Dr Automotive Design and Tools

Breaking the Guinness book of world records for the fastest electric vehicle/bike, the Orange county choppers sponsored electric bike riden by Larry Mcbride recorded a time of 7.46 @ 177.05 MPH beating the recently set 7.77 seconds @ 168 MPH.

Trans World Sport followed TTXGP British Army team Electric Hussars to Albacete for the TTXGP world championship final for 2010.

Also included is an interview with the Team principle for Zongshen. With footage of the British Army Tank HQ in Bovington.

Video is courtesy of IMG World.

Shawn Lawless and the crew from Discovery channel's Orange County Choppers (OCC) have set a new record for the 1/4 mile by an electric vehicle. The record was previously held by Killacycle with a 7.82 @ 168 MPH.

Breaking the Guinness book of world records for the fastest electric vehicle/bike, the Orange county choppers sponsored 360 volt electric bike recorded a time of 7.77 seconds @ 168 MPH in the Quarter Mile at Quaker City Raceway.

Both bikes are powered by A123 M1 battery cells, 2,000 for Lawless, 1210 for Killacycle and both run custom rewound DC motors paired with a high current Zilla controller.

Killacycle uses 2 modified 6.7-inch Advanced DC motors while Lawless use a 13" DC motor, believed to be of GE origin, that was originally rebuilt for Denis Berube's S-10 and his Worlds Fastest EV dragster Current Eliminator V.

TTXGP expands the global footprint for the next generation of motorsports with its first national championship in Australia

The Australian FX-Superbike Championship is a national series covering 6 rounds, starting in mid March and ending in early November. In 2011 they will partner with TTXGP to include electric superbike racing for the first time creating an Australian national e-championship. Running to the TTXGP Rule book and incorporating both the TTXGP and TTX75 classes, the new eFX Championship will be an exciting addition to the TTXGP family. Australia has a very active EV community so we are sure to see thrilling racing on innovative platforms.

Commenting on the partnership Azhar Hussain, Founder and CEO of TTXGP said "we are very excited to be working with ARTRP and help launch a new national electric championship. eFXC/TTXGP will be a fantastic opportunity for anyone wishing to join the growing group of EV racers as well as sponsor a new, exciting, high profile race series. ARTRP is both pioneering and hugely successful; they make an ideal partner for TTXGP to work with and help nurture a fast growing electric race series."

Terry O'Neill the Managing Director of ARTRP (series promoter) comments "We are very excited to be part of the expanding world of TTXGP electric motorcycle racing. We have always been involved in innovative ideas to further motorcycle racing in Australia, we started by having the first motorcycle carbon neutral racing events in the southern hemisphere and now by encouraging the local EV patrons to get involved building and racing motorcycles."

"It seemed logical to be partnering with TTXGP and having spent a long time discussing with Azhar, our and his visions, the decision was simple"

The series will be nationally televised on the very popular free to air SBS Speedweek and also on the Fox cable network as well as be distributed with all TTXGP programming across the world. The TTXGP World Series will also be available in Australia.

eFXC/TTXGP winners will be invited to attend to the TTXGP World Series Final 2011 for a chance to become TTXGP Champions 2011.

eFXC/TTXGP dates for your calendar are as follows:-

2011 Australian EFXC/TTXGP-Superbike Championship
Test : Wakefield Park Raceway (NSW) 29th April - 1st May 2011 (AFXSBK Rd2)
Round 1: Eastern Creek Raceway (NSW) 1st - 3rd July 2011 (AFXSBK Rd3)
Round 2: Winton Raceway (VIC) 2nd - 4th September 2011 (AFXSBK Rd4)
Round 3: Wakefield Park Raceway (NSW), 8-9th October 2011 TBC

Related Web Link: EFXC/TTXGP

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will start lease sales of the EV-neo electric scooter on Friday, December 24, 2010.

The EV-neo is an electric scooter developed for businesses such as transport of heavy goods or delivery services and which delivers a clean and quiet ride without compromising powerfulness. The vehicle qualifies as a first-class motor-driven cycle in Japan, for engine displacements of 50cc or less.

Honda plans to deliver about 100 monitoring vehicles between December 2010 and March 2011 to cooperating businesses in the monitoring program*1 for collecting riding data and other useful information and to start lease sales of the EV-neo to general businesses and individual business owners in April 2011. The wide range of data collected from actual business use together with the data obtained from test operations*2 of 10 prototype vehicles, conducted since October 2010, is expected to be used in future development of electric scooters and motorcycles.

