Just unveiled at the TED2009 conference, the Mission One from Mission Motors, a hi-tech California startup company, building what is about to be the world’s fastest production electric motorcycle. How fast? 150 mph. Range? 150 miles. Torque? 100 foot pounds, instantly available whether you’re standing still or cruising at 60 mph, no gears, just roll it on … I think the game just changed.
Mission Motors, working under the radar as Hum Cycles, has been quietly developing their motorcycle for 2 years. Last year, a Ducati converted to electric power began showing up on the back roads of California. This was their prototype, undergoing extensive testing and a few lucky riders got a chance to sample the performance of the bike coming back amazed by what they had just experienced.
Forrest North, co-founder of Mission Motors, began dreaming of building an electric motorcycle when leading the Solar Car Team at Stanford University. The dream continued, even as he joined Tesla Motors to help engineer the company’s cutting-edge battery pack. In 2007, Forrest launched Mission Motors with the help of Edward West and Mason Cabot. Their mission: Build an electric motorcycle that could finally compete with gasoline.
They’ve assembled a top notch team: Dan Kaplan – CFO at Ducati North America from 2003 – 2006, Jeremy Cleland – AFM Racer & Product Mgr at Ducati NA, graduates from Cal Tech, Stanford, Virginia, Dartmouth, and MIT plus Engineers from Ford, Tesla, Google, IDEO, Intel, and Agilent.
The Mission One is the closest thing yet to a no compromise electric motorcycle. Excellent performance, excellent range, zero emissions and quiet.
Article continues below. Also, see additional information from Edward West, President of Mission Motors, in the comment section below.
The throttle can be programmed by the rider for the most suitable response, how far it must turn for a given level of acceleration and how much regenerative braking on roll off. The production bikes will have what the engineers believe to be a best initial setting but owners will most likely tweak it as their experience increases.
I spoke to Forrest North about the Mission One and asked about the materials used in construction. The frame is aluminum but, while I expected carbon fiber for the body, Forrest said it doesn’t fit especially well with their mission due to the environmental impact of its manufacturing process. The final decision about what specific materials will be used for the fairing and body work is yet to be made. Likewise, when I asked about weight, he stated it will be about 30 to 40 pounds heavier than a normal sportbike but the number will depend on a few final material choices so an exact weight is not yet specified.
The question some of you might have is how long to recharge? Electric motorcycles have 3 criteria of interest for many of you: performance, range and recharge time. Recharge is about 2 hours at 240 volts, 8 hours from a standard 120 volt outlet. With 240 volts, you can get roughly an 80% charge in 1 hour. As Forrest said, once you have the range, recharge is less of an issue, though 150 miles may not be touring bike territory, it certainly covers a large percentage of daily riding requirements and plugging in when you get home, the bike will be ready to go the next day or in a couple of hours if you want to head back out. Yes, it’s still a trade off, but, nowhere near what we’ve come to expect with electric motorcycles.
Forrest also mentioned the most noticeable characteristic when switching back and forth between the Mission One and a standard bike is the total lack of vibration. The electric drive is completely smooth, something that quickly spoils the riders who have had the opportunity to ride it.
Specifications:
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Powertrain
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Battery Pack:
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High Energy Lithium-Ion w/ Integrated Thermal Management System |
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Motor:
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Liquid-cooled, 3-phase AC Induction |
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Torque:
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100 lb-ft @ 0 to 6,500 rpm |
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Transmission:
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Single speed |
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Chassis
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Suspension/Front:
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Ohlins 43mm inverted fork; fully adjustable, 4.5-in travel |
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Suspension/Rear:
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Ohlins Single shock w/piggyback reservoir; fully adjustable, 4.5-in travel |
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Brakes/Front:
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Dual Brembo 310mm disc; Brembo radial-mount forged 4-piston calipers |
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Brakes/Rear:
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Brembo 220mm disc; single-piston caliper |
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Wheels/Tires/Front:
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Marchesini forged aluminum 3.5″ x 17″, 120/70ZR17 – race Compound |
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Wheels/Tires/Rear:
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Marchesini forged aluminum 6.0″x17″, 190/55ZR17 – race Compound |
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Target Performance
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Top Speed:
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150mph |
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Range:
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150 miles per charge (est. EPA drive cycle) |
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Recharge Time:
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Under 2 Hours @ 240V (8 Hours @ 120V) |
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Interactive Feature:
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Adjustable regenerative rear wheel braking |
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Interactive Feature:
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Intuitive / adjustable data acquisition system |
Racing:
Mission Motorsports, their green racing team, figures a little track time is a good thing, too. They will test the Mission One when they take on the world in the TTXGP on June 12, the first zero-emissions motorcycle race on the Isle of Mann.
First deliveries and Pricing:
The first Mission One motorcycles will be delivered early in 2010, First year production will be 300 units. The first 50 units will be offered as the Premier Limited Edition version at a price of $68,995. Yes, a bit pricey for the average rider but I will be surprised if these don’t sell out.
If Mission Motors holds to their schedule and the bikes roll out on time with the stated specifications, they may change the way many people think about electric motorcycles. This is very, very cool. I like it, … A LOT!
Mission Motors press release:
LONG BEACH, CA – February 4, 2009 –Today, Mission Motors unveils a revolutionary vehicle, the Mission One, the world’s fastest production all-electric motorcycle, at TED2009. Mission Motors CEO, Forrest North, along with lead designer Yves Béhar, founder of fuseproject, will present the vehicle in development onstage to the TED audience on February 4. Mission Motors will exhibit the vehicle throughout the conference at the Kohler LivingHome at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, and will be on hand to discuss the company’s vision for a radically new brand of motorcycles. The company will also provide attendees the opportunity to see inside the product development process through the installation of a motorcycle design studio inside the Kohler LivingHome.
