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NEWS
Zero electric commuter headed for Oz
Electric motorcycle brand Zero has revealed first details of a new urban commuter heading our way, the light weight Zero XUSporting the chassis found in the marque's MX platform, the Zero XU features all-new bodywork and many new components. With road tyres and road-focussed suspension, the bike features automatic operation - there's no gearshift - and the option of a low seat (756mm, versus the standard 806mm), which should see the model appeal to both commuters and inexperienced riders alike.
The Zero XU is powered by a lithium ion battery pack, which, importantly, is removable. With an optional stand-alone charger, this now means you can take the battery with you and charge it at your destination, anywhere that you have access to a power point - with obvious benefits for commuters.
The Z-Force Li-Ion Intelligent Power Pack has a charge time of around two hours, but a new quick-charge feature - also found across the rest of Zero's 2011 range - cuts this to just over one hour. According to Zero the battery pack is around half the size of that found in the Zero S, and has an estimated life (to 80 per cent) of around 52,000km.
With a claimed curb weight of just 99kg, the Zero XU should prove to be a nimble performer around town, too. By way of comparison, the Zero S tips the scales at a claimed 135kg. Zero says the XU has a maximum range of 48km, with a an estimated charge cost of around 21 cents.
According to Phil Wilkinson of Zero Motorcycles Australia, the model has one target market clearly in mind. "This is a commuter bike aimed at the inner city market," he said. "The best thing about it is that when you get to work, if you can't charge it where you park, with the optional stand-alone charger you can take the battery with you and charge it at your work," he added.
Pricing is yet to be announced for the model or for the optional stand-alone charger. Visit the Zero Motorcycles website for more information on the Zero XU or the 2011 Zero Motorcycles range.
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Written byBikesales Staff
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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