Watch this new video from Brammo featuring their Empulse R electric motorcycle. A six-speed integrated electric transmission gives the bike the feeling and handling of a motorcycle with an internal combustion engine. If this video is an indication of how electric motorcycles, such as the Brammo Empulse, compare to gas-powered bikes, the only element missing is the sound.
Brammo IET
Among the features that distinguish the 2012 Brammo Empulse from earlier models and other electric motorcycles on the market is its Integrated Electronic Transmission. The IET allows for hard, off-the-line acceleration, similar to that of gasoline-powered bikes. The IET's 6-speed gearbox is operated with a multi-plate, hydraulic activated wet clutch that works just the transmission on motorcycles with internal combustion engines.
Brammo Empulse Range
One of the major problems with electric motorcycles has been their limited range due to short battery-life. Brammo's battery technology has improved to such an extent that their bikes can travel a reasonable distance on a single charge. The Brammo Empulse electric motorcycle can travel up to about 121 miles in city traffic, or 56 miles on the highway, with an average combined range of 77 miles.
Operating Cost
More and more people are looking to motorcycles as a means of transportation because of their fuel efficiency. While practically all motorcycles are more fuel efficient than cars, which can lead to signifcant savings at the pump, the Brammo Empulse beats them all. The electric motorcycle's operating cost of 1 to 2 cents per mile (assuming that electricty costs 13 cents per kilowatt hour) delivers approximately 400 miles on $4.00 worth of electricty.
Where Can I Get One?
The 2012 Brammo Empulse and Empulse R electric motorcycle are currently available for pre-order. The Brammo Empulse has a sticker price of $16,995. The Empulse R model costs $18,995.
