Electric Royal Enfield Photon Unveiled

[Knuckle Dragger]

Well, here is one for you Dusty. 

Click only if you consider Elon Musk an expert on electric vehicles.  Talks about the increase in demand for electricity.  Triple the demand for electricity. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0wpFm14rJc

It's not exactly news.  Elmo's no seer.  There's been a steadily increasing demand for electricity for the past century or more, which not only shows no signs of abatement, but of an acceleration of demand.

Given the vulnerability of existing & proposed future grid infrastructure to natural phenomena & instability, malicious acts by malevolent groups & governments in addition to an acceleration of demand, there will still be a strategic need for fossil fuels for at least another century or more.

[DougG]

Hey BettyTB,                                                                                            2-2-21

You have a Zero?  Please tell us about it...weight, handling, seat height, rideability, sound...any way you can describe it as an owner would be appreciated.

Be well, stay well,
DougG

[bettythebear]

It weighs about the same as a v7 I think. Feels like a rocket ship. The seat height is absolutely perfect for me at 5'10. It makes some really unique sounds that are hard to describe. I think my only negative is that I wish the front brake was a bit stronger, but it's still totally adequate. I'm sure it's mostly due to me being used to the double disc on the Stelvio. I use it for going to work and riding around town. It's been costing me $1.10 - $1.20 to charge it, and I get about 120 miles out of it.

I really love these ev threads because I get a kick out of the ones who instantly respond with statements about how dirty electricity is. Even if we ignore the obvious argument that is also takes dirty electrcicity to refine fuels for ic engines, I'm guessing that every one of the folks who makes these statements has done everything they possibly can in their daily lives to use less electricity, right? None of them have bought new gadgets that need charged in the last few years, or an extra/bigger fridge or freezer, and they certainly don't use air conditioning or heat pumps of any kind, I'm sure. if electricity is so dirty and ic is cleaner, why aren't you running your household off of a gas or diesel generator?

Hey BettyTB,                                                                                            2-2-21

You have a Zero?  Please tell us about it...weight, handling, seat height, rideability, sound...any way you can describe it as an owner would be appreciated.

Be well, stay well,
DougG

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

It weighs about the same as a v7 I think. Feels like a rocket ship. The seat height is absolutely perfect for me at 5'10. It makes some really unique sounds that are hard to describe. I think my only negative is that I wish the front brake was a bit stronger, but it's still totally adequate. I'm sure it's mostly due to me being used to the double disc on the Stelvio. I use it for going to work and riding around town. It's been costing me $1.10 - $1.20 to charge it, and I get about 120 miles out of it.

I really love these ev threads because I get a kick out of the ones who instantly respond with statements about how dirty electricity is. Even if we ignore the obvious argument that is also takes dirty electrcicity to refine fuels for ic engines, I'm guessing that every one of the folks who makes these statements has done everything they possibly can in their daily lives to use less electricity, right? None of them have bought new gadgets that need charged in the last few years, or an extra/bigger fridge or freezer, and they certainly don't use air conditioning or heat pumps of any kind, I'm sure. if electricity is so dirty and ic is cleaner, why aren't you running your household off of a gas or diesel generator?

They also love to ignore that very very few 1st world nations are still making electricity with the same old dirty tech we use...

[moto]

... When they get to the park on pad that automatically charges the car like I can do with my phone, then maybe I would be interested....

Just keep your cat from crawling under your car.

[DougG]

Hi BettyTB,                                                                                     2-4-21

Thanks for the real world info.  I will test ride one at my first opportunity.

Be well, stay well,
DougG

P.S.  WARNING, THREAD DRIFT...I'm a retired physicist.  I worked for Brookhaven National Labs in Upton, NY.  (one of the 17 high energy National Labs in the US).  I've had the privilege of been in on several meetings dealing with electric production, storage, distribution and have had conversations with some truly brilliant, future-thinking folks.  I can say for a fact that we are transitioning to full electric vehicles...not 100%...there are still places where ICE vehicles will be needed.  (Just as there are places where animal power and people power will still be needed.)  From a more street-level perspective...we will either be on the bus...or under it.  I don't want to buy all that wonderful future stuff from other countries...I want to build it here. 

[twowheeladdict]

Just keep your cat from crawling under your car.

Yep. LOL!

Actually I got a flyer for a rebate on a Chevy Bolt and took a good look at it.

I discussed it with my wife and we are thinking that since we don’t commute anymore we might trade in her truck and the car For a new truck for her.

Then if I end up back in the office we might get an EV or I’ll get a Miata for commuting.

[steven c]

How about an EV Miata?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX5XE5mMF38

[Tom]

I wonder about the weight differential???

[bettythebear]

How about an EV Miata?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX5XE5mMF38

Very cool. I remember seeing one about an electrified Porsche 914.

