Zero Motorcycles Launches 2018 Lineup — Quicker, Longer, Harder!

Today Zero Motorcycles released their 2018 models. While they don’t look much different from the 2017’s on the outside (except the gorgeous new silver paint!), it’s what’s inside that counts. Like- 10% longer range thanks to new battery chemistry on all ZF7.2 and ZF14.4 models! Zero is also offering quick charging-6 times faster, thanks to the 6kW charge tank accessory for S, SR, DS, and DSR models.

That torque, though…

From Zero: All motorcycles with the compact and lighter weight ZF7.2 power pack offer 11% more rear wheel torque to slingshot ahead of cars and fellow motorcyclists. New gearing and a higher maximum motor rpm deliver the improved performance without any reductions in top speed.In addition, Zero fine tuned the powertrains of the ZF13.0 Zero S and Zero DS to deliver up to 30% more power and torque to amp up acceleration at highway speeds. 

I can’t WAIT to see what kind of trouble I can get into on an S with 30% more torque. Even an FXS with only 11% more torque will be amazing. My 2013 FX(S) still delights me with every launch off a light. Plus Firmware updates can now come through the already awesome Zero app. If you don’t already know, the Zero phone app not only works as a supplemental dash, but also enables the rider to manage torque settings, regenerative braking, and top speed. As well as track battery use, of course.

It’s great to see they’re continuing to push battery capacity forward, while also continuing to improve the quality of their components. And the prices are the same as 2017. We’ll have more as the models become available for press demos. And after I replace my 2013 Zero FX(S) with a 2018 Zero FXS. If I can keep the front wheel down long enough to write about it. Find out more about the 2018 lineup here. 

Even amateurs can resemble real stunt riders on the Zero FXS!

Red sticker? Green sticker? We don’t need no stinkin’ stickers!

Riding into the future

Yes, you can still pollute all you want on an electric motorcycle. As long as you’ve got a good tire budget.

The Charge Tank. All photos in this story courtesy of Zero Motorcycles.

The 2018 Zero S

Zero Motorcycles Could Teach Tesla, Elio a Thing Or Two

Recently, the guys at Auto Evolution sat down with Scott Harden, Zero’s director of marketing, for an extensive chat about electric vehicles, making it as a start up, battery technology, and what Zero sees as the road ahead in the world of mobility. Harden had some interesting things to say — and some of those things could apply to Tesla and Elio Motors as well.

First off, Harden says starting a new motorcycle company is hard. Like, really hard. It also takes lots and lots of money, and there’s a lot more to it than penning an interesting design or 3-D printing a prototype. “In order to bring that idea to the market, you need a lot of money. A LOT OF MONEY! I can tell you that starting a motorcycle business is not for the faint of heart. It needs a very, very high level of capital investment, whether you produce 100 or 10,000 units. You have to have the R&D, the engineering, the production capabilities …”

“You’d be surprised how quickly you burn through 5 million dollars, or 10 million dollars,” he adds. “Or,even 20 million dollars. It may sound like a lot, but this is not that much money. You need a lot more than that if you want to be a motorcycle producer.” That should sound familiar to followers of both Tesla and Elio Motors, both which have burned through millions of dollars so far, with little sign of slowing down.

Harden is also proud of the people he works with. He thinks Zero has the best batteries in the business — even better than Tesla’s — thanks to its creative engineers.

“I don’t have a cut section battery here, but if you look inside one of our designs, you’ll see the cells stacked like a deck cards, with just enough space between them for expansion and contraction under temperature. That’s the meaning of a ‘compact design.’ Try to do that with a bunch of baseballs and see what you get.

“They [Tesla] are still using cylindrical cells, which,volumetrically, is very inefficient. We are way more efficient in terms of space. We can even teach them a thing or two when it comes to packaging a battery. Taking a bunch of flashlight batteries and taping them together just doesn’t cut it.”

The conversation turned to mobility in general, whether on two wheels, three wheels, or four. Harden showed he had a very firm grasp of how changing attitudes will affect the market for all types of vehicles in the future.

“Young people today are into a world of computers and internet, smartphones and social networks. They aren’t like we were when we were young. They aren’t any longer so eager to get out there and drive a car or ride. In the US, for example, young people are waiting longer and longer to get their driver license. It’s just no longer a big issue for them. When I was young, the very first day I was old enough to drive I was at the DMV office to have my license. I had to have a car! … Nowadays it’s different. Young people are becoming more urban, living in cities, they are tuned more into computers, and there’s a big problem for the motorcycle industry. We are having some success attracting young people to our new technology because if there’s one thing young people are looking for, it’s new ideas and new ways of doing things. I think we may have better chances to bring in new people with electric vehicles than with internal combustion ones, possibly because of what the ICE  represents in their mindset. This is a big challenge and not just for Zero, but for all.”

