zero Motorcycles — Autoblog Green
Nov 15th
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. More >
TLC’s American Chopper Electric Motorcycle – On Tonight
Nov 5th
![Siemens' Smart Chopper, built by Orange County Choppers [via Wired]](http://images.thecarconnection.com/sml/siemens-smart-chopper-built-by-orange-county-choppers-via-wired_100226462_s.jpg "Siemens' Smart Chopper, built by Orange County Choppers [via Wired]")
The next episode of TLC’s American Chopper will showcase more than a contentious family feud. The Siemens Smart Chopper will be featured on the show airing tomorrow at 9:00 p.m. eastern time. Orange County Choppers built the Siemens-engineered electric motorcycle, which uses an Advanced DC Motors Inc. Series Wound 8″ electric motor and a clutchless one-speed drive system.
The body incorporates recycled materials and light emitting diodes (LEDs) for the headlamp, tail light and turn signals. According to David Hulick, marketing director for automotive LED systems division at OSRAM SYLVANIA (a division of Siemens), the LEDs reduce energy consumption 85% over incandescent bulbs.
With a top speed of 100 miles per hour and a 60 mile range on a full charge, the Smart Chopper would make for a sweet, silent, emissions-free ride to work. See the full press release below.
Mavizen TTX02: Plug-and-Play Racing for the People – New York Times
Nov 4th
LAS VEGAS — It may seem strange for Azhar Hussain to introduce the electric racing motorcycle built by his London-based company, Mavizen, here at the S.E.M.A. Show. This is, after all, a convention for aftermarket parts for hot rods, tuners and pickup trucks on 26-inch wheels. But that’s the point: the Mavizen TTX02 is almost entirely aftermarket.
Mr. Hussain is the founder of the TTXGP, a race for zero-emissions motorcycles. The TTXGP staged its first event last June during the famous Isle of Man TT, between Ireland and Britain. The race, a grueling 37-mile time trial, was won by Agni Motors, and the team joined with Mr. Hussain over the summer to build the TTX02, a race-ready bike that’s expected to have a top speed of more than 100 miles an hour.