“The Great Unveiling,†the TED2009 theme, makes a fitting platform for the launch of Mission Motors’ first vehicle, the Mission One. It is the first production electric sportbike that features uncompromised performance and an iconic new design created by world-renowned designers Yves Béhar and fuseproject. With a top speed of 150 MPH and an estimated range of 150 miles, the Mission One rivals gasoline sportbikes while dwarfing the performance of any other electric motorcycle on the market. The electric drivetrain creates a riding experience unlike anything currently available on a production vehicle. The electric motor’s linear torque curve provides peak torque at zero rpm, a feature gasoline engines cannot match. The motor delivers faster acceleration than most gasoline sportbikes without ever having to shift gears.
The announcement formally debuts Mission Motors, a San Francisco-based company geared to redefine the world of performance motorcycles, which was founded in 2007 by entrepreneurs Forrest North (CEO), Edward West (President), and Mason Cabot (VP of Engineering).
Building on their backgrounds in engineering, a desire to develop clean vehicles, and a passion for motorcycles, the Mission Motors founders developed a proprietary high energy lithium ion battery pack that could provide both the range and acceleration needed for a high performance sportbike. The company (named Hum Cycles at the time) placed second in the transportation category of the 2007 California Cleantech Open, the largest cleantech business plan competition on the West Coast.
“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,†said Forrest North, Founder and CEO, Mission Motors. “With the 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.â€
With core engineering underway and an attractive business model, North and his co-founders turned to Yves Béhar’s fuseproject to create Mission’s unique brand and creative direction, as well as an iconic industrial design for the first product. The engineering team at Mission Motors and the design team at fuseproject worked in close collaboration to design the Mission One from the ground up, creating a machine that makes a bold statement about performance, technology, sustainability and design.
â€This project was a dream come true: a statement about how design can make performance and sustainability come together without compromise,†said Yves Béhar. “I believe Mission is an icon for a new era of efficient and exciting vehicles. Designed to express speed and efficiency in it’s overall sharp lines, the Mission bike is also highly detailed with special attention to a riders needs, bringing a high level of product design and ergonomics to a new generation of performance transportation.â€
About Mission Motors:
Mission Motors is building the fastest production electric motorcycle in the world. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company combines innovative technology, iconic design, and superb performance with the freedom of a zero emissions riding experience. Mission’s elite team of engineers is creating the first motorcycle company built on the innovative spirit of the Silicon Valley. The concept is simple: Redefine the world of performance motorcycles.
Link: Mission Motors
Link: TED2009
Video of rider impressions after riding the prototype:
Johnny just commented below and brought our attention to this video made at the TED2009 conference. Thanks, Johnny!
Spaceweasel says
Really interesting design… I like the copper runnning across the top. Certainly not beautiful, but it does tell the world that this isnt your ordinary bike.
I wonder what it weighs in at?
adam says
I would really have liked to see belt drive on this bike.
AvgasStew says
i really deep down want this to be real, but 90% of me is waiting for them to say – “Don’t pay now……we are also going to include a trip to the bahamas”.
I have not yet seen this move under it own “steam”.
Please for the love of god prove me wrong and let me ride it
Zac Hunter says
Why are there no shots of the bike in motion? I don’t get it.
todd says
This is a design mockup. Check further and see the Ducati SS that was used for the prototype and rider testimonials.
I think it’s great, especially being really local to me. I’m just disappointed I wasn’t there on skyline the day they were handing out test rides. Electric vehicles are becoming more and more real every day.
-todd
Brad says
WOW now this is exciting for sure, but look at the dang price tag, I wonder just how much of that is BATTERY PACK, and how much it will take to replace it when it wheres out , also how long will the pack last?? What about cold weather operation, I know my KLR will start up and run in cooler weather but what about battery bikes are they going to have to be kept warm?? LOL
Just a few thoughts??
RATS
Den says
Brad, if it is anything like the Tesla, and I believe it must be considering the personnel involved, it will have a temperature management system to optimise battery performance in hot and cold weather.
I love the look of this bike, it would be great know the people who did the styling!
taxman says
i think that tail is beautiful. i’d really like to see electric bikes succeed. this is a step in the right direction. hopefully the next step for this company after the initial release will be to produce many more for much less.
FREEMAN says
About time the range and speed come within reasonable tolerances. The charge time is okay too at 240 volts. Not bad at all. And the price? Just give it time. Now everyone producing electic bikes will have to compete with this standard and the price will only drop until the average consumer such as myself can afford one. It’s only going to get better… with time.
Jeff says
I would love to see this come to the market before I’m to old to ride one .
Hawk says
Very interesting concept. As was stated, I’d like videos of the bike actually being ridden. Answers about the life expectancy of the battery pack and its replacement cost too. The range would make it a good commuter but it’s certainly not a touring bike. I can’t see an onboard charger being practical so this cuts into its usefulness as you have to return to your charging station. Putting this much money into a prototype does make you wonder why they didn’t go for a belt drive right off the bat. And, of course, the price has to be cut to 1/10 to really be practical.
What grates me though, if the “environmentally friendly” claims. Where do you think the energy comes from? If it’s wind or solar, fne … but if you’ve burned fossil fuels to generate it, you’re really dealing with another form of “internal combustion”. While it may be more efficient, it isn’t the answer.
