Electric motorcycle potential is on the charge

New research could see 370-mile battery range for electric motorcycles

New research carried out by the University of Waterloo, Canada has found that altering the material negative electrodes (one of the components that make up batteries) could give huge capacity increases.

Basically, electric bikes could now be powered three-times more than before. 

The race to find a suitable way to power vehicles has upped pace recently after the UK Government announced new plans last year that will see a ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles in the UK by 2040, in a bid to reduce harmful nitrogen dioxide emissions.

With electric vehicles becoming more of a focal point for the future, we’re sure the new findings are very welcome news for manufacturers. With triple the energy density, Zero motorcycles S model claims to have a very optimistic estimated 223 mile range – Does that mean we could see this reach almost 669? If so, that’s phenomenal. 

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It will make the machines far more useable every day, with the reality of current electric bikes often struggling to see more than 100 miles on the odometer before needing to be recharged.

Batteries currently use lithium electrodes, which are very volatile and can result in fires and explosions. This also means they’re susceptible to corrosion and can’t handle repeated charge cycles.

Hoping to hit production soon, researchers discovered by adding sulphur and phosphorus to the batteries’ electrolyte liquid, a protective barrier forms that could prevent any nasty disasters.

Many makers have been chasing quick charging as the solution to the limited range of current motorcycles, yet this comes with its own set of problems. Quick charging develops considerable heat that requires extra cooling kit, which in turn increases the bike’s weight. The new battery tech should also help avoid this problem.

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