[twowheeladdict]

How about an EV Miata?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX5XE5mMF38

Probably beyond my budget, but that is cool.  Had a co-worker convert a Porsche 944 into full electric probably 20 years ago.  Laid down two strips of rubber across the parking lot at work. 

I didn't watch the entire video.  What kind of range are they expecting out of it?  I would think that the diminutive size of the Miata would make it tough to get the range. 

I did see where Zero is now doing modular batteries now for the dual sport model so you can swap out and continue to ride while the other battery is charging.  I think that is to help keep the weight down for dual sporting. 

[bettythebear]

There is one more possible downside to my Zero so far: I haven't put heated grips on it yet, and I don't have a hot engine to warm my hands on while at red lights on cold mornings.

[twowheeladdict]

There is one more possible downside to my Zero so far: I haven't put heated grips on it yet, and I don't have a hot engine to warm my hands on while at red lights on cold mornings.

and heated grips will reduce your range by some amount.  Gloves with a lot of loft work well.  And you don't want them to be snug. 

[steven c]

 Heated gloves with their own battery?

[bettythebear]

The accounts I've read by those who have put them on is to expect a drop of 1-3% range over the course of a "tank" of go go juice.

[twowheeladdict]

The accounts I've read by those who have put them on is to expect a drop of 1-3% range over the course of a "tank" of go go juice.

I just went a looked at Zero's website and man those bikes are expensive compared to their ICE competitors.

You have to bump up almost $3,000 on each bike to get the miles capacity and charging capability so the cheapest you might get out the door is going to be $14k.  I do want to test ride one and compare it to the test ride on the livewire.  No Zero dealers near me though.  They tend to hover around the metropolitan areas where EVs make more sense. 

[bettythebear]

I just went a looked at Zero's website and man those bikes are expensive compared to their ICE competitors.

You have to bump up almost $3,000 on each bike to get the miles capacity and charging capability so the cheapest you might get out the door is going to be $14k.  I do want to test ride one and compare it to the test ride on the livewire.  No Zero dealers near me though.  They tend to hover around the metropolitan areas where EVs make more sense.

Oh yeah, definitely a huge price tag compared to ICE. I thought I would always have to watch them from afar because of that, but couldn't pass up the chance on a used one that fell in my lap. It also completely suits the riding I do now, after a big move a few months ago. I still have my Stelvio, but will be putting it up for sale soon, and buying back my old v7 from my ex. So, I'll still have an ICE bike as well. A Fiat Spider, a Zero, and a Guzzi in the garage isn't a bad way to roll.

[Ncdan]

It weighs about the same as a v7 I think. Feels like a rocket ship. The seat height is absolutely perfect for me at 5'10. It makes some really unique sounds that are hard to describe. I think my only negative is that I wish the front brake was a bit stronger, but it's still totally adequate. I'm sure it's mostly due to me being used to the double disc on the Stelvio. I use it for going to work and riding around town. It's been costing me $1.10 - $1.20 to charge it, and I get about 120 miles out of it.

I really love these ev threads because I get a kick out of the ones who instantly respond with statements about how dirty electricity is. Even if we ignore the obvious argument that is also takes dirty electrcicity to refine fuels for ic engines, I'm guessing that every one of the folks who makes these statements has done everything they possibly can in their daily lives to use less electricity, right? None of them have bought new gadgets that need charged in the last few years, or an extra/bigger fridge or freezer, and they certainly don't use air conditioning or heat pumps of any kind, I'm sure. if electricity is so dirty and ic is cleaner, why aren't you running your household off of a gas or diesel generator?

BTB, I’m curious as to how one can calculate how much it cost to charge an electric vehicle? I’m considering an EV maybe in the future when the conditions are acceptable for me.

[bettythebear]

I just take the battery capacity (12.5kwh in my case), and multiply it by the cost per kwh on my electric bill.

[Ncdan]

I just take the battery capacity (12.5kwh in my case), and multiply it by the cost per kwh on my electric bill.

Smart👍

[twowheeladdict]

BTB, I’m curious as to how one can calculate how much it cost to charge an electric vehicle? I’m considering an EV maybe in the future when the conditions are acceptable for me.

Dan, there are also sites that show where all the different chargers are around you.  There are free ones in some of the shopping districts around me, and the ones that charge range from $1 an hour to $1.50 an hour.  This is for level 2 charge which can add 25-60 miles of range in an hour depending on the vehicle. 

The Zero with charge tank option can charge to 95% in one hour.  There is only one fast charger in my area and it is at the Harley dealer.