But it looks good ….
mototom says
I know some of the people involved, this is about as real as it gets. You will see it run in a place no one will expect. This is the game changer. Price = volume and it will decline. Venture capitalists are not in business to build toys for the eccentric or the wealthy.
Eco babble is a necessary thing today, without out you will run foul of the new religuious orthodoxy and pay dearly…..
QrazyQat says
There are some times I really wish I had loads of money. One is whenever I have to fly any distance, and I’m headed for the coach seats on the cheapest day and route I can find. Another is when I see something like Gurney’s Alligator, and now this. This is seriously cool.
hoyt says
What is under the hump? Can’t be anything too heavy that high on the bike. The silhouette of the bike at the beginning of the video clip does not have such a pronounced camel back.
The headlight array is excellent.
I agree with concerns about the energy infrastructure. Electric motorcycles are not going to overburden the current infrastructure, but millions of Volt-like cars and bikes will quickly dimish the green-ness of any electric vehicles. The current energy demands are a daunting task for supplemental sources such as wind and solar now. Once hundreds of thousands of electric vehicles hit the roads, the EVENING habit will be to plug-in (not much solar going on at that time). How much more energy is, relatively speaking, spiking all of a sudden? Building “clean” & “safe” nukes is not the silver bullet either.
The electric companies must also start providing longevity projections of the battery packs if they utter anything about being green.
As tempting as the torque and smoothness will be, the concerns over the macro energy source and battery waste are huge.
I don’t mean to sound like a nay-sayer at all, but want the best holistic approach.
How much energy is required to create power for a million hydrogen vehicles?
How much energy is required to create power for a million electric vehicles?
longevity of parts and recyclable potential of parts for each platform?
Congratulations and best wishes.
FREEMAN says
@ Hawk –
I think you’re missing the point of this post entirely. You come here and point out the chain, price, and environmental impact of fuel when this bike by Mission Motors is a milestone in the history of electric motorcycles everywhere. It is UNHEARD OF to see an electric bike go 150 mph for 150 miles and have a recharge time of around 2 hours. The Zero electric dirtbike goes 40 miles on a 3 hour charge. The Enertia goes 45 miles on a 3 hour charge. The Electric Motorsport GPR-S conversion goes 60-70 mph anywhere from 35 to 60 miles range on a 4 hour charge. No matter what, there’s going to be powerplants burning fuel to make electricity until it’s made illegal or the world runs out of fuel. What’s more efficient anyway? A powerplant burning fuel to power millions of homes, warehouses, and electric vehicles or a million different internal combustion engines driving us from A to B and to C? The point is this bike is a breakthrough.
Clive Makinson-Sanders says
I wonder what 150 mile range represents? is that 150 miles at 25mph? Its an awesome design and id love to ride one… a bike with no motor noise would be almost like flying. Maybe you could but playing cards in the spokes.
hoyt says
Freeman – I agree, its a breakthrough, but humanity should be smart enough to apply the best energy quotient to a given application.
A wide mix of energy sources seems be the best approach for the next 50 years. Perhaps a wide mix of end-use applications of the energy will be the answer as well ?
Hopefully the market & environmental concerns will send a clear message of what works best…
I’m not suggesting these are the best answers, but to make the point –
heavy trucks/equipment end up using electric since they are currently the biggest polluters and require large amounts of torque. They also have the most room for batteries.
Autos would end using hydrogen (assuming this is the best energy quotient for the given application)
Motorcycles would use electric, hydrogen, or gas (the latter regulated to have high mpg rating). Electric would be allowed for bikes, assuming lower demand to re-charge than autos, individually and collectively.
The free market ruled out bio-diesel over a hundred years ago, so the free market alone, while it drives innovation, is not always best now that the planet has to consider billions of additional energy-addicts.
hoyt says
…to avoid any impressions of a heavy-handed govt., let me clarify what I meant by “the free market is not always best”…it is not always best environmentally.
There are loads of smart people working on many platforms (increasing the i-c engine efficiency, electric, hybrid, hydrogen, etc.), so the end result might shake out to have a mix, anyway. I rambled on because that was not the case 100 yrs ago when Diesel ran his engine on bio-diesel. Petroleum took off as the lone source.
Motorod says
Love this bike, but wonder how they justify that nearly $70k sticker price. I’d like to see a breakdown of materials & labor. The thing that kills me is I’m sure the range would be far greater if there wasn’t such emphasis on top speed performance. 150 mph is way over the speed limit. Or perhaps I’m misinterpreting the stats: You can go 150 miles, or 150 miles per hour, but not both. Fortunately for us somebody is in their shed right now working on an even better system in a smaller, lighter bike. That’s America for you!
Alternative or renewable energy has been making similar leaps and bounds. Some of it is market driven: Much of it purely visionary. Few are making a bundle on renewable energy, yet. It’s a weird blend of individual effort and group and corporate entrepreneurship. The trick will be in keeping power generation decentralized, more like the internet and less like the PG&E or British Petroleum.
Step up.
sandi says
there was an electric bike at italian bike day held at lars anderson in brookline last summer. it seemed to be a production non-*150 mph* model. just watching it bop around on the grass [no noise!] was a hoot. the man that was riding it sells them in VT. i did ask if there was a ‘baseball card’ option to bring it out of the stelth mode. 🙂
Nicolas says
No vibrations, no roaring engine, no loud exhaust … it defeats some of the purpose to ride a bike. But damn, that’s a very cool bike ! Decent range and stunning performance, I love it. (range is defined as EPA drive cycle, so I guess it’s a kind of standard measurement that can be linked to real driving conditions ?)
