Zero Launches Affordable Electrics
By Ben Purvis
While Zero has arguably championed the cause of electric motorcycles more successfully than any other dedicated EV two-wheeler brand, it's still far from the mainstream - even after 18 years of effort. Meanwhile relative newcomers from China like Surron have made huge bounds in sales with their low-cost, dirtbike-style electrics. Now Zero is aiming at that market segment with a pair of new models - the XE and XB.
The XE is the larger of the two, but still substantially smaller and lighter than Zero's existing offerings with a kerb weight of just 101 kg. It packs a removeable 4.3 kWh battery driving a 15.5 kW motor, and a full recharge takes only 5.5 hours from a standard 220v wall socket. There are three riding modes - Eco, Standard and Sport - and a hill-hold feature to make riding even simpler, as well as an auto throttle cut-off if the bike falls over. A forged aluminium frame and swingarm help keep the weight to a minimum, and the suspension is fully adjustable, with 21 in front and 18 in rear wheels to emphasise the offroad intent. It's road legal, though, in Europe at least, with LED lights and all the required equipment in terms of licence plate brackets and mirrors, and with a top speed of 85 km/h it's more than capable of keeping up with urban and suburban traffic. Range is a claimed 100 km at 50 km/h.
"New XB and XE models bring the brand to a new market"
The XB is an even smaller, lighter option, weighing a mere 63 kg and with a 45 km/h top speed, making it legal for moped licence holders. The battery, at 2.4 kWh, is smaller than the XE's and needs just 3 hours for a full charge via a 220v socket. Spare batteries will also be offered, so you can swap a fresh one in to instantly replenish the range. At 7.5 kW it has less than half the power of the XE.
Like the XE, the XB has a forged alloy frame and swingarm as well as adjustable suspension, and the battery can be charged either in the bike or removed to be charged indoors.
