Zero Motorcycles has secured a $900,000 grant from the California Energy Commission for the company to begin development of a new advanced compact electric powertrain. The city of Santa Cruz is matching the grant with an additional $900,000; and with other contributions, Zero has raised a total of $1.84 million dollars. This figure would seem to be in addition to the $5.5 million the company raised earlier in the year. The powertrain Zero is developing is rumored to have multiple speeds, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it was water-cooled.
“We are honored to receive this generous grant from the California Energy Commission and excited to develop this next generation powertrain technology in Santa Cruz,” said Zero Motorcycles CEO Gene Banman. “This is a milestone for us because it allows Zero to control the development of its entire powertrain just like legacy motorcycle manufacturers who build their own engines and transmissions. In addition, Zero’s advancements in compact electric powertrains will benefit the powersports industry through the sales and licensing of the technology.”
Zero currently uses air-cooled brushed permanent magnet Agni Motors in its 2010 product line-up, and is the largest buyer of the Indian-made/UK-based motors.
Source: Zero Motorcycles
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