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[grmarks]

I had an Aprilia Scarabeo 500 scooter. It was a commuter machine with loads of storage (with the 45 Litre top box). Based on my usage habits of it I calculated that a 2015 Zero SR 12.5 (no power tank) would do everything I did on my scooter. And it does, but one thing I didn't put into the equation was the addiction of electric power as presented in the package of the Zero SR. The longest freeway round trip I did on the scooter was 126 km. And I have done that same trip on the SR now (at a little slower speed to make the distance). Anything longer and I would take the car.
The other day I found myself needing to do a 220km round trip, but instead of taking the car, I found myself doing the math on how I could take the SR, such is the addiction to it! And I did take it, the trip took twice as long as in the car (< 60km/h the whole way). Then I needed to do the trip again a few weeks latter. So I found a caravan park where I could recharge while I did some errands and eat lunch. This meant I could ride at 100km/h each way (much better).
I loved both trips but the last one was much more enjoyable.

This started me dreaming about the day when batteries will have twice the range as they do now.  But why stop there if I am dreaming, why not 10 x the range of today. That would be 1000 km at 130 km/h.
But when that day comes I think I would prefer to have about 700km range at 130km/h and a smaller battery giving a lighter bike and more storage under the "tank".

I am interested to hear what others would think is the perfect solution if 10 x better batteries were available?
What is the perfect drug?
   

[benswing]

Great story! Welcome to the club. There are some faster charging options that can help you when you need to stop partway through your ride if you need to make a long rides regularly. 

But I totally agree with you, any time spent on my Zero is time well spent.


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[Electric Terry]

Congrats on the 2015 SR!!  And I agree completely.   Back in the summer of 2012 when faced with a 1200 mile round trip to Bonnaroo in Tennessee I decided I'd rather take the 2012 Zero than one of my gas bikes.  Some might say that decision would prove your theory.  But with faster chargers (Then it was 3 Delta Q's) the trip was great! And a few months later I replaced them with Elcons that did 3 times the power of each Delta Q for about the same size/weight.  This allowed me to do about 500 miles (800 km) per day on the 2012 Zero.

The same Elcon charging kit is available right now from Hollywood Electrics.  And a "supercharger" that will go in the tank area is in the final refinement stages now.  Although since you are dreaming of more range, you can add 25% more range by getting the powertank module, and hold the Elcons in side cases or a top box.  Then you could do all 220 km at 130 km/h or more of both quite easily. 

It all depends on if there are a lot of charging locations you can source 6000 watts or more every 100 km or so.  If not than you need the powertank first so you have the range to go between high power electricity locations.  If there are plenty, I would suggest the chargers first. 

Good luck and I look forward to more stories like this!

[grmarks]

I decided I didn't want the weight of a power tank because I would hardly ever need it. I do have 1 Delta Q that I put in my top box. I am in the process (very slow process) of making a larger storage container under the tank with a lockable top.
But the day WILL come when charging is a rare thing on a trip (only needed at night).

P.S. I have "been a member of the SR club for about 10 months now. But new to long distance rides.

[Richard230]

I am starting to wonder where the 273,000 (so far) Model 3 owners are going to be charging their new cars when they finally get them.    I keep thinking that at some point, when electric vehicles become more and more popular, finding a free charging outlet when you need it is going to take some luck. 

[benswing]

I am starting to wonder where the 273,000 (so far) Model 3 owners are going to be charging their new cars when they finally get them.    I keep thinking that at some point, when electric vehicles become more and more popular, finding a free charging outlet when you need it is going to take some luck. 

They will probably charge at home like everyone does now.  Sure, public charging will be a little more in demand, but with 215 miles of range available every morning, it won't be necessary.

Even now when people find Teslas plugged in to public chargers there is usually some ire since they don't need it as much as a LEAF. 

PS- we should take this conversation to the Tesla Model 3 thread.

[ElectricZen]

This is absolutely it!  2016 DSR here and the range is considerable!  I'm getting probably 140-180km real world mixed per a charge.  Makes for some decent day trips!  Zero's posted range seems bang on.  Just need some fasting charging and I'm set.

5 years or so we should be looking at some serious range.  Just seeing the year to year improvements in batteries!  Damn folks and this is just the beginning! 

You always going to get dickheads who will be queuing up to charge when they don't need too.  I'd bet Tesla will build a bit of software to fix the problem.  Telling them to charge at home etc, via GPS locating.  But I am also hoping as EVs get mainstream acceptance, people adopt self generated power to power their EVs.  I'm praying for sun over here in the Pacific Northwest Canada!  Charge the bike and ride.  Lol.

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[ChainGun]

I bought a 9.4 SR in October 15, only 3 batteries and no Power Tank. At first I thought about adding a Power Tank but I became addicted to the light weight. In the daily traffic jams I face, the ultra light Zero S is the undisputed king of aggressive riding its low weight and high power output enable me to split lanes effortlessly, ride on the shoulders and change velocity with the blink of an eye.