Zero Motorcycles Inc. is an American manufacturer of electric motorcycles. Formerly called Electricross, it was started in 2006 by Neal Saiki, a former NASA engineer, in Santa Cruz, California. The company is now located nearby in Scotts Valley. Zero makes a line of 100% electric motorcycles including the Zero S, SR, and FXS, and the Zero DS DSR, FX, and the new for 2020 SR/F.
Model history
The Zero S began shipping in volume in 2010, the first model year to include the Agni Motor, 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. The battery capacity was increased to 11.4kWh, and a new brushless permanent magnetAC 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. In 2014 the optional 2.8kWh "Power Tank" became available. 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. 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, 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. For 2017, all models have the interior-permanent-magnet 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 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 and the SR and DSR models. 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 6kW and 12kW onboard charging options. Zero Motorcycles also produces a line of electric motorcycles for police, authority, and military use. 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. The company recently to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Powertrain
Zero's Lithium-ion power packs and motors were developed in-house, and are branded under the names "Z-Force" and "ZF". The power pack uses a cell configuration that operates at 102 volts. The motorcycles' propulsion is provided by a single electric, air-cooled, brushless, permanent-magnet 3-phase AC motor. 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.
Racing use
Zero Motorcycles has had success racing at Pikes Peak. Zero has won the production electric motorcycle class in 2013, 2014, and 2015. In 2014 a Zero FX was the first production electric motorcycle to break the 12 minute mark. In 2012, Brandon Miller set a BonnevilleLand Speed Record on a Zero S ZF6 model. 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. The 10 teams competed on Zero X electric motocross bikes. Team HotChalk set a Guinness world record for the furthest distance traveled on an all-electric off-road motorcyclein 24 hours at just over 500 miles. Racers have used Zero Motorcycles against gasoline motorcycles in a number of other forms of racing, including flat-track, hare scrambles, supermoto, and supercross.
Competitors
Zero's main competitors were the now defunct VictoryEmpulse, and halted Alta Motors, but current and upcoming models from Evoke, Lightning, and Energica will compete with Zero's product lineup. Some of the larger OEMs have also released electric concepts and prototypes such as the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric concept, and Yamaha's PES1 and PED1.
Quality and service issues
All Zero Motorcycles models had a large number of recalls compared to Zero Motorcycles volumes as well as many quality issues. Press articles also mentioned service issues and management turnover, as well as injuries leading to lawsuits.
