‘Saving Our Planet’ has perhaps never been at the kind of pinnacle than where it is today. Realising the current state of our planet — we’ve all become (or becoming) more self-aware than we were ever before. Today, every school-kid has to compulsorily study the environment. Mainly — its processes, its gifts, its value, and, most of all — our role in our interdependence with it. In synchronisation with this, some of the major corporations and conglomerates, along with the government, and, of course — the people are waking up to the fact that the most intelligent beings have to step-up and (re)create a better environment for all of us.

Reducing pollution and researching and applying more efficient ways to curb the long-lasting damage we’ve already done has lead us to re-thinking our lifestyle, outlook and stance. This in-turn has taken us through a path to discover better ways of basically doing more with less; whilst also reducing the impact of our past actions.

Amongst several others, one of the most significant ways in which we can further reduce contributing to the degradation of the planet would be to reduce the emission of harmful contaminants and gases in to the environment; mainly — Carbon. But, why stop there? When technology today — permits that we can directly eliminate using such resources; not just merely reduce their usage.

In order to tackle our growing exigency for improved transportation and the resources that fuel it — we have come up with what might be one of the most remarkable innovations in our history. Today’s technology complemented with a desire to not only — not ruin our planet-home further, but, to also nourish it; has got us to focus on the kind of next-generation products and services that will duly help us in achieving these renewed goals. The ‘Electric Motorcycle’ proportionally fits in to this larger purpose; mainly because it serves to quench the unhealthy thirst we’ve had for the resources that are never going to return — by simply replacing them with something we can generate over and over.

Electric Motorcycles have been long coming. Although the first patent for it was issued way back in the 19th century, it is only today turning true in to a more conceivable reality. Back then — we had only begun understanding and applying the certain facets of technology we had available to us. Sure, a reality of witnessing a motorcycle running on anything other than the more exhaustive forms of resources back then would’ve been an equivalent to science-fiction today. But, this is common with any period of time. Technology has always and consistently exceeded expectations. However, the ones who harness, wield and yield it sometimes know how far their ideas can actually go.

Going are the days of a growing-up — dream of riding through the streets on a motorcycle — revving the engine to listen to the sound of the bike whizzing through — to look and feel as cool as you want to. Because, under today’s more evolved ideology — it is cooler to think before you act. And, in this case — protect instead of pollute. Very soon we’re going to witness a tremendous change in the way we are served by businesses. They’re going to change several aspects because they now know that if they are to thrive and improve — really improve — then they’ve got to factor-in more than a few variables that we’ve for far too long ignored. Advertising is also going to change — picture ads that aren’t only going to make you buy, but, consciously buy.

Before we dive deeper in to why Electric Motorcycles are the future, let’s see how they actually work.

The Mahindra Mojo

How Do Electric Motorcycles Work?

Mechanical Energy — that’s how. Same in several aspects as it ever was. But, the main and most important difference lies simply within the hardware — the Engine and the Fuel. Both Mechanical and Electric Motorcycles are propelled by power. Mechanical Motorcycles work through energy generated within the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) — through fossil fuel that lets the bike run as long as it burns. Electric Motorcycles work through energy generated within (mostly Lithium-Ion) batteries — that discharge electricity that then powers the motor of the bike. One uses heat; the other — electricity. Two different forms of energy — two different types of engines — serving the same purpose.

The Electric Motorcycle doesn’t need the kind of engine that a majority of bikes need. Instead, they simply use the energy (electricity) stored within the batteries — mostly situated right in front of the back wheel. The motor that then converts this energy in-to torque is attached to the rear wheel — held in position by a chain and sprocket — essential components required by any kind of Motorcycle. And, other than the basic framework, wheels and some other components, they don’t need anything else.

Although the batteries are sometimes heavier than the mechanism within ICE engines, the overall weight of Electric Motorcycles remain mostly on the lower side because they don’t require much of the hardware that Mechanical Motorcycles need. These Next-Gen Bikes have no use for a gas/oil tank, nor an exhaust pipe. In turn, this also means that with Electric Motorcycles — the overall operating and maintaining costs are much lower than ICE powered bikes. They also do not require oil changes or frequent filling-up of gas tanks; instead — they can be charged using a provided-by-the-company cord and a normal household charging point. Thus, even though the initial purchase price is on the higher side as compared to Mechanical Motorcycles — one can save a lot of money on keeping it running smoothly.

