Autoesque

The new all-electric Zero MMX has been developed exclusively for the United States’ Special Operations Forces. Its selection by the military isn’t to make an environmental statement though. Rather, it’s because a lack of noise and a reduced heat signature make the Zero stealthier than a petrol-powered bike.

Electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero has launched its 2013 range of law enforcement bikes.

When the UK government announced earlier this week it was ring-fencing £43 million for Plug-in Car Grants , there was a mostly positive response from the motor industry. However, the exclusion of electric motorcycles from the scheme has been met with criticism. The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) is not too happy, and it has already contacted the Department for Transport demanding an explanation for the omission. Quite rightly, the MCI points out that electric bikes beat congestion better than any car and so reduce journey times. Its stance is that the government should therefore be encouraging them, not ignoring them. There is already a selection of electric motorcycles and scooters available on the market. These include the Econogo Yogo and the Zero range, with more - such as the KTM Freeride - coming soon. In general, these bikes are more expensive than their petrol-powered counterparts, due mainly to the cost of the batteries. Therefore, some cash from the governmen...

Austrian manufacturer KTM has unveiled its Freeride electric bikes at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show. Available as either an off-road enduro or a street-orientated supermoto, both versions share the same battery and motor technology. That means a peak 30 horsepower and a top speed of 43 mph (70 km/h). Performance is helped by the two bikes being so diminutive - total all-in weight is only 90 kg, including the battery pack. As with most electric vehicles, it’s the battery that will be so critical to the success of the product. Price, performance, range and recharging time are all directly influenced by it. According to KTM, the Freeride’s 2.5 kWh battery should be good for one hour of off-road riding. After that, it’ll take 90 minutes to fully recharge, although alternatively it can simply be swapped over for another one - assuming the rider can afford the cost of a spare. KTM is planning to commence European Freeride sales in spring 2011, with a price expected to be ‘under €10,0...