Here are some sites of interest.

https://www.myev.com/research/ev-101/what-it-costs-to-charge-an-electric-vehicle

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=43663

[Ncdan]

Dan, there are also sites that show where all the different chargers are around you.  There are free ones in some of the shopping districts around me, and the ones that charge range from $1 an hour to $1.50 an hour.  This is for level 2 charge which can add 25-60 miles of range in an hour depending on the vehicle. 

The Zero with charge tank option can charge to 95% in one hour.  There is only one fast charger in my area and it is at the Harley dealer.

Here are some sites of interest.

https://www.myev.com/research/ev-101/what-it-costs-to-charge-an-electric-vehicle

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=43663

Thanks for the info TWA👍

[alanp]

I saw this on Facebook, sums up my opinion of electric vehicles...

Seem like someone posts something to that effect in every electric vehicle thread, and that just so completely misses the point.

I have been driving an all electric Chevy Bolt for 3 years.  It goes 120 miles on the equivalent energy contained in a gallon of gasoline, 120 MPGe, or about 3 to 4 times more efficient than an equivalent gasoline powered car.  It doesn’t so much matter where the energy comes from, it matters that it only takes 1/4 as much of it.  That is the point.  Well, that and the fact that EVs are just so much more fun to drive! 

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

I just went a looked at Zero's website and man those bikes are expensive compared to their ICE competitors.

You have to bump up almost $3,000 on each bike to get the miles capacity and charging capability so the cheapest you might get out the door is going to be $14k.  I do want to test ride one and compare it to the test ride on the livewire.  No Zero dealers near me though.  They tend to hover around the metropolitan areas where EVs make more sense.

Touring Sport in Greenville SC, thought you were down that way?

[twowheeladdict]

Touring Sport in Greenville SC, thought you were down that way?

I'm in Middle Tennessee about 2 hours south of the Nashville dealership.  For the money a Zero costs, I'd be more inclined to buy a V85TT.   My biggest problem with EVs in general is as soon as you buy one it is obsolete.  I have never been an early adopter of any new technology.  I always wait until it is proven and stabilizes, or when the need outweighs the wait (as in computers).

I could buy a 2021 Chevy Bolt tomorrow for  $21,000 with rebates, and was tempted, but then I saw an article that they are announcing a new Bolt this month that will probably have a lot more range.  When I discussed with my wife, she had range anxiety because her Mom lives 70 miles away and they say the range on the highway is about 180 miles.  That doesn't leave much leeway.

My main reason I am thinking about EV is the supposedly lower maintenance costs and not having to be hassled with stopping at a gas station.   For a 3rd or 4th bike, an EV makes sense as well.  I may have to start with an EV bicycle and work my way into this.  LOL!

[bettythebear]

Sometimes I see those fancy e-bicycles and they scare the hell out of me. They'll make claims about their 40+mph top speeds, and then I look at their little mountain bike brake discs and have nightmares

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

I'm in Middle Tennessee about 2 hours south of the Nashville dealership.  For the money a Zero costs, I'd be more inclined to buy a V85TT.   My biggest problem with EVs in general is as soon as you buy one it is obsolete.  I have never been an early adopter of any new technology.  I always wait until it is proven and stabilizes, or when the need outweighs the wait (as in computers).

I could buy a 2021 Chevy Bolt tomorrow for  $21,000 with rebates, and was tempted, but then I saw an article that they are announcing a new Bolt this month that will probably have a lot more range.  When I discussed with my wife, she had range anxiety because her Mom lives 70 miles away and they say the range on the highway is about 180 miles.  That doesn't leave much leeway.

My main reason I am thinking about EV is the supposedly lower maintenance costs and not having to be hassled with stopping at a gas station.   For a 3rd or 4th bike, an EV makes sense as well.  I may have to start with an EV bicycle and work my way into this.  LOL!

Oh sorry I thought you were in upstate SC or NWGA

[twowheeladdict]

Sometimes I see those fancy e-bicycles and they scare the hell out of me. They'll make claims about their 40+mph top speeds, and then I look at their little mountain bike brake discs and have nightmares

I haven't researched them heavily, but if they have regenerative braking like the cars and the livewire brakes aren't used that much,

and, downhill mountain bikes can get up to 40 mph and that is some scary chit watching what they do on those bikes! 

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Sometimes I see those fancy e-bicycles and they scare the hell out of me. They'll make claims about their 40+mph top speeds, and then I look at their little mountain bike brake discs and have nightmares

Ive done a lot of descending on a road bike at 40-50++ mph and these were plenty!


Most of the E-bikes do have the anemic 160mm rotors, but you can upgrade to a 180mm (downhill racing) rotor very easily. All you need is the rotor and a little bracket to relocate the caliper slightly.

MTB discs have a lot of stopping power, but the modulation sucks IMHO... plus you do have greater problems with fade, as the calipers are built to weight, not for heat-shedding ability.