Zero Motorcycles cost more than conventional bikes, just as Teslas cost more than ordinary cars. So how does Zero plan to appeal to new buyers? The same way Tesla does — by getting people to try them so they can convince themselves.

“We sell a product based on the experience it offers. It’s not here to save the planet, it’s not a low-cost, no-maintenance thing. When you ride our bike, it’s exciting, it’s thrilling, it’s got a great feeling about it, it accelerates really hard. You twist the throttle, there’s no sound. You’re just flying along, with the wind in your hair — a magic carpet ride experience.”

That’s a feeling any Tesla Roadster owners out there can relate to, I’m sure!

Source | Images: Zero Motorcycles, via Auto Evolution.

Zero Motorcycles Presents Their 2015 Lineup | Intermot

So you know all those upgrades you did to your 2014 Zero S, SR, or DS to make it really kick ass? Well, for 2015, that’s all stock, including 10% more range you didn’t get. Unless you’re pulling a Terry Hershner. He did just complete the first Electric Iron Butt, on a modified Zero S. The FX doesn’t get more range because they still haven’t figured out how to stuff more energy into those swappable battery packs. All in good time… The same four models make up the line, the S, SR, DS and FX. The red is a bit darker, while the yellow and orange bikes are a bit brighter and warmer.

For police and security customers, there are police versions of the S, DS and FX. the new FXP, an FX with all the bells and whistles (literally) a cop bike would need. And for our brothers at arms, there’s the MMX, a military grade version of the FX, developed solely for military customers. Hopefully only the good guys. I’d hate to see my bike in the wrong hands. Zero’s Scot Harden held a conference call with some of us to discuss the new models. He mentioned that police and military are very strong customer segments for them, and they expect those orders to double over the next year.

All Zero models now come with fully adjustable Showa suspension, developed over the past three years specifically for Zero. I haven’t noticed a problem on my 2013 FX, as the bike is so light and flickable anyway. On the S and SR’s I’ve ridden, however, the bike didn’t feel that solid, especially at high speeds. So it will be nice to experience an improved suspension. Compression, rebound, and preload are all adjustable for both the forks and the shock. Harlan Flagg of Hollywood Electrics tells us they’ve modified the suspension on many customer’s bikes, so he’s very excited about the improvements coming for 2015.

I fully intend to attempt to ride a 2015 Zero FX up as many staircases as I can. There are plenty here in LA…

The entire Zero line also come stock with Pirelli tires. The S gets their Sport Demon tires, while the sportier SR gets the grippier and taller profile Diablo Rosso II, an awesome dual compound I’ve been running on all my street bikes for years. They heat up quickly and grip very well. The dual compound provides even more stickiness on the sides for maximum traction at full lean angle. These are the tires I paid a mechanic to put on the 2014 SR before I even took it to Refuel at Laguna Seca. The cast wheels are also redesigned, with a sharp new design.

For 2015, Zero FX owners will also be able to buy any of the accessories Zero sells to their Police customers for the FXP. This means an rack for that Givi top case you can’t live without, a flyscreen, crash bars… Now if they’d just sell us all the siren and PA system…

All 2015 Zero models also come equipped with Bosch ABS. Although regenerative can provide plenty of stopping power for normal conditions, sudden stops and riders who like to play hard will require excellent brakes. It can be turned off, hopefully with the swipe of a finger on the app. I’ve never felt the need for ABS on a motorcycle. A good motorcyclist knows their bike’s limits, how much braking to use when. Shoot, I’ve even done a stoppie on my 177 HP Yamaha R1 in LA traffic to avoid being doored, and no harm came of it. Still, the European Union, in their infinite wisdom, has decreed that all motorcycles sold in the EU from 2016 onward, will be equipped with ABS. Yawn. At least you can turn it off and still do stoppies and back it into turns at will.

I asked Scot Harden what all this would add up to, and he said the 2015 models MSRP’s are only about $300-$350 more than the 2014’s. This is great news, as it could mean the cost of batteries is declining for Zero. I also asked them about fastener quality, as that has been a bit of an issue on some bikes. Harden explained that they’re now using a higher quality of fasteners. They are all ISO spec structural fasteners (class 8.8 and above), and Zero have improved upon the use of button heads on frequently serviced joints. In addition to this, they now use DC tools for maximum threading and torque precision on installation.

