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…
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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
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February 4th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
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?
February 4th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
“…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.
February 4th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
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
February 4th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
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.
February 4th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
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.
February 4th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
I agree with NorCal, they would have to put some sort of pulsing sound device in it, if only for the visually impaired pedestrians.
February 4th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
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.
February 4th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
@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.
February 4th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
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.
February 5th, 2009 at 12:22 am
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?
February 5th, 2009 at 12:26 am
That will not sell, simply on the grounds that it is
tragically ugly. Fascinating modern design elements
aside, it is as as soulful as an expensive blender.
I am always fascinated as to how some smart
industrial designers can take beautiful and
modern design elements, and combine them into something tragically ugly.
That bike looks like a moving industrial building. Like a cross between the Guggenheim and Federation Square
(for those of you who’ve never been to Melbourne, here’s Federation Square) :
http://pix.alaporte.net/pub/d/15234-1/Federation+Square+Building+2.JPG
Rule #1 of selling motorcycles: it must inspire the soul’s desire, either through an impression of performance/speed/beauty, or an impression of
lifestyle/image etc.
Or to put it another way, good-looking bikes sell, whether it’s fast-good or tough-good.
I also hate it when designers “cheat” and make a bike
look pretty in their concepts, while ignoring the
need for indicators, mudflaps, etc. That results in
us riding bikes with indicators and mudflaps that are
ugly afterthoughts. And those mirrors would show
a fantastic view of the rider’s forearms, but
nothing else. LAZY useless design. Sure, make it
beautiful, but make it work also!
February 5th, 2009 at 3:41 am
I would love to have one of these things but $68,000 is just a bit too much for me by about $60,000
February 5th, 2009 at 4:32 am
“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.”
Most sportbikes that have a top speed of only 150mph have a range closer to 350 miles.
I think what would really sell these things, are direct comparisons between the price of operation.
Pick a city, look at gasoline prices, and electricity prices, then tell me how much it costs to go 100 miles at a range of speeds.
I’d also like to know about the maintenance schedule and cost of replacement parts. If this is a production motorcycle, I’m sure all this data is available somewhere.
February 5th, 2009 at 4:41 am
Holy crap!! 68,000!!! Really? For just a little more you can have a nearly full race MotoGP bike with 230hp and a top speed of 215mph.
February 5th, 2009 at 4:53 am
68K is the announced price of the Limited Edition model that will be out first. The Limited Edition will only be produced in a run of 50 bikes. The price of the actual production model hasn’t been announced yet.
February 5th, 2009 at 6:23 am
This is a very interesting article. I see everyone’s point of view on this one. I agree with ghost and hotcam about the performance and looks. As far as the looks go, i agree completely about concepts not including indicators. However, it can be very tough to design a familiar looking machine with a whole new heart. As far as performance goes, I agree with ghost when it comes to the mileage. 150 is not bad, however it makes it tough to go on long trips or rides. Even if bikes today only had a 150 mile range 2 minutes at a gas station and your ready to roll again. I understand this is a very positive movement for the technology and thing its a great machine. I’m just saying that there are still limitations that could use work. I do love the instant power response and all torque all the time. It would certainly make for a killer ride. I really look forward to see what comes of this and other electric vehicle technology. Im all about going green, however in reality it must have more practicality and cost effectiveness. At 68k I would not see myself buying this bike. Even if I was given 68K to spend on a toy and could only spend it on a toy I think I would have to spend it on an Ariel Atom. Its not a motorcycle but its a hell of a lot of machine for the same price with a whole lot of fun. Basically a mini F1. I would then of course buy a new bike to have too hahahah
February 5th, 2009 at 7:58 am
I think the Federation Square stuff looks nicer!
What a POS… You could buy an MV Augusta and have more power, better looks and at a better price!
People that ride motorcylces that cost money do so for the power, the design and the love of both, not for a “thing” that costs half a house and looks like one too!
Go Ducati! ;P
February 5th, 2009 at 11:52 am
ok great concept an electric motorcycle woo hoo. yeah for the environment. 100% torque (great stat) 150 mph 150 mile range (average stat)…. But who wants to be seen on the ugliest thing on the road, good God if I showed up to a rally with this thing I would kick my own ass.
February 5th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Hi All,
A pedestrian warning device for both EV and ice powered vehicles is already available and in mass production. It is already being implemented and has been for the last 100 years.
I beleive that it uses the KISS principle and is named “THE HORN”
;} Regards to Gas 2.0, keep up the good work.
February 5th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
OK, it is as fast as my 1985 Suzuki GS1150, although it is short on range by about 75 miles.
What really bothers me though is the slab side that looks like a great way for the wind to move you around.
February 5th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
LOL
100% torque 100% of the time would be deadly.
Good thing it’ll be programmed to ramp torque with speed on takeoff
I’d like to see some photos of it it a real environment. These aren’t easily distiguishable from renders.
February 6th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I’m wondering why all things electric these days have to be touted as “the fastest”. This is silly….I might see this ploy to get people on the electric bandwagon….I think we need to be serious with where our money goes and not play around yet with such ideas…get something solid and workable for all the masses then go for the frivolous.
February 6th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
how much will it cost and where do i order one
February 6th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
This bike would be a fun ride! imaging that torque when ever you want it.
first to the noise makers: I say NO. electric vehicles make very little noise. thats just one more benefit. lets keep it that way.
sorry but I have to call BS. I have owned every 600cc made by Honda since ‘92 and none of these smaller displacement bikes have ever gotten 52 mpg. I am guessing the range is more like 200 miles at best.
February 6th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Vapor.
You know its vapor if:
No estimated price (for supposed consumer version)
No delivery date
Flashy, yet CONTENT FREE web site.
February 6th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
What’s the weight differential?
February 17th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Hi Ghost i think i am right hopefuly, the one to ask could you go on to the TT Isle of man offical site @ manx.net and perhaps talk about what you know, i feel the promotors of the TTXGP race,well dont seem to know anything or dont feel they need to share information it would please all
Regards Hilary
April 17th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
[...] in February, Gas2.0 editor Nick Chambers introduced readers to the Mission One, built by San Francisco startup Mission Motors. The Mission One debuted at this year’s TED [...]
May 19th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Fascinating subject. This takes the sport in a whole new direction and is bound to be off-putting to many, at first, but so were most of the industry leaders when they first came out.
But puhleeeze, let’s not reverse engineer something that has achieved a perfect silence and ADD noise to it. The world doesn’t need that.
June 9th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
[...] motorcycle race taking place on the famed Isle of Man Mountain Course. Some of the teams include Mission Motors, Brammo, EVOdesign and of course MotoCzysz. Other entrants include Barefoot Motors, Electric [...]
September 24th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
If you’re giving them away for demo’s I will take one.I would like to try one out. David