Zero Motorcycles has picked up an additional 2 million in funding for new power-train development, this could be the biggest hint yet that Zero is working on a competitor to the new Brammo Empulse. Currently Zero produces 4 models of electric motorcycles, all of them have offroad styling and rumours abound that Zero is hard at work on an Empluse beating road bike.

The Zero/Agni team have seen a number of successes in this years TTXGP electric motorcycle racing series, so it is safe to say that there road-racing pedigree is well on the way to being established. All of Zero’s bikes currently cost under $10,000 USD, if Zero is able to produce a performance road bike at this same price point with its next generation power-train it may cause Brammo a few sleepless nights.

Full press release is below

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (September 28, 2010) – Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, has been awarded its second grant in the state of California to further the development of advanced electric powertrain systems. The most recent award comes from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District (MBUAPCD) where Zero was awarded a $177,906 grant in partnership with the city of Santa Cruz. This new grant adds funding to the $900,000 grant from the California Energy Commission awarded last month. The funds will be used to develop an advanced new electric powertrain for Zero Motorcycles. Additional matching funds from the City of Santa Cruz and others provides Zero with total funding for the project of $2,018,000.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District and we are further inspired by their enthusiasm and dedication to our company,” said Gene Banman, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “Our intention with this new powertrain development program is to continue advancements in the powersports industry while supporting the local economy and this additional boost brings us much closer to reaching our goals.”

This newest grant will be used in Zero’s research and development program in Santa Cruz, California creating new jobs and economic growth. Zero now has the financial momentum and expertise it needs to develop electric motorcycle powertrains that exceed all current levels of performance, range and efficiency.

“Zero Motorcycles is an exciting company creating sustainable zero emissions electric transportation and we fully support their expansion in Santa Cruz,” said Bonnie Lipscomb, Director of Economic Development and Redevelopment for the city of Santa Cruz. “We are thankful for the support from MBUAPCD which helps companies like Zero grow while creating local jobs that support a greener environment for all of us – it’s the best kind of public-private partnership.”

David Fairchild, Air Quality/Transportation Planner for MBUAPCD added, “we are happy to support Zero’s innovative approaches to reducing the emissions from transportation.”

About Zero Motorcycles:

Zero Motorcycles is the next step in motorcycle evolution and represents the ultimate electric motorcycle technology. Unencumbered by conventional thinking about how they design, manufacture, and sell high performance electric motorcycles, they are on a mission to turn heads and revolutionize their industry by combining the best aspects of a traditional motorcycle with today’s most advanced technology.

Zero Motorcycles’ complete product lineup is available for purchase exclusively through the Zero Motorcycles website: www.zeromotorcycles.com. Interested riders can schedule demo rides on the highly popular Zero X and MX, or the Zero S street motorcycle and the Zero DS dual sport model. To schedule a demo ride in your area, visit www.zeromotorcycles.com/locator.