Zero Motorcycles

The Zero S began shipping in volume in 2010, the first model year to include the Agni Motor,{{cite news|title=2011 Zero XU Review|url=http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2011-zero-xu-review-video-91066.html|first=Troy |last=Siahaan|access-date=14 January 2015|work=Motorcycle.com|date=30 June 2011}}{{Cite web|title = TTXGP Zero/Agni {{!}}{{!}} ZERO MOTORCYCLES|url = http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/ttxgp/zeroagni.php|website = www.zeromotorcycles.com|access-date = 2015-09-01}} at which time the DS, a dual-sport model based on the S chassis became available. The XU, a smaller street bike with a removable battery, based on the same chassis as the Zero dirtbikes was produced from 2011 to 2013.

In 2012, Zero introduced the ZF9 Power Pack with the Zero S & DS models making them the first production electric motorcycles that can exceed an EPA-estimated 100 miles on a single charge.

In 2013 the Zero S and DS were completely redesigned.{{Cite web|title = Ride Review: 2013 Zero S Electric Motorcycle|url = http://www.plugincars.com/2013-zero-s-electric-motorcycle-weekend-ride-review-127780.html|access-date = 2015-09-01}} The battery capacity was increased to 11.4kWh, and a new brushless permanent magnet AC motor was introduced. In 2013 the Zero FX dual-sport model with modular removable power packs was introduced. CHAdeMO fast charging was also available on 2013 models.{{Cite web|title = 2013 Zero Motorcycles lineup goes faster and farther, charges with CHAdeMO|url = http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/2013-zero-motorcycles-lineup-faster-farther-chademo/|website = Autoblog|access-date = 2015-09-01|first = Domenick|last = Yoney}}{{Cite web|title = 2013 Zero S Bike Gets CHAdeMO Charging - Photo Gallery|url = http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2013-zero-s-bike-gets-chademo-charging-photo-gallery-50123.html|access-date = 2015-09-01|first = Florin|last = Tibu|date = 2012-10-04}}{{Cite web|title = 2013 Zero Motorcycles Double HP, Fast Charge |website= Motorcycle USA|url = http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2012/10/article/2013-zero-motorcycles-double-hp-fast-charge/ |date= October 2, 2012 |first1=Bryan |last1=Harley |access-date = 2015-09-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305023251/http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2012/10/article/2013-zero-motorcycles-double-hp-fast-charge/ |archive-date= Mar 5, 2016 }}

In 2014 the optional 2.8kWh "Power Tank" became available.{{cite web |url=http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=203 |title=Z-Force® Power Tank [10-06713+] - $2,495.00 : Zero Motorcycles, Electric Motorcycle Company |access-date=2015-03-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402134617/http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=203 |archive-date=2015-04-02 }}{{Cite web|title = Zero Motorcycles reveals 2014 lineup with SR variant, Power Tank range extender [w/videos]|url = http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/06/zero-motorcycles-2014-lineup-power-tank-official-video/|website = Autoblog|access-date = 2015-09-01|first = Domenick|last = Yoney}}{{Cite web|title = 2014 Zero S|url = http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/zero-motorcycles/2014-zero-s-ar161212.html|website = Top Speed|access-date = 2015-09-01}} 2014 also saw the addition of the Zero SR to the range, a higher performance version of the Zero S, incorporating more powerful controller electrics and a motor with higher temperature magnets.{{Cite web | url=http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/11/11/2014-zero-sr-first-look-review-photos/ | title=2014 ZERO SR- First Look Review- Photos- Electric Motorcycles|first=John|last=Burns}}

The 2015 models had battery pack size increased to 12.5kWh, for a total possible maximum capacity of 15.3kWh including the optional Power Tank. Also introduced in 2015 were standard ABS brakes and Showa suspension. CHAdeMO fast charging was eliminated as an option, leaving instead an optional quick charger accessory at added cost.

