Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[protomech]

Autoblog Translogic:
! No longer available

Arstechnica:
http://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/01/the-arcimoto-srk-electric-vehicle-is-the-most-fun-thing-we-did-at-ces/

Looks interesting. Windshield, roof, optional side panels for those that want a little more protection from the elements. Low COG helps improve stability. Tandem seating for two. Motorcycle bars, regen hand brake, friction foot brake. Two motors provide torque-vectoring for the front wheels.

The Arcimoto has been in development for a number of years, but it seems like they're getting close to production with a target of "late 2016". I'm curious what the final cost will end up as; $12k seems surprisingly affordable, given that Zero's lineup of S bikes starts at $11k with a much smaller battery.

The base 12 kWh battery gives a claimed 70 miles of range, with a 20 kWh option for 130 miles of range. Unclear what conditions the range is tested at, but due to the heavier weight and hopefully superior aerodynamics, highway and city range should be closer together than on a traditional EV motorcycle (ie, your mileage may be slightly less variable). Recharging takes 3-4 hours with a J1772-compatible onboard charger.

0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds, top speed of 85 mph.

[protomech]

Rather positive review of the Arcimoto.

http://electric-bmw.blogspot.com/2016/02/a-test-drivers-review-absolutely.html

I'm still shocked at how low the price is. Consider: the $12k SRK has a larger battery than the $14k Zero S ZF13 - though notably less acceleration and range - two motors, a larger onboard charger, much lower production volume and certainly much higher component costs. They mention DC fast charging may be an option in the future, which hopefully means their battery system is well north of 200V.

Arcimoto has been under development for almost 10 years through 8 generations of prototypes.

I'm not sure who their target market is. It has a curious combination of benefits and drawbacks of a car and a motorcycle:

plus:
- more efficient than a car EV, which means faster 120V charging
- torque-vectoring front drive should be pretty fun
- moderate protection from the elements
- cabin heater, claimed optional HVAC
- moderate passive safety - at least compared to bikes
- quicker than most other EV cars (i3, Bolt, Tesla are quicker)
- much less expensive than other EV cars, especially without federal tax credits

minus:
- not as efficient as a bike EV, which means slower 120V charging
- can't lane split, parking a little dodgier
- only moderate protection from the elements
- more difficult to store / transport
- no leaning through turns
- slower than most bikes (all 2013+ Zeros)

Wish them all the best. A 20 kWh fully-faired DCQC model might even be an interesting small tourer.. it's no Tesla, but you could lose the Arcimoto's purchase price in the upgrade cost from an 90D to a P90D..