2013 Zero Motorcycles Lineup Has More Range, Twice The Power

While electric car sales aren’t exactly inspiring, electric motorcycles are only growing in popularity. Leading the charge is Zero Motorcycles, who have just announced some significant changes in their 2013 lineup that will only make them more appealing. The highlights; fast charging, more range, and twice the power. Yes, please, and thank you!

At the heart of these changes is a new, more compact version of Zero’s Z-Force motor. This new motor boosts power on the 2013 Zero S from 30 to 54 horsepower. Torque is also up to 68 ft-lbs, helping the Zero S reach a higher top speed of 137 mph.

Perhaps more importantly, the 2013 Zero S now has up to 137 miles of city driving range. That is up from 114 on the upgraded ZF9 model. The 2013 Zero S also gains an optional CHAdeMO fast-charging plug, able to recharge 95% of the Zero S’s battery life in an hour or less.

But wait, there’s more! Zero has also redesigned many components, as well as the frame, to make the bike more ergonomically pleasing. Additionally, the 2013 Zero S is more compatible with aftermarket accessories, and can now be synced with either the iPhone or Android phones. This will allow owners to download key performance data, and, you know, brag.

Joining the 2013 Zero motorcycle lineup is the new FX model. The Zero FX (pictured at the top of this post) will reportedly be the fastest-accelerating motorcycle in their lineup, and will feature swappable battery packs that can be doubled up, presumably for more range. The swappable batteries will also be offered on the XU and MX models as well.

An electric motorcycle is high on my list of “Do want,” and zero is making a stronger case than ever that electric motorcycles can be a fast, fun, and efficient mode of personal transformation. I have to wait for tax season before I can make any big purchases like an electric motorcycle…but I’m the kind of guy who puts his money where his mouth is, and the Zero XU has that cafe racer look that I love. Maybe I could finally get me some of those sweet gov’ment handouts I’m always hearing about.

Just sayin’.

Source: Zero Motorcycles