On top of the excellent environmental performance offering a clean and quiet ride worthy of an electric scooter with zero CO2 emissions while riding, the EV-neo leverages a motor that, even with cargo loaded, generates high torque even in the low-speed range to achieve a powerful starting and hill-climbing performance. An in-house manufactured motor and a lithium-ion battery that apply Insight technology have been adopted, and an exclusively developed quick charger enabling full recharge in 30 minutes in a 25°C environment allows charging to be conducted at convenient intervals during the working day.

The EV-neo has been developed as a complete electric scooter that can be used in a wide variety of business situations. A body design, which features a wide and flat loading space that enables easy loading, and a flat floor that makes it easy to get on and off the vehicle, ensures ease of use in delivery services and other business situations. The EV-neo PRO, which is based on the EV-neo and will be put on sale simultaneously, adds a large rear carrier that is convenient for delivery of newspapers and other items, and a standard-equipment bracket that can further enhance load capacity by attaching a basket in front.

By offering products with outstanding environmental performance to more customers, Honda is committed to advancing its contribution to reducing CO2 emissions on a global scale.

Name		EV-neo
Model type		Honda ZAD-AF71
Dimensions (L × W × H) (m)		1.830 {1.875} ×0.695×1.065
Wheelbase (m)		1.250
Ground clearance (m)		0.120
Seat height (m)		0.756
Vehicle weight (kg)		106 {110}
Number of riders		1
Minimum turning radius (m)		1.7
Electric motor type		AF71M AC synchronous motor
Rated output (kW)		0.58
Maximum output (kW[PS]/rpm)		2.8[3.8]/5,000
Maximum torque (N·m[kgf·m]/rpm)		11[1.1]/2,000
Range (km)		34 per charge (based on a riding test at a constant speed of 30 km/h on a level surface)
Main battery type		Lithium-ion battery
Main battery voltage/capacity		72V/12.6Ah (1HR)
Power source for battery charger	Regular charger	100V AC (single phase)
	Quick charger	200V AC (single phase)
Clutch type		Dry multi-plate shoe
Caster angle (deg)/Trail (mm)		26°30´/74
Tire size	Front	90/90-12 44J
	Rear	100/80-12 56J
Brake type	Front	Mechanical, leading/trailing
	Rear	Mechanical, leading/trailing
Suspension type	Front	Telescopic
	Rear	Unit swing arm
Frame type		Underbone

Susan Carpenter of the LA Times has a look at the E-Tracer, the all-electric X-Prize-winning "cabin motorcycle".

The E-Tracer averages 205.3 miles per gallon equivalent and can reach a top speed of 200 mph. The "less than $100,000" vehicle will go into production in 2011. Its target market is California.

Electric motorcycle startup Mission Motors on Tuesday announced plans to market its powertrains to other vehicle makers.

The San Francisco-based company’s new division, called Mission Electric Vehicle Technology (MissionEVT), grew out of its development of the Mission One electric motorcycle, and the advancements it made in energy storage, drive systems and software to manage electric vehicles, according to the company.

Mission Motors president and co-founder Edward West said earlier this year that the company’s high-profile launch of its electric motorcycle had been beneficial as it looked to establish partnerships to market its powertrain technology.

Beyond motorcycles, the company says its technology can be adapted for use in automobiles, including gasoline hybrids. In addition to creating an opportunity for high-volume sales for Mission Motors, MissionEVT will also help automakers “keep pace with the rapid electrification of vehicles,” Mission Motors CEO Jit Bhattacharya said in a statement.

Mission Motors isn’t the only electric vehicle company banking on selling components and technology to other automakers. In October, Tesla Motors inked a deal with Toyota to develop an electric powertrain for an electric RAV4.

AC Propulsion today announced it has signed a Letter of Intent with Peraves AG to bring the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE-winning E-Tracer to market in the United States. Two weeks ago, Peraves’ E-Tracer took top honors in the Alternative Class (Tandem) category at the X Prize awards ceremony. Peraves, whose E-Tracer is powered by AC Propulsion’s electric drive system, becomes the first X PRIZE winner to announce production.

