Electric superbike maker claims 'world's fastest' tag with upcoming model
The 'LS-218' superbike from Lightning will make its official debut at the Quail Motorsport Gathering in California this coming weekend.
Lightning claim the LS-218, a derivation of the firm's AMA and FIM EPower race-winner, is capable of setting land speed records and winning road race competitions, but is as easy to ride as a 250cc commuter bike.
Power comes from Lightning's IPM liquid-cooled 10,500rpm electric motor that can produce in excess of 200hp (147kW) of power and 168 ft/lbs (228Nm) of torque. The Ultra High Power Density Drive system developed by Lightning allows max power setting without any concerns of overheating.
At highway speed, the LS-218's range exceeds 100 miles per charge (with the standard battery package). Recharging can be done from standard power outlets, but fast charging stations open to the public in the US can power up an LS-218 in less than 30 minutes.
"Since 2006 the Lightning team has been dedicated to developing electric motorcycles that meet and exceed the performance of the best ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) alternatives", said Richard Hatfield, CEO of Lightning Motorcycle.
"Consumers no longer are required to pay more for less performance to support green technology," Hatfield added.
Lightning claim their LS-218 can compete with the best ICE alternatives today, as it has more horsepower, more torque, more speed and more performance than any other production motorcycle on the market.
In 2009, the Californian firm set themselves a goal to beat the best gasoline-powered race bikes. In June, 2013, at the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb in Colorado, they achieved that, taking first position overall in the motorcycle category, by over 20 seconds, against 93 other motorcycle teams (electric and gasoline).
"In addition to the performance, Lightning provides customers unprecedented options to personalize their LS-218," Hatfield said. "Some examples of available options are fully programmable Android display, carbon fibre swingarm and frame, titanium fasteners, custom graphic wrap and seating.
"To have broad acceptance from the motorcyclist community, we need to provide design, performance and value that competes head to head with the best gasoline motorcycles on the market.
"Lightning's R&D team has developed electric vehicle technology through years of competition at racing events around the world. We believe that the LS-218 offers consumers the best of design, performance and value in today's market."
Lightning is taking orders for the LS-218 ahead of its Quail reveal, but US pricing, delivery dates and further details are yet to be revealed.
Further details at: www.lightningmotorcycle.com
Image: courtesy of Lightning Motorcycle
