Comparison of Electric and Internal Combustion Engine SuperSport Bikes

Abstract

Electric and internal combustion engine super sport bikes are compared for performance, energy efficiency, and range, based on market data and simulations of acceleration and top speed. Electric motorcycles deliver better performances, despite still suffering from a larger weight. They offer a much larger maximum torque, available from zero speed, and a slightly larger maximum power, producing sharper acceleration and higher top speed. Working with a nearly constant torque up to maximum power, they also offer excellent drivability on straight lines. They produce less noise, and no pollutant emissions, and permit better energy economy. They suffer from a reduced range and drivability over corners, for the larger weight and the less favorable mass distribution. Crashworthiness is a major issue of electric motorcycles, as they need to be “written‐off” even after minor crashes since the safety of the battery is difficult to be established. Electric motorcycles are competitive for city driving, where range or long‐time recharge is not an issue, sport driving is impractical, and regenerative braking may further save energy. The introduction of solid‐state batteries may further improve the appeal of electric supersport motorcycles, reducing the weight penalty for acceptable ranges, and providing a more balanced vehicle much easier to handle.