“We are proud to announce that we have recently signed a Letter of Intent to supply the propulsion systems to Peraves and assist in bringing the E-Tracer to market,” said Tom Gage, AC Propulsion CEO. “The E-Tracer is the perfect expression of performance with efficiency. The E-Tracer a niche vehicle, but it sets a benchmark for what can be done with electric propulsion, and that will help inform the larger EV market as it develops. That was the purpose of the Progressive X-Prize and, acting on that, it is our intention to have E-Tracers on the road in 2011.”

Although details of the collaboration are still in discussion, the Letter of Intent between the two companies signifies a positive step forward in bringing this electric vehicle to market. AC Propulsion and Peraves are making this announcement on the eve of AltCar Expo 2010, as this Southern California-based show provides both consumers and the industry with a glimpse of the latest alternative-fuel technology.

“We tried other drive systems, but AC Propulsion’s level of integration and advanced feature set gave us the advantage we needed to win the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE,” said Peraves CEO Roger Riedener. “We've been building petrol-powered versions in Europe for 15 years, but now it's the time for electric, and with this Letter of Intent, California is the place and AC Propulsion is the power.””

AC Propulsion and Peraves plan to bring 100 units to market starting in 2011. The E-Tracer will be assembled at AC Propulsion in San Dimas, California. 21st Century Motoring will serve as Peraves’ North American agency and as a key player in the sales and marketing of the E-Tracer.


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Mini's moped is, predictably, a retro styled two-wheeler. The step-through design, front fender, and curved body all bear a striking resemblance to vintage Lambretta scooters. Appropriate, we suppose, given the Lambretta -- like the Mini itself -- was once tied to the British Mod scene in the 1960s. Minor cues, including the chrome trim on the leg shield, the round projector headlamp, spoiler-like grab handle, and twin taillights do help tie the Scooter E to its four-wheeled Mini siblings.

Cosmetically, the Scooter E is a visual timewarp, but beneath the skin, it's a far cry from the oil-burning, two-stroke scooters of the 1960s. Motive power comes courtesy of an electric hub motor driving the rear wheel. The use of a wheel motor allowing designers a chance to simplify the exterior design and utilize additional space on the bike. As a result, the lithium-ion battery pack and an on-board charger are installed underneath the seat, although Mini's given no indication as to its range or charge times.

The advanced technology isn't limited to the powertrain, either. As the Scooter E is targeting young, tech-saavy hipsters, it's not too surprising to see an iPhone docking station built into the large speedometer display on the handlebars. The interface allows the iPhone to be used as an ignition key, navigation system, music device, and -- assuming you have a helmet with an integrated Bluetooth device -- a hands-free mobile phone. A rail system, much like that used in the new Countryman's center console, allows a variety of different attachments (i.e. cup holders, baskets, etc.) on the inside surface of the front fairing.

Is an electric scooter truly in Mini's future? The company isn't saying at this point, although it notes the eco-friendly driveline and "individual style" do jive with the brand's mantra. It also lines up nicely with parent BMW's Project I, which is working to develop multiple sustainable urban vehicles, including an electric cycle. Should reaction from Mini-philes and scooter nuts alike prove positive, it isn't unrealistic to see the Scooter E propped up in a Mini showroom in the years to come.


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Electric car raced electric superbike last week, as Citroën’s Survolt concept and a Mavizen TTX02 went head-to-head at Thruxton.

TTX GP leader Jenny Tinmouth was on two wheels, Le Mans driver Vanina Ickx on four. The event was set up to promote the strides that both Citroën and Mavizen are making in the electric arena.

Ickx said: “This was a fantastic experience. The lack of engine noise made it a very interesting challenge. Normally you have an idea where your opponent is by their sound, but with electric vehicles it’s so much quieter – a new racing dynamic. I had a lot of fun.”

The Agbi Z2 also knows as the TTX02 was the world’s first production electric superbike and weighs 220kg. It’s powered by 5 kWh battery pack and a 65 bhp motor. It offers a 0-60mph time of around 3.5 seconds with a top speed of just over 130mph.

The Survolt features full carbon bodywork and weighs 1.15 metric tonnes.

It’s powered by two electric motors with a combined power of 300bhp, top speed is 162mph and it makes 0-60mph in five seconds.

