As major automakers and electric specialists battle it out to become the number one electric vehicle maker, a small Oregonian company is slowly sneaking into the lead in the world of electric motorcycles. Featured in The Wall Street Journal Blogs this weekend, Brammo motorcycles likes to think of itself as the “Antithesis of Tesla”, but has just successfully completed the first $12.5 million of its series B funding.
Who are Brammo? And what of their two bikes, the 2011 Enertia and 2011 Empulse?
Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher with 2011 EnertiaEven though its motorcycles are now sold worldwide, Brammo likes to stay close to its founding principals and roots. There’s an air of transparency about the firm, from its innovative ShockingBarack tour which combined social media, couch-surfing and an epic road trip through to the fact that its CEO still has his email address on the company website. The company enjoy active participation in motorsport, including the TTXGP, the world’s first zero-emissions motorcycle race series.
Onto the motorbikes. Brammo has always prided itself on producing electric motorbikes which look and feel like conventional motorbikes. Gone are the step-through maxi scooter designs typified by early electric two-wheelers and in its place motorcycles which even the hardiest of bikers might try.
Brammo’s first electric motorbike, the Brammo Enertia, is aimed directly at commuters and offers all-electric transport from $7,995. Using 3.1 kilowatt hours of lithium ion phosphate batteries, it is capable of traveling at up to 60 mph, and has a range of between 20 and 42 miles, depending on how it is ridden.
Brammo Inertia assembly lineAnd unlike cars like the 2011 Nissan Leaf, the Brammo can charge to full in under four hours using a standard 110V outlet. The charger is built into the Enertia too, meaning an Enertia owner can recharge wherever there is a domestic power outlet.
Earlier this year, Brammo announced the Empulse, a motorbike it hopes will move beyond the commuter market and into the recreational and sports spheres.
With a top speed of 100 mph, a motor capable of producing 40 kilowatts of power and 59ft-lbs of torque, the Empulse is designed to thrill. Offered in three variants starting at
$9,995 with a battery capable of providing 60 miles of range at 100 mph through to the top model at $13,995 capable of traveling 100 miles at 100 mph the Empulse has yet to reach the showrooms, but Brammo is already taking orders.
While anything from $7,995 through to $13,995 may appear a large price for a motorbike, both the Enertia and Empulse are eligible for 10% federal tax credits.
Most interestingly of all, Brammo has partnered with electronics retailer Best Buy to offer its motorbike range in select stores, bringing the Brammo to more customers than ever.
If you live and work in a temperate state and the thought of commuting to work on two wheels doesn’t phase you, the Brammo Enertia or Empluse could be your best route to all-electric motoring.
View original artcle at: “https://www.greencarreports.com//news/1050077_going-on-two-wheels-your-introduction-to-the-2011-brammo-motorcycle-range”