All photos courtesy of Zero Motorcycles.

2014 Zero S ZF11.4 Review

The Zero S charges up while I enjoy some quality time at my favorite mall.

Last week, Zero Motorcycles handed me the keys to a long-awaited ride, a 2014 Zero S ZF11.4. I was completely blown away by the range, even without thePower Tank, and even riding the way I do- pretty much the opposite of hypermiling. I’m one of those people who thinks hypermiling is far more dangerous and wrong than speeding. Honestly, I just wanna go fast. If you want to go slow, that’s what busses are for.

Thus I was not ready to own an electric motorcycle until 2013, when I felt like they were finally fast enough to survive in LA. The 2014 Zero S is plenty fast to keep the CHP happy to see me and to compete in MWGP instead of M1GP. This is great news for sportbike enthusiasts looking for a bike that’s fun to ride, costs almost nothing to maintain, and can be refueled while you sleep, for a fraction of what it costs to keep a proper sportbike fueled.

Having ridden Yamaha R1′s pretty much every day since 2002, that is my primary comparison for the 2014 Zero S. My latest R1 has 158HP and 80 ft/lbs of torque. It’s like riding a 2-wheel Lamborghini- much more powerful and capable than most riders will ever need. But as they say, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Until one can find an acceptable substitute. A year ago, I bought my own Zero, a 2013 FX- a supermoto style bike perfect for devouring the mean streets of LA, but seriously lacking in range for any real canyon carving.

Once I took delivery of the Zero FX, I had to force myself to ride the R1 occasionally. It’s complete overkill and too heavy for daily riding around town compared to the electric FX. Plus with fuel economy of 20MPG, it’s almost as bad as driving a Lamborghini around, and a great way to support the poor, beleaguered oil industry. The  2014 Zero S is also a lot more fun in the canyons for a rider of average skill, like me, than the Yamaha Rocketship. Or any liter bike, really.  It’s 40 lbs lighter than the 2009 R1 and yes, boasts only 54 ponies and 68 ft/lbs of torque.

However, I never felt underpowered the whole day in Malibu or even on the LA freeways. I rode in all three modes at different times, and all were fine. I set custom mode to 100% for everything, and the regen didn’t feel excessive. On the FX, I keep the regen at 70%, because 100% is ridiculous. It feels like the bike is about to do a stoppie. Braking regen at 100% is fine on the smaller bike, but not “roll-off” regen. Sport mode and my “all fast all the time” custom mode felt the same, only maybe less regen in sport. This is new for 2014- the 2013 models had “sport” and “eco”.

Eco was where you could use the app to customize the bike. Now that’s in “Custom” mode, while Eco mode is determined by the factory. It’s easy enough to switch between modes while riding. I am still overjoyed that I can tune my bike with my PHONE. Top speed, torque, regen, and braking regen are all just a swipe away. Well, once you realize that you have to have the kill switch “off” to modify the settings. The app and bike are paired via Bluetooth, which is easy enough to sync once and never think about again.

I took a route I commonly take for Sunday rides on the R1. It’s about 60 miles of tight twisties and 40 miles of freeway there and back. We usually stop at The Rock Store and/or Malibu Country Mart for at least an hour. Because the rock store was closed on the Monday I rode, I figured I could make it to Malibu Country Mart.

I did indeed, with 25% leftover after pushing the bike much further and faster than I had the 2012 Brammo Empulse I tested on the same route. I had to skip Latigo and take the shorter, less fun Kanan Dune Rd to get to the Level 2 charging stations at Malibu Country Mart. There are also ample outdoor 110v outlets there, so charging the Zero is easy too.

The Zero S has a lower seat height than I like, at 31.8” (the FX is 35″) I’m 5’11 with a 34″ inseam. I was able to ride much better than I’d thought I would on such an upright bike. After 50 miles in the canyons, my knees hurt about as much as they do after the same route on the R1. Yet my ancient wrists felt fine. Normally they feel like shattered glass after about 20 miles on the R1. On the Zero S, the bars are high enough to not put pressure on my wrists, but low enough to easily counter steer into any corner.

