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[Richard230]

Speaking of charging infrastructure: I stumbled across this charging station that was planted and hidden away behind my local Safeway store (where the sun don't shine) about 6 months ago.  The last time I checked it is still not functioning - unlike my three local gas stations.   

[Doug S]

The last time I checked it is still not functioning - unlike my three local gas stations.   

Lol you should send that picture of your lonely EV, waiting in vain to recharge at their unfinished station, to NRG. It might just prod them into finishing the installation.

[Richard230]

If only they had a 120V outlet at the facility.     Instead I have to find a free wall outlet on the back of the Safeway store.   

[Richard230]

Getting back to the subject matter at hand.  Some other minor upgrades and improvements to the 2015 Zeros are:

No Bold New Graphics, but deeper, richer colors on better more durable plastic.

An improved throttle assembly.

Improved wheel bearings.

It looks like Zero really worked hard to address their customer's chassis complaints.   

Also, factory production is due to commence in November (earlier than usual), with the first deliveries arriving at dealer's showrooms some time in December.

[protomech]

I wonder why the 2015 FX is heavier than my 2013 FX? The battery didn't change capacity. Do the new shocks and ABS add that much? I'd much rather exchange weight for more capacity.

Trikester

BTW - Had a great time dirt riding in SE Utah on my Zero powered (2013 MX/FX Powertrain) e-trike. Running like a champ!

275 lbs 2013 => 280 lbs 2014 => 289 lbs 2015

The 2014 weight gain is due to a heavier, sturdier frame (+2.5 pounds), larger brake rotors, larger forks, and a restyled pillion-ready seat.

The 2015 weight gain probably comes down to wider wheels and tires, ABS, and potentially other components that weigh more.

Regarding the 10% improvement in battery pack capacity, it is my understanding that Zero is using the same batteries as they did in their 2013 and 2014 models, but have found a more efficient way of packaging them, thereby getting 10% more cells in each battery module.  However they were not able to accomplish this repackaging with the "power tank" modules for some reason.

Is the 10% more cells something that has been stated, or is that your assumption based upon their terminology?

They can't add 10% more cells in parallel. 28 => 31 cells in series might be a possibility, but the Sevcon G80 controllers are already running as high as they can go with 28 series. 31 would push them right over, unless they have a new custom design.

Without any hard information to go by, I think they are likely using a one or more cells that are in total 10% higher capacity than the 2013-2014 Farasish 25 Ah cells.

[Richard230]

In a conversation that I participated in with the Zero marketing staff, I was told (to the best of my recollection) that the cells were repackaged in some way so that they could get more cells in each on-board battery module.  Apparently they were not able to do this with the "power tank"/removable FX module design.  There was no mention that the cells were upgraded or that the battery manufacturer had changed. But I could have misunderstood the answer.   

[firepower]

I like to see the front fork axle mount in black instead of grey/aluminium colour. I like completely black front forks matching the black frame and swing arm.

[Richard230]

I like to see the front fork axle mount in black instead of grey/aluminium colour. I like completely black front forks matching the black frame and swing arm.

 

Black forks are nice, but gold looks better - especially at electric motorcycle prices.   

[WindRider]

On the 2015 DS pricing page of the Zero website there is a $599 Quick Charge option?   

The old CHadeMo option was $1,800 for 2013, 2014 models.   

Has anyone got the scoop on what the new Quick Charge Option is and why it is now more affordable to add on?

I am guessing it is still the CHAdeMo standard. 

[Patrick Truchon]

They're additional AC chargers, not CHAdeMO.  If you look on the specs page http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-ds/specs.php and click on the question mark beside "With max accessory chargers", it says:

Zero's scalable charging accessory allow customers to add multiple standalone chargers (in addition to the existing on-board unit) for up to a ~75% reduction in charge time, depending on the model and year.

For 2015 motorcycles, the max number of accessory chargers is:
Zero SR, Zero S, Zero DS = 4
Zero FX 5.7 = 3
Zero FX 2.8 = 1

Please keep in mind that most household electricity circuits are rated to 110V/15A, which can only support a single charger. As a result, in order to make use of Zero's quick-charge accessories, you must plug each charger into a separate 110V/15A circuit. If connecting to any other, higher-rated household circuit, you must make sure it can safely support the load of each of Zero's 1,200W input chargers.

The Quick Charger's page is here:  http://bit.ly/1s8vlOD

The CHAdeMO charger still seems to be offered for 2013 and 2014 models but not 2015 http://bit.ly/1s8vqBZ

[WindRider]

Ah, that makes sense. 

I think I saw somewhere in the 2015 pictures a CHAdeMo port so I am guessing that it is still a high dollar option.   

[WindRider]

It looks like Zero is adding a rear rack and Givi top case availability to the FX accessories list!   No pic yet on the website but I guess that this comes from the FXP model and fits all FX, back to 2013.   

Crash bars are also available for the FX, but only 14, 15 model years. 

http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=7&zenid=o541v4n6tfssstqmes5di14hl2

This will be a nice addition to the FX as it is the perfect errand runner bike but has no storage. 

[benswing]

Ah, that makes sense. 

I think I saw somewhere in the 2015 pictures a CHAdeMo port so I am guessing that it is still a high dollar option.

Unfortunately, they decided not to offer ChaDeMo on the 2015 bikes, so you can only get that upgrade with 2013 bikes and (hopefully soon) 2014 bikes.