Motorod, it’s not only the direct costs of material and labor that makes the price, you have to consider the cost of R&D and engineering. Doesn’t seem like it’s a pair of nerds who build it in their garage, more likely a crew of seriously qualified and expensive dudes. In addition, I bet the batteries ain’t cheap at all, it’s not dimensioned to power a laptop or an iphone. But once again, this technology improves every day, the price of batteries will consistently go down (unless the fancy metals used in it get rare).
Hoyt, I agree that the humanity should be smart, but innovations in the human history have rarely been driven by a smart vision of the global and long term benefit of the humanity, rather by the passion or craziness of some individuals applied to a limited and short term goal. (except for Thomas Edison, maybe ?) Whatever the purpose of this team is, their product is really going in the right direction, imho. Internal combustion engines on vehicles reach ~35% efficiency or sthg, not counting the energy used to extract, condition and transport this fuel. Large gas turbine/steam turbine powerplant can reach ~60% efficiency with the same fuel, and cheap gas turbines can run 45% efficiency with unrefined fuel, which is still better than our engines. I don’t even talk about nuke, or wind turbine. Solar is not ready for large scale production, but it’s also on it’s way. Of course, the distribution of this power in the grid affects negatively the overall efficiency of the system, and today our grid is probably not dimensioned to absorb the needs generated by every household plugging their Volt or Mission One every night, but there can be great infrastrucure projects to improve it (and give some work to a lot of american workers). I’ve read this week that a 5% improvement in the grid efficiency would represent the equivalent of the output of 45 coal powerplants, so there is some room for improvement in this way.
I wonder what the big 4s are doing in this domain, Honda for instance already does some hybrid cars, and they have shown some electric powered concept cars. I bet they already have some interesting 2 wheel toys, that they don’t launch to preserve the market of actual gas-powered motorcycles, or waiting to see how the market is turning.
Cool stuff, I hope they succeed. Tomorrow, I launch my business to produce some devices that generate noise and vibrations for electric vehicles 😉
fast eddie says
Oh great a two wheel golf cart! I bet all the go green geeks will ride one of these to the library. Go fast with gas!
John Ellwood says
Its not too late to apply to race it in the electric bike class at the Isle Of Man TTXGP
kneeslider says
John, look again at the article above, they’re already in.
Sid says
fast eddie…the library network in my home city is an incredible resource for all types. And it’s virtually free.
Walt says
Part of the job at this early stage is to generate buzz, and the distinctive techno look of this design will ensure it’s not mistaken for anything else. I like it — very fresh yet practical at the same time (unless those perforated sections are heat vents). Clean and it looks like a bike, but no bike anyone’s seen before.
As to impact on the grid, I agree with Hoyt that solar won’t help much for overnight recharging . . . but if daytime solar and wind offset hydro and fossil fuel needs during the day, more hydro and fossil fuel will be available at night. In addition, peak summertime demand in many places is for air conditioning, the need for which tails off when the business day ends and outside temperatures drop. So electric vehicles could actually help utilities balance their loads 24×7.
Mechanicaldan says
Love that it can be charged off of 240V!!!
So is the left lever for the rear brake? Does it really need a mechanical rear brake with regenerative braking? That was probably addressed in a design pole somewhere during a brainstorming session.
I’m sure they’re investigating it, but doesn’t capturing regenerative braking makes more sense from the front wheel on a motorcycle? I’m sure the additional weight of a motor in the front hub isn’t optimal for handling, but I’d be intersted in a comparison between the difference in maximum regen braking possible from the front versus rear wheel. Maybe there would need to be a lot of extra sensors to measure roll, wheel speed, etc. so that the front wheel doesn’t tuck and lowside when the regen kicks in? Maybe that’s on Mission Two?
Mechanicaldan says
Since this bike is going to have a bunch of electronics, there is just so much fun one could have with the electronics on this bike. They are likely designing the ECU from scratch, so what’s a few more chips for roll, pitch, yaw, and a couple wheel speed sensors. Imagine a wheelie algorithm. And with that much torque, it would be great to have traction control.
Does it come with a Wi-Fi link? Bluetooth? Heads-up helmet display?
For that much money, could it come with a key fob and just a push button? Tumbler locks are so 20th century.
todd says
Battery costs don’t follow economies of scale. If you make more batteries the cost goes up. Why? The costs are associated with precious metals and the other materials that combine to make a battery. The more demand for those materials = the higher the cost. Process and labor are very small factors in current battery tech costs.
Mechanicaldan: The amount of horsepower to stop is much greater than the amount of horsepower to drive away. 0 – 60 MPH in 6 seconds is good for leaving the stop light, 60 – 0 MPH in 6 seconds will not keep you from running over that dog that decided to cross the road in front of you. Braking power is on a magnitude of 10 or so. A motor capable of generating enough horse power to stop a bike as quickly as friction brakes would be huge. That’s assuming there’s enough of a need for the amount of power it generates. If the batteries are full and you don’t have any electrical accessories on there will be no regenerative braking available. The safest way to dump all that energy is through heat (or pressure). Conventionally brakes are heat engines and are measured in horse power. Electric dump brakes have huge resistors and the amount of braking force is predictable and not dependent on the power requirements of the rest of the system.
Stick with disc brakes and keep it simple, inexpensive, and proven.
-todd
Edward says
Hey guys–
My name is Edward West, and I’m one of the co-founders of Mission Motors.