In 2016, Zero announced the DSR and FXS models. The DSR is based on the DS, but with the more powerful motor from the SR. The FXS is a supermoto version of the FX. Additional changes for the model year include the availability of a "Charge Tank" accessory, which is an on-board Level 2 charging system compatible with the J1772 plug. Battery pack size improved again to 13.0kWh (3.3kWh per FX power pack), for a total possible maximum capacity of 15.9kWh including the optional Power Tank. The air-cooled motors on the SR, DSR, and FXS were revised to reduce heat produced during high output.{{Cite web|title = 2016 ZERO MOTORCYCLES – FIRST LOOK REVIEW|url = http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/10/14/2016-zero-electric-motorcycles-review-new-models-first-look-photos-specs-pricing/|website = Cycle World|access-date = 2015-12-05}}{{Cite web|title = Zero motorcycles announces improved 2016 models|url = http://www.gizmag.com/zero-motorcycles-2016-lineup/39803/|website = Gizmag|first=Loz|last=Blain|access-date = 2015-12-05|date = 2015-10-15}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/10/14/2016-zero-electric-motorcycles-review-new-models-first-look-photos-specs-pricing|title=2016 Zero Electric Motorcycles FIRST LOOK Review, Photos, Pricing {{!}} Cycle World|access-date=2016-06-26}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2015/12/article/zero-motorcycles-ryan-bifford-explains-new-z-force-motor/ |first1= Byron |last1=Wilson | date=December 9, 2015 |title=Zero Motorcycles' Ryan Biffard Explains New Z-Force IPM Motor |website= Motorcycle USA |language=en-US |access-date=2016-06-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160812213905/http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2015/12/article/zero-motorcycles-ryan-bifford-explains-new-z-force-motor/ |archive-date= Aug 12, 2016 }}

For 2017, all models have the interior-permanent-magnet (IPM) motor. All models also received a larger capacity controller which provides an increase in maximum torque and horsepower output, up to 116 lbs/ft on the SR and DSR models. All models but the S ZF13.0 (Already Installed) receive a wider, high-torque carbon fiber reinforced belt. Other changes for 2017 include a locking tank box and more durable paint on S/DS/SR/DSR models, and the ability for owners to update their bike's firmware through the mobile app.

For 2018 Zero introduced the ZF14.4 battery, available for the S and D models (alongside the ZF7.2 battery) and the SR and DSR models (where it is the only available option).{{Cite web|url=https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-s/|title=Zero S Electric Motorcycle || ZERO MOTORCYCLES}} Until the introduction of the 2020 SR/F, traction control was absent across the lineup.

For 2020, new trellis-framed motorcycles were introduced, the SR/f and the faired SR/s, with higher performance, as well as 6 kW and 12 kW onboard charging options.{{Cite web|last=Jake|first=Bright|date=February 19, 2020|title=Zero Motorcycles unveils new SR/S — a full-fairing 124-mph sport EV|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/02/19/zero-motorcycles-unveils-new-sr-s-a-full-fairing-124-mph-sport-ev/|access-date=2020-08-31|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US}}

Zero Motorcycles also produces a line of electric motorcycles for police, authority, and military use.{{Cite web|url=http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/fleet/|title=Zero Motorcycles - Fleet Programs|website=www.zeromotorcycles.com|access-date=2016-06-26}} The fleet motorcycles are based upon the company's standard models but outfitted with equipment such as police lights, sirens, crash bars, and storage accessories.

In 2016, the company celebrated its 10th anniversary.{{cite web |url=http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/10-years/ |title=Celebrating 10 years of innovation |website=zeromotorcycles.com}}

Elektromotor.jpg|Close-up of earlier logo

ZeroDS.jpg|Zero DS 2009

ZeroMX.jpg|Zero MX 2009

Zero Motorcycles, Detail Motor und Lithium-Ionen-Batterie.jpg|Z-Force electric motor and lithium-Ion battery in 2010

Zero X 2011.jpg|Zero X 2011

Zero MX 2011.jpg|Zero MX 2011

Zero DS 2011.jpg|Zero DS 2011

2012 zero-s studio red-ra 1680x1200 press.jpg|Zero-S 2012

2014 Zero Motorcycles Zero S.JPG|Zero S 2014

ZERO-MOTORCYCLES-DS-ZF125-UTRECHTS-LANDSCHAP-TOEZICHT.jpg|Zero DS ZF 2017

Zero's Lithium-ion power packs and motors were developed in-house, and are branded under the names "Z-Force" and "ZF" (even though ZF is since 1915 the well-established abbreviation of ZF Friedrichshafen, a spin-off from Zeppelin that nowadays also offers electric drive-trains and motorcycle parts).

