Plug-In Electric Motorcycle by Brammo Motorsports

Those who lean toward two wheels rather than four will be interested in this: A stylish, cutting-edge electric motorcycle that will be brought to market by its Oregon manufacturer in early 2008.

Brammo Motorsports’ electric motorcycle features a permanent magnet DC pancake motor with energy supplied by six Valence lithium-phosphate batteries in a 3.1 kilowatt-hour battery pack. It has a top speed of over 50 mph, range of 45 miles, and requires three hours to fully recharge. With 100 percent torque available from start, the Enertia can accelerate from 0 to 30 mph in a snappy 3.8 seconds.

The design’s heaviest components –the batteries – are cradled in the monocoque frame, down the spine of the chassis. Also, the motor sits as low as possible and directly in line with the rider’s vertical centerline. The Enertia’s motor output shaft drives the rear wheel directly through the chain to minimize noise and maximize efficiency without much of the mechanical losses inherent with gearboxes. The rear suspension swing arm, made from high strength steel tubing, directly actuates the adjustable air shock. A USB port allows the rider to download the company’s Momentum software for customizing performance – beginner, maximum range, ultimate performance, etc.

Brammo notes that the Valence Saphion battery technology is the safest available for motorcycles because the cathodes use phosphates, which are extremely stable under overcharge or short circuit conditions and can withstand high temperatures without decomposing. When abuse does occur, phosphates are not prone to thermal runaway and will not burn. The Saphion technology does not contain any heavy metals and also does not exhibit the memory effect of nickel-cadmium batteries. It also has excellent shelf life, long cycle life, and is maintenance free.

A battery management system monitors current delivered by the batteries to the controller, as well as the state of charge of each cell to keep the six modules in balance. This system also controls the charging cycle to ensure each battery module gets just the right charge for a fully charged, balanced battery pack.

Initially, a limited edition, lightweight (275 pound) model with a hand-built carbon-fiber chassis and bodywork will sell for $14,995. Plans are in the works to offer a standard edition for $11,995 starting in the third quarter of 2008.