Suspension is softer than the racetrack settings I’ve got my R1 set to. The softer settings are much more appropriate for city and canyon riding, especially considering 70% of LA streets failed LADOT’s grading system. It soaks up the bumps just fine and dips into the corners with authority. I felt more confident on the Zero S than I do on my R1, as it’s lighter yet has plenty of torque to get me where I want to go. Plus there’s none of that mucking about in the wrong gear wishing there was a 1.5th gear for some of the tighter twisties.

The Zero S is a proper sportbike disguised as a standard, thanks to the upright ergonomics. I suspect that and the pink leather jacket were enough to keep both cops from turning around to follow me, despite being the only other soul on those Malibu canyon roads on a Monday afternoon.

Range notes:

• Monday playing in Malibu: Used 75% over 62 miles- 20 on freeways with moderate traffic, the rest in the canyons riding as fast as I dared…which feels so very slow compared to the fast guys.
• 1:50 hrs later the S had 44% so I took the long way to Culver City via Piuma & Las Flores. Got to Culver City with 10% and the odometer reading 95 miles. Plugged in and was back up to 42% three hours later when I was ready to go home.
• Tuesday lunch with a friend: 54 miles round trip 90% on freeways with light traffic. Used 80% of battery pack riding like I stole it.
• All other rides were my usual short trips around town, for which the S has way more than enough range.

Source: Gas 2.

Zero Motorcycles Press Intro | International Motorcycle Show

The FX may be the perfect city bike, but not with those tires. Those are your Saturday tires, for playing in the dirt. Get some Zero S wheels to run street rubber on this bike for everyday use.

Zero had a massive showing again this year, with a central spot on the show floor at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, CA. As press entered the show we were greeted by a pair of ladies handing us Zero brochures and reminding us not to miss their presentation.

Judging by how late most of the paper magazines were to report on these bikes, some even reporting on 2013 models when they’re all sold out, you’d have think they missed it last year. You know we didn’t. Full coverage here. And exclusive video interview with Zero owner Terry Hershner on the completion of his first (of MANY) cross-country trip on the Zero S. Oh how that bike has changed over the year! It was sad that the only Brammo at the event was the wheelie “ride” bike I saw outside near the stunt arena. The show continues in New York this coming weekend.

The big news last year was that Zero had begun using their proprietary powertrain, with twice as much power. That’s kind of a big deal. For 2014, the changes aren’t quite as drastic as that, but there is still a solid lineup. As a Zero owner, I’m most excited about the addition of an on-board clock. It’s been nice learning how long it really takes me to get from A to B, but all I ever really want to know is if I’m late. Although I have their awesome phone holder, I just don’t like riding around with my phone on the handlebar, and the clock is the one thing I really use it for.

Here, Zero’s VP of Global Marketing Scot Harden talks about the 2014 lineup: Highlights include the power tank, a spot in the “tank” where you can now put a spare battery for extended range on the S or DS models, to get up to 171 miles.

Photo courtesy of Zero. Yes, that’s a female riding their most powerful model. Kudos to Zero for letting her move up from the XU!

The bike I’m most excited about, of course, is the SR, which we wrote more about here. A true sportbike, the SR claims 67 hp and 106 ft-lbs of torque with a top speed of 102 mph. I’m hoping to be able to give you a proper ride report from a nearby racetrack sometime before Spring 2014. To quote: “The “R” configuration of the Zero S is designed for riders who simply want to go faster and accelerate harder.” Sounds like any Yamaha R1 owner who flogs the beejesus out of their Zero FX on a daily basis and feels a profound emptiness when that 85mph top speed is found. Regularly. Also sounds a bit like the racers who share the bike’s initials- Scott Russell and Scott Redding.

All models feature improved suspension:

»  New, more integrated triple clamps
»  New 43 mm forks across the entire model line for increased torsional rigidity and more precise steering
»  Completely reworked internal settings on all rear shocks for more comfort and control

The S and DS also feature aerodynamic upgrades to improve powertrain cooling. More from their press pack:

IMPROVED BRAKING SYSTEM
»  The Zero FX now features larger 240 mm rotors on the front and rear for improved braking performance
»  A new rear brake caliper with a larger 240 mm rotor provides more controlled and powerful stopping power on every model
»  310 mm front rotor on the Zero S and Zero DS

IMPROVED DASH AND CONTROLS

»  Dash has been completely redesigned
»  High contrast and blue backlit LCD screen features new data that allows users to better understand their state of charge, see their current performance profile and view other useful riding information
»  New and more ergonomic right-hand switch assembly with integrated switch to toggle on the fly between eco/sport/custom riding modes
»  New custom riding mode setting allows riders to set their own performance profile in addition to the factory preset “sport” and “eco” riding modes (custom mode performance profile must be configured within the Zero Motorcycles App)