The Zero power packs use a cell configuration that operates at (nominally) 102 volts, which is well below the threshold of 200 V required for Combined Charging System (CCS) which is the most common DC fast charging standard, at least outside of Japan and China.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} Some electric motorcycle competitors like Energica and (Harley-Davidson) LiveWire offer CCS. In electric cars, 400 V are common, some new high performance vehicles use up to 924 V.

The motorcycles' propulsion is provided by a single electric, air-cooled, brushless, permanent-magnet 3-phase AC motor.{{Cite web|title = ON THE RECORD: Abe Askenazi Zero Motorcycles' CTO explains everything you ever wanted to know about EVs—and then some.|url = http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/03/25/on-the-record-abe-askenazi-cto-zero-electric-motorcycles-cycle-world-interview/|website = Cycle World|access-date = 2015-09-01}}{{Cite web|title = Going Electric Technology {{!}}{{!}} ZERO MOTORCYCLES|url = http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/technology/|website = www.zeromotorcycles.com|access-date = 2015-09-01}}{{Cite web|title = 2015 Zero SR|url = http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/zero-motorcycles/2015-zero-sr-ar166239.html|website = Top Speed|access-date = 2015-09-01}} The motor is coupled to the rear wheel by a belt or – optionally on the Zero FX – a chain. A controller manages the power delivery and comes in 420-amp, 550-amp, 660-amp, and 775-amp sizes depending on the year and model. Zero has made their electric powertrain systems available to commercial partners.{{Cite web|title=Zero is the leader in electric motorcycles.|url=https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/custom/powertrain-systems/|access-date=2020-09-01|website=www.zeromotorcycles.com|language=en-us}}

Zero Motorcycles has had success racing at Pikes Peak. Zero has won the production electric motorcycle class in 2013, 2014, and 2015.{{Cite web|title = Pikes Peak: Zero Motorcycles Race Report (Video)|url = http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/07/03/pikes-peak-zero-motorcycles-race-report-video/|website = Cycle World|access-date = 2015-09-01|first = The|last = Wire}}{{Cite web|title = Zero Motorcycles Run Fast up Pikes Peak 2013|url = http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2013/07/article/zero-motorcycles-run-fast-up-pikes-peak-2013/|access-date = 2015-12-17}} In 2014 a Zero FX was the first production electric motorcycle to break the 12 minute mark.{{Cite web|title = Jeff Clark Breaks 12-Minutes On Zero FX At Pikes Peak|url = http://gas2.org/2014/07/03/jeff-clark-breaks-12-minutes-on-zero-fx-at-pikes-peak/|website = Gas 2|access-date = 2015-09-01}}

In 2012, Brandon Miller set a Bonneville Land Speed Record on a Zero S ZF6 model.{{Cite web|title = Zero Sets LSR Records at Bonneville|url = http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2012/09/article/zero-sets-lsr-records-at-bonneville/|website = Motorcycle USA|access-date = 2015-12-17}} He achieved an average speed of 101.652 mph over a one-mile course. This beat the previous record for modified production motorcycles weighing less than 150 kilograms by over 23 mph.

