Brammo Launches First Production Battery-Electric Motorcycle; Uses Valence Li-Ion Batteries

Brammo Launches First Production Battery-Electric Motorcycle; Uses Valence Li-Ion Batteries

8 July 2007

The Li-ion Enertia. Click to enlarge.

Brammo Motorsports announced the Enertia, the world’s first production zero-emissions battery-powered plug-in electric motorcycle.

The chassis integrates six Valence lithium-phosphate batteries in a 3.1 kWh battery pack that powers a permanent magnet DC pancake motor to drive the Enertia to a top speed of more than 50 mph (80 kph). Range is 45 miles (72.4 km). A full recharge requires 3 hours.

Brammo chose Valence for three primary reasons, according to Chairman and CEO Craig Bramscher:

• Safest available batteries for a motorcycle;

• Best packaging and integration; and

• Best availability for mass production in the near term.

Bramscher also noted that “We are always looking at all of the battery/companies, but Valence is clearly our best match right now.”

At its quickest setting, the Enertia accelerates from 0 to 30 mph (48 kph) in 3.8 seconds.

Borrowing from racing technology, the Enertia utilizes a carbon fiber chassis producing an ultra-strong, light-weight vehicle platform of just 275 lbs.

We believe consumers are eager to adopt vehicles that have a fraction of the carbon footprint of a today’s cars. Our Enertia electric motorcycle empowers people to make this choice today.

—Craig Bramscher

Brammo has begun taking orders in the US for a limited production model featuring hand-built carbon-fiber chassis and bodywork. Shipping date is 1Q 2008. The standard edition goes for $11,995 and is expected in 3Q 2008.

Brammo’s Enertia is the first of a line of plug-in electric commuter, commercial and recreational vehicles under development.

Resources:

• MSN Autos driving review of the Enertia

Brammo Launches First Production Battery-Electric Motorcycle; Uses Valence Li-Ion Batteries