Whether we like it or not, non renewable fossil fuel supplies are running short and the demand for energy efficient vehicles is growing rapidly.
Now a new electric maxi-scooter from American based company Vectrix has arrived in New Zealand to give us a taste of things to come.
Vectrix Corporation USA was formed in 1996, they invested 10 years and $US50 million on research and development.
The market appears to describe the Vectrix as half motorcycle and half maxi scooter, and is comparable to the size of a Triumph 900 Tourer.
Its performance is fairly surprising. It is capable of speeds up to 100kmh, and has a range of 80km per charge.
Powered by a sealed brushless motor - it has a governed top speed of 100kmh and is equivalent in power to a 400cc bike. Acceleration is swift, reaching 0-50kmh in 3.6 seconds and 0-80kmh in 6.5 seconds.
Its pretty pricey to be green, at $NZ17,990 the Vectrix is about $6,000 more than a petrol equivalent. Makers say low running costs of $45 per year, will save approximately $1800 per 10,000km, offsetting the extra initial investment over a couple of years.
The Vectrix requires little maintenance due to the absence of a petrol and oil reliant engine.
The bike is constructed with an aluminium frame to counteract the weight of the Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery packs - bringing the total weight to 210kg.
Manufacturers say the battery packs will achieve a minimum life of 80,000km or 10 years.
Commuting with an electric vehicle brings about new mindsets: personal energy management and scoring the odd parking spot close to a power outlet may come in handy.
It appears to be an easy process to charge the bike; a retractable cord plugs into standard 220V power outlets, with a full charge costing approximately 60c, 80 percent charge is achieved in two hours.
Vectrix national importer, Goetz of Scooter e-motion in Auckland, says the bike is what people have been waiting for. "It's clean, cheap to run and fast, best of all its easy to ride".
Perhaps the most fascinating innovation is the re generative braking system which redirects energy back into the battery pack, helping to extend the range by up to 12 percent.
The bike has been adopted as a fleet vehicle overseas - with AA London, Adelaide and Melbourne City Councils and the police department of Madrid using the bike as part of their task force.
Due to the higher costs involved in going green, makers have pushed for Vextrix owners to receive government funded subsidies. Around 1500 units have been sold worldwide and some countries are now offering incentives for the zero-emission vehicle.
The California government is offering a $US1500 rebate for Vectrix owners as a clean energy incentive and importers are currently working with the NZ government in an attempt to have rebates for NZ buyers.
Vectrix has already planned the release of an electric super-bike, capable of speeds up to 207kmh it is designed as a competitor in the performance motorcycle market.
With National's goal of a 50 percent emissions cut by 2050, the market will eventually have a torrent of zero-emission vehicles available.
The Vectrix is a preview into the future of commuting. In the near future fully electric vehicles are likely to expand from niche to mainstream in the marketplace.
The official Vectrix launch is at Scooter eMotion - Mt Eden, Auckland on Tuesday 16th December.
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