I really appreciate your thoughtful comments and feedback. I know that if it isn’t a hit with you guys, it means we’ve got more work to do.
Rest assured that we’re for real, and we’re working incredibly hard to make this the first no-compromise electric superbike.
To answer some of your questions–
Mechanicaldan: the left hand control is in fact the rear hydraulic disc brake lever. Because there is no clutch, the left hand was free to do more work. We’ve opted to use a Brembo 16RCS radial master cylinder, which allows for much much more controlled application of the rear brake than stabbing at it with your stiff boots.
Todd and Mechanicaldan: There is regenerative braking, and it is exclusively on the rear wheel now. The regenerative braking characteristics are tunable to rider preferences, at different speeds. This can give the rider anything from the experience of a single cylinder four-stroke, to something that is basically like coasting in neutral or with the clutch lever pulled in. For reasons of keeping the unsprung weight down, we have no plans at this time to put a motor in the front wheel.
Nicolas– in your response to Motorod you are on target- the exotic low volume technologies needed to produce these vehicles do not come cheap. As electric vehicles become more popular, these technologies will become more affordable.
Clive– the 150 mile range is at EPA driving cycle. ~40mph
Walt– you’re right on for both our styling strategy and our future plans to integrate these bikes with the smart grid.
Thanks for your interest, everyone. We’re in this to create the finest sportbikes in the world, gasoline or electric, and making a bike that you guys love is priority one.
I look forward to reading more of your feedback over time, and we’ll keep you posted on our progress.
Take care,
Sincerely,
Edward West
Azzy says
What happens in a crash? How safe is the rider and everyone else?
As for regenerative braking, they have to stilll have some sort of physical brake, in case there is an electrical fault. Just like an airplane, you got to have a mechanical backup… jsut in case. Never know when a tin wisker or other gremlin is going to destroy your commute.
As with most things., I would rather keep away form all the fancy electronics. None of my electronic devices seam to last all that long now, and Ive had and have bikes that are about 30 years old and start liek they were made yesterday.
Cant say that about a battery pack and a controller now.
Fergus Finn says
How can it be the fastest “production” Electric Motorcycle in the world if its not yet in production? Lot’s of hype here but not much facts.Other than a test bike that were not allowed to see runing, what is there? Not a lot!
Zaffod says
They dont seem to mention its weight anywhere. It has components at superbike size and that suggests it may weigh the same or more!
kneeslider says
To those wondering about weight, please read the article. I asked Forrest about it when we talked prior to the bike’s unveiling, it is currently about 30 to 40 pounds more than a standard gas powered sportbike, final weight numbers will be determined after final material choices for a few components are made.
Swagger says
So what we’re looking at once we bypass all the “It’s not green enough” whining and the ridiculous “It’s not dirty enough” stupidity, is simply *The Next Step*. I believe the word evolution has been used somewhere here and that’s what we’re seeing, and as in all things, those capable of evolving and adapting will have a better chance of succeeding over those that can’t or in some sad cases won’t.
Quit with the pissing contest and see this for what it is: A truly innovative concept ride that has the potential to open the world to a viable alternative to dinosaur burning engine, at least in some applications.
The fact that it has acceptable performance characteristics should excite everyone, not just the homemade granola munchers or techheads. Personally, I ride big dirty literbikes (my R1 is my current favorite) but the fact that at some point in the near future I could hop on something with comparable performance that would be cheaper to run and less of a drag on the planet is really intriguing.
Well done gentlemen, I can’t wait to see how this develops!
Walt says
For those who would miss the sturm und drang of a petro-powered bike, here’s my idea: Mount speakers and an amp behind those grid panels, then program the rider’s choice of sounds controlled by the throttle and coordinated with bike speed. Instead of a mild humm or whirr this thing could sound like a Ducati, a Gixxer a Hog, a Pro Stocker or an F-15.
johnny says
Walt: what a great idea! it would certainly make it more appealing. great bike-I thought the pics were 3d mockups, but it actually exists-rather crap video, but you can see how it looks. pretty cool
http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2009/02/mission-one-electric-superbike.html#more
Jar says
I say good luck to Mission with this thought. I’d like to get to the point where an electric powertrain is a viable alternative on all counts to a comparible fueled counterpart.
I appreciate the fact that the company is not out there beating the “Green” drum to a significant extent, and rather proposing the bike as a powertrain alternative – a simple choice – just as are our choices for 2, 4, 6, or 8 cylinders, 2 strokes or 4 strokes, wankel or reciprocating.
On the design side, I’m a little bit disappointed. I’m impressed with the resistance to make it look like a “Tron” bike, or some other sculpted form that only resembles a motorcycle in the fact that it has two wheels. That said, I’m surprised that it is such a slabby looking squished up Duc with a tail section that seems a bit dust buster-ish with lattice work on the tank that is more than a little reminiscent of grandma’s living room radiator shroud. Given that the powertrain is likely on the order of a large coffee can, little batteries can be arranged in plenty of configurations (not just a big brick), and with no exhaust it seems to me designing an aesthetic for such a platform would be incredibly freeing, yet we’ve arrived at a very monolithic, blocky form that seems to take little advantage of the lack of “mechanicals”.
