Green Wheels: CRP Racing’s Energica electric streetbike

The green machine:

Energica is prototype of an electric street bike. Developed by CRP Racing, it was first displayed recently at EICMA motorcycle show in Italy. The electric model is expected to become a trend setter for all future electric street bikes, even as concept of electric bikes has not moved much beyond the infancy. Electric bikes presently sold in market doesn't generate enthusiasm among bike lovers despite of their green credentials. Reasons for this are their plain look, less speed and the need to recharge at short intervals for a long journey. However, Energica is promising to change all of this with Italian style and all the ingredients of a racing bike. Thus, while being easy on environment, it won't disappoint speed lovers as well.

Energica electric streetbike

Green factor:

Energica presents a green alternative to not only general users but also for serious bikers. It has got both the speed and looks in addition to environmental benefits. Unlike internal combustion engine-based motor bikes, Energica will not directly emit any CO2 and other particulate matters like oxides of nitrogen and sulfur in the air. This is important as a study by California Air Resources Board claims that motorcycles are about 10-20 times more polluting per mile than a passenger car, light truck or a SUV. Though they produce less CO2 as compared to a car, they emit more smog forming oxides of nitrogen as most of the bikes do not have catalytic converters.

Energica will also help save the petroleum fuel which is now selling costlier than beer at many places. In comparison to electric cars, Energica's small batteries will allow various agencies to provide for solar-power recharging stations. One such attempt has already been made by a Japanese firm, Sanyo, for electric bikes in Tokyo. The company has installed "Solar Parking Lots" which can recharge upto 40 electric bicycles at a time form solar energy. Similar projects can also be undertaken by organizations for Energica street bikes.

The powertrain

Energica is a 100 percent electric street bike. The powertrain constitutes of a PMAC synchronous motor enriched with permanent magnets that allow it to generate the power of up to 136 horsepower. Supported by a lithium-polymer battery which supplies 7.4 w/h of power, the engine produces 16 kgm torque which enables the bike to achieve a maximum speed of 220 kilometer per hour (kph).

According to the developers, the electric bike can run for about 150 kilometer with an efficiency of nearly 95 per cent. Also there is a digital multi-function LCD dashboard and 100 percent innovative LED lights. The braking system consist of Brembo front double caliper radial mount and rear single fixed caliper, apart from front double floating braking disc of .310 mm diameter and rear single braking disc of .220 diameter. Matris/Ohlins monoshock absorber with adjustable lengths has also been provided in the street bike.

The highs:

The electric street bike has been designed not only as an alternative energy source model like other electric bikes available in market today. Rather, the developers have relied on high technology and design for making this bike possible. At present, about 200 million motor bikes are used by people all over the world. The street bike can certainly make an inroad in such a huge market with all its unique credentials. In a technology dependents world of ours, motorbikes, especially electric motor bikes like Energica, will enable users with a distinct sense of freedom. While larger vehicle may get installed for reasons like traffic jams, oil embargoes and accidents, an electric street bike will certainly allow users to continue their day to day activities.

The lows:

The street bike has been priced higher. This will not allow general users to opt for an electric street bike even though it has been developed essentially to serve on streets. High price puts it in the category of a luxury vehicle. Its sale would be constrained by the absence of proper infrastructure for recharging electric bikes in cities. Also, it won't be useful for long distance bikers. Many other claims made by developers could be ascertained only after it is launched in the market.

Cost and availability:

Energica is still in the process of development. Price and other specifications might change in future. According to CRP Racing, its price range will start from €15,000 ($20,578). The company is taking advance orders at present. You can book one by paying €1,500 ($2,058).