Mission Motors Intros The World’s Fastest Production Electric Motorcycle
Mission Motors, an electric vehicle start-up from San Francisco, has chosen TED 2009 “The Great Unveiling,” as the venue to introduce itself, and it’s first production vehicle, to the world.
The all-electric Mission One sportbike promises a top speed of 150 mph and a 150 mile range — rivaling the stats of gasoline powered sportbikes. Additionally, the bike features a recharge time of less than 2 hours using a 240v outlet. It’s currently scheduled for delivery in 2010.
Aimed at the high-end/luxury market, the company states it is the “first production electric sportbike that features uncompromised performance and an iconic new design.” With a design by the legendary Yves Béhar of fuseproject, indeed, the Mission One is a gorgeous beast.
More images after the break…
- » See also: Is the Renault-Nissan Alliance Going in Two Different Electric Car Directions?
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Mission Motors founders, Forrest North, Edward West and Mason Cabot, have developed a proprietary high energy lithium ion battery pack specifically for the Mission One. The bike’s electric motor has a linear torque curve that provides peak torque all the way from zero rpm to top speed, a feature gasoline engines can’t match. The motor also delivers faster acceleration than most gasoline sportbikes without ever having to shift gears.
With the mantra of providing total control to the driver, the Mission One features adjustable throttle maps, adjustable regenerative breaking, and ride data acquisition wirelessly linked to your computer. These are features that were in the past only available for the Moto GP circuit. With the Mission One, drivers are now able to control the way their vehicle behaves with unprecedented sensitivity for a production vehicle.
Very clearly, Mission Motors is using the same business strategy that Tesla Motors has used to create and dominate the luxury eco-sportscar arena with their Roadster — that is to say, start with the high-end luxury group and make some money, then introduce vehicles that are more affordable later on. While this strategy has had mixed results for Tesla due mostly to the faltering economy, we’ll see how Mission Motors fares.
“As a motorcycle enthusiast and engineer I knew I could combine my passion for motorcycles with my passion for innovation and create a motorcycle that truly sets a new standard in the perception of electric vehicles,” said Forrest North, Founder and CEO, Mission Motors. “With the Mission One, we’re writing the next chapter in motorcycle design, delivering a new riding experience without sacrificing performance or design in a zero emissions vehicle.”
Image Credits: Mission Motors
Source: Press release via email
One of the odd problems they have with electric cars is the lack of noise. People don’t hear it coming and are more likely to step out in front of it. Seems like a street bike would be even worse.
I wonder if the have added something to add some noise?
“…150 mph and a 150 mile range — rivaling the stats of gasoline powered sportbikes.”
How’s that? I ride a 954rr: Top speed 176mph, 250 mile range. My bike is 6 years old and still faster than this piece.
OK - this thing rocks and I want one. To Mission Motors: I really think gas2 - and my blog of course - should get some demo loaner models to ride around. We promise we’ll write up some killer test-drive reviews
I like it, but whats it going to cost?
And to ghost…. keep in mind this is new
technology! what do you expect- they have
to start somewhere… there’s always that
jacka** that has to bash a good idea like you.
I’m not bashing it. I can’t wait for motorcycles that are all electric, that also rival what I’m currently riding. The throttle response will be instant, and the power curve will be perfect. I’m just saying, don’t lie about it’s performance. It’s NOT faster than what we have now, and it DOESN”T have a better range. You’re right about cost. I can’t imagine these being competitive with current machines in the price category either. It will take some time, but we’re making progress.
I agree with NorCal, they would have to put some sort of pulsing sound device in it, if only for the visually impaired pedestrians.
Ghost,
There was no lying. What is it with people saying I’m lying today? I didn’t say it was better than what you have, nor did I say it has a farther range. I said it rivals gasoline powered bikes. Which is true. Rivaling implies that it can compete with them on a comparative basis.
Although your bike gets a bit better range and top speed, there are surely many sport bikes that have a 150 mile range and a top speed of 150 mph. And, on a comparative basis, this bike surely will beat the pants off of your bike when you consider that the Mission One has 100% torque 100% of the time, is completely user tunable, and doesn’t use petroleum.
@Daryl … check the Agreement at their website.
[...]
“You agree to pay a $5,000 membership list fee
(the “Membership List Fee”) by check or wire transfer.
The Membership List Fee is fully refundable, less a $100
processing fee, should You choose to abandon Your
membership.”
[...]
“You acknowledge that 2010 Mission One’s may be built
and distributed for purposes of in-house and third-party
testing, evaluation, and display prior to production of
any vehicles for customers on the Membership List and
that inclusion on the Membership list does not guarantee
a 2010 Mission One motorcycle. ”
So… you fork over $5k USD and may not get one.
ghost said “…150 mph and a 150 mile range — rivaling the stats of gasoline powered sportbikes.”
How’s that? I ride a 954rr: Top speed 176mph, 250 mile range. My bike is 6 years old and still faster than this piece.
ok so your bike is faster,but it still takes gas.
The cost when compared to electric power going the same distance is huge.
and who really needs to be going 150 mph on surface streets??
take you head out of your power hungry a** and see that this is a good thing.
Nick - great article, and thank you for reporting on this.
To all the naysayers: there’s always someone who’ll tell you they have something better, faster, etc.. In fact, the Killacycle is faster than the Mission One, but so what? You won’t be buying one anytime soon. And nowhere in the article does it say that this bike is faster and better that gas-powered bikes. Why compare apples with oranges? The Mission One is already, on day one, at the top of the electric motorcycle heap. Isn’t that impressive enough on it’s own?