I’m more curious about what is “new” on the electrical/powertrain side of this vehicle vs. what has just been repackaged. What motor is being used? Is it brand spanking new technology, capable of something more than current market offerings? Are the batteries somehow improved over existing technologies? What cooling solutions have been implemented and how might they be different or better than what someone else might be doing?? The Tesla car is less than impressive to me – the major design hurdle seemingly to be how to cool 800lbs worth of laptop batteries. No tangible new development here – take a killer car, and add about 500lbs net, reduce the range, and add another stack of $$$ doesn’t get me all involved. Is the bike more of the same??
The belt vs. chain question is also a good one – I would think a belt to be more efficient and less weight to package. My biggest concern, however, is with chassis stiffness. Most current roadrace inspired designs use the motor as a stressed component of the chassis. Batteries would not like to live is such a state. So, we’ve eliminated approximately 225-250lbs of reciprocating powertain/trans that used to be able to carry load, and replaced it with 225-250lbs of electric motor and batteries that absolutely would not like to see any of it. Which would push a guy in a direction that would require a much heavier chassis design overall, comparitively. Not such a good thing. I’d also be curious about weight bias and CG location. What about jacking tendencies? Is the output sprocket inline with swing arm pivot? No need for cush drive anymore, no slipper clutches, no shiftys (weird)….
All in all, would be a fun project to be involved with…..
Get a few made, hit the IMS shows, and bring a trailer with 2 or 3 more for test rides. It’s a cool idea, and when the battery tech gets there, these guys will likely be ready.
B.Case says
I think this is highly encouraging. Hearing about startup companies like this, with innovative concepts and financial backing, gives me hope that anything is possible.
But, as far as I know, Tesla is not dead yet. Every new technology has a few hurdles in the beginning, this has not changed. I think that because of the internet, the general public hears about those hurdles more. Besides, people are what make these ideas work, and it looks like Mission has got a good mix of people.
I’m excited to follow along and see how Mission will overcome the obstacles they face. Though, please leave out all the hokey fake-sound generators and/or other gimics that so many people suggest for future electric vehicles. Whatever natural sound the machine makes will be fine for me please. I say keep it simple, and let the design dictate what it wants to be. I think Béhar’s packaging for a motorbike is refreshing. P.S. 2009 Bonneville speed trials are 8/30-9/3.
-brian
Mehul Kamdar says
My guess is that as the development progresses the manufacturers would probably look at some of the more advanced batteries being designed by Altairnano and Eestor to refine the design further. I wonder if they plan on showing it at the Chicago motorcycle show. Would be nice to see it there.
OMMAG says
Well it seems that Mission is on the right track from the power train standpoint.
FOR MY MONEY I’ll be looking for an electric bike when the package provides the performance in all areas that a comparably priced motor bike. Range, freedom to ride at whatever performance level I chose whenever I chose … flexibility.
I think all these issues are managable and I’m hoping to see a product in the dealers in a couple of years.
I want a bike that works like a bike regardless of the power source.
I want controls that do what controls are supposed to do on a bike.
I want it built to function as opposed to look a certain way or conform to some irrelevant ideology of wht is or is not envirnmentally friendly.
And BTW petroleum as a fuel for vehicles is NOT going away in your lifetime so no matter what comes down the pipe in electric vehicles the final determinating factor in the market success of these vehicles is going to be how they work.
Leo says
Do electric bikes have to be ugly? I love the effort and all, but as for design trends this bike seems like something out of a futuristic movie made in the 80’s. ( And no, Akira is not that movie)
Florian says
wohow, their’s nothing wrong with the design!
though it reminds me to another designer, he also draw these über basic lines,
high tank, low windshield, kawasaki-look-alike tale, he draws commics,…
and the triangles are verry common in the world of designers these day’s.
the only thing I can say is;
Veeeeeeeeerry good job. every designer should take an example from this one; it’s cool, fast, new design (though not futuristic), and above all; it’s GREEN!!!
with much respect.
face scrape 2001 says
drive systems have many alternatives that I’ve seen over the last 35 years of riding, chain, belt, hydraulic, but I reckon shaft drive is the way to go, a la BMW/Honda/Yamaha et al have used shafts on their internal combustion em/cee’s.
Florida says
Wowwww. Nice job. I would like to see it look more like a traditional Cruiser But I would be more interested in it being Green and the range and recharge time. Do you want a test rider on the East Coast. I want the job. I’ll come ride it cross-country…would be interesting to see how long that would take at reasonable driving speeds. . Fantastic idea and well thought out. I think you will sell many of them, especially if you can get the range up a little but I don’t think 150 miles with a 2 hour recharge is too bad at this point in the design stage. Keep up the good work…
Mark says
Would be nice to see a removable battery pack, that way service stations could have pre-charged packs ready to swap out on the trip. Obviously it would take a Govt, or industry standard of some sort. Perhaps Mission is/should talk to other electric mfgrs like Tesla to create a standard battery pack for such service station availablility.
dreamer.
fearnow says
Freaking BRILLIANT.
Brad says
About damn time! Why haven’t the Asian makers come up with a cheaper model yet? I’ve been wanting an electric motorcycle for decades now, but not one at that price! As much as I’d love to have one it would have to be alot cheaper for me to afford one. No noise, no vibration, instant throttle response, no shifting gears how could you NOT want one! Why we still use combustion motors in this age should be a crime against humanity. I just wish the Asian companies would give us in the States the rest of the world’s selection of bikes, like CBR400s, and African Twins.
Ian says
Hi, just reading through the differing coments the only downside I see is the lack of noise. Theres nothing better than hearing a super bike take off from the grandstand, down Brayhill and out to quarterbrdge and braddan bridge a good couple of miles away at full chatt. Apart from that little winge, I look forward to seeing the mission. Edward will the bikes be on show to the public in TT week? Well done chaps, hope you have a safe and successful ride in June. Oh MOTOROD, we don’t have a speed limit on the island so 150 sounds good!!!
