A New Electric Motorcycle Can Go Over 200 Miles and Charges in Under an Hour

Quick Charge

Zero Motorcycles makes some pretty fancy electric motorcycle models that can be used by both consumers and police units. With the introduction of its 2018 lineup, Zero has improved the capabilities of its bikes with a higher range and reduced charging times.

As Zero explains in its 2018 highlights post, the improvements to their electric motorcycle models are a result of the newly-revealed 6 kW Charge Tank accessory, which can be used by the company's Zero S, Zero SR, Zero DS, and Zero DSR bikes. The new accessory enables the Zero S and DS ZF7.2 to be charged roughly an hour when plugged into a level 1 110 V outlet, while larger batteries found in the SR and DSR can be charged in around two hours using a level 2 charger.

 

As for the vehicles' range, the electric motorcycle models equipped with the ZF7.2 and ZF14.4 power packs can now travel 10% farther thanks to "improved battery chemistry." How far they can go largely depends on the area you're in, but Zero notes the range will top out at around 223 miles.

"It’s the highest power and energy density battery in today’s transportation industry and for its size takes you farther than any other electric vehicle on the planet," says Zero.

A Need for Speed

Riders who are all about speed will be happy to hear the new electric motorcycle models are slightly faster too. Bikes with the ZF7.2 power pack provide 11% more rear wheel torque, while the powertrains of the ZF13.0 Zero S and Zero DS have been finely tuned to offer up to 30% more power and torque. Want to quickly pass other cars and motorcycles on the road? Now you can.

According to Engadget, prices for the new 2018 models are the same as the 2017 models, with the cheapest Zero FX starting at $8,495. If you're eyeing the base model Zero S, it starts at $10,995, though the Charge Tank will cost you another $2,295 — a high price to pay if you want to get back on the road quickly after a battery-depleting ride.