Zero Motorcycles hosted an endurance racing event for electric motorcycles on April 4–5, 2009, called the 24 Hours of Electricross. This event was the largest electric motorcycle race to date.{{Cite web|title = Zero Motorcycles Sets World Record This Weekend at 24 Hours of Electricross|website = HuffPost|url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wires/2009/04/07/zero-motorcycles-sets-wor_ws_184021.html|access-date = 2015-12-01}} The 10 teams competed on Zero X electric motocross bikes.{{Cite web|title = Zero Motorcycles and The Electric Revolution|url = http://motorcycleintelligence.com/zero-motorcycles-electric/838/|access-date = 2015-12-01|date = 2009-04-12}} Team HotChalk set a Guinness world record for the furthest distance traveled on an all-electric off-road motorcycle in 24 hours at just over 500 miles.{{Cite web|title=Scotts Valley company hosts record-setting electric dirt bike race|url = http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_12080407|access-date = 2015-12-01}}

Racers have used Zero Motorcycles against gasoline motorcycles in a number of other forms of racing, including flat-track,{{Cite web|first=Scott|last=Rousseau|title = The Life Electric: Preston Petty|url = http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/zero/life-electric-preston-petty.html|access-date = 2015-09-01|date = 2015-04-18}} hare scrambles,{{Cite web|title = Zero Smashes Gassers|url = https://www.electricbike.com/electric-cycle-dominates-open-race/|first=Eric|last=Hicks|access-date = 2015-09-01|date = 2012-03-22}} supermoto,{{Cite web|title = Zero FX Supermoto Racing Against Gas Bikes + Video - Motorcycle.com News|url = http://blog.motorcycle.com/2014/05/15/videos/zero-fx-supermoto-racing-gas-bikes-video/|access-date = 2015-09-01|date = 2014-05-15}} and supercross.{{Cite web|title = Zero Motorcycles Dominates at Minimoto SX |website= Motorcycle USA|url = http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2011/05/article/zero-motorcycles-dominates-at-minimoto-sx/ |date= May 11, 2011 |access-date = 2015-09-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222151411/http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2011/05/article/zero-motorcycles-dominates-at-minimoto-sx/ |archive-date= Dec 22, 2015 }}

Zero's main competitors were the now defunct{{Cite web |url= http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170109005324/en/ |title=Polaris Industries to Wind Down Victory Motorcycles Operations Strengthening its Position in the Powersports Industry |publisher=Business Wire |access-date=2017-05-06 |date=2017-01-09 }} Victory Empulse{{Cite web|title = Brammo Empulse R vs. Zero S – Electric Motorcycle Comparison Test Electric bikes come of age. If you could ignore the price, you'd buy one... really.|url = http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/10/31/brammo-empulse-r-vs-zero-s-electric-motorcycles-comparison-test-specs-photos/|website = Cycle World|access-date = 2015-09-01}}{{Cite web|title = 2014 Brammo Empulse R vs Zero S and SR |website= Motorcycle USA |first1=Gabe |last1=Ets-Hokin |date=October 14, 2014 |url = http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2014/10/article/2014-brammo-empulse-r-vs-zero-s-and-sr/|access-date = 2015-09-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208152507/http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2014/10/article/2014-brammo-empulse-r-vs-zero-s-and-sr/ |archive-date= Dec 8, 2015 }}{{Cite web|title = 2013 Brammo Empulse R vs Zero S ZF11.4 - Video|url = http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2013-brammo-empulse-r-vs-zero-s-zf114-91574.html |website=Motorcycle.com |date=April 25, 2013 |first1= Tom |last1=Roderick |access-date = 2015-09-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208154205/http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2013-brammo-empulse-r-vs-zero-s-zf114-91574.html |archive-date= Dec 8, 2015 }} (formerly Brammo),{{Cite web|title = Victory Empulse TT -- A Rebadged Brammo Empulse R|url = http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/victory-empulse-tt/ |website=Asphalt & Rubber |first1=Jensen |last1=Beeler |access-date = 2015-09-01|date = 2015-07-29}} and halted{{Cite web|url=https://www.cyclenews.com/2018/10/article/alta-motors-ceases-operations/ |date=October 18, 2018 |title=Electric Motorcycle Manufacturer Alta Motors Ceases Operations|website=Cycle News|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202095226/https://www.cyclenews.com/2018/10/article/alta-motors-ceases-operations/ |archive-date= Feb 2, 2019 }} Alta Motors, but current and upcoming models from Evoke, Lightning, and Energica compete with Zero's product lineup.{{Cite web|title = AIMExpo: Thinking Electric New Alta and Zero motorcycles jolt the imagination.|url = http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/10/18/aimexpo-thinking-electric/ |date=October 18, 2014 |website = Cycle World|access-date = 2015-09-01|first = Kevin|last = Cameron}}{{Cite web|title = 6 Electric Motorcycles Ready to Battle Any Gas Bike|url = http://www.cheatsheet.com/automobiles/6-electric-motorcycles-ready-to-battle-any-gas-bike.html/?a=viewall |first1=Eric |last1=Schaal |website=The Cheat Sheet |access-date = 2015-09-01|date = 2014-05-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151208191813/http://www.cheatsheet.com/automobiles/6-electric-motorcycles-ready-to-battle-any-gas-bike.html/?a=viewall |archive-date= Dec 8, 2015 }}{{Cite web|title = Electric motorcycle market: The OEMs ante up |url = http://www.dealernews.com/dealernews/article/electric-motorcycle-market-oems-ante|website = Dealernews |first1=Bruce |last1=Steever |date= Feb 17, 2015 |access-date = 2015-09-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923213257/http://www.dealernews.com/dealernews/article/electric-motorcycle-market-oems-ante |archive-date= Sep 23, 2015 }} Some of the larger OEMs have also released electric motorcycles and prototypes such as the Harley-Davidson LiveWire motorcycle and Yamaha's PES2 and PED2 concepts.{{Cite magazine|title = Yamaha's Exquisite Electric Motorcycles Will Soon Hit the Streets|magazine = Wired|url = https://www.wired.com/2014/04/yamaha-electric-motorcycles/ |first1=Jordan |last1=Golson |access-date = 2015-09-01|date = 2014-04-25}}{{Cite web|title = Yamaha PES1 and PED1 electric motorcycles headed for production|url = http://www.autoblog.com/2014/04/23/yamaha-pes1-ped1-electric-motorcycles-production/ |date=Apr 23, 2014 |website = Autoblog|access-date = 2015-09-01|first = Chris|last = Bruce}}

