Tired of reading about electric motorcycles that can barely keep up with boulevard traffic? Bikes that might travel 40 miles, or less, before dropping dead at the side of the road? We all knew electric motorcycle technology would march forward quickly, sort of like having to replace your computer due to obsolescence every year or so (at least in the old days). Now it’s your cell phone that’s obsolete every six months.

Let’s hope the Brammo Empluse has a longer shelf life than modern cell phones. This is starting to look like a real motorcycle, with decent range and plenty of speed — even for enthusiasts. Brammo announced the Empluse earlier today in three variations, including the 6.0 (capable of a 60-mile range), the 8.0 (80 miles), and the 10.0 (100 miles). These ranges come from a single charge from a normal, standard U.S. electrical outlet.

More important, and impressive, is the Brammo claim that each Empluse model “will be capable of sustaining 100 mph.” This may not be Hayabusa/ZX-14 territory, but it is plenty for most riders in the real world . . . something you could not say about most of the electric motorcycles available up to this point.

Brammo says Empluse deliveries will start next year at prices of $9,995 (for the 6.0), $11,995 (for the 8.0), and $13,995 (for the 10.0). According to Brammo, “the Empluse 10.0 may cost as little as $7,000 in certain states after Federal and State incentives.” Your CPA has all the details.

Brammo is claiming exclusive, innovative technology that includes a “breakthrough in price/energy density . . . unequalled in the electric vehicle industry.” According to Brammo, the Empluse also features the “World’s first production electric motorcycle to have a water cooled motor.” Here is the full press release from Brammo:

Brammo, Inc. announced today it will begin production of an electric sportbike, calling it the “Empulse.” Brammo demonstrated a pre-production prototype today and all three production models of the Empulse will be capable of sustaining 100 mph. The three models will have different battery capacities, all utilizing an innovative proprietary array, the Brammo Power™ battery and vehicle management system. The Empulse is available for immediate order and deliveries will commence in 2011.

Craig Bramscher, Founder and CEO of Brammo, said, “Motorcycle riders have been requesting increased speed and range and I am proud and delighted to reveal these game-changing Brammo electric motorcycles. Our customers expect Brammo to design and produce the world’s most exciting (and affordable) electric motorcycles and that’s exactly what we have done.” Bramscher continued, “Today’s announcement promises no more range anxiety for Brammo customers.”

The Empulse Trio

All three models of the Empulse will be freeway capable and will enjoy a top speed in excess of 100 mph. Each of the three models will offer customers a different average range from a single charge. The Empulse 6.0 is capable of 60 miles (96 kilometers) average range, the Empulse 8.0 is capable of 80 miles (129 kilometers) average range and the top of the line Empulse 10.0 is capable of a travelling 100 miles (161 kilometers) on a single charge. Range of all three models can be extended by travelling at lower speeds.

The estimated MSRP for the Empulse trio when deliveries start next year are; Empulse 6.0 $9,995, Empulse 8.0 $11,995 and Empulse 10.0 $13,995. All three models will be eligible for Federal and State tax incentives. For example, the Empulse 10.0 may cost as little as $7,000 in certain states after Federal and State incentives.

Empulse Technology

Today’s announcement sees the first application of Brammo’s innovative Brammo Digital Drivetrain™ including the Brammo Power™ battery pack and Brammo Power™ vehicle management system. Brammo’s breakthrough in price/energy density is at the heart of today’s announcement and is unequalled in the electric vehicle industry. The Empulse is also the world’s first production electric motorcycle to have a water cooled motor.

Brian Wismann, Director of Product Development at Brammo and designer of the Empulse, said, “The Empulse reveals the significant price performance that we can deliver using Brammo Power™ technology. Just like it did with the Enertia Powercycle, Brammo has again raised the bar in terms of electrical drivetrain innovation and time to market.”

Empulse Availability

Customers can place their order for an Empulse by visiting the Brammo website www.brammo.com. Deliveries are expected to commence in mid-2011 and orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers placing an order will be expected to place a refundable deposit once their Empulse is within 90 days of delivery. The Brammo range of motorcycles will be available globally through select motorcycle dealerships and participating Best Buy stores during 2011.

Brammo Distribution

Brammo is expanding its dealership network both within the USA and in Europe and Asia. Organizations interested in selling and servicing the Brammo range of motorcycles, which includes the award winning Enertia, can register their interest by visiting www.brammo.com/dealerapplication

Adrian Stewart, director of Sales and Marketing at Brammo, said, “We are always looking for individuals and organizations that want to enter into a long term business partnership with Brammo to sell and service our range of electric vehicles. JCAM, our distributor and dealer in Hong Kong and Singapore is an excellent example of such an organization.”

Forged in the Heat of Competition

Brammo Power™ technology employed in the Empulse is race proven in the Brammo Empulse RR race bike. You can see the Empulse RR in action at the 2010 Red Bull Grand Prix, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Brammo will race the Empulse RR in the FIM e-Power series which will see 15 electric motorcycle teams from around the world compete on this demanding circuit.

Meet the Empulse

Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher will be unveiling the Empulse at the 2010 Red Bull Grand Prix at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, 11.15am, Saturday July 24th 2010.

Later this year the Empulse will be at EICMA Milan, Italy and at the Macau Grand Prix, China.

About Brammo

Brammo, Inc. is a leading electric vehicle technology company headquartered in North America. Brammo designs and develops electric vehicles including the award winning Brammo Enertia motorcycle. Brammo is an OEM supplier of its innovative Brammo Digital Drivetrain™ systems including the Brammo Power™ battery pack and Brammo Power™ vehicle management system. Brammo has vehicle distribution and marketing operations in North America, Europe and Asia.

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