Most Electric Motorcycles require 3–4 hours of charge time. In the case with most Electric Bikes — it gives the bike a range of up to 160 kilometres (100 miles). The batteries have a durability of anywhere between 2–10 years after which they must be replaced. This of course depends on how well the overall bike is maintained and used by the rider. However, it is also true that the faster the battery is able to cool — the quicker it will charge and the longer it will last.

The Electric Motorcycle (in most cases) doesn’t require a clutch or a gear to start or run. Once it’s on — it’s on. This means that the machine will get you from 0kms/hr to (approximately) 100kms/hr without doing anything more than accelerating the bike. This gives the rider an ease-in-operation and eliminates monotonous processes attached with its Mechanical counterpart.

The Electric Motor also tremendously eliminates the overall sound produced. Yes, the Revving sound is almost non-existent because there is no Mechanical heat-converting engine within the bike’s mechanism. It also promises reductions in vibrations and overall friction whilst riding. Several users have expressed that this enables them to better feel the road and also increases their spatial awareness — allowing them to focus more on their riding technique. The positioning of the motor also gives the rider a better feel for centre-of-gravity that allows them more room for control.

Some Electric Motorcycles also allow riders to control the amount of torque. They can do this by simply entering their desired numbers in to the system; unlike Mechanical Motorcycles that often have issues with delivering power abruptly.

Some Electric Motorcycles have also been using Regenerative Braking. This new technology adds a tad bit more power (charge) to the batteries upon braking.

Unnamed prototype by Newron Motors

Why Are Electric Motorcycles The Future Of Biking?

Electric Motors are the future. There aren’t many doubts or questions about it. Why, you ask? Well, the benefits — they simply outweigh the cons.

Some of the most obvious benefits are -

- Much less harsh on the Environment.

- Lower Maintenance Processes and Costs.

- Can be used in any weather.

- Easier to Use and Operate.

- Almost Soundless.

- Good Durability.

- Increased Tunability.

- Optimal Weight & Good Speed.

Keeping this assortment of greater-good — benefits in mind, we are seeing an increasing shift in the outlook among both — producers and consumers.

Today’s consumer wants to do more to save the planet by playing as much as an active role in the processes as possible. Therefore, the least a consumer can/could do would be to purchase more consciously. This means — buy products that won’t further tarnish the planet.

Producer’s in-turn are inclined to fulfil this progressive demand. This means understanding the requirements of their customers and creating products that fit their purview of overall efficiency and harmony.

For the market — the bikes of tomorrow are already here.

Some of the biggest players in the two-wheeler industry have already begun creating and manufacturing Electric Bikes/Motorcycles that are readily available in the market. Companies like Zero Motorcycles, ALTA Motors and KTM have already been in this game for a while. Not only have they launched a range of Electric Motorcycles, but they’ve also created and creating more channels of sale — both domestic and international. Their keenness and entry in to this segment clearly draws a more comprehensive picture of what the market is going to look like in the future.

Harley Davidson has also been testing their Electric Motor technology and it won’t be long before we see some of their beasts on the road.

BMW, Volkswagen, Porsche and Tesla have also heavily invested in this area of Auto-motives.

Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha — Japan’s Big Four — have also invested a lot of resources in to this growing domain. Their latest efforts are vested in trying to create replaceable batteries and charging stations.

However, in-spite of the heavy interest and current pursuit, the three biggest challenges at large still remain — Battery Charging Duration, Range that the Motorcycle can travel on a fully charged battery and Price. Currently, the cheaper the Motorcycle costs — the longer it would take to charge whilst giving it a shorter range; and vice versa.

This overall problem can only be tackled if the economies-of-scale permit to make Electric Motorcycles the norm. For now, we are still quite a long way from this scenario. Conventionally-fuelled Motorcycles are going to still be around for the next few decades; after — who really knows what is going to happen? However, one thing is for certain — change is always just around the corner.

There is no turning back. There is only moving forward. There is also only one earth and there most certainly is only one you; please — ride responsibly.