Eris says
‘…What grates me though, if the “environmentally friendly†claims. Where do you think the energy comes from? If it’s wind or solar, fne … but if you’ve burned fossil fuels to generate it, you’re really dealing with another form of “internal combustionâ€. While it may be more efficient, it isn’t the answer.’
Maybe so, but change doesn’t take place through the night! Issues like global warming take years to roll over. We have been been using compustion for a while now and it is the standart and changing standarts it is not the easiest task! It takes years and decades.
It is important that design and engineering goes through this process for number of reasons and one of them is for this project to act as an inspiration for the next/other one. ‘Little’ projects such as this bike leave a mark on anyone that lays eyes on it. Change will happen! It is a slow but right now it is a steady process. Did you find out about the quick charging battery? How about implementing that on this bike, it might transofrm it into a touring bike because the battery takes only seconds to charge! How about reducing speed and increasing mileage?
There are plenty of viable options and with time they will be implemented, it is only fair to say that every citizen has to take responsability for their actions towards a ‘greener’ enviroment. Therefore seeing this project as just another ‘comedy’ is not an excuse. I understand your criticism but look on the bright side and things might just get better as we go along, with time.
Zooby says
Interesting bike. What’s with the video camera guy? I could shoot a smoother video from a moving roller coaster during an earthquake.
Bad Mr. Frosty says
Interesting concept, figured something like this was in development after hearing about the Tesla for so long. Not sure this is the technology to use, perhaps a hydrogen powered bike would be better suited for what we are used to, though size limitations are a concern for that tech at the moment.
For this bike, personally I just don’t like the style, I would not buy it just due to that, looks like it is based on a Duck SS, or even something from MV Augusta, but for me it lost something in the translation.
Also concerned with this technology, the Tesla is having all sorts of reliability issues, can see similar problems with this vehicle.
As for a belt drive on a sports bike….this bike is aimed an a non-cruiser crowd, chains are the way to go on performance based bikes and cheaper to build, maintenance on chains is WAY overstated and seems to scare the cruiser crowd. It can be done so quickly and easily while rolling a bike into the garage. Plus belt drives ad weight and weight seems to be an issue with this bike at the moment due to battery weight.
This bike does nothing for me, just can’t get past it’s styling, to me it is ugly, and I am the type that likes unusual things and vehcles. I love bikes, but not this one.
Jax says
I do think making electric bikes is cool and looking back of many years ignoring the warning signs of pollution it is clearly the result of that. I personally build cool middlesize engines bobber, be it brits or japs, is all good, but at the same token i must admit that this bike (even though its based on a Ducati) is one of the most ugly mofo bike ive ever seen around. The attempt of making a roadwothy fast electric bike is top knocth, but common lads, give the bike a decent design, to go with it, and you migth get other people interested insted of only eco friendly people. This bike surely need to appeal to the masses, if any effect going to come out of this, and dont say crap like, oh its only a prototype, we will build a series which will come out in the shops i year 2022, but as you all know we havent got time on our side. You need to get this bike out, very soon, but tasteful, not a cardboard box look.
Eric Henion says
Really neat,,,,,,would add one one to the stable at a more realistic price, if this is the future it looks bright.
Angel Uriarte says
Eventually it will come out, because it makes sense. But the world has yet to solve the problem of battery life, i mean the lost of capacity of charge over time with use.
Will the petrol stations be transformed into battery recharge units? Or will they just give you a new one and keep the used battery? Interesting
chris says
maybee I missed the quarter mile speed while I read this quickly. I am 41 and have owned nightrods, hyabusas, zx11s, gpz1100s, and even a v65 magna. in over 20 years I can tell you that to a person who likes to ride fast the important things are top speed and quarter mile speed. my nightrod only did 135 and even with 120 horses it pulled 12s. thats dissapointing to me personally. if this bike does 150 and pulls 12s then my 19 year old zx11 can destroy it in every way imaginable. why would I buy it? are motorcycles poluting the earth that much? cars trucks and factories are more of an issue than my bike. please dont sell me an electric bike that looses to 20 year old machines and tell me how fast it is.
chris says
they wont let me post what I want to say but that never helps sales…… whats the quarter mile?
chris says
I apologise, I see my post. sorry. also I understand that for an electric bike this is an achievement. what im saying is that when the price comes down to where we can all get one quarter mile speed counts. the oddball who wants a ktm super duke or an old buell or runs with race bikes but has a triumph or vrod is one thing, but for most of us the idea is that we have a 10 second machine (or better) that handles well and if we pay alot of money we certainly want top speed to be the agreed 186 mph. many will say 150 is fats enuff and I do see the sense in that but the quarter mile is very very important. if I walk away from your 68 thousand dollar bike at a light then when the price comes down to 20 grand I still wont buy when I can get a zx14 for less and destroy every mission one I see.
Daniel says
The batteries are lithium so they’ll last at least a decade.
Chris R. says
The Mission One is definitely the was of the future. Yeah sure you sport nuts out there will try and boast My X bike with X size cc engine can leave you in the dust. But that is missing the point.
