Zero S Named European E-Bike Of 2013

Updated: Tuesday, May 21, 2013, 12:35 [IST]

Zero Motorcycles is an US based electric motorcycle manufacturer, widely considered to be the best production e-bike maker in the world. While Zero Motorcycles may not have a presence in India, we think it has the potential to build the perfect e-bike for the Indian market.

The Zero S is the company's most popular street bike. The Zero S has gone on to grab the European e-Motorbike Of The Year 2013 title at Europe's annual Clean Week 2020 event. This is the third consecutive year Zero S has won this coveted title. This should prove the capability of this electric bike beyond doubt. And this is exactly why we think you should know more about the Zero S. After all electric bikes are the future.

Zero DS, another Zero e-bike took the second place. Zero also manufacturers three other electric dirt bike models namely, FX, XU, MX, all of which are popular in their own respective segments. Go through the gallery to learn more about the Zero S.

Zero S European E-Motorbike of the Year 2013

The lifesource of the Zero S is the Z-Force battery pack. Available in two configurations, the lower end variant provides an impressive range of 165 km, while the second pack provides an astounding range of 220 km.

The battery pack can be charged using a regular outlet and 95 percent capacity can be reached in as less as one hour.

Zero says the Z-Force battery pack has a lifespan of 309,000 miles or 4,97,287 km. This means the battery will last the entire lifetime of the Zero S.

The Z-Force motor, developed completely by Zero Motorcycles offers an impressive power output of 54 HP and 68 lb-ft of torque.

Zero claims the Z-Force engine is the world's most efficient, sealed brushless, air-cooled engine. Without the need to say, the Z-Force engine features multilevel energy recovery system that works during deceleration and braking.

Zero S has a top speed of 152 km/h and 0-152 km/h is reached by the simple application of the throttle. No hassle of clutch or transmission.

Zero S employs a carbon fiber belt to drive the rear wheel, that reduces friction.

Zero S comes with two driving modes - Eco and Sport.

Unlike conventional vehicles, Zero S, being an e-bike provides better range in the city where it can constantly recover energy.

During city travel Zero-S turns the most economical, with an equivalent petrol usage of 0.51 l/100 km.

Cost of charging the Zero S once is about the same as a liter of petrol.

In the U.S Zero S costs $14,000 and $16,000 respectively depending on the battery pack. This is equivalent to INR 7.7 lakhs INR 8.8 lakhs.

Incidentally, that is about the same as the new mahindra Reva e2o electric car costs. But considering the battery in the Zero S is maintenance free and might never require to be replaced it sounds like a bargain.