REFINED CHASSIS AND HANDLING

»  New,more robust swingarm pivot design and bearings for increased torsional rigidity
»  Integrated Power Tank frame structure stiffens the frames of the Zero S and Zero DS
»  More robust head tube and head bearings for increased torsional rigidity and improved control
»  Increased ground clearance and improved lean angle for better cornering on the Zero S
»  Larger 140 rear tire on the Zero S for a larger contact patch with better traction

ZERO FX

»  Passenger pegs available as an optional aftermarket accessory
»  Dual projector beam headlights with integrated flyscreen
»  New seat is more integrated, more ergonomic and designed to carry a passenger

Zero

Zero motorcycles had VIP parking, as close as you could get to the entrance while still in the garage. Level 2 charging was also very close, closer than the designated motorcycle parking in the lot nearby. And yes, I was glad for that outlet and the 8 hours I planned to be at the event, as I used up almost every last drop flying to Long Beach from downtown LA, 26 freeway miles.

While my FX seat clearly has room for more people, I just can’t imagine a bike this nimble and fun to throw around through tight traffic being any fun with a passenger. The heavier and more powerful S and SR are far more appropriate for bringing a friend along on a ride.

Source: Zero

The 2014 Zero SR Provides More Power, Range, And Speed

The Zero S electric motorcycle has proven popular with riders across SoCal, though it isn’t without its shortcomings. But Zero has been listening, and for 2014 the Zero SR takes the standard S model motorcycle and boosts range, horsepower, and top speed, with tip digit speeds and over 170 miles of driving per charge on tap.

The 2014 Zero SR packs 106 ft-lbs of torque, 56% more than the standard S model and 24% more horsepower, with 67 ponies provided by the 660 amp electric motor. That also boosts top speed by 7 mph to 106 mph, putting that Zero SR officially in the triple-digits. Combined with a curb weight of around just 400 pounds, and the Zero SR can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.

Braking and suspension has also been improved on the heels of customer complaints and reviewer gripes. Another big improvement is an optional 2.8 kWh battery pack that can boost range to as much as 171 miles in the city, 106 miles on the highway, for a combined rating of 130 miles per charge. At a sustained 70 mph, Zero says the SR can go as far as 88 miles.

Prices for the Zero S start at $12,995 with the Zero SR starting at $16,995, while the optional battery pack adds $2,495 to the final tally.

Source: Zero Motorcycles

Zero recalling some of its electric motorcycles due to Li-ion battery defect

Zero Motorcycles Inc. (Zero) is certain model year 2013 FX motorcycles manufactured 28 January 2013 through 21 May 2013; and model year 2013 XU motorcycles manufactured 16 January 2013, through 20 May 2013. A manufacturing defect with the sealant material in the battery may allow water to penetrate the battery and contact the cells.

Water penetration into the battery may lead to corrosion of the cells, possibly resulting in a rapid temperature increase and off-gassing of the cells’ electrolyte which may cause a burn to the rider.

Zero will notify owners and dealers will replace the battery modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in late June 2013. The potential number of vehicles affected by the recall is 128.

FX and XU motorcycles have Li-ion battery packs with maximum capacities of 2.8 kWh or 5.7 kWh, depending upon the model.

Source: Green Car Congress

Zero Motorcycles MMX An EV For The Special Forces

Stealth plays a huge role for the U.S. Special Forces, allowing teams of highly-trained killers to slip in and out of supposedly-secure areas to carry out their missions. Zero Motorcycles is touting the quiet nature of its electric motors to the special forces, jointly developing a rugged and stealthy electric motorcycle that has met the Special Forces’ most stringent standards.

Based on the Zero MX but with the military in mind, the Zero MMX features the new enclosed Z-Force motor, which is both waterproof and powerful. The Z-Force motor makes 54 horsepower and 68 ft-lbs of torque, allowing for quick-yet-quiet acceleration in missions where the less noise the better. Combustion engines may be powerful, but they can be difficult to hide with their loud engines as well.

 

The Zero MXX features several special improvements, including a military-spec dashboard, modular, swappable battery packs, special reserve power, and it is pre-wired for infrared setups. Along with a keyless ignition and stealthy packaging, the Zero MXX could be the perfect extraction vehicle for serious military undertakings.