The Mission One looks to be every bit the fast daily rider I want in a motorcycle. A quick bike with range to spare but still has the guts to get up to speed and get out of trouble. Or even get into a little trouble too! 😉
The last reaming question for me is rain riding. Being a daily rider in the rain or shine I want to make sure the Mission One can survive the elements. I wouldn’t mind a little traction control while were at it too.
doc nelson says
Lots of grumbles about speed and acceleration,Team Agnia had the Isle of Man TT this year in its 1st running of electric bikes and even experienced riders and racers all admit that these bikes are fast enough,quiet and fun as well as green so for speed jockeys I would say give it time and allow the battery development to catch up as there are hydrogen cell as well as lithium Ion cells and with further development and interest one of these will improve to the point that it becomes better in distance and speed and becomes more practical,there is already the requirement by the public with fuel prices over £5 a gallon and there is already production electric bikes in the off road as well as on road scene.
Yola says
I think this is highly encouraging. Hearing about startup companies like this, with innovative concepts and financial backing, gives me hope that anything is possible.
I’m excited to follow along and see how Mission will overcome the obstacles they face. Though, please leave out all the hokey fake-sound generators and/or other gimics that so many people suggest for future electric vehicles.
Dawie says
Hello All
How about replacing house roof tiles with solar tiles?, create your own energy for your electric vehicles.You cant go of the grid with your house hold but transport, I believe it will be possible very soon.
Eduardo Olazaran says
I would love to have one and if you could do a kind of small car for two with the same characteristics than the motorcycle, would be great too, congratulations!!!
tlc1220 says
Well, this is all well and good, and granted, new technologies are expensive at first, but $68K for a motorcycle? Are you people nuts? These things will go the way of the Edsel if they can’t get that price down..way down.
HDHal9000 says
The greenies and techies can find something to love about this bike, as can most of the avid two-wheelers out there…..BUT (you knew that was coming, didn’t you?), a motorcycle that makes no noise will be a death-trap on the road (more even than some of you think they already are). Car drivers who are texting while steering with their knees are never gonna see you coming until they make contact with your silent ride. So, B-Case, if you want a silent ride, I suggest you spend 10 minutes on a real motorcycle on a real road and see how safe you’d feel if you were going through real traffic in stealth mode. I’d be interested in seeing how the regenerative braking works if one was going too hot into a corner. Could the excess speed be scrubbed off without relying solely on brakes alone? All in all, a nice start, to be sure. The cost will come down once the R&D costs have been taken care of, so if that’s your only objection, it WILL come down. My guess is that this will be a lot more practical in the short term to put a motor like this in a small four-wheeler for runs to the grocery store. A 150 mph rating is great, and not excessive as some of you have tried to argue. Again, get on a real motorcycle and learn quickly how readily available power can be the difference between life and death. It does NOT mean that the buyers of this bike are going to be ripping down Main Street at 150 mph just because they can! Sheesh! The biggest drawback for me is the 150 mile range. I cover that before noon on any Saturday just going around town. Without a quick-charge capability (and I’m talking 5 minutes – not 2 hours – like stopping at a gas station is today), it is a confirmation of needing to directly address this issue quickly, or just simply transfer the technology to a car and be done with it.
spyderryderaus says
I can’t wait for electric motorbikes to become a normal everyday occurrence. Instant power, who doesn’t want that?
Kirsten says
I am interested in this motercycle, A great way to save the enviroment. A prototype of a rechargable bike would be cool. Such as when your not on the bike…like batman a secrurity shell covers the bike and gathers suns energy while the shell is on. Not only would that allow riders not to be depended on gas but also allow the freedom to charge where ever, would be a great selling point. People would probably dish out more money for that freedom as well. Thanks for readingm, Let me know if you like that idea as well. Kirsten
Antibubba says
I don’t need 150 mph; 80 would be fine. Even a 60 mph, 200 mile scooter would be a huge advance over what is available now.
Dave says
if i was a major company designing an electric motorcycle i think that i would fit it with some sort of charging system so there was no need for re charging. like some sort of altinator of some kind.
Isak says
I don’t hear motorbikes until they are really close to me when I drive a car, and I don’t listen to music *that* loud when I drive.
As a frequent bicyclist both in cities and the countryside, I find my only options to be to improve my visibility and to avoid accidents other ways. If I rode a motorbike I would probably assume that cars don’t hear me, and definitely not guess where I will be in a few seconds time.
john says
150 miles per hour and 150 mile range? no way. a couple years ago the top bike out there was doing 60 at 60 with roughly the same batteries.
you can charge things faster or slower depending on the charger. Faster one’s are more expensive.
do a search for Yamaha’s electric scooters from 2003. They produce music for safety and one is a ethenol fuel-cell vehicle. too bad never made it to production.
Derek says
Most writers to this discussion seem to be missing one basic point. That is that most of the worlds population does not want a super electric bike that does 150Mph! So why why bother drawing comparisions with other superbikes?
It would be nice however to have a safer, greener bike that travels at legal speeds and does not lack torque or practicallity. It would seem that after race track proving a practical model needs to be produced. With no gear changing or clutch to operate and steady torque the bike could be a winner with the masses provided the top speed is reigned in to sensible levels. Would you let your 16 year daughter ride it to college every day?
Jay says
wow definatley a step in the right direction though it will ruin the “feel” of a sportsbike.
i get people stepping out in front of me all the time in town and my bike has a vaguely legal pipe on it. this bike could lead to a lot of accidents
James says
think about our environment…
the bike has no emission
its green beast…. LOL
Carlos says
Love the fact that it literally out performs the typical combustion engine sports bike. The design I would say falls a bit short of my expectations for a futuristic, technologically advance sports bike though. Hopefully with time they can lower costs of production to make it affordable to the average rider.