High-performance electric motorbike manufacturer Zero Motorcycles has released its 2015 model lineup. Updates to its existing models include improved suspensions, braking systems and batteries. A new model, the FXP, is also being introduced Zero's fleet line-up.
Zero was set up in 2006 and has continuously made significant improvements to its bikes ever since. Indeed, when we tested the 2014 Zero SR earlier this year, its fair to say we were very impressed. The company has now announced improvements across its full range, that seek to refine its electric bikes even further.
The 2015 range of Zero bikes will feature Showa suspension systems that are said to be tuned for each specific model. This is coupled with Bosch anti-lock braking systems and Pirelli tires for improved traction.
Throttle responsiveness and seat ergonomics have been improved and the Zero S, Zero SR and Zero DS models feature new alloy wheels. Battery capacities have also been improved by 10 percent on the Zero S, Zero SR and Zero DS to provide an increased range of up to 185 mi (298 km) in the city and 94 mi (151 km) on the highway at 70 mph (113 km/h).
Three models in Zero's fleet line-up – the Zero SP, Zero DSP and Zero MMX – are being updated and the new Zero FXP is being introduced. The FXP is aimed at providing "a more nimble, faster and lower cost option to patrol fleets."
Pre-orders can now be placed with Zero dealers for the new models, with the new line-up expected to be available in North America from December this year and Europe from February 2015.
Source: Zero Motorcycles
Whether or not they are "cost effective" depends on two things: 1. What are you comparing 'em to? 2. How far out into the future are we talking?
After factoring in fuel-consumption and maintenance costs you may very well be looking at totally different numbers (and you may even have to eat your own words).
At 1 cent per mile of fuel/electricity cost, you can drive 300 miles in a Zero motorcycle with the 3 dollars you would spend on a gallon of gasoline to travel the average 25mpg on a random ICE vehicle.
In other words, you save 12x as much money on fuel by riding a Zero motorcycle as opposed to driving a Toyota Camry.
Driving 20k miles a year on a 25mpg car you spend about $2800 on gasoline per year. You would only spend $240 driving the same distance on a Zero motorcycle per year; saving you over $2500 a year in fuel costs.
Within 5 years you have already saved 12500 dollars.
Electric motorcycles don't get the $7,500 federal tax credit but they do get a federal tax credit for 10% of the cost.
If you buy a loaded SR and never drive it it would be expensive but depending on your driving habits there is essentially already a case to be made for affordability.
That said, price is definitely an issue. I can buy a pretty good bike for well under $8k (New Kawasaki Ninja 650 would be $7500 for example. If you really wanted to save money and fuel, you can buy the Ninja 300 for a little over $5k).
So, so get a Zero with comparable range and performance will cost another $10k premium. Given that many new bikes get up to 50mpg (I have a Buell that was $8k new that gets 50mpg, for example), you are looking at 125,000 miles to make up the cost of gasoline (assuming $4/gallon... and that you pay nothing for electricity).
I've looked hard at these, and I'd really like one, but the costs need to come down a few grand before I can justify the purchase. It's getting close, though!
that's around 260 days a year on a five day work week. Take out days that it is not warm enough to ride or to wet (those of us who can afford one will not likely drive it in the rain or snow, likely will own a car or two for bad weather). not to be to conservative place the number of commuting days to at best 3/4 of the time leaves 195 days(at best). My commute is 16 mile round trip, that is 195*16=3120 miles, 3120/50mpg=62.4gallons, 62.4*$4gallon=$246.60 a year for gas to commute to work if I was diligent and used it as much as possible/feasible. even if I double the amount of miles I would drive a bike that is still only ~$500 a year I would spend on gas. take out the price of electricity and the difference between a Vulcan 900, $7,500, and the Zero at $11,500 = $4,000/$500(double my commute days possible) a year in savings(no electrical costs worked into the equations), it would take me 8 years to make it comparable, I don't keep vehicles that long
here is hoping that the prices come down