The 31 kWh lithium-ion battery can cover 124 miles



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Brammo, an electric vehicle company, has selected Flextronics, an electronics manufacturing services provider, as its global manufacturing partner for the production of plug-in electric motorcycles and components.
This strategic partnership enables Brammo to scale its manufacturing production in order to meet growing international demand for its products. This partnership is a continuing expansion of Flextronics's automotive segment and augments services to include new cleantech technologies and electronic systems for electric vehicles.

Craig Bramscher, CEO and founder of Brammo, said: "As Brammo pursues its international growth strategy it is critical to our success that we continue to build our strong reputation for quality, reliability and serviceability. Flextronics is focused on providing a high quality end-to-end solutions approach to leading global companies, including automotive, and this is why we have selected them as our strategic manufacturing partner. We can now scale globally with the demand and the rapid evolution of this growth industry."


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Balqon Corporation, a developer and manufacturer of zero emissions, heavy-duty electric vehicles and drive systems, announced that Lightning Motorcycle's Balqon-equipped superbike won the 2010 TTXGP North America electric motorcycle racing championship held at the VIRginia International Raceway in Southern Virginia.

Thanks in part to the unique performance capabilities of Balqon's electric power technology, Lightning Motorcycle team rider Michael Barnes dominated the TTXGP North American circuit, taking wins in three out of five races this season. One of Barnes' wins came in the final race of the season, during which he accelerated to speeds of up to 134 miles per hour on the straights.

The result of years of development by Lightning Motorcycle's founder Richard Hatfield and a crew of collaborators, the winning superbike was powered by an A123 lithium-ion battery pack, an EV1 3 phase AC motor and a Balqon electric drive system that featured Balqon's flux vector motor controller.

Balqon's flux vector motor controller regulates the flow of power between the lithium-ion battery and the AC motor during acceleration and regenerative deceleration. Balqon's proprietary software used in its flux vector controller emulates a gas engine's response and compression, making it easier for a rider to adapt to the unique performance characteristic of a high-power AC motor.

The TTXGP circuit has provided a unique testing ground for Balqon, which is more widely known for developing zero-emissions heavy-duty electric vehicles.

"This win at the world's first zero-carbon, clean-emissions superbike grand prix represents one of the most powerful demonstrations of the unique capability of our drive technology, as well as its potential broader applications," said Balwinder Samra, President and CEO of Balqon Corporation. "This racing experience has helped us further test and validate the design, reliability and performance of our drive systems under extreme duty cycles, while also promoting our newest technologies."

Remy International, Inc. announces that its subsidiary, Remy Electric Motors, LLC, has entered into an agreement with MotoCzysz LLC to bring a revolutionary, new generation electric drive system to market. The unique drive system leverages Remy's patented High Voltage Hairpin (HVH) electric motor technology and patent-pending cooling and integration technology from MotoCzysz. The resulting breakthrough is a "complete electric drive system" optimized to elicit and manage the full performance benefit of the powerful Remy motor. The new integrated D1g1tal Dr1ve is the first of its kind of a new classification of complete electric drive solutions. Its compact size, originating from motorcycle racing and winning performance, are expected to provide a remarkable efficiency advantage to automobile and other vehicle manufacturers.

MotoCzysz is an internationally recognized design and engineering firm and considered the leading innovator in the American motorcycle industry. Today, the company focuses primarily on electric drive systems and electric vehicles. "I believe electric drives are the purest and best solution to propel the majority of automobiles around the world. The D1g1tal Dr1ve was designed specifically with that vision in mind. Our partnership with Remy Electric Motors will allow us to deliver a modern, simpler, evolved replacement for the 100 year-old gas engine. Remy is a powerhouse in electric motor design and manufacturing and our first choice for a partner in this emerging sector," says Michael Czysz, Founder and CEO of MotoCzysz. Czysz concludes, "Our mutual goal is for the D1g1tal Dr1ve to deliver the highest performance, greatest efficiency and most integrated packaging solution available for companies needing electric drive solutions."

Remy, a leading global manufacturer, remanufacturer and distributor of light duty starters and alternators and Delco Remy brand heavy-duty systems, also manufactures electric motors for hybrid and electric vehicles. With over a billion miles of proven reliability, Remy motors are an industry leader. Remy CEO John Weber says, "MotoCzysz proved their ability to optimize a Remy motor with their astounding test results and win in the TT Zero electric motorcycle race on the Isle of Man this year. Integrating that same groundbreaking engineering with the patented Remy HVH motor is a win for our electric automotive and light duty commercial customers. Remy and MotoCzysz have the experience and technology to make this remarkable propulsion system the new industry standard for electric automobiles."

