Electric Motorcycle Promises 150 MPH:
Mission Motors unveiled the bike, dubbed Mission One, at the TED conference and said it will begin selling them next year for $69,000 apiece. Although several electric motorcycles have been announced in recent weeks, Mission Motors sticks out because its 12 employees have worked for Tesla, Ducati North America and Intel, and the bike they’re building could set a new benchmark for EVs of all kinds.“As a motorcycle enthusiast and engineer, I knew I could combine my passion for motorcycles with my passion for innovation and create a motorcycle that truly sets a new standard in the perception of electric vehicles,” company founder and CEO Forrest North said at the Mission One’s launch.
The prototype, wearing bodywork designed by Yves Behar, was designed entirely in-house by Mission Motors. Power comes from a 3-phase AC induction motor and a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery the company claims delivers 150 miles and recharges in just two hours at 240 volts. That climbs to eight hours at 120 volts.
Top-shelf hardware includes Ohlins suspension at both ends, four-piston Brembo brakes and Marchesini forged wheels. The components — and the claimed 150 horsepower — put the bike on par with hardcore sportbikes like the Ducati 1198. That’s exactly what North had in mind.
“With Mission One, we’re writing the next chapter in motorcycle design, delivering a new riding experience without sacrificing performance or design in a zero emissions vehicle,” he said in a statement.
I don’t see why the makers of an electric vehicle would want to emphasize top speed, when their real strength is off-the-line acceleration.