• Zero S
• Energica Motor Company
• Harley-Davidson LiveWire

• [http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2008-zero-x-electric-motorcycle-review-87516.html Motorcycle.com - 2008 Zero X Review]
• [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jul-28-fi-throttle28-story.html LA Times - 2008 Zero X electric dirt bike]
• [http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/11/11/2014-zero-sr-first-look-review-photos/ Cycle World - 2014 Zero SR First Look]
• [http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/03/25/on-the-record-abe-askenazi-cto-zero-electric-motorcycles-cycle-world-interview/ Cycle World - Interview with Zero CTO Abe Askenazi]
• [http://faircompanies.com/videos/view/zero-motorcycles-high-performance-electric-bikes/ Zero's founder gives video tour inside company headquarters (from faircompanies.com)]
• [http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1077745_can-a-2012-zero-s-electric-motorcycle-really-cover-100-miles Can a 2012 Zero S Electric Motorcycle Really Cover 100 Miles?]
• [http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1094729_2015-electric-motorcycles-buyers-guide Green Car Reports - 2015 Electric Motorcycles Buyers Guide]
• [http://www.cycleworld.com/2016-zero-dsr-electric-motorcycle-30-day-commuting-experiment Cycle World - Electric Avenue: 30 Days of Commuting on the 2016 Zero DSR]
• [http://www.cycleworld.com/2016/01/21/on-the-record-abe-askenazi-tech-head-at-zero-motorcycles-cycle-world-interview Cycle World - ON THE RECORD: Abe Askenazi, Tech Head at Zero Motorcycles]
• [http://www.cycleworld.com/2016/01/20/2016-zero-dsr-zf13-0-and-fxs-zf6-5-supermoto-electric-motorcycle-first-ride-review-photos-specifications Cycle World - 2016 Zero DSR ZF13.0 & FXS ZF6.5 Supermoto - FIRST RIDE REVIEW]

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons}}

• {{Official website|http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/}}

{{Motorcycle marques of the United States}}

Category:Motorcycle manufacturers of the United States

Category:Electric motorcycles

Category:Companies based in Santa Cruz County, California