The new D1g1tal Dr1ve combines high performance and efficiency in the smallest, most integrated solution available. The system was originally designed to fit a motorcycle frame. When applied to automobiles, this weight and size advantage, coupled with disproportionately high performance, will leapfrog other systems and provide OEMs, integrators and converters unheard of efficiencies. In typical electric vehicles, various components from a variety of vendors are assembled and then connected together via wires. The D1g1tal Dr1ve system optimizes and matches all high-voltage components in a single housing. The highly integrated system is packaged as a "super axle" located between the two drive wheels, delivering torque with unprecedented efficiency and compactness. Additionally the D1g1tal Dr1ve's nearly wireless solution provides additional overall safety for the vehicle.

The first D1g1tal Dr1ve utilizing a liquid-cooled Remy internal permanent magnet (IPM) motor will create class-leading torque (250ft/lbs) and 100kW (135hp) of power at 93% efficiency, measured at the rotor. Future models will extend the D1g1tal Dr1ve range to include an even more powerful drive as well as a smaller, more compact option. Remy and MotoCzysz will make the game-changing D1g1tal Dr1ve unit available in the second quarter of 2011.

Brammo, Inc. announced today it will begin production of an electric sportbike, calling it the "Empulse." It demonstrated a pre-production prototype today and all three production models of the Empulse will be capable of sustaining 100 mph. The three models will have different battery capacities, all utilizing an innovative proprietary array, the Brammo Power™ battery and vehicle management system. The Empulse is available for immediate order and deliveries will commence in 2011.

Craig Bramscher, Founder and CEO of Brammo said "motorcycle riders have been requesting increased speed and range and I am proud and delighted to reveal these game changing Brammo electric motorcycles. Our customers expect Brammo to design and produce the world's most exciting (and affordable) electric motorcycles and that's exactly what we have done." Bramscher continued, "today's announcement promises no more range anxiety for Brammo customers."


The Empulse Trio
All three models of the Empulse will be freeway capable and will enjoy a top speed in excess of 100mph. Each of the three models will offer customers a different average range from a single charge. The Empulse 6.0 is capable of 60 miles average range , the Empulse 8.0 is capable of 80 miles average range and the top of the line Empulse 10.0 is capable of a travelling 100 miles on a single charge. Range of all three models can be extended by travelling at lower speeds.

Estimated MSRP for the Empulse trio when deliveries start next year are; Empulse 6.0 $9,995, Empulse 8.0 $11,995 and Empluse One Hundred $13995. All three models will be eligible for Federal and State tax incentives. For example, the Empulse 10.0 may cost as little as $7000 in certain states after Federal and State incentives.


Empulse Technology
Todays announcement sees the first application of Brammo's innovative electric powertrain system including the Brammo Power™ battery pack and Brammo Power™ vehicle management system. Brammo's breakthrough in price/energy density is at the heart of today's announcement and is unequalled in the electric vehicle industry. The Empulse is also the world's first production electric motorcycle to have a water cooled motor.

Brian Wismann, Director of Product Development at Brammo and designer of the Empulse said,

"The Empulse reveals the significant price performance that we can deliver using Brammo Power™ technology. Just like it did with the Enertia Powercycle, Brammo has again raised the bar in terms of electrical drivetrain innovation and time to market."


Empulse Availability
Customers can place their order for an Empulse by visiting the Brammo website www.brammo.com . Deliveries are expected to commence in mid-2011 and orders will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Customers placing an order will receive a production number and will be expected to pay a fully refundable $99 deposit once their motorcycle is within 90 days of delivery. The Brammo range of motorcycles will be available globally through select motorcycle dealerships and participating Best Buy stores.