An undisclosed number of these electric motorcycles is currently undergoing testing, though if the bikes will actually go into action remains to be unseen. Check out the full press release below.

Zero Motorcycles Announces All-New 2013 Zero MMX Military Motorcycle
– U.S. Special Operations Forces Currently Using Zero MMX –
2013 Zero MMX Military Motorcycle 2013 Zero MMX Military Motorcycle Controls

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., (May 7, 2013) – Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, today announced the arrival of its all-new 2013 Zero MMX military motorcycle (hyperlink). The MMX was developed exclusively for military use in the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) and provides Special Operations riders with unique tactical advantages over traditional combustion motorcycles, as the electric powertrain allows for rapid movement over hostile terrain in near silence and minimal heat signature. Zero Motorcycles’ engineering team worked under military contract to develop the motorcycle. The MMX has met the most stringent standards set forth by the U.S. military, as an undisclosed number of MMX motorcycles are currently undergoing full operational testing.

“It was a very rewarding experience for the Zero team to go through such an exacting development process. The military needed a very specific set of core features on the MMX, and we were incredibly thankful to work side-by-side with them to deliver such a unique product,” said Abe Askenazi, Chief Technology Officer for Zero Motorcycles. “The great news for our civilian customers is that we made the decision to incorporate into our 2013 MX, FX and XU retail motorcycles virtually all of the powertrain enhancements associated with satisfying this project’s stringent military requirements. Our 2013 product is truly ‘military grade’!”
2013 Zero MMX Military Motorcycle – Key Features

Specialized military dash for quick and centralized mainline controls
Keyless ignition engaged with dash toggle for quicker departure
Modular and quick-swappable power packs
Wet operational abilities in up to one meter submersion
Switchable headlight for night-time stealth
Integrated wiring to accommodate quick installation of front and rear infrared systems
Safety override and reserve power capabilities to extend range during extreme situations
Aggressive foot pegs and hand guards for optimal control
Tie down eyelets with integrated tow cable and rear seat strap

The 2013 MMX Military Motorcycles are built off the 2013 MX platform, which is incredibly tough and lightweight, and uses a finely tuned and fully adjustable suspension system to absorb aggressive terrain. Combined with state of the art Z-Force™ technology and an ultra-light frame design, the Zero MMX is agile and fast where it counts.

The 2013 Zero MMX features the all new Z-Force™ motor. With 54 hp and 68 ft-lbs of torque, the Zero MMX accelerates hard, with incredibly smooth throttle control, to allow riders to tackle bigger obstacles and corner faster. When rolling off the throttle, riders can take advantage of regenerative braking to both modulate speed and extend ride times. The performance characteristics of the Zero MMX are also adjustable via Bluetooth and a compatible smart phone mobile device when using the Zero Motorcycles mobile app.

The 2013 Zero MMX integrates the world’s first truly modular power pack system and is available in two configurations: ZF2.8 (one module) and ZF5.7 (two modules). The lockable modules can be individually added or removed, regardless of state of charge, in less than a minute. Charge times can be cut down to around an hour using a scalable quick-charge accessory system or with the CHAdeMO accessory (CHAdeMO charging requires a supporting charge station). Owing a Zero has never been easier as the sealed Z-Force™ motor virtually eliminates all routine powertrain maintenance and drives the rear wheel by way of a beefier 520 chain.

CHAdeMO Charging Standard
The CHAdeMO fast charging standard is the most widely adopted DC Fast Charging standard and has over 2000 installed stations worldwide, with an additional 1000 in Europe expected before the end of 2013. According to Nissan estimates, 2000 fast chargers will be installed in the United States by the end of 2014, with at least 400 in California alone, supported by government electric vehicle infrastructure spending. Based on Pikes Research estimates, 115,000 of these chargers will be installed by 2017.

About Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles is committed to transforming the motorcycling experience by bringing to market highly innovative electric motorcycles that offer exceptional value and performance. Zero is powered by innovation, driven by passion, guided by integrity and measured by results. Through extensive research, insight and experience, Zero combines the art and science of motorcycle development to create and manufacture products that excite consumers and inspire brand loyalty. Zero is determined to be the preeminent global electric motorcycle company.

Follow Zero Motorcycles on Twitter @ZeroMC, become a fan of Zero Motorcycles on Facebook and check out what Zero is doing on YouTube at www.youtube.com/zeromotorcycles.

Source:  Zero Motorcycles