A treat for 2021? $100k Newron EV-1 wooden electric motorcycle is eco art
Forget the numerous crises 2020 has brought, let’s focus on the new year and the sensible, sustainable modes of electric transport 2021 brings.
If you pocketed $100,000 from a particularly wealthy great aunt, how about a wood-bodied, exoskeleton-chassis electric motorcycle with an exposed battery serving as a structural part of its chassis? Oh, and it’ll apparently crack 100km/h in less than three seconds.
This is the Newron Motors EV-1, available to order from its French website for a refundable 2,000 € ($3200) deposit. Newron says twelve will be made – the first models available in 2021 – and as “importation and registration fees are borne by the importer,” they’re prepared to send these high-end two-wheeled works of art around the globe.
Newron says the EV-1’s estimated final price is 60,000 € ($96,000), but depends, of course on final specification. The fact those who order one are “invited to our atelier de confection to customise your model to fit your very special needs,” suggests much bespokeness and associated costs.
Production possibility?
As with many EV startups, we have to be careful separating company claims with realistic expectations. For reference, see the Nikola Badger. The images of the EV-1 are renders, but company founder, Sébastien Mahut, has at least shown an all-electric prototype, albeit looking nothing as radical as the EV-1 sketches.
But let’s dare to dream. Newron states the 2.2-metre long bike will weigh 220kg and features a 75kW/240Nm PMAC electric motor – good for that sub-three second 100km/h time and top speed electronically limited to 220km/h.
Newron says the exoskeleton chassis links the front and rear ends with the structural battery: a 350 V unit “with enough power to drive up to 300km in City Mode and up to 220km on highways.” The DC fast charge time claim (CCS plug) is 40 minutes to reach 80%.
There are dual Beringer 320mm brake rotors with four-pot callipers up front (there’s a single 265mm at rear), lightweight carbon wheels, and the EV-1 has “multi-level regenerative braking.”
Cruiser style
The wheelbase of 1600mm and low saddle height (680mm) give a cruiser style, but really, the coolness factor comes from that exposed Tron-like cylindrical battery shrouded by sculpted wooden bodywork.
With true Gallic flair, Newron says the EV-1 features “selected high-end materials to build a timeless piece of art and combine it with French luxury excellence.” If you go to pre-order, you can select the body to be made of cedar, ebony, oak or white ash, with additional options for “special paint” and “carbon edition”.
Will we see the promised dozen delivered? Let’s hope so, but even if the EV-1 turns out to be a pipe dream, the innovative use of that glorious exposed battery pack will hopefully serve as inspiration to other EVs.
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