Brammo Distribution

Brammo is expanding its dealership network both within the USA and in Europe and Asia. Organizations interested in selling and servicing the Brammo range of motorcycles, which includes the award winning Enertia, can register their interest by visiting www.brammo.com/dealerapplication

Adrian Stewart, director of Sales and Marketing at Brammo said "We are always looking for individuals and organizations that want to enter into a long term business partnership with Brammo to sell and service our range of electric vehicles. JCAM ,our distributor/dealer in Hong Kong and Singapore is an excellent example of such an organization. "


Forged in the Heat of Competition

Brammo Power™ technology employed in the Empulse is race proven in the Brammo Empulse RR race bike. You can see the Empulse RR in action at the 2010 Red Bull Grand Prix Mazda Raceway, Laguna Seca. Brammo will race the Empulse RR in the FIM e-Power series which will see 15 electric motorcycle teams from around the world compete on this demanding circuit.


Meet the Empulse

Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher will be unveiling the Empulse at the 2010 Red Bull Grand Prix at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, on Saturday July 24th 2010.

Later this year the Empulse will be on display at EICMA in Milan, Italy and at the Macau Grand Prix in China.

The girls over at Earth2Tech.com have started a weekly TV series having a close up look at Green vehicles.

This week Katie Fehrenbacher gets the full run down and goes for a spin on the Brammo’s Enertia electric motorcycle.

Not too sure about the thumbs up at the end but she says it "super fun to ride".

The MotoCzysz team from Portland, Oregon was dangerously close to being the first team to set a 100 mph lap on an electric motorcycle around the Isle of Man mountain course. MotoCzysz missed the 100 mph mark by less than 0.5 mph, and won't be able to claim the 10,000 pound prize, but they do get to be called the champions of the TT Zero race.

MotoCzysz's E1PC electric motorcycle, ridden by Mark Miller, pulled a final lap of 23 minutes and 22.89 seconds to take the win from defending champions Team Agni.

The E1PC clocked a 99.513 mph lap around the mountain track, and were the most consistent team racing around the mountain. Miller got the E1PC machine up to 135 mph at one point.

The local ManTTx team achieved a top speed of 107.2 mph speed, and Team Agni's Z1 reached 104 mph.

For now, the history mark of 100 mph remains in tact, but it won't stay in tact for long.

It's TT time again with the second running of the Elecric Superbike class. Last years winners Agni Motors have been eclipsed in practice by the MotoCzysz team. Mark Miller did the quickest pace yet for an electric motorcycle during the Isle of Man TT of 94.66 mph around the 37.7-mile course aboard the MotoCzysz E1pc. We thought we'd have a closer look at their machine.

The 2010 E1pc D1g1tal Superbike has a liquid cooled PM (permanent magnet) 75kW (100hp) electric motor with a torque density of 250+ft/lbs/340+Nm continuous 77lbs/35kg.

The PM solution generates more torque while being more efficient than any comparably sized AC induction motor. The MotoCzysz patent pending cooling system elevates the motor’s nominal power output closer to the motor’s peak power output.



The MotoCzysz motor can deliver a continuous 75kW (100hp) and is 93% efficient under continuous heavy load (140C). The motor is available to accommodate either right or left hand chain drive.

The MotoCzysz LQ 240V 85kW Controller is specifically optimized for the motor, in both function and packaging. Accepting 240V and 350+ amps the sealed Controller contains ALL the high voltage components and plugs directly into the motor, resulting in a nearly completely wireless (high voltage) system.

The Controller receives battery motor and rider command data and adjusts current accordingly. The Controller software has multiple embedded maps for setting or customizing functions like torque contouring and overall power settings.



MotoCzysz is currently the only EV manufacturer utilizing a functioning ‘hot swap’ battery solution and the MotoCzysz eDD system incorporates the latest generation. The new D1g1tal battery pack utilizes high density, high discharge LiPo (Lithium Polymer) cells.

Each pack is embedded with monitoring capability that sends vital data wirelessly via IR (infrared) to a DVMS (d1g1tal Vehicle Management System) and ultimately to the Controller. Additionally, each battery pack houses an LED display that indicates the overall pack as well as individual cell group data.

Each MotoCzysz (patent pending) D1g1tal Battery pack weighs less than 18lbs and effortlessly “snaps” into the “suitcase” chassis. The “suitcase” holds 8 battery packs for a total ESS (energy storage system) of 10kWh.



MotoCzysz has designed the “suitcase” chassis to optimize the ESS mass location and vehicle’s overall on board energy density. The chassis accommodates virtually any modern double sided swingarm from a 1,000cc motorcycle. The suitcase also ships with a matching top plate for the mounting/fabrication of a new or existing front end.

