Has Mission Motorcycles created the fastest electric production motorcycle on the planet? Well the general consensus is that they have, and one that is faster than most sports bikes and supercars to boot. The Mission One superbike, recently unveiled at the TED Conference (Technology, Entertainment, Design) promises to provide all the thrills and speed of a gas guzzling motorcycle minus the emissions.
The Mission One uses a liquid-cooled, 3-phase AC induction motor; giving 100lb-ft of torque from 0-6,500 revs, yes zero revs and maximum torque. The Mission One torque curve is completely flat, even when the bike is doing 60mph the rider is going to feel that torque-induced adrenalin rush from the get-go and there are no gears to stir, as it is a direct drive to a fixed gear ratio to the wheel.
Gasoline motorcycles require multiple gears in order to provide power at different speeds and losing fractions of a second when accelerating. The Mission One outperforms gasoline sports bikes while recapturing the kinetic energy of the motorcycle during braking and turns it into electrical energy to be stored in the batteries to extend its riding range, estimated to be 150 miles (240kms).
The 2010 model comes equipped with Ohlins inverted front forks, 43mm TiN coated tubes, fully adjustable shock, Brembo 4 piston monobloc calipers, Marchesini wheels, and race compound tires. The onboard computer is fully equipped with a data acquisition system and wireless communication capabilities, allowing you to capture ride date in real time. The computer also means you can tune your ride with your laptop computer, changing braking and power characteristics.
The onboard charger allows riders to recharge from any standard wall socket. Recharging from empty to full takes 2.5 hours off of a 240V outlet (8 hours off of a 120V). In California, which has the 11th highest electricity prices in the US, "filling up" the bike will only cost you $1.96. Buying one is a bit more expensive at US$69,000 for the first 50 special editions, to be followed by 250 more at an un-announced price, then serial production of a more basic machine.
Available in 2010, but reserve online: http://www.ridemission.com/
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