Michael Barnes on the no. 80 Lighning Motors Bike won top prize in the second round of the TTXG North American championship

Round Two of the TTXGP North American Championship got under way today under cool and dry weather conditions – almost perfect for many of the electric bikes that had been affected by the high heat, humidity and rain experienced during the practice and qualifying sessions of the past two days.

The race was started by TTXGP guest Steven Li, the CEO of Kelly Controllers of China, a key supporter and supplier to the TTXGP World Series 2010.

Despite lining up from the back of the pack, Michael Barnes surged ahead at the start and took the checker flag for Lightning Motors and celebrated the team's first victory after finishing second at Infineon just three weeks ago. He averaged 80.402 mph over the five lap distance of the 4.05 mile circuit

Zoe Rem took second place on the AGNI Motors bike, making her the first female rider to podium at a TTXGP race. Thad "the WolffMAN" Wolff came third on the Team Electra bike, proving that a combination of racing experience, a vintage chassis and a high-tech electric powertrain can provide enough power for a podium finish. His thoughts on his secret for success "its the mileage not the age".

Jennifer Bromme of Werkstatt, finished fourth despite suffering a rolling repeat of the "reboot stop" of Infineon round 1 during the Road America race.

James Pooler on ElectricMotorSports.com suffered from major over heating and dropped back early to finish fifth. The EMS boys were quick to diagnose the issue and promise to come back fighting fit for Mosport.

Mike Hannas was unable to repeat his Infineon success again being affected by the heat exacerbated by punishing long straights of Road America.

Scotty Ryan rounded off the field to an excellent day of racing with the big winners being the fans who were well rewarded with a great show and appreciated the hard work by filling the TTXGP paddock at the Orion Tech Center after the race. The teams graciously answered questions, signed t-shirts and allowed fans to take photographs against the bikes.

The prize giving ceremony was presided over by George Bruggenthies, President and General Manager of Road America.

TTXGP North American Championship 2010 now moves to round 3 Mosport, Canada on 8-11th July. We invite you all to be part of it and watch evolution happen in real time, with real speed and real thrills.

Special thanks to David Herron for allowing us to use his photos.

FinishedNo. Name Team Laps Best Tm Best Speed
1 80 Michael Barnes Lightning Motors 5 2:57.689 82.053
2 22 Zoe Rem Agni Motors 5 2:55.874 82.900
3 37 Thad Wolff Team Electra 5 3:06.374 78.230
4 23 Jennifer Bromme Werkstatt 5 3:20.053 72.881
5 20 James Pooler ElectricMotorsport.com 5 3:11.849 75.997
6 15 Mike Hannas Electric Race Bikes 5 3:27.094 70.403
7 16 Scotty Ryan Square Wave Racing 4 3:57.668 61.346

Cycling’s long history with doping means that any dramatic victory is as likely to create suspicion as admiration. But the whispers surrounding Fabian Cancellara’s decisive wins in two of this spring’s most important races have a novel twist: they accuse him of using a tiny electric motor to help power his legs.

Although no one offered proof, and Cancellara dismissed the allegations as “stupid,” online speculation reached such a point that on Wednesday it crashed the Web servers of an Austrian company that makes an invisible motor system for bicycles. And the International Cycling Union, while carefully noting that it is not investigating any specific rider or team, is reviewing the need for a new bicycle inspection system to detect motorized cheating.

Several weeks have passed since Cancellara, an Olympic champion from Switzerland, won the Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. The suspicions about his winning methods were outlined in a report shown last week by RAI, the Italian broadcaster, that did not mention his name.

In the report, Davide Cassani, a cycling commentator for the network and former professional rider, displayed a racing bicycle that looked normal. When he pressed a button hidden under the rubber hood of a brake lever, the pedals began turning, powered by a motor and batteries tucked into its frame.

Cassani, 49 and long retired, said the assistance of a motor might enable him to return to racing and win a stage of the Giro d’Italia, which ended Sunday. Such bicycles, he said, had been used by professional riders in races, but he offered no names.



The idea of motorized cheating strikes many in the cycling world as absurd. Nevertheless, some prominent professional riders are concerned that some of their race competitors may be motoring away from them. Marco Pinotti, an Italian who races for HTC-Columbia, said that when he first heard about the hidden motor, “it seemed a stupid thing.”

“But then I came to know the technology,” he added, “and I started making connections.”

Because he lacked hard evidence, Pinotti, who finished ninth over all in the Giro d’Italia, declined to say who he thought might be using motorized assistance or in what races it might have been used.

Cancellara is an exceptionally powerful cyclist and, as a result, often the subject of rumors. His victories in the Paris-Roubaix and Flanders races followed unusually strong attacks, swiftly prompting speculation about conventional doping in the cycling world.

The talk turned to mechanical cheating after Michele Bufalino, an Italian, posted a YouTube video combining Cassani’s RAI report with video from an electric motor system maker and footage of Cancellara’s big moves in the two spring races.

Bufalino slowed the action, somewhat like analyzing the Zapruder film, to focus on Cancellara’s hand movements. The video’s suggestion was that Cancellara pressed a hidden button to switch on a motor.

“It’s so stupid, I’m speechless,” Cancellara told Agence France-Presse on Tuesday. “It’s quite funny, but it’s become a bigger story and is no longer so funny. It’s a sad and really outrageous story.”

The speculation in the cycling community is that the powered bicycle contains a Gruber Assist motor from Austria.

Monika Schweitzer, the chief executive of Gruber, said she was surprised by the suspicion that her product could be used for professional-level cheating. Her staff struggled to revive her company’s overwhelmed Web site on Wednesday.

The company’s product, which sells for 2,000 to 2,200 euros, or about $2,400 to $2,650, depending on the battery, was intended for the aged, the injured and the infirm, and for recreational cyclists who want the boost of an electric motor without the embarrassment that comes from riding an obvious electric bicycle.

“It’s an old person’s look,” she said of other electric bikes.

The Gruber Assist boosts riders’ efforts rather than transforming their bicycles into motorbikes. Schweitzer said the system supplements a rider’s input by an additional 100 to 110 watts. Given that a pro cyclist might typically produce about 400 watts during the final 30 minutes of a race, the device offers a significant gain despite a weight gain of about four pounds for the stock system.

Cyclists speculated that it would be used only to provide a short boost during races.

To accommodate a Gruber Assist, Schweitzer said, a racer’s bike would have to be modified to hide the batteries inside the frame (they normally rest in an obvious saddle pack) and to alter the motor’s gearing to match a high pedaling rate.

When operating, the Gruber Assist emits a distinctive whir, although Schweitzer acknowledged that the sound could easily be overwhelmed by the noise from crowds, helicopters, motorbikes and team cars that surround riders in major races.

Bicycle inspections are rare. Sometimes before high mountain stages in major races like the Giro d’Italia, they will be checked for compliance with minimum weight rules. Time trial bicycles are also scrutinized for compliance with complex aerodynamic regulations.

In a statement, Cancellara’s employer, Team Saxo Bank, dismissed the accusations.

“We are confident that the majority of those people who have come across this video see it for exactly what it is: a creative amateur artist’s attempt to express a purely hypothetical idea that has no basis of fact or truth,” the team, which is based in Denmark, said. “We are confident that the public can see through the nonsense this myth has presented and respect Fabian for what he is.”

The cycling union expects to issue a statement on its plans, if any, to look for motors within two weeks, Enrico Carpani, a spokesman, said from Switzerland.

“Maybe we are facing a general problem,” he said. “You never know with technology.”

Zero Motorcycles have put together a video to publicize their win at the TTXGP race recently held at Infineon Raceway.

The 46-minute video (above) covers the entire June 16 race along with race winner Shawn Higbee’s post-race burnout and the obligatory trophy presentation on the podium.

The dogfight at the head of the field is AC versus DC. The Zero Motorcycles bike is actually the Isle of Man TTXGP race winner with a paint job. It runs 2x Agni brushed DC motors that put out a total of approx 80 hp. The Yellow Lightning Motorcycles bike blowing it off down the straights runs a AC motor out of EV1 which is good for 137 bhp (102 kW) powered by a souped up industrial inverter where the fuel tank would normally be.

The Zero motorcycle outperforms the lightning bike in the turns throughout the race but it's not clear how much difference the skill levels of the riders contributes to the difference in performance. I find it hard to believe a bike with 70% more power from the EV1 motor and that much straight line performance and could possibly handle that bad in the corners.